Experience Holland America's Vancouver to Alaska Cruise Adventure

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Close-up view of Holland America Line cruise ship docked in Vancouver's harbor.
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up view of Holland America Line cruise ship docked in Vancouver's harbor.

Holland America's Vancouver to Alaska cruise is a 7-night journey that takes you through the stunning Inside Passage and into the breathtaking fjords of Alaska. You'll have the chance to explore the majestic glaciers, majestic mountains, and pristine waterways of this incredible region.

One of the highlights of this cruise is the scenic cruising through the Tracy Arm Fjord, a 30-mile-long fjord that's home to towering glaciers and crystal-clear waters. You'll have the chance to witness the breathtaking beauty of Sawyer Glacier, a stunning glacier that's over 1,000 feet tall.

The cruise ship will also make stops in charming ports like Juneau and Skagway, where you can explore the rich history and culture of Alaska. You'll have the chance to visit the Mendenhall Glacier, a stunning glacier that's just a short drive from Juneau's downtown area.

From the moment you step on board, you'll be treated to exceptional service and amenities that will make your cruise truly unforgettable.

Early Booking Bonus Sale

A relaxing scene at Port Melbourne beach with a cruise ship docked nearby.
Credit: pexels.com, A relaxing scene at Port Melbourne beach with a cruise ship docked nearby.

Booking your Holland America cruise to Alaska early can pay off big time! You can truly have it all with Holland America when you book your next cruise in advance.

By booking a 2024 cruise now, you can receive incredible perks like Shore Excursion and Specialty Dining credits, a Signature Beverage Package, free pre-paid gratuities, and free upgrades to the Elite Beverage Package and Premium Wi-Fi.

These extras can add up to a significant savings, making your Alaska cruise even more enjoyable and affordable. Contact your Tier One Travel Consultant to secure your sailing date, or fill out the form at the bottom of this blog and we’ll contact you!

Vancouver to Alaska Cruise

If you're sailing from Vancouver to Alaska, you can expect to explore the Inside Passage, taking in Alaska's coastal towns, wildlife, and glaciers without needing additional transportation arrangements.

Roundtrip cruises from Vancouver are a convenient option, offering a smooth and hassle-free experience.

Credit: youtube.com, BOARDING HAL KONINGSDAM! | Cruise to Alaska from Vancouver B.C. | #hollandamerica | #alaskacruise

You'll have the chance to visit charming coastal towns and witness breathtaking glacier scenery, making for an unforgettable experience.

Koningsdam, for example, offers a refined yet relaxed atmosphere, perfect for Alaska cruises.

On a Northbound voyage, you'll start in Vancouver and journey along Alaska's stunning coastlines, ending your trip in Anchorage or nearby.

This allows you to spend extra time exploring Alaska post-cruise, offering the opportunity to dive deeper into inland attractions such as Denali National Park.

Consider opting for an Alaska Cruisetour, which combines a traditional 7-night cruise with a multi-night land tour, providing a unique and immersive experience.

These packages often include guided tours through Denali, the Yukon, and other iconic destinations, allowing you to see Alaska's interior wonders.

Ship and Travel Details

The Holland America Vancouver to Alaska cruise is a scenic journey through the Inside Passage. The ship typically sets sail from Vancouver, British Columbia, and travels north to Alaska.

You'll have the opportunity to explore six ports in Alaska, including Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan. The ship's itinerary allows for a mix of city exploration and outdoor adventures.

One of the highlights of the cruise is the stunning scenery, with towering glaciers and majestic fjords visible from the ship. The Inside Passage is a narrow waterway that winds through the coast of Alaska, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness.

Itinerary

Credit: youtube.com, Victoria Canada cruise ship port itinerary | best one day itinerary

Our cruises typically range from 7 to 14 nights, with some options exploring Alaska's Inside Passage.

A Northbound voyage starts in Vancouver and ends in Anchorage or nearby, offering the opportunity to explore inland attractions like Denali National Park.

You can choose from roundtrip cruises that explore Alaska's coastal towns, wildlife, and glaciers without needing additional transportation arrangements.

Holland America’s 7-Day Inside Passage Cruise Itinerary is a fantastic option, sailing roundtrip from Vancouver through the Inside Passage.

On this cruise, you'll get close to massive glaciers in Glacier Bay National Park and sail on smooth waters in the Inside Passage.

Some cruises offer the chance to fish for salmon in Ketchikan, ride a helicopter onto Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, or journey the rails along the White Pass Summit in Skagway.

An Alaska Cruisetour combines a traditional 7-night cruise with a multi-night land tour, allowing you to see Alaska's interior wonders.

Accommodations

The accommodations on this ship were a highlight of the trip. The Verandah staterooms offered amazing views all week.

Beautiful sunrise over Vancouver dock with tranquil waters and scenic mountains.
Credit: pexels.com, Beautiful sunrise over Vancouver dock with tranquil waters and scenic mountains.

We stayed on deck five, which provided a great balance of space and mid-ship location. Everything happens on decks two or three, or nine and above.

The rooms felt modern and well thought out, with plenty of closet and drawer space for clothing and gear. The bed was extremely comfortable.

The bathroom was a decent size, larger than on other ships I've been on. The glass shower doors made the space feel larger than it was.

The balcony was a must-have feature, with enough room for two chairs and a small table. It became my go-to spot for reading and watching the landscape.

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

Boarding MS Koningsdam

Boarding MS Koningsdam was surprisingly smooth, especially during peak Alaska cruise season. I arrived around 11 a.m. and the terminal was alive with cruise passengers.

The check-in process was well organized, thanks to a large team of staff directing passengers and keeping the lines moving. Canada handles customs a bit differently, clearing U.S. immigration before boarding the ship.

Silhouette of People Sitting Waiting to Board
Credit: pexels.com, Silhouette of People Sitting Waiting to Board

This streamlines the debark process at the end, making it a more efficient process for passengers. After passing through security and Canadian customs with facial recognition and a quick health screening, I went to the boarding area.

The signage throughout the terminal made it easy to follow, if you pay attention. I almost boarded another ship because I was replying to a text and following the crowd instead of paying attention.

From curb to ship, the whole process took just under an hour. The Koningsdam has over $4 million of artwork throughout the ship, which I was able to admire once onboard.

The ship's central atrium was a great first impression, with its smiling crew, warm wood tones, and artwork. Elevators were easy to find, and within moments, the Koningsdam felt like coming home.

Destination Highlights

Alaska cruises with Holland America Line offer a unique and unforgettable experience filled with wildlife, charming coastal towns, and stunning glaciers.

Credit: youtube.com, Alaska Adventure Highlights | 11-Night Land & Sea Journey on Holland America's Nieuw Amsterdam

You can look forward to getting close to massive glaciers in Glacier Bay National Park, which is a highlight of the cruise.

Sailing on smooth waters in the Inside Passage is another thrilling experience you'll have on this cruise.

Fishing for salmon in Ketchikan is a great way to spend your time on land, and it's an activity many of Holland America's clients love.

Riding a helicopter onto Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau is another adventure you can look forward to, offering breathtaking views and endless thrills.

Ports and Excursions

Juneau is a great port to explore on your own, with a laid-back and local vibe. If your original shore excursion is canceled due to weather, don't worry, you can always pivot and find something else to do.

The Red Dog Saloon and Alaska Brewing Company's downtown taproom are must-visits, especially for seafood lovers. You can enjoy some of the cruise's best Alaska King crab legs at the taproom.

A serene view of Vancouver's seaport featuring a cruise ship docked with visible cranes and containers.
Credit: pexels.com, A serene view of Vancouver's seaport featuring a cruise ship docked with visible cranes and containers.

Skagway is a port that's worth every minute, especially if you take the White Pass Railway. The train ride offers stunning views of mountain scenery, snowy passes, old trestles, and stories from the Klondike Gold Rush.

Walking outside on a viewing platform is a great way to experience the crisp, clean mountain air and get photos of the stunning landscape. This is a tip from someone who's hiked a good part of North America!

Ketchikan is a great place to try your luck at sport fishing or enjoy fresh seafood at one of the nearby eateries. The town's attractions, such as historic Creek Street, are also worth exploring.

If you don't have a balcony stateroom, the bow of the ship is the place to go for stellar views. You can spot glaciers calving, snowcapped peaks, and even wildlife like bears looking for food on the riverbank.

Destination Highlights

Alaska cruises with Holland America Line offer a unique and unforgettable experience filled with wildlife, charming coastal towns, and stunning glaciers.

A large cruise ship anchored at a busy port with a dramatic cloudy sky overhead, creating a moody maritime scene.
Credit: pexels.com, A large cruise ship anchored at a busy port with a dramatic cloudy sky overhead, creating a moody maritime scene.

You can expect to see humpback whales and orcas cruising the rich waters next to the ships, bald eagles flying above, and brown bears strolling along the shore during your scenic cruising in the Inside Passage.

The Inside Passage is a truly remarkable experience, with stunning scenery from fjords and islets to high peaks.

Glacier Bay National Park boasts some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the entire globe, with the tranquil majesty of snow-flecked and forested mountains outlining its coastlines.

You might get to see ice calving there, the breaking of ice chunks from the edge of a glacier, and a variety of wildlife, including humpback whales rising out of the ocean or a lone brown bear strolling a secluded beach.

Hubbard Glacier is located in Alaska’s coastal mountain range, stretching over six miles wide and more than 300 feet tall, and you can watch calving take place right before your eyes.

The Tracy Arm Inlet is the biggest complete coastal temperate rain forest in the United States, bordered by mountains covered in glaciers and steep cliffs, and you can explore Juneau while sailing through Alaska.

Stunning view of Vancouver skyline with boats reflecting on calm water at sunset.
Credit: pexels.com, Stunning view of Vancouver skyline with boats reflecting on calm water at sunset.

Juneau is renowned for its superb restaurants, fresh seafood, and outdoor adventures, including hiking up Mount Roberts to spot bald eagles and other wild animals.

You can also take a floatplane to a neighboring wildlife refuge like Chichagof or Admiralty Island to see even more animals.

The outside decks on Holland America's ships, such as the Koningsdam, are some of the best places to experience scenic cruising, especially during Glacier Bay and the Inside Passage.

The midship Lido Pool is a comfortable spot to relax, even in cool weather, and the aft Sea View Pool is quieter and more adult-oriented, with great views of the surrounding scenery.

Cruise Experience

The cruise experience on Holland America's Vancouver to Alaska route is truly unforgettable. Koningsdam offers a refined yet relaxed atmosphere that's perfect for exploring Alaska's stunning natural beauty.

One of the standout features of Koningsdam is its exceptional service. The crew goes above and beyond to ensure every guest feels welcome and well taken care of.

Cruise Highlights

Credit: youtube.com, Holland America Rotterdam Cruise Review 2022 | See All the HAL Rotterdam Highlights!

Alaska cruises offer a unique experience filled with wildlife, charming coastal towns, and stunning glaciers.

Holland America Line's Alaska cruises are a great choice, offering a smooth operation, quality dining, and exceptional service.

The perfect size for Alaska, Koningsdam is a ship that feels refined without being overly formal.

Glacier Bay scenic cruising is a highlight of any Alaska cruise, offering breathtaking views of glaciers and fjords.

Live music at night adds to the entertainment lineup, making for a memorable experience.

Baristas on Koningsdam know your coffee order, showing attention to detail and a commitment to customer satisfaction.

Roundtrip cruises from Vancouver explore Alaska's Inside Passage, offering a convenient return to the same port.

These itineraries are perfect for travelers who want to experience Alaska's coastal towns, wildlife, and glaciers without needing additional transportation arrangements.

Northbound voyages start in Vancouver and journey along Alaska's stunning coastlines, ending in Anchorage or nearby.

Extended Alaska Cruisetours combine a traditional 7-night cruise with a multi-night land tour, allowing you to see Alaska's interior wonders.

Midship Roof, Aft Pool, Glacier Bay

Credit: youtube.com, DO NOT MISS Glacier Bay on Your Alaska Cruise! EPIC VIEWS! (Holland America Koningsdam)

The midship roof on the Koningsdam is a great place to relax, especially when the retractable roof is closed to keep out the wind. It's a comfortable spot to unwind, and it's perfect for families or anyone who wants to swim without worrying about the weather.

The Lido Pool is a great spot for a swim, and it's two decks by the pool, so there are plenty of loungers around. I never had trouble finding a seat, even on busy days.

The aft Sea View Pool is a quieter and more adult-oriented area, with a smoking section on the starboard side. I enjoyed spending afternoons here, taking in the views and grabbing lunch from the Lido Market.

Scenic cruising in Glacier Bay is a must-do experience, and the Koningsdam offers great views from the bow. Just be sure to bundle up, as it can get cold quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to cruise Vancouver to Alaska?

Best time to cruise Vancouver to Alaska is mid-June to mid-August for warmest temperatures and longest daylight hours, or 3 weeks before/after June 21 for the best Midnight Sun experience

How long is the cruise ship from Vancouver to Alaska?

Alaska cruises from Vancouver typically range from 7 to 14 days, with 7-night cruises being the most common

Which is the best cruise line to take to Alaska?

For an unforgettable Alaska cruise experience, consider Princess and Holland America Line, two veteran cruise lines with decades of expertise in the region.

Darla Bartell

Senior Assigning Editor

Darla Bartell is a seasoned Assigning Editor with a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling. With a background in research and journalism, she has honed her skills in identifying and assigning compelling articles that captivate readers. Her expertise spans a wide range of topics, including Truck Dimensions and Regulations, where she has consistently delivered insightful and informative content that meets the needs of her audience.

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