Holland America opens 2028 Alaska season, Oosterdam to debut upgrades

Holland America Line has opened bookings for its 2028 Alaska season, which will feature six ships, new itineraries and scenic cruising experiences, as well as the Alaska debut of a reimagined Oosterdam.

The 2028 program includes cruises ranging from seven to 18 days aboard Oosterdam, Noordam, Eurodam, Koningsdam, Westerdam and Zaandam.

Sailings will operate roundtrip from Vancouver and Seattle, between Vancouver and Whittier, and on a new itinerary from San Diego to Vancouver.

"What has always set Holland America Line apart in Alaska is our ability to combine the iconic experiences guests dream about with opportunities to see the destination in ways they haven't before," said Paul Grigsby, vice president of revenue planning and deployment for Holland America Line, in a press release.

"Our 2028 season reflects that approach, pairing the Alaska highlights guests expect with a collection of distinctive experiences, from rare itineraries and lesser-traveled waterways to new ways of enjoying the journey on board. It's a season designed to give guests an even deeper connection to Alaska."

Oosterdam heads north after transformation

One of the bigger developments for 2028 will be the arrival of Oosterdam following its Holland America Evolution transformation, part of what the cruise line calls the largest fleet investment in its 153-year history.

Oosterdam will be the first ship to debut the Evolution upgrades and will also serve as Holland America’s primary ship for Alaska Cruisetours, which combine cruising with overland exploration of Denali and the Yukon.

Details and availability for 2028 Cruisetours will be announced later.

Changes aboard Oosterdam will include purpose-built Solo Verandah staterooms, new Bridgeview Suites offering panoramic forward-facing views and the addition of Grand Dutch Café.

Staterooms, suites and other guest areas will also be refreshed, with enhancements inspired by Holland America’s Pinnacle Class ships.

Nootka Sound added

The 2028 season will also mark the first time Holland America includes scenic cruising through Nootka Sound on select Great Alaska Explorer and Great Bear Rainforest voyages.

Located on the west coast of Vancouver Island, the remote waterway is less commonly featured on ocean cruise itineraries and is known for its rugged coastline and forested shores.

Among the season's new voyages is an 11-day California to Alaska: Shores, Fjords & Glaciers sailing aboard Zaandam, departing San Diego for Vancouver on April 29, 2028. The itinerary includes Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, Juneau, Ketchikan, Wrangell, Klawock and Prince Rupert.

Oosterdam will also operate a new 16-day Great Bear Rainforest & Alaska Explorer voyage roundtrip from Vancouver on April 28, 2028, visiting destinations including Prince Rupert, Kodiak, Anchorage and Valdez, with scenic cruising through Johnstone Strait, Grenville Channel and Princess Royal Channel.

Holland America will continue offering its core seven-day Alaska programs, including Glacier Discovery cruises between Vancouver and Whittier and Inside Passage voyages roundtrip from Vancouver.

For a limited time, select 2028 Alaska bookings are eligible for Holland America Line's Have It All Early Booking Bonus, which includes shore excursion credit, specialty dining, an Elite Beverage Package, premium Wi-Fi, prepaid Crew Appreciation and the cruise line's Best Price Guarantee.

Don't miss a single travel story: subscribe to PAX today!  Click here to follow PAX on Facebook.