Holland America Line has been showing guests Alaska since 1947, even before Alaska was a state. The company’s unmatched experience, expertise and insider knowledge means that you will experience the authentic Alaska you’ve dreamed of. Words barely describe those life-changing moments when a glacier calves, a bald eagle soars, or the sun shines on a mountain peak that fills up half the sky. Scenes of mind-blowing beauty will thrill you fall under the spell of Alaska.
Holland America Line epitomises the ultimate in worldwide premium travel experiences, onboard a fleet of 11 gracious perfectly-sized ships. Elegant lounges adorned with fine art; spacious staterooms, many with private balcony; restaurants serving gourmet cuisine and delicious snacks, state of the art leisure amenities and enrichment opportunities - all which give the company its reputation for offering authentic, personalised destination experiences visited in timeless elegance.
A Holland America Line Alaska holiday offers incredible wildlife sighting opportunities. The moment you first see a brown bear lumbering along the coast or an Alaskan moose emerge from the forest is truly magical.
Grizzly Bears - Commonly referred to as brown bears in Alaska, Adult males typically weigh up to 800 pounds with adult females weighing up to 500 pounds. Standing heights can reach as tall as seven feet!
Alaskan Moose - The largest member of the deer family, the Alaskan moose are the largest of the species, with adult males often growing huge antlers.
Caribou - In Europe referred to as reindeer, the caribou is the only member of the deer family where both sexes grow antlers.
Dall Sheep - Dall sheep are found in high mountainous areas, where they feed and rest on ridges and slopes and use crags and rocks to hide from predators.
Grey Wolves - Grey wolves are highly social animals that live in packs, which can range in size from a half dozen to as many as 20 or 30 animals.
Alaska wildlife is varied and abundant, from the land to sea. With so many climactic regions and the sheer vastness of the state, it’s easy to focus solely on the land-based Alaska wildlife, however, Alaska’s waters are also teeming with creatures great and small.
Humpback Whale - The most common whale seen along the Inside Passage, humpbacks can reach almost 50 feet in length and weigh up to 35 tons.
Orca (Killer Whale) - Killer whales (orcas) have a cooperative social structure and hunting style similar to wolves
Steller Sea Lion - The largest of the “eared seals” (the Otariidae family, made up of all fur seals and sea lions), Steller (northern) sea lions are known for their roar-like calls, much different from the barking sound made by their California sea lion cousins.
Sea Otter - The smallest marine mammal (4.5 to 6 feet in length), sea otters are members of the weasel family, however they differ from their land-based cousins by having a loose skeletal structure that allows them to be extremely flexible in the water.
Dall's Porpoise - Porpoises are similar to orcas but significantly smaller in size, with black and white markings. There are approximately 83,000 Dall’s porpoise in Alaska.
Glacier Bay National Park is a must see
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is part of a 24-million-acre World Heritage Site, and, as well as stunning glaciers, is made up of rugged, high mountain peaks; fjords, inlets, rivers, and streams; as well as forests, foothills, plains, and wet tundra compose a symphony of wilderness scenery. All of which makes Glacier Bay, Alaska a unique lifetime experience.
Hubbard Glacier – The Galloping Glacier
As is the longest tidewater glacier in North America, Hubbard Glacier dwarfs all other glaciers. It starts 122 kilometres (76 miles) back, pouring down off the shoulder of Mt. Walsh. At its face it is an impressive 11 kilometres (7 miles) long and 106 metres (350 feet) above the water line, making its audience of Alaska cruise ships look like toy boats.
Denali National Park – the Wild One
Containing North America’s tallest peak, six million acres of protected land, and an atmosphere and solitude so rarely found today, Denali National Park offers visitors the wilderness experience of a lifetime.
White Pass & Yukon Railroad – Experience Goldrush History
Visitors to Alaska really should take a ride ‘on the wild side’ on "the railway built of gold" as it weaves its way through steep ravines and cliff-hanging turns. They’ll travel on the path of prospectors who were on the hunt for the gold discovered in 1897. Thousands of horses died, earning White Pass the moniker "Dead Horse Trail’, so they began to look for easier ways to traverse the area
McKinley Explorer – Travel in Luxurious Comfort
The Alaska railroad snakes through glacier-carved valley, across rugged river canyons and features legendary feats of railway engineering. Holland America Line’s own McKinley Explorer glass-domed railcars will whisk guests between Denali National Park and Anchorage (or reverse) on a seven hour ride in magnificent style
To find out more about exploring Alaska with Holland America Line, call your Travel Counsellor today. You’ll benefit from full financial protection and a 24-hour duty office ready to assist you before, during and after your trip.
June is here, and you know what that means – it's prime time for adventures! Whether you're craving sunny beaches, lush greenery, or vibrant cityscapes, this month has something for every type of traveler. So, grab your sunscreen and your sense of wanderlust because we're about to dive into the top 10 places to visit in June.
Welcome to Reunion Island, a breathtaking jewel in the Indian Ocean! This French Island between Madagascar and Mauritius offers enchanting landscapes, including a captivating mix of lush mountains, tropical beaches, and an active volcano. With a tropical climate and diverse culture, this island is a paradise for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and those seeking a unique holiday experience.
Our exclusive Honeymoon Gift Registry service might be just for you. An easy, stress-free way to manage your dream honeymoon online - courtesy of your personal Travel Counsellor.