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.
Tracy Arm Inlet
DAY 325 Aug 2023
Time at Port: from 9 AM to 9:30 AM
The Tracy Arm inlet is one of the most picturesque and photogenic locations in Alaska. Known for its remote wilderness setting amongst the Tongass National Forest, it has an array of wildlife and is home to the Sawyer Glaciers. Situated 45 miles from the capital of Juneau, the fjord is a must for anyone wanting to see cascading waterfalls, towering mountains and other spectacular scenery.
Things to do in Tracy Arm Inlet:
Wildlife Watching
One of the most popular highlights of the Tracy Arm Inlet is the Sawyer Glaciers. Iconic glaciers in Alaska, it spans over 30 miles and is made up of a north and south glacier. Featuring bright blue ice, these glaciers are simply out of this world.
Take a Boat Tour
If possible, take a boat tour through the fjord. This way, you’ll be able to get up close to the stunning natural beauty of the turquoise icebergs, waterfalls and glaciers.
Sawyer Glaciers
One of the most popular highlights of the Tracy Arm Inlet is the Sawyer Glaciers. Iconic glaciers in Alaska, it spans over 30 miles and is made up of a north and south glacier. Featuring bright blue ice, these glaciers are simply out of this world.
Juneau
DAY 325 Aug 2023
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 426 Aug 2023
Time at Port: from 7 AM to 9 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.
Skagway Museum
Housed within a building dating back to 1898, the Skagway Museum is a fascinating attraction showcasing an array of exhibits that showcase the history of Skagway.
Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp
This fun and exciting attraction gives you the chance to enjoy Alaskan-caught food over a wood fire, before heading out to explore the old trail camp- where there is an array of vintage clothing and antiques. Within the trail there’s also the opportunity to explore picturesque fields and waterfalls, as well as being able to enjoy some good old fashioned gold panning!
Glacier Bay
DAY 527 Aug 2023
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 628 Aug 2023
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.
Lumberjack Show
Enjoy a fun-filled lumberjack show filled with tree climbing, log rolling, axe throwing and more. An exciting activity to enjoy in Ketchikan, you’ll feel fully immersed into this North American tradition.
Creek Street
A historic area that’s filled with pretty, stilt houses, it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a popular place to visit whilst in Ketchikan. The perfect photo opportunity, the boardwalk is very picturesque.
Vancouver
DAY 830 Aug 2023
Time at Port: from 7 AM to 4 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.
Customer reviews for Volendam
4.0
Based on 6 reviews
Cabin
4
Service
4
Excursions
4
Dining
4
Activities
4
Value for money
4
Entertainment
4
Very interesting, great crew, wonderful customer service. I enjoyed every minute.t
Verified customer
1 cruise
23 Feb 2019
We travel to the Panama Canal from San Diego ending in Fort Lauderdale 15 days later. We had 6 days at sea which was too much as very little to do on board and very repetitive. The show in the evening were average.one big plus was the very good food on board as well as great service.
Verified customer
1 cruise
24 Nov 2018
went on the Far East Cruise from Singapore to Hong Kong. we had a great time but there were some gripes that most of the passengers had. 1. Wifi on board is very expensive $55 for 100mins, and very slow reminded me of dial up. took 6 mins to send 1 email. Dont bother and wait till your in port and use the free wifi in coffee shops. theirs is blazingly fast 50-100meg. 2. Drinks are expensive $6.50 for a tin of tiger beer ( cheapest ), small glass of cheap wine $8 plus they add 15% service charge to everything purchased, even a bottle of water $3.25 plus 15%. In Vietnam we bought 4 tins of tiger beer for $1.60 in a shop. 3. Trips were very good and well organised but you paid a premium for them. some were $180 per person for a 4 hour trip spent mostly on a coach. 4. On gala nights we were told to wear shirt, tie and a jacket as a minimum, but quite a few wore jeans and a T shirt and nothing was said. we thought why bother packing posh clothes if they cant be bothered to adhere to it. 5. Entertainment was good but only lasted 40 mins, if a guest came on they done their act and that was it. they could have used the ships resident entertainers to add to the show. gala nights we felt dressed up and nowhere to go. 6. when you arrive in port there are no announcements of where to disembark the ship. it uses 1 of 3 exits which are miles apart and everyone wanders up and down the corriders trying to find the correct exit. 7. on other cruises when you arrive in port they give out maps so you can locate where the town and sights are. we asked reception have they any maps and they said no you have to work it out for yourselfs. Theres few more but my fingers are giving up ,,, other than these gripes we had a good time made up by the friendly crew and the great locations we visited..
Verified customer
1 cruise
14 Mar 2017
Fantastic service. Excellent choice of food and excellent quality. Staff in the Rotterdam dining room were superb. Spotlessly clean. Staff very friendly, accommodating and professional. Tours offered by Holland America were expensive. 15% service charge on drinks was outrageous! The bar staff must have been on incentives for sales of drinks. Internet service also expensive so we didn't bother. (Most good hotels offer this free).
Verified customer
1 cruise
9 Mar 2015
Terms and Conditions
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.
Note: On 13 January 2018, new European legislation is being adopted in the UK which as result will mean that we may change our required method of payment at our discretion, irrespective of how any deposit or prior payment was made.