Exploring Alaska and the Yukon With Holland America Line

Moose and caribou and bears, oh my! On a Holland America Line (HAL) Land + Sea Journey, clients will see it all — and then some.

Starting out on HAL’s Nieuw Amsterdam ship from Vancouver, British Columbia, we embarked on the brand’s 13-day Yukon + Triple DeNali voyage, which includes a land-only journey with stops in Skagway, Fairbanks and Denali National Park in Alaska, along with the towns of Whitehorse and Dawson in Canada’s Yukon.

For those used to weeklong (or longer) sailings in Alaska, it may feel strange getting off the ship in Skagway after only three nights of cruising. But I found this to be one of the trip’s best moments: I was able to watch the cruise ships depart in the evening, as well as catch a rare glimpse of the quiet gold rush town at its sleepiest.

Cruisers should also be aware that a Land + Sea Journey is more of an expedition than a typically relaxing cruise. Bags must be packed and unpacked frequently while shoreside, but the HAL team does a great job of conveniently delivering luggage and picking them up right at the hotel room. And, given the beauty of what travelers have the chance to see and do on this itinerary, I found that any “roughing it” was certainly rewarded. Here’s what else to expect.

Accommodations, Transportation and Tours
On-land accommodations are hosted at the line’s own Westmark Hotels, which feel like motel-grade properties compared to the ship, but are sufficient for the one to three nights of rest at every stop. Plus, those who add a meal plan will find that the on-site breakfasts, lunches and dinners are hearty.

Clients should also be prepared for many modes of transportation throughout the trip. The White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad will take guests to Fraser, where they will then board a motorcoach to Whitehorse. Meanwhile, a private jet charter transfers guests from Dawson to Fairbanks and, during the last leg of the tour, HAL’s McKinley Explorer dome cars are pulled by the Alaska Railroad from Denali to Anchorage. Even with good commentary and frequent breaks, I found some of the motorcoach rides to be long and laborious, while the expedited plane and train rides were more enjoyable. And, throughout the entire trip, an expert Journey Host seamlessly guided us every step of the way.

Many tours on HAL’s Land + Sea Journeys are complimentary for clients, including a paddlewheel river cruise onboard Klondike Spirit in Dawson; a visit to Gold Dredge 8 in Fairbanks; and the Tundra Wilderness Tour at Denali National Park. (Premium tours are available for purchase.) Other itinerary highlights include seeing dozens of trained sled dogs on their home turf in Whitehorse and discovering where gold was first discovered in the Yukon in Dawson.

Denali National Park
The cream of the crop during the tour is undoubtedly Denali National Park, where guests will spend their final three nights at McKinley Chalet Resort, HAL’s incredible in-park lodge (also a member of Westmark Hotels). The property far surpasses the other hotels with its newly opened Junior Suite accommodations.

A total of 54 sizable Junior Suites are richly adorned in contemporary, rustic decor and come complete with balconies, comfortable beds, separate sitting areas, vanity desks, flat-panel televisions and luxurious bathrooms. If clients are hungry, the nearby Lynx Creek Pizza & Pub delivers mouthwatering pies and Alaskan Brewing Company beers.

From McKinley’s Ridge View building, Denali Square — the resort’s retail and dining complex — is just a stone throw’s away. In its center, Karstens Public House hosts a warm restaurant, a bar and a Starbucks. Guests can also opt to shop for local wares at various retail spaces, or toast s’mores in the outdoor fire pits. The Gold Nugget Saloon, meanwhile, features live guitar tunes and hosts a “Music of Denali” dinner theater, where tasty homestyle meals are presented family-style.

Denali is also where clients are likely to spot wildlife, especially during the included bus ride into the heart of the protected land. We saw a menagerie of caribou, moose, red foxes and grizzly bears.

Due to atmospheric conditions, only 30% of visitors actually get to see the namesake Denali mountain, but there is one way to ensure a viewing: optional flightseeing tours rise above the clouds that often shroud the range, giving an uninterrupted view of the mountain’s glorious peak. (Or, for those who prefer to stay on the ground, an ATV ride is one of several alternative adventures.)

No matter what clients choose to do on their extensive Land + Sea Journey, HAL does a fine job of comfortably arranging it — while resplendent Alaska and the Yukon naturally take care of the rest.

Note: Remind travelers to carry valid passports with them at all times, as this route covers both the U.S. and Canada.

The Details
Holland America Line
www.hollandamerica.com