If there’s one thing travelers crave when they book an Alaska cruise, it’s this: glaciers. Towering. Timeless. Thunderous. They’re the soul of Alaska’s wilderness and Holland America Line wants to make absolutely sure you see them.
In 2025, the cruise line is doubling down on its Alaska legacy with two bold, experience-rich offerings: a first-of-its-kind Glacier Guarantee and a full-ship celebration called Glacier Day. It’s all part of Holland America’s larger evolution, an intentional shift toward immersive, story-driven travel that resonates with a broader, more curious generation of cruisers.
And the result? A deeper, more meaningful encounter with the Last Frontier.
In an industry-first move, Holland America Line is introducing a Glacier Guarantee for all its Alaska sailings in 2025. That’s how confident they are that you’ll witness the towering, calving giants of the north. If you don’t see at least one glacier on your sailing, the cruise line will issue a Future Cruise Credit equal to 15% of your fare.
That’s not just a promise, it’s a commitment to delivering what travelers come for. But beyond the guarantee is the experience itself and it’s getting a serious upgrade.
Every Alaska itinerary will now include Glacier Day, a new tradition built around the awe and intimacy of glacier viewing. As the ship navigates through dramatic fjords and ice-choked bays, guests are invited to experience Alaska’s natural beauty through sight, sound, taste, and story.
Picture this: You’re bundled up on the open bow as the ship glides past a wall of ancient ice. A Park Ranger offers live commentary over the PA while Huna Tlingit cultural interpreters share stories that stretch back generations. Crew members pass around steaming mugs of Dutch pea soup—a signature Holland America touch. Meanwhile, bartenders stir up cocktails chilled with actual glacier ice.
It’s not just scenic cruising—it’s a full-on moment. And it’s unique to Holland America.
Holland America has been sailing to Alaska for over 75 years—longer than any other cruise line. That experience shows in the routes they’ve chosen and the depth of access they offer. From Glacier Bay National Park to Hubbard Glacier and Tracy Arm Fjord, their ships go where the ice still rules, and they do it more often than any competitor.
While other cruise lines may offer glimpses, Holland America delivers immersion—often with exclusive access to protected areas and deeper itineraries that include Denali and even the remote Yukon.
Vancouver to Whittier (or reverse)
This is your classic, can’t-miss Alaska cruise. It is packed with highlights like the towering cliffs of Tracy Arm Fjord, the gold rush town of Skagway, and majestic Glacier Bay National Park. You’ll glide past blue-ice glaciers and lush rainforests, and step into charming frontier towns where the past lives on.
Why you’ll love it:
Insider Tip: Don’t miss the early morning glacier viewing wrapped in a blanket with hot cocoa in hand, it’s pure magic.
Up to 14 days – Cruise + Rail + Lodge
Go deeper into Alaska’s untouched wilderness. Start or end your cruise with a scenic rail journey aboard McKinley Explorer’s glass-domed cars, then spend nights at Holland America’s exclusive Denali lodge. You’ll visit the famed Denali National Park, home to moose, grizzlies, and North America’s tallest peak.
Why it’s memorable:
Bonus: Holland America is the only cruise line to include the remote Yukon in select itineraries.
Don’t want to deal with passports or long flights? This convenient roundtrip cruise from Seattle brings you to Sitka, Ketchikan, Victoria, and Juneau, with scenic glacier cruising in between. It’s ideal for families, couples, or first-timers who want a taste of everything Alaska has to offer.
Highlights include:
Great for: Long weekends, family vacations, or a quick but epic escape
As highlighted in a recent Forbes article, Holland America Line is undergoing a quiet transformation. Gone is the idea that cruising is only for retirees. Instead, the brand is appealing to younger, more experience-driven travelers who want authenticity without sacrificing comfort.
You won’t find rollercoasters or water parks here. What you will find are chefs like Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto preparing locally caught seafood, live music that ranges from classical strings to Rolling Stone rock nights, and spacious mid-sized ships that feel more like boutique hotels at sea. The result is a refined, relaxed onboard vibe that feels just as rewarding as the adventures onshore.
Planning an epic journey to Alaska is exciting—but it can also be overwhelming with so many options. That’s where MVT travel advisors come in. With deep knowledge of Holland America Line’s Alaska itineraries, exclusive access to offers, and personal travel experience, they’ll guide you every step of the way.