Holland America Line’s Denali Square complex is located in the heart of the company’s McKinley Chalet Resort at the gates of Denali National Park. It’s like a town square of sorts, a brief walk from just about anywhere on the sprawling campus.  Cruise travelers stop here either before or after their Holland America Line sailing, fully engaging Land+Sea Journeys.

“A complex like Denali Square is unrivaled in our industry, and it brings more facets of the region to our guests by showcasing local cuisine, art, entertainment and so much more. Denali National Park has been and will continue to be the centerpiece of our incredible Land+Sea Journeys.”- Orlando Ashford – Holland America Line President.

Part of the dedication proceedings included thoughtful words from United States Senator Lisa Murkowski

Carnival Corporation President and Carnival Corporation CEO Arnold Donald and Superintendent of Denali National Park and Preserve Don Striker

 

Also there, Holland America Group Chief Executive Officer Stein Kruse along with local civic leaders,  and those who worked on the project.

To highlight the grand opening, Holland America Line presented the Denali Borough School District with a $20,000 check that will be spent on modernizing interactive classroom technology.

Holland America Line President Orlando Ashford welcomed attendees to Denali Square and unveiled the geomarker that was installed to commemorate the opening of the facility.  The interesting geomarker way to remember highlights the long history of Denali National Park and an underlying respect for nature that permeates everyone and every business here.  It’s just part of the culture, one Holland America Line knows well.

“For nearly 70 years Holland America Line has been at the forefront of Alaska exploration, and the opening of Denali Square is another exciting moment in our company’s history because it elevates the way our guests will experience Denali and Alaska,” said Ashford.

“A complex like Denali Square is unrivaled in our industry, and it brings more facets of the region to our guests by showcasing local cuisine, art, entertainment and so much more. Denali National Park has been and will continue to be the centerpiece of our incredible Land+Sea Journeys.”

Twitter Version: Denali Square is a hub and a retreat for Holland America Line guests at the doorstep of Denali National Park.

Husky dogs from the National Parks Service at Denali National Park were also at the event with handlers for guests to learn more about and enjoy.

Holland America Line’s Land+Sea Journeys feature up to three nights at Denali, with an included Tundra Wilderness Tour deep into the Park for all multiple night guests.

Denali Square is at the heart of the 60-acre McKinley Chalet Resort, which provides accommodations for guests on Holland America Line’s Land+Sea Journeys.  Those combine an Alaska cruise with an overland tour to Denali National Park and beyond.

Denali Square is centrally located between the main part of the property, containing the reception hall, dining facilities and guest rooms, and the riverfront guest rooms that provide stunning views of the Nenana River.

The undeniable star of Denali Square is Karstens, a 7,000-square-foot two-story restaurant showcasing views of the neighboring mountains for dining guests.

An outdoor deck with fire pits and seating invites guests and locals drink and dine together.

The Denali Square amphitheater has a covered performance stage and bench seating for guests to enjoy a variety of local shows, ranger talks and demonstrations.

A dozen steps away, those wanting to quench their thirst or listen to live music can visit Gold Nugget Saloon, home to the Music of Denali Dinner Theater.

This is all in Denali National Park, a short drive to a number of attractions.  This trip we were lucky and viewed an abundant amount of wildlife.  That thoughtful Holland America Line chose to spread out the complex probably added to that success.

Here are some scenes from our trip to the Yukon with Holland America Line.   First, scenes from the dedication of new Denali Square:

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Also, some of what we saw touring the Denali area:

 

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For more information about Holland America Line, contact a travel professional, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.