Holland America announces its 70 million USD investment in Denali and Alaska cruise tours

Thursday, January 9, 2025

Holland America Line has unveiled plans for a $70 million capital investment aimed at expanding guest capacity and enhancing the Denali and Alaska cruise tour experience.

This ambitious initiative seeks to solidify the company’s leadership in offering unparalleled access to Alaska’s natural wonders, including glacier viewing and wildlife exploration.

Expanding and Elevating the Denali Experience

The investment will focus on enhancing the Holland America Denali Lodge and improving the overall land and sea cruise tour offerings.

Beth Bodensteiner, President of Holland America Line, highlighted the significance of the expansion, stating, “It’s truly special that we can bring guests to a lodge at the doorstep of Denali National Park.

This investment is a win for Alaska, our guests, and Holland America Line.”

The company is positioning itself as a leader in Alaska tourism by offering more glacier viewing opportunities and wildlife experiences than any other cruise line.

Key Highlights of the Expansion
The multi-phase project will roll out significant upgrades over the next three years:

2025 Enhancements:

Updates to the riverside interpretive trail and improved on-site wayfinding.
Refined restaurant menu offerings.
Upgraded public spaces in the Cottonwood and Canyon Lodge guest room buildings.
2026 Renovations:

Forty-eight remodeled guest rooms in the Denali Lodge.
A new coffee shop.
A remodeled Karstens Public House with expanded indoor and outdoor seating.
2027 Additions:

Construction of a new guest room building featuring 120 suites and standard rooms.
A comprehensive renovation of the main lodge, including a new restaurant concept, a lobby bar, and an enhanced coffee experience.
Enhanced Cruise Tour Offerings
Holland America is also enhancing its land and sea cruise tours, which combine Alaska cruises with immersive land journeys. Guests can choose from over 17 itineraries for the 2025 and 2026 seasons, featuring visits to Denali National Park and Canada’s Yukon Territory.

Key features of the cruise tours include:

Rides on the McKinley Explorer train, offering stunning views of Alaska’s landscapes.
Select itineraries with direct-to-Denali service, ensuring seamless travel from the ship to the lodge in a single day.
Opportunities to visit Dawson and ride the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad from Skagway.
Unparalleled Wildlife Experiences
To enrich the guest experience, Holland America includes wildlife experts onboard its cruises to guide and assist with wildlife viewing. Announcements of wildlife sightings occur throughout the day, and the adventure continues ashore with access to nearly 180 animal sanctuaries and sightseeing opportunities.

Commitment to Alaska Tourism
This investment underscores Holland America’s dedication to supporting Alaska’s tourism industry and meeting the growing demand for combined land and sea experiences. The enhancements aim to deliver unforgettable experiences for guests while contributing to the local economy.

For travelers eager to explore the breathtaking beauty of Alaska, bookings for the 2025 and 2026 cruise tours are now available. Each itinerary offers a unique blend of natural exploration, luxurious accommodations, and seamless travel, ensuring an unforgettable journey into the heart of Alaska.

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Tags: alaska cruise, Alaska tourism, holland america line