Few places offer wildlife encounters quite like Alaska. From breaching humpback whales and soaring bald eagles to brown bears roaming the wilderness, Alaska is home to an extraordinary variety of wildlife – often set against some of the most spectacular scenery on earth.
In 2027, Holland America Line celebrates 80 years of exploring Alaska, bringing eight decades of experience to journeys through this remarkable destination.
Whether you're cruising through the Inside Passage, sailing past ancient glaciers or exploring Alaska's wilderness on land, a journey with Holland America Line offers countless opportunities to get closer to the wildlife that makes Alaska so unforgettable.
Whale watching in Alaska
Alaska's coastal waters are rich with marine life, making it one of the world's most exciting destinations for whale watching.
Humpback whales can be spotted throughout the cruising season, often surfacing alongside the ship or putting on an unforgettable display as they breach and feed. Depending on your itinerary and location, you may also have the chance to see orcas, sea lions and porpoises.
There's something particularly special about watching these magnificent creatures from the water, surrounded by Alaska's dramatic mountains and pristine coastline.
Bears in the wild
Alaska is home to all three North American bear species – brown bears, black bears and polar bears – although sightings depend on the region and time of year.
For many visitors, seeing a brown bear in its natural environment is a highlight of their Alaska adventure. Excursions can take you deeper into the wilderness, where you may spot bears fishing for salmon or exploring the forests and rivers.
Rather than simply seeing Alaska's wildlife from a distance, these experiences offer a glimpse into the natural world that makes the state so unique.
Bald eagles and spectacular birdlife
Keep looking upwards and you may spot another of Alaska's iconic residents.
Bald eagles are widespread throughout the state and are particularly associated with Alaska's coastal regions and waterways. Their striking white heads and impressive wingspans make them difficult to miss when soaring above the landscape.
Alaska is also home to a remarkable variety of other birdlife, from puffins and seabirds along the coast to birds of prey across its forests and mountains.
Wildlife and glaciers: a spectacular combination
One of the joys of exploring Alaska by cruise is the opportunity to experience wildlife alongside some of the destination's most extraordinary scenery.
Sailing through the Inside Passage, guests can watch for whales and eagles while surrounded by forest-covered islands and snow-capped mountains.
Further north, cruising near Alaska's glaciers brings another sense of wonder. Towering walls of ice, pristine wilderness and the possibility of spotting marine wildlife create an experience that feels completely removed from everyday life.
See more of Alaska by land and sea
For those who want to experience even more of Alaska's wildlife and wilderness, combining a cruise with a land adventure offers the best of both worlds.
Travel inland to discover Alaska's spectacular landscapes and national parks before boarding Holland America Line and sailing along the coast.
A land and sea itinerary can take you from the vast wilderness around Denali to the dramatic waterways of the Inside Passage, giving you more opportunities to experience Alaska's landscapes and wildlife from different perspectives.
80 years of Alaska expertise
In 2027, Holland America Line celebrates eight decades of exploring Alaska. That depth of experience means guests can discover the destination through a cruise designed around the landscapes, wildlife and communities that make Alaska so special. From watching whales breach alongside the ship to spotting bald eagles above the coastline, every day can bring a new wildlife encounter.
Ready to experience Alaska's wild side?
Let First Class Holidays help you create your perfect Alaska adventure, combining a Holland America Line cruise with a tailormade land journey for an unforgettable experience of Alaska's wildlife and wilderness. Start planning your Alaska adventure with First Class Holidays.
