Holland America Line Unveils 2028 Alaska Cruise Schedule

Holland America Line has announced its 2028 Alaska cruise season, deploying six newly upgraded ships to offer longer itineraries, scenic glacier voyages, and transit routes like Nootka Sound. The scheduling expansion responds to traveler demand for deeper connections with remote wilderness environments in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska.

The Local Trend Revealed

Cruise operators are shifting toward longer, slow-travel voyages that provide extended access to untouched coastal ecosystems. Monitored by the Alaska Travel Industry Association and regional maritime regulators, this program includes a variety of ship deployments and scenic routes:

Upgrade Deployments: Six vessels will operate the season: Oosterdam, Noordam, Eurodam, Koningsdam, Westerdam, and Zaandam. Oosterdam will debut in the region featuring the line's "Evolution" upgrades, serving as the primary ship for combined land-and-sea Cruisetours.
Shores & Rainforest Voyages:
- Shores, Fjords & Glaciers (Zaandam): An 11-day voyage departing San Diego on April 29, 2028, traveling north to Vancouver.
- Great Bear Rainforest & Alaska Explorer (Oosterdam): A 16-day roundtrip voyage from Vancouver departing April 28, 2028.
Scenic Nootka Sound Transit: Selected Great Alaska Explorer and Great Bear Rainforest itineraries will feature scenic cruising through Nootka Sound on Vancouver Island's western coast, known for rugged coastlines and marine life.
Standard Itineraries:
- Noordam: 14-day Great Alaska Explorer roundtrip from Seattle (departures June 4 and August 20, 2028).
- Zaandam: 18-day Great Bear Rainforest & Alaska Explorer roundtrip from Vancouver (September 13, 2028).
- Oosterdam and Eurodam: 7-day Glacier Discovery voyages between Vancouver and Whittier, Alaska (36 departures).
- Koningsdam, Zaandam, and Oosterdam: 7-day Alaska Inside Passage roundtrip from Vancouver (46 departures).
- Westerdam and Noordam: 7-day Alaska Explorer roundtrip from Seattle (45 departures).
Early Reservations: Selected bookings include the Have It All Early Booking Bonus, providing shore excursion credits, an Elite Beverage Package, Wi-Fi, and crew appreciation credits.

Local Community & Environmental Value

For the visitor, the real impact of cruising in Alaska is supporting local coastal economies directly. Purchasing hand-carved cedar items or silver jewelry bearing the "Silver Hand" emblem guarantees that your souvenir is an authentic piece of art created by an indigenous Tlingit or Haida artist, keeping travel dollars within native communities.

Environmental conservation is supported by adopting green marine technologies. Utilizing ships that connect to local shore-power grids in ports like Seattle and Juneau reduces air emissions during layovers. Strict water discharge limits and speed restrictions in protected areas like Glacier Bay National Park protect the feeding grounds of humpback whales, satisfying environmental rules monitored by the National Park Service (NPS) and the British Columbia Ministry of Environment.

Visitor Insider Tips for Alaska Cruises

Travel specialists recommend the following practices when planning Alaska cruises:

Select the Correct Cabin Side: Book a balcony cabin on the starboard (right) side of the ship when sailing north toward Whittier, or on the port (left) side when sailing south, to secure the best views of the Inside Passage shoreline.
Arrive Early for Embarkation: When departing from Seattle’s Pier 91 or Vancouver’s Canada Place, arrive at the terminal at least three hours before departure to clear security and customs queues without stress.
Observe the Off-Peak Window: Cruise during the shoulder season months of May or September. The weather is cool, snow-dusted mountains are dramatic, mosquitoes are absent, and fares are up to 35 percent cheaper than in July and August.
Sample Regional Culinary Specialties:
- Try fresh grilled Copper River Sockeye Salmon or Alaskan King Crab legs dipped in melted butter at local port shacks.
- Taste traditional Reindeer Sausage from local street vendors in Anchorage or Juneau.
Observe Wildlife Etiquette: When taking shore excursions, maintain at least 100 yards of distance from bears and marine mammals. Never approach wildlife. In heritage hubs like Saxman Native Village in Ketchikan, respect local carvers and seek permission before photographing totem poles or craftsmen.
Wander Under-the-Radar Trails: In Ketchikan, skip busy Creek Street shops and hike the Rainbird Trail through the Tongass National Forest for a panoramic view of the harbor.

Tourism Outlook

The long-term impact of expanding itineraries and ship upgrades is the protection of remote wilderness areas through managed tourism. By spreading cruise traffic to rarely visited waterways like Nootka Sound and utilizing shore-power in urban hubs, maritime authorities aim to balance economic benefits with ecological preservation across the Pacific Northwest.

FAQ: Holland America Line 2028 Alaska Season

Which Holland America Line ships will operate in Alaska in 2028? Six ships will sail in the region: Oosterdam, Noordam, Eurodam, Koningsdam, Westerdam, and Zaandam.

What new itineraries are being introduced for 2028? New voyages include an 11-day shores and glaciers cruise from San Diego (Zaandam) and a 16-day Great Bear Rainforest voyage from Vancouver (Oosterdam).

What is Nootka Sound and where is it located? Nootka Sound is a remote, rugged waterway located on the western coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, known for its pristine wildlife habitat.

What is the benefit of the Have It All Early Booking Bonus? This package provides shore excursion credits, specialty dining options, an Elite Beverage Package, Wi-Fi, and prepaid crew appreciation credits.