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Tuesday, June 23 - FLY INTO FAIRBANKS
Bearing the nickname Golden Heart, Alaska's second-largest city was born of gold rush fever, thanks to Italian immigrant Felix Pedro, who found the precious metal in 1902 near where Captain E.T. Barnette decided to build a trading post on the banks of the Chena River. Fairbanks is a blend of modern shops and malls; its history is celebrated at the 44-acre Pioneer Park, which features a Gold Rush Town with 35 restored buildings. Fairbanks also preserved its City Hall, which is now the Fairbanks Community Museum. The city's location in Alaska's interior makes it a gateway to the Arctic, and in summer, tourist boats run cruises along the Chena and Tanana rivers.
Overnight at Pike's Waterfront Lodge
Wednesday, June 24 - RIVERBOAT DISCOVERY TOUR
As you board Riverboat Discovery, you will begin to feel the excitement of this trip. On your three-hour cruise, the Discovery will take you into the heart of Alaska and the heart of a family who has made the rivers of Alaska a way of life for four generations. You will see a bush floatplane taking off alongside a "bush" style runway; visit the home and kennels of the late four-time Iditarod winner Susan Butcher and gain insight into the ancient Athabascan Indian culture. Alaskan Native guides who have worked and lived in Alaska will take you on a personalized tour of the Chena Indian Village.
Overnight at Pike's Waterfront Lodge
Thursday, June 25 - DOME RAIL FROM FAIRBANKS TO DENALI NATIONAL PARK
Departs at 8:15 am and arrives at 12:10 pm
Imagine gliding through the breathtaking Alaskan wilderness in the lap of luxury, where every view is a chance to unwind and take in nature's grandeur. The Luxury Dome Rail Cars to Denali National Park offer an incomparable travel experience. You'll feel part of the pristine environment with panoramic windows showcasing the stunning landscapes of lush forests, glacial rivers, and majestic mountains. On a clear day, you might even be lucky enough to witness the awe-inspiring sight of Mt. McKinley. Onboard, enjoy a gourmet breakfast and attentive service that caters to your every need, ensuring a journey as memorable as the destination.
Overnight at the Denali Park Village
Friday, June 26 - TUNDRA WILDERNESS TOUR - DENALI NATIONAL PARK
The Tundra Wilderness Tour in Denali National Park is an awe-inspiring adventure that takes you deep into the heart of Alaska's pristine wilderness. This guided tour spans five to six hours and offers breathtaking views of the park's diverse ecosystems and majestic landscapes. As you journey through the open tundra and rugged mountains, look for incredible wildlife, including bears, moose, and caribou. With experienced guides providing insightful commentary, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the unique beauty and ecological importance of Denali. A small snack is offered on this tour.
Overnight at the Denali Park Resorts.
Saturday, June 27 - DENALI NATIONAL PARK - WASILLA - ANCHORAGE
Embark on a captivating drive from Denali National Park to Anchorage, along the Parks Highway. This scenic route guides you from the majestic realms of Fairbanks through the stunning vistas of Denali and continues to the lush expanses of the Matanuska Valley in Palmer. From Palmer, the journey seamlessly transitions onto the Glenn Highway, leading you straight into the vibrant city of Anchorage. Don't miss the chance to stop in Wasilla along the way, where you can explore the Iditarod Dog Sled Race Headquarters, brimming with intriguing race memorabilia and exciting past race videos. Access to this engaging detour is complimentary, adding an informative touch to your adventure.
Overnight Lakefront Anchorage
Sunday, June 28 - ANCHORAGE - WHITTIER - BOARD SHIP
Departing Anchorage, your journey traces the scenic Turnagain Arm, featuring a stop at the Anchorage Wildlife Conservation Center. After a 90-minute visit, you'll navigate through the unique Anton Anderson Tunnel—a remarkable one-way passage shared by vehicles and rail—emerging in Whittier to board the Westerdam.
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
Ever wondered where Alaska's coolest wildlife finds a second chance? Welcome to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center! This awesome nonprofit is dedicated to providing a safe home for injured and orphaned animals while educating visitors about the incredible creatures that call Alaska home. Imagine wandering through 65 acres where wood bison roam, coyotes peek out from bushes, and bald eagles swoop around—all while photographers capture mind-blowing shots of animals just being wild. The AWCC isn't just a wildlife center; it's a rescue mission, a photography paradise, and an educational adventure rolled into one. Grab your walking shoes, bring your camera, and get ready for a wildlife experience you'll never forget!AWCC encourages guests to visit the center with good walking shoes and a camera in hand for an educational Alaskan experience to remember.
Monday, June 29 - HUBBARD GLACIER SCENIC CRUISING
Sightseeing from 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
At 76 miles long and seven miles wide, North America's largest tidewater glacier, Hubbard Glacier, makes even the mightiest of ships feel minuscule by comparison. Visitors to this awe-inspiring natural wonder can witness a spectacle like no other—imagine massive chunks of translucent blue ice crashing into the bay with a mighty roar akin to a cannon shot. This thunderous sound has been given a name by the Tlingit people: "White Thunder." As you marvel at this majestic glacier from the comfort of your cruise ship, take a moment to appreciate the grandeur and power of nature's artistry. With Holiday Cruises and Tours, you'll enjoy an unforgettable journey that promises relaxation and adventure.
Tuesday, June 30 - GLACIER BAY SCENIC CRUISING
Sightseeing from 8:30 am - 6:30 pm
Close your eyes and take in the sounds - the creaks and groans of "living" ice, the shrill cries of gulls and soaring eagles, the splash of a breaching humpback whale. Frosted peaks towering over mossy forests, wide tidewater glaciers (there are seven in the park), and marine wildlife are featured on Glacier Bay cruises. Every experience in this changing biosphere is unique.
Wednesday, July 1- SKAGWAY
Arrives 7:00 AM
Departs 9:00 PM
Step back to the days of the last great gold rush - choose from exciting shore excursions and still have time to shop.
At the height of the Klondike Gold Rush, the port town of Skagway served as the primary gateway to the legendary gold fields, and quickly grew into Alaska's largest settlement. It was then a raucous frontier hub packed with trading posts, saloons, and guesthouses. As the gold rush faded into the 1900s, so did Skagway - but today it has been reinvigorated as a gateway for a new kind of visitor: those looking to explore Alaska's colorful history, pristine wildlife, and unrivaled natural beauty.
At every turn, you'll find yourself immersed in gold rush lore, from the infamous Red Onion Saloon that still keeps a pistol that Wyatt Earp left behind en route to the Klondike, to the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad. This classic narrow-gauge railway traverses rugged mountains and passes cascading waterfalls and towering glaciers as it connects Skagway to the White House deep in the Yukon. Known as the "Garden City of Alaska," Skagway is filled with beauty and nature. Much of the town has been preserved as part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, where rangers offer free walking tours around the historic district. You'll also find a vibrant local community, home to a rich collection of local galleries, curio shops, and restaurants serving seafood plucked fresh from nearby waters.
Thursday, July 2 - JUNEAU
Arrives 8:00 AM
Departs 6:00 PM
Enjoy a full day of exploring Alaska's capital with exciting shore excursions and still have time to shop.
Visit the most remote, beautiful, and strangest state capital in the United States. Surrounded by water, forest, and mountain sights, visitors seeking things in Juneau, indoors and outdoors, can hike a glacier, eat fresh-caught fish on a seaside patio, and tour a grand capital building, all in one day.
Juneau is known for its outdoor recreation, fresh seafood, and fine dining. The city itself is pleasant, but the real highlight of a visit to Juneau is tracking down some wildlife. You can hike up Mount Roberts to chance upon wild deer and bald eagles. Most sightseeing and whale-watching tours head north to Auke Bay - bring a good pair of binoculars to get the best view of these majestic and surprisingly graceful creatures. If you prefer land mammals, catch a floatplane to a nearby wildlife reserve such as Chichagof or Admiralty Island to spy some bears lolling around on an Alaska cruise excursion.
The sleepy, misty city of around 32,000 - mostly fishermen and small-business owners - has a frontier town vibe but welcomes more than a million visitors each summer to its natural attractions, cementing Juneau as Alaska's #1 tourist destination.
Friday, July 3 - KETCHIKAN
Arrives 11:00 AM
Departs 7:00 PM
Alaska's "First City" of Ketchikan is so named because it's the first major landfall for most cruisers as they enter the picturesque fjords of the Inside Passage, where the town clings to the banks of the Tongass Narros, flanked by green forests nurtured by abundant rain.
Ketchikan has long been an essential hub for the salmon fishing and packing industries. Visitors can try their luck at sportfishing or savor the fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants. Ketchikan is also one of the best spots along the Inside Passage to explore the rich cultural sights of Native Alaskan nations, Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian. You can see intricately carved totem poles at Totem Heritage Center and Totem Bight State Park. The attractions of Saxman Village just outside of Ketchikan offer the chance to see Tlingit culture in action with working carvers and a dance show in the clan house. Don't forget to leave time to explore the sights in the town itself, including historic Creek Street, a boardwalk built over the Ketchikan Creek, where you can shop for souvenirs, smoked salmon, and local art, while exploring gold rush-era tourist attractions like Dolly's House Museum.
Saturday, July 4 - SCENIC CRUISING THE INSIDE PASSAGE
Alaska's Inside Passage is a renowned cruising route through a protected network of waterways, featuring glacier-cut fjords, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife. Stops along the route showcase Alaska's rich rainforests and diverse wildlife. Stops along the route showcase Alaska's rich history, including Native Alaskan culture in Ketchikan and Skagway's Gold Rush era legacy. Here's how to experience the best of the Inside Passage.
Sunday, July 5 - VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA (Disembark)
Arrives 7:00 AM
Experience the charm of Vancouver as you disembark from the Westerdam this morning, or choose to make your way back home after an unforgettable journey.
Combining urban and nature, Vancouver is a hub for lovers of the great outdoors. Enjoy picturesque views of the mountains while exploring the city's local hot spots like Stanley Park, Granville Island, Gastown, and more. Don't forget to sample the best local culinary and cocktail scene for something truly unique. Here's how to enjoy a stop at Hollywood of the North.