Alaska & Denali Wilderness Explorer

Today, depart from Australia (or New Zealand) for Anchorage, Alaska. Upon arrival, meet your driver and transfer to the hotel for check-in.

Please note: Due to flight scheduling and availability, some departures may occur on Day 0. Affected customers must be available to depart the day before. Flight times will be indicated on your final documents, which will be issued 4-6 weeks before departure.

Overnight: Westmark Hotel & Conference Center, or similar, Anchorage

Meals included: In-Flight

This morning, meet your driver at the hotel for a transfer to the rail depot, where your unforgettable Alaskan adventure begins aboard Holland America’s exclusive McKinley Explorer®, a luxurious, two-level glass-domed railcar designed for optimal wilderness viewing. Settle into your assigned, forward-facing seat and relax as the untamed beauty of Alaska unfolds around you.

Travel through the sweeping landscapes of Broad Pass and cross the dramatic Hurricane Gulch, all while an expert guide shares fascinating stories and insights about the region. With luck, you'll catch your first breathtaking glimpse of Mount Denali as it emerges on the horizon. Step onto the open-air platform to soak in the crisp mountain air and panoramic views, or simply unwind as bartenders craft signature cocktails served with a side of unforgettable scenery (charges apply). During the ride, regionally inspired breakfast and lunch options are available for purchase from the onboard dining car.

Upon arrival, your luggage will be waiting for you at the lodge, allowing for a seamless check-in and a relaxing start to your two-night stay at the doorstep of Denali National Park. Spend your afternoon exploring Denali Square, the heart of the lodge experience, where you can shop, dine, and immerse yourself in the spirit of the park (charges may apply).

The total journey from Anchorage to Denali National Park takes approximately 8-9 hours. Your expected arrival time is 17:15.

Overnight: Holland America Denali Lodge, Denali National Park area

Meals included: None

Alaska’s Denali National Park is where beauty is untamed and majestic animals roam their wide-open habitat as they have for millennia.

Today you will experience this up close on a Tundra Wilderness Tour and travel deep into the heart of Denali for the adventure of a lifetime. This comfortable, comprehensive and fully narrated, 5-6 hour excursion takes you approximately 70 kilometres into the Park’s unspoiled wilderness, for up-close views of Mount Denali. It offers your best chance to see Alaska’s marquee animals, grizzlies, caribou, Dall sheep, moose and wolves, in a setting of incomparable grandeur.

The Tundra Wilderness Tour is designed to provide a comfortable way to explore Denali. It includes narration provided by a knowledgeable driver/guide and features large screens so you won’t miss a thing. A light snack is provided and a box lunch is available to purchase.

Overnight: Holland America Denali Lodge, Denali National Park area

Meals included: None

Depart: 19:30

This morning, you will begin your journey from Denali National Park to Whittier, Alaska, where you will embark on your voyage to Canada. Enjoy some of Alaska's most spectacular scenery via deluxe motorcoach direct to your ship for embarkation. The journey takes approximately 7.5 hours and includes a stop for lunch.

Once onboard the ship, enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure as you set sail on the next leg of your Alaskan Adventure.

Please note: The following cruise itinerary makes suggestions for activities visitors can enjoy during leisure time in each port. Additional charges may apply. Cruise arrival or departure times may vary depending on departure date selected.

Overnight: Holland America's Westerdam or Nieuw Amsterdam

Meals included: Lunch; Dinner

Enjoy a leisurely day onboard, highlighted by afternoon scenic cruising to Hubbard Glacier - North America's longest tidewater glacier.

Cruising toward Hubbard Glacier feels like you’re approaching another planet in a tiny spacecraft. It is that big and that otherworldly. Among all the vanishing Alaska glaciers, Hubbard has a rapidly advancing ice margin, up to seven feet in one day, earning it the nickname, “the Galloping Glacier.” Hubbard Glacier’s three-story icebergs cannon into crystal waters in a process called calving. On clear days, Hubbard turns a stunning deep blue, and on cloudy ones, its many ripples and icebergs shimmer in soft light.

This glacier dwarfs the other glaciers in Alaska. It is the longest tidewater glacier in North America and starts 122 kilometres back, pouring down off the shoulder of Mount Walsh. Its impressive terminal face is 11 kilometres long and 106 metres above the water line, making its regular audience of Alaska cruise ships look like toy boats. Hubbard Glacier is one of the few Alaska glaciers that’s advancing and not succumbing to climate change. It sounds uplifting, however many believe the expanding glacier will block the entrance to the fjord.

Overnight: Holland America's Westerdam or Nieuw Amsterdam

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Close your eyes and take in the sounds of “living” ice, the shrill cries of soaring eagles and the splash of a breaching humpback whale. Look out for frosted peaks towering over mossy forests, wide tidewater glaciers and marine wildlife in Glacier Bay. Local experts will come aboard for an enriching experience. As a proud Authorised Concessioner for Glacier Bay National Park, Holland America Line partners with rangers and local Huna Tlingit guides who provide expert insight into this diverse ecosystem and millennia-old culture. You'll leave Glacier Bay with a shorter bucket list and a deeper appreciation of this 3.3 million-acre UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Prepare for inclement weather, even in summer, and dress for rain. Pack a hat, gloves, wool or fleece layers, a warm coat and waterproof gear to comfortably admire the landscape from the open deck of your ship. With fjords, inlets, rivers and streams galore, it's also recommended to bring binoculars.

Please note: Route and timing are subject to weather and ice conditions.

*Itinerary Alteration (3rd of September 2026 departure)
Please note: On the 3rd of September 2026 departure, your ship will visit Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier for scenic cruising (instead of Glacier Bay).

Overnight: Holland America's Westerdam or Nieuw Amsterdam

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Arrive: 07:00 - Depart: 21:00

At the height of the Klondike Gold Rush, Skagway served as the primary gateway to the legendary gold fields and quickly grew into Alaska’s largest settlement. It was then a raucous frontier hub packed with trading posts, saloons and guesthouses. As the gold rush faded into the 1900s, so did Skagway. However, today it's been reinvigorated as a gateway for those looking to explore Alaska’s colourful history, pristine wildlife and unrivalled natural beauty.

Much of the town has been preserved as part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park with rangers offering walking tours around the historic district. At every turn, you’ll find yourself immersed in gold rush lore. You can't miss the infamous Red Onion Saloon that still keeps a pistol from Wyatt Earp, the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad that traverses rugged mountains and more. Skagway is also known for its vibrant local community that's home to local galleries, curio shops and restaurants serving seafood from nearby waters.

Overnight: Holland America's Westerdam or Nieuw Amsterdam

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Arrive: 08:00 - Depart: 18:00

Cruise to Juneau to visit the most remote, beautiful, and strangest state capital in the United States. The sleepy, misty city of around 32,000 has a frontier town atmosphere but welcomes more than a million visitors each summer to its natural attractions. Surrounded by water, forest and mountains, visitors can hike a glacier, eat fresh-caught fish on a seaside patio and tour a grand capitol building all in one day (optional shore excursions).

The real highlight of visiting Juneau is tracking down wildlife. Hike up Mount Roberts to chance upon wild deer and bald eagles, or head north to Auke Bay for a whale-watching tour (not included). If you prefer land mammals, catch a floatplane to nearby Chichagof or Admiralty Island wildlife reserves to spy bears lolling around (optional shore excursions).

Overnight: Holland America's Westerdam or Nieuw Amsterdam

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Arrive: 11:00 - Depart: 19:00

Cruise to Ketchikan, named Alaska's first city because it’s the first major landfall for most cruisers as they enter the picturesque fjords of the Inside Passage. The town clings to the banks of the Tongass Narrows and is flanked by green forests that are nurtured by abundant rain.

Ketchikan has long been an important hub of the salmon fishing and packing industries. Try your luck on sport fishing or simply savour the fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants (charges apply). Ketchikan is also one of the best spots along the Inside Passage to explore the rich cultural sights of Native Alaskan nations like the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian. You can see intricately carved totem poles at the Totem Heritage Center and Totem Bight State Park. The attractions of Saxman Village, just outside of Ketchikan, offer the chance to see Tlingit culture in action with working carvers and a dance show in the clan house (charges apply).

Overnight: Holland America's Westerdam or Nieuw Amsterdam

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Alaska’s Inside Passage is a protected network of waterways that wind through glacier-cut fjords and lush temperate rain forests along the rugged coast of Southeast Alaska. Arguably one of the greatest cruising routes in the world, the Inside Passage stretches through stunning landscapes, from Misty Fjords National Monument to the famed Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve.

Sailing the Inside Passage offers opportunities to spot some of Alaska’s most iconic wildlife. Look out for humpback whales and orcas plying the bountiful waters alongside the ships, bald eagles soaring overhead and brown bears lumbering on the shoreline.

Overnight: Holland America's Westerdam or Nieuw Amsterdam

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Arrive: 07:00

Enjoy your final breakfast onboard as your ship docks in Vancouver. Disembark and make your own way to your centrally-located hotel, then enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.

Vancouver offers the perfect combination of urban meets nature. Enjoy picturesque views of the mountains while exploring the city’s local hot spots like Stanley Park, Granville Island, Gastown and more at your own pace. Why not sample the best of the local culinary and cocktail scene (not included) for something truly unique during your leisure time in Vancouver.

Overnight: Hotel Belmont Vancouver - MGallery Collection, or similar, Vancouver

Meals included: Breakfast

At the appropriate time, make your own way to the airport for your flight home.

Meals included: In-Flight

Today, depart from Australia (or New Zealand) for Vancouver, Canada. Upon arrival, make your own way to the hotel for check-in and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.

Vancouver offers the perfect combination of urban meets nature. Enjoy picturesque views of the mountains while exploring the city’s local hot spots like Stanley Park, Granville Island, Gastown and more at your own pace. Why not sample the best of the local culinary and cocktail scene (not included) for something truly unique during your leisure time in Vancouver.

Please note: Luggage storage at the hotel will be available for travellers arriving before check-in time (charges may apply).

Overnight: Hotel Belmont Vancouver - MGallery Collection, or similar, Vancouver

Meals included: In-Flight

Depart: 16:00

Today, make your own way to the Vancouver cruise port terminal for your 7-night Alaska cruise. Sail from Vancouver, glide under the Lion’s Gate Bridge, and enter the scenic wonders of the Inside Passage.

Overnight: Holland America's Westerdam or Nieuw Amsterdam

Meals included: Dinner

Alaska’s Inside Passage is a protected network of waterways that wind through glacier-cut fjords and lush temperate rain forests along the rugged coast of Southeast Alaska. Arguably one of the greatest cruising routes in the world, the Inside Passage stretches through stunning landscapes, from Misty Fjords National Monument to the famed Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve.

Sailing the Inside Passage offers opportunities to spot some of Alaska’s most iconic wildlife. Look out for humpback whales and orcas plying the bountiful waters alongside the ships, bald eagles soaring overhead and brown bears lumbering on the shoreline.

Overnight: Holland America's Westerdam or Nieuw Amsterdam

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Arrive: 06:30 - Depart: 15:00

Cruise to Ketchikan, named Alaska's first city because it’s the first major landfall for most cruisers as they enter the picturesque fjords of the Inside Passage. The town clings to the banks of the Tongass Narrows and is flanked by green forests that are nurtured by abundant rain.

Ketchikan has long been an important hub of the salmon fishing and packing industries. Try your luck on sport fishing or simply savour the fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants (charges apply). Ketchikan is also one of the best spots along the Inside Passage to explore the rich cultural sights of Native Alaskan nations like the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian. You can see intricately carved totem poles at the Totem Heritage Center and Totem Bight State Park. The attractions of Saxman Village, just outside of Ketchikan, offer the chance to see Tlingit culture in action with working carvers and a dance show in the clan house (charges apply).

Overnight: Holland America's Westerdam or Nieuw Amsterdam

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Arrive: 10:00 - Depart: 21:00

Cruise to Juneau to visit the most remote, beautiful, and strangest state capital in the United States. The sleepy, misty city of around 32,000 has a frontier town atmosphere but welcomes more than a million visitors each summer to its natural attractions. Surrounded by water, forest and mountains, visitors can hike a glacier, eat fresh-caught fish on a seaside patio and tour a grand capitol building all in one day (optional shore excursions).

The real highlight of visiting Juneau is tracking down wildlife. Hike up Mount Roberts to chance upon wild deer and bald eagles, or head north to Auke Bay for a whale-watching tour (not included). If you prefer land mammals, catch a floatplane to nearby Chichagof or Admiralty Island wildlife reserves to spy bears lolling around (optional shore excursions).

Please note: Cruise arrival or departure times may vary depending on departure date selected.

Overnight: Holland America's Westerdam or Nieuw Amsterdam

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Arrive: 05:30 - Depart: 21:00

At the height of the Klondike Gold Rush, Skagway served as the primary gateway to the legendary gold fields and quickly grew into Alaska’s largest settlement. It was then a raucous frontier hub packed with trading posts, saloons and guesthouses. As the gold rush faded into the 1900s, so did Skagway. However, today it's been reinvigorated as a gateway for those looking to explore Alaska’s colourful history, pristine wildlife and unrivalled natural beauty.

Much of the town has been preserved as part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park with rangers offering walking tours around the historic district. At every turn, you’ll find yourself immersed in gold rush lore. You can't miss the infamous Red Onion Saloon that still keeps a pistol from Wyatt Earp, the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad that traverses rugged mountains and more. Skagway is also known for its vibrant local community that's home to local galleries, curio shops and restaurants serving seafood from nearby waters.

Please note: Cruise arrival or departure times may vary depending on departure date selected.

Overnight: Holland America's Westerdam or Nieuw Amsterdam

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Close your eyes and take in the sounds of “living” ice, the shrill cries of soaring eagles and the splash of a breaching humpback whale. Look out for frosted peaks towering over mossy forests, wide tidewater glaciers and marine wildlife in Glacier Bay. Local experts will come aboard for an enriching experience. As a proud Authorised Concessioner for Glacier Bay National Park, Holland America Line partners with rangers and local Huna Tlingit guides who provide expert insight into this diverse ecosystem and millennia-old culture. You'll leave Glacier Bay with a shorter bucket list and a deeper appreciation of this 3.3 million-acre UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Prepare for inclement weather, even in summer, and dress for rain. Pack a hat, gloves, wool or fleece layers, a warm coat and waterproof gear to comfortably admire the landscape from the open deck of your ship. With fjords, inlets, rivers and streams galore, it's also recommended to bring binoculars.

Please note: Route and timing are subject to weather and ice conditions.

*Itinerary Alteration (15th of May 2027 departure)
Please note: On the 15th of May 2027 departure, your ship will visit Icy Strait Point (instead of Glacier Bay).

Overnight: Holland America's Westerdam or Nieuw Amsterdam

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Enjoy a leisurely day highlighted by evening cruising through picturesque College Fjord.

See majestic, centuries-old rivers of ice cascading from the mountains to the sea. Glaciers have shaped many Alaska lakes, rivers and valleys one slow centimetre at a time. They’ve fascinated scientists and inspired artists for a long time. Scenic cruising College Fjord brings you close to many glaciers, there’s even a spot where you can see eight at once! Your chances of watching ice thunder into the water is high, as the Prince William Sound is one of the most active areas for calving.

Of all Alaska fjords, College Fjord is the most storied. The Harriman Expedition of 1899 with John Muir and other notable scientists traversed the College Fjord aboard the George W. Elder, funded by Ivy League colleges. All of the glaciers were named for various schools. As you travel into College Fjord, the glaciers on the left are named for women's colleges and those on the right are named for men's colleges. The names are Amherst, Barnard, Bryn Mawr, Harvard, Smith, Vassar and Yale. Harvard Glacier is the biggest, with its face covering approximately two and a half kilometres across.

Overnight: Holland America's Westerdam or Nieuw Amsterdam

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

This morning, disembark in Whittier to begin your journey to Denali National Park, Alaska, and enjoy a two-night stay at the doorstep of this majestic national treasure. Enjoy some of Alaska's most spectacular scenery via deluxe motor coach directly to the lodge at the doorstep of Denali National Park. The journey takes approximately 7.5 hours and includes a stop for lunch.

Upon arrival, your luggage will be transferred to your room at the lodge, allowing for a seamless check-in and a relaxing start to your two-night stay at the doorstep of Denali National Park.

Spend your afternoon exploring Denali Square, the heart of the lodge experience, where you can shop, dine, and immerse yourself in the spirit of the park (charges may apply).

Overnight: Holland America Denali Lodge, Denali National Park area

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch

Alaska’s Denali National Park is where beauty is untamed and majestic animals roam their wide-open habitat as they have for millennia.

Today you will experience this up close on a Tundra Wilderness Tour and travel deep into the heart of Denali for the adventure of a lifetime. This comfortable, comprehensive and fully narrated, 5-6 hour excursion takes you approximately 70 kilometres into the Park’s unspoiled wilderness, for up-close views of Mount Denali. It offers your best chance to see Alaska’s marquee animals, grizzlies, caribou, Dall sheep, moose and wolves, in a setting of incomparable grandeur.

The Tundra Wilderness Tour is designed to provide a comfortable way to explore Denali. It includes narration provided by a knowledgeable driver/guide and features large screens so you won’t miss a thing. A light snack is provided and a box lunch is available to purchase.

Overnight: Holland America Denali Lodge, Denali National Park area

Meals included: None

This morning, begin your unforgettable Alaskan adventure aboard Holland America’s exclusive McKinley Explorer®, a luxurious, two-level glass-domed railcar designed for optimal wilderness viewing. Settle into your assigned, forward-facing seat and relax as the untamed beauty of Alaska unfolds around you.

Travel through the sweeping landscapes of Broad Pass and cross the dramatic Hurricane Gulch, all while an expert guide shares fascinating stories and insights about the region. Step onto the open-air platform to soak in the crisp mountain air and panoramic views, or simply unwind as bartenders craft signature cocktails served with a side of unforgettable scenery (charges apply). During the ride, regionally inspired breakfast and lunch options are available for purchase from the onboard dining car.

Upon arrival at the rail depot in Anchorage, you will be met by your driver and transferred to your hotel for the evening. Once checked in, enjoy the rest of your evening at leisure.

The total journey from Denali National Park to Anchorage takes approximately 8-9 hours. You're expected arrival time is 17:45.

Overnight: Westmark Hotel & Conference Center, or similar, Anchorage

Meals included: None

At the appropriate time, be transferred to the airport for your flight home.

Meals included: In-Flight