Sarah Bretz, ContributorHolland America has announced a $70 million expansion project on its Denali property in Alaska, which will expand guest capacity and enhance the Alaska cruisetour experience for guests. The investment will build on the line’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,” said Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line. “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.”
Expansion Highlights
2025
The project is set to begin this year, starting with enhancements to the riverside interpretive trail with scenic viewpoints, improved on-site wayfinding, refined menu offerings in restaurants, and public space improvements for the Cottonwood and Canyon Lodge guest room buildings.
2026
The project will continue with 48 remodeled rooms in the Holland America Denali Lodge, a new coffee shop, and a remodeled Karstens Public House with expanded indoor and outdoor seating.
2027
2027 will bring the addition of a new guest room building with 120 suites and standard rooms. There will also be a main lodge renovation that includes a new restaurant, a new lobby bar, and an enhanced coffee experience.
Cruisetours Open For Booking
2025 and 2026 cruisetours are available for booking, allowing guests to combine an Alaska cruise with a journey into Denali National Park and Canada’s Yukon Territory. A series of 17+ itineraries will combine a cruise with an overland journey, offering more access to Alaska’s glaciers, wildlife, and wilderness tours.
Holland America 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 rides through the historic White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad from Skagway. Other select itineraries offer direct-to-Denali service, taking guests from the ship to their Denali hotel room on the same day.
Wildlife Spotting
In addition to glaciers, Holland America offers more ways to see the wildlife of Alaska. The line’s ships in Alaska each carry a wildlife expert on board to help guests spot the animals found in the Last Frontier, 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 includes a map with the best places to see each species. Between 8 am and 5:30 pm, wildlife sightings are announced for guest viewing.
Comments
Have you ever taken a cruisetour — a vacation that combines a cruise and land tour — on any cruise line? Does this project on Holland America’s Denali Lodge entice you to book an Alaska cruisetour with the line? Drop us an anchor below and let us know!
