The Great Land Discovery: A Hosted Adventure with Denise & David Karnes
Join Travel Expert Denise Karnes and Special Guest Host, Weatherman David Karnes, for a Personally Hosted Journey into the Heart of the Last Frontier
June 27 to July 4, 2026 | Aboard Holland America's Nieuw Amsterdam | Roundtrip from Vancouver
Answer the call of the wild on an unforgettable journey to Alaska, a land of towering glaciers, pristine fjords, and dramatic, ever-changing skies. Aboard the elegant Nieuw Amsterdam, you will experience the perfect blend of classic cruising and modern luxury. This is more than a vacation; it is a seamless, personally hosted adventure with an exclusive twist. Join travel expert Denise Karnes and her husband, beloved local weatherman David Karnes, for an unparalleled exploration of America's Last Frontier.
Meet Your Expert Hosts: Denise & David Karnes
Your Dedicated Travel Expert
With years of experience crafting flawless travel experiences, Denise is your personal concierge for this voyage. She handles all the complex logistics, from pre-cruise planning to daily life on board, ensuring your journey is completely seamless and stress-free. As your dedicated travel advocate, Denise is there to manage every detail so you can relax and immerse yourself in the adventure.
Your Special Guest & Weather Insider
Get ready for a truly unique perspective on Alaska with your favorite local weatherman, David Karnes! As Chief Meteorologist for Local 3 News, David has spent his career on the front lines of nature's most dramatic events, from covering Hurricane Charley as it moved ashore in Florida to tracking tropical storms in Arizona. Now, he's bringing his passion for science and storytelling to our voyage. Imagine having your own expert on deck to offer fascinating insights into the forces that carved Alaska's glaciers and the unique weather that makes the Last Frontier so magical. When he's not on the air, David has been happily married to your travel host, Denise, for over 30 years. His engaging personality shines through in everything he does, from spending time with his family to directing a local high school theater group, making him the perfect co-host for this one-of-a-kind adventure.
The Hosted Difference: Two Experts, One Unforgettable Journey
Traveling with hosts is like having a superb dinner party host ensuring you have a fantastic time. With Denise and David, you get two! This journey includes exclusive, private events just for our group, including a Welcome Aboard Cocktail Reception and a complimentary Ensemble Experience Shore Event. It's a chance to connect with like-minded travelers and your special hosts in a relaxed setting. Denise ensures your travel is seamless, while David provides entertainment and insights no other guide can offer. Together, they create a warm, social, and secure environment for the ultimate Alaskan experience.
The Holland America Experience: A Legacy of Timeless Travel
For 150 years, Holland America Line has been a leader in classic ocean travel. Onboard the Nieuw Amsterdam, you'll discover a ship that is spacious and comfortable, with award-winning service and exquisite dining. Days are filled with enrichment, from live music in the Rolling Stone Lounge and Billboard Onboard to regionally inspired culinary demonstrations. This is the art of leisurely travel, perfected.
The Ship: Nieuw Amsterdam
Step aboard Holland America's Nieuw Amsterdam, where modern elegance meets timeless nautical tradition. This Signature-class ship offers everything you need for both adventure and relaxation.
Complimentary Dining Options (Included)
The Dining Room
Elegant multi-course meals with ever-changing menus.
Lido Market
International cuisine served buffet-style.
Dive-In
Fresh gourmet burgers and fries.
New York Pizza & Deli
Hand-tossed pizzas and deli sandwiches.
24-Hour In-Room Dining
Complimentary anytime.
Specialty Dining (Additional Cost)
Pinnacle Grill
Premium steak and seafood
$39–$49 ppCanaletto
Italian favorites served family-style
$19 ppTamarind
Exquisite Pan-Asian cuisine
$25 ppRudi's Sel de Mer
French brasserie-style seafood
$49 ppGrand Dutch Café
Dutch snacks, specialty coffee & beer
à la carteEntertainment Everywhere
Included Entertainment:
BB King's Blues Club – Soulful live blues
Lincoln Center Stage – Chamber music and classical concerts
World Stage – Immersive theater productions
Rolling Stone Rock Room – Rock hits performed live
Billboard Onboard – Dual-piano chart-toppers
Nightlife & Lounges:
Ocean Bar, Crow's Nest, Explorers' Lounge, and Notes Whiskey Bar.
Relax & Recharge
Greenhouse Spa & Salon – Massages, facials & pampering treatments
Thermal Suite – Heated loungers, hydrotherapy pool, steam & aroma rooms
Fitness Center – Cardio, weights, and personal training options
Wellness Classes – Yoga, Pilates, cycling (optional cost)
Enrichment Opportunities
Culinary Arts Center – Hands-on cooking classes
Wine Tastings & Mixology Workshops – Learn from experts
Explorations Central (EXC) – Alaska-focused lectures & cultural programs
Daily Activities – Trivia, games, and interactive experiences
The Nieuw Amsterdam is the perfect floating retreat for discovering Alaska in style.
The Alaskan Itinerary
Your journey takes you deep into the heart of Alaska's beauty and culture, all from the comfort of the Nieuw Amsterdam.
Vancouver, B.C.
Embark on your Alaskan adventure from this vibrant coastal city
Scenic Cruising the Inside Passage
Marvel at pristine wilderness and towering mountains as you sail through protected waterways
Juneau, Alaska
Journey to the magnificent Mendenhall Glacier, a 13-mile-long river of ice, and watch for humpback whales breaching in the nutrient-rich waters of the Inside Passage
Skagway, Alaska
Step back in time to the Klondike Gold Rush era and experience breathtaking mountain scenery via the historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad
Glacier Bay National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is a day of pure scenic immersion. Witness glaciers calve massive icebergs into the sea as Park Rangers provide expert commentary from the ship
Ketchikan, Alaska
Discover the 'Salmon Capital of the World,' where you can explore the world's largest collection of standing totem poles and wander the historic, stilted boardwalks of Creek Street
Scenic Cruising the Inside Passage
Enjoy your final day surrounded by Alaska's stunning coastal scenery and wildlife
Vancouver, B.C.
Disembark with memories to last a lifetime
Suites & Staterooms
Choose the perfect retreat to suit your style and comfort, each with thoughtful amenities and Holland America's signature touches.
Interior
A comfortable and stylish sanctuary, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploration.
Two beds convert to queen
Private bathroom with shower
Sitting area & daily housekeeping
Ocean View
Enjoy the stunning Alaskan scenery through a large picture window.
All Interior amenities, plus:
Large window with natural light
Scenic views right from your room
Verandah (Balcony)
Your own private outdoor space to sip morning coffee while watching for whales or marveling at glaciers. Booking this category or higher includes exclusive Ensemble amenities.
All Ocean View amenities, plus:
Private balcony with seating
Floor-to-ceiling windows for panoramic views
Suites
The pinnacle of luxury, offering expansive accommodations, a private verandah, and exclusive access to the Neptune Lounge and concierge services.
Spacious accommodations with separate living areas
Private veranda with premium outdoor furniture
Neptune Lounge access with continental breakfast & hors d'oeuvres
Concierge service and priority boarding & dining
Ship Resources & Information
Explore detailed information about your home away from home.
Deck Plans
Explore the detailed layout of the Nieuw Amsterdam with comprehensive deck plans showing all facilities, dining venues, entertainment spaces, and stateroom locations.
View Deck PlansPremium Suites & Cabin Enhancements
Discover how to enhance your cruise experience with Premium Suites and exclusive cabin amenities. Learn about upgrade options and special perks available for your Alaska journey.
View Premium Suite OptionsReady to Discover Alaska in Style?
Join Denise and David Karnes for this unforgettable Alaska adventure aboard Holland America's elegant Nieuw Amsterdam.