Saturday, June 27 - FLY INTO ANCHORAGE
Flying into Anchorage is an immersive journey that begins the moment your aircraft descends over the dramatic Alaskan landscape, where massive mountain ranges embrace a sprawling urban environment. Ted Stevens International Airport serves as your gateway, positioning you perfectly to experience Alaska's unique blend of wilderness and civilization. The short transfer from the airport reveals a breathtaking panorama - snow-capped peaks, dense evergreen forests, and the glimmering waters of Cook Inlet creating a stunning natural backdrop. As you navigate from the airport, the city's infrastructure seamlessly transitions from urban corridors to areas where wildlife like moose and eagles are common sightings. The altitude and latitude create a remarkable atmospheric experience, with summer's extended daylight or winter's soft, ethereal light transforming the landscape into a living postcard.
Overnight Lakefront Anchorage
Sunday, June 28 - ANCHORAGE - WHITTIER - BOARD SHIP
Embark on an extraordinary adventure departing Anchorage, where your route winds along the breathtaking Turnagain Arm. Experience the engineering marvel of the Anton Anderson Tunnel, a unique passage accommodating both vehicles and rail, before arriving in Whittier. After enjoying a 3.75-hour GlacierQuest Cruise, you'll board Holland America's Westerdam for a 7-night cruise, setting the stage for an incredible Alaskan expedition.
Glacier Quest Cruise
3.75 Hours - 45 minutes
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.