Alaska Up Close

Holland America Line has been exploring Alaska since 1947, and we’re putting that 75 years of expertise into our new “Alaska Up Close” programming – a 360° experience that immerses you in The Great Land in a way that only Holland America Line can deliver.

Through authentic experiences on board and ashore that focus on culture, cuisine, and immersive adventures, Alaska Up Close allows you to discover, taste, and experience the real Alaska. You won’t just cruise Glacier Bay, you'll learn about its ecosystem from native tribe members and National Park Rangers. You won’t simply eat seafood, you’ll taste the salmon caught that day and have it prepared by HAL chefs.

Here's what you can look forward to:

EXC Talks focus on history and culture – Elevating the shipboard lecture, EXC Talks offer insight into local culture through the eyes of Alaskans, with vivid imagery, compelling interviews, and authentic stories:

“Pacific Giants” describes the wonders, habits and future of Alaska’s largest inhabitants

“Iditarod – The Last Great Race” shares what it’s like to ride in the sled of this amazing Alaskan adventure

Meet Alaska locals and experts on board – Learn the science and history of Alaska’s splendors as naturalists lead workshops and host wildlife spotting on deck. Itineraries that include Glacier Bay National Park will feature a Park Ranger and a member of the Huna Tlingit Tribe who will share their insights, offer commentary, and answer questions.

BBC Earth brings Alaska to life in an epic production – All Alaska cruises will be moved by BBC Earth’s “Alaska in Concert” multimedia performance on the main stage. A live orchestra plays the soul-stirring soundtrack set against a backdrop of mesmerizing footage from the BBC Earth television series “Wild Alaska.”

Food & Wine tours highlight local fare – Food lovers will find much to explore on an Alaska cruise, and through an array of exclusive Food & Wine shore excursions can tap into Alaska’s unique gastronomic scene.

In 2022, six Holland America Line ships will explore Alaska, either round-trip from Seattle; round-trip from Vancouver, Canada; or between Whittier, Alaska, and Vancouver. Every Alaska cruise includes a visit to one or more of Alaska’s iconic glacier destinations. For explorers who want to travel farther, 16 different Cruisetours combine an Alaska cruise with an inland exploration of Denali National Park or to the unspoiled reaches of Canada’s Yukon Territory