Alaska with Holland America Line
Cruise Circle
We recently spent an incredible week exploring Alaska on Holland America Line’s beautiful ship, Koningsdam. Here are five reasons to put the company’s Inside Passage cruise on your bucket list.
There's never a dull moment
Kayaking, bear-spotting, whale-watching, cycling, zipwiring through treetops, hiking through rainforest, walking on glaciers. An Alaska cruise is all about adventure, wildlife and venturing back in time to the exciting days of the 1890s gold rush when thousands of prospectors risked life and limb racing to the Klondike hoping to make their fortune. There is so much to do at each port, a day is just not enough, which is the best excuse to go back.
The fish is fabulous
Once per cruise on Koningsdam, restaurant Morimoto by Sea (from Chef Masaharu Morimoto), is featured by Asia eatery Tamarind in a crossover event. Expect lots of fish prepared with an Asian twist, but tasty meat and veggie options too. Fish generally is a big deal for Holland America - when in Alaska, its ships serve seafood that is certified sustainable and caught locally. In contrast, new this year, an Alaska seafood boil is served once per cruise in the Lido Market.
Glacier Bay
Holland America is among the few cruise lines that are privileged to enter Glacier Bay. We had a day cruising in the national park, looking out for whales, sea otters, eagles and other wildlife. By 11 am, we had reached our goal – the majestic Marjorie Glacier stretching some one mile wide and rising 250 feet above sea level (with another 100 feet below the water). There we stayed for an hour, first looking from the port side and then from the starboard, so we all got a great view. If you need a reason to book a balcony, this is it.
Storytime
Judging by the crows in the theatre, we were not the only ones who loved the World Stage presentations. These lectures, given by the cruise and travel director, use the huge LED screens in the theatre to add expert commentary, maps, pictures and diagrams to the talk, really bringing the story to life. One talk was on whales, the other on the Iditarod race (an annual, long-distance dog sledge race) with first-hand testimony from someone who participates every year. On the last sea day it was standing room only for a behind-the-scenes peek at life on Koningsdam, so get there early and be ready for a great finale to the talk and the cruise. And no, we’re not going to spoil the surprise!
The choice is yours
Holland America has been sailing to Alaska for almost 80 years, so it is the expert in exploring this great land by sea. Our cruise was a seven-night Inside Passage sailing from Vancouver. Still, if you fancy a longer voyage, a cruise-and-stay holiday with overnights in the wilderness, or even departing from Seattle, Holland America has a cruise for you.
Interested? See all our Holland America Alaska package holidays here.
