SEATTLE — Holland America Line is betting big on Alaska, investing US$70 million to expand guest capacity and elevating land and sea experiences.
The investment, which also includes enhancing the Holland America Denali Lodge, will build on the company’s standing in the region, with more opportunities for glacier viewing and more ways to see Alaska’s wildlife than any other cruise line, says Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holand America Line.
“It’s truly special that we can bring guests to a lodge at the doorstep of Denali National Park. This investment is a win for Alaska, our guests and Holland America Line. Enhancing and expanding the Holland America Denali Lodge will help meet the growing interest in combined land and sea Cruisetours for our 49th state and further support the Alaska tourism industry,” she says.
Key highlights of the expansion include the following:
- 2025: The project will begin with enhancements to the riverside interpretive trail with scenic viewpoints, improved on-site wayfinding, refined menu offerings for restaurants, and public space improvements for the Cottonwood and Canyon Lodge guestroom buildings.
- 2026: The project will continue with 48 remodelled rooms in the Holland America Denali Lodge, a new coffee shop and a remodelled Karstens Public House with expanded indoor/outdoor seating.
- 2027: The project will also include a new guestroom building featuring 120 suite and standard rooms, as well as a main lodge renovation that will include a new restaurant concept, a new lobby bar and an enhanced coffee experience.
2025/2026 CRUISETOURS TO BOOK
2025 and 2026 Cruisetours are now available for booking, allowing guests to combine an Alaska cruise with an unforgettable journey into Denali National Park and Canada’s Yukon Territory. A series of over 17 itineraries is available that combine a cruise with an overland journey.
Holland America Line owns motorcoaches, railcars and hotels, providing preferential schedules for Cruisetour guests. Each itinerary includes a scenic ride on the luxury glass-domed McKinley Explorer train, and select itineraries visit Dawson and rides through the historic White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad from Skagway. Other select itineraries offer direct-to-Denali service, taking guests from the ship to their Denali hotel room on the same day.
To enhance the onboard experience, a wildlife expert helps guests spot majestic animals including whales, eagles, bears, moose, otters, seals, sea lions and more. A wildlife spotting guide points out the native animals found along the cruise route and a map with the best places to see each species is included. Between 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., wildlife sightings are announced for guest viewing. The wildlife experience continues ashore with nearly 180 animal sanctuaries and sightseeing opportunities.
For more information go to www.hollandamerica.com.
