DAY 3 - 03 Sep 2022
Time at Port: from 7 AM to 4:30 PM
From its architecture of ‘Vancouverism’ to the history of how it was built; Vancouver is a vibrant city full of arts and culture just waiting for you to discover all it’s hidden gems. Here you’ll be able to get stuck into a whole host of museums including Science World, the waterfront Maritime Museum and the Museum of Anthropology.
Things to do in Vancouver:
Gastown
The oldest place within Vancouver at the heart of its very origins, Gastown was set up in 1867 by John Deighton whose various stories and adventures garnered him the name of ‘Gassy Jack.’ Nowadays, you’ll find fantastic restaurants, and the famous steam-powered clock in Maple Tree Centre.
Chinatown
In Vancouver’s China Town district you can visit the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden where you can see a truly beautiful collection of plant life and ponds. There is also the Sam Kee Building which is the narrowest office building ever built, spanning barely 2 meters wide!
English Bay
English Bay is a beautiful beach that is home to outstanding high-end shops and mouth watering restaurants. There are also waterfront trails to follow if you like beach walking.
Canada Place
Canada Place is the perfect spot to start your adventures around Vancouver as it is where you’ll first step ashore from your cruise ship. Explore the pier, and be taken back by the outstanding architecture and views. At the end of the pier you’ll find the Flyover Canada attraction. From here, you can also use Canada Place as a transit hub to other places around Vancouver.
Scenic Cruising - Inside Passage
DAY 4 - 04 Sep 2022
You will be at sea on day 4 while travelling from Vancouver to Juneau.
Scenic Cruising Tracy Arm
DAY 5 - 05 Sep 2022
Time at Port: from 9 AM to 9:30 AM
You will be at sea on day 5 while travelling from Vancouver to Juneau.
Juneau
DAY 5 - 05 Sep 2022
Time at Port: from 1 PM to 10 PM
The capital of Alaska, Juneau boasts a plethora of national parks in its surrounding area, such as Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, teaming with iconic wildlife such as salmon, bears, and bald eagles. The city of Juneau is also well worth a stop in itself with such attractions as the Alaska State Museum and iconic cable car ride for breath-taking views. Visitors will love delectable locally-sourced seafood as well as a range of other cuisines in town.
Things to do in Juneau:
Stephens Passage
Stephens Passage is a shortcut through Southeast Alaska, close by to South Juneau, therefore widely used by ships for many different reasons. Not only this, it’s a popular route for humpback whales and sea lions with plenty of opportunities to spot the mammals.
Mendenhall Glacier
Mendenhall Glacier is 13 and a half miles of towering deeply packed ice over thousands of years. Named after Thomas Corwin Mendenhall, an alumnus of Ohio State University, the glacier tours are available by cruise ship, tour bus and even helicopter.
Tongass National Park
At 17 million square acres, Tongass boasts being the largest national park on US soil. Perfect for exploring via hiking trail or the famous mount Roberts aerial tramway, Tongass National Park has it all when it comes to Alaskan landscapes and wildlife.
Tracy Arm Fjord
Located inside the area of the Tongass National Park and Named in honour of Benjamin Franklin Tracy, Tracy Arm Fjord and Glacier of ice across from Stephen’s Passage is a truly breath-taking experience of nature in motion.
Inside Passage
Cruising through the inside passage of Alaska is a simply a must to see dramatic scenery of mountains, fjords and glaciers, and whales playing in the bay right by your ship, as well as stopping off at the towns of Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway.
Glacier Bay
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is a real highlight in any tour of Alaska due to its remarkable wall of ice, as well as surrounding wildlife and natural landscapes where you can see bears and eagles among the dramatic scenery.
Skagway
DAY 6 - 06 Sep 2022
Time at Port: from 7 AM to 8 PM
Popular for its gold rush era architecture and vintage steam engine route passing through, Skagway is a fantastic jump back into the days of the Klondike Gold Rush with the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Visitor Centre. Surrounded by the unrivalled landscapes and inhabiting wildlife of the national park, Skagway paints a spectacular picture of Alaska quite like no other.
Things to do in Skagway:
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Visitor Center
Walk back in time to the golden age of the Klondike Gold Rush in the old White Pass & Yukon Route depot, and learn all about this unique era that captures the intrigue of all who discover it with presentations, artefact exhibits and even a film.
Glacier Bay
DAY 7 - 07 Sep 2022
Time at Port: from 7 AM to 4 PM
Glacier Bay is a microcosm of Alaska's wonders and a living testament to what resilience truly is that'll take your breath away. Here you’ll find outstanding views everywhere you go, from the highest snow-covered peaks to the enigmatic glacial fjords scattered throughout, and inspired to want to know more about the wildlife and awestriking scenery around you.
Things to do in Glacier Bay:
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
The Preserve is a major area of Glacier Bay that truly embodies this stunning natural marvel. While you make your brief stay you can partake in many outdoor activities such as mountaineering, with many different set paths for you to take depending on how much time you want to spend there. There are also opportunities for you to try kayaking, fishing and rafting or, for those wanting something a little more relaxing, there are many different species of birds to observe.
Hiking
For those wanting to get a greater view of the beautiful surroundings of Glacier Bay, there's no better way to do it than by hiking through the area and experiencing it yourself. With multiple different hiking tracks for you to take off different lengths and difficulties, everyone is able to get a chance to experience the beauty.
Wilderness Activities
When it comes to getting stuck into the Glacier Bay area and really feeling your surroundings there's no better way to spend your day than partaking in Wilderness Activities. Learn more about the area through guided trips or make a splash rafting around Glacier Bay. If you want something a little more adventurous, try out sea kayaking.
Ketchikan
DAY 8 - 08 Sep 2022
Time at Port: from 10 AM to 6 PM
Ketchikan is famous for the totem heritage museum, educating sightseers about the indigenous populations’ history and culture with an unrivalled display of native totems and artefacts. For those wanting to learn about the gold rush a visit to Dolly’s House Museum and downtown Creek Street is a good comparison along with the great Alaskan lumberjack show. Nature lovers, meanwhile, can enjoy dramatic sights at nearby misty fjords national monument.
Things to do in Ketchikan:
Totem Heritage Center
Boasting one of the most extensive collections of original 19th-century totem poles salvaged from abandoned Tingit settlements. Many other original Native American artefacts are displayed here, as well as traditional arts and crafts workshops being held to keep native skills and traditions alive.
Scenic Cruising - Inside Passage
DAY 9 - 09 Sep 2022
You will be at sea on day 9 while travelling from Ketchikan to Vancouver.
Vancouver
DAY 10 - 10 Sep 2022
Time at Port: from 7 AM to 4:30 PM
From its architecture of ‘Vancouverism’ to the history of how it was built; Vancouver is a vibrant city full of arts and culture just waiting for you to discover all it’s hidden gems. Here you’ll be able to get stuck into a whole host of museums including Science World, the waterfront Maritime Museum and the Museum of Anthropology.
Things to do in Vancouver:
Gastown
The oldest place within Vancouver at the heart of its very origins, Gastown was set up in 1867 by John Deighton whose various stories and adventures garnered him the name of ‘Gassy Jack.’ Nowadays, you’ll find fantastic restaurants, and the famous steam-powered clock in Maple Tree Centre.
Chinatown
In Vancouver’s China Town district you can visit the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden where you can see a truly beautiful collection of plant life and ponds. There is also the Sam Kee Building which is the narrowest office building ever built, spanning barely 2 meters wide!
English Bay
English Bay is a beautiful beach that is home to outstanding high-end shops and mouth watering restaurants. There are also waterfront trails to follow if you like beach walking.
Canada Place
Canada Place is the perfect spot to start your adventures around Vancouver as it is where you’ll first step ashore from your cruise ship. Explore the pier, and be taken back by the outstanding architecture and views. At the end of the pier you’ll find the Flyover Canada attraction. From here, you can also use Canada Place as a transit hub to other places around Vancouver.
Hated every minute. Fend for yourself ethos. Very poor entertainment, lack of transport/informtion/maps to to help one get ashore as a result only felt safe to leave the ship at 3 ports. A feeing of total isolation as a solo passenger, particularly, the dining room experiences.
A twelve night cruise around the Adriatic and Med, the whole experience was superb, staff went beyond duty and the ship was first class, any quibbles, two, the cost of excursions and the gratuities, both expensive but apart from this a great holiday
The ship was all you would expect of a nearly new ship Staterooms and verandah were excellent.Entertainment in main theatre was good, but BB King blues club and Rolling Stones Rock club were too loud and too repetitive.Food and dining areas all very good.Drinks prices on board were too high, and the ship felt a bit like a floating cash till.Gratuities of 14.50 dollars per day and then15per cent service charge on all purchases was a bit over the top, I cut the gratuities and they did not seem too happy.On return they charged me to my card 63.50 for a missing item in the cabin, which basically accused me of theft.They refunded it after a phone call by me, and said it was an error.It still leaves a bad taste, and it is doubtful I would use them again. Overall a holiday is what you make it and we had a good time,.
This is our third cruise with Holland America and although each cruise was different each ship has been equally good in facilities offered, food, comfort, staff etc. I think that the stateroom on the Koningsdam was slightly bigger. This ship was the largest one we have been on but rarely were there any queues. We didn't use the pool much but if we had we might have had an issue with finding a lounger near the pool but I guess that this is the problem in all cruise ships. As in cruise lines, alcohol prices were high so if you drink a lot it might be worth looking for a cruise ship where a drinks package is included. We only went on one excursion and that was with a private company. Excursions with HL are expensive for what you get The formal nights were replaced with gala nights. I guess that this was many people don't like wearing formal wear.
Cabin smaller than expected paid extra for larger size. Noise and vibration from engine room terrible ruined holiday. No sleep for 10 nights, H & A refused to move us said ship full. complained rec on board credit! Crew, Food & entertainment Excellent but would not book with H & A again will stick to Celebrity in future!
We loved the ship. No noisy loud games and music around the pool which was more relaxing. Only disappointment was that we were taken to the airport 10 hours before our flight
Best cruise in over 20 I have booked. Ship was stunning and food excellent. Service second to none. I will be going on Holland American again. Entertainment very enjoyable, I particularly liked the use of the wide screen projections in the main theatre. Always room to sit down whether during the entertainment or in the bars, restaurants.
Holland America Line rolled out their new Pinnacle Class ship, the ms Koningsdam in April this year and, a few weeks later, I was lucky enough to be invited on board this class-leading feat of nautical engineering. By far the largest ship to grace HAL's fleet, everything is beautifully crafted; the lavish decoration throughout achieves opulence without being superfluous. The staterooms are spacious and well appointed, the spa facilities are excellent and, as with any self-respecting cruise ship, there is an open air pool and sun lounger area with the usual inviting hot-tubs. For those who are interested in training while on holiday, the gym is is superb! The in the restaurant food and service were both to HAL's usual high standard. Finally, the entertainment. HAL have teamed up with the Lincoln Centre of Performing Arts in New York, and entertainment media brand Billboard, to offer guest on the Koningsdam an array of music, performed by outstanding musicians, each and every night. Holland America Line veterans will certainly not be disappointed with this latest offering, and those yet to experience the cruise line should give some serious consideration to booking their next cruise on the ms Koningsdam.
We are seasoned cruisers and have found Iglu consistently reliable,providing a first class service at competitive prices. We travelled on the MS Koningsdam maiden voyage in a verandah room on deck 11. This was spacious and well designed. We particularly liked the walk-in shower, extremely comfortable 6' bed with its non-allergenic crisp bedding, USB ports for charging phones, Fitbits etc and the wide choice of in-room entertainment including up to date films free of charge. Sound insulation was very good. The musically themed decor was contemporary with lots of modern art and bright lighting features, especially in the atrium and theatre. However, externally some of the more traditional HAL teak features have been tastefully incorporated. There was plenty of space for privacy on the sun decks and we enjoyed the novelty outdoor gym equipment. There is of course a full entertainment programme, but thankfully none of the hi-di-hi experience. Food was first class and well presented. However, be aware that the Lido buffet closes for long periods in the afternoon when there is a reliance on the Deli, Pizza and burger bars alongside afternoon tea in the lounge. All staff were keen to please and very attentive. Embarkation and disembarkation were conducted smoothly. Some minor points to note: there is no self service laundrette, but a chargeable itemised or 'bag' service is available, no night club and no lending library. Overall a classy ship on which we hope to sail again.
^Summer Flash Sale 50pp reduction valid for new bookings only with a minimum selling price of £1599pp - Sale ends 30th June
All offers and prices are subject to change and availability at time of enquiry. Prices are based on two passengers sharing unless otherwise stated and are subject to the Tour Operator's terms and conditions. Cabin and Flight supplements may apply. Other supplements may apply in addition to the price shown above. Flight details, timings and routing may be subject to alteration. Other tour operator charges may also apply. Any Onboard Spending money or drinks package value shown will be per cabin, again based on two sharing.
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