Holland America Line has unveiled its Alaska Heritage Tours, a curated collection of more than 36 excursions designed to mark the cruise line's 80th season in the region. The tours, available on select 2027 Alaska cruises and Cruisetours, draw on itineraries and experiences that have been part of the line's operations since its earliest voyages to the Last Frontier in the 1940s.
Among the highlights are the historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, which has carried prospectors and sightseers through the Chilkoot Trail for over a century, and the Riverboat Discovery, a sternwheeler cruise along the Chena and Tanana rivers near Fairbanks. These excursions have been modernised over the decades but retain their original spirit, offering guests a direct link to the landscapes and traditions that have defined Alaska travel for generations.
A nod to the past, a step toward the future
Carole Biencourt, Vice President of Onboard Revenue at Holland America Line, said: “As we approach our 80th season in the region, we’re proud that the experiences featured in our Alaska Heritage Tours collection have been part of the Holland America Line journey since our earliest explorations of Alaska in the 1940s.”
The collection spans a wide range of activities, from the McKinley Explorer Railroad, which offers domed-window views of Denali, to the Mendenhall Glacier Explorer in Juneau and the Denali Tundra Wilderness Tour, which provides opportunities to spot moose, caribou, and grizzly bears in their natural habitat. These excursions connect guests with Alaska's railways, glaciers, wildlife, and national parks, reflecting the adventures that have drawn travellers to the region for decades.
Holland America Line's Alaska programme has long been a cornerstone of its operations, with the line operating more cruises and Cruisetours in the region than any other carrier. The new Heritage Tours are designed to appeal to both first-time visitors and seasoned Alaska enthusiasts, offering a blend of classic experiences and updated interpretations.
Bookings for the Alaska Heritage Tours are now open for select 2027 Alaska cruises and Cruisetours, with prices starting from $719 (£719) per person. The tours can be added to a range of itineraries, including those departing from Vancouver, Seattle, and Anchorage, and are available on ships such as the Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam, and Koningsdam.
The launch comes as Holland America Line continues to expand its Alaska offerings, with the line also announcing its 2028 Canada/New England season, which will increase calls in Montreal. The Alaska Heritage Tours are part of a broader strategy to deepen guest engagement with the destinations the line serves, a trend that is also evident in other cruise lines' recent moves, such as MSC Cruises' new Grand Hamptons Villa on its World Atlantic ship.
For travel agents, the Alaska Heritage Tours offer a new selling point for 2027 Alaska bookings, with a strong emphasis on heritage and authenticity. The line has also been investing in its Seattle-Osaka and Seattle-Papeete nonstops, which will provide more connection options for Alaska cruisers from Asia and the South Pacific.
As Holland America Line celebrates its 80th anniversary in Alaska, the Heritage Tours promise to deepen guests' connections with the region's rich heritage and natural beauty. With a mix of iconic railways, glacier cruises, and wildlife viewing, the collection is poised to be a highlight of the line's 2027 season.
