Your Alaska cruise departs from Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal, in downtown Vancouver, this afternoon, giving you time for a leisurely breakfast or a little more sightseeing – the Museum of Vancouver coming recommended.

After settling into your cabin, make sure you’re up on deck to as your Holland America cruise passes under Lions Gate Bridge into Burrard Inlet. Then enjoy the coastal scenery as you sail between Vancouver Island and the British Columbia mainland towards Alaskan waters.

Your choice of cabin

Dinner

Today spend the day at sea, cruising through the breathtaking Inside Passage. Take in the stunning scenery of dense forests, rugged coastline, and possible wildlife sightings, including whales and eagles.

In the afternoon you may like to participate in various onboard activities such as cooking demonstrations, art auctions, fitness classes, or a relaxing spa treatment.

In the evening, enjoy a formal dinner followed by a Broadway-style show or live music in one of the lounges.

Your choice of cabin

All meals on board

Your next port of call is Ketchikan, a colourful town that appears to cling to the banks of the Tongass Narrows, surrounded by forest.

Rich in resources, this area has been the home to the Tlingit people since time immemorial, and the Haida and Tsimshians who moved to what is now South East Alaska from Canadamuch later. You can learn about their history and traditions at the Totem Heritage Centre and Totem Bight State Park, and in nearby Saxman Village.

A number of optional excursions are also available including sea kayaking, salmon fishing, an e-bike ride through the rainforest, and bear spotting by floatplane!

Lastly, for souvenirs (or locally smoked salmon), take a stroll along historic Creek Street, a boardwalk built over the Ketchikan Creek.

Your choice of cabin

All meals on board

Arrive in Juneau, Alaska’s remote capital, nestled between towering mountains and the Gastineau Channel, around 10 AM. You can begin your day with an excursion to the Mendenhall Glacier where you can explore the glacier’s massive ice formations, take a scenic walk along the shoreline, or even hike up to stunning viewpoints for an unforgettable perspective of the glacier and surrounding wilderness.

Or hop aboard a boat for a thrilling adventure into the waters of the Inside Passage, where you can observe humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, and other marine wildlife in their natural habitat.

Return to the ship for dinner. Departure is typically around 21:00, giving you ample time to enjoy the local sights.

Your choice of cabin

All meals on board

At the height of the Klondike Gold Rush, the port town of Skagway quickly grew to become Alaska’s largest, albeit somewhat raucous,  settlement. Much of the town has been preserved as part of a National Historical Park, with rangers offering free walking tours.

You have a full day in Skagway, with another wide range of optional activities available. Highly recommended is the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, an incredible feat of engineering built to facilitate the gold rush. The journey to the summit of White Pass passes towering glaciers and cascading waterfalls, and crosses and sky-high trestles. You can stay on the train to come back down again, or for an adrenaline kick descend by mountain bike!

Other optional excursions include gold panning, dog sledding, and a wilderness safari to Glacier Point.

Your choice of cabin

All meals on board

Have your binoculars and camera ready as you cruise through Glacier Bay to the mile-wide Margerie Glacier, where you may have a chance to witness ice calving.

This area is also known for its abundant wildlife, with humpback whales frequenting the icy waters and  brown bear patrolling the wind-swept beaches.

Your choice of cabin

All meals on board

Cruise through College Fjord, where towering glaciers meet the ocean. As you enter the fjord, you’ll get a chance to witness glaciers cascading down the mountainsides into the sea. The ship will slowly glide through the fjord, giving you ample time to admire the view. Keep your eyes peeled for calving glaciers—chunks of ice thundering into the water!

Your choice of cabin

All meals on board

Enjoy breakfast onboard in Whittier before catching the train to Anchorage, where you’ll spend the next two days exploring the city. There are plenty of optional excursions available to make the most of your time here. One great option is a trolley tour of Anchorage. This 1-hour guided tour will take you through the city’s historic sites, including the picturesque Lake Hood Floatplane Base and Earthquake Park. Along the way, you’ll be accompanied by knowledgeable local Alaskans eager to share the heart and history of their hometown.

Alternatively, you can visit the Alaska Native Heritage Centre, where you’ll immerse yourself in exhibits that highlight the diverse Indigenous cultures of Alaska.

Other exciting excursion options include wildlife viewing tours, where you might spot moose and bears, scenic biking trails, or even a thrilling glacier flightseeing tour for unforgettable aerial views of Alaska.

The Westmark Anchorage Hotel or similar

Today you’ll board the luxurious domed rail cars of the McKinley Explorer to Denali for a three-night stay.

With large, curved glass windows running the full length of the upper-level dome, you can enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of towering mountains, forests, and crystal-clear waters as you travel from Anchorage to Talkeetna and Denali Park. The relaxing pace of the train lets you fully immerse in the stunning surroundings.

Onboard the McKinley Explorer, enjoy comfort with spacious upper dome seats and a knowledgeable host providing fascinating commentary. Downstairs, an outdoor viewing platform and dining area serve fresh Alaskan dishes like King Crab Cake Benedict and Alaska Fish Tacos, with full bar service and a welcoming atmosphere, creating the perfect setting to take in Alaska’s scenic beauty.

The Denali Lodge by Holland America offers a comfortable stay just outside Denali National Park, with stunning views of the Nenana River and Alaskan wilderness. It’s the perfect base for exploring the area, with a range of amenities and easy access to exciting excursions.

Denali Lodge

Denali National Park is one of Alaska’s most iconic destinations, known for its vast wilderness and towering peaks, including the mighty Denali (formerly Mount McKinley), North America’s highest peak. Today is a free day to explore the park at your own pace or choose from a variety of excursions.

For golf enthusiasts, enjoy a unique round at Black Diamond Golf Course, a nine-hole course surrounded by mountains and Otto Lake. Navigate challenging terrain with hazards like moose prints and tundra marshes, while taking in panoramic views and wildlife sightings. Your round includes unlimited greens fees, club rentals, and a power cart, plus a souvenir logo golf ball to remember the experience.

Or for adventure lovers, why not ride through the Alaskan Boreal Forest on a thrilling ATV adventure, reaching speeds up to 30 mph as you navigate rugged trails with views of the Alaska Range. Explore glacial moraines, archaeological sites, and mountain-fed creeks, while making stops for wildlife sightings and photos. Experience the terrain on a brand-new Yamaha Side-by-Side ATV, suitable for all skill levels. The 20-mile tour lasts 2½ hours, offering plenty of time to enjoy.

Denali Lodge

Today you can enjoy the Tundra Wilderness Tour, a 5-6 hour fully narrated sightseeing excursion that takes you deep into Denali National Park. This tour provides an excellent opportunity to explore the park’s incredible wilderness, where you’ll have the chance to spot some of Denali’s iconic wildlife, including moose, bears, caribou, and wolves.

Although the tour currently reaches mile 43 due to road construction, it still offers some of the best views of Denali as well as the park’s stunning landscapes. The knowledgeable guides will share interesting facts about the area, its wildlife, and the history of the park. (Snack included)

Denali Lodge

Snack

Today, enjoy a scenic 2.5-hour drive from the Denali Lodge to Fairbanks, where you’ll experience the unique landscapes of Alaska as you journey north. Along the way, take in the views, offering plenty of opportunities for stunning photos.

Upon arrival in Fairbanks, you’ll have the chance to choose from a variety of exciting excursions. One of the most memorable options is the Aurora Borealis Viewing excursion, where you can witness the magical Northern Lights in a prime location, far from city lights. This incredible natural phenomenon offers a vibrant display of swirling colours in the night sky, creating a truly unforgettable experience.

Westmark Fairbanks Hotel & Conference Centre

Start your day with an exciting journey aboard the Riverboat Discovery, a historic sternwheeler that will transport you back in time as you cruise the Chena River. Enjoy the stunning views of the Alaskan wilderness while your guide shares fascinating stories about the area’s history and wildlife. During the tour, you’ll have the chance to visit an Athabascan village, see native dog sledding demonstrations, and even witness a bush pilot take off and land right next to the boat.

After the boat tour, you’ll head to the historic Gold Dredge 8, where you’ll experience the thrill of panning for gold. Explore the gold mining operation and learn about the techniques used by early miners. Then, take part in the hands-on activity of gold panning, and who knows—you might even strike it rich!

Westmark Fairbanks Hotel & Conference Centre

Lunch

Begin your day with a short flight from Fairbanks to the historic Dawson City, Yukon. Known for its rich Gold Rush history, Dawson City offers a charming glimpse into the past with its well-preserved wooden buildings and old-time frontier feel. As you explore the town, you’ll discover its unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. The streets are lined with landmarks like the iconic Palace Grand Theatre and the famous Robert Service Cabin, where you can learn about the poet’s time in the Klondike.

Dawson City is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the spirit of the Klondike Gold Rush, with plenty of opportunities to explore local museums and gold rush-era sites.

Holland America Dawson City Inn

Enjoy a full day to explore Dawson City at your own pace or choose from a variety of optional excursions. Stroll through the historic streets, visit local shops, and don’t miss the chance to check out Diamond Tooth Gertie’s, the lively casino and dance hall that brings the spirit of the Gold Rush era to life. For a deeper dive into Dawson’s rich history, consider taking a Gold Fields tour, where you’ll learn all about the Klondike Gold Rush and the area’s fascinating past.

If you’re looking for more adventure, you can head up to the Top of the Dome for stunning panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes, or embark on a Tombstone Park tour, where you’ll explore the Dempster Highway and Tombstone Territorial Park.

Holland America Dawson City Inn

Spend your morning at leisure in Dawson City before boarding your flight to Whitehorse, the capital of the Yukon Territory. Once you arrive, you’ll have the chance to explore the city known for its rich history, lively arts scene, and stunning natural beauty.

For those interested in nature, why not join the Miles Canyon Nature Walk. This easy, non-paved hike along the shores of the stunning Yukon River takes you through the picturesque Miles Canyon. Your local guide will share stories from the Klondike Gold Rush, as well as insights into the region’s natural history, plants, and wildlife.

Westmark Whitehorse Hotel & Conference Centre

Absorb some authentic Canadian culture at Caribou Crossing Trading Post, where you can explore local crafts, wildlife displays, and hear fascinating stories of the Yukon’s heritage.

Enjoy a delicious lunch before bidding farewell to your Tour Director and flying to Vancouver, where you’ll spend the night at the luxurious Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel.

Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel

Lunch

Your Alaska cruise holiday ends today as you make your way to the airport for your flight back home.

Alternatively, if you would like to add extra nights in Vancouver, or a tour of the Canadian Rockies, just let your Travel Consultant know.