Traveling to Alaska has become a cherished tradition for my wife and me, driven by our shared passion for adventure.
Having celebrated our wedding anniversary in August 2024 on a cruise aboard the Crown Princess, we eagerly anticipated a return this May.
This time, we found ourselves aboard Holland America’s Koningsdam, ready to embrace the beauty and splendor of Alaska once more.
Cruising the Inside Passage is typically marked by stops in renowned ports such as Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and occasionally Sitka.
Few things compare to scanning the landscape for iconic wildlife, including black and brown bears, leaping salmon, and soaring bald eagles.
With playful otters, majestic whales, seals basking in the sun, and mountain goats dotting the rugged terrain, Alaska remains an untouched paradise for nature lovers.
Beyond its dramatic scenery, Alaska boasts deep cultural diversity, housing over 229 federally recognized Alaska Native tribes.
Each tribe holds a unique history and relationship with the land, enriching the state’s cultural fabric.
For those wishing to dive deeper into this heritage, visiting local art studios is a must.
In Ketchikan, Crazy Wolf Studio showcases indigenous art crafted by talented local artists, offering unique items ranging from kitchenware to intricate jewelry.
Juneau welcomes visitors with Sacred Grounds Café, where you can enjoy delicious coffee and a sockeye lox bagel, proudly owned by the Tlingit & Haida tribal enterprise.
Skagway’s Wild Yukon Furs presents an array of wonderful, Indigenous-harvested wild fur items, all from a woman-owned sanctuary.
However, it’s crucial to acknowledge the environmental implications of travel, particularly cruising.
Alaska’s rapidly melting glaciers highlight the urgent issues surrounding global warming and its effects on the planet.
These reminders have sparked a sense of urgency within me: visiting Alaska should be on everyone’s bucket list, and it deserves a higher priority.
Upon your return home, let this experience motivate you to hold lawmakers accountable for climate changes affecting our shared environment.
When it comes to the question of why one should cruise to Alaska, several factors stand out.
Cruising presents a uniquely stress-free form of travel, especially in such a breathtaking destination.
It offers the chance to sail past magnificent glaciers, witness diverse wildlife, and take in national parks — all while enjoying pre-planned itineraries that maximize relaxation.
The entertainment on board is abundant, service is exceptional, and you can explore several ports in a short amount of time, making it ideal for the vastness of Alaska.
On board, you can choose to engage in every activity, enjoy spa days, meal options, or simply unwind at the buffet.
Many cruise lines additionally offer educational seminars to prepare you for each destination and wildlife observation training, ensuring you won’t miss any of the breathtaking views.
Engaging in excursions ranging from fishing and hiking to food tours and animal encounters is an easy way to keep busy.
Moreover, Alaska cruises come with a unique bonus: marijuana is legal in each port.
Whether you embark from San Francisco, Seattle, or Vancouver, you can freely enjoy recreational marijuana in these locations — though make sure to adhere to the ship’s policies which prohibit bringing marijuana on board.
After two memorable cruises to Alaska, my thoughts began to shift towards land-based travel.
While cruising offers a fantastic way to see the sites, it does come with limitations regarding time spent in each port.
With so much to explore and experience, I find myself longing for the opportunity to savor Alaska’s wonders day by day.
Choosing the right time for an Alaskan cruise can greatly influence your experience.
The thrilling sight of black bears fishing for salmon is particularly enchanting during late August to early September when we visited.
Although the temperatures dropped and rain was frequent, the ambiance felt more intimate and wild.
Overall, there’s no wrong time to cruise to Alaska.
Each season offers its own unique advantages in terms of weather, wildlife, crowd sizes, and prices.
Early-season cruises often feature smaller crowds and lower prices but can entail more rainy days and limited fishing opportunities.
In peak season, which runs from mid-June through mid-July, travelers can enjoy the best weather and excursions, although this period also sees inflated prices and larger crowds.
Late-season cruising, such as our experience, can provide a sweet spot with fewer people, vivid wildlife, and the breathtaking experience of Alaska’s natural beauty.
Planning ahead is vital as Alaska cruises are incredibly popular, filling up quickly during the season.
Having sailed on Holland America’s Koningsdam, I can attest to the high standards of this cruise line from the start.
Among the areas that impressed was the food, where Holland America’s Global Fresh Fish program stands out by sourcing fish from local ports.
Experiencing the delightful range of flavors, from pan-Asian dishes at Tamarind to stunning steaks and caviar service at Pinnacle Grill, was unprecedented.
The buffet exceeded expectations too, especially with the made-to-order stir-fry station that left me delighted.
As someone who drinks minimally, Holland’s Quench package truly appealed to me, covering specialty coffees, mocktails, sodas, and bottled water.
The coffee experience at the Grand Dutch Café deserves special mention as it was exceptional.
However, my enthusiasm waned when it came to mocktails, which leaned towards the overly sweet side.
Our spa balcony cabin on Koningsdam was spacious and well-appointed with comfortable seating and thoughtful storage solutions.
Yet, one small drawback was the balcony door design which swung open, preventing us from enjoying the breeze as we could on other ships.
In terms of entertainment, Holland America’s music-centric approach meant a focus on musical performances with limited variety.
While I appreciate good music, a livelier, dance-inspired atmosphere would have been enjoyable, particularly when compared to the energy aboard the Crown Princess.
While the pool and spa were highlights, the quieter entertainment environment left me wishing for more options.
The overall spa experience was serene, although I encountered a small issue with a malfunctioning massage table.
The thermal suite offered a peaceful retreat on sea days, allowing guests to unwind completely.
As bingo enthusiasts, losing out on game sessions due to limited scheduling was disappointing, particularly on the Koningsdam where lack of options felt notable.
Despite these hiccups, the experience aboard Holland America was otherwise remarkable, particularly for foodies or those looking for a more understated cruise.
In contrast, our time aboard the Crown Princess felt dynamic.
This ship was slightly smaller and seemed to attract a younger, more diverse clientele that brought a distinct energy to the voyage.
While the food may not have been as refined, it still held its own, with the carving station at the buffet serving delicious whole turkeys and porchetta.
Sabatini’s, the Italian specialty restaurant, offered breathtaking views alongside fresh, delicious pasta.
I leaned into sampling local Alaskan cuisine while in port rather than focusing solely on cruise dining options.
The mocktails on Crown Princess had impeccable balance, delivering flavor without the excessive sweetness.
Each drink felt more thoughtfully curated than those on the Koningsdam.
The typical size balcony cabin with a sliding door on Crown Princess allowed a refreshing breeze that felt like a luxury I missed upon transitioning to Koningsdam.
Storage options varied: while a generous closet was available, a lack of drawers required some organization creativity on our part.
Where Crown Princess excelled was in providing a myriad of entertainment options, notably the arts and crafts, trivia, or comedy shows available twice a day, making planning a breeze.
The atmosphere was lively throughout the night, especially in the dance club where the DJ kept the energy high.
In contrast to Koningsdam’s quieter vibe, this energetic environment was both refreshing and enthralling.
The spa experience on Crown Princess was enjoyable, even with a smaller and more limited thermal suite.
Casino and bingo hours seemed more consistent, thanks to our departure from San Francisco, leading to a more upbeat and engaging environment.
In conclusion, no matter which cruise line you choose for your Alaskan journey, both have their unique offerings that cater to diverse travel preferences.
Alaska itself, with its breathtaking views and engaging port excursions, ensures that your experience is unforgettable.
When preparing for an Alaskan adventure, packing for unpredictable weather is crucial.
Both of our visits featured consistent rain, prompting us to embrace it cheerfully.
We made sure to carry quality rain gear, Smartwool base layers, and warm clothing, ensuring comfort regardless of the conditions.
Upon returning to the hot tubs aboard the cruise ships after our excursions, relaxation was key after our outdoor adventures.
Binoculars proved invaluable during wildlife spotting, particularly for observing the abundant fauna across Alaska.
NOCS Provisions offers a range of binoculars that cater to different needs, ensuring you don’t miss a moment.
For hiking or long walks around ports, investing in high-quality gear is essential — durable, waterproof options make all the difference.
My wife found joy in her Arcade belt, made from recycled fabric, offering convenience and comfort during our explorations.
In our travel gear ensemble, a durable and waterproof fanny pack proved indispensable, especially the Wayb Belt Bag, which helped keep essentials organized and secure.
Our excursions in Juneau included an unforgettable whale watching experience with Juneau Tours and Whale Watch, riding on a heated and enclosed vessel while viewing whales in the rain.
Tracy’s Crab Shack beckoned hungry tourists with succulent crab legs; its famous offerings don’t disappoint as visitors line up for a taste.
Furthermore, the Filipino BBQ scene in Juneau allowed us to enjoy traditional dishes, revealing the town’s diverse culinary community.
While in Skagway, the Alaska Waterfalls & Wildlife tour gave a unique perspective of cascading waterfalls, wildlife sightings, and overall stunning views — worthy of a special mention.
Throughout this adventure, we embraced the stunning landscapes and wildlife, capturing memories forever etched into our experiences.
Skagway Brew House offered some excellent, warming lunches, showcasing local delights that fueled our wandering around town.
In Ketchikan, we celebrated our anniversary through an exciting excursion with Black Bear Express, where we enjoyed seeing bears in their natural habitat — it was a mesmerizing experience.
Wildlife Watching Tour brought us closer to nature’s marvels while experiencing Alaska’s pristine environment.
For food lovers, Alaska Fish House in Ketchikan presented an impressive menu, offering delectable seafood just a stone’s throw from the port.
On the day we stopped in Prince Rupert, Canada, I was fortunate enough to stumble upon Saltwater Bakery, serving warm pastries that highlighted the area’s culinary roots.
With every visit, both the nature and culture of Alaska have captivated us.
We now find ourselves longing for our next visit, no matter the form it takes.
image source from：salon
