Begin with a scenic cruise through The Inside Passage, a quintessential Alaskan destination delivered uniquely by cruise ship. Next, delve deep into the wilderness of one of Alaska’s most renowned destinations, Denali National Park, paired with a retreat to Holland America Line’s McKinley Chalet Resort, serving up regional cuisine, Alaskan-brewed beer, and local entertainment.
This is just part of the experience when you travel with Holland America Line on a Land+Sea Journey, which combines an Alaska cruise with an overland exploration into gorgeous Denali National Park and other inland destinations like Anchorage, Fairbanks, and the Yukon.
The Onboard Experience
At the heart of a Land+Sea Journey in Alaska is the experience aboard the ship itself. You’ll quickly see why Holland America Line has been awarded top honors from AFAR as the “Best Alaska Cruise.”
With an unrivaled understanding of the region, the cruise line lets you meet and hear from expert guides who come on board. You’ll learn about Glacier Bay National Park, hear local tribe members share ancient stories of their homeland, and much more. Plus, you’ll taste the flavor of Alaska, with cuisines curated by Holland America Line’s Culinary Council of world-renowned chefs.
All of this and more takes place on their perfectly sized ships, which are ideal for exploring Alaska’s natural beauty. With their signature wraparound teak deck, you’ll get a front-row seat to everything the region has to offer.
Get Up Close to Glacier Bay
Your cruise travels will take you through the Inside Passage, where you’ll visit small-town Alaska in Ketchikan, Skagway, and Juneau, and you’ll do some up-close cruising in Glacier Bay National Park. You’ll also make your way across the Gulf of Alaska to Seward and find yourself amongst the glaciers and snow-capped peaks. While there, be sure to keep an eye out for unique marine life that calls the area home.
July-August, 1992, Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska, USA --- A bull caribou stands in an open field beneath snow-covered Mount McKinley. Denali National Park, Alaska, 1992. --- Image by © Paul A. Souders/CORBIS
Paul Souders/© Paul A. Souders/CORBIS
Exploring the Magic of Denali National Park
Depending on your itinerary, you’ll be taken to Denali by luxury transportation, including Holland America Line’s elegant McKinley Express railcars. This mode offers spectacular, 360-degree views of the Alaskan wilderness from large, glass-domed windows. You’ll be accompanied by Alaska experts who offer commentary on the passing scenery, history, and wildlife. And if you’re lucky, you may be able to spot the marvel of Alaska’s Big Five: grizzlies, caribou, Dall sheep, moose, and wolves.
Meaning “High One” in the Athabascan language, 20,310-foot-tall Denali is the highest peak in North America and a breathtaking sight on a clear day. For picture-worthy views, experience the all-day Tundra Wilderness Tour, which brings visitors 62 miles into the park for close-ups of Denali and its abundant flora and fauna. And if that’s not enough, you can tack on thrilling adventures, such as flightseeing, ATV riding, hiking, and river rafting.
Guests who enjoy Land+Sea Journeys can expect overnight stays at Denali. Located at the doorstep of Denali National Park, the McKinley Chalet Resort is the ultimate base for a visit to the famed destination. Within the 60-acre retreat, you’ll find 500 comfortable, contemporary rooms, as well as the recently opened Denali Square—a private entertainment and dining complex with mountain views galore. After a day of exploring, guests can return to this bustling hub to share a meal at Karsten’s Restaurant, stroll the boardwalk, shop for handcrafted local goods, and enjoy entertainment at the Gold Nugget Saloon. End your day by gathering around the evening campfire and making s’mores under the open sky.
Having cruised to Alaska for more than 70 years—since even before it was a state—Holland America Line is truly an expert of the region and offers an itinerary for everyone.
Learn more about the unforgettable, authentic, and immersive Land+Sea Journeys in Alaska at HollandAmerica.com.