HAL’s newest Alaska itinerary is now available to book
Holland America Line has released a brand new Alaska itinerary, unlike any of its kind in the company’s portfolio.
The itinerary, an 18-Day Great Bear Rainforest and Alaskan Explorer, takes guests through the rugged nature of Alaska , while also giving them an opportunity to see the rare ‘Spirit Bear’—which mainly makes its home in British Columbia.
Zaandam will first sail two days scenic cruising through the Seymour Narrows, Bella Bella, Grenville Channel, Great Bear Rainforest and Princess Royal Island—as well as a bit of the Inside Passage—to maximize time to see the big three Ws—whales, wildlife and waterfalls—especially the Spirit Bear.
“We’ve been sailing in Alaska for over 75 years—longer than any other cruise line—and hundreds of thousands have experienced its magic sailing with us. By building this itinerary, we’re giving our guests a new way to experience the region,” said Paul Grigsby, Holland America Line’s vice president of revenue planning and deployment. “En route to Alaska, Zaandam will travel through fjord-like waterways–and the extended length of the voyage gives guests the chance to thoroughly immerse themselves in the culture, nature and wildlife of Alaska and British Columbia.”
Highlights of the Alaska journey
Highlights of the full voyage are below:
- Sails roundtrip from Vancouver aboard Zaandam, September 16—October 4, 2026
- Calls in 8 ports in Alaska, including an overnight in Anchorage
- An 11-hour call in Prince Rupert, BC (where guests can take more shore excursions into the Great Bear Rainforest if they want more chances to see the Spirit Bear)
- Scenic cruising of both Hubbard Glacier and Glacier Bay
- Two days scenic cruising Seymour Narrows, Bella Bella, Grenville Channel, Great Bear Rainforest, Princess Royal Island
- A full day of scenic cruising of the Inside Passage
Prices begin at $3029 per person, inclusive of taxes and fees.
Holland America Line has two shorter seven-day cruises that take guests to the Great Bear Rainforest, sailing on Noordam in October of 2025 and April of 2026.
Also now available for booking are Holland America Line’s 2026 Cruisetours—released earlier this week.
