Inside Report: Sailing Alaska’s Inside Passage on Holland America Line’s Koningsdam

By Brooke Franco

Glacier viewing, orange parties, wildlife spotting, Dutch pastries, pickleball, fresh salmon, and scenic vistas - these are just a sample of the highlights from a 7-day Alaska Inside Passage cruise I recently returned from on Holland America Line’s Koningsdam. If you are considering planning an Alaska cruise for 2025 or beyond, read on for an inside report of what it is like to sail this itinerary.

Holland America is a primary player when it comes to Alaska cruising. The line has been sailing the region for over 75 years, so you could say it has perfected the art of cruising the Last Frontier. Onboard Holland America ships, you will find that the daily onboard programming, restaurant menus, and more are all steeped in bringing passengers a better understanding of Alaska and bringing the region’s culture to guests both in port and on board.

Following is an inside look at what it is like to sail a 7-day Inside Passage cruise with Holland America and why you should strongly consider this cruise line for your next Alaska voyage.

The Itinerary

Inside Passage cruises are the most common itinerary offered in Alaska. For 2024, Holland America positioned five ships to sail Alaska in this picturesque area: Koningsdam, Eurodam, Westerdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, and Noordam. All these voyages homeport from Vancouver or Seattle and sail round trips for seven nights. Another option for a more in-depth experience is to package land either pre or post of the cruise and sail one way between Anchorage (Whittier) and Vancouver or Seattle.

*Koningsdam docked in Juneau - Photo by Brooke Franco*

I sailed onboard the Koningsdam, which spent its 2024 Alaska season sailing 7-night Inside Passage itineraries, including two at-sea days, visits to Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan, and a full day cruising Glacier Bay. It’s important to note that Holland America is one of two lines that garners the most permits into Glacier Bay. While other lines will include a Glacier day, nothing quite compares to the vast grandeur of sailing Glacier Bay.

This itinerary is a fantastic way to see the highlights of Alaska, and a great option if you are a first-time sailor to the region. Holland America offers an exciting array of shore excursions in all of these ports, with something guaranteed to be of interest to passengers of all ages and preferences.

I have cruised the Inside Passage before so for this voyage, I opted for a selection of Holland America’s shore excursions that mixed popular tours along with some excursions that were a bit off the beaten path.

*Views of the Mendenhall Glacier & Top of Goldbelt Tram - Photos by Brooke Franco*

In Juneau, I selected a tour that visited the Mendenhall Glacier and a ride up the Goldbelt Tram. These are two incredibly popular tours in Alaska, and this shore excursion was a great way to have guided transportation directly from the ship, with free time to explore each destination.

*Ocean Raft Adventure and Small Group Photo Excursion - Photos by Brooke Franco*

During my time in Skagway, I took two Holland America excursions during our extended all-day visit to the port. One was an Ocean Raft adventure, an exciting (and safe) tour that takes guests out on an ocean raft through the beautiful scenery of the Lynn Canal. The second excursion was a guided small group photography tour, with a great tour guide who brought a small group of seven passengers to some picturesque sites in around Skagway and nearby British Columbia area.

Both of these excursions were awesome ways to see the beauty of the region. They were guided by experts who had a great understanding of the region and its wildlife and provided insights about the town of Skagway. Each tour left from Holland America’s prime docking spot in Skagway and included transportation directly to and from the ship.

*Tongass National Forest / Downtown Ketchikan* - *Photos by Brooke Franco*

In Ketchikan, I selected a Holland America tour that included a guided walk through the nearby Tongass National Forest as well as a visit to a Totem Park. This was a great way to connect with nature and learn more about the culture of the region.

When you sail with Holland America Line in Alaska, expect extended time in port. There is plenty of time to take an excursion and explore the port areas and surrounding sites at your own pace.

*Up close at the Margerie Glacier - Photo by Brooke Franco*

All Holland America Line cruises guarantee a Glacier Day on Inside Passage cruises, where the ship spends an entire day sailing Glacier Bay with special onboard programming designed to help guests better understand the sites that they are seeing.

During my sailing, we lucked out with fantastic sunny weather and had the chance to see multiple glaciers - Marjorie Glacier and Johns Hopkins Glacier.

*Glacier Cruise Day on Koningsdam - Photos by Brooke Franco*

Glacier Day with Holland America is a truly unique experience. Early morning, National Park Rangers board the ship to provide commentary to all guests throughout the day about the glaciers, surrounding vistas, and wildlife that make up this spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guests are invited to gather around on the ship’s numerous outdoor decks to take in the sites while enjoying a complimentary serving of the cruise line’s famous Dutch Pea Soup or enjoy a drink from a special Glacial Ice cocktail menu. A Junior Ranger program for kids during the day allows younger sailors to meet rangers and learn about the glaciers.

The Glacier Day programming was a great standout feature and really sets Holland America apart from Alaska cruising. Holland America Line offers more glacier experiences than any other cruise line, with all sailings including visits to one or more spectacular Alaskan glaciers.

My sailing was roundtrip from Canada Place in Vancouver. I had never cruised from this port before and found the embarkation and disembarkation to be quick moving, especially as they were processing multiple ships in and out each day, with passengers from all over the world. Vancouver is an easy city to transit from, with an International Airport and easy train or taxi/rideshare options to and from the cruise port.

About the Koningsdam

As previously mentioned, my ship was Holland America’s Koiningsdam, one of the Pinnacle-class vessels. It launched in 2016 and has the capacity to carry up to over 4,000 passengers. It includes 1,331 staterooms and a range of configurations to meet your party's needs and price points.

*The Music Walk* *- Photos by Brooke Franco*

After spending time ashore whale watching or flightseeing over glaciers, it’s time to explore the onboard venues and amenities. Be prepared to take advantage of Koningsdam’s dozens of entertainment venues like the B.B. King’s Blue Club or the Rolling Stone Lounge, take a dip in the many hot tubs or two pools, lounge with a book among any of the covered or outdoor seating areas, or pick up a game of basketball or pickleball at the sports court area.

*Overlooking the Lido Deck* *- Photo by Brooke Franco*

Guests looking to relax can visit the Greenhouse Spa, which offers a full-service spa menu and an extra-cost Thermal Spa area, complete with its own whirlpool, saunas, and quiet lounge areas. Day and night, guests can enjoy programming about Alaska or musical/show performances at the multipurpose World Stage theatre.

*The World Stage* *- Photo by Brooke Franco*

Hungry? Opt for local seafood delicacies or cruise ship staples like pizza and burgers at the Koningsdam’s twelve dining venues. Included options are the Lido Marketplace (Koningsdam’s main buffet area), New York Pizza, Dive In, Grand Dutch Cafe, and the Main Dining restaurant. Specialty eateries onboard Koningsdam are Tamarind, Nami Sushi, Pinnacle Grill, Canalleto, Rudi’s Sel de Mer, and Gelato. Room Service is also available, with select beverage/food items at no additional cost for breakfast.

*Main Dining Room - Photo by Brooke Franco*

Outside of the shows, popular programs, or talks, the ship always feels open and spacious. There’s plenty of room to spread out, and you are never far from a lounge with a window showcasing the everchanging beautiful views of Alaska. The design is relatively easy to get around, making it feel like home after just a day or two onboard.

*Pool on Koningsdam - Photo by Brooke Franco*

From early morning to midnight, there is always something going on with Koningsdam’s onboard activities. On an Inside Passage itinerary, expect to find guided morning wildlife spotting in the Crow’s Nest, afternoon music trivia, arts and origami classes, fitness classes, late-night dance parties in the Music Walk, bingo, Polar Bear Plunges in the pool, movies and popcorn on the Lido Deck, and many many more options.

*Movie Watching in the Lido Deck - Photo by Brooke Franco*

Most daily events and bars/lounges on this ship close around midnight, which is something to keep in mind if you are a ‘night owl’ and want to keep the party going until the wee hours of the morning.

*B.B. King’s Blues Club* *- Photo by Brooke Franco*

Are you cruising with younger sailors? Club HAL is the ship’s destination for kids and teens ages 3-17, offering guided, supervised onboard programming. Club HAL sailors will enjoy dedicated activities such as games, theme parties, scavenger hunts, and more.

From wildlife spotting and taking in scenery to numerous onboard activities, there is never a dull moment when cruising Koningsdam in Alaska.

What is Different About Cruising in Alaska with Holland America Line

*Holland America Loves Alaska! - Photo by Brooke Franco*

Holland America’s distinct Alaska Up Close programming for its Alaska cruises makes it stand out in comparison to many other cruise lines that sail in this region. The in-depth and immersive Alaska experience is a part of everything, from dining to daily events. The cruise line strongly emphasizes bringing people from around the world to experience the beauty of the region.

One of the most unique ways I saw this was the incorporation of Alaska seafood and regional dishes on the menus in the main and specialty restaurants. Some of the featured options were a Seafood Boil or Fish & Chips Lunch at the Lido Deck or featured menu options in Main Dining as part of the Taste Alaska initiative, like a Trio of Salmon, Wild Alaska Smoked Salmon Chowder, and Fresh Cod.

This is all part of Holland America’s Global Fresh Fish program, which helps to source and serve fresh fish onboard all of Holland America’s ship restaurants, bringing fish from port to plate in less than 48 hours.

*Alaska food and beverages* *- Photos by Brooke Franco*

Holland America’s extensive Alaska programming sets the line apart when cruising this region. This is not just a one-day effort on the cruise but a theme that carries throughout the entire voyage. Each sailing features a wildlife expert versed in the flora and fauna of Alaska, who will help you spot whales, otters, mountain goats, and other creatures all from the ship.

A sample of daily programming might include a cooking show where you can learn to cook a fresh salmon dish served onboard, commentary from the on-ship wildlife expert as the ship sailed into the Gastineau Channel, an Art of Alaska show, a presentation on the Iditarod, and a late night viewing of ‘Snow Dogs’ in the (covered) pool area.

*Wildlife Spotting from the Crows Nest - Photos by Brooke Franco*

As mentioned, Holland America’s Glacier Day programming was absolutely top-notch. This day featured a great mix of guided time with experts, as well as the time when the ship sailed near the glaciers. There was plenty of time to marvel at the glaciers, take photos, and soak in the once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Glacier Day on Koningsdam - Photos by Brooke Franco

I left this cruise with a better understanding of Alaska, and the places that I visited, and with many memories - all thanks to the benefit of sailing with Holland America Line.

2025 & Beyond Itineraries

As the 2024 Alaska cruise season with Holland America Line comes to a close, it's time to start planning your 2025, 2026, or beyond voyage to the ‘Last Frontier’ with the line.

In 2025, from April through October, Holland America Line will sail Alaska cruises aboard six ships - Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Westerdam, Zaandam, and of course the Koningsdam. Departures are roundtrip from Seattle and Vancouver, or in either direction between Vancouver and Whittier.

These 2025 sailings will once again include 7-day Inside Passage voyages roundtrip from Vancouver on Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, and Zaandam; Seven-day ‘Alaskan Explorer’ cruises roundtrip from Seattle aboard Eurodam and Westerdam; Seven-day ‘Northbound Glacier Discovery’ and ‘Southbound Glacier Discovery’ itineraries cruise between Whittier and Vancouver aboard Nieuw Amsterdam and Noordam; two 14-day “Great Alaskan Explorer” voyages from Vancouver on Nieuw Amsterdam or Noordam; and a 28-day “Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice” cruise aboard Westerdam. Holland America’s Alaska Up Close and Glacier Days programming will return on all of these voyages.

Explore All 2025 Alaska Cruises with Holland America Line

*Outdoor Views from Koningsdam in Alaska - Photos by Brooke Franco*

In 2026, Holland America will once again have six ships deployed to Alaska from April through September - Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Westerdam, and Zaandam. For the first time in more than five years, Westerdam will sail from Vancouver, and Noordam will sail roundtrip from Seattle.

If you really want to make your Alaska experience special, you can opt for Holland America’s signature Cruisetours, which combine a cruise with an overland tour to Denali National Park and a journey up to the Yukon. 2025 Cruisetours are available for booking now directly with the cruise line.

Note if you are considering booking a future Inside Passage cruise, NOW is the time to make your plans so that you can ensure you get the sail date, stateroom, and best deal on your Alaska cruise. Bookings are filling up fast as demand for Alaska cruises is as high as ever!

Final Thoughts

*Welcome to Alaska - Photos by Brooke Franco*

There are a lot of options and things to consider when you are planning an Alaska cruise. Itineraries differ, and the experience between cruise lines and cruise ships will make your voyage different in its own way. It really boils down to your own preference, and what it is if you want from your Alaska cruise experience.

If you are looking for a great way to experience the Inside Passage, learn about the region, and have a cruise experience that combines the fun of onboard ship experience with days exploring Alaska ports - consider Holland America Line when choosing who to sail with to the ‘Last Frontier’. The line is among the most experienced in sailing with the region and its commitment to on-ship programming, extensive shore excursion offerings, and regional immersion make it an immersive and very fulfilling experience.