Holland America Line opens bookings for its 2028 Alaska season, offering cruises from seven to 18 days aboard the newly upgraded and renovated Oosterdam ship as well as Noordam, Eurodam, Koningsdam, Westerdam and Zaandam.
The Alaska itineraries will sail roundtrip from Seattle and Vancouver, and between Vancouver and Whittier, plus will include a new San Diego to Vancouver voyage.
As is typical for Alaska cruising, the trip highlights will include glacier visits, wildlife watching and Arctic insights from on-board experts.
Kicking off with an uncommon longer-distance 11-day itinerary departing from California before journeying to Alaska. This voyage, called 'Shores, Fjords & Glaciers', will be undertaken by the Zaandam cruise ship, departing 29 April, 2028.
"Our 2028 season reflects that approach, pairing the Alaska highlights guests expect with a collection of distinctive experiences," said Paul Grigsby, vice president of revenue planning and deployment.
Excitingly, this Alaskan season introduces scenic cruising through Nootka Sound on select Great Alaska Explorer and Great Bear Rainforest sailings.
The Oosterdam cruise ship will arrive in Alaska after a multi‑area Evolution transformation, and as such it will be the first Holland America ship in Alaska to have completed the programme of upgrades.
Holland America's Evolution is a $500 million investment and fleet transformation, planned to update and upgrade six ships.
Oosterdam is one of Holland America Line’s Vista-class ships, and it first entered service in 2003, as the first of the class, and, it is much more traditional in scale compared to modern "mega ships", with capacity of around 2,000 guests, making it an ideal vessel to tour the natural beauty of the Alaskan and Arctic waterways.
Basically, the ship offers a more classic cruising experience rather than a theme-park-at-sea spectacle offered on other cruise lines. With the Evolution investment, the ship nonetheless promises a degree of comfort and sophistication with traditional lounges, live music, a theatre, spa, pools and a strong focus on dining and enrichment.
On board, guests will find venues such as the Pinnacle Grill and Canaletto, the Lido Market, the Greenhouse Spa and Holland America’s Music Walk entertainment concept, alongside more relaxed staples including the library, pool deck, bars and lounges.
Oosterdam also offers a range of suites.
And, with the new upgrade, Oosterdam offers newly refurbished Solo Verandah staterooms, new forward-facing Bridgeview Suites, the Grand Dutch Café and refreshed guest areas.
Holland America, a Carnival brand, highlighted that certain 2028 Alaska sailings are currently eligible for its "Have It All Early" booking promotion, which bundles shore excursion credit, speciality dining, an Elite Beverage Package, premium Wi‑Fi, prepaid Crew Appreciation and the cruise line's Best Price Guarantee.
The brand is synonymous with cruising in Alaska, a region where Holland America has been operating cruises in the region for more than 75 years; it is a popular signature destination for the line.
Holland America itineraries typically combine ports such as Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway with scenic days among glaciers, fjords and wildlife-rich waterways.
