*A big thanks to Holland America for sponsoring my trip! As always, all opinions are my own.
Curious what a 7-day Alaska cruise on Holland America is really like?
Then you’re in the right place!
I’m just back from cruising Alaska’s Inside Passage on Holland America Line’s ms Koningsdam, a Pinnacle-class ship known for its live music venues, entertaining shows, and diverse dining — sustainably-sourced Alaskan seafood included.
But, what is a Holland America Alaska cruise really like?
Below, I share an honest review of my experience, from what I loved to what I’d do differently. My husband Andy joined me, so he’ll be weighing in as well.
Additionally, I’m including an in-depth guide with things to do, packing advice, and planning tips to help you have an unforgettable time in Alaska!
Quick facts:
Brand: Holland America Line (HAL) – click here for their current Alaska cruise offerings
Ship: ms Koningsdam 
Itinerary (7 days): Vancouver – Inside Passage – Tracy Arm Inlet & Juneau – Skagway – Glacier Bay – Ketchikan – Inside Passage – Vancouver (book here)
Best Time To Go: While it depends on your preferences, June-August will generally be best for weather (especially July), wildlife viewing, and whale watching
Free Gift: Grab my free Travel Planning Toolkit (includes a Cruise Trip Budget Calculator!)
Koningsdam At A Glance
Let’s kick off this Alaska cruise review with a look at the ms Koningsdam. One of Holland America’s newer ships, it’s designed with more modern touches and extra variety compared to some of their older vessels.
Size: It can carry 2,686 guests—big enough for plenty of options, but still small enough that it doesn’t feel overwhelming.
Atmosphere: The vibe of the ship is upscale yet relaxed and unstuffy. The guest mix leaned older (most were 50+), which gave the cruise a calm feel. While you won’t find water slides or all-night parties here, you will find delicious dining, live music every night, and lots of cozy corners and ambient bars to curl up with a coffee or cocktail while taking in Alaska’s scenery.
Highlights: A few things I especially appreciated about the ship:
- Music Walk. A hub of live music venues with nightly performances.
- World Stage. Main theater with a wraparound LED screen and a new show every night.
- Dining. 10+ restaurants, from casual cafes to specialty venues.
- Sea View Pool. Adults-only pool and hot tubs at the aft of Deck 9.
- Greenhouse Spa & Salon. Get treatments like massages, facials, and hair styling—and it’s attached to a Fitness Center with gym equipment and classes for further wellness.
- Sports Court. Activities like shuffleboard, pickleball, and basketball—plus ping pong near the Lido Pool and board games in the Crow’s Nest.
Other amenities include a Casino, Shops, an Art Gallery, private cabanas at The Retreat, and more.
Check availability and pricing for Holland America’s Alaska cruises here!
Holland America Onboard Experience
One of the best parts of cruising is that the ship itself feels like a destination, with 13 decks of attractions and a daily itinerary full of activities.
Here’s what stood out during my week onboard:
Cabins
I stayed in an accessible Obstructed Verandah stateroom, which had a balcony view partially blocked by lifeboats.
It’s a smart budget-friendly option if you want a balcony but don’t want to pay full price. The cabin itself had plenty of storage, a roomy bathroom with excellent water pressure, and a flatscreen TV.
There were also extra throw blankets, and it became our nightly ritual to grab a drink and cozy up on the verandah to enjoy the sea breeze.
To give you a behind-the-scenes look, here is a tour of the room:
Tip: Spring for an unobstructed Verandah if your travel budget allows. Having a clear view is worth it on scenic days. If you really want the best view, an Aft-View Verandah is even better, as you’ll be out of the wind and will be able to see both sides of the ship right from your own private balcony!
Here’s a breakdown of Koningsdam’s staterooms and their sub-types, from the most budget-friendly options to the biggest splurge:
- Inside (Inside, Spa)
- Ocean View (Ocean View, Spa, Family, Single)
- Verandah (Obstructed, Unobstructed, Aft-View, Spa)
- Vista Suite (Vista Suite, Aft-View)
- Signature Suite
- Neptune Suite (Neptune Suite, Spa, Pinnacle)
Tip: If you’re traveling solo, Holland America is one of the few cruise lines that offers Single Ocean View staterooms—a huge perk if you don’t want to pay the typical single supplement.
Included Dining
Food was a major highlight of my Holland America Alaska cruise, and I especially loved that HAL’s Global Fresh Fish Program brings over 80 varieties of fresh fish onboard, locally sourced from ports around the world.
The Main Dining Room (included in your fare) consistently impressed with excellent service, rotating menus, and special Taste Alaska dishes featuring local ingredients and plenty of fresh seafood. They had a Teriyaki Fresh Salmon Bowl that was one of my favorite meals of the trip!
It’s a beautiful space, too, with chandeliers and sweeping sea views—and you can order as much as you’d like at no extra cost (unless noted on the menu).
There’s also a Taste Alaska cocktail menu with themed options like the “Klondiker” and “Sitka Spritz,” made with sustainably harvested glacial ice.
Along with room service, other included restaurants are Lido Market (buffet), Dive-In (poolside grill), and New York Pizza (pizzas & salads)—which, as a New Yorker myself, I thought was surprisingly good!
Andy and I also started every morning with oat milk lattes and pastries from the Grand Dutch Cafe (food is included, but specialty coffees cost extra if you don’t have a drink package).
Specialty Dining
That being said, if you can splurge on a few specialty restaurants, I highly recommend:
- Morimoto By Sea. An absolute must. Don’t miss Chef Morimoto’s Ishiyaki Buri Bop (yellowtail and rice cooked tableside in a sizzling stone bowl), his signature Iron Chef dish.
- Rudi’s Sel de Mer. A French brasserie with dishes like wild mushroom soup, seafood spaghetti, and Jacques Torres Chocolate Hazelnut Volcano cake. I also loved the French bread with various infused dipping oils, like avocado, herb, and lemon.
- Tamarind. A Pan-Asian menu with standouts like Thai citrus scallops, Szechuan shrimp, and beautifully presented desserts.
Tip: Morimoto By Sea is a pop-up and is not open every night. Book it and other specialty dining in advance (though it was easy to adjust reservations once onboard). A 7pm reservation gives you enough time for a leisurely dinner while still making the 9pm World Stage show.
Daily Activities
Each evening, you’ll get a schedule of the next day’s events, which run from about 7am through 11pm (with live music venues sometimes going until 11:45pm).
During the day, there are workout classes, trivia and game shows, $1,200 Jackpot Bingo, sports tournaments, art classes, drink tastings, cooking demos, card game meetups, spa samplers, giveaways, special Alaska-themed programming, and more.
Of course, you’re also welcome to simply enjoy amenities like the sports courts, pools and hot tubs, bars and lounges, casino, and viewing decks.
My personal favorite area of the ship was the adults-only Sea View Pool at the back of Deck 9, which connects to a see-through staircase leading up to the Panorama Deck—a great spot to lounge and take in the scenery.
Evening Entertainment
Along with dinner, evenings typically centered around two things: the World Stage and Music Walk.
World Stage features 45-minute shows each night at 7:30pm and 9pm, so we’d usually head there right after dinner. Each night’s entertainment is different, and our Alaska cruise offered live music, comedy, dance, magic, and more.
Afterward, we’d usually grab a drink and bar hop along the Music Walk, which showcases three unique venues:
- Billboard Onboard for dueling pianos and musical mashups
- B.B. King’s Blues Club for Motown & blues
- Rolling Stone Lounge for classic rock hits
Tip: Don’t miss the Orange Party, held once per cruise. Everyone wears orange, the venues are decked out with themed décor, and bartenders mix up citrusy cocktails to match.
Practical Cruise Tips
Before we get into what to do on an Alaska cruise, let’s discuss some tips to help make the experience as stress-free as possible:
Wi-Fi: The free Wi-Fi lets you use Holland America’s Navigator app (with a built-in messaging feature). We upgraded to the Surf package, which was fine for email, WhatsApp, social media, and even posting a few Alaska Instagram Stories.
Drink Packages: If you enjoy drinking alcohol, it’s worth opting for a beverage package. The “Signature Drink Package” includes drinks up to $11, while the “Elite Drink Package” includes drinks up to $15—with a 15-drink daily limit for each.
We were happy we went with the Elite Package, since we didn’t want to worry about the bill. That being said, if you don’t mind sticking to the basics, you’ll still find plenty of good options for $11 or less at each bar.
Bonus: You can also use these packages to buy mocktails and special coffee drinks like cappuccinos and lattes.
Dress Code: Most nights are smart casual (no shorts in dining rooms), with two dressy nights. Andy wore chinos and button-downs with a tie, while I wore dresses with sandals—but plenty of people went more formal. It’s really up to you!
Tip: Remember to pack something orange for the Orange Party, like a dress, scarf, or even a fun accessory. To help, I created an Alaska cruise packing list—orange attire suggestions included!
Pools & Fitness: There are two pools, the main Lido Pool and the adults-only Sea View Pool at the aft. Both also have adjoining hot tubs, and there is a gym and a sports court. Workout classes are offered, though most are an additional fee of $20.
Book Early. Holland America offers an extensive catalog of shore excursions, though note that things fill up pretty quickly, so if there is something you really want to do, book it early.
This is especially true for their exclusive Tracy Arm Fjord & Glacier Explorer tour, which takes you into the Tracy Arm Wilderness Area for close-up views of the stunning Twin Sawyer Glaciers. Sadly, it was sold out by the time I was ready to book. It looks really incredible!
Also, keep in mind that you don’t have to book solely through Holland America. Viator and GetYourGuide also have loads of Alaska shore excursions. Just make sure to time them correctly with your ship’s docking schedule.
Plan your Alaska cruise today — click here for Holland America’s upcoming sailings!
Alaska Ports & Sea Days: What To Do
One of the most important things to plan is your daily itinerary. There are so many things to do on an Alaska cruise, so to help you narrow it down, here are my recommended highlights:
Vancouver (Embarkation Day)
Overview: If you’re flying into Vancouver International Airport (YVR), it’s easy to reach the cruise terminal at Canada Place. You can take the SkyTrain’s Canada Line directly to Waterfront Station (about 30 minutes), call an Uber, or arrange a transfer through Holland America or an airport shuttle company.
Private shuttles and car services are convenient while carrying luggage, while the SkyTrain is the most affordable option.
To avoid any issues, we arrived in Vancouver the night before our sailing and stayed at the clean and comfortable Coast Coal Harbour Vancouver Hotel, which is an easy 10-minute walk to the cruise terminal. Bonus: They were also able to print our Holland America luggage tags for free!
Check-in for the cruise was smooth and efficient. It took less than an hour from bag drop to boarding. Once on board, everything is ready for you, so it’s a good time to get acquainted with the ship.
Things To Do On Embarkation Day:
- Board as early as possible to get lunch in the Lido Market (ends at 3pm)
- Complete your Safety Essentials Checklist by visiting your Emergency Muster Station & watching a safety video on your stateroom TV
- Set up your WiFi and make any necessary dining, spa, or excursion reservations
- Check the daily itinerary for any activities you might want to do (we played a free game of Bingo!)
- Walk the ship to get oriented with restaurants, bars, pools, and key venues
- Raise a glass during the Sail Away Celebration around 4pm
Tip: If you’re looking to meet other travelers, Holland America also hosts a variety of group meetups on embarkation day for solo travelers, LGBTQ+ cruisers, young adults, etc.
Inside Passage (Sea Days)
Overview: You’ll sail the scenic Inside Passage twice during the Alaska cruise (days 2 and 7). During this portion of the journey, you’ll enjoy dramatic scenery like snow-capped peaks, the Tongass rainforest, and the chance to spot wildlife like humpback whales, bald eagles, and Pacific White-Sided dolphins.
Things To Do During Inside Passage Cruising:
- Enjoy a themed Alaska Brunch in the Main Dining Room, serving dishes like Crab & Hot Smoked Salmon Cakes and Kodiak Steak & Eggs with Reindeer Sausage
- Grab your camera and binoculars and spend time outside on the Panorama Deck, aft Sea View Pool, Sky Deck, or Bow (if it’s open) for unobstructed views
- Fill the day with activities like trivia, a watercolor painting class, or a pickleball tournament, or simply relax with a drink and a view
Tip: Holland America hosts an array of talks sharing wildlife spotting tips, though you can also find informational signs on the Sea View Pool deck.
Juneau
Overview: Juneau, Alaska’s capital, is unique because there are no roads connecting it to the rest of the state—you can only arrive by boat or plane.
Once a bustling mining town, today it blends historic character with a modern yet rustic vibe. The downtown area near the cruise port is lively and walkable, with locally owned shops, restaurants, bars, museums, and access to nearby hiking trails.
Things To Do In Juneau: I recommend booking the Mendenhall Glacier & Juneau Tram excursion, which combines two of Juneau’s most popular attractions with a scenic bus tour in between.
Mendenhall Glacier is a 13-mile-long glacier within the Tongass National Forest—the largest temperate rainforest on earth—and one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska. You can get epic views of this natural wonder right from the visitor center, though I recommend exploring the onsite trails to get even closer and see the powerful Nugget Falls.
While crowded, there are little paths that veer off the main trail and take you to quieter lookouts. I was amazed we had some of these all to ourselves!
Afterward, the bus drops you at the Goldbelt Tram, which takes you 3,000 feet up Mount Roberts in just minutes. The ride itself is fun, but the real reward is the view—an incredible panorama over Downtown Juneau, the Gastineau Channel, and the surrounding peaks.
At the top, don’t miss the cultural show, which gives an introduction to Tlingit traditions, including storytelling, song, and dance.
If you’d like to hike, you’ll also find a network of trails starting right from the tram summit, ranging from easy walks to more challenging climbs with big views.
Since the tram is located right in downtown, you can easily spend time afterward exploring the shops, grabbing a bite, or walking the Totem Pole Trail (Kootéeyaa Deiyí) along the waterfront. The project was started by the local Sealaska Heritage Institute (SHI), which is dedicated to preserving and promoting Southeast Alaska Native culture and is also worth a stop.
Other top-rated Juneau experiences include:
5-Glacier Seaplane Exploration
Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour
Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching- Click here for a full list of Juneau tours!
Tip: According to our tour guide, while Tracy’s King Crab Shack is the most popular place to try king crab, Twisted Fish is her favorite—plus, it sells crab for about $10 less per pound. If you’d rather just grab a drink, Alaskan Brewing Co.’s downtown location is right on the water and pours some excellent local beers.
Check out Holland America’s upcoming departure dates and deals!
Skagway
Overview: Skagway is best known for its Klondike Gold Rush history, when prospectors poured through town on their way to the Yukon.
Today, it still feels like a frontier settlement with wooden boardwalks, saloons, and preserved buildings that are part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park.
Things To Do In Skagway: Start with a walk through the historic downtown, where restored storefronts give a glimpse into the past.
Shops, galleries, and jewelry stores selling “gold nuggets” line Broadway, while the Red Onion Saloon doubles as a quirky brothel museum offering $20 tours.
There are also numerous hiking trails within walking distance of the Skagway port. I recommend the Lower Dewey Lake Trail for a scenic and moderate loop trail (with some steep sections), or the easy and stunning Yakutania Point and Smugglers Cove Trail. Despite being on opposite sides of town, Skagway is small enough that we had time to do both before our afternoon excursion.
Speaking of which, I highly recommend booking a Glacier Discovery by Helicopter Tour—an experience that flew me over some of the most breathtaking views I’ve ever seen before landing on Mead Glacier to explore the ice on foot. This was the biggest highlight of my Alaska trip!
Other top-rated Skagway experiences include:
Chilkoot Trail Hike, Float, and Summit Drive
3-Hour Alaska Waterfalls Tour
Full-Day Tour of the Yukon- Click here for a full list of Skagway tours!
Tip: Stop at the Mascot Saloon, part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. It’s free to enter, gives an interesting look into the role saloons played in Skagway’s Gold Rush days, and also has a free public bathroom and water fountain.
Glacier Bay (Scenic Cruising)
Overview: Glacier Bay is one of the most unforgettable days of an Alaska cruise. The bay is a protected U.S. National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to over 1,000 glaciers, including several tidewater glaciers that dramatically meet the sea.
Because the bay has no road access, it can only be reached by boat or plane, making it extra special.
Things To Do In Glacier Bay On The Cruise Ship: Today is the most important day to have your binoculars and telephoto lens (like this 180-600mm lens paired with the Nikon Z6ii), as the morning features a Park Ranger-led narration sharing the fascinating geological history and wildlife spotting.
It’s recommended to position yourself on a deck where you can easily move from one side to the other—like the Sea View Pool, Panorama Deck, or Sky Deck—in case of a whale or bear sighting. This is also the day the Bow opens, which is another great option.
During our cruise, we saw coastal brown bears, sea otters, and harbor seals. Additionally, some of the glacier highlights included:
- Reid Glacier
- Lamplugh Glacier
- Johns Hopkins Glacier (my favorite view of the day, especially paired with Jaw Point)
- Grand Pacific Glacier
- Margerie Glacier—which stood out as one of Glacier Bay’s most iconic tidewater glaciers (we spent an hour here, with the captain spinning the boat 360 degrees so everyone could get a view)
Tip: Dress in layers, as the temperature can change significantly throughout the day. I give suggestions for dressing in this packing list.
Click here to browse Holland America’s current Alaska cruise offerings!
Ketchikan
Overview: Ketchikan is often called the “Salmon Capital of the World,” a title rooted in its origins as a Tlingit fishing camp and later as a major salmon canning hub in the late 1800s.
Today, it’s a bustling port town that remains rich in Native heritage, with the world’s largest collection of totem poles spread across town and nearby parks. Surrounded by the Tongass National Forest, Ketchikan blends Indigenous culture, fishing history, and striking natural beauty.
Things To Do In Ketchikan:
Start your day with an Orca Cove Fast Boat & Sea Kayaking Tour. This adventure was the only one I didn’t book directly through Holland America, though they still make it easy by meeting you right in the cruise port.
The journey starts with a zodiac boat ride from the port—keep your eyes peeled for whales, as we spotted a humpback breaching on our way out—followed by a paddle around Orca Cove, surrounded by the Tongass National Forest.
During the paddle, we saw harbor seals, jumping salmon, and bald eagles, not to mention centuries-old Native pictographs painted onto the cliffs. On some tours, you might also see more whales and coastal brown bears.
After paddling, you’ll return to the houseboat for local snacks (I still dream about the salmon dip!) and a cold Alaskan beer before heading back to town.
Back on land, the first stop most visitors make is Creek Street, Ketchikan’s famous boardwalk built over the water.
During Prohibition, it was the town’s red-light district, and today its stilted houses are filled with shops, galleries, and Dolly’s House Museum, the last of the old brothels. Interestingly, each building on Creek Street has a plaque sharing its unique history.
In late summer, you can also spot salmon pushing upstream in the creek and at the nearby Salmon Ladder—or continue onto the Salmon Walk, a 1.5-mile loop trail that winds along Ketchikan Creek with interpretive signs about salmon, their habitat, and local heritage.
Halfway along, you’ll reach the Totem Heritage Center, home to one of the world’s largest collections of 19th-century totem poles rescued from nearby villages.
Other top-rated Ketchikan experiences include:
3-Hour Rainforest, Beach & Wildlife Walk- 2-Hour Custom Wildlife and Historical Tour
1-Hour Misty Fjords Flightseeing Excursion- Click here for a full list of Ketchikan tours!
Tip: For a fun local vibe, grab a drink at Asylum, known for its budget-friendly beers, or at Arctic Bar, a lively waterfront spot that often erupts in sing-alongs. Both are within easy walking distance from the port.
Alaska Cruise Costs & Money-Saving Tips
Looking at Holland America’s current offerings for the next year across their ships—which can change at any time—you can book an Alaska cruise for as low as $1,229 for a May sail, though for July and August prices range between $1,434-$2,159 for the most basic cabins, and closer to $2,449-$3,079 for Verandah cabins in July and August.
Keep in mind, this includes your room, food, and loads of activities, so you really do get a lot for the price.
That being said, there are ways to save money on an Alaska cruise:
1) Book Early & Watch For Sales
Booking early can help get you the best rates, plus you’ll have the most selection in terms of staterooms and tours.
Holland America also often runs promotions that include perks like prepaid gratuities or onboard credit.
If you plan to do a spa treatment, booking before your cruise gets you up to 25% off.
Click here to view their current deals and promotions.
2) Choose Your Sail Dates Wisely
Cruises early in the season (May) and late (September) tend to be cheaper, while mid-summer prices are highest. Keep in mind that May and September can also mean chillier weather and more rain.
3) Consider Cabin Types
Prices vary widely between cabin types. Booking an Inside Cabin can save you hundreds to sometimes over $1,000 vs a Verandah Cabin. If you want a balcony but are budget-conscious, look into an obstructed verandah (like I booked), which can save you a few hundred dollars.
4) Bundle Wisely
Drink packages, Wi-Fi, and specialty dining can add up quickly. If you’ll actually use them, bundle deals like the “Have It All” package can offer good value. If you’re a light drinker or don’t need constant Wi-Fi, skip them and pay as you go.
Speaking of specialty dining, I found booking a few of these restaurants worth it, but I also would have had an amazing time eating dinner in the Main Dining Room each night, especially as they rotate the menu.
5) Limit Your Alaska Excursions & Extras
Shore excursions in Alaska aren’t cheap. For instance, my helicopter tour was over $400 on its own—though, for me, it was worth it for the unique experience.
If you want to save money, create a budget and consider what experiences are most important to you. To balance, mix in a couple of bucket-list splurges with DIY days where you explore the port town on foot or do some local hikes.
Along with excursions, also think about which onboard extras are really worth it for you. Personally, I found the drink package and specialty restaurants worthwhile, but I probably wouldn’t book a cabana in The Retreat again—the view was mostly blocked by clear plastic, which took away from the experience.
Thinking of booking? See current Koningsdam and other HAL Alaska cruise itineraries here!
Alaska Cruise Packing Tips
Packing for Alaska is very different from packing for a tropical cruise. You’ll want to be prepared for sun, wind, rain, and chilly glacier breezes—sometimes all in the same day!
Here are a few essentials to keep in mind:
Layers Are Key
Pack a moisture-wicking base layer, a warm mid-layer (like a fleece or light puffer), and a waterproof outer shell so you can adjust as the weather changes.
If you have gear you want to protect, bringing a waterproof backpack is also a smart idea. The Maelstrom 40L Hiking Backpack has a waterproof pocket and comes with a rain cover!
Bring Waterproof Shoes
Excursions can be wet, muddy, or slippery, so shoes that keep your feet dry are a must. If you don’t want to buy something new, I recommend using Nikwax Fabric and Leather Proof Waterproofing Spray to waterproof your shoes. I used it on my sneakers and it worked perfectly!
Accessories Matter
A warm hat, gloves, and a scarf or BUFF neck gaiter are small but make a big difference on deck in Glacier Bay or if you do any chilly excursions like a glacier helicopter tour.
This isn’t really an accessory, but earplugs are helpful for sleep and foggy days when the captain needs to keep sounding the very loud fog horn.
Pack Appropriate Dinner Attire
On a 7-day Alaska cruise, there are two dressy “Gala Nights”, so bring one or two formal outfits. The other nights are smart casual, so you can look more relaxed—though no shorts are allowed in the Main Dining Room.
Personally, I found the ship to be very chilly, so I preferred long-sleeve dresses like this budget-friendly little black dress and this orange floral dress (perfect for Holland America’s Orange Party!).
Click here for my recommended packing list for an Alaska cruise.
Bring Binoculars & Camera Gear
While you can see wildlife right from the boat, animals will typically be very far away. My 400mm telephoto lens wasn’t even long enough to really see coastal brown bears when they were spotted.
Because of this, I recommend packing binoculars and a camera with a 600mm telephoto lens, like the Nikon Z6ii with 24-70mm lens for landscape and closer shots, paired with a 180-600mm lens for whales, bears, seals, and other wildlife.
Holland America Alaska Cruise FAQ
Now that I’ve reviewed my Alaska cruise on Holland America’s Koningsdam and provided tips on how to have the best experience possible, let’s go over some frequently asked questions:
Q) How many days do you need on an Alaska cruise?
Between three port stops and scenic cruising through Glacier Bay and the Inside Passage, you can pack a lot into a 7-day itinerary. That being said, Alaska is huge and there is so much to see, so if you can swing a longer 10–14 day cruise, it’s worth it.
Q) How much is an Alaskan cruise?
The cost of an Alaska cruise varies by room type, sailing dates, and when you book; however, expect to spend somewhere between $1,200-$3,000—or more—for 7 days.
Q) What should I wear on an Alaska cruise?
As I share in my Alaska cruise packing list, you’ll want clothing for both warm and cold days. For glacier viewing and cooler weather, pack layers—a base layer, warm mid-layer, and waterproof shell—plus waterproof shoes, a hat, and gloves. When the sun was out, I was often fine in leggings with a long-sleeve shirt, or even a t-shirt while hiking.
Q) What is the dress code on Holland America’s Alaska cruises?
For a 7-day Alaska cruise, most nights are smart casual, with two “dressy” nights where people wear anything from a nice dress or button-down to full formal attire. There are no shorts allowed in the Main Dining Room or specialty restaurants, though you can wear them to the casual eateries and Lido Market.
Around the ship, you can wear whatever you’d like. I spent a lot of time in my bathing suit when in the hot tub area and in leggings and a sweater when exploring the Koningsdam.
Q) Which side of the ship is best for an Alaska cruise?
You’ll see incredible scenery no matter what. That said, in my opinion, the port side (left) often gets the first look at glaciers like Margerie and Johns Hopkins, so it can feel like you’re “first in line”. But since the ship turns, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the view from either side (or head up to an open deck for the best all-around vantage point).
Q) What is the rainiest month for an Alaska cruise?
September and October typically bring the most rain, though the trade-off is Alaska cruises during this time can be much cheaper than the drier summer months.
Q) When is the best time to take an Alaska cruise?
Alaska’s cruise season runs from late April to early October. For the warmest weather, longest days, and top wildlife visibility for whales, bears, and salmon, aim for mid-June through August, with July being especially popular.
If you want to avoid crowds, save money, or catch fall colors (and possibly the Northern Lights), consider the shoulder seasons of May and September.
This article breaks down the highlights of each month.
Q) What is the Orange Party on Holland America?
The Orange Party is a themed evening where guests dress in orange (a nod to the cruise line’s Dutch heritage), with orange cocktails, live music, and festive décor.
Q) What should I not bring on a Holland America Alaska cruise?
Leave behind weapons (including bear spray), alcohol, drugs (medications should be in prescription bottles), drones, laser pointers, large scissors, and anything on HAL’s prohibited items list.
Q) How close do Alaska cruises dock to the port towns?
Most ships dock right in town (like Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan), while a few ports may require a short shuttle ride or tender boat. For the Inside Passage itinerary outlined in this Alaska cruise guide, each stop was right in the main parts of the towns.
Final Thoughts On Planning An Alaska Cruise
Sailing with Holland America through Alaska’s Inside Passage was truly unforgettable. Between the glaciers, wildlife, and lively port towns, every day felt like a new bucket list experience.
In just one week, I saw a humpback whale breach, watched orcas hunt, flew over dramatic scenery to walk on a glacier, and kayaked as harbor seals swam around me—pretty incredible!
Onboard the Koningsdam, I loved the mix of great food (including sustainable seafood), live music, and quiet corners where Andy and I could just sit back with a drink and soak in the views.
What really stood out was how Alaska feels both wild and welcoming at the same time. You can be hiking in the Tongass one minute and enjoying Alaskan salmon the next.
If you’re planning your own cruise, I hope this guide gives you a head start on what to expect and how to make the most of it.
Click here to check availability and pricing for Holland America’s Alaska cruises!
