This is a sponsored post for Holland America.
I love a Mediterranean cruise, and who can deny that the Caribbean is stunning as well. There’s a reason they’re two of the most popular places to cruise, and I’d happily visit both again.
But, when I look ahead to 2027, there’s somewhere a little different that’s been catching my attention…
It’s a destination I’ve wanted to visit for ages, and I’ve been seriously considering whether 2027 might finally be the right time.
I’m talking about Alaska!
I’ve been looking at a Holland America Alaska cruise specifically, and I’m so excited by just how much there is to see in this part of the world. From enormous glaciers to whale watching and fascinating little towns, it’s quite different from the cruises many of us are used to.
And if Alaska is somewhere you’ve considered yourself, there are some fantastic reasons to put it on your list for 2027.
The Glaciers Are Worth the Trip Alone
You can’t really talk about Alaska without mentioning the glaciers. They’re one of the biggest attractions, and cruising is probably the best way to see them.
And with Holland America, you can cruise to Alaska with extra peace of mind: their Glacier Guarantee means you’re guaranteed to see a glacier on your Alaska cruise, or you’ll receive a Future Cruise Credit equal to 15% of your fare.
Some of the glaciers stretch right down to the sea, forming enormous walls of ice that tower above the water. If you’re lucky, you might even see a section breaking away and crashing into the water (a process known as calving).
Glacier Bay National Park is one of the most famous places to experience this. It’s a huge protected area with mountains, fjords, forests and glaciers, and cruise ships can spend much of the day sailing through it.
It’s not a typical port day where you get off the ship and explore. Instead, the ship becomes your viewing platform, so you can watch the scenery from the decks or one of the lounges. I’m just imaging myself watching from my balcony with a hot chocolate!
Holland America has several Alaska itineraries that visit Glacier Bay, and National Park Service Rangers come on board to explain what passengers are seeing. Huna Tlingit cultural representatives also share stories and knowledge about the area.
It’s a lovely way to get more out of the experience, particularly when there’s so much history behind the landscape.
Glacier Bay isn’t the only option either. Depending on your itinerary, you might visit Hubbard Glacier, Dawes Glacier or College Fjord. It’s worth looking closely at which glacier-viewing areas are included when choosing your cruise.
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Alaska Is Fantastic for Wildlife Watching
Whales are probably the animals most people think about when planning an Alaska cruise, and there are some brilliant opportunities to see them.
I’ve spent many hours staring out at the sea hoping to spot a whale, and while I’ve seen plenty of dolphins in the Mediterranean and Caribbean, I’ve still yet to see a whale in real life!
Humpback whales spend the summer feeding in Alaskan waters, and places such as Juneau and Icy Strait Point are popular for whale-watching excursions. Orcas can also be spotted in the region, although they’re less predictable.
But there’s much more wildlife to look out for. Sea otters can sometimes be seen floating on their backs, harbour seals rest on rocks and ice floes, and bald eagles are a fairly common sight around parts of the coast.
Read more: 17 Alaska Cruise Excursions Worth Every Penny
You don’t necessarily have to book an excursion to see wildlife, either. Keep an eye on the water when you’re sailing through the Inside Passage, because you never know what might appear alongside the ship.
For the best chance of a particular encounter, though, a specialist excursion can be worthwhile. Local guides know where animals are often spotted, and smaller boats can offer a different perspective from the cruise ship.
If you’re hoping to see bears, there are excursions that take you into areas where they’re known to feed, particularly during the salmon season.
Holland America also is #1 in Wildlife & Wilderness Tours. They offer 200+ animal sanctuary and sightseeing opportunities, including complimentary tours through Denali National Park & Preserve.
They also have an exclusive partnership with the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, which cares for injured and orphaned animals. Visits are included in certain land-based cruisetours, providing an opportunity to see and learn about wildlife that can be difficult to spot in the wild.
The Ports Have Some Brilliant Things to Do
Alaska’s cruise ports might not have the famous European architecture or Caribbean beaches that many cruisers are used to, but they’re certainly not short of interesting places to explore.
Skagway is a favourite with people interested in history. The town became famous during the Klondike Gold Rush, when thousands of prospectors travelled through the area hoping to make their fortunes.
Today, one of the most popular excursions is the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway. This historic railway climbs through spectacular mountain scenery, passing steep valleys, waterfalls and old Gold Rush routes.
Ketchikan is another interesting stop. It’s known as the salmon capital of the world, and Creek Street, with its colourful wooden buildings built over the water, is one of the town’s best-known attractions.
There are also opportunities to learn about the traditions and culture of Alaska Native communities, including visits to sites such as Saxman Native Village.
Juneau, Alaska’s state capital, has plenty to offer too. Mendenhall Glacier is just outside the city, and there are whale-watching trips, walking trails and other excursions available.
Then there’s Sitka, which has an interesting mix of Tlingit and Russian history, along with wildlife attractions such as the Alaska Raptor Center.
Of course, not every cruise visits all these ports. That’s why it’s worth looking at the actual itinerary rather than assuming every Alaska cruise covers the same places.
If there’s a particular excursion you really want to do, make sure the port is included before you book.
Suggested read: Alaska Cruise Ports Map
The Scenery Doesn’t Stop When You Leave Port
On some cruises, sea days are mainly about enjoying the ship. You might head for the pool, try a few activities or find somewhere to relax with a book.
Alaska is a little different, because some of the most interesting parts of the trip happen while you’re sailing.
The Inside Passage is a network of waterways running along the coast of British Columbia and southeastern Alaska. Ships travel between islands and past forest-covered mountains, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the scenery along the way.
It’s particularly appealing if you enjoy scenic cruising, because there’s often something worth looking at from the ship.
And it’s one reason why the type of ship you choose matters.
Holland America’s ships have wraparound promenade decks and outdoor viewing spaces, which are handy when there’s scenery on both sides. You can wander around to find a good viewpoint rather than staying in one place.
There are comfortable indoor lounges too, so you can still enjoy the views when you fancy sitting somewhere warmer.
Having sailed with Holland America before, I know how enjoyable its relaxed atmosphere can be. And Alaska feels like the sort of destination where being able to spend time watching the world go by is a big part of the appeal.
You Can See a Completely Different Side of Alaska Inland
Most Alaska cruises concentrate on the coastline, which makes sense given how much there is to see from the water.
But Alaska is enormous, and there’s plenty more to explore if you have the time to travel inland.
Denali National Park is one of the biggest attractions. Covering millions of acres, it’s home to mountains, forests, tundra and wildlife including moose, caribou and bears.
It’s also where you’ll find Denali itself, the highest mountain in North America.
You won’t see all of this on a standard coastal cruise, but there are holidays that combine a sailing with a land-based tour.
Holland America’s cruisetours are one option. They combine time at sea with journeys further inland, including stays at the Holland America Denali Lodge and visits to Denali National Park.
Some itineraries also include scenic train journeys and travel into Canada’s Yukon Territory, where you can explore places connected to the Klondike Gold Rush.
These trips are longer than a typical seven-night cruise, but they can be a great choice for people travelling all the way from the UK who want to see more of the region in one holiday.
If you’re comparing Alaska cruises, it’s worth considering whether you’d prefer to focus on the coast or combine your sailing with a few days inland.
Read more: Holland America Line To Complete $70 Million Denali Lodge Transformation Ahead Of 2027 Alaska Season
2027 Is a Special Year for Alaska Cruises
There’s another reason why 2027 is an interesting year to consider Alaska, particularly if you’re looking at Holland America.
The cruise line first started sailing to Alaska in 1947, before it even became a US state. That means 2027 marks its 80th anniversary in the region.
To celebrate, Holland America is planning special onboard experiences, entertainment and activities alongside its Alaska cruise programme.
The cruise line also offers Alaska Up Close, a programme of onboard talks, activities and experiences designed to help passengers learn more about the region. That might mean hearing from local experts about Alaska’s wildlife and history, watching a cooking demonstration or learning about the traditions of Alaska Native communities. It’s a nice addition, particularly if you’re visiting for the first time and want to know more about the places you’re seeing.
There are plenty of different itineraries to choose from too.
For 2027, Holland America has six ships sailing in Alaska, with departures from Seattle, Vancouver and Whittier. The programme includes popular seven-night itineraries, along with a new eight-day Inside Passage cruise from Vancouver that visits Glacier Bay, Skagway, Ketchikan and Prince Rupert.
Longer options are available as well, including a 14-day Great Alaska Explorer cruise and a 28-day voyage that heads into the Arctic Circle.
That gives you quite a bit of choice, whether you’re planning a week-long cruise or a bigger holiday exploring more of the region.
Is Alaska on Your Cruise Wish List?
I certainly haven’t lost my love for Mediterranean and Caribbean cruises. There’s so much to enjoy in both regions, and I’ll happily keep sailing there.
But Alaska offers something completely different, and the more I’ve looked into it, the more tempted I’ve become to make it one of my big trips for 2027.
I’ve really enjoyed cruising with Holland America before, so the possibility of exploring Alaska with them is particularly appealing. There are some fantastic itineraries to consider, especially with the 80th anniversary celebrations coming up.
If you’re thinking about trying a new destination next year, take a look at Holland America’s Alaska cruises and cruisetours for 2027. Whether you’re most interested in glaciers, wildlife, interesting ports or a longer adventure inland, there’s plenty to get excited about.
NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!
Don’t miss the latest Holland America Line offers…
