
The Inside Passage cruise on Holland America from Seattle to Alaska is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The journey begins in Seattle, where you'll board the ship and set sail for the stunning coastline of Alaska.
You'll have the opportunity to see breathtaking glaciers, fjords, and mountains up close, with many ports of call along the way.
One of the highlights of the trip is the wildlife viewing, with chances to spot bears, whales, and eagles in their natural habitats.
Holland America's ms Westerdam, which offers this itinerary, has a capacity for 1,964 passengers, providing a comfortable and intimate cruising experience.
Highlights and Inclusions
On an Inside Passage Cruise with Holland America, you can look forward to indulging in fresh local seafood and classic French dishes on board. You'll have the chance to explore the vibrant city of Vancouver, a bustling west coast seaport.
Culinary highlights include local seafood and French cuisine, as well as meals on board, which include breakfast, lunch, dinner, and nightly entertainment.
Some of the must-see inclusions on this cruise are:
- Cruise the Inside Passage, known for its natural beauty and wildlife.
- Sail through Glacier Bay, a treasure trove of glaciers and coastal islands.
- Explore the Totem Heritage Center in Ketchikan and learn about the First Nations of Alaska.
- Relive Alaska's Gold Rush days in historic Skagway.
Accommodations range from Inside rooms to Ocean-View and Vista rooms, with prices starting at $1,200.00 for a 7-night Ocean-View room.
Itinerary and Dates
You'll embark on your Inside Passage cruise from the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal, just north of downtown Seattle, after exploring the city's top attractions like the Space Needle, Pikes Place Market, or Pioneer Square.
The cruise will take you through a labyrinth of channels bordered by green mountains, leaving open ocean for the protected water of the Inside Passage.
Your first port call will be in Juneau, a busy town neighbor to the nearby Mendenhall Glacier and the whale feeding area of Stephens Passage, where you can witness the majesty of nature up close.
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Daily Itinerary & Sailing Dates
The daily itinerary for this Alaskan cruise is packed with exciting activities and breathtaking scenery. We depart from the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal, just north of downtown Seattle, for a late afternoon departure.
The first full day of the voyage is spent at sea, leaving the open ocean behind for the protected waters of the Inside Passage. This labyrinth of channels is bordered by stunning green mountains.
The superlative Hubbard Glacier is a highlight of the second day at sea, with passengers spending several hours gazing at its miles-long face. The glacier can be a spectacular sight, with house-sized hunks of ice calving into the bay water.
We'll have a full day in Sitka, with plenty of excursions and sites to see. This charming town has a unique past as a Russian colony, rich native heritage, and wildlife-rich waters and forests.
Our roundtrip Alaskan cruise route concludes back in Seattle, bringing an end to an unforgettable journey.
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Cruising Northbound
Cruising northbound through the Inside Passage is a breathtaking experience, offering opportunities to spot Alaska's iconic wildlife, including humpback whales and orcas.
The route takes you through a labyrinth of channels bordered by green mountains, providing a stunning backdrop for your journey.
You'll have several hours to explore Sitka, a unique town with a rich Russian and native heritage, and its wildlife-rich waters and forests.
The superlative Hubbard Glacier is a highlight of the journey, with its miles-long face putting on a spectacular show, sometimes calving house-sized hunks of ice into the frosty bay water.
The itinerary includes a full day in Juneau, a busy town neighbor to the nearby Mendenhall Glacier and the whale feeding area of Stephens Passage.
You can explore the town's sites and excursions easily fill a full day on shore.
Here are the specific dates for the northbound Inside Passage cruise:
Destination Information
The Inside Passage is a stunning coastal route known for its natural beauty and abundant wildlife.
You'll have a wonderful day of sightseeing as your ship sails along this extensive route.
The Inside Passage is home to a diverse array of marine life, including whales, dolphins, and sea lions.
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Get ready for breathtaking views of glaciers, fjords, and towering mountains that will leave you speechless.
Your ship will navigate through narrow channels and inlets, offering a unique perspective on the region's rugged landscape.
This is a truly unforgettable experience that will stay with you long after your cruise is over.
Specific Ports
On a Holland America Inside Passage cruise, you'll visit various ports with unique experiences.
In Juneau, Alaska, you can visit the Mendenhall Glacier, a breathtaking 13-mile-long glacier.
The ports of call on a typical Inside Passage cruise include Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, and Skagway.
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Vancouver
Vancouver is a fantastic port of call, and if you're planning to visit, you might want to consider a 7-night Inside Passage Holland America cruise. This cruise offers a unique experience, with a floating resort that's designed to make your stay on board truly memorable.
On board, you'll have access to state-of-the-art lounges that offer top-notch entertainment. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and nightly entertainment are all included in the package, so you can enjoy a hassle-free vacation.
One of the best things about this cruise is the variety of dining options available. You'll have plenty of choices to suit every taste and preference, and you can enjoy your meals in a range of settings, from formal to casual.
Holland America Glacier Bay from Seattle
If you're planning a Holland America Glacier Bay cruise from Seattle, you'll want to know the specifics. One of the most popular itineraries is the seven-day Inside Passage with Glacier Bay route.
The cruise spends two full days at sea, giving you plenty of time to relax and take in the breathtaking views of the Gulf of Alaska. You'll also have the opportunity to explore the Inside Passage, a protected waterway that offers a unique perspective on Alaska's stunning coastline.
You can choose from several departure dates, ranging from May 16th to September 17th, 2025. Prices vary depending on the departure date, but you can expect to pay between $2,399 and $2,799 per person for a land-only package.
Here's a breakdown of the departure dates and prices:
The itinerary includes port calls in Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan, and Victoria, giving you a chance to experience the rich multicultural heritage of Alaska's southeast.
Holland America, Seattle
Holland America, Seattle is a great option for a cruise. This route offers a unique order of events, allowing you to enjoy the onboard experience while still visiting four distinct ports of call.
The cruise visits Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan, and Victoria, with Sitka being a special highlight due to its historical significance and fewer cruise stops.
You'll have several daytime hours to explore the Inside Passage, and one exceptional day to visit Hubbard Glacier.
Tour Overview
This 7-night Holland America cruise through Alaska's Inside Passage is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You'll begin your adventure in the vibrant city of Vancouver, before setting sail on a luxurious floating resort.
You'll experience the breathtaking beauty of the Inside Passage, renowned for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife.
The cruise takes you through a protected network of waterways, featuring glacier-cut fjords, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife.
You'll marvel at the majestic glaciers and coastal islands of Glacier Bay, and explore the rich cultural heritage of Ketchikan at the Totem Heritage Center.
Relive the excitement of the Gold Rush era in historic Skagway, and savor exquisite local seafood and classic French cuisine on board.
This cruise offers a perfect blend of natural wonders, cultural insights, and culinary delights, ensuring a memorable Alaskan adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cruising the Inside Passage worth it?
Yes, cruising the Inside Passage is a breathtaking experience, offering a unique and up-close view of glaciers, mountains, and sea. Its stunning scenery makes it a must-see destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Is the Alaska Inside Passage rough?
No, the Alaska Inside Passage is generally protected and calm, but cruises to Seward, Whittier, or Anchorage may encounter rougher waters in the Gulf of Alaska
Sources
- https://www.gocollette.com/en/tours/north-america/usa/alaskas-inside-passage-cruise
- https://www.alaskatravel.com/cruises/holland-roundtrip-seattle-glacier-bay/
- https://www.alaskatravel.com/cruises/holland-roundtrip-seattle-hubbard/
- https://vacations.oregon.aaa.com/8464750/alaskas-inside-passage-cruise-featuring-a-7-night-holland-america-cruise
- https://tourhub.co/tour/collette/alaska's-inside-passage-cruise-featuring-a-7-night-holland-america-cruise/16424
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