Boasting the iconic, futuristic Space Needle, visitors to Seattle can enjoy fantastic views from the Great Wheel as well as try delicious food in the Pike Place Market, or take in one of the city’s popular museums such as the Museum of Pop Culture, the Museum of Art or even the aquarium. Meanwhile, for those interested in horticulture and design, the Chihuly Garden and Glass is a must, while lovers of the great outdoors will find plenty of scenic hikes.
Things to do in Seattle:
Space Needle
Seattle’s most iconic symbol, the Space Needle towers 184 metres high over the city with jaw-dropping views from its observation area at the top. Completed in 1961, the Space Needle has been made world-famous by appearances in pop-culture, such as the hit film Sleepless In Seattle.
Museum of Pop Culture
“MoPOP” has regular exhibits celebrating everything pop culture and contemporary. Founded by Paul Allen of Microsoft in 2000, MoPOP is a great day of viewing original lyric notes, legendary instruments and even cinema, gaming, fantasy and sci-fi exhibits.
Seattle Center
If you only have a day in Seattle, the Seattle Center is ideal for getting a taste of the city in one go. Here, you’ll find the Space Needle, the pop culture museum, Chihuly Garden and Glass, ride the monorail and wander grounds boasting John T. Williams totem pole.
Seattle Great Wheel
Opened in 2012, this giant Ferris wheel is a great way to see the epic skyline of Seattle. Visitors will enjoy a leisurely ride a 53-metres up in the air - giving the London eye a run for its money - on pier 57 around Elliot Bay.
Ketchikan
DAY 3 -
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.
Juneau
DAY 5 -
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.
Icy Strait Point
DAY 6 -
With lush rainforest and vast waters all around, Icy Strait Point boasts beautifully preserved habitats as well as thrilling outdoor activities that cannot be found anywhere else. From whale-watching cruises where visitors are guaranteed to spot the magnificent mammals, to riding the world’s largest ziprider, there’s no shortage of activities the whole family will love. As a privately owned tourist destination it’s also able to support the surrounding Alaskan Native population.
Things to do in Icy Strait Point:
Icy Strait Point Ziprider
Only for the brave, Icy Strait Point’s Ziprider is over 6,500 feet of thrilling fun. At 1,320 feet high, you’ll reach a top speed of 65 miles per hour and witness the unrivalled views across the cliffs and canopies. Your cruise ship will be just a small speck on the horizon from here!
Icy Strait Whale Adventures
With a team of guides born and raised around the waters of Icy Strait Point, you’re guaranteed to spot the majestic whales that reside here. Visiting the most active site of humpback whale activity in Southeast Alaska, this is a truly magical and unforgettable experience.
Anchorage
DAY 8 -
As Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage has no shortage of exciting activities on offer. Combining both urban delights with the natural wilderness, visitors can go shopping and spot wolf packs all in one day, but for unrivalled views of the landscape a flightseeing tour over Denali is a must, as well as a spectacular whale-watching day cruise. To really dive in deep on Alaska’s history, Anchorage is a great place to discover the Alaska Native culture.
Things to do in Anchorage:
Alaska Native Heritage Center
Learn all about the fascinating histories and cultures of the indigenous Alaskan peoples dating back 10,000 years in this immersive cultural centre via exhibitions, shows and events such as native houses, sports demonstrations and arts.
Anchorage Museum
Anchorage museum covers art and design, history, science and more to truly tell the full story of this fascinating part of the world and its people, terrain and wildlife, with interactive displays, aquarium and many alternating exhibitions.
Sitka
DAY 12 -
Formerly Novo-Arkhangelsk, Sitka has a more a Russian feel than other Alaskan towns with orthodox style buildings and churches. In fact, this was the location where Russia officially sold ‘Russian America’ to the US in 1867 to become what is now the state of Alaska. Sitka also has a deep affinity with the native Tlingit population and preserving culture, nature and history with the Sitka National Historical Park as well as bear and bird sanctuaries.
Things to do in Sitka:
Sitka National Historical Park
Famous for its numerous totem poles scattered among the trees of the scenic woodland, often with your cruise ship visible out in the bay, Sitka National Historical Park is a must for lovers of nature and indigenous history of Alaska alike, complete with woodcarving studio and experts talks.
Alaska Raptor Center
This wildlife sanctuary helps Alaska’s most beautiful birdlife such as owls, golden eagles and the iconic bald eagles as they are rescued and reared back to full rehabilitation. Here, experts give talks and educate visitors all about these impressive animals with flights displays and talks.
Fortress of the Bear
If you had tour heart set on seeing an Alaskan brown bear but didn’t manage to spot one on any tours so far, a trip to this bear sanctuary is a sure way to see some of the state’s most popular wildlife up close and personal.
St Michael's Orthodox Cathedral
The original orthodox cathedral in America, St Michael’s cathedral is a testament to Alaska’s original colonisation by Russia. With classic orthodox architecture typical of the Old Russian Empire, the cathedral displays typical triple crosses, domed roofs and interior artworks.
Victoria, British Columbia
DAY 14 -
The capital of British Columbia, Victoria sits just below Vancouver looking south and east over the Salish Sea. The city has a number of attractions such as the old carousel, Royal BC Museum Craigdarroch Castle and Chinatown district. However, the highlight of Victoria is its surrounding natural beauty where a tour is a must to Thetic Lake Regional Park. Here, you can explore the wonderful nature by hiking trail and sport wildlife such as eagles.
Things to do in Victoria, British Columbia:
Royal BC Museum
This fascinating natural and human history museum boasts over 7 million exhibits as well as a giant IMAX cinema for out-of-this-world shows. A highlight has to be the exhibitions covering the culture and history of indigenous peoples of North America.
Craigdarroch Castle
Built by Robert Dunsmuir in 1890 with investments in the local coal industry, this Victorian-style mansion is where you can learn all about the family and locals’ fascinating history, while exploring the quirky castle via artefacts displayed in each restored room.
Chinatown District
Originating in 1858, Victoria’s Chinatown is the second oldest in North America after San Francisco. With charming narrow, winding streets, Chinatown offers not only delicious food but an immersive look into the lives of its inhabitant past and present.
Thetis Lake Regional Park
Thetis Lake Regional Park offers pleasant walks around the banks of the lake and gorgeous evergreen woodlands, with easy yet beautiful hiking. Here, you get to spot such species as rainbow trout, red squirrels and the odd fellow hiker’s dog.
Seattle
DAY 15 -
Boasting the iconic, futuristic Space Needle, visitors to Seattle can enjoy fantastic views from the Great Wheel as well as try delicious food in the Pike Place Market, or take in one of the city’s popular museums such as the Museum of Pop Culture, the Museum of Art or even the aquarium. Meanwhile, for those interested in horticulture and design, the Chihuly Garden and Glass is a must, while lovers of the great outdoors will find plenty of scenic hikes.
Things to do in Seattle:
Space Needle
Seattle’s most iconic symbol, the Space Needle towers 184 metres high over the city with jaw-dropping views from its observation area at the top. Completed in 1961, the Space Needle has been made world-famous by appearances in pop-culture, such as the hit film Sleepless In Seattle.
Museum of Pop Culture
“MoPOP” has regular exhibits celebrating everything pop culture and contemporary. Founded by Paul Allen of Microsoft in 2000, MoPOP is a great day of viewing original lyric notes, legendary instruments and even cinema, gaming, fantasy and sci-fi exhibits.
Seattle Center
If you only have a day in Seattle, the Seattle Center is ideal for getting a taste of the city in one go. Here, you’ll find the Space Needle, the pop culture museum, Chihuly Garden and Glass, ride the monorail and wander grounds boasting John T. Williams totem pole.
Seattle Great Wheel
Opened in 2012, this giant Ferris wheel is a great way to see the epic skyline of Seattle. Visitors will enjoy a leisurely ride a 53-metres up in the air - giving the London eye a run for its money - on pier 57 around Elliot Bay.
Customer reviews for Zaandam
4.2
Based on 13 reviews
Cabin
4.2
Service
4.2
Excursions
4.2
Dining
4.2
Activities
4.2
Value for money
4.2
Entertainment
4.2
An amazing cruise! So many highlights despite extremely rough seas at the beginning but with excellent navigation made by the Captain we were kept safe and escaped even rougher seas by sheltering in inside channels. Loved sailing through Glacier alley, Darwin channel and around Cape Horn. It was good to hear the ships horn blast as we passed the Horn and it was a nice touch to be given a certificate to say that we had been around the Horn. The cruise director Kevin gave very informative talks about each place we visited and the ship had very good evening entertainment on the stage on deck 5. As we left the ship there was a line up of staff from the ship including Kevin to see us off and we thought this was a very personal touch.
Verified customer
1 cruise
3 Dec 2019
My friend and I enjoyed every minute of our cruise on board Zaandam, sailing from Chile around Cape Horn and finishing in Buenos Aires. The vast majority of the staff team were excellent and looked after us well. Small criticisms were: The shore excursions are very expensive The food and service in the dining room was not as good as previous experiences with P&O on Oriana The wine was expensive The ship is getting a wee bit dated That said, I would sail with HAL again, even on Zaandam.
Verified customer
1 cruise
3 Apr 2019
The ship was fine and the service was good.enjoyed all the amenities and the staff were very helpful
Verified customer
1 cruise
3 Apr 2019
Unfortunately the ship did not meet our expectations because of the following; a. food was not of good quality and the system they use to have in the Lido (self service ) restaurant of serving you the main course was only for giving you limited quantity of food. b. Food also in the Dine in rest. did not meet our expectations c. entertainment was cheap and childish d. Amenities in the stateroom were limited.(They have left us only one hand soap and one shower cup for almost fifteen days) e. All drinks were very expensive and differed from their issued tariffs in internet But we have to admit that all ship was very clean, the statement also, and public toilets too. Embarkation and disembarkation were done very properly and easy Therefore we will rate the cruise with a 3
Verified customer
1 cruise
28 Mar 2019
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.
