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Our family is used to big ship cruising, so the Koningsdam felt a bit smaller than some of our recent cruise ship experiences. However, the Koningsdam is still the 3rd largest Holland cruise ship and is essentially very close in size to the largest, the Rotterdam. On a clear day in Anchorage, you can see the volcanic peaks of the Aleutians and the faint outlines of Denali before watching a dramatic sunset from your 15th-floor hotel room.
The Premier Denali Experience
Accommodation is in the tradition of national park lodges, a balance of rustic and refined, with comfortable rooms and hotel-style amenities. In Anchorage, take a train journey through the Chugach forest on the Alaska Railroad’s Glacier Discovery route to Spencer Glacier, or cruise to the brilliant blue Portage Glacier. In Seward, a cruise navigates the glacier-filled Kenai Fjords National Park. Late September and October is mating season, when males fight with their antlers in competition for females. The best opportunity to see newborns is at the end of May. Grey wolves travel in packs but sightings are unpredictable.
You like to travel to lesser known destinations.
Although the lodges are well appointed, they are often off-the-beaten path, leaving sightseers at the mercy of shuttle buses. Sustainable seafood is central to the culinary experience on Holland America. The Fresh Fish Program is the first of its kind, partnering with a global network of 60 ports to source and serve 80 types of fresh fish on board. Destination-specific menu items use native ingredients from around the world, highlighting the flavours of each region where guests are cruising.
Shipboard Life
And, Holland America has been operating Alaska cruises longer than anyone. You can also learn about the Gold Rush and mining with a visit to Gold Dredge No. 8 near Fairbanks. Your tour includes a ride on a replica of the narrow-gauge Tanana Valley Railroad and the opportunity to try panning for gold. If you can get past the tourist-trap atmosphere, the excursion can offer invaluable educational value and even a bit of fun. Holland America offers more access to Alaska wildlife than any other cruise line. Shore excursions focus on water-based and land-based activities to up close to the magnificent animals and scenery beyond the icescapes.
Enjoy the Scenery to Whitehorse -- and Use the Stop as a Time to Recuperate
I noticed that many of the premium experiences like glacier float plane tours and dog-sled adventures were sold out by the time we got onboard. The small”ish” size of the Holland cruise ships can be a big benefit for Alaska cruises as it lets them dock in the ports when larger ships have to tender. Tendering can take up valuable time in port and is less convenient for taking second trips back out to explore.
Related Cruises
Club Orange costs $25 per person per day on cruises up to 13 days and $15 per person per day on cruises of 13+ days. The cost for Tamarind is $29 plus an automatic 18% gratuity. For cruisers who love Asian-inspired cuisine, this one is a must-visit. Steak lovers will want to be sure to splurge for a meal here. The menu includes cuts of filet mignon, NY strip, boneless rib eye, or a massive 36 oz tomahawk bone-in rib eye (added fee). You can also add on a lobster tail for an additional charge if you’re craving a surf and turf meal.
The Complete Guide to Alaska Glacier Viewing
I soon realized, thankfully, that those passengers were not waiting for our ship. Having never cruised before, I had no idea what to expect on the cruise, including what it would be like to board the ship. As our taxi dropped us off at the Seattle cruise terminal, I saw what seemed like hundreds of people waiting in a line in the rain. Hopefully, it will inspire you to plan your next cruise to Alaska.
So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, relax, and join me on this journey through the stunning Alaskan wilderness with Holland America. This review will cover everything from stunning scenery, luxurious amenities, amazing ports of call, and incredible food. A new addition to the Alaska Cruisetour itinerary is the complimentary Klondike Gold Tour for guests visiting Dawson City on select Denali and Yukon Cruisetours. Holland America Line enhances the 2024 Alaska Cruisetours with upgraded accommodations and a new Gold Rush experience in Dawson City, Yukon. Find exceptional City Stays & Pre/Post Overland Packages, which offer a seamless experience ashore to add to your cruise.
Holland America Line to Introduce Glacier Day in 2024 Alaska Cruises - Porthole Cruise and Travel
Holland America Line to Introduce Glacier Day in 2024 Alaska Cruises.
Posted: Wed, 17 Apr 2024 16:07:37 GMT [source]
A few of the things that stood out to me aboard the Koningsdam:
Another BBC show takes place in the World Theater onboard, and it too is lovely. You’ll be ooh’ing and ahh’ing over cute animals as you watch. The storytelling of it is different than the Planet Earth II show but still worth seeing. The BBC Planet Earth II in Concert is a MUST watch in my opinion.
Land+Sea Journeys combine a three- to seven-night Holland America Line cruise with an overland adventure that includes a one-, two- or three-night stay at Denali National Park. Read on to discover 10 reasons why one of these voyages may be right for you. Depart from the train depot for a thrilling 40-mile roundtrip train ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad. Visit Dredge Town, where you will enjoy an authentic barbecue lunch including ribs, chicken, and various side dishes. Experience a glimpse of the life of a prospector when you join a colorful cast of characters to learn the art of gold panning.
Holland America Line (HAL) sends countless notifications in the days leading up to embarkation. Having sailed the Alaskan waters with Holland America over the past two summers, I’m eager to share my experience with you in this insightful Holland America Alaska cruise review. Let us create the perfect event while you relax and have the time of your life. Please visit our most frequently asked questions page on cruise preparation, transportation, safety and security, and more.
Holland America Line has an Alaska Land+Sea Journey program that explores this region from both the water and ashore in the one trip. With an abundance of onboard activities and delicious dining options, there is never a dull moment on this luxurious ship. Whether looking for relaxation or adventure, the Holland America Alaska cruise has something for everyone. Holland America is operating six of its 11 cruise ships in Alaska this season. The ms Koningsdam starts the season on April 27, 2024, with a 7-night Alaska Inside Passage cruise.
I then used the refrigerator to store extra drinks and leftover food from room service. Unfortunately, we are not booking Holland America cruises for 2023. To improve guest comfort, Holland America Line is upgrading 28 river-view rooms at the McKinley Chalet Resort, adding balconies and reclassifying these rooms to the Denali Suite category. This initiative expands the total number of Denali Suites to 84, allowing guests to enjoy enhanced views of Denali National Park or the Nenana River.
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