Holland America was once again named “Top Pick” for Alaska cruises in the 2020 AFAR Travelers’ Awards. The cruise line has received this award in the Alaska category three times in the last five years. Considering this category is only five years old, that’s a nice honor for Holland America.
Holland America Alaska Cruises win the 2020 AFAR award
The 2020 AFAR Travelers’ Awards are voted on by AFAR readers. All of the winners are featured in the January/February 2021 print edition of AFAR magazine.
“The readers of AFAR are some of the most discerning travelers in the world, and to be awarded best in Alaska is a tremendous honor that validates all of the expertise that goes into crafting the perfect Alaska experience for our guests,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line. “We provide an immersive Alaska cruise and overland tour, so guests leave us with memories they will never forget and a desire to return. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this win.”
Number One Cruise Line in Alaska
Holland America Line has nearly 75 years of Alaska expertise, on land and sea. The cruise line has established relationships with local communities and have hotels and vacation services at the entrance to Denali National Park. With this in place, it’s easy to enjoy the most unique and memorable Alaska and Yukon adventures offered by a cruise line.
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HAL Alaska cruises include more visits to Glacier Bay National Park than other cruise lines. I love their mid-size, less-crowded premium ships designed for Alaska cruising with wide, open decks and spacious viewing areas.
Experience a taste of Alaska
Throughout a Holland America Alaska cruise, you’ll find regionally inspired cuisine, Alaska-themed entertainment and activities. There’s also a National Park Service ranger on board in Glacier Bay. The park ranger narrates points of interest and answers questions that range from the Bay’s environment to Jr. Ranger programs.
Also onboard Alaska cruises are enrichment lecturers. Native Tlingit speakers are also onboard to highlight their 10,000 history and culture.
If you want more than just a seven-night cruise, there are several inland itineraries to choose from their Land+Sea Journeys.
Before or after your cruise, add on one, two or three nights at Denali National Park. Try a full-day of wildlife viewing, a bus ride into the heart of Denali or visit a working dog sled homestead.
The hotel complex located near the entrance to Denali National Park, features Denali Square. Like a small town mall, you’ll find a variety of dining, local artists, ranger lectures, entertainment and more.
Follow the Klondike Gold Rush Trail
Venture further inland with Holland America Line’s Land+Sea Journeys to Canada’s Yukon Territory. Learn about the route of the Klondike Gold Rush all the way to Dawson City. Because Holland America owns and operates its hotel, train cars and motor coaches, your land and sea adventures are relatively seamless.
In the plans for 2022, six Holland America Line ships cruise to Alaska from from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and Seattle, Washington. Cross-Gulf cruises will arrive at the town of Whittier, Alaska. From here, you begin your overland journey into the heart of the Last Frontier.
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I’m editor and creator of CruiseMaven.com and a solo traveler who cruises the world on waves and wheels. As an avid cook, I collect recipes along the way from ships and places. I hope my articles, reviews, news and photos entertain, advise and inspire you to try solo travel and see the world without flying. Take a breath… stop for a meal and a glass of wine along the way.
Sherry Laskin says
Hi Amy,
Thank you for taking the time to read the article. Seeing the Northern Lights is really an unexpected gift and doesn’t happen every night. The chances increase in mid- August to September, towards the end of the cruise season. We were so lucky to see the lights in SE Alaska on the Inside Passage not far from Juneau in mid-August. Be sure to inform the front desk if you’d like a middle of the night wake-up call should the Northern Lights be visible. A late season cross-gulf cruise may increase your chances to see the lights because you’ll be further north. But even from the SE, if it’s a clear night and you are away from port, they are visible. Have a fabulous time! And thanks again for reading the article.
Amy Thrash says
Thanks for article. My husband and I are planning an Alaskan cruise and will check out Holland America.
Which port/city allows us to see the Northern Lights?