holland america inside passage shore excursions

REVIEW: Our Alaska Cruise with Holland America PLUS our Excursions

By: Author Kim Tate

Posted on Published: December 8, 2022

At the top edge of the United States sits our 49th state, Alaska. There’s no better way to get a taste of Alaska than aboard a cruise ship. And, Holland America has been operating Alaska cruises longer than anyone.

We recently had the opportunity to take a 7-day Alaskan Inside Passage Cruise in August aboard the Holland America Koningsdam ship. With my teen onboard, we reconnected with each other and with the beautiful nature that makes Alaska a coveted tourist destination.

Thank you, Holland America for inviting me as your guest to check out one of your famous Alaska cruises. All thoughts and opinions written here are based on my personal cruise experience.

Holland Koningsdam Ship

Our family is used to big ship cruising, so the Koningsdam felt a bit smaller than some of our recent cruise ship experiences. However, the Koningsdam is still the 3rd largest Holland cruise ship and is essentially very close in size to the largest, the Rotterdam.

The Koningsdam is one of Holland America’s Pinnacle-class ships and was built in 2016. It can hold 2,650 passengers and weighs 99,500 gross tons.

The small”ish” size of the Holland cruise ships can be a big benefit for Alaska cruises as it lets them dock in the ports when larger ships have to tender. Tendering can take up valuable time in port and is less convenient for taking second trips back out to explore.

A few of the things that stood out to me aboard the Koningsdam:

The ship has the upscale glitz and glamor that you expect from cruise ships but also a few fun spots with a bit of flair.

I was most impressed with the amount of lounge seating around the ship. One of my favorite things to do on cruises is read in a comfy chair with a good view. And of course, enjoying a happy hour cocktail before dinner.

One of the most popular spots is the Crows Nest lounge on one of the top decks (deck 12), which features cozy seating along with a bar and coffee shop.

The restaurants are also beautifully decorated, while the casual dining options on the pool deck are laid back and perfect for families with young kids. The buffet features plenty of windows and seating.

Most of the decks are named after famous music composers and the art around the ship is beautifully curated and displayed. It truly does have an upscale cruise feel when you’re walking in the corridors.

I’ll admit that the rooms felt a bit small, so carefully check the square footage when deciding what type of cabin to book.

If you like enjoying time in your room, a verandah (balcony) room can be an absolute treasure for an Alaskan cruise. Holland America even provides blankets to help you bundle up when doing your wildlife or glacier spotting.

Compared to other ships one thing I didn’t love was that the promenade deck view was mostly blocked by lifeboats. If you’re someone who likes to pop out on one of the mid-decks to enjoy the scenery and walk around, this ship isn’t the best for that. They do have a small jogging track on deck 11.

But, as I mentioned earlier, there is a lot of indoor lounge seating near windows, which is probably somewhat preferable for Alaska cruising versus Caribbean cruising anyway. So even though the outdoor lounge spaces are limited, with the cool weather of Alaska, the window indoor seating can be preferable.

Overall, I really enjoy the look and feel of the ship. We found it easy to navigate with a nice flow and absolutely lovely decor.

Holland America Entertainment (WOW!)

I wasn’t sure what to expect from HAL in regard to entertainment. Would they have enough options that would help me and my teen stay entertained before or after dinner? The answer was a resounding YES!

The BBC Planet Earth II in Concert is a MUST watch in my opinion. It’s a beautiful blend of musical and cinematographic storytelling at its finest. There are some “circle of life” situations as it is a nature documentary, so young kids might be alarmed. But kids will also fall in love with the animals and the storytelling is gripping and keeps you engaged.

Another BBC show takes place in the World Theater onboard, and it too is lovely. You’ll be ooh’ing and ahh’ing over cute animals as you watch. The storytelling of it is different than the Planet Earth II show but still worth seeing.

Holland America does an EXCELLENT job of drawing their Alaska cruisers into the story of Alaska. One of the featured entertainment shows is WE ARE ALASKA, a story shared early in the cruise to help draw you into the spectacular world you’re about to enter.

And if you love history, or even just love storytelling, you should absolutely watch the “Origin Story” which shares the rich history of the Holland America line and how it got started as a cruise company, and how they were the first to brave the Alaskan cruising frontier!

The live music onboard was also delightful. I enjoy orchestral music and so the performers on the Lincoln Center Stage were always a draw. But they also offer other great live music options like the Rolling Stone Rock Room, a piano bar, and B.B. King’s Blues Club.

Dining with Holland America

Many have said that the food aboard Holland America is upscale and enjoyable and I’d have to agree. I don’t think I had anything I didn’t love, beyond maybe a dish or two that just wasn’t my taste at the Lido Market buffet. :)

If you’re a foodie and love dining experiences, you’ll want to budget to add in a visit to some of the specialty restaurants onboard. Their chefs create meals that are tasty as well as spectacularly presented.

Complimentary / Included Restaurants

Holland America has dining that will suit any cruiser. There’s the traditional dining room, which has flexible dining times, as well as multiple specialty restaurants that will delight food lovers aboard.

Holland America is also the only cruise line that is certified for serving sustainable Alaska seafood . It’s important for travelers to be conscious of their impact on the destinations they’re visiting and Holland America is helping do its part with the food they serve.

I also want to note that using the HAL Navigator app is extremely useful while onboard. It helps you find what’s happening each day as well as the hours for each of the restaurants. Plus, you can order food and some of the restaurants in advance via the app. Be sure to install it before or once onboard.

Lido Market

This is what is equivalent to a buffet with other cruise lines, however, in each of the stations on Holland America a staff member handles serving you the food.

I appreciate this from a cleanliness standpoint; however, it does mean you might have a bit more of a wait versus the traditional free-for-all serving at buffets on other lines. I personally will take the wait in exchange for knowing an employee is the only one handling the serving utensils.

You’ll find a variety of stations including a taco corner, salad bar, meat options, bakery, and desserts including ice cream. Seating can get crowded during peak mealtimes however a bit of patience had us always able to find a table, and many times it was next to a window.

The Dining Room

Formal dining happens in The Dining Room, located at the back of the ship on decks 2 and 3 (on the Koningsdam). This is your traditional cruise dining experience with many tables and a menu that changes daily with a few regular items remaining each day.

Holland America allows for flexible dining times, called As You Wish. This means you can show up to The Dining Room between 5:15 pm and 9:00 pm and be seated for dinner. I absolutely love the flexible dining time option as you can truly create the day you want and aren’t locked into shows and excursions based on a strict dining time.

Families cruising with teens will also appreciate this flexible dining option as some may want to eat at different times or on their own, this allows a family to truly dine how they want on board.

Room Service

I’m delighted to say that Holland America still INCLUDES room service as a main (included) dining option. The menu is limited somewhat, but it was SO delightful having breakfast delivered every morning. I was even able to order a coffee service in advance to get my caffeine fix while my teen daughter slept in. And their room service is open 24 hours, just with two different menus depending on the time of day.

For families cruising to Alaska, this room service inclusion makes a big difference. A friend who was sailing when I was found it useful for her young boys to have room service together watching movies while she had a specialty dining experience. A win-win for both the parent(s) and the kids!

If you love fries and sitting poolside, you’re going to love ordering from Dive-In. It’s your typical pool dining spot that serves famous Nathan hot dogs, burgers, as well as french fries. This is a popular spot for kids and families, so you’ll want to order in advance with the HAL Navigator app.

New York Deli & Pizza

Craving a slice of pizza, deli sandwich, or salad? Another complimentary restaurant near the pool is the New York Deli & Pizza restaurant, where you can order a custom or chef-designed personal 9″ thin-crust pizza.

This is another popular spot and you’ll want to order in advance via the app, especially during busy dining times.

Specialty Upcharge Restaurants

While there are plenty of great complimentary dining options available onboard with Holland America if you love enjoying upscale dining you need to splurge on a specialty restaurant or two.

Pinnacle Grill

Steak lovers will want to be sure to splurge for a meal here. The menu includes cuts of filet mignon, NY strip, boneless rib eye, or a massive 36 oz tomahawk bone-in rib eye (added fee). You can also add on a lobster tail for an additional charge if you’re craving a surf and turf meal.

They have some great starters including an Instagram-worthy clothesline candied bacon. And you can get some delicious wine recommendations to complement your meal, we started with some Veuve Clicquot champagne with our starters and moved on to a delicious 2015 Muga Reserva Rioja for our steak course.

You’ll pay $15 for lunch and $39 for dinner, plus an 18% gratuity to eat at the Pinnacle Grill and then additional charges apply for a couple of added choices.

Craving some spring rolls and lobster? Tamarind is an upscale Asian restaurant onboard that features a delectable menu with options like Thai citrus scallops and wok-seared lobster and shrimp. They also have a master sushi chef onboard.

The cost for Tamarind is $29 plus an automatic 18% gratuity. For cruisers who love Asian-inspired cuisine, this one is a must-visit.

Next up is Canaletto for all the Italian-loving foodies. Here you’ll find some of your classic Italian favorites like lasagne and risotto, but there are also daily specials and many seafood-inspired dishes. Order up some grilled calamari, lobster and shrimp ravioli, and finish with a slice of tiramisu.

Canaletto is $19 for dinner plus an automatic 18% gratuity.

Rudi’s Sel de Mar

Next to the Pinnacle Grill, Rudi’s Sel de Mar is the most premium specialty dining experience you can experience on board. The restaurant is small and intimate and features a seafood-focused menu. This is a dining experience, so allow up to two hours to enjoy the food and your dining companions.

The cost is $49 plus an 18% gratuity, although there are upcharges for some dishes and some ships charge off an a la carte priced menu.

Grand Dutch Cafe

For the caffeine and pastry fans onboard, the Grand Dutch Cafe will become your new favorite home away from home. This is an additional charge restaurant, although coffee drinks are included with some beverage packages.

I personally fell in love with the seating area at the cafe, as did many others based on its crowd levels at times. :)

Club Orange on Holland America

Wanting a posh cruise and dining experience? Club Orange might be the program for you. While it’s included for guests booked in a Neptune or Pinnacle Suite, other non-suite stateroom guests can purchase Club Orange for their sailing. Know that availability is limited, so booking early is recommended if it’s something you want.

Club Orange costs $25 per person per day on cruises up to 13 days and $15 per person per day on cruises of 13+ days. So a 7-day cruise would cost $350 for a couple.

Club Orange will give you these perks:

PRIORITY ACCESS

• Priority check-in
• Priority access to specialty restaurant reservations
• Priority line at the Guest Services desk
• Priority line at the Shore Excursions desk
• Priority access to tenders ashore in select ports
• Priority disembarkation

PREMIUM DINING

• Expanded 24-hour room service breakfast menu
• Pinnacle Class ships: Private dining venue for breakfast and dinner with an expanded menu
• All other ships: Priority seating in the Dining Room for breakfast and dinner with an expanded menu

EXCLUSIVE AMENITIES

• Complimentary stateroom upgrade
• Dedicated concierge service
• Welcome glass of sparkling wine on embarkation day
• Plush bathrobes
• Club Orange keycard
• Exclusive Club Orange tote bag (one per stateroom)

SPECIAL EVENTS

• Private Greenhouse Spa & Salon® consultation
• Complimentary jewelry cleaning
• Coffee chat with some of our onboard entertainers
• Guests will be notified of these exclusive experiences once on board

Our Holland America Alaska Cruise Itinerary

We cruised the 7-Day Inside Passage route on the Koningsdam to and from Vancouver, BC, in August.

• Day 1: Embarkation Vancouver, B.C.
• Day 2: Scenic Cruising The Inside Passage
• Day 3: Tracy Arm Inlet
• Day 3: Juneau, Alaska
• Day 4: Skagway, Alaska
• Day 5: Glacier Bay
• Day 6: Ketchikan, Alaska
• Day 7: Scenic Cruising The Inside Passage
• Day 8: Disembark Vancouver, B.C., CA

Alaska Cruise Tours

One of the best things you can do on an Alaskan cruise is to get off the ship and get into nature. For this trip, we chose Holland America Alaska cruise excursions at our three ports of call.

Many of the tours are limited, so I highly recommend booking in advance before your cruise. Unlike Caribbean cruises, many cruisers want to book excursions. I noticed that many of the premium experiences like glacier float plane tours and dog-sled adventures were sold out by the time we got onboard.

Juneau, Alaska Cruise Tour

I’ll mention that whale-watching is a very popular activity for Juneau and is worth doing if you haven’t seen whales before. We’ve done a couple of whale-watching excursions in the past and my teen really wanted to do the jeep rental in Juneau.

Self-Guided Jeep Rental

I’ve cruised enough times to know that I’m not a fan of group cruise tours with a bunch of other people. My teen is the same way. That’s why we decided to choose a jeep rental and go explore some of Juneau on our own via an automated guide.

We booked a 2-door Jeep since there were just 2 of us, they do have a 4-door option as well. And the price is per jeep, which for a family can work out to make the excursion not too expensive per person.

We disembarked in the afternoon in Juneau and checked in with an excursion rep after exiting the ship. They directed us to the jeep check-in spot which was just a short walk away from the pier.

At the booth, I had to show my driver’s license and sign a waiver. They brought down our jeep and gave us a short tutorial on the automated map program, and then we were off.

We followed the set route and listened to the audio guide along the way. The route took us to a few of the popular attractions for Juneau, the biggest being a stop at Mendenhall Glacier.

For cruisers who don’t love being in big groups of tourists, renting and doing this self-guided tour is a great way to enjoy the scenery of Juneau. We spent about 4.5 hours driving around to the different sites and then returning our Jeep.

We still had enough time to do a little shopping in Juneau and eat at the Alaskan Brewing Co before we had to be back on the ship.

Ziplining in Skagway Cruise Excursion

We chose the ziplining tour in Skagway, and had a blast! It wasn’t anything unique versus other ziplining tours, but always nice to be in the green forests of nature. Our guides were fun and encouraged some adventurous zip techniques, like hanging upside down, which I haven’t seen encouraged in the past.

After zipping, the bus transfer offered to drop cruisers in town versus at the dock (a short walk outside of town) and so we took advantage of that. We walked along the main street which is filled with some unique and local shops as well as tourist shops you’ll find in every cruise port.

Don’t forget to pack cash for tipping your two zipline guides and if you want to add another small tip for the transfer driver.

Fishing Cruise Excursion in Ketchikan

One of our splurge excursions for our Alaska cruise was the Alaska Fishing & Wilderness Dining: In Partnership With Food & Wine Magazine booked with Holland America. We exited the ship and met with our fishing outfitter on the pier, and they walked us down to their offices and boats.

When we arrived, we had to show our driver’s licenses (or passports) to obtain a fishing license for the trip. We were able to pay with a credit card and it was $25, kids & teens (not from Alaska) under 16 don’t have to have a license. We were put into a group of six, assigned a guide, and boarded our open-air skiff boat.

Our guide took us out on the water and headed towards a known fishing spot for rockfish. He helped each of us get our reels set and within seconds all of us had bites! We all reeled up our lines and each of us had landed two rockfish on our hooks. You’re limited to a certain number of fish total, so our guide had to drop a couple of the rockfish back down.

With our rockfish stored, we headed to another couple of spots to try our hand at salmon fishing. And they were biting! We each had a chance to reel in a fish, including one lovely Sockeye salmon and many Pink salmon.

Once we hit our limit we headed ashore to a small island camp where our guide brought a couple of our fish ashore to clean them. After being cleaned and prepped, they were handed off to a chef who prepared our group a plate of deliciousness.

This was a truly epic Alaskan experience and one I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys fishing. For teens, it’s an activity that engages them while also getting them out on the water and helping them be part of the Alaska fishing experience.

Don’t forget to bring a nice tip for your tour guide and a small token tip for the camp cook. Also be aware that it can be cold when the boat is going fast, so dress in layers and bring a hat and gloves. You also might want rain gear as this tour can run when it’s raining.

Another thing to note is that you can choose to have your fish processed and shipped home with the tour company. The pricing was not cheap, and seeing as we’re based in Seattle it didn’t make sense since we have easy access to fresh fish. Our guide also mentioned that some fish should only be transported smoked.

Overnighting in Vancouver

If you’re traveling to Vancouver for your cruise, you’ll likely arrive a day early and want to stay overnight. We stayed at the Pan Pacific Vancouver hotel which is at Canada Place and connected to the cruise port.

There are plenty of restaurants nearby, and you’re also within walking distance of many of the popular shopping areas of Vancouver. We enjoyed dinner and the sunset in their Coal Harbour Bar that is onsite and the live music was an added treat.

We were upgraded to a room with a view overlooking Vancouver Harbour, and it was a wonderful way to begin our vacation.

I highly recommend staying here for cruisers as its location can’t be beaten. The parking garage is also the same garage used for cruise passengers, so again, extremely convenient for cruisers.

The Pan Pacific also offers special bag check service from your room to the ship, making embarkation a breeze!

What to Pack on an Alaska Cruise

I have a full post about what to pack for your Alaskan cruise, including an Alaska cruise packing list . So be sure to read it! But a few things to make sure you bring:

• Layers of clothes – it can get cool but warm in the sun so pack plenty of layers, i.e. long sleeve tops, base layers, fleece jackets, and warm coats.
• Rain gear – the forecast said we’d have rain but we lucked out most days, be sure to bring a rain jacket and a small umbrella.
• Waterproof gear – depending on which excursions you choose, you might want to make sure you pack a thick waterproof coat and pants. Some excursions provide them, but always best to be prepared if you’re not sure.
• Boots – depending on which excursions you choose you might want to bring a good pair of warm boots that are waterproof and good for glaciers, water, and rain.
• Hat & Gloves – it can be cold on the water, so be sure to bring a knit cap (beanie/tuque) and a pair of gloves that allow mobility for your phone use.
• Ball cap & sunglasses
• Cash for excursion guide tips

Our time aboard the Holland America Koninsdam was a real delight. While Holland might not be as flashy as some of the more common “family” cruise ships, it still was a great home for myself and my teen for our one-week Alaska cruise adventure.

We enjoyed dining together and lounging in many of the ship’s seating areas. The entertainment was immersive and educational. And our lazy mornings enjoying room service in bed is a memory that will last us a lifetime.

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Dave's Travel Corner

Seeing the World One Step at a Time

above the clouds

International travel and lifestyle blog, cruising alaska’s inside passage with holland america.

July 1, 2022 by Dave 3 Comments

One certainly becomes spoiled, merely after a day or two of dining on board. With multiple options including buffet, a main dining area and several private restaurants, one’s next meal is never very far from their stateroom. Or, guests may even order room service. And there are several bars and more intimate spaces where one can enjoy a drink. One of the drawbacks of ending a cruise is having to think about cooking again!

With numerous activities on board, one can stay busy all day without having to ever leave the ship. And this is certainly one of the more enjoyable aspects of cruising; life on board becomes a community with guests meeting over shared interests at events and activities. On board one can enjoy live performances including dance and music, comedy, private talks from experts in particular fields, art shows and a variety of fitness opportunities. All cruises we have been on feature a captain’s talk towards the end of the route; these are highly educational – the captain will also take questions from the audience.

Worth the extra money is a spa pass, granting one admission to the Greenhouse Spa and access to the Hydrotherapy Pool and steam rooms. A separate room liberally surrounded with windows features reclining tile covered thermal beds. This is a coveted place to be on the morning that the cruise ship enters Disenchantment Bay. This is pure bliss anytime, but especially so while treated to a visual feast of passing icebergs and snow covered mountains.

There are beautiful vistas along much of the cruise, since the route follows both islands and offshore mainland, but a stop in Disenchantment Bay to see the edge of Hubbard Glacier is arguably the highlight of this seven-day adventure… but especially so on a clear day. And one does not need to get off the ship to enjoy intimate views as it pulls in fairly close to the glacier fields.

After the ship enters the bay, one will soon see icebergs floating in the water. A visit here culminates in the ship slowing and creeping close to one of the glaciers with passengers packed two to three deep on forward decks. The ship will navigate as close as possible with safety in mind as a calving glacier is an impressive site but with huge chunks of ice falling off of its leading edge, one doesn’t want to be right next to them.

In 2022 Holland America celebrated a milestone of 75 years providing cruise trips in Alaska, longer than any other cruise line and even longer than Alaska has been a state (1959). Over the years, Holland America has earned an impressive number of awards for cruising in Alaska including the top pick for Alaska in the Porthole Cruise Magazine Editor-in-Chief Awards, AFAR Travelers’ Choice Awards, Cruise Critic Cruisers’ Choice Destination Awards and TravelAge West Wave Awards Editor’s Pick.

This seven day cruise featured: – Day 1, departure from Seattle – Day 2, day at sea – Day 3, Juneau – Day 4, visit to Hubbard Glacier – Day 5, Sitka – Day 6, Ketchikan – Day 7, Victoria, British Columbia – Day 8, return to Seattle

One can enjoy this Alaska Inside Passage cruise without ever joining one of the on-shore excursions. But one would certainly miss out on some memorable highlights by doing so. Holland America partners with numerous on shore tourism operators in ports of call; the offered activities are not generic in nature. In our experience they delve into local businesses, culture and attractions with energetic and often entertaining guides. And for those who want to experience Alaska’s adventure, numerous excursions are also offered. And more often than not, it is locals leading the tours.

Certain ports of call offer more time than others. In Juneau (Alaska’s capital city) we had time to participate in both an on-shore excursion with extra time left over to explore the city. One of the more memorable experiences offered in this city is a helicopter ride over the Juneau Icefields, landing on Norris Glacier – followed by a short dog mushing ride on top of the glacier. The views are stunning for the duration of this experience.

Juneau is a cute town that is easily walkable. A highlight is a visit and a drink at the iconic Red Dog Saloon, located within a very short walk of the cruise terminal and a stop at Deckhand Dave’s for a variety of fish tacos (located in a cute outdoor dining space with several other food vendors).

Sitka is a very small town on a large island that features only 14 miles of paved roads. Mt Edgecumbe, a prominent volcano is easily seen from downtown. Visitors can take a provided complimentary shuttle from the cruise ship to downtown (about a 10 minute drive). When pulling into town, one will see Swan Lake. When Alaska was sold to the United States in 1867, this lake added $200,000 to the final price tag of 7.2 million.

While not known as a foodie destination, we discovered Ludvig’s Chowder Cart, featuring tasty and filling freshly made bowls of clam chowder. It is easy to get off the beaten path in Sitka; one hike we recommend is the approximately 3 mile Beaver Lake/Herring Cove Trail Loop. The trail circles this small but picturesque lake and passes through several muskeg parts of the forest. Start and end at the Blue Lake Campground.

Ketchikan is well known for receiving more than 160 inches of rain a year and sometimes more than 200 inches in a season. The last few times we have been here, remarkably the weather has been warm and surprisingly clear! This cute town is well known for its plethora of bars – most are within easy walking distance of the cruise ship terminal. Another highlight of a visit to Ketchikan is taking a sea plane ride. During our cruise stop we enjoyed a visit to the family owned and operated Hump Island Oyster Farm. A visit here is personalized and highly educational; this is South East Alaska’s largest oyster farm.

Victoria is one of the most charming cities in all of North America and visually its core looks extremely European. It is a romantic city and couples should not miss getting off the ship for the few hours available during its stop. A shuttle van will bring passengers to the downtown and then back to the ship; one way is less than 10 minutes. One of its highlights is visiting the iconic Empress Hotel including the adjoining indoor shops.

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July 2, 2022 at 9:00 pm

Great post detailing all the information you need to know about Holland America, classy interior design and amazing vista from the cruise’s deck!

July 2, 2022 at 11:19 pm

Chin. It was one of those epic cruises 🙂

June 9, 2023 at 2:03 am

What floor is that jacuzzi spa pool in?

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Holland America Inside Passage Shore Excursions Review

By MaryEllen1952 , May 30, 2005 in Holland America Line

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MaryEllen1952

I just returned from the May 18 Inside Passage sailing. I booked through HAL the Glacker Point Wilderness Safari and the Mendenhall Glacier/Whale Watching/Wildlife Quest; the Glacier Point trip was my least favorite and not worth the cost compared to the other.

A warning to those booking through HAL. If there are not enough people signed up for a specific trip it is cancelled the day before which might cause problems with finding another trip. This is what happened in Skagway with me being booked on the Haines kayak trip as there were not enough adventurous people on board (most over age 60) and my trip was cancelled the night before and then I had to book the Glacier Point Safari; I'm sure the Haines would have been a much better trip for the money.

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I think we have booked the Wilderness Safari trip for next week - what was it and what didn't you like about it?? thanks

The Wilderness Safari involved being transported at the port on a 45 minute ride to Glacier Point at a camp where everyone gets into waterproof outerwear and then a small hike to a point where everyone boards

small boats out to the glaciers where you spend 30 minutes riding around the glaciers in the boat. Perhaps because I have already been to Antarctica where glaciers/ice are 5 times larger and obviously more impressive I was somewhat disappointed with this trip. I had booked the Haines Wilderness trip but it was cancelled due to lack of interest since most people on my ship were over 60 & not active like myself. I think the trip should have involved more than just taking a boat and riding around a glacier for the $200+ price.

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The 16 best alaska cruise excursions for 2024.

Venture off the boat to see wildlife, glaciers, railways and more.

The Best Alaska Cruise Excursions

Courtesy of Bering Sea Crab Fisherman's Tour

A cruise to Alaska is one of the best ways to visit many parts of the 49th state, including the Inside Passage and the southeastern port towns of Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway. You can also see dozens of glaciers on a cruise, plus remote places reachable only by water, like Glacier National Park & Preserve. Traveling by ship allows you to get closer to one-of-a-kind experiences in Alaska's interior, especially if you extend your vacation with a cruisetour (a package that includes the cruise and a land portion either before or after your voyage).

When it comes to excursions, many cruise lines offer the same experiences ashore for larger ports of call, often with a slight variation in the itinerary. The most popular tours highlight the best activities and attractions, such as the Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour in Juneau, the Misty Fjords National Monument in Ketchikan and the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway in Skagway. You'll also find entertaining offerings from cruise lines that call on smaller, less visited ports, like Icy Strait Point (Hoonah), Sitka, Seward and Haines.

While some tours cost less than $100, don't be surprised to find over-the-top experiences that run about $750 per person – such as heli-flightseeing tours, where you'll land on a glacier and go dog-sledding with a team of Alaskan huskies. If you're comfortable with going it on your own, you might find lower prices on some excursions by booking directly with tour operators. Alaskan outfitters are used to working around cruise ship arrival and departure times, so their tours tend to fit into those schedules.

U.S. News has compiled this list to help you find the best Alaska cruise excursions, from the most popular (and affordable) options to once-in-a-lifetime adventures.

Icy Strait Point (Hoonah)

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Even though it's surrounded by water and mountains – and there's no road into town – Juneau is one of the most visited ports in Alaska, welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors each summer. You'll find plenty to do in Alaska's capital, including whale watching tours, salmon bakes and more.

Mendenhall Glacier

The Mendenhall Glacier is one of the top attractions in Juneau, so many tours include a visit to the Tongass National Forest to view the 12-mile-long sheet of blue ice. Some cruise lines, like Princess Cruises , offer self-guided trekking excursions that include a ride on the Juneau Goldbelt Tram, which affords views of the Chilkat Mountains and other panoramic scenery. You can also opt to see the glacier from the water by boat or kayak, or on a float trip.

However, if you're going to splurge on any one excursion, it's this one: Sign up for a helicopter landing on Mendenhall Glacier, followed by a dog-sledding adventure with a team of Alaskan huskies. During the approximately 30-minute helicopter ride, you'll fly over rainforests and spectacular summits, but the real fun is when you arrive at the camp to go zipping through the snow led by your team of dogs and a professional musher.

The Mendenhall Glacier helicopter excursion is offered on Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Carnival Cruise Line, Viking Ocean Cruises, Seabourn Cruise Line and Silversea Cruises.

Whale Watching and Wildlife Quest

Whale watching is another top activity when visiting Juneau, and many cruise lines offer several options for tours. Holland America Line has a five-hour, small-group excursion for just 20 guests; you'll search for humpback whales on a safari vessel, then hike on Mendenhall Glacier where you can look for beavers, Arctic terns, porcupines and black bears. If you prefer an even smaller group, Princess Cruises offers a 3.5-hour private whale watching tour for six people. Possible sightings include humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, eagles, harbor seals, lighthouses, glaciers and maybe even a bear along the shoreline.

One of Viking Ocean Cruises ' excursions, the Best of Juneau, lasts more than six hours and takes guests on a naturalist-led whale watching cruise by catamaran. Before heading back to shore, you'll have a lunch of local wild-caught Alaska salmon on remote Colt Island, followed by a scenic drive to Mendenhall Glacier to end the day.

Alaska whale watching and wildlife excursions are offered on Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Viking Ocean Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Seabourn Cruise Line.

Taku Lodge Salmon Bake

Norwegian Cruise Line offers a 3.5-hour Taku Glacier Lodge Flight & Feast excursion that will tick several quintessential Alaska adventures off your bucket list. After flying over the Juneau Icefield (the fifth-largest ice field in North America) in a classic De Havilland seaplane, guests will land in the river at the historic Taku Glacier Lodge across from Juneau's largest glacier, the 5-mile-wide Taku Glacier.

A traditional Alaska salmon bake (with all the fixings) and drinks made with glacier ice are another highlight of the day. You might even see a black bear sniffing around for leftovers after your feast. Following lunch, take a walk in the lush Tongass National Forest before heading back from the wilderness.

Salmon bake excursions are offered on Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Viking Ocean Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Seabourn Cruise Line.

Ketchikan sits at the southernmost entrance to Alaska's Inside Passage. It is one of the most visited ports in Alaska, according to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). Visitors come to this part of the state for the beautiful scenery, Alaska Native culture and fresh seafood, including Alaska salmon and king crab. And they just might enjoy an entertaining lumberjack show or floatplane ride to kick off their day while in town.

The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show

Watch Alaska's hearty lumberjacks battle British Columbia's tough woodsmen in a head-to-head competition to see who can win the title of "Bull of the Woods." The thrill-a-minute show – a guest favorite – features a 50-foot tree climb, ax throwing, log rolling, buck sawing and springboard chopping, along with plenty of lumberjack lore. Some lines, like Princess Cruises, offer just the show; it lasts a little over an hour, so there will be plenty of time for a self-guided tour of Ketchikan before heading back to the ship. You may also be able to book a combination tour that includes the show and an ax throwing lesson (plus a competition of your own), or a trip to Totem Bright State Park, where you'll learn about the significance of totem poles and the Native Tlingit and Haida cultures.

Holland America Line offers a tour with the lumberjack show and a feast of local Dungeness crabs. For another culinary option, check out the 3.5-hour excursion with Norwegian Cruise Line . It includes a visit to Saxman Native Village, where you'll sample smoked wild game meats, dine on chef-selected dishes prepared with regional ingredients, and taste local wines and beers.

Lumberjack shows are offered on Alaska voyages with Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises , Royal Caribbean International, Carnival Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Silversea Cruises.

Bering Sea Crab Fisherman's Tour

Embark on the Aleutian Ballard, the Bering Sea fishing boat made famous by the Discovery Channel's "Deadliest Catch" television series. The approximately three-hour excursion gives guests a firsthand experience of what it's like to sail on the vessel as a Bering Sea crab fisherman and catch massive king crabs, octopuses and other marine life with 700-pound crab pots. The boat may also stop at nearby Annette Island, where you'll have the chance to see whales, sea lions, seals and bald eagles soaring overhead (one may even try to snag your catch!). You may also get to watch local fishermen at work.

Some lines that offer the fisherman's tour include Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Carnival Cruise Line, Viking Ocean Cruises, Seabourn Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Silversea Cruises.

Misty Fjords by Floatplane or Cruise

The more than 2 million-acre Misty Fjords National Monument is one of the top attractions in Alaska . Described by naturalist and author John Muir as "the Yosemite of the North," the awe-inspiring destination is best viewed from above on a floatplane. From the sky, you'll see towering 1,000-foot waterfalls, the volcanic Revillagigedo Island, snowcapped peaks, verdant forests and 3,000-foot walls of granite descending into the fjords. On a floatplane tour, you'll also have the chance to land on the water and take in the spectacular scenery from another viewpoint.

If you're not a fan of small planes, some lines offer the option of taking a cruise from Ketchikan's harbor. You'll sail into Behm Canal surrounded by the scenery of Misty Fjords, and you may even see wildlife or bald eagle nests. You'll also cruise by Eddystone Rock, a massive volcanic spire emerging from the sea, as well as waterfalls and 3,000-foot cliffs sculpted by glaciers.

Cruise lines that offer floatplane or cruisetours of Misty Fjords include Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Viking Ocean Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Silversea Cruises.

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Skagway is another busy and popular cruise port in Alaska. It's one of the most popular towns on the Inside Passage itinerary; its fascinating Klondike Gold Rush history dates back to 1897. Take notice of the historic false-front shops reminiscent of the gold rush days as you explore. Many of these buildings are part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, and you may even see people strolling down the streets dressed in period costumes.

White Pass & Yukon Route

One of the top-rated attractions in Skagway is the White Pass Summit Scenic Railroad journey through Alaska's wilderness. The narrow-gauge railroad is an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark – an honor shared by the Panama Canal, the Statue of Liberty and the Eiffel Tower. Dating back 125 years, the historic railway features vintage rail cars and climbs to a steep 2,865 feet at the summit over just 20.4 miles. Along the way to the summit – located at the official international border between the U.S. and Canada – you'll listen to the history of the Klondike Gold Rush while passing by Inspiration Point, Dead Horse Gulch and Bridal Veil Falls. After making a loop at the top, the train will head back down the mountain. You might even see snow on the ride if your cruise to Alaska is early in the season .

Excursions on some lines combine the rail journey with other activities, like biking on the Klondike Highway from the summit or visiting Liarsville, a gold rush trail camp. Others include a stop (and a cold beer) at the Skagway Brewing Company. In addition, some cruise providers offer the train ride in a luxury class rail car, which includes complimentary beverages, snacks and a private guide who will explain the history of the railroad as you watch the scenery pass by.

Norwegian Cruise Line's six-hour excursion features a ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route, a salmon bake at Liarsville and an adult beverage with one of the "madames" at the renowned Red Onion Saloon. Meanwhile, Silversea Cruises ' new 5.5-hour tour includes the train ride; a trip to the Yukon Suspension Bridge, which sits 65 feet above the white water rapids of the Tutshi River; and a hearty lunch of bison chili.

Cruise lines that offer the railroad (and combination) tours include Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Silversea Cruises, Viking Ocean Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Musher's Camp and Sled Dog Discovery

If you want to cuddle with Alaskan husky puppies, then this excursion is for you. Norwegian Cruise Line's approximately three-hour excursion takes guests to a professional musher's summer camp in Dyea Valley, where they train sled dogs for the Yukon Quest and Iditarod races. After a thrilling ride into the rainforest on a four-wheel-drive vehicle, you'll head out on a summertime dog sled with 16 Alaskan huskies at the helm. Before puppy play time, you'll learn how the mushers care for the dogs and prepare for the races. Depending on the cruise line, some tours may end with roasting s'mores by the fire.

Some lines that offer this excursion are Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Carnival Cruise Line and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Chilkoot Trail Hike and Float Adventure

The historic Chilkoot Trail was the main route for those in search of untold riches during the famous gold rush years. Today, the trail, located in Gold Rush National Historical Park, is a rainforest full of birds and wildflowers. Excursions to the park include hikes with river floats on the Taiya River (there are no rapids) or bike tours of the trail. There are also wilderness kayaking outings to Chilkoot Lake, which is home to the five species of Pacific salmon, waterfowl, bald eagles and one of the largest brown bear populations in southeast Alaska.

Some cruise lines that offer these excursions include Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Celebrity Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Silversea Cruises, Viking Ocean Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Sitka is the only community in the Inside Passage that sits on the Pacific Ocean. The small city – home to just 8,500 residents – was owned by Russia before the U.S. purchased the land in 1867. Today, you'll find remnants of this Russian heritage, like onion-shaped domes and Saint Michael's Russian Orthodox Cathedral. Sitka also has a strong Tlingit culture. In terms of shore excursions, you'll find plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing surrounded by pristine landscapes.

Sea Otter and Wildlife Quest

Royal Caribbean International's three-hour jet boat cruise on Sitka Sound features panoramic scenery (including snow-capped peaks) and the chance to see abundant wildlife. During the tour, look for playful sea otters, whales and brown bears walking along the coast. The line also offers another tour – Sea Otters, Raptors and Bears Oh My – that features a naturalist-guided catamaran cruise followed by visits to the Alaskan Raptor Center (a rehabilitation center for birds of prey) and the Fortress of the Bear (a rescue operation for orphaned bears).

In comparison, Carnival Cruise Line 's VIP wildlife quest in search of whales, sea otters, coastal brown bears and more concludes with a feast of wild salmon cooked over a wood-fired grill, Alaska crab and prime rib at the Fin Island Lodge. Following a wildlife Zodiac cruise around the archipelago, Holland America Line's version of this excursion also visits the lodge for lunch in partnership with Food & Wine magazine.

You can find this excursion on Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Viking Ocean Cruises and Seabourn Cruise Line.

The Best of Sitka

Several cruise lines offer a version of this tour, which features an exploration of the top attractions in Sitka. On this excursion, you'll visit the Fortress of the Bear in Tongass National Park to learn about the facility's work with orphaned bears. There's also a stop at Sitka National Historical Park, where the 1804 "Battle of Alaska" between the Russians and the Tlingits was fought. Here, you'll see handcarved totem poles created by skilled Tlingit artists and get to meet local Native artists to learn more. The excursion also includes a visit to the Alaska Raptor Center.

Lines that offer this excursion include Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Viking Ocean Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Icy Strait Point in Hoonah may be a much smaller port than others on this list, but it is a jumping-off point for endless outdoor explorations, including whale watching tours and searching for coastal brown bears. Icy Strait Point is Alaska Native-owned and -operated and is home to the largest Native Tlingit village in Alaska. While here, explore the wilderness areas of Chichagoff Islands, visit the 1912 cannery museum, and grab lunch with fresh Alaska king and Dungeness crabs before taking a ride on the world's largest ZipRider. (Or, play it safe and plan to take that ride down the mountain before lunch.)

Whale Watching & Bear Search

The waters surrounding Icy Strait Point host the largest summer population of humpback whales in the state, especially around the Point Adolphus area. If you purchase a tour directly with the Icy Strait Point website, they'll even guarantee you'll see whales – or they'll refund your money. During the tour, look for orcas, Steller sea lions, porpoises and seals. But be sure to also gaze overhead for bald eagles and search along the shore for bears; the Spasski River Valley in the remote wilderness of Chichagof Island has one of the highest densities of coastal brown bears in the world. Some cruise lines offer a variation of this excursion that includes a boiled seafood feast back on shore at Icy Strait Point.

You can find this excursion on voyages with Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Viking Ocean Cruises, Silversea Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Scenic Mountain Ascent & World's Largest ZipRider

Thrill-seekers (who love heights) will jump at the chance to ride the world's largest and longest zip line, which sits more than 1,300 feet above sea level at the top of Icy Strait Point. The ride to the summit on the SkyGlider mountaintop gondola is also a rush, but the real excitement comes as you zoom down 5,330-foot zip lines with five other riders at 60 mph – with views of the forest below and Glacier Bay National Park in the distance. A break-activated landing on the beach brings riders safely back to the ground. The price also includes unlimited rides on the gondola.

Cruise lines that offer this excursion include Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Silversea Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises , Viking Ocean Cruises and Seabourn Cruise Line.

A less visited port than some others on this list (according to CLIA), Seward is the ancestral home to the Alutiiq, or Sugpiaq, people. Its breathtaking natural beauty – with mountains on one side and Resurrection Bay on the other – has been shaped by glaciers over thousands of years. Top attractions in Seward include the Alaska SeaLife Center and a charming downtown area. It also offers access to Kenai Fjords National Park.

Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise

During your stop in Seward, take a full-day excursion to see the astounding beauty of Kenai Fjords National Park. The impressive fjords are surrounded by mountains standing more than 6,000 feet tall and an ecosystem rich in wildlife. While there, watch for a variety of whale species, sea otters, porpoises and sea lions, and onshore, you might see bears and mountain goats. There are also 191 documented species of birds in the park and many glaciers. As you get up close to Holgate Glacier, listen as chunks of blue ice calve into the water.

Some cruise lines, such as Viking Ocean Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, offer this as an individual tour, while others like Holland America Line include it as part of a cruisetour. You can also book the excursion directly with a local tour operator if you're embarking or disembarking in Seward.

Haines, a small port about 20 miles north of Skagway, is best known for its Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. The 49,000-acre preserve has the largest natural gathering of eagles during the late salmon runs and boasts pristine forests, marshlands and rivers brimming with wildlife.

Glacier Point Wilderness Safari

Norwegian Cruise Line's five-hour excursion takes guests on an adventure into the wilderness by boat while cruising North America's deepest and longest fjord, the upper Lynn Canal. You might even see breaching whales and playful sea lions en route to Glacier Point, where you'll disembark at the beach upon arrival. After a drive through the forest and a hike in the woods, you'll have unforgettable, up-close views of the Davidson Glacier by canoe.

Lines that offer this excursion include Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line and Silversea Cruises. Holland America Line offers this excursion from Skagway.

Eagle Preserve Rafting Float Adventure

Look for bald eagles soaring overhead as you raft down the gentle Chilkat River through the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. The waters are overflowing with salmon that come to spawn, serving as food for as many as 400 bald eagles living in the Chilkat Valley. Don't be surprised to see brown bears or 1,600-pound moose coming to feast along the riverbank during your rafting adventure.

Some lines that offer this excursion include Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Silversea Cruises and Seabourn Cruise Lin e. Holland America Line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Viking Ocean Cruises host this excursion from Skagway.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi is a U.S. News & World Report contributor and an avid travel adventurer who fell in love with Alaska on her first visit to the state many years ago. She's returned several times both by land and sea to view wildlife and chase the northern lights in one of the best places on the planet to view them. She's even considered moving to The Great Land as a full-time resident. Pratesi used her deep knowledge of Alaska and the cruise industry to write this article.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Things to Do in Alaska
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• The Best Alaska Cruises for Families
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

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• Holland America Line

Inside Passage Shore Excursions which is Best

By davis4555 , January 6, 2006 in Holland America Line

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We are taking our first Alaska cruise on the Westerdam July 9 and we are trying to figure out, which of the many excursion trips are worth taking. Our ship is stopping at the following ports: Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka & Victoria, BC. I hope to be able to take a lot of photos of the local wildlife (Eagles, Bears & etc). Which of the ports and which excursion would be the best to see the animals & to take pictures of them.

Also we would like to take a Whale watching trip and I was wondering which port and which excursion would be best. I have seen several Whale watching trips that include a salmon bake, is this a good idea.

Thank you for your help with these questions and I look forward to all the responses.

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If you head over to the Alaska Ports of Call board - you'll find loads of helpful info! http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=55

Budget Queen

Whale watching is out of Juneau, my preferred vender who I have been using for years is http://www.orcaenterprises.com including 4 trips last year. :) Consistantly excellent adventures with usual sightings of humpbacks, sea lions and eagles.

You are probably too early for bears, and your only option in my opinion would be Anan, contact http://www.islandwings.com for their advice. Any bear tour will require a fly in, the Inside passage isn't the place overall for bear viewing that interior Alaska is. Other option would be Pack Creek with Alaska Fly N Fish. Expect $400++pp for these tours.

Sitka is excellent if you want puffins and sea otters. Only likely place on the inside passage to see them. Possible humpbacks as well. Sitka's Secrets is a local vender to consider.

Victoria is the place for orcas, dependeing on your time in port, which sometimes isn't enough see if a ship tour is offered.

As for salmon bakes, I wouldn't combine it with a tour. If you want a really great one, go to the Thane Ore House in Juneau, if you make reservations they will shuttle you from the dock. Gold Creek Salmon bake runs a constant shuttle bus to their bake all day long from the dock.

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Holland America Eurodam's Best Shore Excursions

Cruise ships sailing to Alaska come in all sizes and price ranges, and it's important to choose the right large or small ship for your Alaska cruise vacation. Experience plays a big part in many decisions— Holland America Line began exploring Alaska in 1947 and has continued to wow its guests with land and sea vacations to the Last Frontier for the past 70 years. The company's first tour in Alaska was in Fairbanks, but Holland America is now best known for its cruise vacations or land and sea combination tours.

Explore Alaska With Holland America Cruises

Each year Holland America sends about a half-dozen ships to Alaska, with cruises embarking in Seattle, Vancouver, or Anchorage (Seward). Most Holland America Alaska cruises are seven days long and sail Alaska's Inside Passage round-trip from Seattle or Vancouver, but some sail between Vancouver and Seward and others are 14 days or longer.

The 2100-guest Eurodam was launched in 2008 and is one of the company's three largest and newest ships. The Eurodam was significantly refurbished in December 2015, with new dining, lounge, and entertainment venues, along with suite upgrades added. The ship has excellent onboard programs that include America's Test Kitchen cooking demonstrations, computer classes, and great diverse entertainment in the Music Walk area and the show lounge.

However, on Alaska cruises, many think the best place to be is outside on the decks during the long summer days, watching the spectacular scenery pass by and searching the sea and shore for some of Alaska's famous wildlife. Holland America has an onboard naturalist who stays out on the deck much of the time when the ship is sailing. The naturalist is always ready to answer questions or point out wildlife. 

The other great thing about a Holland America Alaska cruise is the variety and uniqueness of the many shore excursions scheduled for each port of call. Here are the best things to do at the Eurodam's ports of call in Alaska.

Seattle: Embarkation and Debarkation Port of Call

Seattle is a great city to visit and to embark on an Alaskan cruise. The people are friendly, and the summer weather is often pleasant. Seattle is famous for its rain, but it is usually more of a drizzle. However, the sun often shines, and the temperatures can get warmer than you might think. 

Cruise ships embark from two different piers, and your cruise documents will tell you where to find your ship. The Eurodam and other Holland America ships embark at Pier 91, which is north of the downtown area near the Magnolia Bridge. Other cruise lines also dock at Pier 91, while others are at Pier 66.

It's fun to come into Seattle a day or two early and use the time to explore all the sights like the  Space Needle , Pike Place Market , the waterfront, Chihuly Gardens and Glass, and the historic Underground area. When the cruise ships are sailing in the summer months, you'll see lots of other visitors who either are embarking on a cruise or just debarked from one.

The Eurodam sails in the late afternoon for Alaska and passengers gather on the outdoor decks to watch the skyline recede and to be on the lookout for orcas and dolphins.

It's a long way to the first port of call, Juneau, so the Eurodam sails for about 40 hours before arriving in Alaska's state capital.

Juneau: The Eurodam's First Port of Call

Juneau is the capital of Alaska and because of its Inside Passage location, is the only U.S. capital that cannot be reached by car. Visitors must arrive by air or sea. It is also the only U.S. capital with a nearby glacier!

The Holland America Eurodam docks right in downtown Juneau, so those who don't take an organized shore excursion can walk to the shops, bars, or the Mount Roberts Tramway. However, the Eurodam offers over 40 shore excursions in Juneau covering a wide variety of activities, experiences, and costs. Cruise ship guests should take advantage of the unique things to do in and around  Juneau . 

All of the most expensive shore excursions (over $500 per person) include a helicopter ride to a glacier, dog sledding camp, or wilderness location. Although these prices are very high, you will have a lifelong memory of the adventure. The Holland America Eurodam also has seaplane and boat excursions from Juneau. The seaplanes take you to a glacier or looking for wildlife.

Those looking for something more active can take a tour that includes hiking on a glacier, zip-lining, fishing, biking, or kayaking. Seven shore excursions take travelers to the nearby Mendenhall Glacier on a bus. Some of these Mendenhall tours allow for plenty of free time for those who like to hike.

All of the wildlife in Alaska is exotic and most species are unique to North America. Holland America has eight whale-watching shore excursions operating in Juneau. Some of these tours guarantee you'll either see a whale or get a partial refund from the operator. Whales can be seen in many parts of the world, but seeing the humpback whales in Alaska is an amazing memory to take home.

Glacier Bay: The Eurodam's Second Port of Call

Glacier Bay is the Eurodam's destination on day four of its Alaska cruise from Seattle. Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is a huge park, and much of it is accessible ​only from the water. Cruise ships stop near the park office and visitor's center to pick up some rangers who spend the day providing information and insight on the park.

Passengers stay on the ship, gathering in the lounges or outside on the decks to see the glaciers and wildlife of Glacier Bay. The park rangers' commentary is piped into some of the common areas so that guests won't miss anything. None of the cruises have shore excursions off the ship. 

The tidewater glaciers are the stars of this national park visit, but guests might also see mountain goats, Steller sea lions, and bears. The ship sails very slowly, allowing plenty of time to take in the views. Whales aren't seen as much in the park since the melting and calving glaciers put more fresh water and silt into the water than whales like. 

It's very interesting to listen to the park rangers explain about glaciers and glacial valleys and hear the Native American interpretive guide describe how important the park area was (and is) to the Native American tribes who once lived there. 

Sitka: The Eurodam's Third Port of Call

Sitka is located on the outside of the Inside Passage. If that doesn't make sense, it's located on the western side of one of the islands on the Inside Passage but is on the Pacific Ocean rather than a channel. Large ships like the Eurodam of Holland America either anchor and tender their guests into town or dock just outside Sitka and provide a free shuttle bus into town.

Most cruise passengers visiting Sitka take a shore excursion to see wildlife or learn more about the history or culture of the indigenous peoples of the area. Holland America has about two dozen shore excursion options in Sitka, so it's difficult to choose just one. 

Wildlife Shore Excursions

Holland America has about a half dozen tours that use boats to sail around the harbor and shorelines of some of the neighboring islands. The waters and islands around Sitka have plentiful wildlife, and animals like sea otters, eagles, whales, and sea lions are often seen from the local excursion boats. One wildlife boat tour even uses a jet boat and another uses an ocean raft that moves up to 50 miles per hour, which allows its guests to see wildlife when it slows down, plus have an exciting ride. Bears are rarely seen until the salmon start filling the streams in mid-summer. However, some shore excursions include a visit to the Fortress of the Bear rescue facility where Alaskan brown bears are rehabilitated. Other wildlife shore excursions visit the Alaska Raptor Center, which has many "raptors in residence". 

History and Art Shore Excursions

Holland America also has four Sitka shore excursions for those who love history, art, and architecture. One even includes the option to create your own Alaska-inspired painting and take it home with you. Another tour takes guests to explore the Sheldon Jackson Museum, which has a huge collection of Native American and Inuit artifacts.  A third excursion looks at Sitka's Russian and Native American history at a clan-style house and the Sitka National Historic Park.

Active and Unusual Shore Excursions

Holland America has arranged 14 very active or unusual shore excursions such as kayaking, biking, hiking, fishing, exploring in a 4x4, or snorkeling in a dry suit. One very fun and unique Sitka excursion is a "Pedal and Pub Crawl", where you explore the town on a bike while learning about Sitka's history and stopping for a couple of beers along the way.

Ketchikan: The Eurodam's Forth Port of Call

Ketchikan has two distinguishing characteristics that most cruise travelers will remember—it is one of the rainiest cities in the USA, and it legalized prostitution in certain areas from 1903 to 1954. Some of the old Ketchikan brothels where the "sporting women" lived and worked (as they were called) can still be found on Creek Street, ​and a couple of the old homes offer tours. 

Although the Holland America Eurodam is only in Ketchikan for 6 hours, the cruise ship has 33 shore excursions for its guests to enjoy. Most of these half-day tours are four hours or less, so guests can participate in a tour and still have time to explore Ketchikan on their own since the ship docks very near to Creek Street and the main shopping areas.

Some travelers wonder why cruise ships would only spend six hours in Ketchikan and then stop in Victoria for just six hours. Why not just spend more time in Ketchikan? Victoria is a great port of call, but ships stop over there in order to comply with the Merchant Marine Act of 1920 (the Jones Act). Congress passed this law to protect American shipping, but it also covers cruise ships. It requires all ships that are not flagged in the United States to include one foreign port of call on their itineraries. Since all but one (the Pride of America) large cruise ships are not flagged in the United States, they include a Canadian port of call on their Alaska cruise itineraries or embark/disembark in Vancouver.

Adventure Tours

The Eurodam has 14 adventure tours available when the ship is docked in Ketchikan. Some of these involve snorkeling; zip-lining; jeep, canoe, zodiac, or adventure cart expeditions. Others give guests the chance to fish for salmon or halibut. One of the fishing expeditions even allows you to eat the fish you've caught! 

Dining Tours

In addition to eating your own catch, Holland America has four other tours in Ketchikan for foodies. The highlight of all these tours is eating Alaskan crab and/or other types of seafood. The location of the crab feast and entertainment makes each one different.

Historical and Educational Tours

Like all other Alaskan towns, Ketchikan has an interesting past, and it's not just the "sporting women". Guests can take a tour to learn about running crab traps in the Bering Sea while riding on the Aleutian Ballad, just like on television's The Deadliest Catch ). One tour explores the streets and waters around Ketchikan from a "duck", which is an amphibious vehicle. Another tour shows guests the highlights of Ketchikan and the totem pole park from a trolley car, while other tours explore the Totem Pole Park and the Saxman Native Village. One tour that is uniquely Ketchikan is its famous Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show. The ship has several tours that include entrance to the show.

Exploring Misty Fjords National Monument

Many cruise ship guests take either a floatplane or a boat from Ketchikan to Misty Fjords National Monument , the second largest national wilderness in the United States.

Ketchikan is the nearest port of call to Misty Fjords National Monument for passengers arriving on large cruise ships. Holland America has three shore excursions that go from Ketchikan to the Misty Fjords, which are about 20 miles away. All three involve a seaplane, which provides a great chance to see this wilderness area from the air. The views are magnificent!

Victoria, British Columbia: The Eurodam's Fifth Port of Call

The last port of call for the Holland America Eurodam before disembarking in Seattle is the city of Victoria on Canada's Vancouver Island . After sailing for about 29 hours from Ketchikan, the ship arrives late in the afternoon on day seven and stays until midnight, which gives guests plenty of time to take one of the 13 shore excursions or to explore Victoria on their own.

Since Victoria is more cosmopolitan than the other ports of call, many of the excursions focus on highlights to see in and around the city or things to do like have Royal Tea at Abkhazi Gardens or tour some of the city's many craft breweries. Guests who haven't seen enough whales can take one last whale watching adventure, while those who love butterflies can visit a butterfly garden outside the city.

Many cruise passengers who visit Victoria take a tour to the famous ​Butchart Gardens. This 55-acre garden is one of the world's most spectacular, and visitors love to explore the many individual gardens that cover the whole space like the rose garden, sunken garden, Japanese garden, or Italian garden. Although the Butchart Gardens are about 14 miles north of Victoria, you will have plenty of time to explore the entire grounds and the excellent gift shop.

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My Favorite Experiences Aboard Holland America’s Koningsdam on an Inside Passage Alaska Cruise

Posted: April 11, 2023 by Debbra Brouillette

11 Comments

Table of Contents

Alaska, often called The Last Frontier, was a new frontier for me since, more often than not, I’ve chosen tropical destinations for my travels. But it was time for the Tropical Travel Girl to go north to Alaska!

There were several choices to make. Which cruise line, which ship, and which departure port? Like more than two-thirds of Alaska cruisers, we chose a round-trip Inside Passage voyage from Vancouver (Seattle was the alternate departure port).

Several major cruise lines offer similar itineraries, but Holland America was an easy choice for us to make. In 2014, my husband and I sailed aboard the 1,350-passenger Veendam, considered a midsize ship, on a Canada/New England cruise . It began in Quebec City, Canada, made stops in the maritime provinces of Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia, and then onto Bar Harbor, Maine, before ending in Boston. We loved it!

Koningsdam — Newest of the Pinnacle Class Ships

Holland America Line’s Koningsdam (Credit: By kees torn – KONINGSDAM, CC BY-SA 2.0)

We chose the Koningsdam, the newest of the cruise line’s three Pinnacle Class ships, for our Alaska Inside Passage cruise. While the Koningsdam has a capacity of 2,650 passengers, there were only around 2,000 passengers aboard on our sailing, July 2-9, 2022. While I have cruised more often on smaller ships, the ship’s size still seemed quite manageable, and after walking around the first day at sea, we easily got our bearings.

Verandah Stateroom (Credit: Holland America Line)

Our Verandah stateroom had plenty of space, with adequate closet and storage space, including under the bed, where we stowed our luggage. Choose a Verandah if your budget allows, especially for the Inside Passage cruises, which include a day cruising through Glacier Bay National Park.

Since I’m not fond of cold weather (and that’s an understatement), I booked our trip for the first week of July. I wanted to maximize the chances of having warm weather in Alaska, and we were very successful! Temperatures were in the 60s and even into the high 70s in all our ports. Sunny skies prevailed, except for the day we were in Ketchikan, our last port. It was cloudy but still did not rain.

We packed rain jackets and layers for cold weather that weren’t needed or used, but I’m not complaining! On top of that, we traveled with only carry-on luggage! (Yes, it can be done!)

We flew in three days early to have plenty of time to explore Vancouver. Stanley Park, including Vancouver Aquarium, was a highlight. (You can read about it here: Indoor Oceans: Vancouver Aquarium .)

Our itinerary included three ports – Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan — and three days at sea. The days cruising the Inside Passage provided plenty of time to take advantage of the activities, entertainment, and presentations, which enhanced our cruise experience.

Our Alaska Inside Passage Cruise Itinerary:

July 3 – Scenic Cruising the Inside Passage

July 4 – Tracy Arm Inlet (Service Call Only, Access to Shore Limited to Shore Excursions)

July 4 – Juneau (1:00-10:00 pm)

July 5 – Skagway (7:00 am-8:00 pm)

July 6 – Glacier Bay (Cruising Only)

July 7 – Ketchikan (10:00 am-6:00 pm)

July 8 – Cruising the Inside Passage

July 9 – Arrive Vancouver

Cruising through Glacier Bay National Park

Holland America Koningsdam Glacier Bay from our cabin © Debbra Dunning Brouillette

Holland America’s Koningsdam cruises the 500-mile-long coastal route known as the Inside Passage. It runs from Puget Sound in Washington State to Skagway, Alaska.

This is a typical cruise ship route through Glacier Bay. Credit: National Park Service

The highlight of any Inside Passage cruise is the day at sea spent cruising through Glacier Bay National Park , so I’ll start with it. We need to give “props” to President Calvin Coolidge, who proclaimed the area around Glacier Bay a national monument in 1925.

Holland America has more sailings to this 3.3-million-acre UNESCO World Heritage site than any other cruise line.

A close-up view of Margerie Glacier © Debbra Dunning Brouillette

Margerie Glacier, a 21-mile-long tidewater glacier (so-called because it interacts with ocean saltwater), was mesmerizing. For me, it was the most spectacular sight of the day!

A view from our cabin of Glacier Bay with icebergs. © Debbra Dunning Brouillette

Passengers can make their way to outside decks throughout the day for wildlife spotting. Dutch Pea Soup, traditionally served on Holland America Alaska cruises, helps keep passengers warm while keeping an eye out for incidents of “ice calving,” when chunks of the glacier break off and become icebergs.

A selfie from outside our Veranda Cabin with Margerie Glacier behind us. © Debbra Dunning Brouillette

Since we had a Veranda Stateroom (highly recommended), we could easily step in and out to view and take photos of the ever-changing scenery. Using our binoculars and my zoom lens, we spotted seals but no whales or bears.

Holland America World Stage Presentation © Debbra Dunning Brouillette

After lunch, we attended a special presentation by National Park Service Rangers in the World Stage theatre called “The Wonders of Glacier Bay.” Not to be missed!

Specialty Dining – Rudi’s, Canaletto, Pinnacle Grill

We fit three of Holland America’s specialty dining options into our week aboard the Koningsdam. Specialty dining is at an additional cost, but is well worth it! Specialty dining packages are available, too. (At all specialty restaurants, meals are half-price for kids 12 years old or under, or free when they order from the kids’ menu.)

USA TODAY 10 BEST READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS for 2022 put the Koningsdam in the #1 spot as the best ship for dining.

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Rudi’s Sel de Mer   was my absolute favorite, hands down. Described as a French seafood brasserie, it met the expectations of my pescatarian palate. It has been called “one of the most coveted reservations at sea.” The restaurant is named for Master Chef Rudi Sodamin, who serves as Culinary Council Chairman for Holland America.  (Rudi’s is also available on the other two Pinnacle Class ships, the Rotterdam and Nieuw Statendam.)

Also good to know: Holland America Line has been awarded Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM) certification—making it the first cruise line to achieve this distinguished credential by serving only fresh, certified sustainable, and traceable wild Alaska seafood .

Canaletto  has a classic Italian menu, featuring nightly specials like Osso Bucco and Veal Saltimbocca. Our entrees included Branzino Alla Siciliana, and Grilled Lamb Chops with truffled polenta, both perfectly prepared.

Before dinner at Pinnacle Grill, we were photographed in the Atrium.

We (regrettably) missed trying  Tamarind , an Asian restaurant, but our meals in the Main Dining Room were, without exception, very good, too!

Two main dining room entrees and a dessert, one of several we enjoyed there.

Main Dining Room on the Koningsdam

Music Walk® – Entertainment at Sea

Every night after dinner, we made our way to Deck 2’s Music Walk® live entertainment area.

B.B. King’s Blues Club is one of three music venues in the Music Walk® area of Holland America’s Koningsdam. © Debbra Dunning Brouillette

Within a short walk of each venue, we could enjoy Memphis-style rhythm and blues at B.B. King’s Blues Club or Billboard OnBoard, which became our favorite. We stopped by almost every evening to listen to the two talented singers/pianists play Billboard chart-toppers, along with requests from the audience.

Billboard OnBoard in the Music Walk® Entertainment area was one of our favorite places to hang out after dinner.

Laugh at BB’s

Talks by the Naturalist

Check the daily calendar for talks by the naturalist. I learned a lot about salmon, my favorite fish, from Naturalist John’s presentation, “Consider Salmon – Introduction to the iconic fish of Alaska.” “How to Identify Animal Tracks” was another talk we missed.

Lecture Series at Sea on the World Stage

In addition to the Glacier Bay presentation, a series of lectures and presentations were held throughout our week at sea. Here are the ones we attended; all were excellent. I’d recommend you try to fit as many in as possible:

• Ask the Captain – Capt. Draper gives a virtual behind-the-scenes tour
• Breaking the Ice Ceiling – Pioneering Women of Alaska – Alaska Native Voices Program
• Origin Story – The rich history of the Holland America line, how it got started as a cruise company, and how they were the first to brave the Alaskan cruising frontier!

Did you know? Holland America has been cruising in Alaska since 1947 (before it became a state in 1959) —longer than any other cruise line!

Sip & Savor: Wine and Appetizer Pairing

Other wine and spirits experiences available (at additional cost) include a Whiskey Tasting, Mixology Class, Winemaker for a Day, and a Cocktails Mixology Class.

Afternoon Tea in the Dining Room

Afternoon Tea is served at 3 pm in the Main Dining Room on days at sea (Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday). Try to make it at least once!

I was seated near two other passengers who came to enjoy tea sandwiches and a selection of mini-tarts, sweets, and scones while our husbands relaxed in their cabins. I have a mid-afternoon cup of hot tea on most days at home, so it was nice to continue my “tea-time” tradition with tasty treats in a lovely atmosphere.  

Greenhouse Spa & Salon

The ship’s Greenhouse Spa & Salon received the Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards for Best Spa and Best Service 2022. After doing an incredible amount of walking in Vancouver before boarding the ship, I was ready for a therapeutic massage to prepare me for our planned excursions. I scheduled it the day we boarded, and since the first full day aboard is “at sea,” it was the perfect time to take advantage of the spa services aboard the Koningsdam.

Things We Didn’t Take Advantage Of

• The Pools — While we didn’t use the pool, the main pool is on the top deck and features a retractable glass dome to cover the area. Families with children especially seemed to congregate here. Food venues near the pool include pizza (New York Pizza & Deli), burgers and other fast food (Dive In), and ice cream and sweets (Gelato). Another smaller pool and lounge area are at the opposite end of the ship on top deck.

So Much More to Discover

We barely scratched the surface of all the experiences available on the Koningsdam, but we thoroughly enjoyed everything we did. Have I piqued your interest in thinking about booking an Inside Passage cruise? If so, I’d recommend you check out Holland America Line’s website to read more about the activities and amenities available to passengers.

I hope to sail again on another of Holland America Cruise Line’s itineraries that cover the seas of the world!

Holland America celebrated its 150 th Anniversary in 2023! Read about its history here .

Also: Read my article, Visit Alaska on a Holland America Inside Passage Cruise , in Parks and Travel magazine.

And… watch my interview on Big Blend Radio about my Holland America Inside Passage cruise:

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Category: Alaska , Blog , cruises , Holland America Line , Home news , Homepage , slider , U.S. Travel , Uncategorized Tags: Alaska , Alaska Cruise , cruise travel , Glacier Bay , Holland America , Inside Passage Cruise , Koningsdam , Margerie Glacier

11 Comments on “My Favorite Experiences Aboard Holland America’s Koningsdam on an Inside Passage Alaska Cruise”

You two make such a cute couple, Debbie! I could have looked at your wonderful pics all day! We took a 14-day Alaska cruise 20 years ago with World Explorer Cruises and loved it. Have not yet had the pleasure of cruising with Holland America but the Koningsdam really looks like an amazing ship. Would love to stay in that Verandah Stateroom!

Thanks, Doreen! If you ever decide to revisit Alaska, I’d highly recommend going on the Koningsdam from Vancouver! It was a very special trip from start to finish!

I’m so glad we were able to connect after your cruise! The trip looks like it was amazing, but Alaska is so stunning it’s hard not to have a good time.

Me, too! It was such fun to see more of Vancouver with you after we finished our wonderful Alaska cruise! Trip of a lifetime, for sure!

OMG, this is a dream cruise! Thanks for sharing so many details about the actual experience! Really helpful.

I’m so glad you found it helpful, Shelly! If you decide to cruise Alaska, this would be a great choice of itinerary and ship!

Wow! What an incredible experience. I loved looking at all of your photos!

Should I presume you enjoyed the cold waters of Alaska just as much as the tropics? It looks like you had a lot of fun on this cruise. We also went to Alaska with Holland America. It’s a good company and I would gladly go with them again if I were to go on another cruise. We generally prefer independent travel, but for Alaska a cruise is the best.

We thoroughly enjoyed our Alaska cruise with Holland America! And since we went in early July, we had warmer temperatures, so the “tropical girl” was happy! We will not hesitate to sail again with Holland America. It was the perfect way to see the parts of Alska I was most wanting to see!

Loved the photos! Do they offer similar trips longer than a week? Could you also mention which animals can be sighted the most?

Thank you! Yes, Holland America offers longer cruises, up to 14 nights, and others with a land-based cruise tour before or after. You can go to this link to learn more: https://www.hollandamerica.com/en/us/find-a-cruise?destinationIds:(A) As for animals, we saw lots of eagles! No bears, but it all depends on which ports you visit and what excursions are offered.

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Holland Inside Passage with Glacier Bay

Come to learn and explore. Finish the cruise full of awe and wonder.

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Holland America Inside Passage Glacier Bay from Vancouver

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Opportunities to see several of Alaska's most beautiful glaciers are abound on this seven-day roundtrip Alaska cruise route. In addition to three ports of call, the itinerary includes two days cruising the Inside Passage, and one exploring Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. Along the way, passengers see Sawyer Glacier, Johns Hopkins Glacier, the famous Mendenhall, and more remote Margerie Glacier. Each is distinctive, each remarkable. Hundreds more unnamed glaciers cling to the peaks throughout the southeast, ensuring that there's hardly a view without one. This itinerary is exclusive to the Holland America Line, one of the longest running cruise companies in Alaska.

Daily Itinerary & Sailing Dates

Below is a general itinerary for this cruise. Note that there are variations in the exact cruise itinerary between sailing dates. Ports of call, route, and details will vary. Be sure to request a cruise quote using the links below or with our cruise finder to see the most up to date information for the particular voyage you are interested in.

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Vancouver is a fascinatingly multifaceted city. Trendy neighborhoods meet historic districts, boutiques and restaurants meet parks and gardens, and the mountains meet the sea. Spend the day exploring the city's many sites before embarking in the evening.

Glaciers carved the Inside Passage more than five million years ago. This full day at sea provides beautiful views of rugged fjords and cliffsides cut by ice.

The route navigates the twists and turns of Tracy Arm till it reaches the rambling Sawyer Glacier. In the afternoon, passengers disembark in Juneau for their first port call of the trip. The city offers a warm Alaskan welcome and ample shore excursions highlighting the area's history and diverse natural surroundings.

Cruise days in Skagway harken back to the town's boom time during the Klondike Gold Rush. There's an energetic buzz as visitors fill the historic streets. While in town, take an excursion into the mountains for a closer look at the area's history. For those seeking a mellower experience, take a ferry to visit the charming nearby city of Haines.

The route returns to the water for a second full day at sea. Throughout the day there is something astounding to see in every direction, from tidewater glaciers, to aqua-blue bay water to 15,000-foot peaks. Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The route returns to shore for one last port call of the trip. Ketchikan is a vibrant little town known for its collection of hand carved totem poles and for its abundant fishing opportunities. Passengers have plenty of time to enjoy both before bidding a fond farewell to Alaska in the evening.

The route heads south through the Canadian Inside Passage for the itinerary's final day at sea.

The cruise returns to Vancouver for a convenient disembarkation in the morning.

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Visit Alaska on a Holland America Inside Passage Cruise

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VISIT ALASKA ON A HOLLAND AMERICA INSIDE PASSAGE CRUISE Story and photos by Debbra Dunning Brouillette

ON BIG BLEND RADIO: Award-winning travel writer and photographer Debbra Dunning Brouillette shares her Alaska cruising adventures with Holland America. Watch here in the YouTube player or download the podcast on PodBean .

After visiting more than 50 islands and tropical destinations, the time was right for this “tropical travel girl” to visit Alaska. My dad was stationed in Skagway during World War II, so I’d always thought of going there…eventually. After all, I love nature and wildlife and being able to eat fresh Alaskan salmon, halibut, and Dungeness crab is my idea of culinary heaven! When I began to consider how I wanted to “do Alaska,” I knew it would have to be in the summer to maximize the chances of having warm weather. My husband and I had great memories of sailing with Holland America in 2014 on a Canada/New England cruise, so I quickly settled on Holland America Cruise Line. But there were more decisions to be made. Depart from Seattle or Vancouver? Since we hadn’t visited Vancouver, we chose it as our departure port. We booked the first week of July on the Koningsdam, one of three Pinnacle Class ships in the cruise line’s 14-ship fleet. The Koningsdam’s multiple specialty dining restaurants and nightly entertainment options in the Music Walk® area of the ship were among the many reasons we chose this mid-sized ship (maximum 2,650 passengers) for our Alaska cruise. Our Alaska Inside Passage Cruise Itinerary:

July 2 – Depart Vancouver

July 3 – Scenic Cruising the Inside Passage

July 4 – Tracy Arm Inlet   (Service Call Only, Access to Shore Limited to Shore Excursions)

July 4 – Juneau (1:00-10:00 pm)

July 5 – Skagway (7:00 am-8:00 pm)

July 6 – Glacier Bay (Cruising Only)

July 7 – Ketchikan (10:00 am-6:00 pm)

July 8 – Cruising the Inside Passage

July 9 – Arrive in Vancouver First Port: Juneau – Mendenhall Glacier & Salmon Bake After spending a day at sea orienting ourselves to the ship, our first port stop was Juneau, Alaska’s capital city. Passengers who booked the Tracy Arm Fjord & Glacier Explorer excursion deboarded the ship at Tracy Arm Inlet before we reached Juneau. A high-speed catamaran took them to Twin Sawyer Glaciers, which naturalist John Muir called “one of the most dramatically stunning fjords of Southeast Alaska.” We chose the Mendenhall Glacier & Salmon Bake excursion, which began with a short drive out of town to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. The Glacier is a 13-mile-long river of ice that ends at the far side of Mendenhall Lake. While some took the trail to Nugget Falls, we chose the shorter Photo Point Trail, a great vantage point for photos. That left us enough time to watch a film in the Visitor’s Center before leaving for Macaulay Salmon Hatchery, where more than 130 million chum, king, and coho salmon are raised. Our last stop was Salmon Creek, near a waterfall in Southeast Alaska’s temperate rainforest, where we feasted on wild salmon, grilled over an open wood fire. Second Port: Skagway – Following in my Dad’s Footsteps We started our day in Skagway by boarding the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad for a guided round-trip journey that included points of interest related to the Klondike Gold Rush of the late 1800s. Since my Dad was stationed in Skagway during World War II, after our train ride, we walked through town searching out sites formerly used by the military and found a church where my Dad attended services in 1945. We ended our time in Skagway with an afternoon Streetcar City Tour. A highlight was visiting the Gold Rush Cemetery, where our guide provided an entertaining narrative of a notorious con artist who was buried there after losing a gunfight during Gold Rush days.

Cruising Glacier Bay — A Highlight of the Week! A major highlight of our week was cruising Glacier Bay. Only two ships a day are granted permission by the National Park Service to cruise it and Holland America is one of them. One of two cruise lines considered to be “historical Operators under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act,” it offers more opportunities to visit the 3.3-million-acre UNESCO World Heritage site than any other cruise line. The “star of the show” is Margerie Glacier, a 21-mile-long tidewater glacier. From our Veranda Cabin, we were able to go in and out throughout the day to view and take photos of the ever-changing scenery. Using our binoculars and my zoom lens, we spotted seals on the rocks (but no bears)! National Park Service Rangers boarded the ship early in the day to answer questions while passengers roamed the outside decks to spot wildlife and watch for incidents of “calving.” That’s when chunks of the glacier break off and fall into the icy waters, causing a cracking or booming sound. To further enhance our experience, we attended a presentation by National Park Service Rangers in the World Stage Theatre called “The Wonders of Glacier Bay.” Last Port: Ketchikan –   Wilderness Exploration Cruise & Crab Feast There were so many excursion choices in Ketchikan and in all the ports we visited, it would take many more trips to Alaska to scratch the surface of what is aptly called America’s “Last Frontier.” For us, the opportunity to feast on freshly harvested Dungeness crab at George Inlet Lodge won out. Following a catamaran cruise to check out the crab pots and learn about their life cycle, we returned to the lodge and had our fill of the best crab either of us had ever eaten! More Inside Passage Cruising back to Vancouver. It was nice to have a final day of cruising the Inside Passage before arriving in Vancouver for the trip home. We took advantage of several entertainment and educational offerings on the World Stage, including “Ask the Captain,” a virtual behind-the-scenes tour of the ship, and “Origin Story,” a multimedia journey through maritime history, including Holland America line’s 75 years in Alaska. Later that evening, after dinner in the Pinnacle Grill (our third specialty restaurant of the week), we returned for a “journey through the decades” dance performance. What a way to end an unforgettable week aboard the Koningsdam! While Debbra’s travels often take her to tropical destinations, the time was right to go north to Alaska! Choosing a Holland America ship for her Inside Passage cruise, she visited Glacier Bay, as well as three ports — Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan. She credits her father, who was stationed in Skagway during World War II, for making her a “tropical girl.” Born and raised in the Midwest, Florida vacations opened her world to sun, sand, and turquoise water. The award-winning writer and photographer is also a self-described “foodie” and seeks out the best local food and wine wherever her travels take her. Follow her adventures on www.TropicalTravelGirl.com & www.FWTmagazine.com , and other print and online media.

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How holland america is evolving to attract a broader audience.

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The cruise line attracts customers of all ages.

While some travelers may think of Holland America as a line that caters to older travelers or multi-generational families, the numbers show otherwise. Its ships have amenities like kids clubs, but the cruise brand chooses to focus less on customer demographics, and more on “psychographics.” Understanding what drives consumers to take a trip to somewhere new and the emotions that go along with it have helped the line grow without the water slides, racetracks and theme park attractions of other ships.

Psychographics are a focus for the cruise line, which are helping to expand its audience.

“Holland America Line is looking to attract passengers with a particular mindset – rather than targeting a younger demographic,” writes Harry Kemble for Travel Weekly , adding that the approach seemed to help bring in a younger audience anyway.

Cruise lines are in a constant battle to win market share. Holland America is one of the oldest sailing lines in the world, but that does not mean it attracts the most mature-in-age clientele. Instead, it has been steadily investing in culinary and entertainment experiences, two things that are top of mind when consumers consider a cruise. This focus has helped the brand continue to evolve in numerous ways without leaving behind its core strengths.

Committed to its niche markets

The cruise line is adding a glacier guarantee to its Alaska sailings.

Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Of 2024

Best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024.

Holland America has long been a leader in cruises to Alaska and has invested in hotels and wilderness lodges in the state. This allows it to sell pre- or post-tour packages in conjunction with its seasonal cruises to Alaska. The line bases six ships between April and October with July and August being its busiest months (also coinciding with school breaks.

Holland America is so invested in Alaska that it owns hotels and resorts around the state, including within the national parks, through which it offers special deals on vacation packages to cruise guests.

Holland America bases six ships in Alaska each season.

It recently launched a new “glacier guarantee” on its sailings within Alaska, that’s how committed the line is that travelers will see what they come to see. If you don’t see at least one glacier on the sailing, you receive a future cruise credit equal to 15% of your cruise fare.

There is also a new Glacier Day on each Alaska sailing, highlighting the fact that Holland America offers more glacier experiences than any other cruise line. It includes scenic commentary, Dutch pea soup on the deck, cocktails made using real glacier ice, talks from Glacier Bay National Park Rangers and Huna cultural interpreters and an open bow to see glaciers up close.

The cruise line promotes responsible wildlife viewing rather than letting travelers roam free within ... [+] the national parks.

It is all part of the line’s “We Love Alaska” programming with onboard presentations, menu items and special events that honor the people and culture of Alaska. People were even able to help the line name an orphan moose via social media in a partnership with the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, which takes in injured and orphaned animals.

The winning name, Denali, will be used for the next orphaned animal that the center adopts. Holland America promotes responsible wildlife viewing from its ships and on its shore excursions.

Holland America is known in the industry for its Alaska sailings.

Beth Bodensteiner, chief commercial officer for Holland America Line, calls it a “fine-tuning” of its Alaska sailings where “everything from cocktails to wildlife maps” immerses guests in “all facets of Alaska.”

The line offers seven and 14-day sailings as well as a new 28-day Arctic Circle itinerary that visits a dozen Alaskan ports. This is part of a strategy this year to offer longer sailings. Travel Weekly reports that there are options to sail for as many as 35 days on transatlantic journeys adding ports like Bermuda and the Canary Islands in Spain that have returned to the cruise line’s route map.

Holland America has itineraries all around the world.

Holland America is more than Alaska though. The line sails in the family-friendly Caribbean, where it will have a 15% boost in capacity this year over 2023, according to Cruise Industry News . It also has itineraries to all seven continents, including longer cruises that cross oceans or world sailings that sometimes are advertised as “pole-to-pole” expeditions.

For the 2025-2026 season, the cruise line plans to base its three, newest Pinnacle Class ships in the Caribbean. It will also offer itineraries as long as 14 nights and base its ships in Miami, both of which are new for Holland America.

Dutch heritage sets it apart

One of the main restaurants aboard a Holland America ship

The cruise line was founded in the Netherlands in 1873 and made its first sailing to the United States in 1882. Like other companies of the day, it focused on providing transportation between continents as well as moving goods and mail around the world. These days, the company is part of Carnival Cruise Line, but it remains committed to its heritage.

The brand embraces that with its Dutch Day to honor the cruise line’s history of 150 years. It takes place on every sailing with Dutch-themed menus that complement what is served in Grand Dutch Café aboard each ship serving Dutch snacks like chocoladebols (a Dutch Cream Puff), maple stroopwafels and gevulde koeken (a Dutch cookie with marzipan).

Sustainability focus

Chef Masaharu Morimoto spearheads the sustainable fish program.

The cruise line was the first (and is the only) cruise brand to receive certification from the Responsible Fisheries Management Board. On its sailings, the fish served in its dining rooms is sourced locally with special selections highlighted on each menu.

But, that’s not enough for a line that makes many of its most iconic sailings through protected waters. The company conducted biofuel tests aboard the MS Rotterdam by using 100% low carbon intensity biofuel when sailing in the Norwegian World Heritage Fjords. The line is testing the practice although it had “nothing to share” at press time for potential expansion of the program.

The Norwegian fjords are another hallmark destination for Holland America.

The Norwegian Fjords, a bread and butter sailing for the line, have begun to tighten requirements on the types of ships and how they sail through their famous waters.

Its new Pinnacle class of ships doubles down on these environmental measures, too. Its two newest ships, Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam, use LED lighting throughout, and the rest of the fleet has switched to this energy-saving system in public areas. The line also piloted a test aboard Rotterdam where it used 100% low carbon intensity biofuel for one of its engines on a sailing through the Norwegian fjords.

By 2030, the company wants to reduce its food waste by 50%, and it has installed food dehydrators on all of its ships that help to reduce waste volume by 75%-95%.

Culinary options grow

The cruise line relies on local seafood aboard all of its ships.

Onboard dining is a quintessential part of any cruise, and Holland America continues to grow its lineup of specialty restaurants. Chef Masaharu Morimoto spearheads the sustainable fish program and lends his recipe talent to the menu in the main dining room.

It has even been featured during live broadcasts from the line’s Eurodam ship on Bravo’s “Top Chef.” Morimoto also has his Morimoto By Sea specialty restaurant (his first on a cruise ship) on Holland America’s Nieuw Amsterdam, but also as a pop-up experience in different restaurants on the other ships in the fleet.

Sourcing sustainable seafood is a key focus for Holland America.

The focus of the program is to tap into the cruise line’s network of iconic ports and deliver as many as 80 types of fresh fish “port to plate” onboard within 48 hours of being caught. Holland America has been honored by the Marine Stewardship Council and Aquaculture Stewardship Council and is the first cruise brand to serve 100% fresh, certified sustainable and traceable wild Alaska seafood in its restaurants via its Responsible Fisheries Management certification.

Many of these same eco-friendly provisions take place at its land-based venues as well. McKinley Chalet in Alaska is one of many resorts within Denali National Park to receive Marine Stewardship Council certification, following in the footsteps of its sibling marine resorts.

The cruise line has numerous restaurants with various types of cuisine.

It’s not just restaurants where it wants to stand out, but in its food and beverage partnerships, too. Holland America works with many well-known brands to bring this focus to life. Most recently, it tapped Lindt Chocolates to supply Lindor truffles as part of its turndown amenity service.

Award-winning bartender Ivy Mix is also helping the line develop a menu of Latin-inspired cocktails that appear on its Mexico and Latin American sailings.

Onboard entertainment in every form

Holland America is adding new production shows for different ships, including 15 shows specifically ... [+] for its "grand voyage" world sailings.

Holland America has long been known for having live entertainment in various corners of the ship. It also offers musical revues, guest performers and comedians, none of which comes as a surprise to traditional cruise guests. But, the line is investing in other partnerships that attract a younger or more engaged traveler.

This year, it launched a partnership with Audible to swap onboard libraries for a virtual book club offering with an infinite number of choices. It is the first cruise line to offer a co-branded book club of this scale. Content includes everything from language lessons and history books to destination guides and fiction.

The thermal suite is a place for guests to relax in the spa.

“We know from extensive research that reading is a top priority for guests both on and off vacation, so the Audible collaboration was a natural next step for us to connect with our guest community,” said Kacy Cole, chief marketing officer, Holland America Line.

Passengers also receive an extended Audible free trial, in addition to complimentary in-stateroom Audible content so that their experience continues long after they disembark. It comes with a monthly book club that also includes podcasts and other original content. This is made even easier to use now that all of the line’s 11 ships have SpaceX's Starlink wireless high-speed internet.

All Holland America ships have numerous venues with live music.

Fifteen new production shows are scheduled to debut in 2025 on the line’s “grand voyages,” which are its longest and travel around the world. According to Bill Prince, vice president of entertainment, Holland America has never introduced this many shows at one time.

Many of the shows and musical performances will tie together with the cruise itinerary. For example, European tenors will perform on Mediterranean sailings while Nova Scotian music will feature on Eastern Canada sailings. The cruise line is also adding the Rolling Stone Lounge (with its seven-piece band that plays a variety of music like rock and rhythm and blues) to more ships and while growing the onboard Billboard Onboard piano bar that plays from the Billboard’s top 100 hits with a different theme each evening.

By leaning into the emotional connections of travelers, Holland America is taking a different approach using “psychographics” to grow market share. Instead of adding flashy rides, it is targeting experiences that transcend age, helping the brand draw to a well-rounded mix of travelers.

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