SEATTLE, 05 October 2026 – Holland America Line is preparing to mark 80 years of Alaska operations in 2027, with six ships scheduled to sail in the region from April through September and a programme of new itineraries, Denali Lodge enhancements and anniversary activities.
Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Westerdam and Zaandam will operate from Seattle, Vancouver and Whittier during the season.
The programme will include a new eight-day Alaska Inside Passage cruise, the return of the 28-day Legendary Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice voyage, a seven-day Great Bear Rainforest cruise aboard Noordam and two 18-day Great Bear Rainforest & Alaska Explorer sailings aboard Zaandam.
“Alaska has been an important part of Holland America Line’s story for nearly 80 years, and we’re already preparing to mark this milestone following a successful 2026 season,” said Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line. “Our decades of experience in Alaska give us a deep understanding of what makes this destination so special, and that knowledge helps us create experiences that allow our guests to connect with the state in meaningful ways. We’re proud of the memories we created this season and the relationships we continue to build in the communities we visit.”
Six ships scheduled for 2027 Alaska season
The new eight-day Alaska Inside Passage itinerary will sail round-trip from Vancouver, travelling through the Inside Passage before visiting Glacier Bay and calling at Skagway, Ketchikan and Prince Rupert in British Columbia.
Noordam will also operate the 28-day Legendary Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice cruise for a third year. Departing Seattle on 6 June 2027, the voyage will travel to the Bering Sea and cross into the Arctic Circle during the summer solstice period.
The 2027 programme will also include a seven-day Great Bear Rainforest cruise aboard Noordam and two 18-day Great Bear Rainforest & Alaska Explorer voyages on Zaandam, combining Alaska with destinations in British Columbia.
Holland America Line said anniversary activities will extend beyond the itineraries, with special culinary, enrichment and entertainment experiences planned for the milestone season.
Denali Lodge renovations to be completed in 2027
Renovations and expansion work at Holland America Denali Lodge are scheduled to be completed in 2027.
The final phase will include construction of two new guest buildings to replace older structures, adding new accommodation and increasing overall lodge capacity by 72 rooms.
The Main Lodge interiors and public spaces will also be refreshed and redesigned, while Grizzly Grind, the lodge’s coffee shop, will undergo a full renovation.
The property is located near Denali National Park and Preserve and forms part of Holland America Line’s Alaska Cruisetour programme.
2026 season expands glacier and inland experiences
During the 2026 Alaska season, Holland America Line offered more than 150 opportunities to visit one or more of Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier, Dawes Glacier and Endicott Arm. Shore excursions also included opportunities to visit Mendenhall Glacier and Portage Glacier.
At Holland America Denali Lodge, Chef Ethan Stowell redesigned menus with greater use of local ingredients and flavours, while guests also experienced renovated accommodation and refreshed public areas. Bartender Sam Ross created a cocktail menu offered across the fleet in Alaska, including new Glacial Ice Cocktails.
The line also enhanced its Ultimate Alaska & Denali Cruisetours by adding a tour director to accompany guests during the multi-day inland portion.
More than $320,000 contributed to Alaska communities
Holland America Line contributed more than $320,000 to organisations and initiatives in Anchorage, Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan and Denali during the 2026 season.
The support included a $75,000 commitment to Ketchikan American Legion Post 3 and a $5,000 donation to Scouting America Troops 4 and 2004 through the cruise line’s Pennies programme.
A further $150,000 was contributed to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center for animal care and development of the Holland America Moose Promenade.
Guests also raised more than $60,000 for Alaska Geographic through the On Deck for a Cause programme. Alaska Geographic is the nonprofit education partner of Alaska’s parks, forests, refuges and conservation lands.
The 2027 season will continue Holland America Line’s Alaska operations as the company marks its 80th year in the destination.
Source: Official Press Release from Carnival Corporation / Holland America Line on 05 October 2026, Seattle.
