Holland America Line (HAL) announced a $70 million multi-year investment in Alaska. The fund will be used to grow guest capacity, improve its Denali property, and enhance tours by land and sea.
Referring to it as a “win” for Alaska, HAL guests, and the company, HAL President Beth Bodensteiner explained, “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.”
What Can Cruisers Expect From the Expansion?
HAL’s latest redevelopment takes place from 2025 to 2027. From improving accommodations to guest amenities and recreational activities, each year will focus on specific refurbishments.
Work will begin in 2025. The riverside interpretative trail, its scenic viewpoints, and on-site navigation will be improved. Meanwhile, restaurant menus and the public spaces of guest buildings, Cottonwood and Canyon Lodge, will be revisited.
In 2026, 48 rooms in the Holland America Denali Lodge will be remodeled. A new coffee shop will become available while Karstens Public House will receive larger indoor and outdoor seating.
During the last year of redevelopment, a new building with 120 rooms (suite and standard lodging) for guests will be erected. The main lodge will be renovated with refreshed restaurant and cafe concepts along with a new lobby bar.
HAL Cruisetours: Combining Ocean and Land Travel
The Carnival subsidiary boasts seamless travel experiences that combine land and sea travel with its Cruisetours. These tours include over 17 itineraries, enhancing access to popular Alaskan attractions.
During the cruise, passengers can take advantage of wildlife experts while they try to spot animals like whales, bears, eagles, seals, sea lions, and more. Additionally, a glacier guarantee is available until September 2025, ensuring even more memorable experiences.
Upon reaching Alaska, guests enjoy preferential schedules and services since the cruise line has its own hotels, railcars, and motor coaches. All land-based itineraries feature a scenic ride inside the luxury McKinley Explorer train while select itineraries will stop at Dawson before passing through the legendary White Pass and the historic Yukon Route Railway in Skagway.
Guests can also head straight to Denali through same-day transportation services.
Holland America has been visiting Alaska longer than other cruise lines. The cruise brand has won the AFAR Travelers’ Awards four times. One of its biggest draws is the location of its property which is closely situated to the Denali National Park’s entrance.
