Matt Wolfe Matt Wolfe

Holland America Line is the Best

  • ver 75 Years in Alaska: HAL has been cruising to Alaska longer than any other cruise line, meaning they have deep local connections and know the best ways to experience the region.

  • Preferred by Travel Experts: Regularly ranked as the best Alaska cruise line by travel authorities like Travel + Leisure and AFAR.

  • Insider Access: Long-standing partnerships with Alaska Native communities, the National Park Service, and expert naturalists.

2. Exclusive Glacier Bay Access

  • Limited Permits: Glacier Bay National Park limits the number of cruise ships allowed in per day, and HAL is one of the few lines with consistent access.

  • National Park Rangers Onboard: Guests get an expert-guided experience with live commentary about glaciers, wildlife, and conservation efforts.

Longer Time in the Park: Compared to competitors, HAL ships spend more time in Glacier Bay, ensuring passengers have ample time for sightseeing and photography.

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Matt Wolfe Matt Wolfe

Alaska Cruise Seasons

Wildlife & Scenery Highlights

  • Bears Feeding on Salmon: September is prime time to see grizzlies gorging on fish before hibernation.

  • Northern Lights Begin: In late September and early October, you may see the Aurora Borealis in Fairbanks or the Yukon.

  • Dramatic Glaciers: Cooler air sharpens the colors of glaciers and fjords, making them appear even more blue.

Bald Eagles Galore: Eagles gather in large numbers near salmon-rich waters.

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Matt Wolfe Matt Wolfe

Tulip Time in Amsterdam

The crown jewel of this floral extravaganza is undoubtedly Keukenhof Gardens—an 80-acre wonderland boasting over seven million flowers in full bloom. Walking through its immaculately manicured paths feels like stepping into an artist's vivid dream. Beyond the gardens, Amsterdam offers its own delights with charming canals, world-class museums, and welcoming cafés, perfectly balancing vibrant city experiences with tranquil countryside beauty.

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Matt Wolfe Matt Wolfe

Rhine River Cruise: Basel and Strasbourg

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The Upper Middle Rhine Valley, between Koblenz and Bingen, is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site known for its picturesque landscapes, castles, and vineyards.

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Matt Wolfe Matt Wolfe

A Foodie's Guide to River Cruising in Europe

A European river cruise is more than a scenic journey—it’s an opportunity to explore Europe’s rich culinary traditions and indulge in some of the finest food and drink the continent has to offer. Whether you’re dining onboard with regional specialties or discovering new flavors in port, every meal becomes part of the adventure. So, if you’re a foodie with a passion for travel, river cruising might just be the perfect way to satisfy both your appetite and your wanderlust.

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Carol Birkner Carol Birkner

Monaco’s Soulful Native Cuisine Is Worth the Trip

If shopping were a national sport, Monaco’s ultra-modern One Monte-Carlo mixed-use development, which opened in 2019, would qualify it for championship rounds. Chanel, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Alexander McQueen, and dozens more iconic houses claim boutiques below posh new apartments in the heart of Monte-Carlo, just steps from the Place du Casino.

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Carol Birkner Carol Birkner

First Look: Silver Nova Lights Up the Seas

Typically, cruise lines are excited to trumpet their latest ships’ go-kart tracks, towering waterslides, submarines, and robot bartenders. The seas are brimming with diversions.

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Matt Wolfe Matt Wolfe

Rhine River Cruise: Basel and Strasbourg

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The Upper Middle Rhine Valley, between Koblenz and Bingen, is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site known for its picturesque landscapes, castles, and vineyards.

Read More