Holland America Alaska Ships: A Comprehensive Guide

If you're considering a Holland America Alaska cruise, you'll be pleased to know that the line offers a range of ships that cater to different tastes and preferences.

The ms Westerdam and ms Oosterdam are two of the largest Holland America Alaska ships, with a capacity for over 1,900 passengers.

These ships offer a variety of staterooms, including inside, oceanview, and verandah rooms, as well as suites with private balconies.

The ms Amsterdam is a smaller ship that offers a more intimate cruising experience, with a capacity for around 1,400 passengers.

If you're looking for an uncrowded Alaska cruise experience, Holland America has got you covered. They offer seven ships to choose from, each with its own unique charm.

The Koningsdam is a standout option, with its fluid lines and light-filled spaces creating a sublime onboard experience. You'll feel right at home on this ship.

One of the things that sets Holland America's Alaska cruise ships apart is their exceptional dining options. The Eurodam, for example, was named "Best for Great Dining & Diverse Destinations" and features a vast selection of restaurants to try.

Here are some of the Holland America Alaska cruise ships you can choose from:

Each of these ships offers a unique experience, so you're sure to find one that fits your style.

The Oosterdam is a family-friendly vessel with a capacity for 1,964 passengers. It's a great option for those traveling with kids, as it offers a game room called High Score! where children and adults can play games like skeeball.

The Oosterdam also features a spa where grown-ups can enjoy a massage, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring.

The Volendam is a charming Alaska cruise ship that's been delighting passengers for 25 years. It's the line's oldest operating ship, but don't let that fool you - it's still got plenty of style and sophistication.

This small vessel boasts elaborate public spaces that are filled with elegant garden-inspired touches, including fresh blooms, floral fabrics, and tapestries. You'll feel like you're walking through a beautiful garden, not a cruise ship.

If you're looking for a quieter, more low-key onboard atmosphere, the Volendam is a great choice. It's one of just two Holland America ships without a Music Walk, so you can expect a more relaxed vibe.

The Volendam is an elegant and spacious ship, with a unique blend of modern and classic elements. It's a great option for those who want a more intimate cruise experience.

Here are some of the key features of the Volendam:

The Alaska cruise season lasts from May through September, so plan your trip accordingly.

You can find the most affordable Alaska cruise rates in May and September, the off-peak periods.

Cruises to Alaska are typically 7 to 12 nights in length, giving you ample time to explore the region.

In addition to popular sightseeing tours via train and motorcoach, cruise lines have added more adventurous shore excursions to Alaska itineraries, such as sea kayaking, mountain hiking, and salmon fishing.

To maximize your time, consider adding a land tour to your Alaska cruise – nearly half of all passengers do so.

If you have frequent-flier miles, this may be a good time to use a free ticket to fly round trip to Vancouver, the main port of departure for Inside Passage cruises.

Most cruise lines offer pre-cruise hotel packages, which we recommend booking at least one or two days in advance of your cruise.

Here's a quick rundown of the two main types of Alaska cruises:

Holland America's Alaskan cruises offer refined amenities and elegant staterooms, many with ocean-facing views and teak-lined verandahs for alfresco dining or private sunbathing.

Each stateroom comes with a range of amenities, including complimentary 24-hour In-Room Dining, daily Housekeeping, and safes for your valuables. You'll also find deluxe bathrobes, Elemis Aromapure bath amenities, and a complimentary shoeshine service.

If you're lucky enough to score a Verandah Balcony Cabin on a ship like the Koningsdam, you'll have a private spot to enjoy the breathtaking views of Alaska's wilderness. These cabins typically feature two chairs and a small table, perfect for sipping coffee or reading a book while taking in the scenery.

Here are some of the key amenities you can expect in a Holland America Alaskan cruise stateroom:

Holland America Line offers elegant staterooms with refined amenities, including the signature Mariner's Dream bed.

Each stateroom is spacious and ocean-facing, with many featuring teak-lined verandahs perfect for alfresco dining or sunbathing in private.

Complimentary 24-hour In-Room Dining is available, so you can enjoy a meal at your convenience.

Daily Housekeeping keeps your cabin tidy, and you'll also find generous Storage and Safes for your valuables.

You'll appreciate the Deluxe bathrobes and Elemis Aromapure bath amenities, as well as the Complimentary shoeshine service.

The Verandah Balcony Cabin on Koningsdam offers a modern and well-thought-out design, with enough closet and drawer space for your belongings.

The balcony itself is a highlight, with enough room for two chairs and a small table, and soft and ambient lighting.

Noise wasn't an issue in the stateroom, aside from the occasional hallway sound of people getting off the elevators.

Each elegant stateroom on Holland America cruises offers refined amenities, including the signature Mariner's Dream bed. You'll also find generous storage, safes for your valuables, and deluxe bathrobes.

Daily housekeeping is a standard service, and you can even enjoy a complimentary 24-hour in-room dining option. The ship's staff will take care of your needs, so you can focus on relaxing.

You can expect to find Elemis Aromapure bath amenities in your stateroom, along with a complimentary shoeshine service to keep your shoes looking their best. It's the little touches like these that make your cruise experience even more enjoyable.

If you're looking for a ship with plenty of amenities, consider the Koningsdam, which features a blend of modern elegance and nautical tradition. Or, if you prefer a ship with a more laid-back atmosphere, the Volendam might be the perfect choice.

Here are some of the amenities and spaces you can expect to find on Holland America's Alaska cruise ships:

Whether you're looking for a ship with a lively atmosphere or a more relaxed vibe, Holland America has a ship to suit your needs. With amenities like these, you'll be sure to have a comfortable and enjoyable cruise.

The midship roof on Koningsdam is a fantastic spot to relax, especially during cooler weather. It's covered by a retractable roof that can be closed or cracked open to suit your preference.

The Lido Pool, located near the midship roof, is a great place to swim or lounge in the sun. With plenty of space to spread out, you'll never have trouble finding a seat.

NY Pizza is conveniently located near the Lido Pool, and I can personally attest to the deliciousness of their pies – I had a whopping double-digit number of slices over the course of a week!

The aft Sea View Pool is a more peaceful and adult-oriented spot, perfect for taking in the views or enjoying a quiet afternoon. It's also where you'll find the smoking area on the starboard side.

Scenic cruising in Glacier Bay and the Inside Passage is a must-do on Koningsdam, and the outside decks offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

You'll find plenty of options to keep you entertained and relaxed on board. The Greenhouse Spa & Salon is a heavenly retreat that nurtures every aspect of your well-being with renowned spa rituals and healing touches.

The onboard shopping experience is impressive, with a wide variety of duty-free shopping in signature shops like The Vault, Diamonds and Gemstones by Merabella, which offers the best diamonds at sea.

From relaxation to entertainment, Holland America has something for everyone. Movies on Board screen recent-release films and perennially popular classics nightly in the movie theatre (on select ships).

The Casino is only open at sea, where you can try your hand at blackjack or poker with complimentary instruction from the dealers and staff. Pickleball at Sea is another great option, with courts featuring amazing top-deck views.

Here are some of the activities you can enjoy on board:

If you're looking for a taste of Alaska's adventure, you've got to try their shore excursions. Holland America Line offers a range of exciting experiences that let you see the state's unrivaled scenery and wildlife up close.

One of the most thrilling excursions is the Alaska Zodiac Adventure & Fin Island Lodge, where you'll take a Zodiac boat through a wildlife-filled archipelago adjacent to Sitka. You'll get to see glaciers, fjords, and mountains, and even spot whales and bears in their natural habitats.

If you're interested in history and culture, consider the Anchorage Highlights & Native Cultures excursion, which takes you on a motorcoach tour of downtown Anchorage's historical points of interest.

For a truly unique experience, try the Aurora Borealis Viewing excursion, where you'll be taken to a prime viewing location in the Fairbanks area to witness the breathtaking Northern Lights.

Here are some of the top Alaska cruise excursions to consider:

Dining on a Holland America cruise is a treat, with a range of options to suit every taste and craving.

You can choose from classic burgers and fries served poolside to fine dining at Pinnacle Grill, which delivers an excellent steakhouse experience with nice cuts of steak.

The main dining room offers a menu that rotates nightly, always featuring a fresh seafood selection. I've found that eating alone is no problem, as you can opt for a smaller table on the port side.

The service is always prompt, and the food quality is a cut above what you'd experience on other lines. In fact, I was impressed by the flavorful, well-prepared, and presented dishes.

One of my favorite experiences was the Alaska sea day brunch, which felt like a special event. They brought in regional ingredients, and I went with the halibut sandwich, which was clearly not frozen.

If you're looking to try something new, Morimoto by Sea is a standout option. Created by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, the menu blends traditional Japanese dishes with modern twists.

The Lido Market offers a wide selection of buffet items, with different stations for salads, hot entrees, carving, and international cuisine. Just be aware that it can get crowded at peak hours.

If you're looking for a light bite or coffee, the Grand Dutch Cafe is a great option. It's a bit tucked away on a lower deck, but worth seeking out for its grilled ham and cheese and split pea soup.

Room service is also an option, with hot coffee and fresh fruit delivered exactly on time.

Here's a rundown of the specialty dining options on board:

I've been on a Holland America cruise and let me tell you, they have an incredible array of activities to keep you entertained from dawn till dusk.

You can indulge in some much-needed relaxation at the Greenhouse Spa & Salon, where renowned spa rituals and healing touches will leave you feeling rejuvenated.

The onboard shopping experience is also a must-try, with duty-free shopping available in signature shops like The Vault and Diamonds and Gemstones by Merabella, which offers the best diamonds at sea.

If you're a music lover, you'll enjoy the live performances at the B.B. King's Blues Club, where direct from Beale Street in Memphis, B.B. King's All-Star Band will get you dancing with their classic soul and rock & roll.

The Billboard Onboard experience is also a highlight, where guests are part of the show as they sing and play along with trivia questions presented on screens throughout the room.

Here are some of the activities you can enjoy on a Holland America cruise:

Boarding in Vancouver at Canada Place was surprisingly smooth, especially considering it was peak Alaska cruise season. The check-in process was well organized, and the terminal was alive with cruise passengers.

After passing through security, Canadian customs with facial recognition and a quick health screening, you'll go to the boarding area. Holland America had plenty of staff to direct passengers and keep the lines moving.

From curb to ship, the whole process took just under an hour. The signage throughout the terminal made it easy to follow, so be sure to pay attention to them.

The Canada-U.S. agreement lets cruise passengers clear U.S. immigration before boarding the ship, eliminating the need to go through American customs upon return. This streamlines the debark process at the end.

Accessibility on cruises is a top priority for many travelers. Holland America, for example, seeks to provide a quality cruise experience for all guests.

All public rooms and elevators onboard Holland America ships are wheelchair accessible. Designated public restrooms are also wheelchair accessible.

Specially designated wheelchair-accessible staterooms are available on Holland America ships. These rooms are equipped with roll-in showers with hand-held shower nozzles, shower seats, and heavy-duty handrails.

Wider doors in these staterooms can accommodate most wheelchairs and scooters. If you need an accessible stateroom, be sure to let your Cruise Specialist know as soon as possible.

Boarding MS Koningsdam in Vancouver was a surprisingly smooth experience, especially considering it was peak Alaska cruise season. The terminal was alive with cruise passengers, but the check-in process was well organized.

You can expect to clear U.S. immigration before boarding the ship, eliminating the need to go through American customs upon return. This streamlines the debark process at the end.

The security and customs process involves facial recognition and a quick health screening. After passing through, you'll be directed to the boarding area.

Signage throughout the terminal is very clear, so be sure to read the signs to stay on track. I almost boarded the wrong ship because I was distracted!

Once onboard, you'll be greeted by the ship's central atrium, which features warm wood tones and artwork. Koningsdam has over $4 million of artwork throughout the ship, so you'll have plenty to appreciate.

Finding your way around the ship is easy, with elevators conveniently located. Within moments, you'll feel settled in and at home.

If you're considering a Holland America Alaska cruise, you'll want to look into the Koningsdam, which offers a smooth operation and high-quality dining.

The Koningsdam is a refined ship that's not too formal, making it perfect for a relaxed Alaska cruise experience.

It's a great size for Alaska, allowing for a more intimate atmosphere.

Between the scenic cruising in Glacier Bay and live music at night, you'll have plenty of opportunities to create lasting memories.