Welcome to my Holland America Alaska Cruise Review. If you’re dreaming of exploring Alaska’s stunning wilderness and considering a cruise to get there, you’re in the right place. In this guide, I’ll share my experience cruising with Holland America Line through the scenic Inside Passage, with stops in Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan, plus an unforgettable day in Glacier Bay.
Join me as I detail our 7-night voyage aboard the MS Koningsdam. I’ll cover our upgraded Verandah stateroom, onboard entertainment and dining, and the shore excursions that made this trip special. Learn why we chose Holland America, how we planned our journey, and what you need to know before setting sail. This isn’t just a travel story—it’s a comprehensive guide filled with insights, tips, photos, and recommendations to help you decide if a Holland America cruise is right for your Alaskan adventure.
Holland America Alaska Cruise Review Contents:
1) Why We Chose Holland America & Our Route
2) Cruise Overview
3) Cruise Itinerary
4) Booking Process
5) ‘Have it All’ Package
6) Preparing for our Cruise & Embarkation Process
7) Our Upgraded Ocean View to Verandah Stateroom
8) Our Ship: MS Koningsdam
9) Entertainment Options & Bars
10) Dining On Board
11) Service
12) Destinations & Shore Tours
13) Cost Breakdown
14) Know Before You Go
15) Final Thoughts
Why We Chose Holland America & Our Route
The top item on our bucket list for booking an Alaskan cruise was a visit to Glacier Bay National Park, and Holland America quickly became our first choice after reading many reviews on Cruise Critic. The reviewers highlighted Holland America’s smaller ships, which not only offer prime access to Glacier Bay but also provide a more intimate and less crowded cruising experience. Although I’d never cruised with Holland America before, I knew they had an outstanding reputation for their Alaskan itineraries, especially for offering immersive and close-up Glacier Bay experiences. What further set Holland America apart was the elegant, intimate atmosphere of their smaller ships compared to larger liners.
This combination of smaller ships, unique Glacier Bay access, and a renowned Alaskan route made Holland America the ideal choice for our Alaskan adventure. We ultimately booked the ‘7-Day Alaska Inside Passage’ cruise for September 2022. This itinerary included visits to Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan, along with a full day of scenic cruising through Glacier Bay.
Cruise Overview
Dates: September 3–10, 2022
Departure Port: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Return Port: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Cruise Route: 7-Day Alaska Inside Passage
Duration: 7 Nights
Ports of Call: Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway; Glacier Bay (cruising only)
Cruise Line: Holland America Line (HAL)
Ship: MS Koningsdam
Room #: VF8006 Verandah Room Navigation Deck
Cruise Itinerary
3 Sep (Sat): Depart Vancouver at 4 PM
4 Sep (Sun): Scenic cruising through the Inside Passage (Sea Day)
5 Sep (Mon): Port day in Juneau, Alaska (1 PM – 10 PM)
6 Sep (Tue): Port day in Skagway, Alaska (7 AM – 8 PM)
7 Sep (Wed): Glacier Bay cruising (7 AM – 4 PM, no disembarkation)
8 Sep (Thu): Port day in Ketchikan, Alaska (11 AM – 4 PM)
9 Sep (Fri): Scenic cruising through the Inside Passage (Sea Day)
10 Sep (Sat): Arrive in Vancouver at 7 AM for debarkation.
Booking Process
We reached out directly to Holland America to help us with booking and answer our questions, and a Personal Cruise Consultant named Brandi assisted us via email. Brandi went above and beyond, guiding us from our initial inquiry in June all the way through to embarkation day. It was incredibly reassuring to have someone dedicated to helping us navigate the entire booking process. On June 4, we finalized our booking and paid for the cruise directly through Holland America. Since our embarkation was just four months away, we had to make the full payment upfront, but typically, Holland America allows for a deposit with the balance paid later. Booking this way was seamless, and having a representative like Brandi on hand made it a smooth experience.
‘Have it All’ Package
We chose to add the ‘Have it All’ package to our cruise. For an additional $50 USD per person, per day ($350 total per person for our 7-day cruise), we each got the following perks: $100 Shore Excursion Credits, the Signature Beverage Package, one night of specialty dining, and the Wi-Fi surf package. The Signature Beverage Package was the main drawcard, offering a wide range of unlimited alcoholic drinks, including wine, beer, spirits, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages like sodas, specialty coffees, and more.
The biggest advantage of this package is its inclusions, but also the peace of mind that comes with not worrying about a rapidly growing bar tab! The all-in-one setup allowed us to relax and enjoy the cruise without constantly monitoring our spending. You can find more details about the package on Holland America’s website: https://www.hollandamerica.com/en/ca/cruise-deals/have-it-all
Preparing for our Cruise & Embarkation Process
We checked in online a week before our cruise, which was an easy process. There’s a very helpful video tutorial available here if you need guidance. We provided our travel documents, passport and visa details (we needed ESTAs for our trip to the US), emergency contact information, and a credit card to be linked to our cruise keycards. At the end of the cruise, all onboard expenses would be settled using this card. We also completed a health assessment and, since it was 2022 during the pandemic, had to submit a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of boarding. This requirement has since been lifted for most cruises, but check with your cruise line to be sure. We were then prompted to download the HAL Navigator app and print our boarding passes and luggage tags.
On the day of our cruise, we arrived at the Port of Vancouver and dropped off our suitcases with the luggage tags attached. The embarkation process took about 1.5 hours because it included US customs clearance in Vancouver. Having our travel information pre-uploaded in the VeriFLY app helped speed things up. Overall, the check-in and embarkation went smoothly and was a stress-free experience.
Our Upgraded Ocean View to Verandah Stateroom
When we boarded, we were thrilled to find out that our Ocean View room had been upgraded to a Verandah Stateroom! We were in Stateroom VF8006 on Deck 8 (Navigation Deck), and the upgrade instantly added a touch of luxury to our cruise.
The Verandah room featured two lower beds converted into a queen-sized bed, with Holland America’s signature Mariner’s Dream™ plush Euro-Top mattresses—which was incredibly comfortable. The room’s design made it feel spacious, with floor-to-ceiling windows that flooded the area with natural light, a separate lounge plus a private balcony where we could step out to enjoy the view.
The separate lounge area came with a large desk with plenty of drawers for extra storage, a comfortable sofa that seated two people, and a small table perfect for playing cards or holding drinks. The closet was surprisingly roomy, and there were clever storage spots throughout the cabin, allowing us to completely unpack for the week.
The flat-screen TV offered on-demand movies, music stations, and both live and pre-recorded TV programs. It also served as an interactive media console for ship information, dining options, onboard activities, shore excursions, and port information.
Additional amenities included a mini-fridge, a safe, and multiple mirrors, including a full-length mirror for getting ready. The bathroom was super clean and had ample storage, plus it had a shower with doors instead of a curtain, which I appreciated. It was stocked with Elemis Aromapure soap, lotion, and shampoo, along with a hair dryer, a vanity mirror, and two luxurious bathrobes.
But my favorite part, without a doubt, was the private balcony! It had two comfortable chairs and came with outdoor blankets, perfect for reading or relaxing while watching the world go by or spotting wildlife. We loved sitting out there, especially during the scenic cruising through Glacier Bay. Overall, this stateroom was a 10/10 and an ideal choice for our week-long Alaskan cruise. Looking back, I can’t imagine doing an Alaskan cruise without a balcony room. It’s worth the extra cost, as it adds so much to the experience—nothing beats watching whales from your own private balcony!
Our Ship: MS Koningsdam
For our Alaskan cruise, we sailed on the MS Koningsdam, a Pinnacle-class ship from Holland America Line. Launched in 2016, the Koningsdam accommodates around 2,650 passengers and a crew of about 1,025, and features 12 passenger decks.
Onboard, we found plenty to keep us busy. There was a fully equipped fitness center, shops, a casino, a movie theater by the Lido deck pool, a sports court, a walking/jogging track and Club HAL – a kids club.
The ship has two pools on Deck 9. The Lido Deck Pool comes with a retractable roof and a double-deck setup featuring comfy Miami-style sofas and beds. The Sea View Pool at the back has fantastic views and is an adults-only area. There was also a luxurious spa – the Greenhouse Spa & Salon – which offers a variety of treatments, and its thermal suite has saunas, steam rooms, and a hydrotherapy pool.
Entertainment Options & Bars
The World Stage, the ship’s main theater, features a 270-degree wraparound screen where you can watch a variety of shows, including “Musicology” and BBC’s “The Frozen Planet.” They also host daily talks about upcoming destinations, which are great for planning shore excursions and getting excited about each port stop.
The ship has three distinct music venues that cater to a range of musical tastes. The ‘Music Walk’ encompasses the Lincoln Centre Stage for classical music, B.B. King’s Blues Club for Memphis R&B, and the Rolling Stone Lounge for rock tunes. These venues offer live performances, dancing, and fun activities like music trivia and karaoke, making them perfect spots to unwind and enjoy the lively ambiance.
The ship offered several bars, and my top picks were the Sun Bar, Panorama Bar, Lido Bar, and Sea View Bar—all of which had stunning views. As we opted for the ‘Have it All Package,’ it made it easy to enjoy drinks without worrying about racking up a hefty tab over the 7 days. I loved sampling different cocktails, but my absolute favorite was their ‘Painkiller.’ It’s a rich, creamy cocktail topped with an extra shot of rum, making it as potent as it is delicious!
Every evening, we received a daily schedule in our room outlining the activities for the next day, including the itinerary, port details (if applicable), dress code, and operating hours for the amenities. This schedule made it super easy to plan our day. The range of activities was extensive—from bingo, music trivia, comedy and music performances, and “Guess That Tune” to cooking demonstrations, yoga and tai chi classes, spa sessions, and interactive lectures at the World Stage, like “EXC Talk: The Iditarod – The Last Great Race on Earth.” It was a challenge to fit everything in, but it was a blast trying!
Dining On Board
One of the highlights of the cruise was the incredible food and dining experiences. There are a mixture of ‘Free Dining’ options that are included in the cruise fare along with several specialty restaurants that require an additional fee (but they’re well worth the splurge).
The Dining Room (Free Dining)
For a more refined experience, the Dining Room on Decks 2 and 3 offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner à la carte. The elegant setting, complete with panoramic ocean views, is perfect for a sit-down meal. The menu changes daily, and you can choose from a variety of appetizers, mains, and desserts. On sea days, I loved the High Tea Service in the afternoon—it was such a novelty experience at sea!
Lido Market (Free Dining)
Located on Deck 9 near the Lido pool, the Lido Market is a ‘modern marketplace’ with diverse food stations. It’s perfect for grabbing a quick meal or snack. Here, there was everything from freshly baked breads at Breadboard to hearty salads at Wild Harvest, comfort food at Homestead, and global cuisine at Distant Lands. There’s even Sweet Spot for ice cream and Roasting Pan for hand-carved meats.
Dive-In (Free Dining)
Located on Deck 9 by the Lido pool, Dive-In serves grilled burgers, hot dogs, and fries. Their signature Dive-in Sauce on the burgers and fries is so addictive—I tried to recreate it at home, but it’s just not the same! This was my favorite spot for a quick, satisfying meal.
New York Pizza (Free Dining)
Also on Deck 9, New York Pizza serves thin-crust pizzas made to order, which is perfect for a casual snack by the pool. You can also find salads and desserts here, rounding out the menu.
24-Hour Room Service (Free Dining)
Another fantastic inclusion is the 24-hour room service. Whether it’s a late-night snack or breakfast in bed, room service is always a luxury. We celebrated my birthday morning with breakfast in bed, and it was the perfect way to start the day.
Pinnacle Grill (Speciality Dining)
Pinnacle Grill, on Deck 2, is Holland America’s signature steakhouse. The elegant decor and impeccable service sets the tone for a memorable meal. The menu features premium steaks with a choice of sauces, and sides like creamed spinach and truffle fries. If you’re not a steak fan, there are plenty of alternatives, from lamb chops to Alaskan salmon.
Rudi’s Sel de Mer (Speciality Dining)
Rudi’s Sel de Mer is a French-inspired seafood brasserie where I celebrated my birthday evening, and it was an amazing experience. The waitstaff went above and beyond to make the evening special, starting with champagne and an amuse-bouche, and continuing through an array of courses including appetizers, mains, a unique dessert tree, and even a birthday cake to cap off the night. The menu features French classics like Duck À L’Orange and Bouillabaisse, as well as seafood specialties like Broiled Maine Lobster Tail. This was one of my favorite restaurants!
Canaletto (Speciality Dining)
Located in the Lido Market, Canaletto transforms into an Italian trattoria at night. The sharing-style menu includes small plates like Veal and Sage Meatballs, along with mains like Ossobuco and Spaghetti with Shrimp and Clams. The desserts are to die for—the tiramisu is a must-try.
Tamarind (Speciality Dining)
Tamarind, on Deck 11, is a Pan-Asian restaurant serving dishes from Southeast Asia, China, and Japan. The ambiance is serene, with Asian-inspired decor and dim lighting. The menu features a variety of starters and sushi, along with entrees like Roasted Pork Belly and Crispy Duck with Ginger-Chili Glaze. Make sure to leave room for one of their unique desserts, like the Yuzu Cheesecake.
Service
The service on board was truly exceptional. The staff were incredibly warm and attentive, making our journey memorable from start to finish. Our stateroom included daily housekeeping and an evening turndown service, where each night, our bed was turned down & the lights dimmed, creating a soothing atmosphere when we returned. It was a small detail, but it made such a difference. On my birthday, they surprised me with a sweet treat in my room and card, and we even received chocolates upon arrival. These thoughtful touches made the entire trip feel so special and luxurious. We of course paid the daily crew appreciation gratuity but also brought along extra cash to tip staff, especially our amazing housekeepers, wait staff, and bartenders. I highly recommend doing the same—it’s a great way to show appreciation for their hard work.
Destinations & Shore Tours
Juneau, Alaska
Our first stop was Juneau, Alaska’s capital with a population of about 32,000, making it one of the smallest state capitals in the United States. Located on the Gastineau Channel, it’s surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including the towering Mendenhall Glacier and the lush Tongass National Forest. It’s also accessible only by air or sea, adding to its remote charm.
We began our day exploring the gorgeous, foggy town. Half of our group visited the iconic Tracy’s Crab Shack for fresh Alaskan King Crab and took a scenic ride on the Goldbelt Tram, one of the most vertical tramways in the world, offering panoramic views of Juneau and the Gastineau Channel.
My boyfriend and I chose the Mendenhall Glacier Kayak & Salmon Bake shore tour. This five-hour adventure started with a drive to Mendenhall Lake, where we donned life jackets and rain gear. We then paddled through iceberg-studded waters to Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls, with the rain adding a wild, rugged vibe. After kayaking, we enjoyed an all-you-can-eat salmon bake at Gold Creek which was a much-needed meal after hours on the water. The experience of kayaking through icebergs and up close to a glacier was truly unforgettable! I highly recommend this tour for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Skagway, Alaska
Skagway is a quaint and historic town with a population of about 1,200 people, nestled in the northernmost part of Alaska’s Inside Passage. The town is steeped in Gold Rush history, and walking through the town feels like stepping back into the late 19th century, with its preserved buildings and Klondike-era vibe.
Our group started our day here with with a round-trip journey on the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway, a narrow-gauge railway that winds through some of the most stunning landscapes in the North. This iron trail, built over 120 years ago, defies the rugged terrain and is still running today, giving us a unique window into the past. The comfortable vintage rail cars took us to the White Pass Summit at 2,865 feet, crossing tunnels and remote valleys passing through picturesque sights like Bridal Veil Falls, Inspiration Point, and Dead Horse Gulch. If you’re in Skagway, this train journey is a must-do!
We then enjoyed a leisurely lunch in town and wandered through Skagway’s historic streets, soaking in the Gold Rush atmosphere. It was the perfect mix of activity and relaxation. By afternoon, we were back on board, ready to enjoy a laid-back evening on the ship.
Glacier Bay, Alaska (No Disembarkation)
Glacier Bay is a massive national park in southeastern Alaska, stretching over 3.3 million acres and earning its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s renowned for its breathtaking fjords, active glaciers, and an impressive array of wildlife. This was the destination we were most looking forward to, and a key reason for choosing this cruise. Despite a week of overcast and rainy weather, we were greeted with clear skies and sunshine when we entered Glacier Bay. The atmosphere on board was electric as we cruised into the Bay, with everyone eager to visit this Bucket-List destination.
National Park Service guides joined our ship to offer live commentary as we cruised through Glacier Bay. We spent nine unforgettable hours gliding past iconic glaciers like Margerie Glacier and John Hopkins Glacier and witnessing chunks of ice dramatically calving into the bay. Having a balcony was an incredible advantage—it gave us front-row seats to this natural spectacle while we relaxed in our robes. Along the way, we were fortunate enough to spot humpback whales and adorable sea otters.
This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I highly recommend choosing an Alaskan cruise that includes Glacier Bay on its itinerary. If you’re lucky enough to have a balcony room, you’re in for an extra treat.
Ketchikan, Alaska
Ketchikan, known as the “Salmon Capital of the World,” is a picturesque town with a population of around 8,200, located on Revillagigedo Island in southeastern Alaska. It’s renowned for its rich Native American heritage—home to the largest collection of totem poles in the world.
During our visit, we decided to splurge on the “Alaska Bear Adventure by Floatplane” shore tour. This 3.15-hour adventure started with a 20-minute flight over the stunning Tongass National Forest, famous for its salmon-rich streams and abundant wildlife. Upon arrival at a remote site, we met with a naturalist guide and went on a short hike to a viewing platform overlooking a salmon-spawning stream. For the next 1.5 hours, we watched wild black bears feast on the salmon, and even spotted a few bald eagles. We then returned back to Ketchikan by floatplane, admiring the many islands along the way home. If you’re a nature and adventure lover, this tour is a must do!
Cost Breakdown
The base cruise fare per person was $1,530.51 USD, which included the Cruise/Journey Fare, Daily Crew Appreciation Gratuity, Cancellation Plan, Taxes, Fees, and Port Expenses. Additionally, we received $50 USD in onboard credit with this fare. The ‘Have it All’ Package cost an extra $350 USD per person, bringing our total to $1,880.51 USD or $2,576.10 CAD
For our shore tours (as of September 2022), the additional costs were:
Alaska Bear Adventure by Floatplane: $499
White Pass and Yukon Route Railway: $149
Mendenhall Glacier Kayak & Salmon Bake: $239
The total for shore tours was $887 USD per person. That said, with the ‘Have it All’ Package, we received a $100 excursion credit, reducing the shore tour total to $787 USD. Additionally, we spent approximately $300 on extra activities like Bingo, casino visits, meals on land and specialty dining, and souvenirs.
Combining everything, the total cost per person was $1,880.51 (cruise) + $787 (shore tours) + $220 (extra activities) = $2,886 USD, or $3,955 CAD.
While the numbers may seem high, when you consider the entire experience—the amazing destinations, the luxury of the ship, the unique shore tours, the amazing meals, countless cocktails and the breathtaking views—it was definitely worth it.
Know Before You Go
- Download the HAL Navigator App: The Holland America Line (HAL) Navigator App is a must-have for planning your cruise. It lets you arrange daily activities, book shore excursions, view restaurant menus, make dining reservations, and track your onboard account.
- Bring a Small Pair of Binoculars: Binoculars are crucial for an Alaska cruise. They allow you to get a close look at wildlife like humpback whales, sea otters, and bald eagles, and they’re great for exploring distant glaciers and mountain views. Choose a lightweight, compact pair for easy carrying.
- Call the Concierge in Advance: If you want to see the Northern Lights, call the concierge before your cruise. Many ships offer a “wake-up call” service if the Northern Lights are visible, so you won’t miss this rare opportunity. Though we didn’t see them, we hoped for that special call in the night!
- Opt for a Cruise That Goes to Glacier Bay: Not all Alaska cruises visit Glacier Bay, so make sure your itinerary does. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has stunning fjords, calving glaciers, and abundant wildlife. It’s a highlight of any Alaska cruise, so be sure to include it in your plans.
- Pack Layers and Waterproof Gear: Alaska’s weather can change quickly, so pack layers and waterproof clothing. Even in summer, temperatures vary, and rain is frequent. Bring warm and cool-weather clothes, a waterproof jacket, and waterproof footwear for shore excursions. This way, you’ll be ready for any weather and can fully enjoy your cruise.
Final Thoughts
My Holland America cruise through the Alaskan Inside Passage was nothing short of spectacular. From the scenic ports in Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan to the awe-inspiring Glacier Bay, each moment was filled with adventure and stunning views. The 7-night voyage aboard the MS Koningsdam combined luxurious accommodations, incredible service, and exceptional dining options. If you’re contemplating an Alaskan cruise I hope this Holland America Alaska Cruise Review has provided valuable insights & tips. The cruise offered the ideal blend of relaxation and adventure, and I can’t wait for my next journey with Holland America. Whether you’re new to cruising or a seasoned traveler, I hope you find your own extraordinary experiences on an Alaskan cruise. Bon voyage!
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