When people think of Alaska, they often picture glaciers from the deck of a ship. But to truly experience the 'Great Land,' you have to step off the boat and head deep into the interior. While many lines dabble in land tours, Holland America Line (HAL) has spent 75 years perfecting them.

If you're looking for the ultimate Alaska experience, here is why Holland America isn’t just an option—it’s the gold standard.

1. The Denali Difference: More Time, More Wildlife
Most cruise lines offer a 'glance' at Denali. Holland America offers an immersion. They are the only cruise line that guarantees up to three nights at Denali on select itineraries.

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    • The 'Double Denali' Edge: While others rush back to the train after one night, HAL’s 'Double Denali' itineraries give you a full day dedicated to the Tundra Wilderness Tour and a second day to explore at your own pace.
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

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    • The Lodge: The McKinley Chalet Resort is a 68-acre riverside paradise. Recently refurbished, the lodge features the 'Denali Square' complex—think fire pits for s'mores, local music, and the best views of the Nenana River.
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

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    • Upgrade Your View: For just $99 per person, per night, you can upgrade to a Denali Suite. Imagine heated bathroom floors and a private balcony overlooking the rugged Alaskan wilderness.
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

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    • Dawson City: You’ll stay in this remote, unpaved town where the sidewalks are still made of wood. It feels like a movie set because it is—much of the Gold Rush history was filmed here.
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

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    • Unique Experiences: Follow in the footsteps of Jack London, visit Diamond Tooth Gertie’s (Canada’s oldest gambling hall), or if you’re brave enough, head to the Downtown Hotel for the infamous Sourtoe Cocktail.
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

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    • White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad: Holland America owns this historic narrow-gauge railroad. You’ll climb nearly 3,000 feet past glaciers and waterfalls in vintage rail cars.
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

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    • Save $250 per person right off the bat.
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

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    • Premium Perks: Get the Elite Beverage Package and Premium Wi-Fi (yes, you can actually stream your favorite shows in the middle of the North Pacific).
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

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    • The 2027 Bonus: Book a 2027 Cruisetour now, and HAL is throwing in a meal plan worth up to $900 per person, covering your dining while on the land portion of your trip.
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

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    • The Junior Ranger Program: Perfect for kids (and the young at heart), complete tasks to earn a real National Park badge.
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

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    • Sustainable Seafood: HAL is the first cruise line to serve 100% sustainable and traceable fresh seafood in Alaska.
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

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    • Glacier Bay: They have more permits than anyone else, meaning 95% of their itineraries include a full day in Glacier Bay National Park with on-board naturalists.
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

When researching luxury cruises or expedition voyages, three names often come up: Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and Silversea. All three deliver high-end experiences—but they are designed for different travel styles.

Rather than asking which line is “best,” the better question is: Which one fits how you want to travel?

Here’s a neutral breakdown to help you decide.

Ship Size & Onboard Atmosphere

Seabourn

Ships carry approximately 250–600 guests

Atmosphere is relaxed, refined, and informal

Emphasis on space, flow, and comfort

Regent Seven Seas

Generally larger ships

More traditional luxury cruise atmosphere

Structured, polished onboard experience

Silversea

Mix of classic luxury ships and smaller expedition vessels

Atmosphere varies by ship and itinerary

Slightly more formal on some sailings

Best fit depends on: whether you prefer relaxed luxury or a more structured cruise environment.

Inclusions & Pricing Structure

Seabourn

All-inclusive fares covering dining, beverages, and gratuities

Shore excursions are priced separately, which can lower the base fare

Allows flexibility for guests who may not want to participate in every excursion

Regent Seven Seas

Shore excursions included

Higher upfront pricing, with fewer add-ons

Silversea

Many inclusions, with variations depending on itinerary and expedition level

Pricing often comparable to Regent for expedition sailings

Best fit depends on: whether you prefer bundled pricing or flexible, à la carte options.

Service Style & Personalization

Seabourn

Approximately 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio

Highly personalized service focused on individual preferences

Regent Seven Seas

Excellent service with a more standardized luxury approach

Silversea

Strong service levels, particularly on expedition sailings

Personalization can vary by ship

Best fit depends on: whether you value intuitive personalization or consistent, structured service.

Destinations & Itinerary Depth
All three cruise lines offer global itineraries, but they approach destinations differently.

Seabourn

Focus on fewer ports with longer stays

Strong emphasis on cultural access and expedition-style experiences

Known for unique destination moments such as chef-led market visits and private access to sites

Regent Seven Seas

Broad destination coverage

Traditional port-based sightseeing with included excursions

Silversea

Strong destination access, particularly in remote regions

Long-standing expedition heritage

Best fit depends on: whether you prefer depth and immersion or a comprehensive sightseeing approach.

Antarctica & Expedition Cruising
Antarctica is one of the most complex travel experiences to plan, and cruise line differences matter here more than anywhere else.

Seabourn Antarctica Expeditions

Dedicated 24-person expedition team

Multiple landings per day when conditions allow

Kayaking, Zodiac landings, and submarine experiences

Informal onboard environment with no formal nights

Strong environmental practices

Regent Antarctica

Limited expedition offerings

More traditional cruising style

Silversea Antarctica

Well-established expedition program

Structured expedition schedule

Higher degree of bundled inclusions

Best fit depends on: how active you want to be and how immersive you want the expedition to feel.

Who Each Cruise Line Typically Suits Best

Seabourn may be a good fit if you:

Prefer relaxed luxury over formality

Value space and a quieter onboard environment

Want flexibility with excursions

Are interested in expedition-style cruising with comfort

Regent may be a good fit if you:

Want a fully bundled, predictable cost structure

Prefer a traditional luxury cruise atmosphere

Enjoy a more formal onboard experience

Silversea may be a good fit if you:

Want expedition cruising with a strong legacy

Are comfortable with a more structured or formal tone onboard

Prefer bundled pricing for remote destinations

Ready to Compare Your Options?
If you’re considering Seabourn, Regent, or Silversea, I’m happy to walk you through the differences, availability, and current offers—so you can choose what truly fits your travel goals.

📩 Contact Travel by Kendell with Vincent Vacations to start planning with clarity and confidence.

Believe it or not my first trip to Disney was an adults only, girls weekend getaway! We escaped an artic blast in Oklahoma and found ourselves in the middle of Disney MAGIC!

I was always a Disney skeptic and had no real desire to go and I certainly didn't believe in the 'Magic of Disney,' but at every turn I was proven wrong time and time again even as an adult!! We hit all the parks, and of couse drank around the world at Epcot which culminated in berets, Canada athleisure wear and zooming around Test Track at a cool 65mph. We ate, we drank, we rope dropped and we had the best time. Below I've put together a fun list of things you may need or to keep in mind for your adults only Disney vacation.

1. Bring Sunscreen (even in the winter months) - I totally failed on this one!


2. Take a day to bar hop at the resorts using the skyliner and the monorail as your transportation. So.Much. Fun.


3. Wear pants with pockets. You will be using your phone constantly. It's just easier...trust.


4. Be flexible. Have a general plan for the day but know this is not set in stone...especially if your drinkning around the world at Epcot.


5. If you don't know, ask. Seriously everyone is so nice. If it's a Disney app issue look for the cast members under the blue umbrellas.


6. Magic Kingdom doesn't have alcohol booths. Be prepared. IYKYK.


7. Bring snacks and a travel mug, most quick service locations will give you free cups of water. So stay hydrated!


8. Items are closer than they appear....on the map. The maps can be overwhelming, but I was surprised how close things felt comparatively.


9. Comfy shoes, motrin, bandaids....this is the ultimate trifecta. Make it your mantra and never be without any of these things. I warned you!


10. If on a girls' trip consider pantyliners. Yep, I went there. We all know our pelvic floors aren't what they use to be and it's guaranteed someone in your group will pee themselves laughing. And this my friends, is the magic of Disney, not the pee of course, but the bonds it brings, the happiness it creates and the memories it makes.

I recently sailed the Rhine on the Viking Kara from Basel to Amsterdam, and it was truly unforgettable. After sailing on several river cruise brands across Europe, I can confidently say this: there are multiple excellent river cruise lines, they all stack up well against each other in different ways, and choosing the right one comes down to your travel style. That’s where I come in.

The service on board was exceptional. Thoughtful, polished, and genuinely caring. One morning I was running late for a tour and the crew packed me a breakfast to go without hesitation. The food throughout the cruise was consistently very good, and German Night on board was a highlight. Authentic dishes, local beer, and lively music that really brought the region to life.

One of the biggest perks of river cruising is that you unpack once and see it all. No constant hotel changes, no repacking. You simply wake up in a new city or village each day. The guided tours were informative and well done, but we also loved having the freedom to roam on our own. Strasbourg felt like something out of a storybook. Cologne was full of energy and great beer. Cruising through the Rhine Gorge with 40 castles, champagne and treats in hand on the top deck, was pure magic.

There is also a social side to river cruising that surprises people in the best way. You get to know fellow travelers over dinner, during the cruise director’s nightly rundown, or while chatting at the bar. It is relaxed, welcoming, and adds so much to the experience.

This part of Europe, hovering between Germany and France, is rich with history. If you love history, bring a World War II historical novel. Seeing these places in person makes everything you have read suddenly come together.

One of my favorite ways to help clients maximize a European river cruise is by adding pre and or post cruise days. Spending a few extra nights in another city or even another country before or after the cruise lets you see more without feeling rushed. It is an easy way to turn a great trip into an unforgettable one, and I will help you decide where it makes the most sense.

Why book with me? Because I have been there. I have sailed multiple river cruise brands, I know how they compare, and I know how to match you with the right ship, itinerary, and experience. River cruising is one of the most efficient, immersive, and enjoyable ways to see Europe. When it is planned well, it is effortless.

Let’s make your next European adventure one to remember.