holland america alaska cruise 2023

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Holland America Line Releases 2023 Alaska Cruise And Tour Highlights

We're almost at the starting point for the 2022 Alaska cruise season and it's looking great but Holland America Line is charting a course to Alaska in 2023 too and they've just released their plans. The 2023 Holland America Line Alaska cruise season will feature expertly crafted journeys on six ships that offer preferred access to the top destinations, exclusive overland transportation, culturally focused onboard experiences and more visits to Glacier Bay than any other major cruise line!

Holland America Line is the expert cruise line for the Alaska market and this year they are celebrating 75 years of Alaska exploration. Guests will notice a distinct difference between Holland America Line Alaska cruises and other lines in the way they weave that expertise into every nuance of the journey and enable travelers to discover the most authentic elements of the 49th state, both on board and ashore. Of course, their legendary hospitality is a key part of that experience no matter where they are cruising.

"Alaska continues to be among our most popular destinations, and we are excited to have six ships in Alaska in 2023, along with the return of the 14-day cruise," said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line. "We've offered Alaska exploration longer than any cruise line, we continue to have more Glacier Bay itineraries and we're the only way to see the Yukon combined with a cruise. Holland America Line knows Alaska and can deliver authentic experiences guests won't find anywhere else."

From April through September 2023, guests can embark on Holland America Line's cruises to Alaska aboard Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Volendam and Westerdam. In addition to seven-day itineraries, Holland America Line is bringing back the popular 14-day "Great Alaska Explorer" cruise for two departures.

For explorers who want to travel farther into the Great Land, 16 different Cruisetours (formerly Land+Sea Journeys) combine a three-, four- or seven-day Alaska cruise with an inland exploration of Denali National Park. Holland America Line is the only cruise line that extends land tours up to the unspoiled reaches of Canada's Yukon Territory.

Cruises sail roundtrip from Seattle , Washington; roundtrip from Vancouver , B.C.; or one-way between Whittier (Anchorage), Alaska, and Vancouver. The ships deliver a premium experience designed for immersive cruising. Wraparound decks and an abundance of verandah staterooms bring guests closer to Alaska's natural wonders, while enriching Explorations Central (EXC) programming presents the opportunity to learn about the culture and history from authentic experts.

Voted Number-One Cruise Line in Alaska by Cruise Critic and AFAR

Holland America Line was named the top pick for Alaska in the 2020 Porthole Cruise Magazine Editor-in-Chief Awards, 2020 AFAR Travelers' Choice Awards, 2019 Cruise Critic Cruisers' Choice Destination Awards and 2019 TravelAge West Wave Awards Editor's Pick; as well as Best Itineraries in the 2019 Cruise Critic Editors' Picks Awards, confirming its position as the number-one cruise line in Alaska by some of the world's most discerning travelers and cruise experts. Additionally, Koningsdam was voted the top mid-sized cruise ship in the 2020 USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards.

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Please fill out the form below and Heather from Flow Voyages (or a representative from CruiseWestCoast.com) will contact you as soon as possible.

For immediate help, please contact Heather directly: 630-779-9301 or : [email protected]

Highlights for 2023 Alaska Cruises:

• Every Alaska cruise includes a visit to one or more of Alaska's iconic glacier destinations: Glacier Bay National Park, College Fjord, Hubbard Glacier and Twin Sawyer Glaciers of Tracy Arm.
• The 14-day "Great Alaskan Explorer" itinerary returns in 2023 to offer an in-depth adventure. Roundtrip from Vancouver aboard Nieuw Amsterdam (May 7) and Noordam (Sept. 17), the cruise calls at the Alaskan ports of Kodiak, Anchorage, Valdez, Sitka, Skagway and Ketchikan, and features Glacier Bay.
• Seven-day "Glacier Discovery Northbound" and "Glacier Discovery Southbound" itineraries cruise between Whittier and Vancouver aboard Nieuw Amsterdam and Noordam. Ports include Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway, Alaska.
• Seven-day "Alaska Inside Passage" cruises sail roundtrip from Vancouver on Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam and Volendam. Ports include Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway, except for Noordam that stops at Sitka vs Skagway.
• Seven-day "Alaskan Explorer" cruises sail roundtrip from Seattle aboard Eurodam and Westerdam, and include calls at Victoria, British Columbia (evening stay); and Ketchikan, Juneau and Sitka.
• All ships cruising in Alaska feature expanded onboard programming: guests can engage with an Alaska naturalist, special EXC presentations explore local topics such as Alaska's bush pilots and the famous Iditarod race, and cruises with Glacier Bay take on a National Park Ranger and local Huna Tlingit guides.

Highlights for 2023 Denali Cruisetours:

• Nieuw Amsterdam and Noordam will offer Denali Cruisetours ranging from nine to 14 days.
• All Denali Cruisetours include a seven-day Glacier Discovery cruise featuring Glacier Bay, plus either College Fjord or Hubbard Glacier (depending on the direction), Inside Passage, as well as up to three nights at the McKinley Chalet Resort at the entrance to Denali National Park.
• All Double and Triple Denali itineraries include the Tundra Wilderness Tour, which provides the best wildlife viewing through Denali National Park.
• Holland America Line owns its motorcoaches, railcars and hotels, so schedules are preferential. Each Cruisetour gets a scenic ride on the luxury-domed McKinley Explorer, including select itineraries that offer Direct-to-Denali service, taking guests from their ship to their Denali hotel room on the same day.

Highlights for 2023 Yukon & Denali Cruisetours:

Holland America Line is the ONLY cruise line to offer an Alaska cruise combined with an overland tour to Denali and the Yukon.

• Yukon & Denali Cruisetours range from nine to 18 days and include either a three- or four-day Inside Passage cruise on Koningsdam or Volendam, or a seven-day Glacier Discovery cruise on Nieuw Amsterdam or Noordam; a two-or three-night stay at Denali; and a journey into the Yukon.
• Every Yukon & Denali Cruisetour includes the services of a professional Journey Host, who makes time on land easy, convenient and insightful.
• All Yukon & Denali Cruisetours include a ride on the McKinley Explorer full-dome railcars, and select itineraries add on the historic White Pass & Yukon Route railroad from Skagway.
• Yukon & Denali Cruisetours feature two nights in Dawson City, affording guests more time to relive Gold Rush history. Additional overnight experiences vary depending on the Cruisetour.
• An included tour on the Klondike Spirit paddlewheeler takes guests along the Yukon River past stunning tall pines, historic towns and wildlife; nearly all Yukon & Denali Cruisetours include a Gold Dredge 8 tour; and every Yukon & Denali itinerary includes the Tundra Wilderness Tour at Denali National Park. Holland America Line's McKinley Chalet Resort and Denali Square

Cruisetours includes a stay at the McKinley Chalet Resort at the entrance to Denali National Park. The property is Holland America Line's magnificent 68-acre hotel on the Nenana River. The resort features dining facilities and guest rooms, including a 99-room complex featuring Denali Suites with balconies and larger living areas.

Centrally located between the McKinley Chalet Resort and riverfront guest rooms, Denali Square is a gathering area with restaurants, an amphitheater, fire pits, outdoor seating, retail shops offering local goods, and an artist-in-residence cabin where Alaska native and local artists display and discuss their works.

Holland America Line Makes It Easy To Budget For Your Alaska Crusie With The Have It All Premium Cruise Package

Alaska cruise pricing starts at a "Have it All" premium package rate of $999 per person, double occupancy for a seven-day sailing, which includes four high-value amenities: one shore excursion, a Signature Beverage Package, one night specialty dining and a Wi-Fi Surf Package to stay connected throughout the cruise. Cruise-only fares start at $684 per person, double. Taxes, fees and port expenses are additional.

For more information about Alaska cruises with Holland America Line for 2022 or 2023, make sure to contact your travel advisor. Our prefered travel advisor, Heather at Flow Voyages is always available to talk with folks looking to plan Alaska cruises and can help you put together the perfect vacation. You can contact her by phone: 630-779-9301 or email: [email protected]  .

• Cruise News

Six Holland America Ships to Sail Alaska in 2023

Sarah Bretz, Contributor

• February 10, 2022

Holland America Line has announced its 2023 Alaska cruise and cruisetour schedule, which will include six ships sailing there for the season.

From April to September 2023, guests will be able to choose from  Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Volendam,  and  Westerdam.  In addition to seven-night cruises, the line is bringing back its popular 14-night “Great Alaska Explorer” itinerary for two departures.

“We’ve offered Alaska  exploration longer than any cruise line, we continue to have more Glacier Bay itineraries and we’re the only way to see the  Yukon  combined with a cruise. Holland  America Line  knows  Alaska and can deliver authentic experiences guests won’t find anywhere else,” said Gus Antorcha , president of Holland America Line.

Those who want to travel further into Alaska can choose from 16 different cruisetours, which the line formerly called Land+Sea Journeys. They combine a three, four, or seven-night Alaska cruise with an inland exploration of Denali National Park. On some cruisetours, guests can even head up into Canada’s Yukon Territory.

MORE: Four Royal Caribbean Ships Will Cruise Alaska in 2023

2023 Alaska cruise highlights include:

• Every voyage visits one or more glaciers.
• The 14-night “Great Alaskan Explorer” itinerary returns, departing roundtrip from Vancouver on  Nieuw Amsterdam  (May 7) and Noordam  (September 17)
• Seven-night “Glacier Discovery Northbound” and “Southbound” itineraries between Whittier and Vancouver aboard  Nieuw Amsterdam  and  Noordam
• Seven-night “Alaska Inside Passage” cruises roundtrip from Vancouver on  Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam,  and  Volendam
• Seven-night “Alaskan Explorer” cruises roundtrip from Seattle on  Eurodam  and  Westerdam
• All ships cruising in Alaska feature expanded onboard programing: guests can talk with an Alaska naturalist, attend special EXC presentations, and learn from National Park Rangers and local Huna Tlingit guides.

2023 Denali cruisetour highlights include:

• Nieuw Amsterdam  and  Noordam  will offer Denali cruisetours ranging from 9-14 days
• All Denali cruisetours include a seven-night Glacier Discovery cruise, as well as up to three nights at the McKinley Chalet Resort at the entrance to Denali National Park.
• All Double and Triple Denali itineraries include the Tundra Wilderness Tour, which provides the best wildlife viewing through Denali National Park.
• Each cruisetour includes a scenic ride on the luxury-domed McKinley Explorer train.

2023 Yukon & Denali cruisetour highlights include:

• Yukon & Denali cruisetours range from 9-18 days and include either a three or four-night Inside Passage cruise on  Koningsdam  or  Volendam , or a seven-night Glacier Discovery cruise on  Nieuw Amsterdam  or  Noordam;  a two or three-night stay at Denali; and a journey into the Yukon.
• Every Yukon & Denali cruisetour includes the services of a professional Journey Host.
• Each cruisetour includes a ride on the McKinley Explorer full-dome railcars, and some add on the historic White Pass & Yukon Route railroad from Skagway
• These cruisetours feature two nights in Dawson City, with additional overnight experiences varying depending on the cruisetour
• An included tour on the Klondike Spirit paddlewheeler takes guests along the Yukon River past tall pines, historic towns, and wildlife; nearly all Yukon & Denali cruisetours include a Gold Dredge 8 tour, and every one includes the Tundra Wilderness Tour at Denali National Park.

For the “Have it All” premium package, rates start at $999 per person for a seven-night Alaska cruise in 2023. The package includes four amenities: one shore excursion, a Signature Beverage Package, one night of specialty dining, and a wifi surf package.

Cruise-only fares start at $684 per person.

READ NEXT: Holland America Line is Giving Away 75 Alaska Cruises

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Holland America Alaska cruises from $469*

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Holland America Line Alaska Cruises

See the Last Frontier in all its grandeur with a Holland America Line Alaska cruise. Looming glaciers, graceful whales and snowy, elegant peaks will make for a set of views you will never forget, planting themselves in your memories to tell your kids and grandkids about.  Hop on a sled for an exciting and adventurous expedition with some seriously tough dogs. Or try your hand at some king salmon and halibut fishing in Sitka for the chance to catch your dinner and perhaps send something home for those who missed out. That’s only the tip of the iceberg when you cruise to Alaska with Holland America. 

Experience more of Alaska with an in-depth Land+Sea cruisetour experience from Holland America. CLICK HERE to learn more about Holland America's Alaska Cruisetour s , featuring a premium Alaskan glacier cruise combined with an extended land tour into Denali.

Things to Do on an Alaska Cruise with Holland America Line

The rugged landscape of Alaska lends itself to amazing adventures in nature. With Holland America’s Alaskan cruises you can whitewater raft, go searching for bears and pan for gold. The landscape is also inspiring, and you can taste it in the beer and see it in the local art.

• Sixmile Creek Whitewater Rafting (Alyeska, Alaska) Have a thrilling adventure in the Alaskan outdoors as you whitewater raft through Class III and IV waterways along Sixmile Creek. Along the way you’ll get great views of the spectacular scenery of the Kenai Peninsula. The Sixmile Creek flows out of the Chugach Mountains and through three canyons.  

• 26 Glacier Cruise (Anchorage, Alaska) Travel through an amazing cluster of glaciers on a luxury catamaran. You’ll sit back and take in the glaciers, fjords and 145 miles of waterways as a U.S. Forest Service Ranger provides narration. Along the way you’ll probably spot eagles, otters and seals, and maybe even an orca. On some cruises you could be lucky enough to see a chunk of glacier calving off into the sea.  

• A Taste of Haines: Meet the Brewmeister (Haines, Alaska) Head to Dalton City, created in 1989 to film the Disney Film White Fang. Here you’ll tour the Haines Brewing Company, the state’s smallest brewery, which produces 350 barrels a year. You’ll meet the brewmaster and try some of his ales. Then see how locals smoke salmon and halibut and sample some dishes.  

• Whales, Wildlife and Bear Search (Icy Strait Point, Alaska) Icy Strait Point is a wildlife lover’s dream. On this trip you’ll go whale spotting on a cruise to Point Adolphus, hopefully seeing seals, otters and even bald eagles in the vicinity. Onboard, a naturalist describes the sea life that flocks to this area. When back on land, head to the Spasski River and the Tlingit village of Hoonah to spot brown bears, deer and woodpeckers.  

• Wild Arts Artist Walk: Hot Italian Glass (Sitka, Alaska) Sitka has a strong arts community and on this adventure you’ll wind your way through various art galleries, including the Wild Arts Gallery and Studio where you’ll see artists making glass canes. You might also see demonstrations of wood carving, jewelry making and ceramics. During the glass demonstration you will have the opportunity to try the art form out for yourself.  

• White Pass Rail, Klondike Highway and Gold Camp Adventure (Skagway, Alaska) See stunning views as you travel along Alaska’s White Pass aboard a narrow gauge rail car. You’ll stop at Liarsville, which was a gold rush trail camp where reporters who sensationalized the exploits of prospectors were stationed. You can even try to pan for gold here. You will also be entertained by dance hall girls and poetry by Robert Service.  

Top 10 Holland America Line Alaska Cruises

• Eurodam 7-DAY ALASKA EXPLORER Departing From Seattle, Washington (May 2024 - Sep 2025)
• Koningsdam 7-DAY ALASKA INSIDE PASSAGE Departing From Vancouver, British Columbia (May 2024 - Sep 2025)
• Noordam 7-DAY ALASKA INSIDE PASSAGE Departing From Vancouver, British Columbia (May 2024 - Sep 2025)
• Nieuw Amsterdam 14-DAY GREAT ALASKA EXPLORER Departing From Vancouver, British Columbia (May 2024 - May 2025)
• Zaandam 7-DAY ALASKA INSIDE PASSAGE Departing From Vancouver, British Columbia (May 2024 - Sep 2025)
• Noordam 7-DAY GLACIER DISCOVERY NORTHBOUND Departing From Vancouver, British Columbia (May 2024 - Aug 2025)
• Westerdam 7-DAY ALASKA EXPLORER Departing From Seattle, Washington (May 2024 - Aug 2025)
• Nieuw Amsterdam 7-DAY GLACIER DISCOVERY NORTHBOUND Departing From Vancouver, British Columbia (May 2024 - Sep 2025)
• Noordam 7-DAY GLACIER DISCOVERY SOUTHBOUND Departing From Whittier, Alaska (May 2024 - Sep 2025)
• Zaandam 3 NIGHT Alaska CRUISE Departing From Vancouver, British Columbia (May 2024 - Aug 2025)

Holland America Line Alaska Departure Ports

Learn more about your potential departure ports for an Alaska cruise with Holland America. Your Holland America Alaska cruise could embark from any of the following cities:

Anchorage, Alaska

Discover something new while exploring Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city. The city is surrounded by natural beauty ripe for sight-seeing.

Known as The Emerald City, Seattle is a beautiful, luscious city with incredible views of the Cascade Mountains and Elliott Bay. The city is full of activities for both water lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Skagway, Alaska

Have a golden experience in Skagway, an Alaskan city known as one of the best starting points for the Yukon Gold Rush.

Whether it’s your cruise destination or a launching point, Vancouver is a beautiful destination in itself with a sophisticated downtown and lots of natural elements to explore.

Whittier, Alaska

Experience the best of the Last Frontier in quaint Whittier, Alaska. Enjoy the clear water filled with salmon, red snapper and trout along with the freely roaming wildlife, all combining to make Whittier a treat to visit.

Photo Gallery for Holland America Line Alaska Cruises

Check out our photo gallery of Alaska cruising photos from Holland America. Keep in mind, this is just a sample of the sights waiting for you on a Holland America Alaska cruise vacation.

Bald eagles perched on tree

Guests panning for gold on an excursion

Mountains of Haines, Alaska

View of downtown Sitka

View from Mount Alyeska

Couple looks out to the glaciers of Alaska

Guests enjoy their stay in their balcony cabin

Holland America ship cruises through the glaciers

Holland America sails along Alaskan glaciers

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Holland America Kicks Off 2023 Alaska Season

• May 1, 2023

Holland America Line kicked off its 2023 Alaska cruise season today with the arrival of the Eurodam at Port of Seattle.

Known as “Seattle’s Hometown Cruise Line,” Holland America Line marked the day with a welcome celebration at Pier 91 that included a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Miss Washington Regan Gallo and Miss Alaska Jessica Reisinger, according to a press release.

To honor its 150th Anniversary, Holland America Line presented a commemorative plaque to Port of Seattle and made a donation to Seattle-based organization The Pastry Project.

Fanfare on the pier also included a performance by an ensemble from the University of Washington marching band.

The Westerdam begins its Alaska season cruising roundtrip from Seattle Sunday, May 7, 2023.

“As the pioneer and leader in Alaska cruising, Holland America Line is excited to start the season today celebrating our 150th Anniversary in our hometown,” said Beth Bodensteiner, Holland America Line’s chief commercial officer.

“Not only is Holland America Line headquartered in Seattle, but it’s a key homeport for our brand. With two ships based here and four more in Vancouver through September, we’re ready for a robust Alaska season of cruising and cruisetours including land trips to Denali and Yukon.”

Holland America Line also cruises to Alaska via Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and those sailings begin Monday, May 1, with the Koningsdam.

On Tuesday, May 2, the cruise line will hold a celebratory event in Vancouver on the Noordam with a 150th Anniversary plaque presentation to Port of Vancouver and a donation to YWCA Crabtree Corner.

The Nieuw Amsterdam and Volendam sail from Vancouver this season, rounding out the six Holland America Line ships in Alaska through September.

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Is a Holland America Alaska Cruise Worth It? An Honest Review

07/28/2023 by Kristin Addis 4 Comments

Imagine you’re sitting on a balcony, sipping on a freshly made latte while sailing past an electric blue glacier. Suddenly, you spot an eagle resting on a piece of floating ice. Later that day, you see dolphins, whales, and sea otters jumping through the waves as the mist breaks to reveal snowy mountains and tree-coated islets. There doesn’t appear to be anything around for miles, and it feels like it’s all unfolding in perfect harmony. That all happened within one day on my weeklong Alaska cruise while my son napped on the other side of the door, and I will never forget those magical moments.

Now I never thought of myself as a cruise person. Would a big ship really be my ideal way to travel?

When Holland America invited me, my mom and I weren’t sure it was for us. Would it be cheesy, crowded, and lame? We decided if we were to take a cruise, Alaska with its wild beauty would be the ideal place, so we went for it.

I had only been on a couple of cruises prior to this, wich were rather short and felt like a mixture between McDonald’s and a frat party, to be honest. The experience on the Koningsdam sailing the Inside Passage to Alaska via Vancouver was delightfully different. It was mostly families, retirees, and some multigenerational groups like ours.

The food was great, the service was excellent, but best of all, the experience of sailing along the coast of Alaska was breathtaking. Here’s everything to know before you book that cruise :

Table of Contents

Itinerary – 7 Day Alaskan Inside Passage

There are many Alaska itineraries to choose from, and they all offer scenic cruising with some variation in the stops they make.

What looked best to me was the departure in and out of Vancouver, which included the Inside Passage as well as Glacier Bay. It ended up being a great decision.

The first evening after departing Vancouver was already beautiful, passing by the islands outside of the city and all along the coast of British Columbia. It was just a taste of the beauty that was to come. 

The next day was mostly about getting up to Juneau and was spent at sea. Of all the days on board, this was the least scenic, but I still saw whales from my veranda! 

As would be a trend with the towns we visited in Alaska, Juneau had a charm to it, with historic, Wild West–style buildings and gorgeous surroundings. The downtown is mainly bars, restaurants, and souvenir shops, but there’s quite a bit to do in the area. I opted for the helicopter trek of the Mendenhall Glacier, which was a fantastic decision (more on that later). 

The next morning, we arrived in Skagway, another small, charming coastal town, and took the scenic railway as our excursion. Felix squealed with delight at the helicopters taking off right outside of our room on the ship afterwards. 

That evening, leaving Skagway was particularly beautiful, as we watched the sunset over the dramatic mountains with waterfalls cascading down. Since we had a baby sleeping inside, most of our evenings were spent on the veranda, which could not have been a better spot from which to experience the beauty of Alaska all throughout the cruise.

Glacier Bay National Park

This was a highlight for us, as we spent the day cruising through Glacier Bay National Park. Though I’ve had the pleasure of hiking across part of a glacier in Wrangell St. Elias in Alaska and trekking on a few in Patagonia , this was still more glaciers than I had ever seen in a day.

As we made our way through, the weather kept changing, creating different lighting along the glaciers and providing incredible wildlife-spotting opportunities. I saw dolphins, whales, otters, and an eagle perched on an iceberg, all from our veranda.

Absolutely book an Alaska cruise that includes Glacier Bay!

As we made our way back south, we stopped in Ketchikan, which was a nice contrast to the glacial landscape that we had been seeing. This is a great opportunity to explore the fjords, which we did by seaplane as our excursion.

Our Room on the Koningsdam

One of my concerns was feeling cramped in a tiny room with our stuff everywhere and all of the free space taken up by our travel crib . 

The verandah room was spacious enough, though, with plenty of storage in the closets and drawers, as well as a space under the bed for suitcases . As long as we were good about putting things back in their place, the room was totally fine for the three of us. 

It also had a pull-out couch to sleep families, though I would imagine that squeezing four into one room would feel tight. 

The balcony was also great and a frequent hangout spot of ours. It was safe for my baby to crawl around and enjoy, and my favorite place from which to spot wildlife. I preferred it to all of the common spaces on the ship since it was so peaceful and felt like my own little retreat.

The room was also serviced twice per day by two incredibly attentive staff members who always left towel animals for Felix. 

Service 

Speaking of the staff, they were amazing. Those in the dining room made a particularly great impression, remembering my son and always saying hi to him and bringing his fruit right away. Considering how many people they were seeing on a daily basis, I was impressed. 

I also found each person we interacted with to be accommodating and patient, even when guests weren’t particularly warm with them. I know from working in hospitality in the past that it’s not an easy job, and they all did it especially well. 

I was worried the food might not be great or healthy onboard. I’d encountered a lot of chicken nuggets and subpar burgers in the past on my brief cruise experiences. However, there was plenty of variety, and I was able to eat healthy and find plenty of options for my one-year-old as well (veggies, grilled meats, and fruit were always abundant). 

Although they had a kids’ menu, my son tends to just eat the healthier food that we eat, and we could get other food for him in the restaurant and Lido Market, and share what we ordered in the specialty restaurants.

Rudi’s Sel de Mer

This is the highest-end restaurant onboard, with the smallest capacity — and also, of course, my favorite. 

It’s a tranquil seafood restaurant, and the halibut and steak special were both excellent. They also had lobster, crab, and other seafood delicacies available. I loved the apple crumble as well!

Tamarind 

This Asian-flavors-inspired restaurant was my second favorite, with satay, curries, a nice tom kha gai , and orange duck. They were also very understanding and accommodating of our nut and soy allergies. Definitely get the yuzu cheesecake for dessert!

The Italian restaurant with seating near the windows offers sharing-style Italian dishes. It’s a must-do if you’re looking for higher-end pasta, meatballs, seafood dishes, and desserts.

Pinnacle Grill

This appeared to be the most popular restaurant. It offered surf and turf. If they have the lemongrass soup appetizer when you sail, definitely get it! 

It is also open for lunch, unlike the other paid restaurant upgrades. I thought this was a steal, considering we got a nice steak and appetizers and dessert for only $15 each!

Lido Market

In market hall fashion, this was the place to go for variety, and it became our daily lunch stop. It had everything from a salad bar and roasted meats to sandwiches, sweets, and noodles. It could get a bit busy and overwhelming at times to be honest, probably because it had so much variety in one spot. 

There were other options in the vicinity, including burgers and pizza near the indoor pool, but we didn’t end up having those during our cruise. 

Main Dining 

Even if you don’t upgrade to any of the paid dining options, the main dining room is honestly awesome. It had a different menu each day with plenty to choose from, like roasted chicken, New York steak, a vegan chickpea patty (which was my favorite thing), and plenty of roasted veggies, grilled fish, and chopped fruit for my son. (It also had a kid’s menu with the typical options).

The staff were so great with my little guy, I was always happy to eat there, which we did for most breakfasts and dinners. 

In-room dining

There’s always room service too! I thought we would take more advantage than we did, but we loved the dining room so much, we went there more often. 

This is the part I was most looking forward to, and my excursions didn’t disappoint. 

Juneau Helicopter and Glacier Trekking

Do yourself a favor and book at least one scenic flight during your cruise, whether it’s in Juneau or elsewhere. 

The flight was beautiful, and the ice was wonderful to trek as well. I’ve been fortunate to trek on five glaciers now and take several scenic flights all around the world, but I had never combined the two. It was truly an adventure, which included scenes all around Juneau, crampons, and hiking on the ice for a few glorious hours. The guides were also happy to take pictures, which was helpful, since I did this excursion solo. 

Skagway White Pass Railway

There are several options for the historic train, since it’s the most popular thing to do in town. I found it a bit confusing and only ended up booking the excursion that just barely crossed the border into British Columbia before turning around, rather than going all the way into the Yukon Territory. Although my intention had been to go all the way, the trip was still beautiful, and probably long enough, considering we had my one-year-old in tow. 

Many of the other excursions will take you all the way one way on the train and then use a coach for the way back. If you do this, be sure to ride on the left side of the train on your way up as it is the most scenic. We ended up being among the last to board the train, which I worried would mean we’d miss out on good seating, but we actually got to be in the front, and it wasn’t too crowded up there!

The trip is narrated the whole way, and there are also platforms in the front and back of each car that passengers can stand on. I logged most of the trip out there.

Ketchikan Historic Wilderness Sea Plane 

This is another splurge but so worth it! In contrast to the glacier flights, Ketchikan is more about the misty fjords and potential to see wildlife. We got lucky with a clear day and a nice, long flight with views of hidden mountain lakes, snowy peaks, and a bear and whale sighting that I wasn’t quick enough to catch on the camera but loved seeing nonetheless. 

Koningsdam : Ship & Amenities 

I have to be honest that the size of the ship (2,500 capacity, one of Holland America’s largest) made me hesitate. I know for sure I’m not the kind of person who would enjoy the huge ships that have 5,000+ passengers, those big slides, and bellyflop competitions. But the Koningsdam was classy, with some shared areas we loved, particularly the Crow’s Nest on the 12th floor, with a fantastic view all around the front of the ship, coffee, and couches for Felix to crawl on.

There were also two pools to choose from, including an indoor pool that showed movies on the giant screen in the evenings, and the outdoor pool at the back of the ship that was nicely heated and had two hot tubs as well. It wasn’t very crowded, which made it perfect for us!

There was also a gym that had regular classes and plenty of machines to choose from. It was never too crowded, even though the ship was fully booked. There’s also a spa, shopping, casino, a few live music venues, and a large theater.

We also enjoyed the jogging track on the 11th floor for panoramic views. It was a great spot to get some exercise and take Felix for his beloved stroller walks with the ever-changing scenery.

As I understand is common on cruise ships, there are some extras, like internet and drinks, that you can opt to pay for as a package. The Quench package included espresso drinks, smoothies, and water cans. Tea, tap water, and regular coffee are free.

To upgrade to the package that includes alcohol runs $55/day, or $60 for top shelf. I don’t drink, so that didn’t tempt me, though it could be a meaningful expense to add onto the trip, as is Wi-Fi, which was $229 for four devices and high speed for the week.

One could just use one’s cell signal in port and disconnect elsewhere, and it’s possible to get an eSIM especially for cruises!

Cleanliness 

With so many people on board, this was another factor that I was a little worried about. Would it really be super clean? However, the guest-to-staff ratio seems to be about 2:1, which is pretty incredible. Everything always looked pretty well taken care of, and things were obviously being cleaned constantly. I regularly saw people servicing the bathrooms, our room got cleaned twice a day, and the pool was regularly serviced. It seemed like there was quite a lot of effort being put into everything feeling spotless.

Final Thoughts: Is it Worth It?

There was definitely a time in my life when I was all about taking small ships , cargo ferries, and local buses, and avoiding experiences like cruises. However, now with a young child, it ended up being such an easy, beautiful way to take a vacation. We didn’t have to worry about logistics, food, cleaning up after meals (which can be messy with a one-year-old), or having things to do while he napped. Each time my son went down for his nap, sneaking out to the veranda with the baby monitor ended up being so lovely, with plenty of wildlife and scenery to take in.

The care that the staff put into making sure our boy was well looked after at our meals was above and beyond. People were always trying to make him smile, and the guests were nice to be around, as well. It wasn’t a party atmosphere (although there may have been some of that in the evenings, which I missed since that was bedtime for my son), but rather a mix of people who were there to enjoy the scenery of Alaska.

The only times things felt a bit busy to me were at the Lido Market at lunchtime and in the Crow’s Nest when we were cruising Glacier Bay. I ended up really feeling that our veranda was the best place to view it all from, and I can’t imagine taking a scenic cruise without one.

Maximizing your time by booking excursions in the ports is also important. That does make things cost a bit more, but it really does make this a bucket-list trip. I think with a veranda, excursions, and some of the higher-end dining, as well as making use of the ship amenities that appeal most to you, will make for a wonderful experience. Although I might never be the type to cruise-hop in the Caribbean, I have a feeling this won’t be my last scenic cruise in some of the more mountainous, glacier-topped destinations.

You can book your experience with Holland America here!

*Thanks to Holland America for inviting me to experience this cruise. All thoughts on the amazing staff, beautiful Alaska, and delicious food are my own. Some links in this post are affiliate links that support us at no extra cost to you when you purchase through them. We only recommend products we love and use ourselves. Your trust always comes first!

About Kristin Addis

Kristin Addis is the founder and CEO of Be My Travel Muse, a resource for female travelers all around the world since 2012. She's traveled solo to over 65 countries and has brought over 150 women on her all-female adventure tours from Botswana to the Alaskan tundra.

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Tillie says

08/30/2023 at 3:47 pm

AMEN!!! I’ve been blessed to shaparone elders on this cruise. They loved it. The medical staff is also attending to chronic conditions that would prevent an elder to vacation with emotional security in a different setting. Their bed goes with then, so that when they feel well, they are back to wonder.

Lisa Cochran says

09/01/2023 at 5:08 pm

My sister and I just went on a cruise on the Valdomara to Alaska. It was just as perfect as you described. I will go again! We had an excellent time!

Kathleen Curell says

09/06/2023 at 9:01 am

What month did you do this Alaskan cruise?

Kristin says

09/08/2023 at 5:58 am

end of July

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$49-a-day standby cruise offer that includes Whittier sailings could be a dream, or a nightmare

A cruise ship in port at Whittier in 2023. (Anne Raup / ADN)

For last-minute adventure seekers or those who love a good deal, Holland America Line has introduced a unique Standby List Program , offering travelers the chance to cruise for as little as $49 a day.

The concept is simple: Travelers add their names to a standby list for a specific itinerary, and if unsold rooms become available, they’ll be notified two to seven days before departure.

Cruise ships participating in the program depart from Whittier, Alaska; Seattle; San Diego; Boston; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Montreal; Quebec City; and Vancouver, B.C.

Although the program offers huge savings, it has a few catches. Standby passengers do not have control over their stateroom category, must be ready to embark on short notice and must be prepared for the possibility of not being selected (in which case they’ll receive a full refund). Young families are also excluded, because the fares are available only to those 21 and older.

“Travelers who want to benefit from a standby fare should keep in mind that once confirmed, Holland America Line assigns their room,” Rob Clabbers, founder and president of the agency Q Cruise + Travel, told Condé Nast Traveler . “While that might result in savings, it means travelers may end up in the last remaining and likely less preferred location — above a theater or night club (or) all the way forward or aft. While this may work for some, it is definitely not recommended for those who fear seasickness, have mobility issues, would like to be close to travel companions, (or) want to be near or away from elevators,” he said.

However, the payoff could be significant for those willing to roll the dice, especially for group travelers. The third and fourth guests in a stateroom can sail almost for free, paying only taxes and fees.

Despite the uncertainties, the allure of deeply discounted fares and the excitement of a last-minute adventure may be enough to entice daring travelers. As one Reddit user put it, “I feel like (a) 7-day notice for going to Hawaii is the kind of anxiety I need in my life.”

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Holland America Line Offers New Glacier Guarantee ™ for Alaska Cruises and Cruisetours

Allows guests to sail with confidence, knowing they’re guaranteed to see Alaska glaciers

Seattle, Wash., May 1, 2024 — Holland America Line loves Alaska. Since 1947, the cruise line has led the way in showcasing the majesty of the state — including its magnificent glaciers. In fact, Holland America Line’s passion for Alaska’s glaciers runs so deep that the cruise line now guarantees guests will see one or more glaciers on their cruise in the region. 

With guests citing seeing glaciers as one of the top reasons for choosing an Alaska cruise , the Glacier Guarantee ™ assures travelers they won’t return home disappointed. The Glacier Guarantee™ is offered on Alaska departures from now through September 2025. Under the guarantee, if Holland America Line does not visit an Alaska glacier, guests are eligible to receive a Future Cruise Credit equal to 15 percent of their cruise fare.  

“Our guests, and especially first-time guests, are understandably as obsessed with Alaska’s glaciers as we are, and our new Glacier Guarantee™ underlines our confidence in providing unforgettable glacier sightings on our Alaska cruises and Cruisetours,” said Kacy Cole, chief marketing officer, Holland America Line. “We know our guests are going to return home from their cruise with special memories of these icy wonders. In fact, we guarantee it.” 

Every Alaska cruise includes a scenic visit to Alaska’s iconic glaciers during which the ship sails up to the face of the ice formations and then rotates for a 360-degree view. Holland America Line has more permits to visit Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve than any other cruise line, and other glacier visits including College Fjord, Dawes Glacier, Hubbard Glacier and the Tracy Arm Fjord’s Twin Sawyer Glaciers. 

During Glacier Bay scenic cruising, Glacier Bay National Park Service Rangers visit Holland America Line ships for the day to engage with guests and talk about Alaska’s most famous national park. 

‘Glacier Day’ Puts a Spotlight on Alaska’s Majestic Glaciers

New for the 2024 season, Holland America Line also debuted “Glacier Day” on its Alaska cruises as part of its "We Love Alaska” onboard experience. Leaning into the cruise line’s enthusiasm for glaciers, Glacier Day includes sighting times, scenic commentary, presentations, informational viewing stations, photo opportunities, Dutch Pea Soup on deck, Glacial Ice cocktails, insightful talks by Glacier Bay National Park Service Rangers, and an open bow for viewing. 

More Opportunities to See Alaska Wildlife Than Any Other Cruise Line

In addition to glaciers, Holland America Line offers more ways to see the wildlife of Alaska. Holland America Line carries a wildlife expert on board to help guests witness the majestic animals found in Alaska, including whales, eagles, bears, moose, otters, seals, sea lions and more. A Wildlife Spotting Guide points out the native animals found along the cruise route and includes a map with the best places to see each species. Between 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., wildlife sightings are announced for guest viewing. 

The wildlife experience continues ashore. With nearly180 animal sanctuaries and sightseeing opportunities, Holland America Line is #1 in Alaska wildlife and wilderness tours.  

Alaska Features Six Ships Exploring The Great Land

In 2024 and 2025, guests can embark on Holland America Line’s Alaska cruises and cruisetours aboard Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Westerdam and Zaandam. In addition to seven-day itineraries, guests can take longer 14-day voyages and a 28-Day Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice cruise. Holland America Line is the only cruise line that ventures up into the wilds of the Yukon on a cruisetour that combines a cruise and visit to Denali National Park & Preserve.  

Holland America Line: The Leader in Alaska Cruising

The new Glacier Guarantee™ program is part of Holland America Line’s initiative to offer the most extensive Alaska experience in the industry. Holland America Line has been exploring Alaska for more than 75 years — longer than any other cruise line —weaving their expertise into every nuance of the journey. We   Alaska is made up of authentic experiences that focus on culture, cuisine and adventures ashore as well as Holland America Line's enrichment and entertainment programming 'Alaska Up Close' . 

Voted Number-One Cruise Line in Alaska

Throughout the years, Holland America Line has collected awards and accolades from the world’s most discerning travelers and cruise experts for Alaska cruising. Holland America Line was named the top pick for Alaska in the Porthole Cruise Magazine Editor-in-Chief Awards, AFAR Travelers’ Choice Awards, USA Today 10Best 

Readers’ Choice Awards, Forbes, Cruise Critic Cruisers’ Choice Destination Awards and TravelAge West Wave Awards Editor’s Pick.  

Under the Glacier Guarantee™, Holland America Line ensures that guests will see at least one glacier or will receive a future cruise credit equal to 15 percent of their cruise fare. The Glacier Guarantee™ is valid on all Alaska cruises and cruisetours except select Yukon cruisetours that feature a three-day cruise experience. For full Glacier Guarantee™ terms and conditions, visit HollandAmerica.com.  

This New ‘Standby’ Cruise Fare Costs Just $49 Per Day—but Is It Worth It?

By Jessica Puckett

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Would you be willing to wait at a port city with your bags packed, hoping to board a cruise at the last minute, all in order to secure one of the cheapest cruise deals out there? Holland America—with its industry-first standby fare offerings—is betting yes.

The line’s new Standby List Program allows travelers to put their names on a list of prospective passengers to be confirmed for a voyage if there are unsold rooms on the ship. Standby cruisers only pay $49 a day, but they receive as little as two days’ notice to get ready for the trip.

For flexible travelers, the scheme offers the possibility of huge savings. Here’s everything cruisers should know about sailing on standby.

How do the fares work?

To get on the standby list, travelers can select an itinerary on Holland America's list of standby-eligible voyages and call 877-724-5425 to join. (You can also have your travel advisor add you to the standby list on your behalf.)

Once you're on the list, you'll be charged $49 per person per day (not including taxes, fees and port expenses, which can cost several hundred dollars more). If you’re not selected for the cruise, you’ll receive a full refund.

When the week of the sailing arrives, the cruise line will start notifying standby passengers whether they made the cut. Guests are confirmed for their sailings in the order they were added to the standby list, so signing up early counts. Would-be passengers should expect to hear their status between seven to two days before the voyage’s departure.

Travelers who aren’t confirmed within two days of the sailing’s departure receive an immediate refund. Truly spontaneous travelers can choose to cut things even closer with a more nail-biting option: They can opt to remain on the standby list all the way up until 90 minutes before departure to see if there’s a no-show. If that doesn't work out, they’ll still get a full refund.

The deal could offer major savings to group travelers who have a bit of flexibility this summer, as the third and fourth guests in a stateroom can travel nearly for free—they would just be on the hook for taxes and fees. But young families are not eligible for cruising standby, as the fares are only available for travelers ages 21 and older. Since it would be a major gamble to travel long distances for an unconfirmed trip, the standby option makes the most sense for people who live in or near eligible ports like Vancouver , Seattle , San Diego , Fort Lauderdale , Boston , Montreal , or Quebec .

How can travelers take advantage?

In 2024, the bulk of standby fares that Holland America is offering are for Alaskan voyages departing Seattle, Whittier, and Vancouver, as well as New England and Eastern Canada voyages departing from Boston, Montreal, and Quebec City.

There are also a handful of transatlantic sailings departing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, including an extended six-week sailing in November that meanders through dozens of Mediterranean ports in Italy, Portugal, Spain, Morocco, and Egypt, to name a few. Most of the dates for the standby itineraries stretch from May through September, with a few options in October and November as well.

It all sounds appealing, but there are a few factors travelers should keep in mind. “With this program, you've got to be extremely flexible in all aspects of your trip,” says Tanner Callais, founder of cruise travel advice site Cruzely . “Some of these cruises sail for extended periods of time, including up to 42 days,” which is the duration of that lengthy Mediterranean sailing. “You also don't know what sort of cabin you'll receive,” he says. “If you're someone that has to have a balcony room, then this might not be for you.

The type of cabin could, in fact, be a deal breaker for certain travelers. Holland America says it charges standby guests for an interior stateroom, a space as small as 143 square feet with no windows. But travelers could be assigned any category of room ranging up to a verandah stateroom, which ranges from 228 to 405 square feet with enough outdoor space to fit two deck chairs. However, it’s all based on availability.

“Travelers who want to benefit from a standby fare should keep in mind that once confirmed, Holland America Line assigns their room,” says Rob Clabbers, founder and president of the agency Q Cruise + Travel . “While that might result in savings, it means travelers may end up in the last remaining and likely less preferred location—above a theater or night club [or] all the way forward or aft. While this may work for some, it is definitely not recommended for those who fear seasickness, have mobility issues, would like to be close to travel companions, [or] want to be near or away from elevators,” he says.

Holland America Line also notes that these deals are intended for travelers who live within driving distance of the departure ports. “Booking a last-minute airline ticket could end up being more than the cost of the cruise,” Callais says. “That said, the fares are so low that if you have the flexibility, then it might be one of the best deals you'll ever find. This is especially the case if you're a solo traveler, as the double occupancy fare doesn't apply.”

Travelers will want to run the numbers on each voyage to ensure they’re receiving the best possible deal for enduring the hassle of last-minute arrangements. Some of the sailings do offer incredible value. “However, on other sailings, the savings are not nearly as great,” Clabbers says. “If you or your travel advisor do some research, you may very well find some sailings at fares that are similar or even lower than the $49 per day standby fare—and without the restrictions.”

For instance, it’s possible to book a seven-day Alaska sailing that departs June 9 on Holland America’s website, with prices for an inside room starting at $349 per person, plus $310 in taxes, fees, and port expenses. “You even get a $50 credit to spend on board per room, but the biggest advantage is that you can confirm this several weeks before sailing, so you can fine-tune your travel plans rather than have to wait until the very last minute,” says Clabbers.

Caitlin Morton

CNT Editors

Jessica Puckett

One of the better deals would be the 42-day Mediterranean Cruise leaving from Fort Lauderdale in November. Booking that sailing outright, “you would pay $5,479 plus $435 in taxes, fees, and port expenses per person based on double occupancy for an Inside room,” Clabbers says. But, if you sail the itinerary on standby and get confirmed, “you would pay a total $2,058 per person plus taxes. Obviously that would be a good deal.”

Will other cruise lines start offering standby prices?

You might be wondering why a cruise line would offer fares as low as $49 a day. At the end of the day, more guests on board means ships generate more money. “Obviously, a cruise line wants to sail with every cabin filled to maximize revenue and efficiency of scale,” says Callais. “If a room sails empty, the cruise line is still using the same amount of fuel and paying the crew and captain the same wage.”

The majority of new ships break even at 50% occupancy, while older ships need 80% occupancy to hit that benchmark, according to Tom Baker , president of Cruise Center .

Carnival Corporation, which is Holland America’s parent company, saw an average revenue of $236 per passenger each cruise day in 2023, while its direct expenses per passenger was about $156 each day, according to Callais’ analysis of the company’s earnings report . But whereas most of a line’s expenses are fixed, there’s always more room to increase revenue with more passengers, who are bound to spend more on the ship. “In other words, even if this standby rate is less than the cruise line would make at a normal rate, it's still better to earn a little money from it than zero,” Callais says.

Although Holland America is the only major cruise line currently offering the standby fare, it could catch on at other companies if it brings in enough money. “Like most industries, cruise lines are constantly looking at competitors and seeing what they are offering or doing that might benefit their business,” Callais says. “If it works, it will get picked up by others.”

Regardless, it’s likely that standby offerings will stay limited to certain lines, as well as specific ports and times of year. “If the program trains too many passengers to just wait and cruise standby, then that could actually end up hurting the bottom line,” Callais says.

But for many travelers, planning and looking forward to a trip is half the fun: "Part of the joy of travel is the anticipation of the experience," says Clabbers.

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