Home » CRUISE NEWS » Holland America Brings Unmatched Dining And Exploration To Alaska
Published on
October 19, 2025
Holland America Line has completed another great season in Alaska and provided travelers with extraordinary experiences. Alaska’s beauty was complemented by great food and local culture on all 113 voyages. Through the voyages, travelers were allowed to appreciate the breathtaking scenery and actively participate in sustainable initiatives. This season was particularly highlighted by the extraordinary dining experiences. 125,000 pounds of sustainable and fresh Alaskan seafood, caught by local independent fishers, was offered. Looking ahead, they are eager for the 2026 season when all six of their ships will provide an abundance of itineraries to best suit those who wish to travel to Alaska.
Guests this season enjoyed culinary experiences, cultural programs, and breathtaking moments, all the while traveling through Alaska’s wilderness. This season was centered on sustainable and community-driven initiatives aimed at providing travelers with the best experiences, while also allowing their explorers to appreciate the region and beautify the surrounding areas.
Sustainable Dining: Serving 125,000 Pounds of Seafood
Holland America Line highlighted sustainable dining on the 2025 Alaska season by serving 125,000 pounds of Alaska seafood. The seafood was traceable and certified from family-owned fishing businesses. Even guests appreciated the fact that the meals were from fish businesses supporting the community and practicing responsible dining.
Passengers really enjoyed the dining experience. For the season, they featured over 130 Alaska Brunches and served locally inspired cuisine. Guests were also served 85,000 cups of Dutch Pea Soup, which they enjoyed while taking in the view of the ship’s glaciers from the ship’s bow.
Cultural Experiences and Community Support
For the 2025 Alaska season, Holland America Line incorporated community engagement and cultural programming alongside their culinary offerings. Guests experienced onboard lectures, performances, and shore excursions that highlighted the state’s history, culture, and Indigenous peoples. These additional cultural elements offered a more comprehensive understanding of the region and enriched the cruise experience.
Additionally, Holland America Line has been sponsoring community-driven work throughout Alaska, donating to several nonprofits throughout the state. This ensures that the rewards of tourism are equitably distributed to the region’s treasured communities.
Looking ahead: 2026 Alaska season
Holland America Line anticipates the 2026 Alaska season, and for good reason–it will continue to expand the exciting offerings available to travelers. For next season, six of their vessels, including the Koningsdam, Eurodam, and Nieuw Statendam, will operate a selection of itineraries from Seattle and Vancouver that will include additional sailings between Whittier and Vancouver for greater guest flexibility.
For 2026, the 14-day Great Alaska Explorer cruise will be an impressive addition meant for more in-depth exploration of Alaska. This new cruise will give guests an extended voyage in the region with more opportunities to appreciate Alaska’s rich wildlife, picturesque glaciers, and wonderful seaside towns. Holland America also offers the 28-day Arctic Circle Solstice cruise, a guest favorite where they can marvel at the beauty of the farthest part of Alaska during the summer solstice.
Holland America Line is also adding to the expansion of Alaska for 2026, to be an addition to the existing cruise tours. These land-and-sea experiences give travelers the chance to appreciate Alaska’s beauty on land, rather than only from the coast. Stays at the Holland America Denali Lodge, right next to Denali National Park, will be a part of the itinerary for Denali Lodge, which will be 9 to 18 days.
Enhancements to Denali Lodge
Holland America Line is reinvesting $70 million worth of improvements on Denali Lodge, a flagship lodge of their Cruisetours program. Upgrades will include remodeled guest rooms, suites, and public spaces, allowing visitors to have a contemporary and refreshing place to recuperate after a trip to the Alaskan wilderness. Improvement on the guest amenities will boost the overall experience with a more seamless and luxurious rest access to the sights of the wilderness area of the park.
Conclusion: A Unique Alaska Experience with Holland America Line
The 2025 Alaska season with Holland America Line was highlighted with the finest dining, cultural connecting, and community participation of the cruise, all of it through a stunning region of the world. Passengers enjoyed sustenance of wild Alaska, sustainable seafood, and exquisite dishes, while the cruise offered the sights of the splendid Alaskan legacy of glaciers, wildlife, and rich traditions. For the anticipated 2026 season, Holland America Line will expand its itineraries with more exciting additions and improvements, including new routes, flexible and extended offerings, and a remodeled Denali Lodge. Focusing on new updates to the pillars of cruise flexibility, sustainability, and unforgettable experience, Holland America Line will continue to lead the luxurious Alaska cruise.
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