Cruising to Denali: What I Learned on an Alaska Land Tour

After several Alaska cruises, I finally experienced a full land-and-sea adventure with Holland America Line’s Denali Cruisetour—and it offered a deeper, more immersive view of the state’s vast wilderness.

The journey began with a 7-night cruise aboard Nieuw Amsterdam, sailing from Vancouver with stops in Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and scenic cruising in Glacier Bay and College Fjord. After disembarking in Whittier, we boarded the McKinley Explorer domed railcar to Denali, an eight-hour ride featuring panoramic views, meals onboard, and insightful narration.

Upon arrival, we settled into Holland America’s Denali Lodge, nestled along the Nenana River. The expansive campus includes Denali Square, where guests enjoy Alaskan comfort food at Karsten’s Public House and upscale fare at the Canyon Ridge Grill. There’s even a dinner theater featuring musical storytelling and local cuisine.

Highlights included the Tundra Wilderness Tour, a five-hour narrated bus ride into Denali National Park. Though visibility of Mount Denali can be rare, we were lucky to catch a glimpse. Wildlife sightings included Dall sheep, caribou, and moose.

The lodge also offers activities like zip-lining, ATV rides, and dog mushing. After three nights, we traveled by motorcoach to Anchorage, stopping for lunch en route and capping the trip with a local trolley tour.

Combining Alaska’s coastal wonders with the majestic interior, this land-and-sea itinerary offers the ideal balance for travelers of all ages and interests. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or a first-time visitor, Holland America’s Denali Cruisetour provides a rich, unforgettable Alaskan experience.

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