We're Donovan and Brianna — your hosts for this unforgettable Alaska adventure.

We're seasoned travelers, cruise enthusiasts, and the team behind E-L-K Travel Co. Between the two of us, we've sailed on more than 40 cruises and explored destinations across the globe. But Alaska? Alaska is something special. The towering glaciers, the wildlife encounters that take your breath away, the raw beauty of Denali National Park — this is the kind of destination that changes you.

Now we're inviting you to experience it with us.

When you join one of our group sailings, you're not just booking a cruise tour — you're becoming part of our travel family. We'll be there from the moment you start planning, sharing insider tips and local insights to help you make the most of every moment. We'll help you feel confident before you arrive, show you what not to miss at each stop, and create those spontaneous moments that become your favorite memories.

Expect a warm, welcoming vibe. Exclusive perks and surprises along the way. Group gatherings where strangers become friends. And two hosts who genuinely care about making your voyage seamless and spectacular from start to finish.

This is Alaska the way it's meant to be experienced — together, with people who love travel as much as you do and can't wait to share this journey with you.

Ready to join us?

We're taking you to the Last Frontier.

This is the Alaska journey we've been waiting to share — 10 unforgettable days combining the rugged wilderness of the interior with a stunning glacier cruise along the Inside Passage. This isn't just a cruise. It's the ultimate Alaska experience, where you'll stand in the shadow of North America's tallest peak, ride a glass-domed train through untamed wilderness, and cruise past glaciers that have been carving these waters for thousands of years.

Here's where we're going together:

We'll start in Fairbanks, Alaska's golden heart, where we'll board a sternwheeler for an authentic riverboat journey and get our first taste of frontier life. Then we head to Denali National Park — six million acres of raw, wild Alaska. We're talking grizzly bears, caribou, and if we're lucky, Denali herself towering at 20,310 feet. The Tundra Wilderness Tour takes us deep into the park where most people never go.

Next? The train ride of a lifetime.

The glass-domed McKinley Explorer wraps you in panoramic views as we wind through river valleys and mountain passes southbound to the coast. Every seat is a window seat, and trust us — you won't want to look away.

Then we board the Nieuw Amsterdam for seven days of glacier magic. Glacier Bay National Park. Hubbard Glacier — a river of ice nearly 7 miles wide that calves icebergs right in front of you. Charming ports like Sitka, Juneau, and Ketchikan, where Alaska's character comes alive. And those Inside Passage views? Endless forests, snow-capped peaks, and waters so calm they mirror the sky.

This is the Alaska trip. The one that reminds you how small you are and how big the world is. The one where every day brings something you've never seen before.

We're hosting. You're invited. Let's head north together.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 — Fairbanks, Alaska Your Alaska adventure begins in Fairbanks, the Golden Heart City. After arriving, we'll board the authentic sternwheeler Riverboat Discovery for a journey into Alaska's frontier past. Watch a bush pilot demonstration, visit a Chena Indian Village, and get your first glimpse of the wild landscape that defines this place. Tonight, rest up at your Fairbanks hotel — tomorrow, we head into the wilderness.

Day 2 — Fairbanks to Denali National Park This morning we travel to Denali National Park, one of the world's last true wilderness areas. Check into the Holland America McKinley Chalet Resort, your home for the next two nights. The views? Unreal. If the weather cooperates, you'll see Denali herself — North America's tallest peak at 20,310 feet — dominating the horizon. Settle in and get ready for tomorrow's adventure.

Day 3 — Denali National Park: Tundra Wilderness Tour Today is what Alaska dreams are made of. The Tundra Wilderness Tour takes us deep into Denali National Park — we're talking 53 miles into backcountry where most visitors never go. Grizzly bears, caribou, Dall sheep, moose, and if we're lucky, wolves. Your naturalist guide will help spot wildlife as we wind through tundra, river valleys, and mountain passes. This is raw Alaska, and it's spectacular. Tonight, swap stories over dinner about what you saw.

Day 4 — Denali to Whittier: McKinley Explorer Train & Embarkation Get ready for one of the most scenic train rides on Earth. The glass-domed McKinley Explorer wraps you in 360-degree views as we journey south through the Alaska wilderness. River gorges. Mountain peaks. Forests that stretch forever. Every seat is a front-row seat. We'll arrive in Whittier, where the stunning Nieuw Amsterdam awaits. Board the ship, get settled, and let the glacier adventure begin.

Day 5 — Hubbard Glacier (Scenic Cruising) Welcome to one of Alaska's greatest natural wonders. Hubbard Glacier is a monster — nearly 7 miles wide and 400 feet tall at its face. The ship gets close (like, really close), and when chunks of ancient ice calve off and crash into the water, you'll feel it. Bundle up, grab your camera, and prepare to be humbled by nature. This is the Alaska you came for.

Day 6 — Glacier Bay National Park (Scenic Cruising) All day in Glacier Bay National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most pristine marine wilderness areas in the world. We'll cruise past tidewater glaciers, watch for humpback whales breaching, and spot sea otters floating on their backs. A National Park Ranger will join us on board to share insights. Stay on deck. You won't want to miss a minute.

Day 7 — Skagway, Alaska
7:00 AM – 8:30 PM Step back into the gold rush era in Skagway, where wooden boardwalks and historic buildings line the streets. This tiny town exploded during the Klondike Gold Rush, and that spirit is still alive. Ride the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad for some of the most dramatic scenery you'll ever see, explore the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, or browse the quirky shops on Broadway. With an evening departure, you've got all day to soak it in.

Day 8 — Juneau, Alaska
7:00 AM – 4:00 PM Alaska's capital is only accessible by boat or plane — no roads in or out. That tells you something. Explore the charming downtown, ride the Mount Roberts Tramway for jaw-dropping views, or book an excursion to Mendenhall Glacier. Feeling bold? A helicopter tour to a glacier for a dog sledding experience is unforgettable. Don't miss the chance to see where Alaska's government meets its wilderness.

Day 9 — Ketchikan, Alaska
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Our final Alaskan port is the "Salmon Capital of the World." Ketchikan's Creek Street — built on stilts over the water — is full of character, galleries, and shops. Don't miss Totem Bight State Park or Saxman Native Village to see some of the world's finest totem pole collections. With an afternoon to explore, there's time to grab some smoked salmon and find that perfect Alaskan souvenir.

Day 10 — Inside Passage (Scenic Cruising) & Arrival in Vancouver Spend the morning soaking in the beauty of the Inside Passage. Forested islands. Calm, glassy waters. Mountain peaks rising straight from the sea. Relax on deck with a coffee, reflect on the incredible journey, and swap contact info with new friends. We arrive in beautiful Vancouver in the afternoon, where your Alaska adventure comes to an end. Disembark with a camera full of glacier photos, a heart full of memories, and stories you'll be telling for years. This was Alaska — wild, beautiful, and unforgettable. And you experienced it with us.

Elegant. Refined. Built for Alaska.

The Nieuw Amsterdam is classic Holland America Line at its best — a sophisticated Signature-class ship that balances timeless elegance with modern comfort. This isn't a mega-ship with waterslides and crowds. This is refined cruising designed for travelers who appreciate quality service, exceptional dining, and the kind of atmosphere where you can actually relax.

Onboard, you'll find live music venues that set the perfect vibe — from the Rolling Stone Rock Room to the elegant Explorer's Lounge. Dining is a true highlight, with everything from the elevated steakhouse experience at Pinnacle Grill to authentic Italian at Canaletto and Pan-Asian flavors at Tamarind. The main dining room? Impeccable. And when you just want something casual, the Lido Market and Dive-In poolside grill have you covered.

During the day, settle into a lounge chair on the Lido Deck and watch glaciers drift by, unwind at the Greenhouse Spa & Salon, or simply enjoy coffee at the Explorations Café while Alaska's wilderness unfolds outside your window. Every stateroom is thoughtfully designed — and if you book a verandah (which we highly recommend), you'll have your own private perch to watch whales, waterfalls, and icebergs without ever leaving your room.

Whether you're enjoying a cocktail at the Ocean Bar, catching a performance at the World Stage, or watching the sunset from the Observation Deck, the Nieuw Amsterdam creates the perfect backdrop for your Alaska adventure — comfortable, elegant, and designed to keep the focus where it belongs: on the stunning scenery outside.

This is the ship that'll make you fall in love with cruising all over again.

Let's talk about the food — because honestly, it's one of our favorite parts of sailing.

Dining on the Nieuw Amsterdam isn't just about eating. It's about savoring every moment, whether you're dressed up for an elegant evening or grabbing a casual bite between glacier viewings. Every restaurant celebrates global flavors and fresh, high-quality ingredients, with warm service and those incredible ocean views that make even a simple meal feel special.

Here's what we love:

The Dining Room is where we go for those classic multi-course dinners — seasonal dishes, regional specialties, and that timeless cruise elegance we can't get enough of. When we're feeling indulgent (which is often), we book a table at Pinnacle Grill, Holland America's signature steakhouse. Prime cuts, impeccable preparation, and wine pairings that elevate the whole experience.

Craving bold flavors? Tamarind serves up Pan-Asian cuisine in a serene, beautiful setting — think expertly prepared sushi, flavorful curries, and dishes that surprise you in the best way. Want comfort food done right? Canaletto brings authentic Italian to sea — the kind of pasta that reminds you why you fell in love with Italian food in the first place.

And when we're keeping it casual? Lido Market has fresh, made-to-order everything for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Dive-In makes gourmet burgers that hit differently when you're eating them poolside with Alaska sliding by in the background. And Explorations Café? Specialty coffee and light bites — it's become our morning ritual before heading out on excursions.

On special nights, you'll find dining experiences that genuinely rival the best restaurants on land. No exaggeration.

Whether it's a romantic dinner for two, a lively meal with new friends from the group, or a quiet breakfast overlooking glaciers with a cappuccino in hand — every meal becomes a moment you'll remember.

Trust us. You're going to eat very well on this trip.

When you book with us, you get perks you won't find anywhere else.

This isn't just another cruise booking. When you join our hosted group sailing, you're unlocking exclusive amenities that are only available through E-L-K Travel Co. — the kind of extras that make a great trip absolutely exceptional.

Here's what you get when you're part of our group:

💰 Up to $350 in land and shipboard credit — That's $350 to spend however you want. Specialty dining? Spa day? Extra cocktails overlooking glaciers? Shore excursions? It's yours.

🍽️ Complimentary land meal package — Your meals during the land portion are covered. One less thing to worry about while you're exploring Fairbanks and Denali — just show up and enjoy.

🎭 Complimentary Music of Denali Dinner Theater — Enjoy a family-style BBQ dinner show that celebrates Alaska's spirit. Great food, live entertainment, and good company — this one's on us.

🗣️ Direct access to us before you sail — From the moment you book, Donovan and Brianna are here to answer questions, share insider tips, and make sure you feel totally prepared and excited.

🎉 Hosted events onboard — Private group gatherings, welcome receptions, and those spontaneous moments that turn fellow travelers into lifelong friends. This is where the magic happens.

🎁 Exclusive welcome gifts and keepsakes — Because we love a good surprise. You'll get something special that marks this trip as uniquely ours.

🚢 Priority planning and support — We'll help you choose the right stateroom, navigate excursion options, and make the most of every day in Alaska.

The truth? You could book this cruise tour anywhere. But you'd miss out on all of this — and on being part of a community that makes every sailing feel like traveling with friends.

So why book anywhere else?

Make your cruise even more effortless with Holland America Line’s Have It All package — available for just $60 per person, per day. It bundles the most popular amenities into one simple, value-packed upgrade, so you can relax knowing everything’s taken care of.

Here’s what’s included when you add Have It All with Early Booking Bonus:

• Signature Beverage Package – Enjoy a wide selection of beer, wine, spirits, cocktails, soda, and specialty coffee (up to $11 per drink).
• Specialty Dining – Indulge in 2 premium dining experiences at restaurants like Pinnacle Grill, Tamarind, or Canaletto.
• Shore Excursion Credit – Receive $200 per person in Shore Excursion Credits to use on adventures ashore.
• Wi-Fi Surf Package – Stay connected with basic Wi-Fi access for browsing, social media, and messaging.
• Complimentary upgrade to Elite Beverage Package and Premium WiFi, plus free prepaid gratuities!

That’s more than $100 in daily value for just $60 per person — and it’s fully refundable before final payment.

Upgrade to Have It All with Early Booking Bonus when you book your stateroom and enjoy the best of Holland America’s premium experience, bundled and simplified.

We don't just book your cruise and disappear. We're with you every single step.

When you book through E-L-K Travel Co., you're not getting a confirmation email and a "good luck." You're getting a dedicated travel team (that's us — Donovan and Adress) who genuinely care about making this trip seamless, personal, and unforgettable.

From the second you reserve your stateroom to the moment you're back home scrolling through photos, we've got you covered.

Here's exactly how we support you:

✈️ Flights & Pre-Cruise Hotels — We'll help you find the best flight options and recommend trusted hotels near Rotterdam so your embarkation day is smooth and stress-free. No scrambling. No confusion.

🧳 Travel Insurance — We'll walk you through your coverage options in plain English, so you can protect your investment and travel with total peace of mind.

🚖 Transfers — Need to get from the airport to the port? We'll arrange private or shared transfers that match your timing and budget. One less thing to worry about.

🛶 Shore Excursions — This is where it gets fun. We'll help you choose the best excursions — whether it's a scenic fjord tour, a local food experience, or something totally unique. We work with Holland America and our own vetted partners to make sure every port day is incredible.

💬 Ongoing Support — Before, during, and after your trip, you have a direct line to us. Questions about packing? Wondering what to wear to dinner? Curious about a port stop? Just ask. We respond fast and we actually care.

Here's our promise:

Your vacation should feel effortless. That's why we handle the logistics, answer the questions, and sweat the details — so all you have to do is show up excited and ready to explore.

This is what it means to travel with us. This is the E-L-K Travel difference.