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Holland America Westerdam Alaska Cruise Review

As another hot summer dragged on, husband Rob and I decided the best place to cool off was America’s last frontier. So we booked a balcony cabin on a Holland America Alaska cruise. 

We chose an Inside Passage cruise aboard the Westerdam . The 7-day journey embarked and ended in Seattle.

America’s coolest state offers the warmest welcome.

Cruises are known for decadent dining, and Holland America did not disappoint. Because we enjoy meeting new people and trying different food, we opted for open dining. Dinner and lunch in the bi-level Vista Dining Room provided multiple courses. At the popular Lido Buffet, guests chose from a plethora of tasty American and ethnic soups, salads, sandwiches, entrees and desserts.

In addition, Westerdam offers two alternate dining venues which require reservations. For dinner only, Canaletto ($15) creates the Italian authentic experience with a variety of dishes to enjoy and share. All five dishes Rob and I shared were melt-in-mouth delicious and perfectly seasoned with heavenly sauces.

The Pinnacle Grill ($15 lunch, $35 dinner) provides elegant china, stemware and linens for a romantic dinner or to celebrate a special occasion. Known for its Pacific Northwest steaks and fresh seafood, the Pinnacle is popular with repeat cruisers.

Once each cruise the Pinnacle transforms into the legendary Le Cirque of New York City ranked among the world’s best restaurants. We had jumbo shrimp cocktails, lobster bisque and delectable chateaubriand for two followed by a signature pineapple dessert at our Le Cirque dinner. ($49).

Alaska cruises provide numerous opportunities for close-up glacier views. Three national park rangers boarded Westerdam to narrate the ship’s onboard visit to Glacier Bay National Park that can only be reached by water or air.

Captain Bart Vaartjes maneuvered our ship remarkably close to Margerie Glacier. Our port-side balcony cabin provided a spectacular spot to admire nature’s incredible beauty. Then he turned the 935-foot ship 180 degrees to share the great views with starboard guests.

Small friendly ports Friendly Alaska port towns exude a warm welcome for cruise guests. All are walkable, safe and offer a plethora of activities and shopping. You won’t need a pricey wardrobe here. Simply dress in removable layers, wear sturdy walking shoes and bring rain gear.

An all-day rain did not stop us from exploring Alaska’s capital city of 30,000. Our ship docked within steps of Mount Roberts Tramway, where cable cars ascend 1,800 feet up the steep mountain. At the top we watched a movie, shot pics of ships below, visited a nature center and browsed a gift shop purveying quality merchandise.

In late afternoon a shuttle bus took us to a Dog Musher’s Camp on nearby Douglas Island, where we were greeted by 150 barking and howling Alaska sled dogs. Sixteen-dog teams were hitched to 6-passenger wheeled vehicles that enable dogs to train year-round for winter dog mushing, Alaska’s favorite sport.

The dogs’ excitement made us forget the rain and enjoy the one-mile ride. After the ride, mushers demonstrated equipment and talked about their dog racing experience. Finally it was much anticipated puppy petting time which helps pups become socialized with humans. 

Juneau’s attractions include Mendenhall Glacier, Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure, sport fishing, whale watching and helicopter flightseeing.

Sitka Like other towns in the Inside Passage, Sitka is an island that cannot be reached by roads or highways. Once a part of Russia, Sitka celebrates both its Russian and Native American heritage with dance troops.

Known for clean air and safety, this quiet town of 8,900 (far fewer in winter) offers a variety of hiking trails, museums, the Alaska Raptor Center and St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral. The local pharmacy features a 1950s-era soda fountain.

Ketchikan pulls out all to stops for cruisers with a flat attractive waterfront, large visitor center, free shuttle buses, plus friendly greeters, local tour operators, helpful shopkeepers and residents.

Although Ketchikan gets 152 inches of rain a year, it was sunny and in the 60s. We strolled Creek Street boardwalk and visited the Tongass Historical Museum.

Ketchikan honors its native heritage with the world’s largest totem pole collection preserved at the Totem Heritage Center. The town of 13,000 has a thriving arts community and is a sport fishing haven with five salmon species.

Victoria, B.C.

A festive ambiance greeted us during our Friday evening port call. After sunset, 3,300 lights lit up Parliament buildings, sidewalk musicians played lively tunes and attractions stayed open late. We toured the Royal BC Museum and strolled flower bedecked Inner Harbor walkways. On a previous port call, we toured Butchart Gardens, rode one of the cute ferries and did a CVS hop on/hop off tour.

Onboard experience Although Westerdam carried 1,923 guests and 800 crew, there were no long lines—and we never felt crowded. That’s because management strategically schedules meals and activities to avoid congestion.

Besides traditional Bingo, casino, dance lessons and swimming pools, Westerdam offered Windows technology and group cooking classes which Rob and I attended. Along with customary evening stage shows, musicians and comedians, the B. B. King’s Blues Club played music that made Beale Street famous.

When is the best time to cruise Alaska? Mark Pells, Westerda m Hotel Director, says May and September are good for empty nesters who like a quiet environment with fewer kids. Late July is best for King Salmon anglers.

“Reserve a balcony cabin, throw open your drapes in morning and walk around the top deck at sunset,” Pells said. “The sunset colors are amazing!”

To get maximum enjoyment from your Alaska experience Pells advised doing your pre-cruise homework. “Study the different ports, read the literature, check out the Web sites, then be ready to learn and explore. Listen to onboard lectures, watch the movies, and talk with other guests.”

If you go…

Seven Holland America ships ply Alaska waters between May and September.

All Photos: Pat Woods unless otherwise noted.

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Enjoyed reading your post. Of all the Holland ships that cruise from Vancouver, which is the best in your opinion?

Hi Robert, I’m happy to learn that your Alaska cruise, until the end, was a success. I’m glad you made it to the airport on time…but disappointed to learn about the miscommunication. Keep writing to Holland America or even send a “real” letter with a stamp on it. They do get back to their passengers and try to correct any issues. It takes a couple of months sometimes. Just about every cruise lines’ Customer Service department has been overwhelmed with problems that happened to their customers. Don’t give up! Thank you for taking the time to send me your comment. It’s always good to know what’s happening with readers’ cruises and dealings with the cruise lines.

Had a great cruise overall. Our captain was able to get back to a glacier when 3 other cruise lines didn’t due to fog. Fog cleared and had a great time. Food was amazing! Wish buffet opened earlier and stayed open later, but when it was open it was great. Staff was super awesome, very personal and interactive making it even more fun and relaxing. Only downside to this entire experience was that we signed up for the shuttle and the shuttle wasn’t running and we weren’t told until last minute, barely made it to airport. Never got the money I won in the casino, supposed to applied to my “account” but never happened. Tried to inquire about that and refund on the shuttle but sat on hold for 2 hours at a time and still unable to talk with a human being. Email has not worked either, still out that money. Wish their customer service was as good as the cruise itself.

Thanks, Linda. You are correct. It seems that I’m not the only site with the wrong prices for Pinnacle Grill. Those last two years without cruising really bumped up the dining fees. I have homework to do. Thanks again.

Your prices for the specialty restaurants are several years old. The actual price for the Pinnacle Grill is $46.00 PLUS mandatory gratuity of 18% means dinner for one is over $54.00. All the other prices you quoted are also more than what you stated.

Hi, I’m sorry you didn’t were not able to get closer to Marjerie Glacier. On my first cruise on a very small ship (Alaskan Dream Cruises) we were not allowed to approach Marjerie. The National Park Service limits the amount of ships (two per day) as well as how much time they spend up close. It was on my second cruise a month later aboard Eurodam that our captain had clearance to approach Marjerie Glacier. It was strange that my first small ship wasn’t allowed but Holland America was able to go. You really just never know. Holland’s captains are very experienced. And anyone who “drives” a boat in the Inside Passage absolutely is extremely experienced as well as totally in love with cruising Alaska. I hope that you were able to view other glaciers in Glacier Bay, Tracy Arm or Hubbard Glacier. Sherry

We and a lot of passengers were disappointed that the Neiw Amsterdam did not take us near enough to the Marjorie Glacier. We could see the Ruby Princess cruise ship was in front of us and it went right near to the Glacier and stayed there for sometime. We thought that our ship would do the same when the Princess moved but the Neiw Amsterdam turned round at a far away position , not allowing us the life time experience to see the glacier close enough. Probably, the Holland-America line Captains are not experienced enough.

These are such lovely pictures! I did the Inside Passage cruise along the coast of Alaska and found myself awestruck by the incredible beauty. The misty fjords of Ketchikan were simply spectacular. It was a town so full of rich history and I think you captured that aspect nicely here.

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Updated on October 17, 2022 by Sherry Laskin

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7-Day Alaska Explorer

Amazing food and superb service make Holland America one of the longest running cruise lines.

Enjoy the natural beauty and inherent adventure of America’s 49 th State with an Alaska cruise.

Known as The Emerald City, Seattle is a beautiful, luscious city with incredible views of the Cascade Mountains and Elliott Bay. The city is full of activities for both water lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

• Westerdam - Passenger Capacity: 1,964 (double occupancy) Year Built: 2004 Last Refurbished: 2023

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Published on April 10, 2023

Review: Cruising to Alaska on Holland America Westerdam

Alaska. The last frontier. The 49th state.

Cruising to Alaska for a look at the glaciers and mountain ranges ranks high on a lot of bucket lists. It’s often the last state visited (for people collecting all 50). Its remoteness help cement that rugged individualism often associated with state, and helps make Alaska a fascinating cruise destination.

I had visited Alaska hundreds of times, but never from the water. I was excited about taking a water route and seeing the state from the sea. And both of us loved the itinerary which included opportunities to see whales, sail past jaw-dropping landscapes, see glaciers that are, unfortunately, becoming compromised by climate change, and enjoy authentic Alaskan heritage.

In early spring 2022, we sailed on a Holland America cruise, a 7-day Inside Passage Alaska cruise on the Koningsdam.

We had such a wonderful experience on the cruise that upon returning home we immediately started talking about a return visit with family members. We were amazed at the experience we had – the glaciers, the wildlife, the whales – not to mention the convenience and enjoyment of being on the ship.

We decide to book a return sailing, this time taking an older teen from our extended family. Nineteen is a tough age for a vacation, but we thought he’d enjoyed the outdoor activities of the shore excursions and would be free to do much on his own while on the ship. While we weren’t sure about the choice while we were on the ship, he’s raved about it since we’ve been home. Our review of the experience takes his opinion into consideration and has been labeled as such when relevant.

So let’s talk about the Alaska Explorer itinerary on Holland America’s MS Westerdam.

The MS Westerdam is a Vista Class ship that was was launched in 2003 and refurbished in 2017. The maximum passenger capacity is 1,964 and 802 crew members, putting it in the medium-sized range. The ship measures approximately 936 ft. x 105.8 ft and weighs 82,500 tons, which believe it or not, for a cruise ship is on the smaller side.

While smaller than the Koningsdam that we sailed on earlier, there are still plenty of luxurious touches – gold-plated railings and elevator doors to plush carpets and ambient lighting – without becoming fussy. Many of the touches from the larger ships can still be found on the Westerdam, including the vibrant entertainment venues, pool, casino, spa and salon, and lounge areas.

The ship is a great match for a cruise North to Alaska.

The Staterooms on Westerdam

Cabin selection is always a balance of budget and personal preferences. We strongly recommend choosing the best cabin your budget allows. That’s what we did on the Alaska Explorer itinerary, choosing a Neptune Suite. Best decision we made!

It’s easy to dismiss cabin selection saying that you’ll never be in it, so it doesn’t matter. This oversimplifies the choice. A more spacious cabin may make you want to be in it more, whether that’s enjoying breakfast in your room, a nightcap on the verandah, or warming up inside when viewing Alaska scenery is too cold from one of the decks. Plus, an upgrade cabin often comes with value-added amenities. Of course, ANY cabin may be better than NO cabin; we just encourage you give consideration to your cabin selection.

The Neptune Suite is one of the largest and most luxurious suites on the ship. It measures around 500 x 712 square feet, has a separate living area to the bedroom, and a private verandah.

The room is equipped to accommodate four guests, which we needed for three adults (we’re counting the teen as an adult when it comes to space and food needs).We had a king beds, with a sofa bed that made into a queen-size bed. If not used as a bed, the sofa anchors the sitting area. A dressing room area was separated from the living space with a heavy curtain, with a door providing access to the bathroom with separate tub and roll in shower.. There was plenty of room for us to all be in the room at the same time without tripping over one another.

We kept the sofa in bed position the entire time, perfect for napping. This did block the slider access to the deck a bit (we had to walk around the bed), but it was a small inconvenience compared to stowing the bed every morning, and having it made up every evening.

We were in cabin 6175 (a wheelchair accessible suite), located on Deck 6 (Upper Verandah Deck) at the aft of ship, starboard (right) side. This was the first time we’ve sailed in an aft-facing cabin, and we recommend it. Our verandah was huge – with two loungers, a table with two chairs, and still room to move about. We’d sit out there when the sun was out. I’d often have morning coffee there, and it great for a sunset glass of wine.

The verandah really came through, though, when cruising the fjords and viewing the glaciers. From our previous Alaska sailing, we knew that it would be cold out on deck. Even though it was late August, when the ships passes through the inlets into a bay surrounded by glaciers, it gets chilly. We were prepared with heavy coats, caps, and gloves, but it was so more enjoyable to watch the scenery through the floor-to-ceiling windows in the cabin, or to pop back and forth between the verandah and the room.

Neptune Suites also have value-added amenities, including use of the exclusive Neptune Lounge. The lounge is available to passengers in Neptune and Pinnacle suites. The Lounge featured a variety of snacks and beverages, and also offered private concierge service.

We used the lounge every day, whether for the champagne reception, grabbing a cookie before bed, getting information to book a shore excursion, or having a light afternoon snack. The Lounge was always well staffed, with food replenished regularly, two or three concierges available to help with anything we needed. The teen was a regular and the staff knew him by name.

Other value-added services that we used include: in-cabin coffee maker, mimosas at breakfast, and pressing service (our packing was not quite as neat and tidy as it could have been), and skip the line options for dining.

Neptune Suites also include access to Holland America’s Club Orange program (a private dining room, skip the line options, and special shipboard events). Passengers who are not booked in suites can purchase Club Orange as an add-on.

The Westerdam did not have a special dining room for Club Orange members. As an alternative, breakfast was offered in the Pinnacle Grill. We ate there most days, enjoying the complimentary mimosas to start the day, and had room service the other days. We also took advantage of the skip the line option when having dinner in the main dining room.

We’d highly recommend booking an aft facing Neptune suite.

The Alaska Explorer Itinerary

The cruise started from Pier 91 in Seattle, just about an hour away from our home. Seattle has two cruise piers, so make sure you’re going to the right place.

If you’re flying in for the cruise, many hotels offer cruise packages that include transportation to the pier. If you’re a local, you may want to consider a hotel offering a drive/sail option, keeping your car at the hotel and using shuttle transportation to the pier.

Since our sailing came together rather last minute we opted to drive and park at a nearby lot specializing in cruise parking. You’re going to need reservations, so don’t wait until the last minute. We used this parking lot that shuttled us to and from the pier. It’s a family owned and operated business, reliable, and pricing on par with everything else out there.

DAY ONE – EMBARKATION IN SEATTLE

We planned to get to the ship early, as our cabin allowed for early boarding. We wanted to give the teen time to explore the ship, have lunch, and relax a little bit before we got underway.

The convenience of leaving from a local port can’t be underestimated, but if you’re flying in from elsewhere, we have a few recommendations to keep in mind.

If you’re traveling any distance, you’ll want to arrive in Seattle at least a day early. Putting your full trust in a flight schedule going according to plan is risky these days, even riskier if you have to make a connection or there aren’t multiple daily flights between your home airport and Seattle.

Since the Seattle area is home for us, it’s easy to take it for granted. But when friends come in early (or stay late) in conjunction with a cruise, I’m reminded about just how special this place is.

Shameless plug: Pick up a copy of my book, Secret Seattle: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure .

The formal founding of the city of Seattle dates back to the 1850s when American pioneers known as the Denny Party decided to settle in the city. Native Americans had already been living in the area for far longer than these new settlers. The city was named after the chief, Sealth, who was the leader of the Puget Sound tribes including Duwamish and Suquamish. The city has a checkered and complicated history, far beyond what can be included in a cruise review.

Day 2 – AT SEA

I love sea days! For me, it’s a chance to check out the ship a little more, enjoy some reading time, maybe hit the spa (additional cost), or relax and enjoy the water view from our cabin or elsewhere on the ship.

We don’t often join in shipboard activities like trivia (unless I’m traveling with my friend, Chris), dance or art classes. We’ll sign up for wine tastings or listen to some music, but we generally just enjoy the downtime in our otherwise busy life. We are never bored when on a ship!

We weren’t certain, however, how the teen would adapt to a day at sea. Turns out, he needed downtime every bit as much as we did. He had finished up finals at college just two days earlier, and he appreciated the unstructured time as well. If you’re traveling with younger kids, you may want to investigate Club HAL (located on Deck 10). It’s divided into age groups and may be a good fit for your family’s needs.

Day 3 – JUNEAU, ALASKA

Juneau is the United States’ most remote capital city. With no roads leading into the city, the only way to reach it is by plane or boat. It’s surrounded by water, dense forests, and mountain ranges. With only 32,000 year-round residents, the city booms when the cruise ships arrive. And after a long couple of years, locals seemed glad to have us back.

Popular shore excursions here include visiting Mendenhall Glacier or, as we chose, heading out for some whale watching. Juneau is a popular spot with humpback whales, returning to Alaska waters now after being in warmer climates during the winter. There are lots of excursions offering whale watching and vary in departure times, size of the boat, number of people, etc. Just pick one that works, they basically all cover the same territory and have the same information.

Since we had been to Juneau earlier in the year, we left the excursion choice to the teen. Not surprisingly, he choose a whale watching tour, similar to the one we booked before.

The weather was a little nicer this trip, and we saw lots of humpback whales and a few orcas. It seemed like every way we turned we had a blowhole sighting, then patiently waited for the whale to surface. This was a big it for all of us and we thought it would be the highlight of the trip. Turned out it wasn’t.

Day 4 – HUBBARD BAY GLACIER

Located in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, glacier viewing is often the primary reason for taking a cruise to Alaska. We sailed Glacier Bay National Park before and were awe of Mother Nature’s prowess. Hubbard didn’t disappoint either.

While we sailed during the prime summer season, it’s till darned cold when it comes to viewing the glaciers. It’s typical to see small chunks of ice floating in the water, the result of glacier calving, and often marine or wildlife. Even during the summer, temperatures range in the 35-60 degree range, so you’ll want to be sure to pack warm clothing for day of scenic cruising.

A few glacier viewing tips:

• The ship moves slowly, and turns in a circle, so you’ll have plenty of time to get a great view (and take those jaw dropping photos) no matter which side of the ship you are on.
• The bow of the ship opens up for viewing. It’s worth heading out for that first impression. It made us feel very, very small.
• It’s cold out on deck. Despite nursing some hot chocolate, we soon retreated to our cabin.
• After that initial first impression, viewing glaciers from your cabin (if you have a balcony) is a great choice. It’s warmer and you can pop inside and out easily, while still getting great photos.
• Our aft-facing Neptune was an ideal location for glacier watching. There was room for al three of us to be out on deck in comfort. We had the same view as being out on an aft deck, but with all the comforts which fought off the cold.

Day 5 – SITKA

Sitka is located on Baranof Island, and was originally founded by the Tlingit people. It’s history includes time as a fur trading hub, the capital of the Alaska Territory, a war zone, and a Russian settlement.

We opted for a wildlife tour that combined some time on the water for marine wildlife spotting, followed by a visit to Fortress of the Bear, a non-profit bear refuge and education center. It was one of those days that we won’t soon forget, and the teen proclaimed in the highlight of the trip and still talks about it months later.

We recommend this port excursion.

Day 6: KETCHIKAN

Ketchikan is well known for its long tradition of salmon fishing and its well-preserved native Alaskan heritage. If you want to learn about the cultural heritage of the native Alaskan people, such as the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian, you’ll be able to get insight here. 

We were ready for some foot-time, so we passed on excursions and walked around the town, wandering down historic Creek Street, a boardwalk built over the Ketchikan Creek.

Wandering along the water, we saw fish jumping, fishermen, and enjoyed some fresh air. The unstructured personal exploration was a perfect balance to the busyness of excursions on other days.

Day 7: VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA

On this itinerary, Victoria, located on the southernmost tip of Vancouver Island, was our last port of call, and we were only there for an evening (after dinner until the wee hours).

After a full week of activities, I was content to remain on the ship and catch up on a few things that I had missed. Tony and the teen, however, chose to go on a pub crawl after dinner. Now, this could be because the legal drinking age in Victoria is 18, or it could be because the city’s history and old world charm was the big draw. I’ll let you draw your own conclusions.

The two of them came home and said it was a fabulous evening. The relaxed nature of the evening meant they had time to talk with the other “crawlers” and the teen could experience the camaraderie of responsible pub drinking.

Day 8: SEATTLE

Since we are locals, it was nice not to have to stress over a flight or a schedule. We packed up our stuff, had breakfast, and then claimed our bags and headed to the car. The ease of being a local was a relaxed ending to the trip.

Dining on Westerdam

Before getting into specifics and recommendations for dining options, a few general thoughts. I like to try new dishes when I’m cruising, something I haven’t tried or that I don’t make at home. Sometimes I discover wonderful new flavors, sometimes not so much. That’s not a reflection on the food that’s prepared, but on my personal tastes. Not surprisingly, opinions will be all over the place. I’ve tried to provide specific responses to our dining selection as well as give some recommendations to help you decide what choice is right for you.

Holland America has also announced a new  sustainable seafood partnership  on all its ships sailing in Alaska.

We are wine drinkers. We have wine at dinner nearly every night at home, and a cruise isn’t going to be any different. We build it into the budget. Holland America has a fabulous wine program, with an extensive selection of both bottles and by the glass at all price points. We’re always eager to engage with a wine steward to help make a selection, learning more each time we try something new or pair it differently.

The wine menu gives excellent information to help make a selection, but don’t be afraid to ask questions about what would go well with your particular dish. Bottle purchases gave slightly better value and if you don’t finish, will be held for another night.

The Dining Room

There are two options for main dining room seating. We opted for freestyle, which is a self-select option to choose your own mealtime when you want it. This fits our personalities, our preference to not have all our cruise time structured, and gave us maximum flexibility. We also tend to prefer later dining, rarely earlier than 7:30 pm.

We ate in the Dining Room for a couple meals. While the menu is varied, and has good selections, we love the specialty dining selection on Holland America line cruises. They have a fabulous culinary program (Chef Ethan Stowell represents Seattle well), and we take advantage of these choices when we can.

We had open seating for dining, which fit us well. Since we were sailing in a Neptune Suite, we also had separate access to the dining room which allowed us to avoid lines.

If you prefer not to select specialty dining, rest assured that the you can eat well onboard the Westerdam.

Lido Market

We came here for breakfast when we wanted something quick and easy. You’ll find the usual fare with some surprising twists – cooked to order eggs as well as cooked to order crepes, sweet and savory options, cereals and breads, salads, and roasted meats.

The teen often chose to grab coffee and a breakfast pastry in the Neptume Lounge instead. It was nice to let everyone make their own breakfast choices, knowing there were plenty of options.

Pinnacle Grill

This was the favorite dinner spot for all three of us, and we ate here twice (actually, a third time as it served as the venue for a pop-up – details below).

Steaks were delicious and well-prepared. Sides were tasty and complemented the protein. and I’ll say it again, the lobster bisque was so delicious I would have licked the bowl if it weren’t grossly inappropriate.

Pinnacle is open for lunch and dinner.

Specialty dining. Surcharge and gratuity applies.

NOTE: Pinnacle Grill was used as the location for breakfast for Club Orange members. On sea days, when we had more time to relax and enjoy breakfast and a mimosa, we came here for dinner. There is no surcharge for breakfast, but it is open for Club Orange members only.

Rudi’s Sel de Mer

This was our favorite restaurant when we sailed on the Koningsdam, and we were initially disappointed that the venue wasn’t on the Westerdam.

Never fear, though – Rudi’s menu was staged as a pop-up in the Pinnacle Grill and we hopped on those reservations just as quickly as we could.

Master Chef Rudi Sodamin has created a delicious seafood menu that combines classic French preparations with contemporary flair, serving it up in an elegant, yet not pretentious setting.

The dining experience starts off with a complimentary aperitif and an amuse-bouche. That’s followed by the bread presentation, a warm cloth-wrapped loaf accompanied by numerous spreads and bites. Then on to the entree and dessert.

The food is superb, presentation lovely, and had there been a pop-up on another night, we would have been there.

The charger plates at Rudi’s are a creative design of food art. They were available to purchase at Pinnacle Grill as well, and I bought Pirate of the Galley (an octopus) to take home. It’s now displayed in our wine cellar. The full collection is found in a  beautiful art book . 

Room Service

The teen made frequent use of room service, most often for end of the day snacking. Late night quesadillas and ice cream seemed to hit the spot for him.

Cruise pricing is always all over the board. One week there’s a special fare and the next week another. There’s a lot of bundling going on, fares that include specialty dining. gratuities, and shore excursions, right along with cruise-only fares.

Do your research and evaluate what’s important to you. Read the fine print, and consider what’s included and what’s not. We know the type of things we enjoy when we cruise – food and wine rate high with us (and Holland America has a GREAT wine program) – but it may be different for you. You may find that a a travel agent with good cruise experience and knowledge is helpful for you.

Checking pricing for the 7-Day Alaskan Explorer itinerary on the Westerdam, cruise only fares start at $449 for an inside cabin, $699 for a verandah, and $1899 for a Neptune Suite. Fares are per person, based on double occupancy. A third person (a fourth, f the cabin is large enough, pays a reduced fare). Additional taxes and fees are approximately $325 per person. Have it all pricing (which includes some specialty dining, beverage package, wifi, and a shore excursion is slightly higher.

We always recommend travel insurance. We have an annual policy since we are frequent travelers.

A note about tipping. A crew appreciation charge is added to your shipboard account if you have a cruise only fare (you can arrange to pre-pay).

While not required, we personally believe in going beyond the included gratuities. Your hotel and dining staff work hard for you every single day. You’ve enjoyed a freshened stateroom and attentive service from your room steward. The wait staff is not only busy filling water and wine glasses, but busboys are clearing and cleaning, and servers delivering meals as quickly as possible. All this, while accommodating special requests and helping you have a great time. They deserve as generous of a tip as you can manage.

The staff in the Neptune lounge was helpful and gracious in helping answer questions and in answering questions. They made the teen feel special and treated him as a VIP. Throughout the entire cruise they called him by name and made him feel welcomed in the lounge. That’s the kind of treatment that builds a fan from a young age. Well done.

Is a Holland America Cruise Right for You (and your family)?

Holland America is a great choice for an Alaska Cruise. Not surprising since they’ve been sailing to Alaska for over 75 years.

The Westerdam is smaller than the Koningsdam, but both are right-sized for an Alaska itinerary – small enough to get into bays for that up close and personal look at the glaciers, large enough for a wide selection of amenities.

If you’re looking for roller coasters and ziplining on your cruise ship, this isn’t the cruise line for you.

Holland America offers a superb variety live music and entertainment, from the main stage to more intimate venues, and we found that we were in one of them most every night. The teen enjoyed the comedy shows and Billboard Onboard, and it was safe for him to enjoy the venues on his own when we were in the mood for something else. Of course, that will depend on the age and maturity of your family members, but having independent options lets everyone enjoy their personal space and pursue individual interests.

During 2023, the Westerdam and Eurodam with be sailing this itinerary out of Seattle.

This was second cruise to Alaska as the enthusiasm for wildlife and glaciers hasn’t dimmed. I expect we’ll be sailing back soon.

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Westerdam Deck Plans & Reviews

Activities & entertainment

• Explorations Central
• Crows Nest _ Observation Lounge
• Afternoon Tea
• Americas Test Kitchen Cooking Classes
• Art and Craft Classes *
• Beer Tasting *
• Cigars Under the Stars *
• Explorations Central Port Lectures
• Sports Court
• Fitness Center
• Fitness Classes *
• Whirlpools (5)
• Hydrotherapy Pool *
• Martini Tasting *
• Onboard Lectures
• Solo Traveler Get_Togethers
• Team Trivia
• Greenhouse Spa and Salon *
• Wine Tasting *
• The Retreat *
• Guest Services
• Art Gallery *
• Photo Shop *
• The Shops *
• Conference Rooms
• Neptune Lounge _ Suite Guests
• World Stage
• Afternoon Musical Concerts
• BBC Earth Onboard Features
• Billboard Onboard
• BB Kings Blues Club
• Feature Movie Matinees
• Lincoln Center Stage
• Live Nightly Music
• The Dining Room - Main
• Gallery Bar - Art Bar *
• Explorers Lounge - Classic Bar *
• Explorations Cafe - Coffee Bar *
• Dive_In - Pool Grill
• Canaletto - Italian *
• Lido Bar - Pool Bar *
• Lido Market - Buffet
• Sea View Bar - Pool Bar *
• Pinnacle Grill - Steakhouse *
• Pinnacle Bar - Steakhouse Bar *
• Ocean Bar - Atrium Bar *
• Room Service *
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• Terrible 10
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• English ( 81 )
• French ( 1 )
• Dutch ( 1 )

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Westerdam Alaska Cruises 2024

Embark on an unforgettable Alaskan adventure aboard the magnificent Westerdam. As a member of the prestigious Holland America Line fleet, the Westerdam stands as a testament to luxury and elegance. With a multitude of decks boasting meticulously designed plans, it accommodates a generous number of guests while ensuring ample space for relaxation and entertainment. The ship's expertly trained staff is dedicated to providing exceptional service, ensuring that every aspect of your journey exceeds expectations. At the heart of the vessel lies its main attraction, a stunning atrium, adorned with sparkling chandeliers and a grand staircase, setting the stage for an unforgettable voyage. Discover the wonders of the Last Frontier as Westerdam set sail from Seattle in style and comfort aboard this remarkable vessel.

Holland America's Alaskan cruises typically range from seven to fourteen days, showcasing Alaska's remarkable ports of call like Ketchikan, Juneau, and Sitka. Cruises sail past breathtaking sights like the Hubbard Glacier and the Inside Passage, offering a panoramic view of Alaska's natural beauty. Holland America provides a variety of shore excursion options, allowing passengers to explore local culture, wildlife, and landscapes in depth. Each day presents a new opportunity for discovery and adventure in the stunning Alaskan wilderness.

Alaska itinerary on board Westerdam from Holland America Line

Almost every Westerdam cruise to Alaska includes a visit to a tidewater glacier, glaciers which flow into the ocean, often with powerful calving. The most popular destinations are Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier, Strait of Georgia, Tracy Arm. The cruises nearly all call at Ketchikan, Skagway or Juneau, with some rarer alternatives for Haines, Hoonah and Sitka. Find and plan your next 2024 Alaska cruise out of Seattle, Washington; Vancouver, British Columbia; Whittier, Alaska; with Westerdam.

Westerdam Cruise Timetable 2024

28-day Alaska cruise from Seattle

Westerdam, holland america line.

Date: June 9, 2024

Ports of Call: Seattle, Inside Passage, Ketchikan, Sitka, Hubbard Glacier, Valdez, College Fjord, Seward, Dutch Harbor, Nome, Kodiak, Anchorage, Anchorage, Homer, Glacier Bay, Haines, Juneau, Tracy Arm, Wrangell, Prince Rupert, Seattle; View Itinerary

Please note that port orders, dates, and itinerary details, including content, are subject to change. Verify specific details for your chosen sailing date on the Holland America Line website.

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Holland America Westerdam Overview

With beautiful updates to its interiors, amenities, and programming, the Westerdam represents Holland America Line's take on modern cruising. The ship blends sophisticated entertainment and dining venues with more casual offering like the Lido Market, which hosts themed grab-and-go food stations throughout the day. Passengers eager to learn more about Alaska can visit Explorations Central, an education hub offering books, guides, and media specific to the local area. The Retreat, an adult-only lounge area, and the ship's two-deck spa, provide restful spaces to relax between ports of call.

The Westerdam sails on seven-day, one-way itineraries between Vancouver, BC, and Whittier. The itinerary includes a day cruising the Inside Passage, plus ports of call in Ketchikan, Juneau, and either Skagway. The ship also spends a day in Glacier Bay National Park.

• Cruise Line: Holland America
• Dining: Anytime/flexible and traditional/set dining.
• Lower Berth Capacity: 1,964
• Crew: 800 (crew ratio 2.4)
• Launched: 2004 (refurbished 2017)

Why pick this ship?

With modern updates and the most current cultural and entertainment programming offered by Holland America, the Westerdam provides passengers with an Alaskan cruise that's both sophisticated and rich in local experiences.

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Alaska Cruise Tours:

A cruise tour is a voyage and land tour combination, with the land tour occurring before or after the voyage. Unless otherwise noted, optional services such as airfare, airport transfers, shore excursions, land tour excursions, etc. are not included and are available for an additional cost.

Alaska: Alaskan Explorer Cruise

7-night westerdam cruise.

From $379 per person* Additional government taxes, fees and port expenses per person: $321 - $360

Holland America Line

Embark on a convenient roundtrip Seattle adventure, offering spectacular Dawes Glacier and stops in rough-hewn Ketchikan and Alaska's capital, Juneau. Get a unique glimpse into Alaska's history in Sitka while enjoying a combination of lush and icy scenic views.

Included Extras

  executive member benefit.

Executive Members receive an annual 2% Reward, up to $1,000, on qualified Costco Travel purchases

  Digital Costco Shop Card

Member Exclusive: Digital Costco Shop Card with every Holland America Line sailing†

Sailing Itinerary

Note: Cruise itineraries are subject to change. Please verify ports and times directly with the cruise line.

Port of Call Port of Call (Arrival, Departure)

Seattle, a city on Puget Sound in the Pacific Northwest, is surrounded by water, mountains and evergreen forests, and contains thousands of acres of parkland. Washington State’s largest city, it’s home to a large tech industry, with Microsoft and Amazon headquartered in its metropolitan area. The futuristic Space Needle, a 1962 World’s Fair legacy, is its most iconic landmark.

Puget Sound

Puget Sound itself is a body of water lying east of Admiralty Inlet, through which ocean waters reach inland some 50 miles from the Pacific Coast to provide all-weather ports for ocean-going ships at Seattle, Tacoma and Olympia.  The waterway is a complex and intricate system of channels, inlets, estuaries, embayments and islands. Common usage has broadened the Sound's description to include the surrounding lowlands extending east to the CascadeMountains and the various cities and towns lying therein.  Such usage also includes Whidbey, Camino, and Fidalgo islands as well as the Kitsap Peninsula.

Stephens Passage

Stephens Passage is a long stretch of dark water filling the gap between mountain ranges in Southeast Alaska. The water is deadly cold and rich with sea life. Fog and low clouds usually hang in the Passage, which is an arm of the Pacific. Fjords with emerald rivers pour in and it is lined with conifers, blue stone and rocky hollows. It rains often. It is indescribably beautiful. In Stephens Passage, on a chilly day, with low-hanging fog,here is what you can see: pods of Orca knifing through brackish inlets; humpback whales, their flukes high, plunging towards the ocean floor; clear water gushing from crevasses; a brown bear with three cubs scouring the beaches for salmon remains; blue glaciers calving into bays with rifle-shot thunder; harbor seal; bald eagles; hundreds of birds, their calls filling the air. The wilderness almost inviolate.

Considered the "gem" of Southeast Alaska, the city is nestled against the ocean, tucked tight against the mountains and back-dropped by the lush green of the largest national forest in the United States, the Tongass. Visitors will find that Juneau is not only the state's capital, but it's also a melting pot of history, unique topography and jaw-dropping scenery that is found nowhere else on the planet. Whether it's wildlife viewing, glacier trekking, ziplining or just shopping for locally created artwork, visitors to this remote yet extraordinary region will certainly find a bit of "Alaska" to take home.

Endicott Arm

Amid a forest of trees and a pristine mountain expanse you'll find a steep waterway otherwise known as Endicott Arm. The "arm" pierces 30 miles into the Coast Mountain Range offering up some spectacular sights for cruise passengers. Floating with you in Endicott Arm are 3-story pieces of ice that have "calved" (split) from the glaciers that line the waterway. Some of those chunks of ice are as long as a city block; some are as small as an ice cube. A visit to Endicott Arm proves that the best way to see and appreciate the wildlife and glaciers of Alaska is from the window or railing of your cruise ship. Keep those binoculars handy. As you move slowly and silently through the arm look for black and brown bears, mountain goats, wolverines, Sitka black-tailed deer, eagles, sea lions and harbor seals. Spectacular wildlife framed by glistening glaciers and blue, blue waters. Just another day in Alaska!

One look at lovely Sitka and you'll know why Alexander Baranof, governor of the Russian American Company, decided to build his "castle" here. With views of island-studded waters and stately spruce forests reaching to the water's edge, Sitka is considered Alaska's most beautiful seaside town. Sitka's past is a unique blend of Tlingit culture and Russian history. Our historic and scenic community is situated on Baranof Island, nestled between forested mountains and the great Pacific Ocean, on the outer waters of Alaska's Inside Passage. Sitka offers a combination of Native culture, Russian history, and Alaskan wilderness which will provide a diverse and unequaled experience. Wildlife adds to Sitka's natural beauty. Our mild climate, rich habitat and relatively low human population make Sitka one of the best places to view wildlife. Nearby waters are a popular feeding ground for humpback whales in the late fall and early spring. Summertime provides a wonderful opportunity to view tufted puffins and other sea birds at St. Lazaria National Wildlife Refuge. While out on the ocean, you may also spot sea otters, sea lions and other marine wildlife. Sitka lies at the heart of the largest temperate rain forest in the world, the Tongass National Forest. Enjoy the fresh outdoors on well-marked mountain trails. Take to the water for a picturesque boat trip or kayaking adventure among nearby islands or charter a boat to nearby fishing grounds to fish for world-class salmon and halibut.

A city of southeast Alaska on an island in the Alexander Archipelago. A supply point for miners during the gold rush of the 1890s, it is now a major port and tourist center on the Inside Passage. Population: 7,450.

Victoria/Canada

Victoria, capital of British Columbia, sits on the craggy southern end of Vancouver Island. With abundant parkland, it’s known for outdoor activities. The city's British colonial past shows in its Victorian architecture, including stately Craigdarroch Castle mansion. Butchart Gardens, with 55 acres of vivid floral displays, plus statuary, water features and a carousel, is one of many formal gardens in the city.

Onboard the Westerdam

Costco Member Reviews

• Year Built: 2004
• Year Refurbished: 2017

Double Occupancy Capacity: 1916

The theme of Westerdam's art collection is Dutch heritage in the New World. Art ranges from paintings of historic Dutch ships, a huge Indian silver-overlaid wood palace doorway, a bone tobacco pipe, to a collection of 5,000-year-old pre-Columbian carved figures and Contemporary pieces include an original Andy Warhol portrait.

Member reviews become available after at least 5 are received in order to provide you with an accurate picture of this travel product.

Onboard Activities

Activities & services (included in cruise).

Show Lounge

• Disco/Nightclub
• Theater/Show Lounge
• Fitness Center
• Sauna/Steam Room
• Culinary Arts Center
• Educational Programs
• Pool - Outdoor
• Sports Facilities
• Whirlpool/Jacuzzi
• Art Gallery
• Bars/Lounges
• Children's Indoor Play Area
• Organized Age Specific Activities
• Teen Center or Disco
• Teen Programs
• Business Center
• Concierge Desk
• Duty-Free Shops/Boutiques
• Safe Deposit Boxes

Activities & Services (available for an extra fee)

• Full-Service Spa
• Beauty Salon
• Internet Center
• Babysitting
• Dry Cleaning/ Laundry Service
• Infirmary/Medical Center

Dining Room

Main Dining

The Dining Room:  For breakfast, lunch or an unforgettable five-course dinner, the elegant main Dining Room is your destination for sophisticated dining, with menu selections from classic favorites to vegetarian options, to dishes inspired by the regions you’ll visit. Menus by Holland America Line's Culinary Council® of world-renowned chefs.

Pinnacle Grill

Specialty Dining

Pinnacle Grill:  Enjoy dishes inspired by America’s Pacific Northwest, such as king salmon from Alaska and choice, responsibly raised beef from Washington State’s Double R Ranch. Complement your meal with a selection of boutique wines from the Pacific Northwest and other celebrated vineyards from around the world. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Canaletto:  This authentic Italian restaurant offers a menu that celebrates spartire (Italian for "sharing"). Try braised chicken cacciatore "al forno," branzino ai ferri or a classic Italian pasta: spaghetti pomodoro or garlic shrimp-infused ravioli, perhaps. Buon appetito! This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Lido Market

Casual Dining

Lido Market:  Lido Market provides a fresh, new approach to casual dining for breakfast, lunch or dinner, with a panoramic view of the sea. A modern marketplace with different themed stations, the Lido offers a curated selection of delicious options to grab on the go or to have quickly made to order.

Dive-In:  Dive in to a grilled burger on brioche or a Nathan’s Famous gourmet hot dog. For alfresco dining by the pool, Dive-In has it all, including lighter fare like the grilled chicken breast sandwich and vegetarian-friendly portabella mushroom stack.

Explorations Café:  A comfortable, coffeehouse environment offering espresso drinks and pastries. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Room Service:  Complimentary 24-hour dining in the comfort of your stateroom.

Inside Stateroom

Ocean view stateroom, balcony stateroom, suite stateroom.

Staterooms feature premium massage showerheads, fine linens and fresh fruit upon request.

Standard Interior Stateroom (Category: N)

Two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed — our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, premium massage shower heads, and a host of amenities are featured in these comfortable staterooms. The configuration of staterooms may vary from the images shown.

Standard Interior Stateroom (Category: MM)

Standard interior stateroom (category: m), standard interior stateroom (category: l), interior stateroom (category: k), interior stateroom (category: j).

These spacious staterooms include two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed — our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, premium massage shower heads, and a host of amenities. The configuration of staterooms may vary from the images shown.

Large Interior Stateroom (Category: I)

Elegant staterooms feature luxurious bedding, premium massage showerheads, a porthole or a window and fresh fruit upon request.

Large Outside Stateroom (fully obstructed views) (Category: HH)

These large staterooms include two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed — our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, premium massage shower heads, and a host of amenities. The view is fully obstructed. The configuration of staterooms may vary from the images shown.

Large Outside Stateroom (fully obstructed views) (Category: H)

Large outside stateroom (partial sea views) (category: g).

These staterooms feature a partial sea view and include two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed — our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, plus premium massage shower heads and a variety of amenities. The configuration of staterooms may vary from the images shown.

Large Ocean-View Stateroom (Category: F)

These expansive staterooms include include two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed — our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, premium massage shower heads, a host of amenities and an ocean view. The configuration of staterooms may vary from the images shown.

Large Ocean-View Stateroom (Category: E)

Large ocean-view stateroom (category: dd), large ocean-view stateroom (category: d), large ocean-view stateroom (category: c).

Spacious staterooms have a private balcony, whirlpool bath with shower and walk-in closet.

Deluxe Ocean-View Verandah Stateroom (Category: VH)

Category: VH

Deluxe Ocean-View Verandah Stateroom (Category: VF)

Filled with light from floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a private verandah, these staterooms include a sitting area, two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed — our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, and bath tub with premium massage showerheads. The configuration of staterooms may vary from the images shown.

Deluxe Ocean-View Verandah Stateroom (Category: VE)

Deluxe ocean-view verandah stateroom (category: vd), deluxe ocean-view verandah stateroom (category: vc), deluxe ocean-view verandah stateroom (category: vb), deluxe ocean-view verandah stateroom (category: va).

Luxurious suites feature a whirlpool bath, large sitting area, private balcony, floor-to-ceiling windows and more. Select suites feature a dressing room.

Signature Superior Verandah Suite (Category: SZ)

These large, comfortable suites feature a spacious sitting area with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a private verandah, two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed — our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, and one sofa bed for one person. The bathroom includes a dual-sink vanity, full-size whirlpool bath and shower, and an additional shower stall. The configuration of staterooms may vary from the images shown.

Signature Superior Verandah Suite (Category: SY)

Signature superior verandah suite (category: ss), neptune deluxe verandah suite (category: sc).

With floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a private verandah, these spacious suites are flooded with light. They feature a large sitting area and two lower beds convertible to one king-size bed — our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, plus a separate dressing room. There's also a sofa bed, suitable for two people. The bathroom comes with a dual-sink vanity, full-size whirlpool bath, and shower, plus an additional shower stall. Amenities include use of the exclusive Neptune Lounge, a private concierge, and an array of complimentary services. The configuration of staterooms may vary from the images shown.

Neptune Deluxe Verandah Suite (Category: SB)

Neptune deluxe verandah suite (category: sa), pinnacle penthouse verandah suite (category: ps).

Generously proportioned and filled with light, these elegant suites include a living room, dining room, pantry with microwave and refrigerator, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a private verandah with whirlpool. The bedroom features a king-size bed — our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, plus a separate dressing room, and the bath includes an oversize whirlpool bath and shower as well as an additional shower stall. There's also a sofa bed, suitable for two people, and a guest toilet. Amenities include a private stereo system, use of the exclusive Neptune Lounge, private concierge, and an array of complimentary services. The configuration of staterooms may vary from the images shown.

• Ship Name: Westerdam
• Year Entered Present Fleet: 2004
• Ship Class: Vista
• Maximum Capacity: 2,504
• Number of Passenger Decks: 11
• Number of Crew: 817
• Officers' Nationality: International
• Ocean-View without Balcony: 165
• Ocean-View with Balcony: 477
• Total Inside Staterooms: 154
• Tonnage (GRT): 82,348
• Capacity Based on Double Occupancy: 1,916
• Country of Registry: Netherlands
• Total Staterooms: 958
• Suites with Balcony: 162
• Crew/Hotel Staff Nationality: International

Available Dates & Prices

Departure date, departure date - 05/12/2024, departure date - 05/19/2024, departure date - 05/26/2024, departure date - 06/02/2024, departure date - 07/07/2024, departure date - 07/14/2024, departure date - 07/21/2024, departure date - 07/28/2024, departure date - 08/04/2024, departure date - 08/11/2024, departure date - 08/25/2024, departure date - 04/27/2025, departure date - 05/04/2025, departure date - 05/11/2025, departure date - 05/18/2025, departure date - 05/25/2025, departure date - 06/01/2025, departure date - 07/06/2025, departure date - 07/13/2025, departure date - 07/20/2025, departure date - 08/03/2025, departure date - 08/10/2025, departure date - 08/17/2025, departure date - 08/24/2025, terms & conditions.

*Price shown is per person based on double occupancy and is valid for select stateroom categories only. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for details.

†One Digital Costco Shop Card per room/stateroom, per stay. The exact amount of the Digital Costco Shop Card will be calculated during the booking process. The Digital Costco Shop Card promotion is nontransferable and may not be combined with any other promotion. A Digital Costco Shop Card will arrive by email approximately 10 days after the start of your cruise. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for additional information.

Ship's registry: The Netherlands

Digital Costco Shop Card

This booking includes a Digital Costco Shop Card which will arrive by email one to two weeks after you return from your vacation. The Digital Costco Shop Card is a convenient payment option in our warehouses and on Costco.com.

Ship Rating

An outstanding luxury cruise experience with an exceptional level of attention to detail. Expect superb service from all levels of officers and staff.

A very good quality all-around cruise experience aboard a ship that offers a range of facilities and services.

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Holland America to Debut New ‘Glacier Day’ in 2024

• April 18, 2024

Holland America Line is debuting “Glacier Day” on its 2024 Alaska cruises and enhanced onboard experiences, according to a press release.

The new offerings include Alaska Up Close presentations as well as culinary and beverage experiences to help guests immerse themselves in the history and culture of the state. The 2024 season kicks off on April 27 from Vancouver and May 4 from Seattle.

The new Glacier Day includes sighting times, scenic commentary, presentations, informational viewing stations, photo opportunities, Dutch Pea Soup on deck, Glacier Ice cocktails, talks by Glacier Bay National Park Rangers and Huna cultural interpreters, an open bow for viewing, and more.

“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.”

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

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.

Additionally, Holland America Line is debuting a new “Killer Whale Pale Ale” on all Alaska cruises. The beer was produced in collaboration with Pike Brewing and features notes of honey, citrus and tropical fruits. Guests can also enjoy cocktails created by acclaimed bartender Sam Ross that will be featured in the bars on all Alaska ships: Juneau AK, Klondiker, PNW Penicillin, Mosquito, Midnight Sun and Frontier Champagne Flip.

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Share this article, stay updated, new ‘culinary cruises’ feature celebrity culinary council chefs.

Foodies and culinary novices alike, who are ready for a gastronomic adventure can set sail on a Holland America Line “ Culinary Cruise ” in 2022 with a member from the line’s Culinary Council . The celebrity chefs will share their expertise and secrets on everything from the correct way to make a sushi roll and how to perfectly temper chocolate to preparing seafood and creating a delicious sauce.

During each “Culinary Cruise,” guests will have the opportunity to attend cooking demonstrations led by the chefs, bring home recipes from each presentation and join an intimate reservation-only dinner at Pinnacle Grill, Rudi’s Sel de Mer or Nami Sushi, depending on the chef. Culinary Council chef signature dishes will be highlighted when available on all restaurant menus during the cruises.

“Holland America Line’s culinary program is guided by some of the world’s foremost talents, and no other cruise line has this level of experience from such a team of experts,” said Michael Stendebach, vice president of food, beverage and guest services, Holland America Line. “It’s not every day you learn a recipe directly from the famous chef who created it and hear their secrets to success in the kitchen. We have been eager to reengage our talented Culinary Council chefs to come back on board and offer guests this exclusive level of access.”

Holland America Line’s Culinary Council comprises a collection of elite chefs who bring global influence to the dining experience across the fleet. In addition to their featured recipes in the various on-board venues, one evening in the Dining Room on every cruise a special menu offers a collection of dishes from the Culinary Council members.

2022 CULINARY CRUISES:

Ethan Stowell • Westerdam, 7-Day Alaskan Explorer , Sept. 11-18, 2022, roundtrip from Seattle, Washington.

Stowell incorporates the flavors of the Pacific Northwest on ships sailing in that region, using fresh, sustainably sourced Alaska seafood. His fare also is featured at New York Pizza and Lido Market across the fleet. Stowell is founder and CEO of ESR with an impressive roster of highly acclaimed restaurants. He was named one of the Best New Chefs in America by Food & Wine magazine and one of the Best New Chef All-Stars.

Jacques Torres • Zaandam, 9-Day The Atlantic Coast , Oct. 1-10, 2022, from Montreal, Quebec, Canada, to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

A French-trained master chef and artisan chocolatier, Torres guides chocolate desserts as well as the Chocolate Surprise Dessert Parade on board. After rising to executive pastry chef at New York’s legendary Le Cirque, he opened a chocolate factory and retail stores throughout New York. The James Beard Award winner is co-host and head judge on the Netflix culinary show “Nailed It” with Nicole Byer.

Rudi Sodamin • Koningsdam, 7-Day Mexican Riviera , Nov. 12-19, 2022, roundtrip from San Diego, California.

As Holland America Line’s master chef and Culinary Council chairman, Austrian-born Sodamin oversees all aspects of shipboard dining. Rudi’s Sel de Mer is his namesake French seafood brasserie on board. His latest culinary masterpiece is an art table book called “Food Faces” that features more than 150 images of edible creations.

David Burke • Nieuw Amsterdam, 7-Day Eastern Caribbean , Dec. 4-11, 2022, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale.

Burke enhances the menu at Pinnacle Grill, adding contemporary flavors and signature recipes. He recently opened five new restaurants, including Orchard Park by David Burke. During the pandemic, Burke’s #FeedtheHeroes program cooked and delivered 100,000 meals to frontline workers and charities. He has been featured on “Iron Chef America” and “Top Chef Masters.”

Andy Matsuda • Nieuw Statendam, 10-Day Southern Caribbean Seafarer , Dec. 17-27, 2022, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale.

The Japanese-born Matsuda leads the sushi offerings at Nami Sushi, Tamarind and Lido Market. At Matsuda’s Sushi Chef Institute in Los Angeles, California, he teaches aspiring chefs and professionals about sushi and Japanese cuisine. Matsuda is at the forefront of sushi trends and techniques.

All events are complimentary excluding the specialty dinner. Each chef will be aboard their designated “ Culinary Cruise ” for four to 10 days.

Join the Discussion

In earlier reply to comment HAL advised that no Culinary Council cruises planned for 2023/2024. But, per Facebook posts it looks like David Burke conducted one in April. Are there now Culinary Council cruises planned? If so, when? Any decision on resuming Cellarmaster Dinners?

Has HAL considered culinary experiences for those of us unable to take one of these limited cruises? America’s Test Kitchen (ATK) – gone. Special dining experiences (ie Cellarmaster Dinner, similar) – gone; at least per the Cellarmaster on the Westerdam in January. Same from Pinnacle staff on our current cruise and in June. In the case of ATK it can’t be due to lack of passenger interest; standing room only every previous cruise. And, before ATK when the ship’s Culinary staff put on demonstrations.

Following-up: Per current Cellarmaster, now limiting Cellarmaster’s Dinner to longer cruises – WHY? Per him HAL has also discontinued the remaining specialty “pop-up” dinners, once again – WHY (when other cruise lines are expanding their specialty dining options. As for onboard experiences onboard during sea days – fewer and fewer. If my 19-day Sydney-to-Singapore cruise is any indication, I’d be bored on one of the longer cruises HAL is offering, unless you’re expanding activities from things like “Coloring for Adults” or shopping “opportunities”. So: (1) what (if anything) is HAL planning for future culinary experiences (dining, classes, tastings), and (2) is HAL expanding onboard Sea Day activities?

Per HAL Guest Services/Reservations = no Culinary cruises currently planned for 2023/2024. Disappointing. Also, apparently not planning any culinary classes; also disappointing.

Love this idea. Was already booked on Koningsdam for November 12-19. Reserved for the ‘Aficionado Dinner with Rudi Sodamin’ the moment I saw it. Excited for the cruise and this curated meal is a great bonus!

Is this the first announcement of these cruises? If so, why announce only a few days or months before the cruises? It makes it almost impossible to plan and book – if this is the specialty cruise that interests you. And, I would have been interested (I attended every America’s Test Kitchen session offered when I cruised). Do you know the 2023 and 2024 Culinary Cruises are or will be scheduled?

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