In association with: Holland America Line
Discover what makes Alaska one of the most awe-inspiring destinations to visit on a cruise with Holland America Line
There really is nowhere quite like Alaska. Its jawdropping natural scenery of deep fjords, rugged glaciers and vast wilderness is unmatched.
By day, watch the whales breach the bright blue waters offshore, or spot one of Alaska’s ‘big five’ striding through its national parks. When the sun sets – which it only does from August to April – the northern lights dance in the night sky in front of a blanket of stars so bright you can see the Milky Way.
From the depths of the ocean to the top of its towering peaks, Alaska is full of life. Seeing its popular highlights, lesser-visited gems and everything in between, while enjoying the journey along the way, is all possible with Holland America Line.
Having sailed to Alaska since 1947, the cruise line is well versed in how to show visitors the best of this destination, all while sailing in comfort.
Six of Holland America Line’s ships – more than half the total fleet – are sailing Alaska between 2023 and 2025, giving you a variety of itineraries to sell to your customers. Fine-dining restaurants, worldclass entertainment and spacious staterooms are there to be enjoyed while cruising through some of the most picturesque scenery on the planet. Plus, Holland America Line’s smaller ships mean that it’s possible to get even closer to some of Alaska’s most incredible natural wonders.
There are many opportunities to venture on shore too. Excursions can take passengers on an epic 4×4 adventure through the wild, untouched terrain, on a once-in-a-lifetime helicopter ride over a glacier, or on a cooking adventure with locals, where they’ll learn about the freshest catch from the ocean.
Alaska on land
After embarking on an adventure at sea, why stop there? With an exciting portfolio of land tours, as part of its Alaska Cruisetours programme, Holland America Line offers even more experiences to really explore Alaska and beyond.
Combine a sailing through Alaska’s Inside Passage with a stay right at the edge of Denali National Park. Alaska’s Inside Passage is a must for visitors to the region, home to some of its most renowned wildlife, from humpback whales to bald eagles, which are easy to spot while the ship winds through the waterways.
And once inland, the wildlife spotting doesn’t stop. Guests can spend up to three nights at the McKinley Chalet Resort as a gateway to venture into this famous national park to spot caribou, bears, wolves and more.
There’s no better way to make the most of the scenery than by glass-domed train. The McKinley Explorer takes passengers into the heart of the wilderness, for even more breathtaking scenic views.
And for those who wish to go further still, Holland America Line can give them a taste of gold rush history, with an extension to Dawson City in the Yukon. This Canadian city was a frontier for pioneers looking to make their millions by panning for gold in the rivers. Whitehorse, another gold rush city and the Yukon’s capital, can also be added, for even more of a glimpse into the region’s past.
All things Alaska
Did you know that October 18 is Alaska Day? It’s a public holiday for those across the state. And all through October, Holland America Line will be sharing further information and resources about its Alaska cruises.
To book, visit gohal.co.uk and log in with your POLAR Online credentials, or call the reservations team on 0344 338 8605
For more HAL-aska
Holland America Line will be running a live webinar, in association with Travel Weekly, to help you learn more about the cruise line. Join Karen Farndell, director of sales and marketing at Holland America Line, and Lucy Huxley, Travel Weekly’s editor-in-chief, as they discuss more about sailing to Alaska with the cruise line, so you can bolster your knowledge.
When: October 16 at 10am
Where: Zoom
To register, enter your details at: travelweekly.co.uk/HALWebinar
PICTURES: Holland America Line/John Derting, Kerry Tasker