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Hop aboard a Holland America Line cruise ship and embark on a journey to the North where you will get to experience the rough and rugged landscape known as Alaska. This is a place where bears roam free, where Humpbacks and Orcas frolic and play while searching for food, where snow-capped mountains appear to cascade up into the heavens, and where little mining towns showcase history about America's quest for gold centuries ago.
On the journey, you will visit ports in the ‘lower 48,’ Canada, and up into the Inside Passage and will be able to connect the dots to see how each fascinating city played a role in getting gold fever induced miners up to the Klondike.
Set sail with Holland America Line and be ready to take a vacation of a lifetime in 2020…
Holland’s Alaska Cruise Departure Ports
Depending on which Alaska cruise itinerary you book, you have the opportunity to depart from some amazing West coast cities. Arrive to your departure port early so that you have time to explore and see the most iconic sights that the city has to offer.
Seattle, WA
The departure port city for both the Eurodam and Oosterdam cruise ships, Seattle is a beautiful city that was built on gold fever rich dreams. Seattle was a major stopping point along the route up to the Klondike and offers a history lesson that will take your breath away.
Be sure to check out Pike Place Public Market, go on the Seattle Underground Tour, and hop on the elevator and go to the top of the Space Needle. Plan to stay in Seattle for several hours so you can visit several of its exciting attractions, most are just a short bus trip away from the cruise line terminal.
Seward, Alaska
The departure port city for both the Westerdam and Noordam cruise ships, Seward is the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park and all the famous Alaskan sights that are open for public viewing.
Related: A Guide to Seward, One of Alaska’s Best Port Cities
While in Seward, you can learn more about the native wildlife that call Alaska home as well as do some shopping at its historic boutique shops. There are several day tours you can sign up for as well as taking a walk in the wilderness with friends and family.
Vancouver, B.C
A melting pot of different cultures from around the world, Vancouver, B.C. has roots firmly planted in the railroad and lumber mill industries, and was a key stopping point on the way up to the Klondike.
Vancouver features a modern vibe and is known as one of the friendliest cities in North America. Take some time to explore places like the harbor, China Town, Granville, and the downtown core. Vancouver has some amazing shopping and dining stops you do not want to miss out on.
3 Fan-Favorite Holland Alaska Experiences…
On your picturesque Alaskan cruise, you will get the opportunity to see and explore some of the most popular nature attractions in North America. No matter what season it is, be sure to pack a Winter coat and a camera to make the most out of your experience. Read on to learn more about the places you may get the chance to visit.
1. Land and Sea Tours
Holland America offers some of the most immersive Alaska vacation packages you can find with their 9- to 18-day Yukon and a Denali land and sea programs. A cruise alone is an unforgettable memory but extending your cruise into a longer journey with more time spent on land is even more awe-inspiring.
TIP: Holland America Lines is also the only cruise line to feature its own signature resort in Denali National Park named McKinley Chalet Resort.
Denali National Park
Not only will you get up to three days to explore Denali National Park, but you will also get to stay at the McKinley Chalet Resort that is owned and operated by Holland and includes cozy and comfortable accommodations with views of stunning scenery on the Nenana River.
Each room features a modern rustic ambiance that adds to the whole Alaska experience. It features cozy public areas (Denali Square is an amazing complex centrally located for fun entertainment and gathering of guests ready to embrace the Alaskan culture), a live entertainment dinner theater, and a relaxing stay for all who visit.
Not only will you get to spend more time at the park exploring nature, but you will also have the opportunity to sign up for various guided land tours. Holland America Line goes above and beyond to ensure all guests who journey with them have an experience that they will remember for the rest of their lives.
While visiting Denali National Park as part of your cruise itinerary, you can reserve your spot-on guided tours, kayaking trips, hiking excursions, ATV adventures, river rafting, or just kick back at the resort and enjoy the scenery.
The Yukon
Holland is also the only cruise line to venture up into the untouched wilderness of the Yukon, giving you the unique opportunity to feast your eyes on some of the most primal and raw sights around. Hop aboard the tour bus and check out landmarks such as Dawson City, Tombstone Park, and Whitehorse.
2. Klondike Gold Rush
Travel in the footsteps of those who risked their lives to trek North to Alaska in search of gold while on a tour with an expert guide on the Klondike Gold Rush tour.
This tour is coordinated through Holland and you will have a remarkable time seeing the mining villages and following the same route the miners once did. The Klondike Gold Rush tour will take you all the way to the heart of Dawson City.
3. Hubbard Glacier
Located in Yakutat is where you will find the imposing giant glacier known as Hubbard Glacier. It spans an impressive distance of over six miles and is sure to make your jaw drop.
On your Holland cruise, you will get to see the glacier up close. While at the glacier, a park ranger will board the ship and provide you with interesting information about Hubbard Glacier.
More Holland America Ships that Sail to Alaska
Here is the full line-up of ships that make voyages to Alaska. Each offers its own unique travel experience and excursion itinerary.
Koningsdam
The biggest and most grand ship of the entire fleet, Koningsdam will take you up to Alaska in style. This ship was constructed in 2016 and offers guests a spacious and luxurious stay.
Related: Koningsdam Cruise Ship is Alaska Travel at Its Best
Onboard Koningsdam, you will get to take advantage of amenities such as a world-class fitness center, live performances, gourmet dining, and designer label shopping.
Noordam
Considered to be a medium size cruise ship, Noordam provides a cozy tour and the best in entertainment. While aboard this ship, you will get to take take part in activities such as BBC Earth Experiences, yoga classes, guided tours, and more.
This boat is also home to B.B. King's Blues Club and Lincoln Center Stage. Before retiring back to your spacious stateroom for the night, sip on a cocktail and enjoy some gourmet food in one of the ship's on-board gourmet restaurants.
Volendam
A ship where classic elegance meets modern appeal, the Volendam is a spacious ship that offers guests a world-class cruise experience.
While sailing aboard this mid-size cruise liner, you will be entertained by singers, dancers, and live performing artists, as well as get the opportunity to participate in exercise classes and other recreational activities. This ship offers gourmet food, and many fun experiences to be had.
Westerdam
Westerdam was recently refurbished and offers a new and exciting line-up of entertainment venues and tantalizing restaurants. Head up to Alaska in style and enjoy amenities like BBC Earth Experiences, Lincoln Center Stage, a premier day spa facility, and new gourmet restaurants to try out.
Oosterdam
Oosterdam was also recently refurbished and is considered to be the cruise ship for music lovers. It features music venues such as Billboard Onboard, B.B King's Blues Club, and Lincoln Center stage. If you love to jam out and want to visit all of the iconic sights in Alaska, this is the ship to be on!
Eurodam
Considered to be a mid-size ship, Eurodam was just given a facelift so it now offers more recreational activities than ever before. For those who love music, check out the new Music Walk venue. If you consider yourself to be a foodie, this ship has an assortment of fine dining restaurants that will tantalize your tastebuds.
Maasdam
A ship for those who want to dig deep and learn more on an intellectual level, Maasdam is the ship to be on. You will be treated to a host of interesting lectures, interactive excursions, and cultural performances inspired by the places you will visit. These ships are also equipped with Zodiac boats that allow you to get a closer look at the sights you will visit.
Embark on an Alaskan journey with Holland America Lines and experience the cruise line difference for yourself. These ships are packed full of luxury amenities and live entertainment unlike any other cruise line ship. With Holland American Lines, you will get to see more Alaskan hotspots and explore more of the back country.
