Holland America Line Alaska: 14 nights from Vancouver with Nieuw Amsterdam
May 4, 2025

Sitka

Anchorage

Founded in 1914 as a railroad construction port, Anchorage, Alaska, quickly evolved beyond its utilitarian origins to become the vibrant heart of the state. Nestled between the Chugach Mountains and the Cook Inlet, Anchorage's history is a testament to the pioneering spirit of its settlers and the diverse cultures, including the indigenous Dena'ina people, that have shaped its development. This rich history is preserved in sites such as the Alaska Native Heritage Center, providing a window into the past that coexists with the city's modern growth.

Despite its northern latitude, Anchorage enjoys a surprisingly moderate climate due to its coastal location, with mild summers and cold, snowy winters. This climate allows a range of outdoor activities, from hiking and biking in the summer to skiing and dog sledding in the winter. The phenomenon of the midnight sun offers extended daylight hours in summer, while winter provides opportunities to witness the spectacular Northern Lights, making Anchorage a unique destination in every season.

From the vast, untamed wilderness of Chugach State Park to the bustling streets of downtown, Anchorage is a city of contrasts. The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail offers stunning views and wildlife spotting opportunities right from the city's edge. Cultural sites like the Anchorage Museum blend the art, history, and traditions of Alaska into a comprehensive narrative. For wildlife enthusiasts, a visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center or a flightseeing tour over Denali National Park reveals the state's natural majesty. Anchorage's strategic location makes it a gateway for adventures into the broader Alaskan wilderness.

Anchorage's culinary scene mirrors the city's diversity, with fresh, locally sourced ingredients taking center stage. Seafood, particularly salmon, halibut, and king crab, is a staple, reflecting Alaska's rich marine resources. Indigenous recipes, Russian influences, and the flavors brought by recent immigrants enrich the city's dining landscape. From food trucks serving reindeer sausages to fine dining establishments with mountain views, Anchorage offers a dining experience as varied and vibrant as the city itself.

While Anchorage itself is not a cruise port, it serves as a critical hub for travelers heading to cruise departures in nearby Seward or Whittier, just a scenic drive away. Starting your Alaskan cruise with a stay in Anchorage allows for an immersive exploration of Alaska's urban and natural landscapes before embarking on a sea journey. With its unique blend of culture, history, and adventure, Anchorage offers the perfect preamble to the breathtaking cruise experiences that await in the wilds of Alaska.

Kodiak

Valdez

Juneau

Juneau, Alaska's remote and stunning capital, boasts a history steeped in the lore of the Gold Rush era. Founded in 1880 after gold was discovered in the area, Juneau quickly grew from a miners' camp into a thriving city. Its rich past is preserved in sites like the Juneau-Douglas City Museum and the iconic Red Dog Saloon, which provide glimpses into the rugged days of prospectors and pioneers. This history, intertwined with the Tlingit Native American culture, offers a fascinating narrative that makes Juneau a unique American city.

Juneau's climate is a mix of oceanic and subpolar, leading to cool summers and mild winters, a rarity for its northern latitude. This climate supports a lush temperate rainforest, adding to the city's mystique and natural beauty. While rain is common, it enhances the verdant landscapes, making outdoor adventures in places like the Tongass National Forest unforgettable. Juneau's weather, with its misty days and clear, crisp nights, adds to the enchanting atmosphere of Alaska's capital.

The natural wonders surrounding Juneau are breathtaking, with the Mendenhall Glacier and Tracy Arm Fjord standing out as highlights. The city serves as a gateway to outdoor activities, including glacier hiking, whale watching, and kayaking among icebergs. For a bird's-eye view of the stunning landscapes, the Mount Roberts Tramway offers panoramic vistas. Juneau's rich cultural heritage is also on display at the Sealaska Heritage Institute, celebrating the art and traditions of the indigenous peoples of Southeast Alaska, making it a compelling destination for travelers and cruisers seeking both adventure and cultural enrichment.

Juneau's culinary scene is a testament to its rich natural resources, with fresh seafood taking center stage. The city's restaurants boast dishes featuring salmon, halibut, and crab, sourced from the cold, nutrient-rich waters of the Pacific. Local breweries and distilleries add a modern twist to the dining experience, offering craft beers and spirits that incorporate Alaskan ingredients. The blend of traditional Alaskan dishes with contemporary culinary techniques provides a unique tasting journey through the region's flavors.

As a popular port of call and departure point for cruises, Juneau is the perfect start or finish to an Alaskan cruise adventure. The city's natural beauty and cultural depth enrich the cruise experience, offering travelers the chance to explore glaciers, rainforests, and wildlife before setting sail. With unique itineraries that take in the awe-inspiring Inside Passage and beyond, starting or ending your cruise in Juneau promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Alaska's wilderness.

Skagway

Glacier Bay

Wrangell

Ketchikan

Vancouver

Vancouver, situated in British Columbia, Canada, is a vibrant city known for its stunning natural beauty, diverse culture, and thriving arts scene. Founded in 1886, Vancouver has grown into a bustling metropolis that offers a perfect blend of urban sophistication and outdoor adventure, making it a must-visit destination for travelers.

Vancouver enjoys a temperate coastal climate with mild winters and warm summers, thanks to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding mountains. The city experiences moderate rainfall throughout the year, creating lush green landscapes and vibrant gardens. Summer months are ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and exploring the city's numerous parks.

Discover Vancouver's iconic attractions, including Stanley Park with its scenic seawall and lush forests, Granville Island Public Market offering local artisanal products and gourmet foods, and the historic Gastown district known for its cobblestone streets and Victorian architecture. Visit the Vancouver Art Gallery, explore the Museum of Anthropology at UBC, or take a stroll along the vibrant Robson Street for shopping and dining.

Indulge in Vancouver's culinary delights featuring fresh seafood like wild salmon, spot prawns, and Dungeness crab sourced from local waters. Try Pacific Northwest specialties such as smoked salmon, poutine with a West Coast twist, and craft beers from the city's thriving brewery scene. Don't miss out on exploring diverse international cuisines in neighborhoods like Chinatown and Little Italy.

Enhance your Vancouver experience by booking a cruise departing from this coastal city. Choose from a variety of cruise options that explore the scenic Inside Passage, visit Alaska's majestic glaciers, or sail along the Pacific Coast to destinations like California or Hawaii. A cruise from Vancouver promises breathtaking views of rugged coastlines, wildlife encounters, and unforgettable adventures on the high seas.