Planning An Alaska Land Tour? What Holland America’s Denali Lodge Expansion Means For You

In almost every survey asking Americans what their dream Alaska cruise experience looks like it, it involves a component focused on exploring the interior as well. Whether that's a bucket-list train ride like Skagway's White Pass Railway or a stay at Holland America Line's Denali Lodge - Alaska is a massive state that beckons visitors to do more than explore at arm's length from the edge of the ocean. As our favorite cruise line in Alaska, HAL has always been a leader in this space, and now they are working on a $70 million dollar upgrade and expansion of Denali Lodge to make it even better. Let's take a look at this expansion and what guests planning an Alaska cruise can expect when it is completed for the 2027 Alaska cruise season.

While Alaska's natural wonders have always drawn adventure seekers, the upcoming expansion of Holland America's Denali Lodge promises to transform the way you'll experience the Last Frontier. Starting in 2025, you'll uncover improved riverside interpretive trails and scenic viewpoints that'll make your connection with nature even more meaningful. The lodge's restaurants are getting a menu makeover too, ensuring you'll savor every bite while taking in those breathtaking mountain views. Wildlife viewing will be elevated with expert onboard announcements from morning until evening. The upcoming renovation brings enhanced guest wayfinding throughout the property to help visitors navigate their surroundings with ease, and you'll also have opportunities to spot unique wildlife as you explore the area.

What The Denali Lodge Expansion Means For You

Holland America Line always offers fantastic service and that's why we love to spend our money with them (and encourage our clients to do so as well!). With that said, there are going to be a lot of questions about what this new upgrade and expansion process will entail. Let's take a look at some things that guests for 2025 and beyond can expect that may impact their Alaska land and sea vacation experience.

For Guests Planning a Cruise with a Denali Lodge Visit in Summer 2025:

If you're visiting Denali Lodge in the next two summers, you'll benefit from early upgrades. In 2025, you'll experience improved wayfinding signage, refreshed public spaces, and upgraded dining options with enhanced menu offerings. The riverside interpretive trails and scenic viewpoints will be ready for exploration, making your time at the lodge even more immersive. By 2026, newly remodeled rooms will be available, and you'll have access to a brand-new coffee shop, perfect for starting your mornings with a fresh brew. Karstens Public House will also have expanded seating, offering more space to relax and share stories from your Alaskan adventures.

For Guests Visiting During Construction in 2026:

Holland America is phasing the construction to minimize disruption to visitors. Most of the enhancements will be completed in sections, ensuring the lodge remains fully operational. While certain areas may be under renovation, alternative amenities and guest services will be available to ensure a comfortable stay. If you're traveling in 2026, expect some ongoing work as the new guest-room building and main lodge upgrades begin, but the majority of the lodge’s facilities, including dining and outdoor spaces, will remain accessible.

For Guests Planning a 2027 Alaska Cruise Tour Vacation:

By 2027, the full expansion will be complete, making Denali Lodge an even more luxurious and comfortable stop on your land-and-sea adventure. You’ll have the option to book one of 120 new suites or standard rooms in the brand-new guest-room building. The main lodge will feature a fresh new restaurant concept, a stylish lobby bar, and an upgraded coffee experience. These enhancements will elevate your stay, providing more dining, relaxation, and wildlife-viewing opportunities in the heart of Alaska. If you’re looking for the most enhanced and modernized experience, 2027 and beyond will be the ideal time to visit.

Whether you're visiting before, during, or after the renovations, the expansion promises a better Denali experience, blending adventure with upgraded comfort and convenience.

You'll love what's coming in 2026 when 48 rooms at the Holland America Denali Lodge undergo a complete transformation. Coffee enthusiasts will rejoice at the new coffee shop, while the remodeled Karstens Public House will offer expanded indoor and outdoor seating - perfect for swapping stories with fellow travelers about your day's adventures.

The most exciting changes arrive in 2027 with the addition of 120 new suites and standard rooms in a brand-new building. The main lodge will feature a fresh restaurant concept, a welcoming lobby bar, and an improved coffee experience that'll make your mornings even more memorable. These improvements aren't just about comfort - they're about creating spaces where you can truly feel part of the Alaska experience.

When planning your Alaska vacation, you'll have over 17 different itineraries to choose from that combine cruise and land experiences. Imagine stepping off your ship and heading straight to your Denali hotel room the same day, or riding the iconic McKinley Explorer train through some of the most spectacular scenery on Earth. You'll even have chances to spot wildlife with expert guides, both on board and at nearly 180 animal sanctuaries along the way.

The expansion reflects Holland America's commitment to excellence, which hasn't gone unnoticed. They've consistently earned top honors from Porthole Cruise Magazine, AFAR Travelers' Choice Awards, and Cruise Critic for their Alaska adventures. When USA Today's readers vote you among the best in Alaska cruising, you know you're in good hands.

As you think about Alaska cruises and land vacations, timing is everything. The phased expansion means you'll want to think about which new amenities will be available during your visit. If you're a coffee lover, maybe you'll time your trip for after the new coffee shop opens in 2026.

Or if you're dreaming of staying in one of those new suites, you'll want to plan for 2027 or beyond. Whatever you choose, you'll be part of a community of travelers experiencing Alaska in a whole new way, with all the comfort and style these improvements bring to the already spectacular Denali experience.

Alaska by Land & Sea: Where Wilderness Meets Luxury

The transformation of Holland America's Denali Lodge exemplifies the evolving landscape of West Coast cruise experiences. 

The $70 million expansion sets a new standard for land-and-sea adventures, suggesting a shift toward more sophisticated, culturally rich experiences throughout the Alaska cruise market. Whether you seek the raw beauty of Alaska's interior or the refined pleasures of Pacific Northwest wine country, today's West Coast voyages demand expert curation and Holland America Line is ready to bring that to travelers looking for a great vacation experience.

For your personalized West Coast cruise adventure, please contact Heather Hills from Flow Voyages. Her intimate knowledge of Alaska's wilderness, Pacific Coast wine regions, and Baja Mexico's coastal treasures ensures your journey captures the precise blend of exploration and luxury you desire. Contact Heather via our form to Book A Cruise to begin crafting your distinctive coastal experience.

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Written by: James Hills

Pro-BloggerExpert BloggerThought Leader

James is an avid fan of all types of cruising but especially enjoys exploring the Pacific coastal regions since it perfectly captures the elements that he is passionate about, including natural beauty, conservation, opportunities to explore new cultures, and meeting some fantastic new people too.