Holland America Line has announced a $70 million capital investment that expands guest capacity while elevating the line’s Denali property experience and enhancing its land and sea Cruisetours.
The investment builds on Holland America’s position with more opportunities for glacier viewing and more ways to see Alaska’s wildlife than any other cruise line.
“It’s truly special that we can bring guests to a lodge at the doorstep of Denali National Park,” Holland America Line president Beth Bodensteiner said. “This investment is a win for Alaska, our guests, and Holland America Line. Enhancing and expanding the Holland America Denali Lodge will help meet the growing interest in combined land and sea Cruisetours for our 49th state and further support the Alaska tourism industry.”
Key expansion highlights:
- 2025: The project begins with enhancements to the riverside interpretive trail with scenic viewpoints, improved on-site wayfinding, refined menu offerings for restaurants, and public space improvements for the Cottonwood and Canyon Lodge guest room buildings.
- 2026: The project continues with 48 remodelled rooms in the Holland America Denali Lodge, a new coffee shop, and a remodelled Karstens Public House with expanded indoor and outdoor seating to provide a more immersive experience.
- 2027: The project continues with a new guest-room building with 120 suite and standard rooms as well as a main lodge renovation that will include a new restaurant concept, a new lobby bar, and an enhanced coffee experience.
2025 and 2026 Cruisetours available for booking
2025 and 2026 Cruisetours are available for booking, allowing guests to combine an Alaska cruise with an unforgettable journey into Denali National Park and Canada’s Yukon Territory. A series of 17+ itineraries combine a cruise with an overland journey, offering more access to Alaska’s glaciers, wildlife, and wilderness tours.
Holland America Line owns motorcoaches, railcars, and hotels, providing preferential schedules for Cruisetour guests. Each itinerary includes a scenic ride on the luxury glass-domed McKinley Explorer train, and select itineraries visit Dawson and ride through the historic White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad from Skagway. Other select itineraries offer a direct-to-Denali service, taking guests from the ship to their Denali hotel room on the same day.
More opportunities to see Alaska wildlife than any other cruise line
Holland America Line carries a wildlife expert on board to help guests witness the majestic animals found in Alaska, including whales, eagles, bears, moose, otters, seals, sea lions, and more. A wildlife spotting guide points out the native animals found along the cruise route and a map with the best places to see each species is included. Between 8am and 5:30pm, wildlife sightings are announced for guest viewing.
The wildlife experience continues ashore. With nearly 180 animal sanctuaries and sightseeing opportunities, Holland America Line is #1 in Alaska wildlife and wilderness tours.
Holland America Line was named the top pick for Alaska in the Porthole Cruise Magazine Editor-in-Chief Awards, AFAR Travelers’ Choice Awards, Cruise Critic Cruisers’ Choice Destination Awards, USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, Travel Weekly UK Hot List Awards, and TravelAge West Wave Awards Editor’s Pick.
