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Holland America Shore Excursions Have a Best Price Guarantee

Best Price Guarantee covers thousands of Holland America shore excursions.

There’s a lot of competition out there.

Holland America wants their guests to book shore excursions through the cruise line, of course. But with other tour operators offering very similar shore excursions, Holland America is offering a guarantee.

Guests who pre-book Holland America shore excursions, called EXC Tours (Explorations Central), will have the lowest rates through the cruise line’s Best Price Guarantee program. Best Price Guarantee is available on all ships and all itineraries except Asia cruises. If a guest finds a comparable shore excursion elsewhere at a lower price, Holland America Line will provide an onboard credit of 110 percent of the price difference.

How it works

If a guest pre-books any of the Holland America Line shore excursions and then finds an equivalent tour that offers the same amenities and experiences, including date, time, duration, transportation and meals, a request can be submitted through an online form up to seven days before cruise departure. Guests will be notified within two days of submission if the tour meets the requirements for Best Price Guarantee.

Read next: 12 Things I Like About Holland America’s Koningsdam

Guests will receive a non-refundable onboard credit to be used during their cruise for any eligible tours. Best Price Guarantee only applies to shore excursions that are advertised with pricing and publicly available. Guests who cancel their EXC Tour on board will not be eligible for the Best Price Guarantee credit.

Holland America offers more than 4,100 tours in almost 550 ports.

The Best Price Guarantee submission form can be accessed at hollandamerica.com  by all booked guests once they have checked in online.

For more information visit hollandamerica.com .

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Holland America Eurodam's Best Shore Excursions

Cruise ships sailing to Alaska come in all sizes and price ranges, and it's important to choose the right large or small ship for your Alaska cruise vacation. Experience plays a big part in many decisions— Holland America Line began exploring Alaska in 1947 and has continued to wow its guests with land and sea vacations to the Last Frontier for the past 70 years. The company's first tour in Alaska was in Fairbanks, but Holland America is now best known for its cruise vacations or land and sea combination tours.

Explore Alaska With Holland America Cruises

Each year Holland America sends about a half-dozen ships to Alaska, with cruises embarking in Seattle, Vancouver, or Anchorage (Seward). Most Holland America Alaska cruises are seven days long and sail Alaska's Inside Passage round-trip from Seattle or Vancouver, but some sail between Vancouver and Seward and others are 14 days or longer.

The 2100-guest Eurodam was launched in 2008 and is one of the company's three largest and newest ships. The Eurodam was significantly refurbished in December 2015, with new dining, lounge, and entertainment venues, along with suite upgrades added. The ship has excellent onboard programs that include America's Test Kitchen cooking demonstrations, computer classes, and great diverse entertainment in the Music Walk area and the show lounge.

However, on Alaska cruises, many think the best place to be is outside on the decks during the long summer days, watching the spectacular scenery pass by and searching the sea and shore for some of Alaska's famous wildlife. Holland America has an onboard naturalist who stays out on the deck much of the time when the ship is sailing. The naturalist is always ready to answer questions or point out wildlife. 

The other great thing about a Holland America Alaska cruise is the variety and uniqueness of the many shore excursions scheduled for each port of call. Here are the best things to do at the Eurodam's ports of call in Alaska.

Seattle: Embarkation and Debarkation Port of Call

Seattle is a great city to visit and to embark on an Alaskan cruise. The people are friendly, and the summer weather is often pleasant. Seattle is famous for its rain, but it is usually more of a drizzle. However, the sun often shines, and the temperatures can get warmer than you might think. 

Cruise ships embark from two different piers, and your cruise documents will tell you where to find your ship. The Eurodam and other Holland America ships embark at Pier 91, which is north of the downtown area near the Magnolia Bridge. Other cruise lines also dock at Pier 91, while others are at Pier 66.

It's fun to come into Seattle a day or two early and use the time to explore all the sights like the  Space Needle , Pike Place Market , the waterfront, Chihuly Gardens and Glass, and the historic Underground area. When the cruise ships are sailing in the summer months, you'll see lots of other visitors who either are embarking on a cruise or just debarked from one.

The Eurodam sails in the late afternoon for Alaska and passengers gather on the outdoor decks to watch the skyline recede and to be on the lookout for orcas and dolphins.

It's a long way to the first port of call, Juneau, so the Eurodam sails for about 40 hours before arriving in Alaska's state capital.

Juneau: The Eurodam's First Port of Call

Juneau is the capital of Alaska and because of its Inside Passage location, is the only U.S. capital that cannot be reached by car. Visitors must arrive by air or sea. It is also the only U.S. capital with a nearby glacier!

The Holland America Eurodam docks right in downtown Juneau, so those who don't take an organized shore excursion can walk to the shops, bars, or the Mount Roberts Tramway. However, the Eurodam offers over 40 shore excursions in Juneau covering a wide variety of activities, experiences, and costs. Cruise ship guests should take advantage of the unique things to do in and around  Juneau . 

All of the most expensive shore excursions (over $500 per person) include a helicopter ride to a glacier, dog sledding camp, or wilderness location. Although these prices are very high, you will have a lifelong memory of the adventure. The Holland America Eurodam also has seaplane and boat excursions from Juneau. The seaplanes take you to a glacier or looking for wildlife.

Those looking for something more active can take a tour that includes hiking on a glacier, zip-lining, fishing, biking, or kayaking. Seven shore excursions take travelers to the nearby Mendenhall Glacier on a bus. Some of these Mendenhall tours allow for plenty of free time for those who like to hike.

All of the wildlife in Alaska is exotic and most species are unique to North America. Holland America has eight whale-watching shore excursions operating in Juneau. Some of these tours guarantee you'll either see a whale or get a partial refund from the operator. Whales can be seen in many parts of the world, but seeing the humpback whales in Alaska is an amazing memory to take home.

Glacier Bay: The Eurodam's Second Port of Call

Glacier Bay is the Eurodam's destination on day four of its Alaska cruise from Seattle. Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is a huge park, and much of it is accessible ​only from the water. Cruise ships stop near the park office and visitor's center to pick up some rangers who spend the day providing information and insight on the park.

Passengers stay on the ship, gathering in the lounges or outside on the decks to see the glaciers and wildlife of Glacier Bay. The park rangers' commentary is piped into some of the common areas so that guests won't miss anything. None of the cruises have shore excursions off the ship. 

The tidewater glaciers are the stars of this national park visit, but guests might also see mountain goats, Steller sea lions, and bears. The ship sails very slowly, allowing plenty of time to take in the views. Whales aren't seen as much in the park since the melting and calving glaciers put more fresh water and silt into the water than whales like. 

It's very interesting to listen to the park rangers explain about glaciers and glacial valleys and hear the Native American interpretive guide describe how important the park area was (and is) to the Native American tribes who once lived there. 

Sitka: The Eurodam's Third Port of Call

Sitka is located on the outside of the Inside Passage. If that doesn't make sense, it's located on the western side of one of the islands on the Inside Passage but is on the Pacific Ocean rather than a channel. Large ships like the Eurodam of Holland America either anchor and tender their guests into town or dock just outside Sitka and provide a free shuttle bus into town.

Most cruise passengers visiting Sitka take a shore excursion to see wildlife or learn more about the history or culture of the indigenous peoples of the area. Holland America has about two dozen shore excursion options in Sitka, so it's difficult to choose just one. 

Wildlife Shore Excursions

Holland America has about a half dozen tours that use boats to sail around the harbor and shorelines of some of the neighboring islands. The waters and islands around Sitka have plentiful wildlife, and animals like sea otters, eagles, whales, and sea lions are often seen from the local excursion boats. One wildlife boat tour even uses a jet boat and another uses an ocean raft that moves up to 50 miles per hour, which allows its guests to see wildlife when it slows down, plus have an exciting ride. Bears are rarely seen until the salmon start filling the streams in mid-summer. However, some shore excursions include a visit to the Fortress of the Bear rescue facility where Alaskan brown bears are rehabilitated. Other wildlife shore excursions visit the Alaska Raptor Center, which has many "raptors in residence". 

History and Art Shore Excursions

Holland America also has four Sitka shore excursions for those who love history, art, and architecture. One even includes the option to create your own Alaska-inspired painting and take it home with you. Another tour takes guests to explore the Sheldon Jackson Museum, which has a huge collection of Native American and Inuit artifacts.  A third excursion looks at Sitka's Russian and Native American history at a clan-style house and the Sitka National Historic Park.

Active and Unusual Shore Excursions

Holland America has arranged 14 very active or unusual shore excursions such as kayaking, biking, hiking, fishing, exploring in a 4x4, or snorkeling in a dry suit. One very fun and unique Sitka excursion is a "Pedal and Pub Crawl", where you explore the town on a bike while learning about Sitka's history and stopping for a couple of beers along the way.

Ketchikan: The Eurodam's Forth Port of Call

Ketchikan has two distinguishing characteristics that most cruise travelers will remember—it is one of the rainiest cities in the USA, and it legalized prostitution in certain areas from 1903 to 1954. Some of the old Ketchikan brothels where the "sporting women" lived and worked (as they were called) can still be found on Creek Street, ​and a couple of the old homes offer tours. 

Although the Holland America Eurodam is only in Ketchikan for 6 hours, the cruise ship has 33 shore excursions for its guests to enjoy. Most of these half-day tours are four hours or less, so guests can participate in a tour and still have time to explore Ketchikan on their own since the ship docks very near to Creek Street and the main shopping areas.

Some travelers wonder why cruise ships would only spend six hours in Ketchikan and then stop in Victoria for just six hours. Why not just spend more time in Ketchikan? Victoria is a great port of call, but ships stop over there in order to comply with the Merchant Marine Act of 1920 (the Jones Act). Congress passed this law to protect American shipping, but it also covers cruise ships. It requires all ships that are not flagged in the United States to include one foreign port of call on their itineraries. Since all but one (the Pride of America) large cruise ships are not flagged in the United States, they include a Canadian port of call on their Alaska cruise itineraries or embark/disembark in Vancouver.

Adventure Tours

The Eurodam has 14 adventure tours available when the ship is docked in Ketchikan. Some of these involve snorkeling; zip-lining; jeep, canoe, zodiac, or adventure cart expeditions. Others give guests the chance to fish for salmon or halibut. One of the fishing expeditions even allows you to eat the fish you've caught! 

Dining Tours

In addition to eating your own catch, Holland America has four other tours in Ketchikan for foodies. The highlight of all these tours is eating Alaskan crab and/or other types of seafood. The location of the crab feast and entertainment makes each one different.

Historical and Educational Tours

Like all other Alaskan towns, Ketchikan has an interesting past, and it's not just the "sporting women". Guests can take a tour to learn about running crab traps in the Bering Sea while riding on the Aleutian Ballad, just like on television's The Deadliest Catch ). One tour explores the streets and waters around Ketchikan from a "duck", which is an amphibious vehicle. Another tour shows guests the highlights of Ketchikan and the totem pole park from a trolley car, while other tours explore the Totem Pole Park and the Saxman Native Village. One tour that is uniquely Ketchikan is its famous Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show. The ship has several tours that include entrance to the show.

Exploring Misty Fjords National Monument

Many cruise ship guests take either a floatplane or a boat from Ketchikan to Misty Fjords National Monument , the second largest national wilderness in the United States.

Ketchikan is the nearest port of call to Misty Fjords National Monument for passengers arriving on large cruise ships. Holland America has three shore excursions that go from Ketchikan to the Misty Fjords, which are about 20 miles away. All three involve a seaplane, which provides a great chance to see this wilderness area from the air. The views are magnificent!

Victoria, British Columbia: The Eurodam's Fifth Port of Call

The last port of call for the Holland America Eurodam before disembarking in Seattle is the city of Victoria on Canada's Vancouver Island . After sailing for about 29 hours from Ketchikan, the ship arrives late in the afternoon on day seven and stays until midnight, which gives guests plenty of time to take one of the 13 shore excursions or to explore Victoria on their own.

Since Victoria is more cosmopolitan than the other ports of call, many of the excursions focus on highlights to see in and around the city or things to do like have Royal Tea at Abkhazi Gardens or tour some of the city's many craft breweries. Guests who haven't seen enough whales can take one last whale watching adventure, while those who love butterflies can visit a butterfly garden outside the city.

Many cruise passengers who visit Victoria take a tour to the famous ​Butchart Gardens. This 55-acre garden is one of the world's most spectacular, and visitors love to explore the many individual gardens that cover the whole space like the rose garden, sunken garden, Japanese garden, or Italian garden. Although the Butchart Gardens are about 14 miles north of Victoria, you will have plenty of time to explore the entire grounds and the excellent gift shop.

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Holland America Excursions

Holland America has been in operation for 145 years and offers a fleet of 14 comfortable ships with award-winning service, entertainment, and dining that travel around the world, from the Caribbean and Hawaii to Australia and New Zealand and plenty more locations.

Select your Holland America cruise dates below to discover which shore excursions are offered during your stop in Hawaii.

Holland America Cruise Dates

• Chevron down Holland America Maasdam

October 7 – November 9, 2020: in Hawaii from Oct 25 – Oct 28

• 42-day Sea of Cortez & South Pacific Crossing Collector

October 19 – December 19, 2020: in Hawaii from Oct 25 – Oct 28

• 63-day South Pacific & Australia Circumnavigation Collector
• 30-day South Pacific Crossing

February 13 – March 28, 2021:  in Hawaii from March 19 – March 21

• 44-Day Papua New Guinea Philippines, South Pacific Collector

March 4 – April 9, 2021:  in Hawaii from March 19 – March 21

• 37-Day South Pacific Crossing & Sea of Cortez Collector
• 25-Day South Pacific Crossing
• Chevron down Holland America Noordam

There are currently NO cruises scheduled with Holland America Noordam. Please check back later for future cruise schedules, so you can book your tour excursions.

• Chevron down Holland America Rotterdam

February 21 – March 25, 2021:  in Hawaii from Feb 27 – March 2

• 32-Day Hawaii Tahiti & Marquesas
• Chevron down Holland America Koningsdam

October 10 – November 3, 2020: in Hawaii from Oct 23 – Oct 27

• 24-day Mexican Riviera & Circle Hawaii Collector

October 17 – November 3, 2020:  in Hawaii from Oct 23 – Oct 27

• 17-day Circle Hawaii

November 3 – November 28, 2020:  in Hawaii from Nov 9 – Nov 14

• 18-day Circle Hawaii
• 25-Day Circle Hawaii & Mexican Riviera Collector
• Chevron down Holland America Westerdam

There are currently NO cruises scheduled with Holland America Westerdam. Please check back later for future cruise schedules, so you can book your tour excursions.

• Chevron down Holland America Oosterdam

September 27 – November 7, 2020:  in Hawaii from Oct 4 – Oct 6

• 40-Day South Pacific Crossing
• 26-Day South Pacific, Australia & New Zealand

March 28 – May 9, 2021: in Hawaii from April 29 – May 2

• 43-Day New Zealand & South Pacific Crossing Collector

April 12 – May 9, 2021:  in Hawaii from April 29 – May 2

• 28-Day South Pacific Crossing
• Chevron down Holland America Amsterdam

January 4, 2021 – May 13, 2021: in Hawaii from Feb 7 – Feb 9

• 128-Day Grand World Voyage
• Chevron down Holland America Zaandam

November 17 – November 19, 2020: in Hawaii from Nov 23 – Nov 26

• 32-Day Hawaii, Tahiti & Marquesas

Search for Excursions Available with Holland America Cruise Lines by Date

The excursions listed below are those available with Holland America. You may also filter by specific Holland America ship or Hawaiian island.

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Excursions Offered on this Cruise Line

• Map Marker Kauai

Journey to Waimea Canyon

Discover the natural beauty and experience one of the best views of the western coast of Kauai!

• Map Marker Hawaii Island - Hilo

Volcanoes National Park

See the ultimate sights and attractions around the Island of Hawaii on this exceptional tour, including the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park & Visitors Center, Steam Vents, Kilauea Overlook, and the Big Island Candies Factory.

• Map Marker Hawaii Island - Kona

Historic Kona Tour

On this cruise ship excursion, we share Kailua-Kona’s history to set the stage for your trip back in time to Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park — an ancient Hawaiian village of refuge.

• Map Marker Oahu

Pearl Harbor & Honolulu City Tour

With so much to see, a guided tour of Honolulu and Pearl Harbor is the best way to take in the top sights and get to know this special Hawaiian city. *Pride of America Guests – This tour is only available POST CRUISE (disembarkation day).

Wailua River Cruise & Fern Grotto Tour

Get off your ship and get on ours in Kauai, where we take you on a leisurely cruise down the Wailua River to the botanical beauty of the Fern Grotto.

The 6 best Alaska cruise shore excursions — from heli-hiking to whale watching

There are some cruise destinations — Barcelona, for instance, or Venice — where you really don't need to sign up for shore excursions . You can just walk off the ship and head to the major attractions on your own.

For the most part, the ports of Alaska aren't like that.

To get the most out of an Alaska cruise , you'll want to sign up for a tour in most if not all of the ports you visit. And not just any old tour. You'll be looking for the best Alaska shore excursions that get you out into the Alaska backcountry.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter.

In Alaska, many of the biggest "attractions" — breathtaking mountain landscapes, glaciers, fjords, breaching whales and feeding bears, for instance — are related to the Great Outdoors. As a result, many of the best Alaska shore excursions for cruisers are found outside of the towns where ships stop. If you just stay in the towns and explore on your own, you'll miss a big part of what Alaska is all about.

Related: The best Alaska cruise for every type of traveler

Picking the best Alaska shore excursions

People who know me know that I love talking about Alaska port towns. This isn't just because I spent more than two decades writing about Alaska and other cruise destinations for major newspapers. For many years, I was the co-author of Frommer's "Alaska Cruises & Ports of Call" guide. In researching nearly half a dozen editions of that book, I spent many days exploring each of the major cruise ports in the state. I've tried a large number of the shore excursions in places such as Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan. I've also poked around these towns a lot on my own.

As noted above, my biggest message to anyone planning an Alaska cruise is to get out of the towns . Sign up for something — a hike, a rafting trip, a train ride, a fishing outing — that gets you out into Alaska's spectacular outdoor settings.

But I also have a few specific, top-line pro tips when you're thinking about the best Alaska shore excursions:

• Get up in the air . It'll be expensive. We're talking $250 or more per person. But there's nothing like seeing the grandeur of Alaska from a helicopter or floatplane. The Juneau Icefield, in particular, is a sight to behold. It covers around 1,500 square miles. You can see it on a flightseeing tour from Juneau, with some tours including landings on the ice.
• Don't miss the whales. Even if you're not a big wildlife person, you'll be mesmerized by the humpback whales of Alaska. They are huge (at up to 52 feet, longer than a Greyhound bus), and there are boat tours that will get you up close to them. The best places to do this are out of Juneau and also Icy Strait Point if your ship stops there.
• Splurge for a trip to Misty Fjords National Monument . This glacier-carved wilderness area, not far from Ketchikan, is another don't-miss sight. It's everything you think of when you think of Alaska: icy blue lakes, waterfalls, snow-capped peaks and glacial valleys. The only way to get there is on a boat or floatplane tour, and they typically start at over $200 a person.

Unfortunately, as you can see from the above, many of the most spectacular excursions in Alaskan ports are expensive. But Alaska is not a place to skimp. Alaska is a place where you may want to budget almost as much per person for your shore excursions as you do for your cabin.

That said, you don't have to splurge for a big outing at every call. In Juneau, for instance, you can get an outdoor experience with a relatively inexpensive trip to the nearby Mendenhall Glacier. It's just 12 miles from the cruise ship docks and reachable by bus or taxi. The bus will set you back an astounding $45 per person, round-trip, which I find an intolerable gouge (but … it is what it is). If you have a few people, you're probably better off with a taxi, which runs around $35 each way. For two or three people traveling together, it's not all that pricey a trip.

Either way you do it, you'll find some nice hiking trails around Mendenhall Glacier and a visitor center. There's a creek there, too, where I've sometimes seen salmon running. One time, I even saw a bear. Speaking of which: A bear is something you think you want to see in Alaska until you actually see one. Then you're just hoping you don't get eaten.

Related: The best Alaska cruises for couples

I should also be clear that the towns themselves aren't devoid of attractions. While I highly encourage Alaska-bound cruisers to get out into the wilderness, there are plenty of worthwhile things to do in each of the main port towns.

In Juneau, food tours have become popular; think King crab bisque and Alaska salmon. The Alaska State Museum is beautiful and worth a visit. Skagway is like a Gold Rush-themed movie set. You should at least walk its main street (Broadway), with its wooden-board sidewalks. If you're a craft beer fan, like me , you also might want to sample a Spruce Tip Blonde Ale at the Skagway Brewing Company. It's made with Sitka spruce tips picked locally in the spring.

In Ketchikan, you should save a few minutes to stroll up Creek Street, along Ketchikan Creek, where you might spot salmon running. It's the ultimate Alaska selfie spot.

Related: The best cruises to Alaska from Seattle

How to book the best Alaska shore excursions

The simplest way to book an Alaska shore excursion is through your cruise line. You check a box on an online form before sailing or while on board, and — poof! — it's all arranged. They send a ticket to your room, and when you walk off the ship, a tour guide will be waiting for you.

Another way to go is to book directly with a tour operator in one of the ports. Many of the tour operators you'll find in Alaskan ports are the same tour operators that operate the ship-sponsored excursions. Often, the tours that the local tour operators will sell you are the same tours that the cruise lines are selling you, at the same price . Shopping around isn't necessarily going to get you anywhere.

Indeed, in some cases, the cruise lines own the tour operators in Alaska ports, or at least a piece of them. For instance, the parent company of Princess Cruises and Holland America is a part-owner of Skagway's big attraction, the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway.

That said, you can sometimes get discounts by calling a tour operator directly. I've had some luck with that over the years. It's hit or miss.

Related: 8 tips for booking the best cruise shore excursion for your money

The 6 best Alaska shore excursions

Below, I've listed six of my all-time favorite Alaska shore excursions. These all are tours that you'll find in the tour lineups at every major cruise line that operates in Alaska. That said, different lines sometimes have different names for these tours — and sometimes different pricing.

For the listings below, I've used the tour names and pricing listed in the current tour sheets at Princess, which along with sister line Holland America, is the biggest cruise operator in Alaska.

Related: The ultimate guide to picking a cruise line

Dog-sledding and glacier adventure by helicopter

Cost: $669.95 per person

Port where available: Juneau

For those with a hefty bankroll, this might be the ultimate Alaska shore excursion. Combining helicopter flightseeing over the seemingly endless Juneau Icefield with a landing on a glacier for dog sledding, it hits two of Alaska's most iconic experiences.

It's also insanely expensive, as I know from firsthand experience. I once took my entire family of five on this excursion, dropping more than $2,000 in the process. That's a huge chunk of change for an outing that lasts three hours.

But I'll tell you this: I don't regret doing it. Not one bit. For starters, the views of the Juneau Icefield as you fly to and from the dog-sledding camp are incredible (assuming the weather cooperates). But the real joy was seeing my three young girls interacting with the teams of Alaskan huskies that live at the camp.

Once you arrive at the camp, you'll meet the dogs and their mushers, see where they live, get a quick tutorial in mushing, and then head out for a spin around the camp on a dog-pulled sled.

Related: These are the best times to visit Alaska

Whale watching and wildlife quest

Cost: $189.95

If it's Alaska's famous humpback whales that you want to see, you'll want to book a whale-watching tour. The waters around Juneau are particularly known for humpback whales — so much so that the operator of this excursion offers a whale-sighting guarantee.

Setting off from the Juneau harbor in a whale-watching boat, you'll cruise to nearby areas to see not just humpback whales but harbor seals and sea lions, too. You might even spot a killer whale or porpoise.

The boat used for this excursion has both inside and outdoor viewing areas. The trips last about four hours, including transfer time from your cruise ship to the whale-watching boat.

Related: The ultimate list of Alaska cruise tips

Note that if you have a big enough group, it sometimes pays to arrange a private boat out of Juneau to take you to see humpback whales. Many lines offer a private boat charter for whale watching as a tour option, or you can arrange one through a local company.

Klondike rock climbing and rappelling

Cost: $119.95

Port where available: Skagway

If you're like me, you may be a little terrified at the idea of climbing the sheer face of a rock cliff. But don't let that scare you away from this 3 1/4-hour tour. It's a hoot.

Experienced climbing guides will meet you at your ship and drive you up the Klondike Highway to an area of granite cliffs that's the perfect playground for beginner and more seasoned climbers alike. Upon arrival, the guides provide you with all the gear you need — climbing shoes, helmets and harnesses — for a safe scramble up a 70-foot-high wall. They'll also offer plenty of instruction (and encouragement) plus a snack of trail mix and hot chocolate.

If it all sounds a bit daunting, know that you don't need any experience at climbing to do it; I sure didn't have any when I tried it, nor did my young daughters, who absolutely loved it. There are multiple routes up the cliffs, some perfect for beginners. After making it to the top, you'll rappel back down — an entirely different kind of thrill.

Related: How to plan a cruise with points and miles

White Pass & Yukon Route Railway ride

Cost: $149.95

Call it the iconic attraction of Skagway, Alaska. A ride into the mountains on this narrow-gauge railroad is the tour everybody takes when visiting the Gold Rush town-turned-tourist hub. And for good reason. It offers an easy way to get deep into the Great Alaskan Outdoors.

Truth be told, I'm a fan of more active excursions. But for someone who isn't going to hike, bike, horseback ride or raft their way through the wilderness around Skagway (there are tours for all of those things, too), a ride on the White Pass & Yukon Railway is one of the best ways to get a glimpse of the area's classic Alaskan scenery.

Related: 13 things you should do before every cruise

From the comfort of a vintage rail car, you'll get stunning views of mountains, gorges, glacial rivers and waterfalls as you climb nearly 3,000 feet to the summit of White Pass — the headwaters to the mighty Yukon River. Designated an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, the 20-mile route is a marvel in its own right, with improbably steep grades at times and segments that pass over soaring wooden trestles and around tight, cliff-hanging curves.

Heli-hike and rail adventure

Cost: $399.95

This is another tour with a sky-high cost. But, in my opinion, it's well worth the money. Indeed, it's one of my all-time favorite Alaska shore excursions.

The five-hour, Skagway-based outing begins with a transfer from your ship to a nearby helicopter pad, where you'll find a helicopter waiting to whisk you high into the surrounding Sawtooth Mountain Range.

On a quick flight to your destination — a mountain trail in the Tongass National Forest — you'll get spectacular views of the mountains and Goat Lake. You'll land at Glacier Station, a remote mountain helicopter pad alongside the White Pass & Yukon Railway tracks. From there, you'll set off on a two- to six-mile guided wilderness hike on a trail along the Skagway River. The highlight of the hike: a magnificent view of Laughton Glacier.

Returning to Glacier Station, you'll end the day with a ride back to Skagway on the White Pass & Yukon Railway, which makes a special stop to pick you up.

Misty Fjords National Monument by seaplane

Cost: $299.95

Port where available: Ketchikan

There's nothing that says Alaska quite like a trip in a floatplane. And, if you're going to do a floatplane ride, there's nowhere better than in Ketchikan. You'll find a small armada of floatplanes waiting to take you to nearby Misty Fjords National Monument.

Misty Fjords is one of those quintessential Alaska destinations that's so beautiful you just want to cry. That is, if it's not too "misty" to see it. It got its name for a reason. The area is often shrouded in clouds and drizzly rain. Ketchikan is known as one of the rainiest places in North America, with over 13 feet of rain each year. So, yeah, bring a rain jacket.

But, also get ready for lovely views of glacier-carved fjords, cliffs and rock walls jutting thousands of feet out of the ocean. The whole thing is covered with temperate rainforests and features huge waterfalls (thanks to all that rain). It's definitely a sight to see.

Note that there often are two versions of this tour available: One that is about two hours in length and only includes flightseeing and a slightly longer version that includes a water landing within Misty Fjord National Monument.

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Holland America cruise shore excursion - Alaska Travel Adventures

• United States    
• Alaska (AK)    
• Ketchikan    
• Ketchikan - Things to Do    
• Alaska Travel Adventures

Alaska Travel Adventures - Rainforest Canoe and Nature Hike Our guide Lewis was informative and... read more

Despite a cold and wet day, Captain Lee and Libby made whale watching fun and comfortable. Salmon... read more

Holland America cruise shore excursion

Great tour! Will do it again, if we make it back. Jensen, our guide, was great, Jessica's cowboy coffee, best

The zodiac ride was very fun and exciting captain garret and deckhand Alex made the journey exciting and even stopping to point out wildlife. The hike with our guide Taylor was informative, easy hike that makes the whole journey well worth the money

We had such a great time four wheeling inAlaska! Gave us a great sense of what Alaska is like! The roads are very authentic and fun! Better than a ride in Disneyland! 😀 After jeep ride we canoed over to a picnic spot for a short nature hike. Just a great fun time! Thanks!

This was such an awesome excursion during our Alaskan cruise. Jensen was our guide, he was not only hilarious but knowledgeable and entertaining. We were picked up at the dock by James the driver ( who was pretty entertaining as well) and taken to the shop where we were split into two groups. We were put in the second group and taken to Harriet Hunt Lake for the canoe portion of the adventure. After we donned our life vests we paddled across the beautiful water to the snack and nature walk area. We were treated to chowder and hot chocolate, with other snacks. We then went on a very short nature walk, where we learned about the various plants and animal life. I'm pretty certain we saw a bear den. After we made our way back to the canoe and paddled back to the start, we traded places with the first group and got into the Jeeps! The jeep adventure took us up an old logging road to a high point of a hill/mountain. There we were able to take some great pictures and walk around a bit before switching drivers and heading back down. We were definitely sad for this excursion to end, and would recommend for anyone.

Weather can be unpredictable but we were lucky this "summer day" in Ketchicam, Alaska. Coming off of Disney Wonder, we got on the bus with our driver Carla. She's fun, informative and entertaining! We got to our lake destination safely and on time. Even learned some things about the city's construction, businesses and wildlife. Once at the lake, we were greeted by Captain John. Some safety info and a waiver with lots of encouragement to have fun, we set off in the canoe. Each of us were outfitted with an optional poncho (take one because weather is unpredictable), mandatory personal flotation device (PFD, aka life jacket), then seated (one-by-one). Comfortable and enjoyable paddling experience around the lake (encircling Blueberry Island - I think that's the name). We then arrived at another dock and had a snack consisting of smoked salmon, homemade raspberry jam, biscuits, Goldfish crackers, homemade clam chowder, marshmallows we roast ourselves and much to our delight, hot chocolate! Quite the spread under the dome! Chef Alex was an awesome host! The nature walk was brief and refreshing as well as educational. So much to learn. We appreciate Captain John's energy, sense of humor, knowledge and especially for our safe return. Awesome, just do it!!!

We took the 4 hour Ketchikan Rainforest Nature Walk and Sightseeing Cruise. This was a combination land/sea adventure, that took us out of the crowded Ketchikan port to a remote marina, and then off to a forested island. "Captain Jack" pointed out sights along the way and then dropped us at a secluded beach with a trailhead into the beautiful wilderness. We we were met by another guide that walked us through this magical place. We had a small group so it was especially intimate and manageable. Clean air, beautiful enchanting nature, and wildlife. Saw bald eagles, seals and the rare humpback whale "bubble fishing" on our return boat ride home. Even "the captain" was excited! If you want a taste of the frontier and a brief chance to get away from it all, this is for you!

• Holland America Line

HAL Canada/New England shore excursions

By CRu1853!! , December 31, 2018 in Holland America Line

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Hello all, I know some may tell me to go to the board for the Canada/New England cruises but I am looking for specific info from HAL cruisers.

DH and I are doing the 10 day cruise in April and choosing our excursions. I am looking for any yeas/nays on the following tours:

Bar Harbor:

Acadia National Park and lobster bake

An intimate look at Acadia National Park

Explore the ocean floor

Historic Lunenburg

O Canada Eh? A small group tour

Sidney, Nova Scotia:

 Relive history at the fortress of Louisbourg

Charlottetown, PEI:

Charlottetown on your own GPS

Fun with Falcons

Island drive and Anne of Green Gables

A walk through Old Quebec

Thank you ahead of time, I know this is long but any ideas and comments are appreciated.

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Fun with Falcons was amazing.   Jamie, the falconeer, is very knowledgeable and his wife and kids very accommodating to the groups who visit their home to learn about the birds of prey.  We each got to hold a falcon and then we went outside and had a hawk dive in, sit on our hand and eat from our hand.

In Halifax we were disappointed because our excursions to Lunenberg and Explore the Ocean floor were cancelled.  I'd have a plan B and check often with the excursions desk.

Ottawa traveller

I did the Fortress of Louisbourg in May. Not all of the fortress is open that early in the season. However, they do open enough places that you can get an overall appreciation of the site. They also personalize a visit to a home with people in costume who serve an old hot chocolate recipe which we appreciated. They also opened the bakery where we could get a much needed coffee and excellent home  baking before returning to the port. I was glad I went. Atlantic Canada is generally cold in April so make sure you take warm clothing including gloves and a hat. Be prepared for rain. In Charlottetown, you dock in the centre of town and can easily walk around on your own. The same for Quebec City.  There is a local tour bus in Bar Harbour that goes to Acadia park and it is quite reasonably priced. Halifax is also walkable with lots of things to see if your other options don't pan out.  Here is a link to the blog posts that I did on that trip.  https://lesliesh.wordpress.com/2018/05/

PEI: Prince Edward Island with House fo Green Gables was one of our favorites - and we had never read the book but did become later intrigued with the plucky orphan story. Just a gorgeous island so try to see as much as you can. Charlottestown has a very good shoe store in its little downtown - discounts on an excellent choice of good European brands - a bit of a famous stop for cruise passengers)

NOVA SCOTIA: We did Luneberg which was also very pretty and a way to see a lot of the countryside, but it requires you miss Halifax which by all accounts is also a must see city. Unfortunately on a later return cruise we also missed Halifax entirely due to high winds, but it should be maybe the first thing you see in Nova Scotia and save Luneberg for a later visit on another cruise because this entire itinerary can be enjoyed over and over again.

SYDNEY: We did both Louisburg and the Coal Mine tours on two visits - both highly recommended. (Caution: Coal mine tour does require a lot of  bending in the low ceiling tunnels)

ACADIA: we were on the Fall Color tour so this was the place to see the sweep of the brilliant color changes. Any tour that guarantees the top of Cadillac Mountain (can be too busy in the summer) is a good tour to take if you want to see this area.

If you time it right, you can walk out to the island in the Bar Harbor bay when the tide it out and the sand spit is revealed. Bar Harbor is a nice walkable town on its own plus a good place to get clam chowder, lobster rolls and blue berry pie for lunch.

QUEBEC: We think this a a city that is very doable on your own with a little pre-planning to include what interests you - be sure to track down a Chez Acton for the real deal "poutine" local speciality - we never found it as good elsewhere after falling in love with it in Quebec at this chain. (Fries, squeaky fresh white cheese curds and savory gravy - yes it is delicious)

Thanks to all of you for the terrific ideas. Very appreciated. 

knittinggirl

We did O Canada Small Group.  The lunch was amazing, and the smaller bus fit into the narrow streets of Luninburg better than the larger buses.  We had our visit to the Acadian Maple shop cut short, because of a couple that missed the return deadline at Peggy's Cove and only one bathroom at Acadian maple.    I reported this to the shore ex office, and she mentioned that due to the larger number of stops, and sometimes, we must choose from the bathroom and the site.  I contacted EXC office this year about O Canada Small Group, and learned they only planned to spend 30 minutes at Peggy's Cove.  So, cancelled O Canada and booked the Luninburg, Peggy's Cove and Mahony Bay instead.   Three stops, for the one w/ Mahony Bay instead of five or six w/ O Canada.

Our tour guide at Peggy's Cove mentioned on a five ship day, they had 47 buses in Peggy's Cove at once.  So, that's something to keep in mind if you book something w/ Peggy's Cove.

Love the guides in Halifax.  Men wear kilts and women wear skirts.  Lots of good information.  Learn something new each time.

Sydney - We like Spirit of the Fiddle.  No long bus ride.

P.E.I - Nice scenery w/ Island Drive & Anne of Green Gables. 

Bar Harbor - Done Acadia several times.  I'm holding out for Jordan Pond House.  Bar Harbor does involve tender rides ashore.  May try the Intimate Acadia.  Got to check the weather report first to see how windy it will be.  Transferring in and out of tenders can be scary in high wind.

I would second "Fun with Falcons", it was one of the most fascinating HAL tours I have done. Also very much enjoyed "Sailing on the Bras D'Or Lakes", a HAL tour out of Sydney, although I imagine an experienced sailor would find it somewhat tame.

3 hours ago, OlsSalt said: PEI: Prince Edward Island with House fo Green Gables was one of our favorites - and we had never read the book but did become later intrigued with the plucky orphan story. Just a gorgeous island so try to see as much as you can. Charlottestown has a very good shoe store in its little downtown - discounts on an excellent choice of good European brands - a bit of a famous stop for cruise passengers)   NOVA SCOTIA: We did Luneberg which was also very pretty and a way to see a lot of the countryside, but it requires you miss Halifax which by all accounts is also a must see city. Unfortunately on a later return cruise we also missed Halifax entirely due to high winds, but it should be maybe the first thing you see in Nova Scotia and save Luneberg for a later visit on another cruise because this entire itinerary can be enjoyed over and over again.   SYDNEY: We did both Louisburg and the Coal Mine tours on two visits - both highly recommended. (Caution: Coal mine tour does require a lot of  bending in the low ceiling tunnels)   ACADIA: we were on the Fall Color tour so this was the place to see the sweep of the brilliant color changes. Any tour that guarantees the top of Cadillac Mountain (can be too busy in the summer) is a good tour to take if you want to see this area. If you time it right, you can walk out to the island in the Bar Harbor bay when the tide it out and the sand spit is revealed. Bar Harbor is a nice walkable town on its own plus a good place to get clam chowder, lobster rolls and blue berry pie for lunch.   QUEBEC: We think this a a city that is very doable on your own with a little pre-planning to include what interests you - be sure to track down a Chez Acton for the real deal "poutine" local speciality - we never found it as good elsewhere after falling in love with it in Quebec at this chain. (Fries, squeaky fresh white cheese curds and savory gravy - yes it is delicious)

Agree with all of this and have done the bulk of them.  Loved the coal mine since my Dad and lots of relatives were coal miners at one time.  

As to Bar Harbor - we took the longer Ollies Trolley tour to Cadillac Mountain and loved it.  Very easy to find this local tour (ticket office right on the small pier and the trolley were a block away) - you can purchase ahead of time as well.  Highly recommended and used by many on this board.

Another suggestion for Bar Harbour - Woody at Bar Harbour Coastal Tours (207) 288-1222. I have used his service twice with very good results. He is a local that grew up in the area and will give you a great local tour, with excellent commentary.

Have you considered DIY excursions? For example, there are many free walking tours of Quebec City, as well as less expensive paid tours. This is just one of many examples:  https://www.lonelyplanet.com/canada/quebec-city/travel-tips-and-articles/a-walking-tour-of-quebec-city/40625c8c-8a11-5710-a052-1479d276214a   We've found tours like this for many different cities and love being able to walk at our own pace.

Another DIY suggestion would be to rent a car (they'll pick you up and drop you off at the port) and drive to Louisbourg. Car rental and entry fee will probably be less than a single excursion ticket and gives you the opportunity to do a little bit of exploring on the side. When we took a Canada/New England cruise in 2015, we rented a car and did DIY excursions in all ports other than Bar Harbor. We booked with Oli's Trolley there and highly recommend it.

Thanks for the ideas. We have never done a DIY tour before but may be time to start.

It will be cold in most ports and there will be abbreviated tourist activities in some. 

We have visited Maine for years. Ollie’s trolley will have a couple tours running. They do a great job. Call or check web site closer to departure to see what they will run.  

We cruised on the Veendam this past May on this itinerary and loved it - we're from Ontario. 

Quebec City is definitely a walk around city and take in the sights on your own.  Take the finicular up to the Chateau Frontenac level and walk in front of the hotel.  Spectacular sights.  Charlottetown we rented a car from Enterprise and they picked us up right at the pier.  We drove down the south shore to the Confederation bridge, had a great seafood lunch, took in Cows creamery and headed back to the ship.  In Sydney - Enterprise car rental again -- picked us up at the pier and we drove straight out to Glace Bay where we did the Miner's Museum - HIGHLY recommended.  Wonderful people, very informative.  If you do this on your own, let them know you're coming because April is very early in the season and they don't have many tours going on throughout the day.  They put us with another tour group (that paid a lot more money for the excursion) and we had the same experience for a fraction of the cost.  We went to a lobster place on the pier near the museum and they boiled us some lobsters that were walking on the ocean floor that morning and we found a picnic table in town and gobbled them up.  In Halifax, it was pouring rain and we took a taxi to the Maritime Museum and that was very interesting.  In better weather we could have done so much more.  In fact, we had a walking tour of the city booked, but because of the weather, we cancelled it.  In Bar Harbour, we just toured around on our own, had a great lunch and saw many lovely little shops.  Boston was where our cruise ended and we just flew back to Montreal that day.  

I wouldn't hesitate to rent a car and tour on your own.  Each province's tourism websites have great resources to driving tours and sightseeting (PEI especially).  The cost of a car rental was about $70/day, and the people at Enterprise were very helpful and accommodating.  

Have fun on your cruise.  We loved it.  We normally cruise with our now teenage kids in the Caribbean but thought we'd jump on this itinerary close to home and we really enjoyed it.  Early May was considered the beginning of the season and the weather was generally good.  We wore a windbreaker over pants and a sweatshirt most days and were perfectly comfortable -- though we're hearty and used to the Canadian climate. 😉

3rdGenCunarder

I've done at least a half-dozen Canada cruises over the years, and I've loved every one, spring, summer, or fall. Lots of DIY opportunities on your cruise. It takes some advance research, but for me that's part of the fun of travel.

Halifax has more than enough for one day, so I'd do that as a DIY. You can take a taxi (or walk uphill) to the fort, then work your way downhill to the Maritime Museum. You could include the public garden along the way--it probably would have lots of daffs that time of year. Then, after the Maritime Museum, walk the boardwalk back to the ship. There's also an immigration museum right at the pier. And a great farm market in a "green" building nearby, too. I hated the Lunenburg tour. Lunenburg was OK, but mostly cute shops (how is that a UNESCO World Heritage Site??), as was the other stop in Mahone Bay. The problem was the tour itself. The drive was considerably longer than the description said, so there wasn't enough time to walk around Lunenburg and have lunch and see the museum. You could rent a car to have more freedom but you'd have to be mindful of time, which could put a damper on the day. If I had to choose just one thing in Halifax, it would be the Maritime Museum.

Quebec City is also a good DIY day. The old city is lovely, and great for walking around. Lots of good places to have lunch. Walk around Petit Champlain with its cute shops, take the funicular up to the huge Chateau Frontenac hotel. There's also a good "museum of civilization," with Canadian history as permanent exhibits and always intersting temporary exhibits (all about cats and dogs one time, London another time)

In Sydney, I've done the off-season tour to Louisbourg, and it's true that it isn't fully open. I would hesitate to do it independently off-season, because the character interpreters we saw (and the hot chocolate) were put on for our tour. If we'd been independent visitors we'd have missed that. Of the tours I've done in Sydney, Louisbourg was my favorite. Our visits to Sydney always had earlier departures than other ports, so we were too risk-averse to rent a car there.

I agree with Sprockie about renting a car on PEI. We've done that twice. The main focus the first time was to go to Green Gables, and the second time was just to drive around and have a lobster lunch. For anyone who read the Anne books, you really have to go to Green Gables. It isn't Montgomery's house, and might  be the inspiration for GG or might not. But it's a lovely farmhouse set up to remind you of the book. I had reread the book before the cruise and I stumbled on a bio of Montgomery in the ship's library (see, HAL, some of us DO use the library!!!!), so I was primed to get the most out of the day. Even if you aren't a fan of Anne, it's a nice bit of PEI history and a pretty place. (DH had never read the books but still enjoyed the visit) The advantage of going to GG on your own is you can hit it mid-day, as we did--arriving just as the morning tours leave and finishing just as the afternoon tours are arriving. PEI is beautiful and if you rent a car you can stop as the spirit moves you. 

Bar Harbor is a good DIY. The lobster bake might be nice, but I generally avoid tours that include lunch because it's time I could spend sightseeing. And if you want lobster, there are plenty of places to get it in Bar Harbor. Acadia is definitely worth seeing, and Oli's Trolley is a good choice. Another thing to do on your own in Bar Harbor is a "Maine Foodie Tour." The Portland one is outstanding, and the Bar Harbor one is almost as good. (More ribald stories in Portland)

I was just on a Canada cruise this fall, and thinking about it makes me want to go again!!

1 hour ago, 3rdGenCunarder said: I hated the Lunenburg tour. Lunenburg was OK, but mostly cute shops (how is that a UNESCO World Heritage Site??), as was the other stop in Mahone Bay. The problem was the tour itself. The drive was considerably longer than the description said, so there wasn't enough time to walk around Lunenburg and have lunch and see the museum. You could rent a car to have more freedom but you'd have to be mindful of time, which could put a damper on the day. If I had to choose just one thing in Halifax, it would be the Maritime Museum.

I've never taken a shore excursion to Lunenburg, so I can't speak to the quality of those provided by HAL or private operators and what they enable you to see or do. On the other hand, I lived in Halifax for many years, and a day trip out to Lunenburg and area was always a favourite outing with family and friends visiting us. Whenever we now visit Halifax, which we do frequently, Lunenburg is always part of our plans. When DW and I visited on the Maasdam a couple of years ago, that's where we headed with our rental car. The UNESCO World Heritage Site designation is well deserved, IMO, as Old Town Lunenburg is the best surviving example of a planned British colonial settlement in North America. Established in 1753, it has retained its original layout and overall appearance and has much to offer beyond cute shops.

Alberta Quilter

Can anyone offer comments about St. Pierre & Miquelon or Baie Comeau?  Our Sep/19 cruise includes both stops.  While HAL has shorex posted for the other ports, they do not have any for these two.  I realize it could still be a little too early but I'm wondering if HAL will offer ANY shorex at these two stops since they are rare port stops.  If that's the case, then I'll increase my efforts at private tours/DIY options.  

And before someone comments, someone from the roll call already asked about touring options for these two ports in the ports forum.  My question is more HAL specific.

7 minutes ago, Fouremco said: I've never taken a shore excursion to Lunenburg, so I can't speak to the quality of those provided by HAL or private operators and what they enable you to see or do. On the other hand, I lived in Halifax for many years, and a day trip out to Lunenburg and area was always a favourite outing with family and friends visiting us. Whenever we now visit Halifax, which we do frequently, Lunenburg is always part of our plans. When DW and I visited on the Maasdam a couple of years ago, that's where we headed with our rental car. The UNESCO World Heritage Site designation is well deserved, IMO, as Old Town Lunenburg is the best surviving example of a planned British colonial settlement in North America. Established in 1753, it has retained its original layout and overall appearance and has much to offer beyond cute shops.

If the tour hadn't wasted time on back roads so we could see the lake where Tom Selleck has a house (if that's even true), I might have had time to explore Lunenburg more. The guide really turned me off. In addition to talking the entire time, usually saying things twice for emphasis, he told whoppers about the filming of "Titanic" (he claimed it was all filmed in and around Halifax) and very strongly suggested a particular restaurant where mentioning his name would let you get a table quickly (kickback, anyone?). So with all of that, Lunenburg didn't appeal to me. But that's the risk you take when you do a ship's tour and can't control the route or timing.

21 minutes ago, Alberta Quilter said: Can anyone offer comments about St. Pierre & Miquelon...

It's been many years, so my memory is poor, but I'll post what I do remember. We had one stop at St. Pierre; nothing at Miquelon. There was a HAL tour at the time (might have been more, but I took one) that was a drive around. I do remember one stop at a cemetery, which I found interesting. There were some singers/dancers in the town square to welcome us, and several shops. It's a small, quaint, town. And you're in France when you are there! This is not Canada, but full Departments of France.

2 minutes ago, RuthC said: It's been many years, so my memory is poor, but I'll post what I do remember. We had one stop at St. Pierre; nothing at Miquelon. There was a HAL tour at the time (might have been more, but I took one) that was a drive around. I do remember one stop at a cemetery, which I found interesting. There were some singers/dancers in the town square to welcome us, and several shops. It's a small, quaint, town. And you're in France when you are there! This is not Canada, but full Departments of France.

Thank you Ruth.  I'm on the same cruise as Alberta Quilter who posed the question. Just an fyi that my HAL PCC has given me the docking information for our port call in Saint Pierre & Miquelon, and it's at Miquelon.  It will definitely be interesting to be in France in North America!

11 minutes ago, Alberta Quilter said: Can anyone offer comments about St. Pierre & Miquelon or Baie Comeau?  Our Sep/19 cruise includes both stops.  While HAL has shorex posted for the other ports, they do not have any for these two.  I realize it could still be a little too early but I'm wondering if HAL will offer ANY shorex at these two stops since they are rare port stops.  If that's the case, then I'll increase my efforts at private tours/DIY options.     And before someone comments, someone from the roll call already asked about touring options for these two ports in the ports forum.  My question is more HAL specific.

HAL did offer tours when we were in Baie Comeau 8 years ago.  I don't recall a long list of tours. The only tour I remember was the one we took, which was to a hydro power plant. Then we walked around the town a bit. I remember a park and a nice path with views of the sea and the ship. 

Last September I took this cruise.  In Bar Harbor I was on the Acadia National Park and Lobster Bake tour.  The tour to Acadia was great!  Unfortunately the lobster bake was a big disappointment.  The lobster was very small and very much overcooked.  The dining room was very large but also very overcrowded. 

1 hour ago, 3rdGenCunarder said:   If the tour hadn't wasted time on back roads so we could see the lake where Tom Selleck has a house (if that's even true), I might have had time to explore Lunenburg more. The guide really turned me off. In addition to talking the entire time, usually saying things twice for emphasis, he told whoppers about the filming of "Titanic" (he claimed it was all filmed in and around Halifax) and very strongly suggested a particular restaurant where mentioning his name would let you get a table quickly (kickback, anyone?). So with all of that, Lunenburg didn't appeal to me. But that's the risk you take when you do a ship's tour and can't control the route or timing.

How very disappointing for you. When we were neophyte cruisers, we took a number of so-so HAL excursions and experienced guides who were less than stellar, but with with a lot of guidance from Cruise Critic contributors, we soon switched to DIY and private excursions. There is so much information available today on the internet that planning an excursion has become a piece of cake. It helps being retired and having both the time and interest in doing the research, but for me, planning is half the fun.

1 hour ago, 3rdGenCunarder said:   HAL did offer tours when we were in Baie Comeau 8 years ago.  I don't recall a long list of tours. The only tour I remember was the one we took, which was to a hydro power plant. Then we walked around the town a bit. I remember a park and a nice path with views of the sea and the ship.   

I will be patient and give them a couple more months to post tours.  Thank you.

1 hour ago, RuthC said: It's been many years, so my memory is poor, but I'll post what I do remember. We had one stop at St. Pierre; nothing at Miquelon. There was a HAL tour at the time (might have been more, but I took one) that was a drive around. I do remember one stop at a cemetery, which I found interesting. There were some singers/dancers in the town square to welcome us, and several shops. It's a small, quaint, town. And you're in France when you are there! This is not Canada, but full Departments of France.

As Turtles06 mentioned, we're docking in Miquelon so it will be more challenging to get to St Pierre.  From most of the info that I found, it sounds like the main town is on St Pierre.  

With these two ports, I'm thinking that a HAL tour may be the way to go.  That's what we found for the Iles de la Madeleine.  

4 hours ago, Fouremco said: I've never taken a shore excursion to Lunenburg, so I can't speak to the quality of those provided by HAL or private operators and what they enable you to see or do. On the other hand, I lived in Halifax for many years, and a day trip out to Lunenburg and area was always a favourite outing with family and friends visiting us. Whenever we now visit Halifax, which we do frequently, Lunenburg is always part of our plans. When DW and I visited on the Maasdam a couple of years ago, that's where we headed with our rental car. The UNESCO World Heritage Site designation is well deserved, IMO, as Old Town Lunenburg is the best surviving example of a planned British colonial settlement in North America. Established in 1753, it has retained its original layout and overall appearance and has much to offer beyond cute shops.

Maritime Museum in Halifax is very short walk from whereffhe ship docks and is  worth seing IMO>  They have a wonderful collection of ships' bells

I also foun the cemetery where are buried many of those  lost on T itanic.   I was   better   able  to grasp  the great diversity of the Halifax population., as we viewed the Italian section, the Greek section, Jewish etc.     It also is  near where ship docks though we did not walk there..

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You Can Book a Holland America Cruise for $1 — but You'll Have to Act Fast

As in, book it today.

Courtesy of Holland America Line

Holland America Line is turning 151 and is celebrating by offering $1 deposits, up to 45% off cruise fares, and more.

Holland America shared with Travel + Leisure that its celebratory discounted deposits are valid for today only and available for cruises this summer through spring 2025. As part of the promotion, travelers can also save up to 45% off cruise fares, receive up to $300 in onboard credit per stateroom , and share a room for less since third and fourth guests sail free on select voyages when they book by April 30.

In addition, travelers can take advantage of the discounted deposits to book Holland America’s “Have it All” packages, which include shore excursions, a beverage package, specialty dining, and a Wi-Fi package.

“Whether seeking the thrill of exploration in a new destination next year, building memories with loved ones over the holidays, or simply relaxing this summer on a getaway from the day-to-day, Holland America Line has made it that much easier to book your next cruise today,” Kacy Cole, the chief marketing officer for Holland America Line, told T+L.

The promotion is available on cruises throughout Holland America’s extensive network of destinations, including cruises to Alaska, Europe, Canada and New England, Australia and New Zealand, and beyond.

Sail up and down Alaska’s Inside Passage starting at just $644 per person, or spend a week traversing the Strait of Messina with stops in Malta, Greece, Italy, and Turkey starting at just $779 per person. Travelers who want a relaxing Caribbean getaway can book a 10-day journey starting at just $999 per person, featuring stops in Jamaica, Belize, Mexico, the Cayman Islands, and a day at Half Moon Cay, Holland America’s private island . Or splash out on an 11-day voyage through Turkey, Cyprus, and Greece, starting at just $939 per person.

Beyond the sale, Holland America offers the chance to save on a last-minute trip with its Standby Program , which allows guests to sign up to be on standby to cruise on eligible sailings for just $49 per person per day. Guests find out if they got on a trip a few days before the scheduled departure.

Holland America Line to Debut Glacier Day, Enhanced Experiences on Alaska Cruises in 2024

WHY IT RATES: Holland America Line makes visiting Alaska even more amazing.—Donald Wood, Breaking News Senior Writer.

Holland America Line is debuting “Glacier Day” on its Alaska cruises as it rolls out new programming within its "We Love Alaska” on board experience. The new offerings include Alaska Up Close presentations as well as culinary and beverage experiences to help foster a deeper connection to the people, history and culture of the state. The 2024 season kicks off April 27 from Vancouver and May 4 from Seattle. 

“Holland America Line continues to focus on bringing regional and local experiences on board every cruise, with our Alaska sailings leading the way in authentic programming, localized cuisine, and now special events like ‘Glacier Day’,” said Beth Bodensteiner, chief commercial officer of Holland America Line. “We continue to cultivate like-minded partnerships and fine-tune everything from cocktails to wildlife maps to ensure our guests are completely immersed in all facets of Alaska.”

Alaska Season Itineraries and Cruisetours

Through September 2024, guests can embark on Holland America Line’s Alaska cruises and Cruisetours from Vancouver and Seattle aboard Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Westerdam and Zaandam. In addition to seven-day itineraries, guests can take longer 14-day cruises and a new 28-day Arctic Circle Solstice Legendary Voyage that includes 12 Alaska ports.

Cruisetours range from nine to 18 days and include a one-, two- or three-day visit to Denali National Park. Select Cruisetours also include a journey into the wilds of Canada’s Yukon. Holland America Line remains the only cruise line that offers overland tours to the Yukon combined with an Alaska cruise and Denali experience.

‘Glacier Day’ Puts a Spotlight on Alaska’s Majestic Glaciers

As a leader in Alaska cruising, Holland America Line offers more glacier experiences than any other cruise line. The new Glacier Day includes sighting times, scenic commentary, presentations, informational viewing stations, photo opportunities, Dutch Pea Soup on deck, Glacier Ice cocktails, insightful talks by Glacier Bay National Park Rangers and Huna cultural interpreters, an open bow for viewing, and more.

Every Alaska cruise includes a visit to one or more of Alaska’s iconic glacier destinations: Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier, Dawes Glacier, and the Twin Sawyer Glaciers of Tracy Arm. Shore excursions also offer the opportunity to visit additional glaciers, including Mendenhall and Portage glaciers.

Serving Fresh Fish in Alaska

Holland America continues to build on its groundbreaking Global Fresh Fish program, which includes being the only cruise line with Alaska seafood certified sustainable by the Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM) and bringing locally sourced fresh fish from port to plate in less than 48 hours. In addition to the seafood and other local delicacies served on the menus, ships in Alaska will serve three exclusive dishes created by the brand’s Fresh Fish Ambassador Chef Morimoto: Fresh Black Cod Yuzu, Morimoto Epice Lobster and Fresh Halibut XO.

A new Alaska Seafood Boil will be offered once per cruise in Lido Market for a surcharge. The foodie feast will serve Ivar’s Northwest-Style Clam Chowder, Dungeness Cruise Clusters, Alaska Salmon, Penn Cove Clams, Penn Cove Mussels and a Shrimp Bucket, with Triple Berry Crisp and vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Offered once per cruise, all dishes on the Alaska Brunch menu in the Dining Room were created with the influence of fresh, local Alaskan and Pacific Northwest ingredients. The selections range from sweet to savory and include Alaskan Blueberry Pancakes, Salmon & Potato Chowder, Wild Forest Mushroom and Tarragon Crepes, Kodiak Steak and Egg Skillet, Crab and Hot Smoked Salmon Cakes, Biscuits with Gravy and Alaskan Reindeer Sausage, and Home Smoked Gulf of Alaska Cod Benny.

Bartender Sam Ross Creates Alaska Cocktails

Acclaimed bartender Sam Ross created a menu of exclusive cocktails that will be featured in the bars on all Alaska ships: Juneau AK, Klondiker, PNW Penicillin, Mosquito, Midnight Sun and Frontier Champagne Flip. Ross was the 2011 “U.S. Bartender of the Year” and his flagship bar, Attaboy, won the 2022 award for “Best Bar in the U.S.” by The World’s 50 Best Bars. Ross is credited with creating two of the most famous modern classic cocktails: Penicillin and Paper Plane.

New Exclusive ‘Killer Whale Pale Ale’ Available On Board

Holland America Line is debuting a new “Killer Whale Pale Ale” on all Alaska cruises. The beer was produced in collaboration with Pike Brewing – Seattle’s oldest craft brewery – and features notes of honey, citrus and tropical fruits. The label artwork was created in collaboration with Native Artist Rico Worl, a member of the Tlingit and Athabascan community, who also designed the Native artwork featured on the Alaska menus. The Killer Whale Pale Ale label represents the food chain in the Pacific Northwest, with a seal deftly maneuvering out of the grasp of a killer whale.

More Wildlife Viewing than Any Other Cruise Line

Alaska is synonymous with stunning wilderness, and Holland America Line offers more ways to see wildlife in its natural habitat. Alaska ships carry an expert on board to help guests witness the majestic animals found in the region, and a Wildlife Spotting Guide points out the native animals found along the cruise route and includes a map with the best places to see each species. Ashore, Holland America Line offers nearly 180 shore excursions to see species of all kinds.

On Deck for a Cause Continues to Support Alaska’s Parks

Holland America Line will continue to donate proceeds from its “On Deck for a Cause” charitable event aboard ships in the region to Alaska Geographic, the nonprofit education partner of Alaska’s parks, forests, refuges and conservation lands. Called “On Deck for a Cause: Alaska’s Parks,” guests on all Alaska cruises will be invited to donate $25 to participate in a noncompetitive 5K fundraising walk aboard every sailing. Funds raised through “On Deck for a Cause: Alaska’s Parks” will go to support education, science and research in Alaska’s parks. The 2023 Alaska season raised more than $100,000 for Alaska Geographic.

Standby Program Offers Reduced Rates for Seattle and Vancouver Cruises

Guests with easy access to Seattle or Vancouver have an opportunity to cruise to Alaska at a reduced rate of $49 per person, per day with Holland America Line’s Standby program. Travelers who sign up for a cruise are alerted between seven and two days before departure if they will be sailing. Solo cruisers also only pay $49 per day and do not incur a single supplement for a double stateroom.

SOURCE: Holland America Line press release.

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• HAL-Holland America elevates Alaska cruising experience with...

HAL-Holland America elevates Alaska cruising experience with 'Glacier Day' and enhanced programming

As part of its "We Love Alaska" onboard experience, HAL-Holland America Line is unveiling "Glacier Day" on its Alaska cruises, offering new programming aimed at fostering a deeper connection to the state's people, history, and culture.

The debut coincides with the start of the 2024 season, commencing on April 27th from Vancouver (BC Canada) and May 4th from Seattle (WA USA) .

From April through September 2024, guests can embark on Holland America's Alaska cruises and Cruisetours from Vancouver and Seattle aboard Eurodam , Koningsdam , Nieuw Amsterdam , Noordam , Westerdam , and Zaandam . The offerings include 7-day itineraries, longer 14-day cruises, and a new 28-day Arctic Circle Solstice Legendary Voyage featuring 12 Alaskan ports.

Cruisetours, ranging from nine to 18 days, feature visits to Denali National Park, with some including journeys into Canada's Yukon. Holland America Line remains the sole cruise line offering overland tours to the Yukon combined with an Alaska cruise and Denali experience.

Renowned for its Alaska cruising, Holland America Line provides extensive glacier experiences, including Glacier Day. This new addition offers guests sighting times, scenic commentary, presentations, viewing stations, photo opportunities, onboard specialties like Dutch Pea Soup and Glacier Ice cocktails, talks by Glacier Bay National Park Rangers and Huna cultural interpreters, open bow access, and more.

Each Alaska cruise includes visits to iconic glacier destinations like Glacier Bay National Park , Hubbard Glacier , Dawes Glacier, and the Twin Sawyer Glaciers of Tracy Arm . Shore excursions provide opportunities to explore additional glaciers, such as Mendenhall and Portage glaciers.

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The best time to cruise to alaska in 2024.

Plan your bucket list adventure to explore the extraordinary beauty of the 49th state.

The Best Time to Cruise to Alaska

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Alaska's astounding beauty and vast wilderness are unlike any other destination in the U.S. – and even in the world. While you can plan land-based trips to the state, many of Alaska's majestic snowcapped mountains, pristine forests, glacial waterways and abundant wildlife are in remote locations, only reachable by plane or by boat. That's just one of the many reasons why Alaska is one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world.

If you're ready to stop dreaming and start planning a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to The Great Land, here are tips on the best times to cruise Alaska.

Best Overall Time: Shoulder Seasons

Best time for warmer weather, best time for wildlife viewing, best time for salmon fishing, best time for the northern lights, best time for shore excursions.

If you want to score a deal and have fewer crowds, travel during the shoulder seasons: May and September. In these months, cruise fares are typically lower and ships are not as full, offering more cabin availability. However, with changes in the global climate bringing more moderate temperatures to Alaska, and the cruise season now extending into April and October, cruisers can also expect to find deals in April and October. There will be fewer sailings to choose from, but you may find lower pricing and avoid the peak-season crowds on the ship and in the ports.

In addition, select shore excursions may be available at a discount in the spring and fall. If you're planning on exploring Alaska on your own before or after your cruise, you'll also find cheaper hotel rates at the beginning or end of the cruise season.

Alaska's weather can change dramatically, especially the further north you go, no matter the month or season. While the weather may not be as predictable in April as in the middle of summer, Alaska can be beautiful in springtime with temperatures in the mid-40s, according to Tyler Hickman, senior vice president of Icy Strait Point, an Alaska Native-owned port in Hoonah and a port of call in Southeast Alaska. Hickman says there are long stretches of sunny days and crisp, clear evenings, offering the opportunity for late-season viewing of the northern lights . He also adds that April is one of the favorite times of year for local Alaskans.

If you're interested in cruising to Alaska in April, Norwegian Cruise Line has a few options, including weekly sailings on Norwegian Bliss beginning April 6. The line also offers Alaska itineraries through the end of October. Other lines sailing the extended season in Alaska in late April include Princess Cruises , Holland America Line , Royal Caribbean International , Carnival Cruise Line , UnCruise Adventures and Lindblad Expeditions.

If you prefer to travel in the fall, early October temperatures are usually in the 50s, while the end of the month brings snow in the higher elevations. The days are longer and there are no crowds, so it may be an ideal time to visit if you're not interested in the summer outdoor experiences. Norwegian, Holland America and Seabourn Cruise Line offer sailings in October.

Read: The Best Alaska Cruise Deals

If you'd prefer warmer weather for your cruise, the summer season in Alaska runs from mid-May to mid-September. During that period, daytime temperatures typically range from 60 to 80 degrees, though they can drop into the 40s overnight. You can expect to have between 16 to 24 hours of daylight in the warmer season. May is considered the driest month, with around a 25% chance of precipitation, but the rain becomes more frequent throughout the summer.

Alaska.org, a website run by local Alaskans that provides travel information and recommendations, advises that the best time to visit in summer is from June 15 to July 15. This 30-day period is regarded as the peak season for warm, dry weather – and it's the perfect time for outdoor activities such as wildlife viewing, fishing and hiking. If you want to experience the most "midnight sun," plan to cruise a few weeks before or after the summer solstice – the longest day of the year – which falls on June 20 in 2024.

Come September, the days are generally shorter, rainier and cooler – but not always. You might get lucky with some unseasonably warm days amid the beautiful fall foliage ; as a bonus, September also means no bugs and fewer crowds.

If you have school-age children, you'll probably need to travel midsummer, during peak season. However, if you're flexible on dates, there's really no bad time to visit this magical destination. Mountain peaks shrouded in clouds or misty days cruising Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve in late April are as beautiful as sunny days hiking through Tongass National Forest or whale watching on an excursion out of Icy Strait Point in July.

Read: The Best Places to Visit in Alaska

According to Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, one of the top destinations on the Inside Passage itinerary, wildlife viewing is possible year-round, especially if you have your binoculars at hand. When you're not watching for turquoise ice calving in the bay from the glaciers, you might see humpback whales as long as 65 feet or black and brown bears up to 10 feet tall – as well as orcas, harbor and Dall's porpoises, sea otters, harbor seals, mountain goats, sea lions, seabirds, and bald eagles soaring overhead. And that's just what you can view from the ship.

During cruises through the park, rangers board the ships to offer commentary and information about the marine and terrestrial wildlife. They also help spot whales or other animals along the way. One of the highlights while cruising slowly through the park is to go outside on the bow of the ship – or even out onto your veranda – to listen to the incredible silence of this otherworldly place. You may hear nothing at all, or perhaps you'll be treated to the sounds of birds in the distance or the swoosh from a whale's blowhole before it dives down below the water's surface.

It's possible to view certain animals and marine life throughout the year, according to Hickman. "Whale sightings are consistent from May through September, with fewer occurring in April and October as they migrate from or to Hawaii for the winter," he says, adding: "Even on a foggy day when you can't see the whales, you can still hear them and feel their presence – and that's almost as incredible as seeing them from a ship or along the coastline."

If you're interested in spotting brown bears, here is Hickman's advice: "Bear sightings in the spring will depend on the snowpack and when they are leaving hibernation. This year we had very good bear viewing along the Spasski River starting in May when the coastal brown bears emerged from hibernation."

He adds, "They feed on the grass of the valley and eat skunk cabbage roots in May and early June. As the berries start to emerge in June, it holds many of the same bears, and as we get into mid-July, the salmon start heading upstream. There is a constant food source from May through September at Spasski. Many of the other bear viewing areas do not have the same features we have, and it leads to people thinking that bears are only around when fish are in the rivers."

Chichagof Island – the location of Hoonah and Icy Strait Point – was given the nickname "Bear Island" by National Geographic. The island boasts one to two brown bears per square mile, making it one of the largest brown bear populations in the world. Hickman says you're nearly guaranteed to see bears on one of Icy Strait Point's bear-watching tours. Icy Point Strait also offers whale watching adventures and other treks into the wilderness.

Alaska.org points to May through September as the best time for wildlife viewing, though you can spot some animals year-round, like moose or orcas. The website also advises that fly-in bear viewing starts in May but is at its best in July.

Looking to book a cruise to see Alaska's wildlife? See the top cruises on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

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If you are an avid angler – or just want to watch the bears fish for their supper – then visit Alaska during the peak salmon runs, from May to September. King salmon season begins in May and goes through the end of July. The silver salmon run lasts from July up until the end of November. Red salmon are available between mid-June and mid-August, while you can catch pink and chum salmon in the brief window from mid-July to mid-August.

If you prefer halibut or just want to get out on the ocean, the best time for this wild Pacific species is from May to September. You can also seek out many other river and ocean species, such as rainbow trout, arctic char and northern pike. Cruise lines offer fishing excursions, or you can arrange for a private or group charter in an Alaskan town like Ketchikan.

If you want to see brown bears during the salmon run, book a bear-viewing excursion in one of the ports, such as Icy Strait Point. Or, extend your trip by combining a visit to Katmai National Park and Preserve and the renowned Brooks River with a stay at Brooks Lodge. Brooks Falls is the site for iconic photos of bears catching salmon that are jumping over the falls, and you may be able to view the bears feasting in salmon season when the property is open, from June through mid-September. The lodge is accessible by floatplane from King Salmon. You can also add a flyover tour during your stay to see the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, an area in southern Alaska transformed by ash from the 1912 Novarupta-Katmai volcanic eruption.

Aurora season – the best time to see the northern lights in Alaska – runs from mid-August to mid-April. While some passengers cruising the Inside Passage may catch a glimpse of the phenomenon in late summer and early fall, it's not guaranteed. As southeast Alaska typically has more precipitation and clouds since it's a temperate rainforest, you likely won't find optimal conditions for aurora viewing here.

Your chances to see the lights are better the further north you go, so you may want to look at booking a cruisetour: a land and sea package that's usually offered by some of the major cruise lines from May through September. These combined trips generally include the cruise, overnight accommodations in lodges, railway journeys and motorcoach travel between destinations.

With these tours, you'll be able to visit the vast landscape of Alaska, where you can explore cities like Anchorage and Fairbanks or spend time in Denali National Park and Preserve – and you'll have a better chance to view the northern lights. Lines that offer cruisetours include Norwegian, Celebrity Cruises , Holland America, Princess and Royal Caribbean.

Since 2024 is projected to be one of the best years to view the aurora borealis in Alaska, you might want to extend your trip to venture above the Arctic Circle or into Alaska's interior for a prime viewing opportunity. Fairbanks and the Arctic region are under the auroral oval, which is where the northern lights activity is concentrated. You can watch the forecast for the aurora borealis online at Explore Fairbanks' Aurora Tracker and the Geophysical Institute's Aurora Forecast .

Read: The Top Places to See the Northern Lights

Some of the excursions offered on an Alaskan cruise may be the most expensive tours you've seen on a ship, but they're also probably some of the coolest things you've ever thought about doing while on vacation.

Note that the probability of a tour being canceled for weather is almost the same for all tours offered between April and October, as the weather in Alaska can be unpredictable. Some of the more extreme tours, however, may not be available early or late in the season. If you want the best chance for optimal weather, consider the advice from Alaska.org and book your cruise between mid-June and mid-July.

If you're looking at splurging on a bucket list adventure while in Skagway – like Alaska Shore Tours' flightseeing helicopter adventure, which includes a dog-sledding experience on a glacier – you should check to make sure it's available the month you'll be cruising. This particular tour may not be open for booking before May or after September due to the conditions for the sled dogs.

Another over-the-top excursion dependent on optimal weather conditions is the Heli-Hike and Rail Adventure that begins in Skagway. This tour includes a helicopter ride from town that flies over glaciers and mountains, then drops you off for a roughly 5-mile guided hike to view Laughton Glacier and learn about the natural history of the area. After the hike, you'll board the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad at Glacier Station for the scenic journey through the mountains back to Skagway.

If you're interested in the Misty Fjords Flightseeing tour in Ketchikan, this thrilling ride is also best on a clear day. This Alaskan bush plane tour soars over the Misty Fjords National Monument, which has more than 2 million acres of pristine lakes, waterfalls, ancient forests and snowcapped mountains.

Tours that include activities like mountain climbing or navigating suspension bridges might also be best when done on a sunny day. The prime time for wildlife viewing and fishing, as mentioned above, will depend on what animals you're interested in seeing and which species of fish you want to catch.

The ship's excursion desk, local guides or tour providers can offer the best advice on how to plan your activities. No matter which tours you opt to take, be prepared for the ever-changing weather patterns by wearing layers – and make sure to bring a waterproof rain jacket. Before booking, you should check the individual tour operator's cancellation and refund policy.

Read: The Best Alaska Tours

The Bottom Line

If you're flexible as to when you can travel to Alaska, you may be able to take advantage of lower pricing, travel incentives and added perks in the shoulder seasons – and you'll have fewer crowds than in the busy summer months.

If your goal is to view wildlife, then most of the cruise season, especially from May to September, will offer ample opportunities to see bears, humpbacks whales, bald eagles and other amazing animals – depending on the itinerary and excursions you choose. You'll also be able to catch Alaska's prized salmon throughout much of the cruise season.

And if extreme adventures are going to be the highlight of your vacation, then be sure to check with the tour providers to make sure your top picks are offered when you're planning to travel. Not all tour providers operate the full seven months of the season.

No matter when you decide to visit, a cruise to The Great Land will be one of the most memorable vacations of your lifetime.

Planning a cruise to see Alaska? See the top cruises on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi is a U.S. News contributor and an avid travel adventurer who fell in love with Alaska on her first visit to the state many years ago. She's returned several times on land trips and by ship to seek year-round outdoor adventure, view wildlife and chase the northern lights in one of the best places on the planet to view them. She's even considered moving to The Great Land as a full-time resident. Pratesi used her deep knowledge of Alaska and the cruise industry to write this article.

You might also be interested in:

• Alaska Cruise Packing List
• The Top Alaska Cruise Lines
• The Top Luxury Alaska Cruises
• The Top Things to Do in Alaska
• Do You Need a Passport to Go on a Cruise?

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Tags: Travel , Cruises , Alaska Vacations

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Holland America Line Set to Debut New ‘Glacier Day’ and Enhanced Alaska-Focused Experiences on Every Alaska Cruise in 2024

Culinary highlights include Alaska dishes by Fresh Fish Ambassador Chef Morimoto and new Alaska-themed cocktails by acclaimed bartender Sam Ross

Seattle, Wash., April, 17, 2024 — Holland America Line is debuting “Glacier Day” on its Alaska cruises as it rolls out new programming within its "We Love Alaska” on board experience. The new offerings include Alaska Up Close presentations as well as culinary and beverage experiences to help foster a deeper connection to the people, history and culture of the state. The 2024 season kicks off April 27 from Vancouver and May 4 from Seattle. 

“Holland America Line continues to focus on bringing regional and local experiences on board every cruise, with our Alaska sailings leading the way in authentic programming, localized cuisine, and now special events like ‘Glacier Day’,” said Beth Bodensteiner, chief commercial officer of Holland America Line. “We continue to cultivate like-minded partnerships and fine-tune everything from cocktails to wildlife maps to ensure our guests are completely immersed in all facets of Alaska.”

Alaska Season Itineraries and Cruisetours

Through September 2024, guests can embark on Holland America Line’s Alaska cruises and Cruisetours from Vancouver and Seattle aboard Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Westerdam and Zaandam. In addition to seven-day itineraries, guests can take longer 14-day cruises and a new 28-day Arctic Circle Solstice Legendary Voyage that includes 12 Alaska ports.

Cruisetours range from nine to 18 days and include a one-, two- or three-day visit to Denali National Park. Select Cruisetours also include a journey into the wilds of Canada’s Yukon. Holland America Line remains the only cruise line that offers overland tours to the Yukon combined with an Alaska cruise and Denali experience.

‘Glacier Day’ Puts a Spotlight on Alaska’s Majestic Glaciers

As a leader in Alaska cruising, Holland America Line offers more glacier experiences than any other cruise line. The new Glacier Day includes sighting times, scenic commentary, presentations, informational viewing stations, photo opportunities, Dutch Pea Soup on deck, Glacier Ice cocktails, insightful talks by Glacier Bay National Park Rangers and Huna cultural interpreters, an open bow for viewing, and more.

Every Alaska cruise includes a visit to one or more of Alaska’s iconic glacier destinations: Glacier Bay National Park , Hubbard Glacier , Dawes Glacier , and the Twin Sawyer Glaciers of Tracy Arm . Shore excursions also offer the opportunity to visit additional glaciers, including Mendenhall and Portage glaciers.

Serving Fresh Fish in Alaska

Holland America continues to build on its groundbreaking Global Fresh Fish program, which includes being the only cruise line with Alaska seafood certified sustainable by the Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM) and bringing locally sourced fresh fish from port to plate in less than 48 hours. In addition to the seafood and other local delicacies served on the menus, ships in Alaska will serve three exclusive dishes created by the brand’s Fresh Fish Ambassador Chef Morimoto: Fresh Black Cod Yuzu, Morimoto Epice Lobster and Fresh Halibut XO.

A new Alaska Seafood Boil will be offered once per cruise in Lido Market for a surcharge. The foodie feast will serve Ivar’s Northwest-Style Clam Chowder, Dungeness Cruise Clusters, Alaska Salmon, Penn Cove Clams, Penn Cove Mussels and a Shrimp Bucket, with Triple Berry Crisp and vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Offered once per cruise, all dishes on the Alaska Brunch menu in the Dining Room were created with the influence of fresh, local Alaskan and Pacific Northwest ingredients. The selections range from sweet to savory and include Alaskan Blueberry Pancakes, Salmon & Potato Chowder, Wild Forest Mushroom and Tarragon Crepes, Kodiak Steak and Egg Skillet, Crab and Hot Smoked Salmon Cakes, Biscuits with Gravy and Alaskan Reindeer Sausage, and Home Smoked Gulf of Alaska Cod Benny.

Bartender Sam Ross Creates Alaska Cocktails

Acclaimed bartender Sam Ross created a menu of exclusive cocktails that will be featured in the bars on all Alaska ships: Juneau AK, Klondiker, PNW Penicillin, Mosquito, Midnight Sun and Frontier Champagne Flip. Ross was the 2011 “U.S. Bartender of the Year” and his flagship bar, Attaboy, won the 2022 award for “Best Bar in the U.S.” by The World’s 50 Best Bars. Ross is credited with creating two of the most famous modern classic cocktails: Penicillin and Paper Plane.

New Exclusive ‘Killer Whale Pale Ale’ Available On Board

Holland America Line is debuting a new “Killer Whale Pale Ale” on all Alaska cruises. The beer was produced in collaboration with Pike Brewing – Seattle’s oldest craft brewery – and features notes of honey, citrus and tropical fruits. The label artwork was created in collaboration with Native Artist Rico Worl , a member of the Tlingit and Athabascan community, who also designed the Native artwork featured on the Alaska menus. The Killer Whale Pale Ale label represents the food chain in the Pacific Northwest, with a seal deftly maneuvering out of the grasp of a killer whale.

More Wildlife Viewing than Any Other Cruise Line

Alaska is synonymous with stunning wilderness, and Holland America Line offers more ways to see wildlife in its natural habitat. Alaska ships carry an expert on board to help guests witness the majestic animals found in the region, and a Wildlife Spotting Guide points out the native animals found along the cruise route and includes a map with the best places to see each species. Ashore, Holland America Line offers nearly 180 shore excursions to see species of all kinds.

On Deck for a Cause Continues to Support Alaska’s Parks

Holland America Line will continue to donate proceeds from its “On Deck for a Cause” charitable event aboard ships in the region to Alaska Geographic , the nonprofit education partner of Alaska’s parks, forests, refuges and conservation lands. Called “On Deck for a Cause: Alaska’s Parks,” guests on all Alaska cruises will be invited to donate $25 to participate in a noncompetitive 5K fundraising walk aboard every sailing. Funds raised through “On Deck for a Cause: Alaska’s Parks” will go to support education, science and research in Alaska’s parks. The 2023 Alaska season raised more than $100,000 for Alaska Geographic.

Standby Program Offers Reduced Rates for Seattle and Vancouver Cruises

Guests with easy access to Seattle or Vancouver have an opportunity to cruise to Alaska at a reduced rate of $49 per person, per day with Holland America Line’s Standby program. Travelers who sign up for a cruise are alerted between seven and two days before departure if they will be sailing. Solo cruisers also only pay $49 per day and do not incur a single supplement for a double stateroom.