Get to know Alaska as few ever do. Denali National Park and Preserve is home to North America’s tallest mountain, Mount McKinley. Standing at 20,300 feet, Mt. McKinley is so large it commands its own weather patterns. Two full days in Denali is recommended because there's so much to see and do. You've traveled all this way and this is one of your top priorities. Why not make the most you can of it?

With one of those days, Holland America Line makes it a priority to include the 8-hour Tundra Wilderness Tour. Why take the 8 hour tour? It's 3 more hours to take in Denali’s protected ecosystem; 3 more hours to see and hear Denali’s extensive wildlife; and 3 more hours to get closer to Mt. McKinley. The Tundra Wilderness Tour takes you 46 miles closer to Mt. McKinley. That’s like seeing the top third of the mountain versus seeing it from the base. . . .a big difference. This tour is included on almost all cruisetours Holland America offers in Alaska and the Yukon.

With the rest of your time, you can take your pick of other great things to do in Denali National Park and Preserve. If you’re interested in learning more about the park, there are educational opportunities at the Denali Visitor Center and the Murie Science and Learning Center. If you’re looking for a little adventure, there are several optional land excursions; river rafting, ATV adventures, fishing and horseback tours, and as far as we're concerned, it is the #1 area in Alaska to flight-see. Or, you can always kick back and relax in the comfort of the McKinley Chalets, nestled just inside the park, for the best views, of course.

If you are on a cruisetour, take the double deck train that several cruise lines use to transfer cruise passengers from Anchorage to Denali. Be advised that if you travel from Whittier, your train may not be double decked. This is very important because what does double decked mean? Dining and amenities are on the first floor, and the second floor is completely designed for viewing landscape and wildlife. Comfortable chairs and windows on the ceilings and walls mean that you have the largest opportunity to see Alaska. For those that need an elevator, one is provided. The meals are in the $15-$20 range during this first class, wilderness experience. You can also purchase the same rides from the Alaskan Railroad as their locomotives pull train cars on a regular railroad schedule.