The Dutch American Line will launch its Alaska cruise season on Saturday, April 26, 2025, with six ships offering round-trip voyages from Seattle and Vancouver, as well as routes between Vancouver and Whitt Anchorage. Cruise companies enhance their products through experiences such as Glacier Bay, Mendenhall Glacier Hiking, Wildlife Watching “Big Five”.
“Alaska offers memorable experiences from being close to glaciers and observing wildlife to learning about its unique culture,” said Robert Morgenstern, senior vice president of operations at Alaska. “We are ready to explore this majestic area, and Alaska is ready for us. Guests can expect to fully experience the wonders of Glacier Bay, Mendenhall Glacier and Dennali National Park.”
Related: Dutch American Line expands single-barrel whiskey program for 2025
Until September 2025, guests can board the Alaska Cruises and Cruisetours of the Holland America Line on Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Westerdam and Zaandam. The vessels will call Seattle twice a week and Vancouver twice a week, with an estimated $150 million contribution to local economies through guest and crew spending and refueling and supply on board. Cruise companies encourage guests to connect with their destinations through Distaine Dining™, local flavors, in-car experiences and immersive coastal excursions.
“Glacier Day” highlights glaciers in Alaska
The Dutch America series offers more experience than any other cruise route. During each cruise, Glacier Day takes place once, showing Alaska’s glaciers characterized by glacier viewing time, comments, presentations, photo opportunities, Dutch pea soup on the deck, Glacier Ice Cocktails, and speeches by Glacier Bay National Park Rangers and Huna Cultural Cultural Extricers. Each cruise visits iconic glacier locations such as Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier, Dawes Glacier and Twin Sawyer Glacier in Tracy Arm. Coastal Tours offer additional opportunities to explore Mendenhall and Portage glaciers.
Fresh fish in Alaska
Global Fresh Fish on the Dutch America Line plans to provide local fish to guests within 48 hours. The boat will serve chef Morimoto regional seafood and exclusive dishes including fresh black cod Yuzu and fresh halibut XO. The live cooking show features Alaska’s cooking history, co-hosted by the cruise director and executive chef, and presents fish dishes from the show, available in the restaurant after the show. Alaska brunch highlights local ingredients, including options like Alaska blueberry pancakes, Kodiak steak and egg frying pan.
Exclusive drink menu
During the 2025 season, bartender Sam Ross made exclusive cocktails, including Sitka Spritz. Local beers, such as Killer Whale Pale Ale Ale at Pike Brewing and Alaska Amber at Alaska Brewing, will be available on board.
Wildlife viewing opportunities
The Holland America series offers a wide range of wildlife viewing experiences with boat-based wildlife experts, wildlife discovery guides, and nearly 180 wildlife observations. Proceeds from Alaska brunch cocktails and plush toys will support the conservation and education mission of the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.
Alaska cruiser to Denali and Yukon
The Dutch America Line’s Cruisetours range from 9 to 18 days, including optional tours to Denali National Park and Yukon, making it the only cruise ship to offer a land tour alongside the Alaska Cruise. A $70 million investment will enhance the guest experience in the Denali Lodge in the Netherlands, including improved interpretative trails and guest rooms.
2025 cruise highlights
- 28-day “Alaska Arctic Circle Solution” Westerdamleaving on June 8.
- The 14-day “Greater Alaska Explorer” itinerary visited eight ports and made round trips from Vancouver.
- 7-day “Northern and South-Travel Glacier Discovery” Itinerary Nieuw Amsterdam and Noordam.
- Seven-day “Alaska Internal Passage” cruise from Vancouver Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, and Zaandam.
- 7-day “Alaska Explorer” cruise on Seattle EURODAM and Westerdam.
Denali and Yukon Cruisetour Highlights
- Nieuw Amsterdam and Noordam Denali Cruisetours will be offered for 9 to 14 days, including a seven-day glacier discovery cruise.
- Yukon & Denali Cruisetours range from 9 to 18 days and includes internal access or glacier discovery cruise ships and stay in Denali.
- New dining options will be introduced at Canyon Ridge Grill and Karsten’s at Holland America Denali Lodge.
On the deck for reasons
The Dutch America Line’s “Deck for Business Deck” program will support Alaska Geography, a nonprofit partner in Alaska Parks. All guests on Alaska cruises will be invited to donate $25 to participate in a non-competitive 5K fundraising walk on each voyage and provide educational, scientific and research benefits at Alaska Parks.
Will you sail to Alaska with HAL? Let us know in the comments!
