Setting sail on a cruise from Vancouver, British Columbia to Alaska is a truly incredible way to experience the rugged beauty and wonder of Alaska! An Alaskan cruise is on many travelers’ bucket lists and sailing from Vancouver to Alaska is one of the most popular cruise routes in North America.
When you choose to sail with Holland America, you’ll begin your trip in the stunning city of Vancouver on Canada’s west coast, then travel up to the majestic glaciers and wildlife of Alaska. With its breathtaking views, abundance of marine life, and quaint villages, it’s no wonder why Alaska is a favorite among travelers!
We want to make sure your Alaskan cruise from Vancouver is as enjoyable as possible. Contact your Tier One Travel Consultant today to start planning your voyage – they’ll provide all the tips and information you need for an unforgettable experience in one of the world’s most beautiful places.
Bon Voyage!
Alaska with Holland America Line
A cruise to Alaska with Holland America Line is a great way to experience the wild beauty of the Pacific Northwest. From stunning alpine peaks and snow-capped glaciers to lush rainforests and abundant marine life, Alaska is truly an awe-inspiring destination that should not be missed. And with Holland America Line’s popular Alaska cruises, you’ll find yourself up close and personal with this majestic region while enjoying all the luxuries of a modern cruise liner.
With Holland America’s Alaska cruises, you’ll have access to amazing amenities such as spacious staterooms, exciting onboard activities, multiple dining options, and more. Whether you’re looking for an action-packed itinerary or just want to relax and take in the stunning alpine wilderness, Holland America Line’s Alaskan cruises have something to offer for every type of traveler. So start planning your next getaway today, and enjoy an unforgettable experience with Holland America Line!
Holland America offers many options for roundtrip and one-way cruises. Plus, you’ll have the choice to add on unique cruise tour experiences, such as enjoying up to 3 nights at the McKinley Chalet Resort, Holland America’s immersive lodge at the gates of Denali National Park, or riding their luxury glass-domed McKinley Explorer train deep into the heart of the tundra.
From May through September, you can extend your Alaska cruise holiday with convenient weekend departures. Enjoy Alaskan Inside Passage itineraries departing from Vancouver all summer long!
Early Booking Bonus – “Have It All” Sale
You can truly have it all with Holland America when you book your next cruise in advance! Book a 2024 cruise to Alaska now and receive incredible perks, such as 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! 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!
Holland America’s 7-Day Inside Passage Cruise Itinerary
Holland America’s seven-day cruises sail roundtrip from Vancouver through the Inside Passage. This cruise delivers stunning scenery from fjords and islets to high peaks. Get close to massive glaciers in Glacier Bay National Park, sail on smooth waters in the Inside Passage, and find endless thrills and chills on land, such as fishing for salmon in Ketchikan, riding a helicopter onto Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, or journeying the rails along the White Pass Summit in Skagway.
This is a fantastic itinerary our clients love; continue reading for a day-by-day breakdown!
Day 1 – Vancouver
Departs at 4 pm
Vancouver is one of the most popular departure ports for Alaskan cruises. The best attractions in Vancouver are located close to where this Inner Passage trip begins (Canada Place cruise terminal), allowing you to spend more time touring and less time on the move before starting your journey.
Day 2 – The Inside Passage
Enjoying a day of scenic cruising in the Inside Passage with Holland America is a truly remarkable experience. Sightings of some of Alaska’s most recognizable animals are possible when sailing the Inner Passage, with humpback whales and orcas cruising the rich waters next to the ships, bald eagles flying above, and brown bears strolling along the shore.
Day 3 – Tracy Arm Inlet and Juneau
The Tracy Arm Inlet is the biggest complete coastal temperate rain forest in the United States. It is bordered by mountains covered in glaciers and steep cliffs. Long ago, as the Ice Age receded, these old-growth trees began to populate Tracy Arm’s mouth.
Explore Juneau while sailing through Alaska, this magnificent city is the top tourist destination in the state! Juneau is renowned for its superb restaurants, fresh seafood, and outdoor adventures. For a possible encounter with bald eagles and other wild animals, hike up Mount Roberts. Pack binoculars for the best views of these amazing creatures. Take a floatplane to a neighboring wildlife refuge like Chichagof or Admiralty Island to see even more animals!
Day 4 – Skagway
Skagway serves as a gateway for travelers who want to discover Alaska’s rich history, wildlife, and unparalleled natural beauty. Discover a thriving local neighborhood with a wide variety of local art galleries, gift shops, and restaurants serving seafood freshly caught from surrounding waters. Skagway is home to gold-rush-era buildings, which are preserved as part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. Here, you can enjoy walking tours around the historic district.
Day 5 – Glacier Bay
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. As you sail across Glacier Bay to the mile-wide Margerie Glacier, keep your binoculars and camera close at hand because you might get to see ice calving there (the breaking of ice chunks from the edge of a glacier.). Glacier Bay is home to a variety of wildlife, so be prepared since you never know when you’ll catch a glimpse of a humpback whale rising out of the ocean or come across a lone brown bear strolling a secluded beach.
Day 6 – Ketchikan
Ketchikan has traditionally been a significant center for the businesses of salmon fishing and packing. Guests can enjoy the fresh seafood at one of the nearby eateries or try their luck at sport fishing. The Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian rich cultural heritage may be explored at Ketchikan, one of the best places along the Inner Passage to do so. At the Totem Heritage Center and Totem Bight State Park, you can view intricately carved totem poles, and in Saxman Village, which is just outside of Ketchikan, you can observe Tlingit culture in action through working carvers and dance performances. Don’t forget to explore the town’s attractions, such as historic Creek Street, a boardwalk built over Ketchikan Creek, where you can browse gift shops selling local crafts and smoked salmon and visit tourist destinations from the gold rush era like Dolly’s House Museum.
Day 7 – The Inside Passage
Enjoy a final sailing day through the Inside Passage before disembarking in Vancouver the next day. Make time to enjoy all the amenities your ship has to offer. Enjoy cruising on the elegantly appointed mid-sized ships, with a wealth of exciting opportunities for exploration, entertainment, and relaxation. From food and wine tastings to enjoying a massage at the spa and spending the night enjoying live entertainment, you definitely won’t be bored during your days at sea with Holland America!
Day 8 – Vancouver
Arrives 7 am
Alaska Cruise Highlights
Alaska cruises with Holland America Line offer a unique and unforgettable experience filled with wildlife, charming coastal towns, and stunning glaciers.
Here are some highlights you can look forward to:
Vancouver
The port of Vancouver is the port of departure for all cruises on the Pacific Coast of Canada. You will board your cruise at the Vancouver cruise terminal, located in downtown Vancouver. This port offers a vibrant mix of culture and entertainment to make sure you have a great experience before setting sail on your adventure through Alaska.
Whether you’re looking for a fun shopping adventure or a peaceful escape, make sure to check out Granville Island Public Market and Stanley Park during your visit to Vancouver! From shops and restaurants to wandering cobblestone streets and seeing all the top attractions like the Capilano suspension bridge, there’s something for everyone in this port city. Enjoy your time here before setting sail on the adventure of a lifetime!
Glacier Bay National Park
Visiting Glacier Bay National Park with Holland America Line is a truly unique experience. Glacier Bay is home to some of the most stunning natural beauty in Alaska, and its vast glaciers, rugged mountains, and abundant wildlife make it an ideal destination for any traveler. The cruise line offers several ways to explore this magnificent park—from guided tours to kayaking excursions—so you can be sure that you’ll get the most out of your visit. With Holland America Line’s knowledgeable guides and informative lectures, you’re sure to have an unforgettable time in Glacier Bay National Park.
Hubbard Glacier
Hubbard Glacier is located in Alaska’s coastal mountain range, stretching over six miles wide and more than 300 feet tall. Explore the ancient glaciers from your cruise vessel as you sail along its rugged terrain and watch calving – the process of chunks of glacial ice falling into the sea – take place right before your eyes. With Holland America Line’s Alaskan cruises over 7 days, you can experience Hubbard Glacier in all its glory and make lasting memories that will stay with you for years to come!
Wildlife Sighting
Alaska is home to a variety of wildlife, making it an ideal destination for animal lovers. Brown bears, whales, otters, and bald eagles are some of the most popular animals that can be found in Alaska’s diverse ecosystems. Brown bears typically inhabit coastal areas near rivers, lakes, and streams where salmon is plentiful. They can also be found in open subalpine meadows and lowland forests. Humpback whales migrate through Alaskan waters from May to October every year, providing visitors with the opportunity to observe their fascinating behavior from onboard boats or sea kayaks. Bald eagles are a common sight throughout Alaska as they hunt fish along the coastlines and soar over mountainsides. Between early May and early June, southeast Alaska is a prime location for spotting killer whales. Sea otters inhabit the outer coasts of Alaska, where they can be seen swimming, eating, and playing. Join a Holland America Cruise tour to explore even more wildlife in Denali National Park!
Holland America Line Cruise Ships Sailing Alaska
Koningsdam
Guest Capacity: 2650 guests
Length: 975 feet
Width: 114.8 feet
Sailing on the Koningsdam with Holland America Line is an unforgettable experience. You’ll enjoy all the amenities of a modern cruise ship combined with attentive crew members and personalized service. The Koningsdam offers sailing dates year-round, so you can plan your vacation anytime. With double occupancy rates available, you can bring a friend or family member to share in the adventure.
Enjoy delicious dining options, spa services, and endless entertainment onboard like Memphis R&B at B.B. King’s Blues Club, visually beautiful performances at World Stage, and listen to old classics at Billboard Onboard all on the Koningsdam. The first cruise ship in Holland America Line’s Pinnacle class, Koningsdam, offers tons to see and do during your cruise.
Nieuw Amsterdam
Guest Capacity: 2106 guests
Length: 936 feet
Width: 105.8 feet
Sailing on the Nieuw Amsterdam with Holland America Line is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Guests can choose from Alaska sail dates starting as soon as April 2023, making it easy to plan a long-awaited escape. Nieuw Amsterdam’s innovative design and works of art pay homage to historic New York City. Enjoy regional cooking workshops, food and wine tastings, and other Port to Table programs while on board. Choose from multiple specialty restaurants and reenergize at the Greenhouse Spa & Salon. With ocean-view staterooms and suites available in multiple categories and sizes, there’s something for everyone. From balcony rooms offering beautiful views of the sea and the charming Alaskan villages to luxurious penthouses featuring all the amenities you could ever need, sail away on your dream vacation aboard this world-class cruise ship.
Noordam
Guest Capacity: 1972 guests
Length: 936 feet
Width: 105.8 feet
Noordam amazes with museum-calibre artwork and luxurious staterooms. The onboard activities on this Vista Class cruise ship are your choice. Visit BBC Earth In Concert to see spectacular footage of the world’s natural beauties performed to live music. Visit Billboard Onboard to hear pianists play popular hits, take a pilates class at the fitness center, or enjoy the delights of a variety of specialty restaurants. The Pinnacle Grill offers delicious steak at sea, Canaletto lures with mouthwatering Italian cuisine, plus there are many other restaurants to choose from.
Zuiderdam
Guest Capacity: 1964 guests
Length: 936 feet
Width: 105.8 feet
Zuiderdam continues to be a favorite because of its stunning art collection, modern amenities, and traditional nautical decor. On this cruise ship, there are a ton of entertainment options available to guests all day long. BBC Earth In Concert features a live concert played against a big backdrop of wildlife footage. Learn about your cruise destinations at Explorations Central, Holland Americas destination programs where you can engage with experts and local insiders, making exploring each port of call more memorable. You’re in for a treat if you enjoy rock ‘n’ roll, blues, or classical music because all three genres are represented in the multi-venue Music Walk.
Are you ready to set sail on a Holland America Line cruise for an unforgettable adventure? Contact us today to start planning your Vancouver-to-Alaska cruise! We’ll provide all the tips and information you need to make sure that your vacation is perfect in every way. With our help, you can explore the wonders of Alaska with ease and comfort! Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or family holiday, book your sail date and start dreaming of sailing with Holland America Line to incredible Alaska today!
LET US HELP YOU PLAN YOUR VANCOUVER TO ALASKA CRUISE WITH HOLLAND AMERICA LINE
When you’re ready to start planning your next cruise, contact one of our TierOne Travel consultants. They have extensive experience in life-changing travel experiences and will be able to craft something incredible that is suited to your unique needs!
One call; endless experiences!
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