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Presently, I am voyaging on a seven-day Alaskan cruise aboard the Koningsdam by Holland America Line. Even though I have formerly sailed on cruise vessels, this marks my inaugural experience cruising to Alaska with Holland America Line, having already visited Alaska with other cruise companies.
Kindly note: All images featured in this post were taken during my Alaskan cruise on Holland America Line.
Accompanied by my wife and our three-year-old son, we are guests of the cruise line, part of a media group onboard. Feel free to peruse my previous review of Koningsdam here from my earlier voyage on this ship a few years back.
Having spent almost a week aboard the vessel, here are ten reasons why I believe that your next Alaskan cruise should definitely be with Holland America Line.
A Journey to Alaska with More Historical Depth
Unlike any other cruise company worldwide, Holland America Line holds the distinction of offering voyages to Alaska for the longest duration. This extensive history enables them to deliver the most exceptional Alaskan cruising experience.
Since 1947, Holland America Line has been conducting Alaskan cruises, a legacy that precedes most of our lifetimes.
Prime Port Locations
During our visits to each port, it became apparent that Holland America Line’s vessels consistently secured the most advantageous docking positions among all the cruise operators. Often, our ship was in port with one or two other HAL vessels.
Opting for a superior docking spot means less travel for exploring town, an advantageous feature considering the likelihood of rainy weather on one or more days of your cruise. After all, Alaska’s weather can fluctuate between delightful 70-degree sunshine and chilly 40-degree rainfall, usually favoring the latter.
While we docked right in town, other vessels were situated a significant 15-20 minute walk away.
On our Juno stopover, precipitation persisted throughout the day, amplifying the benefits of our optimal docking position.
Exclusive Fresh Fish Initiative
While onboard, I had the privilege of conversing with Michael Stendebach, VP of Food and Beverage, and John Mulvaney, Director of Culinary Operations for Holland America Line, regarding the new fresh fish program.
The cruise line’s fresh fish initiative ensures the freshest seafood available on any cruise ships globally.
Just how fresh is it? During my Alaskan voyage, fresh fish was sourced from Vancouver, Juno, and Ketchikan, never subjected to freezing and landed on plates within a mere 48 hours of being caught.
In Juno, fishermen deliver the catch to a processing facility a mere 50 meters from the ship. Subsequently, the fish is promptly brought aboard, maintaining an exceptional freshness level as it never ventures more than a short distance inland. No other cruise operator can match this level of seafood freshness.
Constant liaising with the fishermen allows for menu adjustments based on the daily catch. The menus are crafted around the freshest available seafood, not relying on frozen produce harvested weeks or months prior.
Dedicated Crew
Although most ship crews exhibit exceptional service, one standout incident during my Koningsdam cruise truly emphasized their dedication.
On a particular evening while enjoying Billboard Onboard with my family, I approached the Rolling Stone bar requesting a Red Bull. The bartender, acknowledging that the stock was depleted yet recalling my prior request, promptly embarked on a mission to retrieve one for me.
After a brief absence, he returned with a refreshingly cold Red Bull. In my 15-year cruising experience, such personalized service had been an unprecedented encounter. He truly extended himself to serve me.
His exceptional service was not the sole standout moment. Song, a spa staff member, delivered such an exceptional haircut that my son opted for one too, while she accommodated my wife’s hairstyle request. She exuded brilliance in her work.
The team at the World Cafe memorized my son’s name from the onset and consistently greeted him by it.
I cannot commend the Koningsdam crew enough for their exceptional service.
Assurance of Glaciers
Holland America Line recently introduced a Glacier Assurance on all Alaska voyages. Should your vessel skip a glacier visit, a credit of 15% towards a future cruise will be provided.
They stand alone as the sole cruise company offering this perk. Their vessels tour Glacier Bay, College Fjord, Dawes Glacier, Hubbard Glacier, and the Twin Sawyer Glaciers in Tracy Arm Fjord.
Entry to Glacier Bay
Regarding glaciers, Holland America Line holds more permits to enter Glacier Bay National Park than any other cruise operator.
A visit to Glacier Bay was a standout of our voyage, and it’s hard to envision an Alaskan journey sans this national park stop.
Not every cruise service can access Glacier Bay. In 2024, only five cruise companies are approved to visit, with Holland America offering the most trips.
You’d be remiss not to book an Alaska cruise that bypasses Glacier Bay.
They unveiled the ship’s bow on our Glacier Bay visit day, ensuring a close encounter with the glaciers.
Programs Aboard
When traveling with Holland America Line, you don’t just voyage to Alaska; Alaska is brought onto the ship. The onboard shows and activities plunge you deeply into the Alaskan experience, enhancing your cruise.
In the World Stage (theater), the following programs were presented during the trip:
- Discover Alaska: Routes, Ports, Tours
- Best Times for Wildlife Spotting
- Alaska Close-ups: Pacific Giants
- Binoculars Mastery
- Alaska Close-ups: The Iditarod
- Alaska Close-ups: Ancestral Tales
- A Magnificent Day in Glacier Bay
- Film Screening: Mystery Alaska
- Glacier Bay Park Ranger Initiative
- Indigenous Stories: Tlingit Folklore
- Salmon Tales: A Vital Species Learning
Specific Alaska-themed activities were labeled with WE ❤️ ALASKA in The Daily for easy reference.
Ships Equipped With Indoor Pool
All of Holland America Line’s Alaska-bound cruise ships boast a primary pool with a retractable cover, elevating the cruise experience for two main reasons.
Primarily, this feature ensures the area remains usable regardless of weather conditions. Considering Alaska’s changeable weather, passengers can enjoy the pool throughout the entire journey.
Secondly, it expands the viewing areas for guests to admire the stunning Alaskan vistas without discomfort. On most ships, inclement weather would leave you chilly or damp, but Holland America Line resolves this by enclosing the pool area for a more pleasant environment.
Moreover, the covered area near the aft pool on Koningsdam featured heaters, allowing passengers to enjoy the vistas without feeling too cold.
Observation Lounges
All Holland America Line ships visiting Alaska include an observation lounge, also known as the Crow’s Nest. This space offers controlled temperatures and panoramic views of both the port and starboard sides.
One early morning, a whale-watching event took place here, benefitting from the 270-degree views from the ship’s top bow.
Wildlife and Expanse Encounters
An Alaskan cruise with Holland America Line is distinct, providing more chances for wildlife and wilderness exploration than any other cruise service. With nearly 180 shore excursions available, passengers can opt for encounters with wildlife or the wilderness.
Aboard, a wildlife expert aids in spotting humpback whales, orcas, bald eagles, sea otters, and black bears. Daily programs inform passengers of expert wildlife-spotting times to witness animals in their natural habitats.
Vancouver vs. Seattle
When planning an Alaskan cruise, the choice between departing from Seattle or Vancouver must be considered. While the ports of call often overlap, boarding in Vancouver offers two advantages worth noting.
Firstly, the Vancouver route includes traversing the Inside Passage twice. As the ship sails through this route, passengers enjoy spectacular views of the untouched wilderness.
Secondly, Vancouver departures eliminate the need for a Canadian port stop. Seattle-based round-trip cruises necessitate a Canadian stopover, typically in Victoria for a brief visit of three to four hours. This stop is required under the Passenger Services Vessel Act of 1886.
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