Cruise Ship in Alaska
A Journey of History, Storytelling, & Discovery
May 17 - 27, 2026

Spend 10 unforgettable days exploring the wild beauty and living history of Alaska—from the glacier-carved waterways of the Inside Passage to the rugged peaks of Denali. Your journey begins with a breathtaking cruise from Vancouver, sailing through Glacier Bay and College Fjord, before traveling inland by rail to the heart of Alaska’s wilderness.

This isn’t just any cruise tour—it’s a mother-daughter experience led by travel advisor Dawn Garvey of DMG Travel Escapes LLC and historian Melanie Garvey, combining expert travel planning with vivid storytelling that brings Alaska’s frontier past to life. With Holland America handling the smooth sailing and seamless logistics, you’ll enjoy a relaxed, immersive way to experience “The Last Frontier.”

Map of the Itinerary
Itinerary Highlights
& What to expect


  •  7-day Holland America cruise from Vancouver through the breathtaking Inside Passage, featuring scenic cruising in Glacier Bay and College Fjord
  •  Glass-domed rail journey on the McKinley Explorer, soaking in dramatic landscapes from sea level to subarctic
  •  2 nights in Denali, including time to explore the park and a guided Tundra Wilderness Tour for wildlife spotting
  •  Overland transfer to Fairbanks, where gold rush history meets northern hospitality
  • Onboard and onshore storytelling and fun from historian Melanie Garvey, adding meaning to every mile


The Essentials

Pricing, Inclusions & More

Trip Details

Inside Room from $2604pp double occupancy

Outside Room from $3034pp double occupancy

Balcony Room from $3664pp double occupancy

Neptune Suite from $4814pp double occupancy

💳 Deposit: $600 per person due at time of booking
 💰 Final payment due: February 1, 2026 


What’s Included:

  • 7-night Holland America cruise from Vancouver, featuring scenic cruising through the Inside Passage, Glacier Bay, and College Fjord
  • Rail journey to Denali in a glass-domed railcar with panoramic views
  • 2 nights at Holland America’s Denali Lodge, nestled near the national park entrance
  • 1 night in Fairbanks, Alaska’s Golden Heart City
  • Tundra Wilderness Tour in Denali National Park (tour length and distance may vary due to park conditions)
  • Transportation and luggage transfers as outlined in the itinerary
  • Hotel accommodations during the land portion of your cruisetour 
  •  Services of Holland America Line representatives throughout the land portion

What’s Not Included

  • Airfare to/from your departure and return cities 
  • Transfers to/from the airport in Vancouver and Fairbanks
  • Meals during the land portion
  • Gratuities for cruise and land staff 
  • Optional excursions and upgrades, such as Denali Lodge suite upgrades
  • Travel insurance (optional, but strongly recommended)
  •  Onboard extras, including specialty dining, drinks, spa treatments, and Wi-Fi packages

✈️ About Airfare:
Airfare can be arranged through Holland America for a seamless, coordinated travel experience from start to finish. However, you're also welcome to book your flights independently—especially if you're using points, vouchers, or have specific preferences. The choice is yours! 

🛡️ About Travel Protection:
While not required, travel protection is strongly recommended for peace of mind. I suggest considering a third-party policy, which can offer broader coverage across all components of your trip—not just the cruise. I’ll be sending you a link where you can review coverage options and purchase directly if you choose.