When it comes to cruising in Alaska, Holland America Line is the true expert.

After almost 75 years of operating in the region, Holland America Line is by far the largest and most experienced cruise and tour operator in Alaska and Canada’s Yukon territory.

For travel agents, Holland America Line’s extensive experience and knowledge in the area are very useful when it comes to attracting cruise clients.

Alaska: Scenery and adventure

Admitted to the USA in 1959 as the 49th state, Alaska – home to North America’s highest mountain, largest freshwater lake and the greatest number of glaciers – is a crossroad of cultures.

From the beauty of a carved totem pole or native craft to Russian onion-domed churches gleaming with icons, or Gold Rush history preserved in wooden frontier towns such as Skagway, there’s so much to Alaska.

Then there is the coastal scenery, as well as Denali National Park and extending into Canada’s remote Yukon Territory. Soft adventure comes in the form of dog sledding, experiences via helicopter, and walking on glaciers.

A cruise is the ultimate introduction to the region’s ice-age glaciers, fascinating seaside towns and signature marine life.

Holland America Line Alaska
Unique experiences come as standard with Holland America Line.

Six ships in Alaska

From May to September 2022, Holland America Line is once again demonstrating its commitment to Alaska by having six ships in the region.

Epic voyages of exploration follow the Inside Passage coastal waterways, stopping at Alaskan towns for sightseeing tours to glaciers, lakes, museums and areas of special interest.

The remote towns of Alaska are a true highlight. There’s Sitka, with its Russian heritage, and Ketchikan, with its totem poles carved by Native American craftsmen.

Another key selling point for Holland America Line is its Land + Sea journey concept. This combines a luxury cruise through Alaska’s Inside Passage and travel by road and rail into the scenic heartland.

Agents should use this when highlighting Alaska, as it combines the great ice flows of the coastal region with glimpses of marine mammals such as whales, dolphins and seals.

Holland America Line McKinley Explorer train Alaska
The McKinley Explorer train is a magical way to travel.

The Denali National Park

As for the Denali National Park, here guests can see wildlife at large, such as grizzly bears and caribou, and then visit Gold Rush settlements and travel via traditional modes of transport, including a sternwheeler (boat) and a luxury glass-domed carriage on the McKinley Explorer train. Overnight accommodation is included en-route.

Every tour includes at least three nights on board a Holland America Line cruise ship, with all meals, activities and entertainment included.

If clients need any more convincing, agents should focus on how Holland America Line is also only cruise line to offer Land+Sea Journeys that include both Denali National Park and the Yukon.

The surprises keep on coming, however, as Holland America Line has also scooped another first, as the only cruise line offering the Yukon in combination with both an Inside Passage cruise and up to three nights at Denali National Park.

Holland America Line offers more glacier experiences, cruising Glacier Bay National Park, than any other premium cruise line. Itineraries also feature the Hubbard Glacier and the twin Sawyer Glaciers.

How to become an Alaska expert