Enormous ice shelves, sparkling fjords, astounding wildlife – a cruise to Alaska with Holland America Line is the trip of a lifetime. The 49th state is filled with incredible things to do, both onboard and ashore, with the combination of land and sea a breathtaking deep-dive into the rugged Alaskan beauty. From seven to 28 days, Holland America cruises in this beautiful part of the world hit many highlights, but here are a few of our top picks.
Relive the Gold Rush in the town of Skagway.
Once the gateway to the Gold Rush, legendary Skagway was Alaska’s biggest town, a frontierland filled with gold fever, fortune-seekers, trading posts, saloons and hotels. Today, the flavor of the past remains, the old town within walking distance of the cruise ship pier, just ripe for a walking tour. Visit the museums, learn about the regional history from experts in period dress, listen to live music and take to the saloons for a drink.
Hop on a train for the White Pass.
The Yukon Route Railroad is a 120-year-old rail journey through rugged terrain. Visitors ride the rails, through tunnels and over trestles, in a restored vintage railway car to the summit of the White Pass. Points of interest include Bridal Veil Falls, Inspiration Point and Dead Horse Gulch with the summit at the pass reaching almost 3,000 feet. Interestingly, the railroad is a historic engineering landmark on par with the Panama Canal and Eiffel Tower.
Spend the day in Glacier Bay.
John Hopkins Glacier, Lamplugh Glacier and Margerie Glacier – untouched natural beauty surrounds you in stunning Glacier Bay, which is only accessible by air or water. Holland America has been bringing guests here for more than 75 years, and it never seems to be any less beautiful each time. Learn all about the science behind the formation of the glaciers, experience the calving of the ice – accompanied by a rumble called the “white thunder” – and get your passport stamped by a park ranger. Some tours here also include whale-watching at Icy Strait Point.
Keep on the lookout for wildlife.
Sink into the silence of the wilderness and have your binoculars ready to spot magnificent Alaskan marine life, mammals and birds. The unspoiled marine ecosystem is a rich habitat for humpback whales and harbor seals. There are more than 200 different species of birds in Glacier Bay National Park, including bald eagles, peregrine falcons, black-legged kittiwakes, tufted puffins and the small, elusive ruby-crowned kinglet. And the forest is home to everything from huge moose to tiny brown bats. Let the park rangers show you all the best viewing spots.
Commune with brown bears and eagles.
At Fortress of the Bear near the town of Sitka in Sitka Sound, visitors have the chance to view orphaned bear cubs who have been rescued and cared for. Learn about bear behavior as they eat, swim and play, and hear stories about the recent residents, some of which can weigh up to 900 pounds. The nearby Alaska Raptor Center is an education and rescue refuge for various kinds of eagles, falcons, hawks and owls. Experience flying demonstrations while you learn about these amazing creatures. You even have the chance to sponsor the recouperation of one of the birds.
Get in touch with Tully Luxury Travel today.
Your Tully Luxury Travel Designer would be happy to book your passage to Alaska. Holland America Line has been showcasing Alaska for 76 years – they are the first in Alaska and offer exclusive access to the Yukon – no other line has our breadth of experience and destination immersion. Offering more cruises to Alaska from Vancouver than any other cruise line, they are sure to have an itinerary that will make its way to the top of your list.