*A giant because of Holland America for sponsoring my journey! As all the time, all opinions are my very own.
Curious what a 7-day Alaska cruise on Holland America is admittedly like?
Then you definitely’re in the correct place!
I’m simply again from cruising Alaska’s Inside Passage on Holland America Line’s ms Koningsdam, a Pinnacle-class ship identified for its dwell music venues, entertaining exhibits, and numerous eating — sustainably-sourced Alaskan seafood included.
However, what’s a Holland America Alaska cruise actually like?
Beneath, I share an sincere evaluate of my expertise, from what I liked to what I’d do otherwise. My husband Andy joined me, so he’ll be weighing in as nicely.
Moreover, I’m together with an in-depth information with issues to do, packing recommendation, and planning ideas that can assist you have an unforgettable time in Alaska!
Fast info: Model: Holland America Line (HAL) – click on right here for his or her present Alaska cruise choices Ship: ms Koningsdam Itinerary (7 days): Vancouver – Inside Passage – Tracy Arm Inlet & Juneau – Skagway – Glacier Bay – Ketchikan – Inside Passage – Vancouver (e-book right here) Finest Time To Go: Whereas it relies on your preferences, June-August will usually be greatest for climate (particularly July), wildlife viewing, and whale watching Free Reward: Seize my free Journey Planning Toolkit (features a Cruise Journey Finances Calculator!)
Koningsdam At A Look
Let’s kick off this Alaska cruise evaluate with a have a look at the ms Koningsdam. Considered one of Holland America’s newer ships, it’s designed with extra fashionable touches and additional selection in comparison with a few of their older vessels.
Dimension: It might carry 2,686 visitors—sufficiently big for loads of choices, however nonetheless sufficiently small that it doesn’t really feel overwhelming.
Ambiance: The vibe of the ship is upscale but relaxed and unstuffy. The visitor combine leaned older (most have been 50+), which gave the cruise a relaxed really feel. When you gained’t discover water slides or all-night events right here, you’ll find scrumptious eating, dwell music each evening, and many cozy corners and ambient bars to twist up with a espresso or cocktail whereas taking in Alaska’s surroundings.
Having fun with views of Glacier Bay from the Sky Deck on Holland America’s Koningsdam. Picture by way of Jessie Festa.
Highlights: A couple of issues I particularly appreciated concerning the ship:
Music Stroll. A hub of dwell music venues with nightly performances.
World Stage. Principal theater with a wraparound LED display and a brand new present each evening.
Eating. 10+ eating places, from informal cafes to specialty venues.
Sea View Pool. Adults-only pool and scorching tubs on the aft of Deck 9.
Greenhouse Spa & Salon. Get remedies like massages, facials, and hair styling—and it’s connected to a Health Heart with gymnasium gear and courses for additional wellness.
Sports activities Courtroom. Actions like shuffleboard, pickleball, and basketball—plus ping pong close to the Lido Pool and board video games within the Crow’s Nest.
Different facilities embrace a On line casino, Outlets, an Artwork Gallery, personal cabanas at The Retreat, and extra.
Examine availability and pricing for Holland America’s Alaska cruises right here!
Holland America Onboard Expertise
Top-of-the-line elements of cruising is that the ship itself appears like a vacation spot, with 13 decks of points of interest and a every day itinerary filled with actions.
Right here’s what stood out throughout my week onboard:
Cabins
I stayed in an accessible Obstructed Verandah stateroom, which had a balcony view partially blocked by lifeboats.
It’s a wise budget-friendly possibility if you need a balcony however don’t need to pay full worth. The cabin itself had loads of storage, a roomy lavatory with glorious water stress, and a flatscreen TV.
There have been additionally additional throw blankets, and it turned our nightly ritual to seize a drink and comfortable up on the verandah to benefit from the sea breeze.
To provide you a behind-the-scenes look, here’s a tour of the room:
Tip: Spring for an unobstructed Verandah in case your journey finances permits. Having a transparent view is value it on scenic days. When you really need the most effective view, an Aft-View Verandah is even higher, as you’ll be out of the wind and can have the ability to see each side of the ship proper from your individual personal balcony!
Right here’s a breakdown of Koningsdam’s staterooms and their sub-types, from essentially the most budget-friendly choices to the most important splurge:
Inside (Inside, Spa)
Ocean View (Ocean View, Spa, Household, Single)
Verandah (Obstructed, Unobstructed, Aft-View, Spa)
Vista Suite (Vista Suite, Aft-View)
Signature Suite
Neptune Suite (Neptune Suite, Spa, Pinnacle)
Tip: When you’re touring solo, Holland America is likely one of the few cruise traces that provides Single Ocean View staterooms—an enormous perk when you don’t need to pay the standard single complement.
Included Eating
Meals was a significant spotlight of my Holland America Alaska cruise, and I particularly liked that HAL’s International Contemporary Fish Program brings over 80 types of recent fish onboard, regionally sourced from ports all over the world.
The Principal Eating Room (included in your fare) persistently impressed with glorious service, rotating menus, and particular Style Alaska dishes that includes native elements and loads of recent seafood. They’d a Teriyaki Contemporary Salmon Bowl that was considered one of my favourite meals of the journey!
It’s a fantastic house, too, with chandeliers and sweeping sea views—and you’ll order as a lot as you’d like at no additional value (until famous on the menu).
There’s additionally a Style Alaska cocktail menu with themed choices just like the “Klondiker” and “Sitka Spritz,” made with sustainably harvested glacial ice.
Together with room service, different included eating places are Lido Market (buffet), Dive-In (poolside grill), and New York Pizza (pizzas & salads)—which, as a New Yorker myself, I assumed was surprisingly good!
Andy and I additionally began each morning with oat milk lattes and pastries from the Grand Dutch Cafe (meals is included, however specialty coffees value additional when you don’t have a drink bundle).
Meals is a spotlight of a Holland America Alaska cruise! Picture taken at Tamarind by way of Jessie Festa.
Specialty Eating
That being stated, when you can splurge on a couple of specialty eating places, I extremely advocate:
Morimoto By Sea. An absolute should. Don’t miss Chef Morimoto’s Ishiyaki Buri Bop (yellowtail and rice cooked tableside in a scorching stone bowl), his signature Iron Chef dish.
Rudi’s Sel de Mer. A French brasserie with dishes like wild mushroom soup, seafood spaghetti, and Jacques Torres Chocolate Hazelnut Volcano cake. I additionally liked the French bread with numerous infused dipping oils, like avocado, herb, and lemon.
Tamarind. A Pan-Asian menu with standouts like Thai citrus scallops, Szechuan shrimp, and superbly introduced desserts.
Tip: Morimoto By Sea is a pop-up and isn’t open each evening. Ebook it and different specialty eating prematurely (although it was straightforward to regulate reservations as soon as onboard). A 7pm reservation provides you adequate time for a leisurely dinner whereas nonetheless making the 9pm World Stage present.
Every day Actions
Every night, you’ll get a schedule of the following day’s occasions, which run from about 7am via 11pm (with dwell music venues typically going till 11:45pm).
Throughout the day, there are exercise courses, trivia and recreation exhibits, $1,200 Jackpot Bingo, sports activities tournaments, artwork courses, drink tastings, cooking demos, card recreation meetups, spa samplers, giveaways, particular Alaska-themed programming, and extra.
In fact, you’re additionally welcome to easily take pleasure in facilities just like the sports activities courts, swimming pools and scorching tubs, bars and lounges, on line casino, and viewing decks.
My private favourite space of the ship was the adults-only Sea View Pool behind Deck 9, which connects to a see-through staircase main as much as the Panorama Deck—a fantastic spot to lounge and take within the surroundings.
I spent plenty of downtime within the adults-only Sea View Pool deck scorching tub. Picture by way of Jessie Festa.
Night Leisure
Together with dinner, evenings usually centered round two issues: the World Stage and Music Stroll.
World Stage options 45-minute exhibits every evening at 7:30pm and 9pm, so we’d normally head there proper after dinner. Every evening’s leisure is completely different, and our Alaska cruise supplied dwell music, comedy, dance, magic, and extra.
Afterward, we’d normally seize a drink and bar hop alongside the Music Stroll, which showcases three distinctive venues:
Billboard Onboard for dueling pianos and musical mashups
B.B. King’s Blues Membership for Motown & blues
Rolling Stone Lounge for traditional rock hits
Tip: Don’t miss the Orange Social gathering, held as soon as per cruise. Everybody wears orange, the venues are decked out with themed décor, and bartenders combine up citrusy cocktails to match.
Sensible Cruise Ideas
Earlier than we get into what to do on an Alaska cruise, let’s focus on some ideas to assist make the expertise as stress-free as attainable:
Wi-Fi: The free Wi-Fi allows you to use Holland America’s Navigator app (with a built-in messaging characteristic). We upgraded to the Surf bundle, which was advantageous for electronic mail, WhatsApp, social media, and even posting a couple of Alaska Instagram Tales.
Drink Packages: When you take pleasure in consuming alcohol, it’s value choosing a beverage bundle. The “Signature Drink Bundle” contains drinks as much as $11, whereas the “Elite Drink Bundle” contains drinks as much as $15—with a 15-drink every day restrict for every.
We have been glad we went with the Elite Bundle, since we didn’t need to fear concerning the invoice. That being stated, when you don’t thoughts sticking to the fundamentals, you’ll nonetheless discover loads of good choices for $11 or much less at every bar.
Dressed up for considered one of Holland America’s “Gala Dinners” whereas seated within the Principal Eating Room and having fun with a cocktail—included with my drink bundle! Picture by way of Jessie Festa.
Bonus: You can even use these packages to purchase mocktails and particular espresso drinks like cappuccinos and lattes.
Gown Code: Most nights are good informal (no shorts in eating rooms), with two dressy nights. Andy wore chinos and button-downs with a tie, whereas I wore clothes with sandals—however loads of individuals went extra formal. It’s actually as much as you!
Tip: Keep in mind to pack one thing orange for the Orange Social gathering, like a costume, scarf, or perhaps a enjoyable accent. To assist, I created an Alaska cruise packing record—orange apparel solutions included!
Swimming pools & Health: There are two swimming pools, the principle Lido Pool and the adults-only Sea View Pool on the aft. Each even have adjoining scorching tubs, and there’s a gymnasium and a sports activities courtroom. Exercise courses are supplied, although most are an extra price of $20.
Ebook Early. Holland America affords an intensive catalog of shore excursions, although be aware that issues replenish fairly rapidly, so if there’s something you actually need to do, e-book it early.
That is very true for his or her unique Tracy Arm Fjord & Glacier Explorer tour, which takes you into the Tracy Arm Wilderness Space for close-up views of the gorgeous Twin Sawyer Glaciers. Sadly, it was bought out by the point I used to be able to e-book. It appears actually unbelievable!
The Tracy Arm tour crusing away from the Holland America Koningsdam. Picture by way of Jessie Festa.
Additionally, remember the fact that you don’t must e-book solely via Holland America. Viator and GetYourGuide even have a great deal of Alaska shore excursions. Simply be sure that to time them accurately together with your ship’s docking schedule.
Plan your Alaska cruise at present — click on right here for Holland America’s upcoming sailings!
Alaska Ports & Sea Days: What To Do
One of the necessary issues to plan is your every day itinerary. There are such a lot of issues to do on an Alaska cruise, so that can assist you slender it down, listed below are my advisable highlights:
Vancouver (Embarkation Day)
Overview: When you’re flying into Vancouver Worldwide Airport (YVR), it’s straightforward to succeed in the cruise terminal at Canada Place. You’ll be able to take the SkyTrain’s Canada Line on to Waterfront Station (about half-hour), name an Uber, or organize a switch via Holland America or an airport shuttle firm.
Non-public shuttles and automobile providers are handy whereas carrying baggage, whereas the SkyTrain is essentially the most reasonably priced possibility.
To keep away from any points, we arrived in Vancouver the evening earlier than our crusing and stayed on the clear and comfy Coast Coal Harbour Vancouver Resort, which is a straightforward 10-minute stroll to the cruise terminal. Bonus: They have been additionally capable of print our Holland America baggage tags totally free!
Examine-in for the cruise was clean and environment friendly. It took lower than an hour from bag drop to boarding. As soon as on board, every thing is prepared for you, so it’s a very good time to get acquainted with the ship.
Taking a selfie in Vancouver’s Canada Place cruise ship terminal proper earlier than boarding. Picture by way of Jessie Festa.
Issues To Do On Embarkation Day:
Board as early as attainable to get lunch within the Lido Market (ends at 3pm)
Full your Security Necessities Guidelines by visiting your Emergency Muster Station & watching a security video in your stateroom TV
Arrange your WiFi and make any mandatory eating, spa, or tour reservations
Examine the every day itinerary for any actions you would possibly need to do (we performed a free recreation of Bingo!)
Stroll the ship to get oriented with eating places, bars, swimming pools, and key venues
Increase a glass through the Sail Away Celebration round 4pm
Tip: When you’re seeking to meet different vacationers, Holland America additionally hosts quite a lot of group meetups on embarkation day for solo vacationers, LGBTQ+ cruisers, younger adults, and many others.
Having fun with my first glass of glowing wine of the journey! Picture by way of Jessie Festa.
Inside Passage (Sea Days)
Overview: You’ll sail the scenic Inside Passage twice through the Alaska cruise (days 2 and seven). Throughout this portion of the journey, you’ll take pleasure in dramatic surroundings like snow-capped peaks, the Tongass rainforest, and the possibility to identify wildlife like humpback whales, bald eagles, and Pacific White-Sided dolphins.
Issues To Do Throughout Inside Passage Cruising:
Get pleasure from a themed Alaska Brunch within the Principal Eating Room, serving dishes like Crab & Scorching Smoked Salmon Desserts and Kodiak Steak & Eggs with Reindeer Sausage
Seize your digital camera and binoculars and spend time outdoors on the Panorama Deck, aft Sea View Pool, Sky Deck, or Bow (if it’s open) for unobstructed views
Fill the day with actions like trivia, a watercolor portray class, or a pickleball match, or just loosen up with a drink and a view
Tip: Holland America hosts an array of talks sharing wildlife recognizing ideas, although you can too discover informational indicators on the Sea View Pool deck.
Taking in a view of Alaska’s Inside Passage from the Bow of the ship. Picture by way of Jessie Festa.
Juneau
Overview: Juneau, Alaska’s capital, is exclusive as a result of there are not any roads connecting it to the remainder of the state—you possibly can solely arrive by boat or aircraft.
As soon as a bustling mining city, at present it blends historic character with a contemporary but rustic vibe. The downtown space close to the cruise port is vigorous and walkable, with regionally owned retailers, eating places, bars, museums, and entry to close by climbing trails.
Issues To Do In Juneau: I like to recommend reserving the Mendenhall Glacier & Juneau Tram tour, which mixes two of Juneau’s hottest points of interest with a scenic bus tour in between.
Mendenhall Glacier is a 13-mile-long glacier throughout the Tongass Nationwide Forest—the most important temperate rainforest on earth—and one of the vital accessible glaciers in Alaska. You will get epic views of this pure surprise proper from the customer middle, although I like to recommend exploring the onsite trails to get even nearer and see the highly effective Nugget Falls.
Mendenhall Glacier. Picture by way of Jessie Festa.
Nugget Falls. Picture by way of Jessie Festa.
Whereas crowded, there are little paths that veer off the principle path and take you to quieter lookouts. I used to be amazed we had a few of these all to ourselves!
Afterward, the bus drops you on the Goldbelt Tram, which takes you 3,000 ft up Mount Roberts in simply minutes. The journey itself is enjoyable, however the true reward is the view—an unbelievable panorama over Downtown Juneau, the Gastineau Channel, and the encompassing peaks.
On the high, don’t miss the cultural present, which provides an introduction to Tlingit traditions, together with storytelling, music, and dance.
When you’d prefer to hike, you’ll additionally discover a community of trails beginning proper from the tram summit, starting from straightforward walks to tougher climbs with large views.
View of Downtown Juneau and the Juneau Cruise Port from the highest of Mount Roberts. Picture by way of Jessie Festa.
For the reason that tram is positioned proper in downtown, you possibly can simply spend time afterward exploring the retailers, grabbing a chunk, or strolling the Totem Pole Path (Kootéeyaa Deiyí) alongside the waterfront. The mission was began by the native Sealaska Heritage Institute (SHI), which is devoted to preserving and selling Southeast Alaska Native tradition and can also be value a cease.
Different top-rated Juneau experiences embrace:
5-Glacier Seaplane Exploration
Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour
Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching
Click on right here for a full record of Juneau excursions!
Haida Eagle (Gyáa’aang Kootéeyaa Deiyí) carved by Warren Peele alongside Juneau’s Totem Pole Path. Picture by way of Jessie Festa.
Tip: Based on our tour information, whereas Tracy’s King Crab Shack is the preferred place to attempt king crab, Twisted Fish is her favourite—plus, it sells crab for about $10 much less per pound. When you’d somewhat simply seize a drink, Alaskan Brewing Co.’s downtown location is correct on the water and pours some glorious native beers.
Take a look at Holland America’s upcoming departure dates and offers!
Skagway
Overview: Skagway is greatest identified for its Klondike Gold Rush historical past, when prospectors poured via city on their strategy to the Yukon.
As we speak, it nonetheless appears like a frontier settlement with wood boardwalks, saloons, and preserved buildings which might be a part of the Klondike Gold Rush Nationwide Historic Park.
Skagway takes you again in time. Picture by way of Jessie Festa.
Issues To Do In Skagway: Begin with a stroll via the historic downtown, the place restored storefronts give a glimpse into the previous.
Outlets, galleries, and jewellery shops promoting “gold nuggets” line Broadway, whereas the Pink Onion Saloon doubles as a unusual brothel museum providing $20 excursions.
There are additionally quite a few climbing trails inside strolling distance of the Skagway port. I like to recommend the Decrease Dewey Lake Path for a scenic and reasonable loop path (with some steep sections), or the straightforward and gorgeous Yakutania Level and Smugglers Cove Path. Regardless of being on reverse sides of city, Skagway is sufficiently small that we had time to do each earlier than our afternoon tour.
Yakutania Level is gorgeous! Picture by way of Jessie Festa.
Talking of which, I extremely advocate reserving a Glacier Discovery by Helicopter Tour—an expertise that flew me over a number of the most breathtaking views I’ve ever seen earlier than touchdown on Mead Glacier to discover the ice on foot. This was the most important spotlight of my Alaska journey!
Different top-rated Skagway experiences embrace:
Chilkoot Path Hike, Float, and Summit Drive
3-Hour Alaska Waterfalls Tour
Full-Day Tour of the Yukon
Click on right here for a full record of Skagway excursions!
Views from my glacier helicopter tour. Picture by way of Jessie Festa.
Strolling on Meade Glacier. Picture by way of Jessie Festa.
Tip: Cease on the Mascot Saloon, a part of the Klondike Gold Rush Nationwide Historic Park. It’s free to enter, provides an fascinating look into the function saloons performed in Skagway’s Gold Rush days, and in addition has a free public lavatory and water fountain.
Glacier Bay (Scenic Cruising)
Overview: Glacier Bay is likely one of the most unforgettable days of an Alaska cruise. The bay is a protected U.S. Nationwide Park and UNESCO World Heritage Web site that’s residence to over 1,000 glaciers, together with a number of tidewater glaciers that dramatically meet the ocean.
As a result of the bay has no highway entry, it could actually solely be reached by boat or aircraft, making it additional particular.
Issues To Do In Glacier Bay On The Cruise Ship: As we speak is crucial day to have your binoculars and telephoto lens (like this 180-600mm lens paired with the Nikon Z6ii), because the morning encompasses a Park Ranger-led narration sharing the fascinating geological historical past and wildlife recognizing.
Johns Hopkins Glacier at Jaw Level in Glacier Bay. Picture by way of Jessie Festa.
It’s advisable to place your self on a deck the place you possibly can simply transfer from one facet to the opposite—just like the Sea View Pool, Panorama Deck, or Sky Deck—in case of a whale or bear sighting. That is additionally the day the Bow opens, which is one other nice possibility.
Throughout our cruise, we noticed coastal brown bears, sea otters, and harbor seals. Moreover, a number of the glacier highlights included:
Reid Glacier
Lamplugh Glacier
Johns Hopkins Glacier (my favourite view of the day, particularly paired with Jaw Level)
Grand Pacific Glacier
Margerie Glacier—which stood out as considered one of Glacier Bay’s most iconic tidewater glaciers (we spent an hour right here, with the captain spinning the boat 360 levels so everybody may get a view)
Margerie Glacier. Picture by way of Jessie Festa.
Tip: Gown in layers, because the temperature can change considerably all through the day. I give solutions for dressing on this packing record.
Click on right here to browse Holland America’s present Alaska cruise choices!
Ketchikan
Overview: Ketchikan is commonly known as the “Salmon Capital of the World,” a title rooted in its origins as a Tlingit fishing camp and later as a significant salmon canning hub within the late 1800s.
As we speak, it’s a bustling port city that is still wealthy in Native heritage, with the world’s largest assortment of totem poles unfold throughout city and close by parks. Surrounded by the Tongass Nationwide Forest, Ketchikan blends Indigenous tradition, fishing historical past, and hanging pure magnificence.
Issues To Do In Ketchikan:
Begin your day with an Orca Cove Quick Boat & Sea Kayaking Tour. This journey was the one one I didn’t e-book straight via Holland America, although they nonetheless make it straightforward by assembly you proper within the cruise port.
The journey begins with a zodiac boat journey from the port—preserve your eyes peeled for whales, as we noticed a humpback breaching on our manner out—adopted by a paddle round Orca Cove, surrounded by the Tongass Nationwide Forest.
We obtained to see a humpback whale breach throughout our Orca Cove shore tour.
Throughout the paddle, we noticed harbor seals, leaping salmon, and bald eagles, to not point out centuries-old Native pictographs painted onto the cliffs. On some excursions, you may also see extra whales and coastal brown bears.
After paddling, you’ll return to the houseboat for native snacks (I nonetheless dream concerning the salmon dip!) and a chilly Alaskan beer earlier than heading again to city.
Again on land, the primary cease most guests make is Creek Road, Ketchikan’s well-known boardwalk constructed over the water.
Throughout Prohibition, it was the city’s red-light district, and at present its stilted homes are full of retailers, galleries, and Dolly’s Home Museum, the final of the previous brothels. Curiously, every constructing on Creek Road has a plaque sharing its distinctive historical past.
Ketchikan’s well-known Creek Road. Picture by way of Jessie Festa.
In late summer season, you can too spot salmon pushing upstream within the creek and on the close by Salmon Ladder—or proceed onto the Salmon Stroll, a 1.5-mile loop path that winds alongside Ketchikan Creek with interpretive indicators about salmon, their habitat, and native heritage.
Midway alongside, you’ll attain the Totem Heritage Heart, residence to one of many world’s largest collections of Nineteenth-century totem poles rescued from close by villages.
Different top-rated Ketchikan experiences embrace:
3-Hour Rainforest, Seashore & Wildlife Stroll
2-Hour Customized Wildlife and Historic Tour
1-Hour Misty Fjords Flightseeing Tour
Click on right here for a full record of Ketchikan excursions!
Tip: For a enjoyable native vibe, seize a drink at Asylum, identified for its budget-friendly beers, or at Arctic Bar, a vigorous waterfront spot that always erupts in sing-alongs. Each are inside straightforward strolling distance from the port.
The Salmon Ladder (on the correct) helps salmon swim up this difficult uphill stream. Picture by way of Jessie Festa.
Alaska Cruise Prices & Cash-Saving Ideas
Holland America’s present choices for the following yr throughout their ships—which may change at any time—you possibly can e-book an Alaska cruise for as little as $1,229 for a Could sail, although for July and August costs vary between $1,434-$2,159 for essentially the most fundamental cabins, and nearer to $2,449-$3,079 for Verandah cabins in July and August.
Take into account, this contains your room, meals, and a great deal of actions, so you actually do get loads for the value.
That being stated, there are methods to economize on an Alaska cruise:
1) Ebook Early & Watch For Gross sales
Reserving early might help get you the most effective charges, plus you’ll have essentially the most choice by way of staterooms and excursions.
Holland America additionally usually runs promotions that embrace perks like pay as you go gratuities or onboard credit score.
When you plan to do a spa therapy, reserving earlier than your cruise will get you as much as 25% off.
Click on right here to view their present offers and promotions.
Reserving early might help you lower your expenses in your Alaska cruise! Picture by way of Jessie Festa.
2) Select Your Sail Dates Properly
Cruises early within the season (Could) and late (September) are usually cheaper, whereas mid-summer costs are highest. Remember that Could and September may imply chillier climate and extra rain.
3) Think about Cabin Sorts
Costs differ broadly between cabin varieties. Reserving an Inside Cabin can prevent tons of to typically over $1,000 vs a Verandah Cabin. If you would like a balcony however are budget-conscious, look into an obstructed verandah (like I booked), which may prevent a couple of hundred {dollars}.
4) Bundle Properly
Drink packages, Wi-Fi, and specialty eating can add up rapidly. When you’ll really use them, bundle offers just like the “Have It All” bundle can provide good worth. When you’re a light-weight drinker or don’t want fixed Wi-Fi, skip them and pay as you go.
Talking of specialty eating, I discovered reserving a couple of of those eating places value it, however I additionally would have had a tremendous time consuming dinner within the Principal Eating Room every evening, particularly as they rotate the menu.
This seafood pasta from Rudi’s Sel De Mer was scrumptious! Picture by way of Jessie Festa.
5) Restrict Your Alaska Excursions & Extras
Shore excursions in Alaska aren’t low-cost. As an example, my helicopter tour was over $400 by itself—although, for me, it was value it for the distinctive expertise.
If you wish to lower your expenses, create a finances and contemplate what experiences are most necessary to you. To steadiness, combine in a few bucket-list splurges with DIY days the place you discover the port city on foot or do some native hikes.
Together with excursions, additionally take into consideration which onboard extras are actually value it for you. Personally, I discovered the drink bundle and specialty eating places worthwhile, however I most likely wouldn’t e-book a cabana in The Retreat once more—the view was principally blocked by clear plastic, which took away from the expertise.
Considering of reserving? See present Koningsdam and different HAL Alaska cruise itineraries right here!
Alaska Cruise Packing Ideas
Packing for Alaska may be very completely different from packing for a tropical cruise. You’ll need to be ready for solar, wind, rain, and chilly glacier breezes—typically all in the identical day!
Listed below are a couple of necessities to bear in mind:
Layers Are Key
Pack a moisture-wicking base layer, a heat mid-layer (like a fleece or mild puffer), and a water-resistant outer shell so you possibly can regulate because the climate modifications.
You probably have gear you need to defend, bringing a water-resistant backpack can also be a wise concept. The Maelstrom 40L Climbing Backpack has a water-resistant pocket and comes with a rain cowl!
Carry Waterproof Sneakers
Excursions may be moist, muddy, or slippery, so sneakers that preserve your ft dry are a should. When you don’t need to purchase one thing new, I like to recommend utilizing Nikwax Cloth and Leather-based Proof Waterproofing Spray to waterproof your sneakers. I used it on my sneakers and it labored completely!
Equipment Matter
A heat hat, gloves, and a shawl or BUFF neck gaiter are small however make a giant distinction on deck in Glacier Bay or when you do any chilly excursions like a glacier helicopter tour.
This isn’t actually an adjunct, however earplugs are useful for sleep and foggy days when the captain must preserve sounding the very loud fog horn.
Pack Acceptable Dinner Apparel
On a 7-day Alaska cruise, there are two dressy “Gala Nights”, so carry one or two formal outfits. The opposite nights are good informal, so you possibly can look extra relaxed—although no shorts are allowed within the Principal Eating Room.
Personally, I discovered the ship to be very chilly, so I most popular long-sleeve clothes like this budget-friendly little black costume and this orange floral costume (good for Holland America’s Orange Social gathering!).
Click on right here for my advisable packing record for an Alaska cruise.
Carry Binoculars & Digital camera Gear
When you can see wildlife proper from the boat, animals will usually be very distant. My 400mm telephoto lens wasn’t even lengthy sufficient to essentially see coastal brown bears after they have been noticed.
Due to this, I like to recommend packing binoculars and a digital camera with a 600mm telephoto lens, just like the Nikon Z6ii with 24-70mm lens for panorama and nearer pictures, paired with a 180-600mm lens for whales, bears, seals, and different wildlife.
Seeing lovable harbor seals from the ship in Glacier Bay (this shot would have been significantly better with a 600mm lens!). Picture by way of Jessie Festa.
Holland America Alaska Cruise FAQ
Now that I’ve reviewed my Alaska cruise on Holland America’s Koningsdam and supplied tips about the way to have the most effective expertise attainable, let’s go over some incessantly requested questions:
Q) What number of days do you want on an Alaska cruise?
Between three port stops and scenic cruising via Glacier Bay and the Inside Passage, you possibly can pack loads right into a 7-day itinerary. That being stated, Alaska is big and there’s a lot to see, so when you can swing an extended 10–14 day cruise, it’s value it.
Q) How a lot is an Alaskan cruise?
The price of an Alaska cruise varies by room sort, crusing dates, and whenever you e-book; nevertheless, count on to spend someplace between $1,200-$3,000—or extra—for 7 days.
Q) What ought to I put on on an Alaska cruise?
As I share in my Alaska cruise packing record, you’ll need clothes for each heat and chilly days. For glacier viewing and cooler climate, pack layers—a base layer, heat mid-layer, and waterproof shell—plus waterproof sneakers, a hat, and gloves. When the solar was out, I used to be usually advantageous in leggings with a long-sleeve shirt, or perhaps a t-shirt whereas climbing.
You’ll additionally need swimwear on a summer season Alaska cruise! Picture taken on the adults-only Sea View Pool by Jessie Festa.
Q) What’s the costume code on Holland America’s Alaska cruises?
For a 7-day Alaska cruise, most nights are good informal, with two “dressy” nights the place individuals put on something from a pleasant costume or button-down to full formal apparel. There are not any shorts allowed within the Principal Eating Room or specialty eating places, although you possibly can put on them to the informal eateries and Lido Market.
Across the ship, you possibly can put on no matter you’d like. I spent plenty of time in my bathing go well with when within the scorching tub space and in leggings and a sweater when exploring the Koningsdam.
Q) Which facet of the ship is greatest for an Alaska cruise?
You’ll see unbelievable surroundings it doesn’t matter what. That stated, in my view, the port facet (left) usually will get the primary have a look at glaciers like Margerie and Johns Hopkins, so it could actually really feel such as you’re “first in line”. However for the reason that ship turns, you’ll have loads of time to benefit from the view from both facet (or head as much as an open deck for the most effective all-around vantage level).
Stunning views whereas leaving Ketchikan’s port. It doesn’t matter what facet of the ship you select, you’ll have the ability to take pleasure in Alaska’s magnificence! Picture by way of Jessie Festa.
Q) What’s the rainiest month for an Alaska cruise?
September and October usually carry essentially the most rain, although the trade-off is Alaska cruises throughout this time may be less expensive than the drier summer season months.
Q) When is the most effective time to take an Alaska cruise?
Alaska’s cruise season runs from late April to early October. For the warmest climate, longest days, and high wildlife visibility for whales, bears, and salmon, intention for mid-June via August, with July being particularly fashionable.
If you wish to keep away from crowds, lower your expenses, or catch fall colours (and presumably the Northern Lights), contemplate the shoulder seasons of Could and September.
This text breaks down the highlights of every month.
In August, we averted rain for essentially the most half, although some days have been chilly (like when crusing via Glacier Bay!). Picture by way of Jessie Festa.
Q) What’s the Orange Social gathering on Holland America?
The Orange Social gathering is a themed night the place visitors costume in orange (a nod to the cruise line’s Dutch heritage), with orange cocktails, dwell music, and festive décor.
Q) What ought to I not carry on a Holland America Alaska cruise?
Depart behind weapons (together with bear spray), alcohol, medication (drugs needs to be in prescription bottles), drones, laser pointers, massive scissors, and something on HAL’s prohibited objects record.
Q) How shut do Alaska cruises dock to the port cities?
Most ships dock proper on the town (like Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan), whereas a couple of ports might require a brief shuttle journey or tender boat. For the Inside Passage itinerary outlined on this Alaska cruise information, every cease was proper in the principle elements of the cities.
It’s straightforward to stroll to Downtown Juneau points of interest and tour assembly factors proper from the place the ships dock. Picture by way of Jessie Festa.
Ultimate Ideas On Planning An Alaska Cruise
Crusing with Holland America via Alaska’s Inside Passage was really unforgettable. Between the glaciers, wildlife, and vigorous port cities, day-after-day felt like a brand new bucket record expertise.
In only one week, I noticed a humpback whale breach, watched orcas hunt, flew over dramatic surroundings to stroll on a glacier, and kayaked as harbor seals swam round me—fairly unbelievable!
Onboard the Koningsdam, I liked the combo of nice meals (together with sustainable seafood), dwell music, and quiet corners the place Andy and I may simply sit again with a drink and soak within the views.
What actually stood out was how Alaska feels each wild and welcoming on the similar time. You may be climbing within the Tongass one minute and having fun with Alaskan salmon the following.
When you’re planning your individual cruise, I hope this information provides you a head begin on what to anticipate and the way to take advantage of it.
Click on right here to examine availability and pricing for Holland America’s Alaska cruises!
Have you ever ever accomplished an Alaska cruise on the Holland America Koningsdam?