*An enormous 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 basically like?
Then you definitely’re in the fitting 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 reside music venues, entertaining reveals, and various eating — sustainably-sourced Alaskan seafood included.
However, what’s a Holland America Alaska cruise actually like?
Beneath, I share an sincere evaluation of my expertise, from what I liked to what I’d do in a different way. My husband Andy joined me, so he’ll be weighing in as properly.
Moreover, I’m together with an in-depth information with issues to do, packing recommendation, and planning ideas that will help you have an unforgettable time in Alaska!
Fast information:
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 (guide right here)
Finest Time To Go: Whereas it depends upon your preferences, June-August will typically be greatest for climate (particularly July), wildlife viewing, and whale watching
Free Present: Seize my free Journey Planning Toolkit (features a Cruise Journey Finances Calculator!)
Koningsdam At A Look
Let’s kick off this Alaska cruise evaluation with a take a look at the ms Koningsdam. One among Holland America’s newer ships, it’s designed with extra trendy touches and further selection in comparison with a few of their older vessels.
Dimension: It may carry 2,686 friends—large enough 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. Whilst you received’t discover water slides or all-night events right here, you will discover scrumptious eating, reside music each evening, and many cozy corners and ambient bars to curve up with a espresso or cocktail whereas taking in Alaska’s surroundings.
Highlights: Just a few issues I particularly appreciated in regards to the ship:
- Music Stroll. A hub of reside music venues with nightly performances.
- World Stage. Most important theater with a wraparound LED display screen 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 lessons for additional wellness.
- Sports activities Court docket. 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 embody a On line casino, Retailers, an Artwork Gallery, non-public cabanas at The Retreat, and extra.
Examine availability and pricing for Holland America’s Alaska cruises right here!
Holland America Onboard Expertise
The most effective components of cruising is that the ship itself appears like a vacation spot, with 13 decks of points of interest and a each 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 sensible budget-friendly choice in order for you a balcony however don’t wish to pay full worth. The cabin itself had loads of storage, a roomy toilet with wonderful water stress, and a flatscreen TV.
There have been additionally additional throw blankets, and it turned our nightly ritual to seize a drink and comfy 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 funds permits. Having a transparent view is value it on scenic days. Should you actually need one of the best view, an Aft-View Verandah is even higher, as you’ll be out of the wind and can be capable to see either side of the ship proper from your individual non-public balcony!
Right here’s a breakdown of Koningsdam’s staterooms and their sub-types, from probably the most budget-friendly choices to the largest 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: Should you’re touring solo, Holland America is among the few cruise strains that gives Single Ocean View staterooms—an enormous perk in case you don’t wish to pay the standard single complement.
Included Eating
Meals was a serious spotlight of my Holland America Alaska cruise, and I particularly liked that HAL’s International Recent Fish Program brings over 80 kinds of contemporary fish onboard, regionally sourced from ports around the globe.
The Most important Eating Room (included in your fare) persistently impressed with wonderful service, rotating menus, and particular Style Alaska dishes that includes native components and loads of contemporary seafood. That they had a Teriyaki Recent Salmon Bowl that was one in every of my favourite meals of the journey!
It’s a lovely area, too, with chandeliers and sweeping sea views—and you’ll order as a lot as you’d like at no additional price (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 price additional in case you don’t have a drink bundle).
Specialty Eating
That being mentioned, in case you can splurge on a number of specialty eating places, I extremely suggest:
- 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 offered 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 simple to regulate reservations as soon as onboard). A 7pm reservation offers you sufficient time for a leisurely dinner whereas nonetheless making the 9pm World Stage present.
Day by day Actions
Every night, you’ll get a schedule of the following day’s occasions, which run from about 7am by means of 11pm (with reside music venues generally going till 11:45pm).
Throughout the day, there are exercise lessons, trivia and sport reveals, $1,200 Jackpot Bingo, sports activities tournaments, artwork lessons, drink tastings, cooking demos, card sport meetups, spa samplers, giveaways, particular Alaska-themed programming, and extra.
In fact, you’re additionally welcome to easily get pleasure from 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 terrific spot to lounge and take within the surroundings.
Night Leisure
Together with dinner, evenings usually centered round two issues: the World Stage and Music Stroll.
World Stage options 45-minute reveals every evening at 7:30pm and 9pm, so we’d often head there proper after dinner. Every evening’s leisure is totally different, and our Alaska cruise supplied reside music, comedy, dance, magic, and extra.
Afterward, we’d often 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 Occasion, 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 Suggestions
Earlier than we get into what to do on an Alaska cruise, let’s talk about some ideas to assist make the expertise as stress-free as potential:
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 high quality for e-mail, WhatsApp, social media, and even posting a number of Alaska Instagram Tales.
Drink Packages: Should you get pleasure from 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 each day restrict for every.
We have been pleased we went with the Elite Bundle, since we didn’t wish to fear in regards to the invoice. That being mentioned, in case you don’t thoughts sticking to the fundamentals, you’ll nonetheless discover loads of good choices for $11 or much less at every bar.
Bonus: You too can use these packages to purchase mocktails and particular espresso drinks like cappuccinos and lattes.
Gown Code: Most nights are sensible informal (no shorts in eating rooms), with two dressy nights. Andy wore chinos and button-downs with a tie, whereas I wore attire with sandals—however loads of folks went extra formal. It’s actually as much as you!
Tip: Bear in mind to pack one thing orange for the Orange Occasion, like a gown, 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 primary 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 lessons are supplied, although most are an extra price of $20.
Ebook Early. Holland America affords an in depth catalog of shore excursions, although be aware that issues replenish fairly rapidly, so if there’s something you actually wish to do, guide 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 guide. It appears actually unimaginable!
Additionally, needless to say you don’t should guide solely by means of Holland America. Viator and GetYourGuide even have a great deal of Alaska shore excursions. Simply be sure to time them appropriately together with your ship’s docking schedule.
Plan your Alaska cruise as we speak — click on right here for Holland America’s upcoming sailings!
Alaska Ports & Sea Days: What To Do
One of the crucial vital issues to plan is your each day itinerary. There are such a lot of issues to do on an Alaska cruise, so that will help you slim it down, listed below are my advisable highlights:
Vancouver (Embarkation Day)
Overview: Should you’re flying into Vancouver Worldwide Airport (YVR), it’s simple to achieve the cruise terminal at Canada Place. You may take the SkyTrain’s Canada Line on to Waterfront Station (about half-hour), name an Uber, or prepare a switch by means of Holland America or an airport shuttle firm.
Non-public shuttles and automotive companies are handy whereas carrying baggage, whereas the SkyTrain is probably the most inexpensive choice.
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 Lodge, which is a simple 10-minute stroll to the cruise terminal. Bonus: They have been additionally in a position to print our Holland America baggage tags without spending a dime!
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, the whole lot is prepared for you, so it’s a very good time to get acquainted with the ship.
Issues To Do On Embarkation Day:
- Board as early as potential 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 essential eating, spa, or tour reservations
- Examine the each day itinerary for any actions you would possibly wish to do (we performed a free sport of Bingo!)
- Stroll the ship to get oriented with eating places, bars, swimming pools, and key venues
- Increase a glass throughout the Sail Away Celebration round 4pm
Tip: Should 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.
Inside Passage (Sea Days)
Overview: You’ll sail the scenic Inside Passage twice throughout the Alaska cruise (days 2 and seven). Throughout this portion of the journey, you’ll get pleasure from 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:
- Take pleasure in a themed Alaska Brunch within the Most important Eating Room, serving dishes like Crab & Sizzling Smoked Salmon Truffles and Kodiak Steak & Eggs with Reindeer Sausage
- Seize your digital camera and binoculars and spend time exterior 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 event, or just chill out with a drink and a view
Tip: Holland America hosts an array of talks sharing wildlife recognizing ideas, although you can even discover informational indicators on the Sea View Pool deck.
Juneau
Overview: Juneau, Alaska’s capital, is exclusive as a result of there aren’t any roads connecting it to the remainder of the state—you may solely arrive by boat or aircraft.
As soon as a bustling mining city, as we speak 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 mountain 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 inside the Tongass Nationwide Forest—the biggest temperate rainforest on earth—and probably the most accessible glaciers in Alaska. You will get epic views of this pure marvel 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.
Whereas crowded, there are little paths that veer off the primary 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 toes up Mount Roberts in simply minutes. The experience itself is enjoyable, however the true reward is the view—an unimaginable panorama over Downtown Juneau, the Gastineau Channel, and the encompassing peaks.
On the high, don’t miss the cultural present, which supplies an introduction to Tlingit traditions, together with storytelling, tune, and dance.
Should you’d wish to hike, you’ll additionally discover a community of trails beginning proper from the tram summit, starting from simple walks to more difficult climbs with massive views.
For the reason that tram is situated proper in downtown, you may simply spend time afterward exploring the retailers, grabbing a chunk, or strolling the Totem Pole Path (Kootéeyaa Deiyí) alongside the waterfront. The challenge was began by the native Sealaska Heritage Institute (SHI), which is devoted to preserving and selling Southeast Alaska Native tradition and can be value a cease.
Different top-rated Juneau experiences embody:
5-Glacier Seaplane Exploration
Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour
Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching- Click on right here for a full record of Juneau excursions!
Tip: In response to 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. Should you’d fairly simply seize a drink, Alaskan Brewing Co.’s downtown location is correct on the water and pours some wonderful native beers.
Try Holland America’s upcoming departure dates and offers!
Skagway
Overview: Skagway is greatest identified for its Klondike Gold Rush historical past, when prospectors poured by means of city on their technique to the Yukon.
As we speak, it nonetheless appears like a frontier settlement with picket boardwalks, saloons, and preserved buildings which are a part of the Klondike Gold Rush Nationwide Historic Park.
Issues To Do In Skagway: Begin with a stroll by means of the historic downtown, the place restored storefronts give a glimpse into the previous.
Retailers, galleries, and jewellery shops promoting “gold nuggets” line Broadway, whereas the Purple Onion Saloon doubles as a unusual brothel museum providing $20 excursions.
There are additionally quite a few mountain 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.
Talking of which, I extremely suggest reserving a Glacier Discovery by Helicopter Tour—an expertise that flew me over among the most breathtaking views I’ve ever seen earlier than touchdown on Mead Glacier to discover the ice on foot. This was the largest spotlight of my Alaska journey!
Different top-rated Skagway experiences embody:
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!
Tip: Cease on the Mascot Saloon, a part of the Klondike Gold Rush Nationwide Historic Park. It’s free to enter, offers an fascinating look into the position saloons performed in Skagway’s Gold Rush days, and likewise has a free public toilet and water fountain.
Glacier Bay (Scenic Cruising)
Overview: Glacier Bay is among the most unforgettable days of an Alaska cruise. The bay is a protected U.S. Nationwide Park and UNESCO World Heritage Website that’s house 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 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 incorporates a Park Ranger-led narration sharing the fascinating geological historical past and wildlife recognizing.
It’s advisable to place your self on a deck the place you may 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 choice.
Throughout our cruise, we noticed coastal brown bears, sea otters, and harbor seals. Moreover, among 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 one in every 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)
Tip: Gown in layers, because the temperature can change considerably all through the day. I give solutions for dressing in this packing record.
Click on right here to browse Holland America’s present Alaska cruise choices!
Ketchikan
Overview: Ketchikan is usually referred to as the “Salmon Capital of the World,” a title rooted in its origins as a Tlingit fishing camp and later as a serious salmon canning hub within the late 1800s.
As we speak, it’s a bustling port city that continues to be 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 putting 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 guide instantly by means of Holland America, although they nonetheless make it simple by assembly you proper within the cruise port.
The journey begins with a zodiac boat experience from the port—preserve your eyes peeled for whales, as we noticed a humpback breaching on our means out—adopted by a paddle round Orca Cove, surrounded by the Tongass Nationwide Forest.
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 additionally see extra whales and coastal brown bears.
After paddling, you’ll return to the houseboat for native snacks (I nonetheless dream in regards to 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 as we speak its stilted homes are crammed with retailers, galleries, and Dolly’s Home Museum, the final of the outdated brothels. Curiously, every constructing on Creek Road has a plaque sharing its distinctive historical past.
In late summer season, you can even 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, house to one of many world’s largest collections of Nineteenth-century totem poles rescued from close by villages.
Different top-rated Ketchikan experiences embody:
3-Hour Rainforest, Seaside & 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 usually erupts in sing-alongs. Each are inside simple strolling distance from the port.
Alaska Cruise Prices & Cash-Saving Suggestions
Taking a look at Holland America’s present choices for the following yr throughout their ships—which might change at any time—you may guide an Alaska cruise for as little as $1,229 for a Might sail, although for July and August costs vary between $1,434-$2,159 for probably the most primary cabins, and nearer to $2,449-$3,079 for Verandah cabins in July and August.
Have in mind, this contains your room, meals, and a great deal of actions, so you actually do get lots for the value.
That being mentioned, there are methods to economize on an Alaska cruise:
1) Ebook Early & Watch For Gross sales
Reserving early may also help get you one of the best charges, plus you’ll have probably the most choice when it comes to staterooms and excursions.
Holland America additionally usually runs promotions that embody perks like pay as you go gratuities or onboard credit score.
Should you plan to do a spa remedy, reserving earlier than your cruise will get you as much as 25% off.
Click on right here to view their present offers and promotions.
2) Select Your Sail Dates Properly
Cruises early within the season (Might) and late (September) are typically cheaper, whereas mid-summer costs are highest. Remember the fact that Might and September may imply chillier climate and extra rain.
3) Contemplate Cabin Sorts
Costs fluctuate extensively between cabin varieties. Reserving an Inside Cabin can prevent a whole bunch to generally over $1,000 vs a Verandah Cabin. If you need a balcony however are budget-conscious, look into an obstructed verandah (like I booked), which might prevent a number of hundred {dollars}.
4) Bundle Properly
Drink packages, Wi-Fi, and specialty eating can add up rapidly. Should you’ll really use them, bundle offers just like the “Have It All” bundle can provide good worth. Should 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 number of of those eating places value it, however I additionally would have had an incredible time consuming dinner within the Most important Eating Room every evening, particularly as they rotate the menu.
5) Restrict Your Alaska Excursions & Extras
Shore excursions in Alaska aren’t low-cost. As an illustration, 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 funds and contemplate what experiences are most vital to you. To stability, 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 in all probability wouldn’t guide a cabana in The Retreat once more—the view was principally blocked by clear plastic, which took away from the expertise.
Pondering of reserving? See present Koningsdam and different HAL Alaska cruise itineraries right here!
Alaska Cruise Packing Suggestions
Packing for Alaska may be very totally different from packing for a tropical cruise. You’ll wish to be ready for solar, wind, rain, and chilly glacier breezes—generally all in the identical day!
Listed here are a number of necessities to bear in mind:
Layers Are Key
Pack a moisture-wicking base layer, a heat mid-layer (like a fleece or gentle puffer), and a water-proof outer shell so you may regulate because the climate modifications.
When you have gear you wish to defend, bringing a water-proof backpack can be a sensible thought. The Maelstrom 40L Mountaineering Backpack has a water-proof pocket and comes with a rain cowl!
Convey Waterproof Footwear
Excursions could be moist, muddy, or slippery, so footwear that preserve your toes dry are a should. Should you don’t wish to purchase one thing new, I like to recommend utilizing Nikwax Cloth and Leather-based Proof Waterproofing Spray to waterproof your footwear. 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 an enormous distinction on deck in Glacier Bay or in case 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 Applicable Dinner Apparel
On a 7-day Alaska cruise, there are two dressy “Gala Nights”, so convey one or two formal outfits. The opposite nights are sensible informal, so you may look extra relaxed—although no shorts are allowed within the Most important Eating Room.
Personally, I discovered the ship to be very chilly, so I most popular long-sleeve attire like this budget-friendly little black gown and this orange floral gown (excellent for Holland America’s Orange Occasion!).
Click on right here for my advisable packing record for an Alaska cruise.
Convey Binoculars & Digital camera Gear
Whilst 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 photographs, paired with a 180-600mm lens for whales, bears, seals, and different wildlife.
Holland America Alaska Cruise FAQ
Now that I’ve reviewed my Alaska cruise on Holland America’s Koningsdam and offered tips about the best way to have one of the best expertise potential, let’s go over some ceaselessly requested questions:
Q) What number of days do you want on an Alaska cruise?
Between three port stops and scenic cruising by means of Glacier Bay and the Inside Passage, you may pack lots right into a 7-day itinerary. That being mentioned, Alaska is large and there may be a lot to see, so in case 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 kind, crusing dates, and whenever you guide; nonetheless, 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 footwear, a hat, and gloves. When the solar was out, I used to be usually high quality in leggings with a long-sleeve shirt, or perhaps a t-shirt whereas mountain climbing.
Q) What’s the gown code on Holland America’s Alaska cruises?
For a 7-day Alaska cruise, most nights are sensible informal, with two “dressy” nights the place folks put on something from a pleasant gown or button-down to full formal apparel. There aren’t any shorts allowed within the Most important Eating Room or specialty eating places, although you may put on them to the informal eateries and Lido Market.
Across the ship, you may put on no matter you’d like. I spent numerous 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 unimaginable surroundings it doesn’t matter what. That mentioned, for my part, the port facet (left) usually will get the primary take a look at glaciers like Margerie and Johns Hopkins, so it could 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 one of the best all-around vantage level).
Q) What’s the rainiest month for an Alaska cruise?
September and October usually convey probably the most rain, although the trade-off is Alaska cruises throughout this time could be less expensive than the drier summer season months.
Q) When is one of the best 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, purpose for mid-June by means of August, with July being particularly common.
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 Might and September.
This text breaks down the highlights of every month.
Q) What’s the Orange Occasion on Holland America?
The Orange Occasion is a themed night the place friends gown in orange (a nod to the cruise line’s Dutch heritage), with orange cocktails, reside music, and festive décor.
Q) What ought to I not convey 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, giant 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 number of ports could require a brief shuttle experience or tender boat. For the Inside Passage itinerary outlined on this Alaska cruise information, every cease was proper in the primary components of the cities.
Closing Ideas On Planning An Alaska Cruise
Crusing with Holland America by means of Alaska’s Inside Passage was really unforgettable. Between the glaciers, wildlife, and vigorous port cities, each 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 unimaginable!
Onboard the Koningsdam, I liked the combination of nice meals (together with sustainable seafood), reside 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 could be mountain climbing within the Tongass one minute and having fun with Alaskan salmon the following.
Should you’re planning your individual cruise, I hope this information offers you a head begin on what to anticipate and the best way to take advantage of it.
Click on right here to examine availability and pricing for Holland America’s Alaska cruises!