Holland America Line has announced a $70 million capital investment to expand guest capacity while elevating the line’s Denali property experience and enhancing its land and sea cruise tours.
The company said in a press release that the investment will build on Holland America’s position with more glacier viewing opportunities 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 cruise tours for our 49th state and further support the Alaska tourism industry,” added Bodensteiner.
Key highlights of the expansion are as follows:
- 2025: Enhancements to the riverside interpretive trail, improved on-site wayfinding, refined restaurant menu offerings and public space improvements for the Cottonwood and Canyon Lodge guest room buildings.
- 2026: Forty-eight remodeled rooms in the Holland America Denali Lodge, a new coffee shop, a remodeled Karstens Public House and expanded indoor and outdoor seating.
- 2027: A new guest room building with 120 suites and standard rooms, and a main lodge renovation including a new restaurant concept, lobby bar and enhanced coffee experience.
2025 and 2026 cruise tours, a series of more than 17 itineraries, are available for booking, allowing guests to combine an Alaska cruise with a journey into Denali National Park and Canada’s Yukon Territory, the company said.
Each itinerary includes a ride on the McKinley Explorer train, and select itineraries visit Dawson and rides through the 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.
According to the company, wildlife experts are onboard to assist guests. Between 8 A.M. and 5:30 P.M., wildlife sightings are announced for guest viewing. The wildlife experience continues ashore, with nearly 180 animal sanctuaries and sightseeing opportunities.
