3 minute read
Standing on the deck as Glacier Bay comes into view, it’s easy to understand why Alaska cruising has become a bucket-list trip for so many. The air is crisp, wildlife is never far from sight, and the glaciers feel close enough to touch. For decades, Holland America Line has been synonymous with these moments, and now they’ve been officially recognized for it: Forbes Vetted just named them the “Best Alaska Cruise Overall.”
That recognition isn’t just about scenic views. It comes from the cruise line’s 80 years of experience sailing in Alaska, its “Alaska Up Close” programming with onboard experts, and a commitment to helping travelers connect deeply with the region. From wildlife spotting with naturalists to locally inspired dining, Holland America has built a reputation for delivering the most authentic way to see the Great Land.
To celebrate the accolade, Holland America has launched its “Book Early & Save” offer on select 2026 cruises. Travelers who book by September 30, 2025, will lock in what the cruise line is calling its best deal of the year. The package, valued at $1,400, includes upgrades that turn an already memorable cruise into something extraordinary: prepaid crew appreciation, a jump to the Elite Beverage Package, Premium Wi-Fi, and up to three specialty dining nights. Depending on the itinerary length, there’s also up to $300 in shore excursion credit.
The perks aren’t just numbers on paper. Think champagne in hand as you sail past glaciers, a seamless Wi-Fi connection to share the moment with friends back home, or a dinner of halibut caught in Alaska and prepared with flair by celebrity chef Masaharu Morimoto. These are the details that turn a cruise into a story worth retelling.
While Alaska is the star of the show, the “Book Early & Save” offer also applies to other destinations, including Europe and Canada & New England. A few highlights from the 2026 lineup:
- 7-Day Alaska Explorer on Eurodam – Roundtrip Seattle, July 4, 2026, starting at $314 per person, per day
- 7-Day Inside Passage on Koningsdam – Roundtrip Vancouver, May 9, 2026, starting at $224 per person, per day
- 7-Day Glacier Discovery on Westerdam – Vancouver to Whittier, May 10, 2026, starting at $176 per person, per day
- 7-Day Fjords of Iceland on Rotterdam – Rotterdam to Reykjavik, July 12, 2026, starting at $275 per person, per day
- 7-Day Canada & New England: UNESCO Sites & Quebecois Nights on Zuiderdam – Quebec City to Boston, May 2, 2026, starting at $176 per person, per day
The recognition from Forbes cements what loyal cruisers already know: Holland America Line delivers Alaska better than anyone else. For those planning ahead, 2026 offers a chance to experience it with added value and peace of mind, thanks to the new Best Price Guarantee.
Summer in Alaska might seem far off, but the reality is that the best itineraries and cabins won’t last. Booking early isn’t just about saving—it’s about securing the dream trip before it’s gone.
Photos courtesy of Holland America Line
