Holland America's 2027 Alaska cruises mark 80 years

Published on Aug 8, 2025, 10:03 am CDT

6 min read

Holland America Line will celebrate an 80-year Alaska legacy in 2027 with more than 100 departures now open for booking. Six ships will sail April through September, offering roundtrip options from Seattle and Vancouver, plus one-way itineraries between Vancouver and Whittier. Highlights include a new 8-day Inside Passage cruise and the monthlong Legendary Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice journey. The line will also expand Alaska Cruisetour choices that pair sailing with inland experiences. Holland America continues to promise glacier viewing on every itinerary through its Glacier Guarantee.

Key Points

Why it matters: Holland America is deepening its long-running Alaska footprint during a competitive 2027 season.
Travel impact: More dates, ships, and Cruisetours create broader availability and price points for Alaska travelers.
What's next: Bookings are open, with marquee departures like the June 6 Legendary Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice.
Glacier viewing is guaranteed on every Alaska voyage under the Glacier Guarantee.
Seafood sourcing is backed by MSC, ASC, and RFM certifications across relevant regions.

Snapshot

For 2027, Holland America will base Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Westerdam, and Zaandam in Alaska. Travelers can choose roundtrip Seattle or Vancouver itineraries, or northbound and southbound sailings between Vancouver and Whittier. The program spans seven to 28 days, including a new 8-day Inside Passage cruise roundtrip Vancouver and the 28-day Legendary Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice. The season emphasizes glacier viewing through the Glacier Guarantee, with opportunities to see Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier, College Fjord, Dawes Glacier, and Tracy Arm's Twin Sawyer Glaciers. Expanded Alaska Cruisetour combinations add inland depth around Denali and other highlights. Bookings are live for spring through late summer 2027 across more than 100 departures.

Background

Holland America first introduced Alaska cruises in 1947, a foundation the company leans on as its differentiator today. The brand's Glacier Guarantee promises a glacier visit on every Alaska itinerary, offering a Future Cruise Credit if one is not delivered. The policy draws on the line's extensive permits for Glacier Bay National Park and established routes to Hubbard Glacier, Tracy Arm's Twin Sawyer Glaciers, College Fjord, and Dawes Glacier. On many Glacier Bay days, National Park Service rangers board to interpret wildlife and geology for guests. At the table, the Global Fresh Fish Program focuses on port-to-plate sourcing and now carries Marine Stewardship Council and Aquaculture Stewardship Council certifications fleetwide where eligible, while Alaska sailings are additionally covered by Responsible Fisheries Management certification. Together, these standards formalize sustainable practices for both wild-caught and farmed seafood served onboard.

Latest Developments

Six ships, 100-plus departures across three gateways

Holland America's 2027 Alaska deployment places six ships across roundtrip Seattle, roundtrip Vancouver, and Vancouver-Whittier one-way routes. Durations range from seven to 28 days, including the 28-day Legendary Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice scheduled to sail June 6 on Noordam, roundtrip Seattle. The breadth of dates is designed to distribute demand throughout shoulder and peak weeks while maintaining marquee glacier days. For details on ship-by-ship patterns, see Cruise Industry News' deployment summary. Reader utility: Review the 2027 deployment summary at Cruise Industry News (https://cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/2025/08/six-holland-america-ships-to-sail-2027-alaska-season-voyages/?utm_source=adept.travel).

New 8-day Inside Passage cruise adds Prince Rupert

A new eight-day Alaska Inside Passage cruise sails roundtrip Vancouver and calls at Glacier Bay, Skagway, Ketchikan, and Prince Rupert, with a late night in Juneau on select dates. The extra day over standard weeklong timings adds breathing room for scenic cruising and shore time. The inclusion of Prince Rupert expands British Columbia port variety, a trend we are seeing as lines tune itineraries for repeat Alaska travelers who want fresh calls without sacrificing glaciers. Expect this product to appeal to families and first-timers seeking an Inside Passage cruise with more time in port. Reader utility: Explore Inside Passage options on Holland America's site (https://www.hollandamerica.com/en/us/cruise-destinations/alaska-cruises/inside-passage-cruise?utm_source=adept.travel).

Glacier Guarantee and certified seafood remain centerpieces

The Glacier Guarantee promises a glacier viewing experience on every Alaska itinerary, with a Future Cruise Credit if none is achieved. Park rangers frequently join ships in Glacier Bay for onboard interpretation, reinforcing the nature-forward positioning. At the same time, the Global Fresh Fish Program is now under MSC and ASC certifications where applicable, and Alaska sailings hold RFM certification for wild seafood. Together these standards codify a sustainability profile that differentiates Holland America from mainstream competitors. Reader utility: Read the Glacier Guarantee policy (https://www.hollandamerica.com/en/us/cruise-destinations/alaska-cruises/glacier-guarantee?utm_source=adept.travel).

Analysis

Holland America is leaning into what it does best in Alaska, a market where itinerary nuance and glacier access still drive purchase decisions. The return of the Legendary Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice, paired with more conventional seven-day patterns, lets the brand court both bucket-list hunters and mass-market planners. The new eight-day Inside Passage cruise adds a modest but meaningful differentiator by restoring Prince Rupert to mainstream rotations, an option that broadens shore-excursion variety without complicating air or hotel logistics in Vancouver.

Operationally, the Glacier Guarantee functions as a confidence signal. While glacier closures are rare, weather and ice can force last-minute changes. A formal policy tied to future credit reduces perceived risk and supports conversion at the point of sale. The sustainability stack matters, too. Being first with MSC and ASC certifications, while maintaining RFM coverage in Alaska, gives tangible proof points for food-quality claims and appeals to travelers who weigh environmental practices alongside price and itinerary.

Demand will hinge on 2027 airfare and hotel costs in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, plus how aggressively rivals deploy tonnage. Princess, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian will likely counter with their own Inside Passage cruise varieties and land extensions, keeping fares competitive. For Holland America, the combination of a deep Cruisetour lineup and a strong glacier narrative should sustain pricing power on prime weeks, while shoulder-season departures and the Inside Passage cruise format give value seekers more options. Expect Alaska Cruisetour packages to be emphasized heavily in marketing, since they increase length of stay and attach rates while showcasing the line's land assets.

Final Thoughts

Holland America enters 2027 with a clear Alaska playbook, adding capacity, a fresh Inside Passage cruise, and a long-form Arctic Circle option that underlines depth. The Glacier Guarantee and certified seafood program supply credible trust signals, while Cruisetour breadth speaks to the brand's land expertise. If you want an Inside Passage cruise with strong glacier odds and consistent service standards, this program deserves a close look. Expect early 2027 departures to book steadily as families and repeat cruisers lock in school-break windows and solstice dates for Holland America Alaska cruises.