Holland America Line adds new Alaska cruise experiences for 2026
Holland America Line is getting an early start to the Alaska cruise season with ships already setting sail to the Great Land from the Port of Seattle, bringing with them new experiences to enhance Alaska exploration in the months ahead.
From April through September, travelers can set sail on a variety of Holland America Line journeys to Alaska ranging from week-long adventures to a 28-day Legendary Arctic Circle Solstice voyage. With sailings across six ships departing from three departure ports this season, the cruise line offers one of the most extensive Alaska cruise programs that stands out for itineraries and programming crafted with nearly 80 years of expertise in the region.
Here's what passengers can look forward to during the 2026 Alaska cruise season as Holland America introduces new ways to bring cruise travelers closer to Alaska with new shore excursions, enriching onboard programming, and destination-inspired food and beverage offerings.
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Holland America Line adds new Alaska tours, expands Glacier Day experiences
Holland America Line is enhancing exploration ashore with 25 new shore excursions available on Alaska itineraries in 2026. New Alaska excursions include options such as:
- Adventure to Norris Glacier: Floatplane, Paddle and Hike in Juneau
- Exclusive Eland & Friends Moose Discovery in Anchorage
- Remote Coastal Rainforest Hike, Gourmet Seafood Picnic & Brewery in Kodiak
- Authentic Alaska: Tongass Rainforest Hike in Sitka
In addition to exploration in port, passengers can look forward to "Glacier Day" - a scenic cruising day on every Alaska itinerary that visits one of Alaska's iconic glacier destinations: Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier, or Dawes Glacier and Endicott Arm.
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Glacier Day programming includes glacier sighting times, scenic commentary, presentations, informational viewing stations, photo opportunities, Dutch Pea Soup on deck, Glacial Ice cocktails, talks by Glacier Bay National Park Rangers and Huna cultural interpreters, and an open bow for viewing. Glacier Day experiences for families are expanding in 2026 as Holland America Line brings the Teen Ranger program for 13- to 17-year-old cruisers to all ships in Alaska to complement the popular Junior Ranger program for kids ages three to 12.
Enrichment opportunities on Alaska voyages also include Alaska Up Close Talks on a variety of topics, watercolor and origami workshops focusing on Alaska nature and wildlife, and live cooking shows demonstrating cooking techniques and discussing Alaska culinary history.
New Glacial Ice cocktails complement Alaska cuisine on board
This season, Holland America Line passengers sailing to Alaska will be able to toast to adventure with new Glacial Ice cocktails featured on a menu of exclusive cocktails created by acclaimed bartender Sam Ross. An expanded selection of local Alaska beers will also be available.
Culinary highlights of Alaska cruises with Holland America Line include locally sourced fresh fish brought from port to plate in less than 48 hours, premium dishes created by the brand's Fresh Fish Ambassador Chef Masaharu Morimoto, a Salmon Bake in Lido Market, and an Alaska Brunch served in the Dining Room once per cruise.
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Holland America is the only cruise line to earn the Certified Seafood International (formerly Responsible Fisheries Management) certification for serving only fresh, certified sustainable, and traceable wild Alaska seafood on board all its ships sailing in the region.
"As the leader in Alaska, we are committed to delivering experiences that are as enriching as they are unforgettable, bringing guests closer to the region in meaningful ways," said Holland America Line Alaska Operations Senior Vice President Robert Morgenstern. "From new shore excursions and enhanced programming to our industry-leading fresh fish offerings, every detail of our 2026 season is designed to help guests connect more deeply with Alaska's natural beauty and cultural heritage."
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This story was originally published April 23, 2026 at 1:50 PM.