Everything you need to know about a 7-day cruise in Alaska

…and what to do in each port
Holland America
Alice Howarth11 November 2019

If you’re going to take a cruise, it’s widely known that Alaska is one of the best places to do it.

Currently, it’s the second most popular cruising destination in the world after the Caribbean. With 40,000 miles of rugged coastline and a capital city you can only reach via the ocean or plane, it’s little surprise really.

The 49th state is home to some of the world’s most sublime scenery, populated by black and grizzly bears, swooping bald eagles, moose, eight species of whales, including the almighty blue whale, and has rivers bursting with wild salmon which draw mass crowds during the fishing season.

Cruise itineraries typically range from seven to 21 days but the former is a great place to start and gives you a brilliant overview of Southeastern Alaska.

We sailed for a week with Holland America Line on its Eurodam ship which also covers chunks of the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia.

(Holland America Line)
Holland America

Here’s what you need to know if you’re planning your own adventure:

When to go?

The Alaskan cruise season runs from April to September. May, early June or September are your best bet for avoiding the school holiday crowds and potentially scoring a better price but weather-wise, it is warmest in July and August. For those on a wild bear hunt, keep in mind that you’re unlikely to spot them until the salmon have fully populated the rivers which can be as late as mid-July.

Boarding

The ship will not wait for passengers so it’s always encouraged that if you’re flying into the city where the port is (typically Seattle, San Francisco or Vancouver for Alaska) that you arrive the day before to leave room for error.

You should check-in online but you can check-in at the port as long as you leave two hours to do so. Treat the whole process like you would going to the airport, allowing time for queues, baggage, passport checks and security.

Which room?

There are a few key things to consider when deciding which stateroom category you’ll book. Holland America Line has four main tiers of rooms which is similar to other big liners.

The lowest category of staterooms, called Inside, have no windows and are the smallest rooms on the ship. If you suffer from claustrophobia or sea sickness, it’s definitely worth going up to the next category, Ocean View. Each stateroom in this category comes with a window, however some have an obstructed view meaning they may be covered by the likes of a lifeboat or decking, so double check before booking.

The best overall option is a Verandah room, spacious for the ship but not as expensive as the suites, each come with a balcony which means you can watch the wildlife in private or sit out and enjoy an evening drink without the deck crowds.

What’s on board?

It's essentially a floating mega-hotel, so there’s all the entertainment options you’d expect from a traditional cruise. You can swim in one of two pools (one inside and one out), head to the gym for a yoga class, enjoy a massage at the spa, watch live entertainment on one of three stages or try your luck at the casino.

Food

There are three places to eat that are included on-board. The Lido Market is a casual dining room with buffet style service. The choices are extensive, from burritos to salads, curries to pastas, and you can dine here breakfast, lunch and dinner. Out on deck, it also serves pizzas too.

(Holland America Line)
Holland America

The dining room is a more formal affair with table service. This is the spot that feels the most ‘old-school Cruise’ of them all with menus made up of dishes like Duck à l'orange and Crème brûlée. On the other end of the spectrum is Dive-In. An all-day hamburger and hot dog bar located by the indoor pool.

For those who want to mix it up throughout the week, there is the option to dine in three other restaurants but they all come at an extra cost. Tamarind’s serves Asian fusion food, Canaletto has classic Italian dishes and Pinnacle Grill focuses on Pacific Northwest cuisine with the likes of steak and King Salmon on the menu.

Depending what ship you go on, restaurants vary but it’s common to find some are inclusive and some are not.

Port Days

Juneau

Juneau is Alaska’s capital but feels small with pretty streets that reflect it’s gold rush heritage. Situated very close to the city is Mendenhall Glacier. You can see it from a boat tour or a viewing point but preferably opt for a helicopter tour to get a different view of the natural wonder. Trips range depending on budget but if you can get one which allows you to step out on the glacier ($359.95 per person) or even better, dog sled on the top ($659.95 per person), then it’s worth splashing out. Huskies are one of the most expensive excursions on offer but a quintessentially Alaskan experience.

Back in town, head to Tracy’s King Crab Shack which is right on the dock. Serving meaty legs the size of your arm and delicious chowder, it’s a tourist hotspot but don’t let that put you off. After, take the short stroll through the main street up to St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church. Built in 1853, the tiny church is Southeast Alaska’s oldest continuously operating church and a great insight into the country’s Russian connection.

When it comes to drinks most will say you visit the Red Dog Saloon which is a Juneau institution but The Alaskan Hotel is a less crowded bet that often has local bands playing.

Sitka

Spoiler alert: The Proposal was filmed in Massachusetts and not Sitka so if you’re expecting picturesque streets with wooden, coloured convenience and DIY stores sadly you’ll be disappointed. There is a high street but it’s largely made-up of tourist shops with the exception of St Michael's Cathedral which was the first Orthodox cathedral in the new world. Today a replica stands after the original 1848 building burnt down in 1966 but it’s worth having a glance in.

If you’re not visiting within bear season, head out of town to the Fortress of the Bears ($15.00 per person). A conservation project that houses orphaned cubs, it’ll be your only chance to see them up close. On your way back walk through Sitka National Historic Park to follow the Totem poles. Although Ketchikan’s collection is larger and more famous, there’s more to fit in there so it’s better to visit these here instead.

Grab straight-out-the-sea sushi from Little Tokyo once you’re back in the centre and if you want a beer, Ernie’s Old Time Saloon is a local hotspot that serves the Alaskan Brewing Company.

(Holland America Line)
Holland America

Ketchikan

Ketchikan is the gateway to the Misty Fjords National Monument which is the one thing not to miss on an Alaskan cruise. 3,570 square miles of untouched peaks that have been moulded by glaciers, it's in the United States’ second-largest wilderness area and has been compared to Yosemite Valley. Taking a seaplane ($309.95 per person), you’ll ride over the lakes, rainforest, waterfalls and land on an ocean inlet to take in the complete silence of the fjords.

In town, The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show ($39.95 per person) is brilliantly un-British. Two camps of real-deal lumberjacks, one American and one Canadian, fight it out for gold axe throwing, block chopping and speed climbing giant timber poles. Expect to get more into it than you expect.

Either side of these activities, leave enough time for a short stroll along Creek Street in the city’s former red light district. Now made up of little shops and cafes, don’t miss Dolly’s House museum, the home of the city’s most famous madame. It’s been left exactly how it was at the start of the 19th century.

Victoria B.C.

The port at Victoria B.C. sits outside the city but it’s only a 20-minute walk to get to the centre. Typically, you’ll stop here for just four hours so be selective with what you want to experience. With its British history, afternoon tea is big here and the Fairmont Empress Hotel is the place to book.

Butcharts Gardens, planted in a former limestone quarry over 100 years ago, is situated outside the city and if beautiful gardens are your thing, it’s definitely worth the trip. For those who just want to wander, stroll past the impressive Parliament Building, visit Canada’s smallest road, Fan Tan Alley, in Chinatown and peruse the independent shops that you’ll find along the way.

(Holland America Line)
Holland America

What to pack?

Alaskan summers are unpredictable so layers are key. It’s unlikely to get very cold during cruising months but it can get chilly and rain is to be expected at least part of the week. For excursions, pack shorts, leggings, t-shirts, a few light knits, one proper jumper and a waterproof shell jacket.

On-board it’s very casual with the exception of gala night which is a fun excuse to go fancy. Some go all-out in cocktail dresses and tux, others opt for a smart casual vibe with a skirt and heels and chinos and a shirt.

Do pack binoculars. It will make spotting that whale in the distance so much better. Also, a small backpack and reusable water bottle will always come in useful.

Good to know

Many assume an all-inclusive cruise is just that but there are some caveats. Wifi ($14.99-29.99 per day per gadget), alcohol and a daily housekeeping charge ($14.50 per person per day) are all additional costs. On top of this there is a 15% bar service charge added to any alcoholic drinks purchase.

If you’re departing in Seattle and flying on to somewhere else in the USA, the Port of Seattle offers a luggage valet service. You will receive your boarding pass on-board and your luggage will be transferred directly from the cruise ship and checked in with your airline all the way to your destination airport completely free of charge. You can find out more here.

Alice was a guest of Holland America Line. 7-Day Holland America Line Alaskan Explorer on board the Koningsdam​ departing from and arriving at Seattle from 2-9 May 2020. An ocean-view room starts at £959pp. For further information, or to book, visit hollandamerica.com or call 0344 338 8605

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