New Amsterdam Skagway 0204

Alaska cruise | With Holland America Line to Alaska

  • Boutique
  • 15-day trip
  • From €2,400 p.p.
route-map

Alaska cruise | With Holland America Line to Alaska

Board Holland America Line's Nieuw Amsterdam for an unforgettable expedition cruise from Vancouver to rugged and breathtaking Alaska. On this special voyage, you will sail through the scenic Inside Passage and discover impressive destinations such as Juneau, Valdez, Anchorage, Icy Strait Point, the majestic Glacier Bay National Park, Wrangell and Ketchikan. Enjoy pristine nature, glaciers, wildlife and Alaska's unique culture, all from the comfort of an elegant cruise ship. Be pampered on board with excellent service, culinary delights and relaxation, while discovering new wonders of the North every day.

Travel programme

Travel overview

  • Day 1 Step aboard the Nieuw Amsterdam
  • Day 2 Inside Passage
  • Day 3 Juneau
  • Day 4 Day at sea
  • Day 5 Valdez
  • Day 6 Kodiak
  • Day 7 Anchorage
  • Day 8 Day at sea
  • Day 9 Icy Strait Point
  • Day 10 Glacier Bay
  • Day 11 Wrangell
  • Day 12 Ketchikan
  • Day 13 Prince Rupert
  • Day 14 Inside Passage
  • Day 15 Arrival in Vancouver
Day 1
Board the Nieuw Amsterdam
Day 2
Inside Passage
Day 3
Juneau
Day 4
Day at sea
Day 5
Valdez
Day 6
Kodiak
Day 7
Anchorage
Day 8
Day at sea
Day 9
Icy Strait Point
Day 10
Glacier Bay
Day 11
Wrangell
Day 12
Ketchikan
Day 13
Prince Rupert
Day 14
Inside Passage
Day 15
Arrival in Vancouver

Accommodations

Destinations

Juneau

Sandwiched between the Gastineau Channel and alpine-covered mountains, Alaska's remote capital, Juneau, has restored historic buildings, fascinating museums and vibrant nightlife. This geographically remote city is the only state capital in America without a road network. It is a popular stopover for cruise visitors, who congregate here for the spectacular natural scenery and to view ancient calving glaciers. The area offers an excellent variety of wildlife, including humpback whales, seals, eagles and brown bears. Juneau offers visitors a plethora of exceptional wilderness attractions, including the Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness area, Glacier Bay National Park and Admiralty Island National Monument, with the largest national forest in America. Don't miss the huge world-famous Mendenhall Glacier. Other popular activities include kayaking, fishing, hiking and hunting.

Valdez

The city of Valdez, located at the northeastern tip of the spectacularly beautiful Prince William Sound, is surrounded by some of the best coastal scenery in Alaska with majestic tidal glaciers and some of the highest mountains in the world. This outdoor paradise offers a range of adventurous outdoor activities for visitors, including: whitewater rafting through the impressive Keystone Canyon,, kayaking among majestic icebergs and seal spotting.

Kodiak

On Alaska's Kodiak Island, commonly referred to as the Emerald Isle, Kodiak is the main city where nature, culture, and heritage shine bright in this remote, jaw-droppingly beautiful destination. Astonishing, striking vistas of lush greenery, azure waters, towering mountains, and abundant rivers make this a perfect place for nature photography. The landscapes just outside the town provide endless opportunities for hiking, cycling, boating, fishing, and bird-watching (over 240 species). The Alutiiq Museum and Archaeological Repository offer a fascinating insight into the unique Alutiiq culture. Visit the Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park to learn more about the island's World War II history, or explore the impressive wetlands, alpine meadows, and grasslands of the Kodiak National Wildlife Park.

Anchorage

As the largest city in the state of Alaska, Anchorage offers a fascinating combination of metropolitan luxury and unrivalled natural beauty. The wider Anchorage area is home to a population of over 300,000, as well as an astonishing array of wildlife, including moose, brown and black bears, Dall’s sheep and many species of migratory birds.
With the glistening waters of the magnificent Cook Inlet and the towering peaks of the Chugach Mountains right on the city’s doorstep, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a range of activities, such as hiking, mountain biking, skiing and even kayaking on some of the majestic tidal glaciers in nearby Blackstone Bay. More sedentary travellers can explore the Alaska Native Heritage Centre and the Anchorage Museum, where daily indigenous dance performances are held and guided tours take visitors along a short trail with various stations, each illustrating one of Alaska’s indigenous cultures.
With its famous wildlife, spectacular mountain views, intriguing cultures and ice-cold glaciers, Anchorage is truly an unforgettable holiday destination.

Icy Strait Point

P4buo7la

Glacier Bay National Park

Glacier Bay National Park, located in southeastern Alaska, is the undeniable highlight of Alaska's popular Inside Passage. This World Heritage Site is one of the world's largest internationally protected areas. The park features vast rugged snow-capped mountains, wild pristine coastlines, freshwater streams, glaciers, lush rainforest and deeply protected fjords. This glistening bay full of icebergs is flanked by the craggy peaks of Mount Fairweather and the massive Grand Pacific Glacier. The park offers visitors a fantastic selection of exciting wilderness adventures and activities, including kayaking, whale watching, sport fishing, golfing, beachcombing, flying tours, camping and hiking. Common wildlife species include humpback whales, orcas, seals, porpoises, sea otter, brown bears, wolves, moose, mountain goats and more than 200 bird species.

Wrangell

Set on the northern tip of Wrangle Island, across from the mouth of the Stikine River on the mainland, Wrangle is surrounded by majestic landscapes and boasts intriguing historic attractions. Jet boat, kayak or canoe along the river to the watch 120 species of birds arrive in spring or take a boat tour to see the spectacular LeConte Glacier. Marvel at the black and brown bears catching salmon at the Anan Bear and Wildlife Observatory; watch seals, otters and whales frolic just offshore; or soak in the magnificent sight of bald eagles soaring towards their prey at the Stikine Flats. The Petroglyph Beach State Historic Park, where around forty petroglyphs dating back 8,000 years dot the shoreline's rocks, as well as Shakes Island's original totems and recreated Tlingit Community House, are must-sees for gaining insight into the ancient local culture.

Ketchikan

Located on Alaska's southeast coast, on Revillagigedo Island, the city of Ketchikan is known for its abundant salmon, breathtaking landscapes and incredibly rich First Nations culture. Ketchikan is idyllically located along a network of waterways known as the 'Inside Passage', winding through some of the most breathtaking wilderness areas in the world. Known as 'The Salmon Capital of the World', Ketchikan flaunts a thriving centuries-old fishing culture and houses the world's largest collection of totem poles. Visitors can look forward to a variety of activities, including: learning about native Alaskan culture, visiting local art galleries, fishing on one of the many lakes and rivers, zip-lining across misty fjords, or spotting whales, dolphins and sea lions.

Prince Rupert

This port city on Canada's Kaien Island on the coast of British Columbia is packed with things to see, places to go and a variety of activities not to be missed. First, enjoy a stroll through the historic downtown shopping district and visit the art galleries and craft shops before indulging in delicious west coast fusion cuisine at one of the local restaurants. Take a 'flightseeing' tour of remote coastal villages on the island, as well as the Cambria ice fields and the sanctuary for grizzly bears and black bears in the Khutzeymateen Valley. Explore the Museum of Northern British Columbia and visit the Carving Shed while watching local artisans at work. The Kwinitsa Railway Museum takes visitors from the port's 'tent city' days to its formation as a real small town in the 1920s. After a day of sightseeing, kayaking or boating, enjoy a feast of boiled crab on the beach.

Vancouver

Majestic mountains, sparkling ocean, rainforests and beautiful vegetation in all four seasons make Vancouver one of the most beautiful cities in the world. And a huge multicultural population, endless activities and excellent infrastructure ensure that Vancouver welcomes everyone. Vancouver caters to almost every interest year-round; you can enjoy world-class shopping, gourmet dining, outstanding live entertainment, sporting events, theatre, outdoor adventure, spectacular sights and attractions - it's all waiting for you in Vancouver.

Vancouver stanley park 9 Img 9332

Alaska

Alaska lies north-west of Canada and is the largest and least densely populated state in the United States. This wild landscape is known as America’s last frontier and boasts some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the world. Famous for its varied terrain, Alaska boasts endless open spaces, volcanic valleys, majestic snow-capped mountains, charming small towns, remote indigenous communities and alpine forests teeming with wildlife.
Explore the vast, flat tundra in the north and catch a glimpse of the magical Northern Lights, kayak amongst icebergs and spot playful humpback whales, or visit Anchorage, home to Alaska’s finest art and indigenous culture museums. This state is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as mountain biking, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, fishing, skiing and much more. Don’t miss the impressive Denali, North America’s highest mountain and the jewel in Alaska’s crown.

Tongass National Forest

Tongass stretches across most of southern Alaska and is the country's largest national forest. It borders the famous Inside Passage and offers unique opportunities to watch spawning salmon, eagles, bears and the stunning vistas of wild Alaska. Visitors can look forward to walking on hiking trails, hiking through Alaskan wilderness, dog sledding on a glacier, fishing in fresh streams or relaxing in a remote forest cabin. Don't miss a visit to the Anan Wildlife Observatory in Wrangell, the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Centre and the Steep Creek Bear Viewing Area in Juneau, or immerse yourself in native culture at the beautiful Southeast Alaska Discovery Centre, in downtown Ketchikan. Other highlights include the Pack Creek Brown Bear Viewing Area on Admiralty Island and the Fish Creek Bear Viewing Area in Hyder.

9rr9o2r8

Alexander Archipelago

Southeast Alaska spills over into the majestic Alexander Archipelago, which is largely part of the Alaskan Peninsula and runs parallel to the Coastal Mountains on the mainland. The group of more than 1,000 islands is covered in lush temperate rainforests, consisting mainly of Sitka spruce and western hemlock, most of which are part of the incredibly rugged landscape of the Tongass National Forest. Here you will find Glacier Bay National Park, which is home to beautiful, protected wilderness inhabited by abundant wildlife, notably the famous Alexander Archipelago wolf. Visitors can cruise narrow fjords, marvel at the immense LeConte Glacier, hike through dense rainforest, observe hundreds of feeding humpback whales and anchor in quiet, secluded bays.

United States

From the skyscrapers of New York City to the scenic country roads of New England, The United States of America is a place of beauty and of unprecedented diversity. Visit the glorious Golden Gate Bridge, the famous Empire State Building, the Iconic Statue of Liberty and catch a glimpse of the lights of Las Vegas! Not to mention the country's natural treasures: the many national parks with beautiful landscapes and wildlife. The beaches on both the east and west coasts are also well worth a visit. The United States is a country of such vast dimensions that a lifetime in the United States can still feel like you have barely seen any of the country.

Prince William Sound

On the south coast of Alaska, to the east of the Kenai Peninsula, lies the large ocean inlet of the Prince William Sound. This extraordinarily scenic channel is ringed by the coastal mountains of the Chugach Range and is surrounded by the peaceful Chugach National Forest. Forming part of the Gulf of Alaska, this area encompasses about 16 000 square kilometres of protected waterways, islands, fjords and glaciers. The sound's waters provide an ideal habitat for an astonishing abundance of marine life including whales, porpoises, sea otters, sea lions and seals. Visitors can look forward to spotting this impressive array of wildlife and soaking up the breathtaking scenery on glacier and wildlife cruises, or while kayaking and rafting in the calm and pristine waters.

Hoonah

Situated on Chichagof Island, Hoonah is the largest Tlingit community set on Alaska's panhandle in the southeastern region of the state. It is known for its authentic cultural heritage as well as its beautiful and vast landscape, which has provided for Hoonah's people for centuries. This charming town offers an array of exceptional opportunities such as enjoying world-class dishes, learning about the local Native Tlingit culture, and spotting one of the many brown bears which make up the largest population of brown bears on earth. Other highlights include browsing the locally-owned collection of shops, visiting the inviting cafes and restaurants, and exploring the incredibly scenic surrounding landscapes. Don't miss the opportunity to try the longest zipline in North America.

Chichagof Island

Located in Alaska's Alexander Archipelago in the Alaska Panhandle, Chichagof Island is the fifth-largest island in the United States. It is home to the highest population of coastal brown bears per square mile of any place on Earth. Visitors can look forward to an arrya of tours on the island such as the Chichagof Island Arctic Cat Tour, the Chichagof Island Jeep Adventure, the Wilderness Tour and Brown Bear Search. Other highlights include: visiting the city of Hoonah, sampling Alaskan beer and locally sourced seafood, and spotting an array of wildlife. Other popular activities include: salmon fishing, learning about local Tlingit cultures, and enjoying a seaplane adventure.

British Columbia

Stretching along Canada's western border, British Columbia has it all: a strong legacy of the 'first nations', stunning scenery, rich wildlife and a strong, cosmopolitan capital. The province consists largely of untamed wilderness - rugged mountain peaks, lush forests, mountain lakes and sparkling rivers, making it an excellent destination for outdoor activities such as fishing, kayaking, surfing and rock climbing, hiking, cycling, skiing and golf.

Canada

Canada, the land of loggers, beavers, hockey and maple syrup. While Canada certainly offers all these traditional associations in abundance, this beautiful country has so much more to offer than a few clichés. With its unforgettably beautiful, natural landscapes and cosmopolitan cities, Canada has something for everyone. Popular tourist destinations include the beautiful Rocky Mountains around Banff and Lake Louise, luxury ski resorts like Whistler and Blackcomb, the French-speaking cities of Montreal or Quebec, or the uber cool and eternally busy urban centres of Vancouver or Toronto. Whether you visit an Inuit lodge in Nunavut, take a dog sled ride through the Yukon to see the spectacular northern lights shining through the night sky or indulge in a delicious high tea on Vancouver Island, you will be amazed at the possibilities Canada has to offer.

Great Bear Rainforest

Great Bear Rainforest stretches across thousands of square kilometres of land and coast and forms much of the world's largest remaining coastal temperate rainforest. It is a natural wonderland of glacier-sculpted gorges, snow-capped mountains, ancient cedar forests and sparkling rivers teeming with salmon. Named after the bears that inhabit it, the park is the only place on earth where you can view the Kermode or 'spirit' bear - a subspecies of black bear of which roughly one in 10 is pure white. Other species that inhabit the park include grizzly bears, wolves, pumas and eagles, while whales, sea otters, dolphins and sea lions often swim along the coastal waters.

Af9r6014 11 Nathan rose ctrgta6wqey unsplash

Kodiak Island

Located in the northwestern Gulf of Alaska, Kodiak is the largest island in the state. This busy fishing port is a popular fishing destination as it is home to all five species of salmon. Known as the 'Emerald Isle', the island boasts lush vegetation, magnificent jagged peaks, deep bays, vast valleys, and isolated stretches of beach. Kodiak's spectacularly scenic beauty and its variety of outdoor opportunities make it a sought after destination for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can look forward to an array of exciting activities including: hiking to the summit of Pillar Mountain; visiting the historic World War One ruins at Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park; or exploring the remote wilderness of the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, known for its diverse terrain and its outstanding Kodiak bear viewing. Other activities include: whale watching, puffin spotting, kayaking, hiking, ice skating, and biking.

Alaska cruise | With Holland America Line to Alaska

We offer the described trip from €2,400 per person.
The price is an estimate and is subject to availability, any promotions and the travel period, amongst other factors.

Included

• 15-day cruise to Alaska aboard the Nieuw Amsterdam, based on a sea-view cabin including full board
• Group excursions organised by the cruise line
• Entry fees to national parks during the shore programme
• Administration fees (worth €50)
Positive impact of your trip:
• A contribution of €50 per person towards a positive impact via the Avila Foundation

Not included

• Intercontinental flights
• Transfers to and from the port
• Cabin upgrade
• Travel and/or cancellation insurance
• ESTA/ETA or visa fees
• Meals not specified and optional excursions
• Personal expenses and tips
• Contingency fund contribution (€2.50 per booking)
• SGR contribution (€5 per person)

View other sample itineraries for Alaska here

Discover Alaska