As Holland America’s 2026 Alaska season ends, the cruise line is looking ahead to next summer’s milestone season celebrating 80 years of exploring the Great Land. For eight decades, Holland America has built a depth of knowledge in Alaska, helping shape an experience that brings the destination to life both on board and ashore. That expertise gives guests more ways to see Alaska’s wildlife and witness its glaciers than any other cruise line, from immersive wilderness exploration to signature glacier-viewing.
That deep Alaska knowledge comes through in the details of the journey, from fresh, local seafood served on every Alaska sailing to stays at Holland America Denali Lodge and the only opportunity to combine a cruise with a visit to the Yukon. Holland America has been connected to Alaska since before it was a state, and that relationship continues not only through its cruises and overland tours, but with support for the communities it visits.
Margerie Glacier, Alaska on our Holland America Line cruise. JIM BYERS PHOTO
“Alaska has been an important part of Holland America Line’s story for nearly 80 years, and we’re already preparing to mark this milestone following a successful 2026 season,” said Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line. “Our decades of experience in Alaska give us a deep understanding of what makes this destination so special, and that knowledge helps us create experiences that allow our guests to connect with the state in meaningful ways.”
Holland America will make its 80th year exploring Alaska one to remember, with six ships sailing from Seattle, Vancouver, and Whittier, Alaska, from April through September 2027: Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Westerdam and Zaandam. To mark the anniversary, guests can look forward to new ways to discover Alaska with new itineraries, exclusive celebrations, special culinary moments, and enrichment and entertainment experiences commemorating the milestone.
Next season Holland America also will debut a significant addition to Holland America Denali Lodge with the opening of new guest accommodations as part of a broader enhancement and expansion of the line’s property at the doorstep of Denali National Park and Preserve.
MORE FLIGHTS TO BARBADOS FOR CANADIANS
Brand new nonstop flights to Barbados from Montréal (Air Transat) and Halifax (Air Canada) provide opportunities for Canadian travellers this winter. This news provides a clear reason to motivate Canadians to explore the fresh fish, fine pastry and everything in between on a culinary escape to Barbados.
As the island nation looks forward to its annual Food and Rum Festival this November, it’s high time to remind travellers why Barbados is the culinary capital of the Caribbean. The event kicks off with an evening street party, dubbed “Oistins Under the Stars,” followed by four signature events:
- Day 2: A host of local and international chef demos; last year included Chef Jae-Anthony Dougan Holder, a Top Chef Canada contestant, who has restaurants in both Montreal and Ottawa.
- Day 3: Participants can join the Rum Route, a rum shop and distillery crawl.
- Day 4: Start at 4:00am with an energizing sunrise breakfast celebration.
- Day 5: Attend a glitzy formal event, the Liquid Gold Feast, with gourmet food and bespoke cocktails.
Beyond the festival, the island invites travellers to experience its flavours firsthand in more intimate ways throughout the year.
One of the most illustrative ways to share this story is through the new Dine With a Bajan experience, where visitors book a home cooking and dining event with locals. The program offers unique culinary events that can’t be found in any guidebook. Not only will Canadians be able to sample traditional dishes, but they’ll connect directly with a local Bajan to create a relationship and exchange cultures in delicious new ways.
A fine pavlova dessert at Oro, located at the O2 Beach Club and Spa in Barbados. JIM BYERS PHOTO
Other experiences include Haymans Market, opened in 2024, the newest market experience in Barbados with local shops and food merchants providing a dose of local flavour. Visitors also need to know about Oistins Fish Fry. By day Oistins is an iconic hub for food vendors and fresh fish, while Friday evenings come alive with dancing and music.
I’ve been to the island at least five times and have thoroughly enjoyed it every time. The food is excellent, and the beaches and resorts perhaps even better.
BEAUTIFUL BELIZE ALSO ADDS FLIGHTS
Canadians also can get to Belize more easily in 2027 with new nonstop service from Winnipeg to Belize City launching this December from WestJet, adding another direct Canadian gateway to Belize alongside Toronto and Calgary and making the destination even more accessible for Canadian travellers.
Belize is known for its dreamy, blue water. Meritt Thomas/Unsplash Photo
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Caye Chapel opens in 2027, debuting the brand in Belize on a private island alongside the Belize Barrier Reef. The development will feature overwater accommodations, an 18-hole Greg Norman-designed championship golf course, marina and Fabien Cousteau Adventure Center. Duna Beach Resort opens in early 2027 with a new 45-unit beachfront property in Hopkins Village. The Banks Resort will unveil its Phase II expansion in early 2027, adding one-bedroom suites and two- and three-bedroom villas surrounded by rainforest and the Sibun River.
