Alaskan Adventure

Arrive in Vancouver, where you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.

Transfer to your premium cruise ship, where you'll have time to settle into your cabin and familiarise yourself with the ship before enjoying a delightful dinner in the evening.

Enjoy a full day at sea as you embark on your remarkable journey. Take in the breathtaking scenery as your ship navigates past dramatic rocky headlands and cruises through the icy waters of the Inside Passage. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the ship’s facilities or simply unwind in one of the inviting onboard lounges.

Arrive in the Alaskan town of Ketchikan, regarded as the salmon capital of the world and renowned for its idyllic scenery and rich Alaskan Native cultures. Here, you will have free time to relax and explore the town at your leisure. Alternatively, perhaps choose to join a walking tour of the town or learn about the history of Tlingit culture at Saxman Native Village (own expense), where you’ll be fascinated by the collection of Native American totem poles found on display.

Today, your journey takes you to Alaska’s capital, Juneau. Enjoy time to explore the region’s dramatic glacial landscapes and rich gold rush history, or perhaps venture into town to discover its charming, rustic shops. For the adventurous, consider an exhilarating dog sled ride over a glacier or explore other exciting activities. You may wish to sample delicious salmon cooked over an open fire or even try your hand at panning for gold in this historic gold rush town (additional expense).

This morning, you’ll dock at the port of Skagway, which is located at the northernmost point of the Inside Passage. Skagway was once a frontier town and gateway to the Klondike and still celebrates its gold rush past to this day. You will find a variety of stores and saloons in town that capture the excitement and history of the gold rush days. Here, you will also have the opportunity to learn more about gold prospecting or view some of the fascinating local wildlife (additional expense). 

Wake up to the awe-inspiring beauty of Glacier Bay National Park this morning, with its towering ice rivers, rugged coastline, and tranquil fjords. As you cruise through this pristine wilderness, it’s clear why the area holds UNESCO World Heritage status. Today, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the park’s unique features, as local rangers join you on board to share their expertise, offering insights into the region’s geological marvels and diverse wildlife.

Today, you'll embark on an unforgettable journey as you cruise north into the vast, open waters of the Gulf of Alaska. Along the way, you’ll be treated to stunning vistas of pristine wilderness and towering mountain ranges. The first stop on this adventure is College Fjord, a breathtaking inlet known for its dramatic scenery and massive glaciers. As you approach, the sight of these colossal ice giants and the deep blue waters will leave you in awe. The surrounding mountains, dusted with snow, reflect in the calm waters, creating an almost surreal landscape. It's a perfect place to relax, take in the grandeur of nature, and perhaps take a few photos to remember this extraordinary day.

Disembark in Whittier and travel to Anchorage, stopping on the way to enjoy an Insider Experience.

Insider Experience – Moose Encounter

During an up-close encounter at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, enjoy the chance to feed the resident moose. Learn about their diet, behaviour and wild counterparts as you snap a picture of this magical creature. 

Enjoy a scenic journey to Denali on your Insider Experience today.

Insider Experience – McKinley Explorer

Travel aboard the McKinley Explorer to the township of Denali. Expansive glass-domed windows offer 360-degree views, while a host guide accompanies each rail car. Witness the breathtaking expanse of the pristine Alaskan wilderness unfolding before you as you traverse the magnificent Hurricane Gulch and journey through Broad Pass. Admire the majestic peak of Denali, the tallest mountain in North America. 

Today begins with a special Insider Experience. The rest of the afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy at leisure, allowing you to relax and unwind at Holland America Denali Lodge. Alternatively, you might like to visit Denali Square, the social heart of the resort, and perhaps attend an engaging ranger talk.

Insider Experience – Tundra Wilderness Tour

Explore the tundra wilderness country of Denali National Park, accompanied by a knowledgeable local ranger. Look out for native wildlife, such as moose, caribou, grizzly bears and wolves. Learn about the work of wildlife biologists and see why conservation is so paramount to this part of Alaska. The Tundra Wilderness Tour experience is operated by the US National Park so experience a unique opportunity to travel on a school bus into the park.

Depart Denali today and journey to Fairbanks, where you'll embark on a scenic cruise along the Chena River aboard a historic sternwheeler. As you glide through the tranquil waters, admire the lush landscapes and spot local wildlife.

Transfer to the airport for your return flight home.