The Best 7 Day Alaska Cruise From Vancouver
LOOKING TO PLAN A 7 DAY ALASKA CRUISE FROM VANCOUVER?
An Alaskan cruise has been on my bucket list for years. When we finally decided to go on an 7 Day Alaska Cruise From Vancouver in July 2024, the next step was determining which cruise line would be the best for us and the port of departure. I did a lot of research and compared the top-recommended cruise lines that offered Alaskan cruises.
Holland America stood out to me because of its 7 day Alaska itinerary, the ability to depart from Vancouver since we had never been there, and the unique features it offers for an Alaskan cruise. It was the perfect fit and the best 7 day Alaska cruise from Vancouver.
7 Day Alaska Cruise From Vancouver
I researched extensively to ensure I felt confident about my choice of cruise line, ship, and itinerary. I read reviews, watched YouTube videos, and talked with a travel agent.
We chose a 7 day itinerary because we like shorter cruises. My husband and I also wanted a more relaxed vacation, so we didn’t want a vibe or many kids, and Holland America fit those needs.
We decided that would be our starting point for our Alaskan Cruise vacation because we have often been to Seattle but not Vancouver, B.C. Upon our return to port, we planned a couple of additional days exploring Vancouver!
7 Day Alaska Cruise Itinerary
Day 1 & 2: Departure from Vancouver & At Sea
We flew into Vancouver airport early on Day 1. Many people do NOT recommend flying in on the same day as your cruise. However, our travel agent seemed confident that because ours was the first flight and the ship wasn’t leaving until 4 p.m., we would be fine.
(We opted for vacation insurance through Holland America, so if we did have an event and missed the ship, they would get us to the next port to join the cruise. This was not why we opted for travel insurance; we had health issues in 2024. Also, the more I read, the more I learned how travel insurance is a solid option for security and peace of mind.)
Our itinerary included a bus ride, so getting to the airport was easy. Our baggage was labeled and handled at the airport Holland America counter. I liked how easy it was to grab our luggage upon arrival and then find a Holland America point person to help us with the next steps.
The ride to the port and embarkation of the ship were simple, and before we knew it, we were on board, having lunch, and relaxing while waiting for our room to be ready.
The Koningsdam ship was beautiful and elegant. We really enjoyed having that time to explore everything before departure. In no time, we were able to go to our room and see where we would be relaxing for the next seven days.
Based on my research, I got a room with a balcony to enjoy the views while sailing at sea or if we needed fresh air. We loved it and used it often! I also appreciate watching videos to understand better what I signed up for.
Day 3: Juneau – Alaska’s Capital
We did not plan an excursion for this port; we researched ahead, knowing we could get a bus ride to Mendenhall Glacier. Visiting that park was all we wanted to do. There are many tourist things to do at this port, including riding a gondola. Some said good things about the view, while others talked about the long line.
Getting a bus ride was easy; there were many booths right when you exited the ship that lined the dock. I appreciate that these companies make it easy to purchase and find the line for the ride up to the park.
We enjoyed the trails and hiked up to the falls. It was beautiful and a perfect day for a walk. It was busy but not too bad, and we didn’t trip over people.
Fun Facts About Mendenhall Glacier
Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area is a federally designated park of the Tongass National Forest. The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center is the U.S. Forest Service’s first visitor center.
🧊 It’s One of the Most Accessible Glaciers in North America – Unlike many glaciers that require a long trek or boat ride, Mendenhall Glacier is just 13 miles from downtown Juneau and easily reachable by car or shuttle.
🧊 It’s Over 13 Miles Long – Stretching from the Juneau Icefield, Mendenhall Glacier extends for about 13.6 miles, though it has been gradually retreating due to climate change.
🧊 It Has a Stunning Ice Cave System – When conditions allow, visitors can explore breathtaking blue ice caves beneath the glacier, formed by melting ice and flowing water.
🧊 It’s Home to Diverse Wildlife – The area surrounding the glacier is rich with wildlife, including black bears, bald eagles, porcupines, and salmon that spawn in nearby streams.
🧊 It Was Once Part of a Massive Ice Sheet – During the last Ice Age, the entire Juneau area was covered by the vast ice sheet that formed Mendenhall Glacier, which has been retreating for thousands of years.
Day 4: Skagway
We began our excursion at this port by taking a scenic ride up the White Pass, making stops, and enjoying the beautiful scenery, including a baby bear. We stopped, had a BBQ lunch, and explored before boarding the Yukon Route Railroad. It was a lovely ride on the narrow-gauge railroad from the Yukon back down to Skagway.
Returning, we enjoyed waterfalls and the Yukon River, and we watched the narrow gauge train curve as we made our way down the mountain. You can plan your excursion going either way on the train. After we returned to Skagway, we walked the historic streets and found a couple of treats to take back on the ship.
Day 5: Glacier Bay – Cruising Only
This day was when I knew we made the best choice in having a balcony. The breathtaking scenery and wildlife were a very special experience. Only 2-3 cruise lines can go as far into Glacier Bay as we did.
Holland America is unique in that it stops and lets National Park Rangers aboard. They give presentations and information throughout the day on the ship’s speaker about what we are seeing as we pass and details about Glacier Bay National Park.
Cruising through the glaciers was a memorable and unique experience. During the day, the ship offered activities at Glacier Bay. The main area, the Crow’s Nest lounge, where they had the presentations and objects to check out, was busy, but it was a cool idea.
Day 6: Ketchikan
Ketchikan is known as the Salmon Capital of the World. The excursion we chose was to take a tour on a fishing boat to an oyster farm, Bonfire Bay, run by a local family in Ketchikan.
Once we returned from our unique excursion, we spent the rest of our time at the port, exploring the waterfront and Creek Street area. We love to try local breweries, so even though we had a delicious meal at the oyster farm, we stopped and had a beer and local food at an open food court.
Ending the day, we enjoyed walking on the pier and admiring the beautiful totem poles displayed before boarding the ship.
Day 7: Scenic Cruising The Inside Passage
The last day was spent cruising, and was a nice way to end the trip. We made our way back to Vancouver, B.C., and arrived at 7 a.m. We planned to spend a couple of days in Vancouver after the cruise, so we opted to keep our luggage in our room so we could depart with it in hand and walk to the hotel we reserved for an extended stay.
Returning to Vancouver
I loved the idea that even though we disembarked the ship, we still had two days to enjoy and explore Vancouver. One of the days was David’s birthday, so it was perfect for exploring around Vancouver.
One day, we rented bikes and rode along the scenic Seawall at Stanley Park, enjoying beautiful views of the city and nature.
On his birthday, we explored and found good food, local beer, and whisky at the Granville Island Public Market. Then, we took a water taxi and ended the day watching the ‘Celebration of Light’ fireworks over their English Bay area.
Benefits of Alaska Cruise on Holland America
Here are the unique features and benefits of cruising in Holland America. After researching this cruise line, I felt excited and confident that it was the best choice for our 7-day Alaska cruise.
Aboard the Koningsdam
Here is a list of what the ship offers. One thing I didn’t care for was the extra charge for restaurants, but that is typical for cruises. We did get a dinner credit as part of our package, and we only ate at a different restaurant for that one night. Here is what is offered onboard.
The Koningsdam, part of Holland America Line’s Pinnacle Class, offers luxury, entertainment, and enrichment programs. Here are some of its top amenities:
🚢 Spacious Staterooms & Suites
Offers verandah staterooms, family accommodations, and luxurious Neptune Suites. I liked our room, and the service was wonderful.
🍽️ Diverse Dining Options
Includes specialty restaurants like Tamarind (Asian fusion), Pinnacle Grill (steakhouse), Rudi’s Sel de Mer (seafood), and casual options like Lido Market and Dive-In Burgers. The highlighted restaurants cost extra, and you need reservations.
🎶 Live Music Venues
Features Music Walk, with venues like B.B. King’s Blues Club, Lincoln Center Stage (classical music), Billboard Onboard (piano dueling), and Rolling Stone Rock Room. Our favorite venue was the Rolling Stone Rock Room. The band was great! Our least favorite was the Billboard Onboard, the dueling pianos.
🎭 World Stage Theater
A high-tech entertainment space with immersive LED screens showcasing Broadway-style shows, dance performances, and other experiences. We enjoyed the different shows. Maybe not Broadway-caliber dance shows, but the comedian was okay, and the shows were interesting and entertaining.
🛁 Greenhouse Spa & Salon
Offers spa treatments, hydrotherapy pools, and fitness classes with ocean views. We did not participate in any fitness classes or spa treatments; we didn’t want to do the extras.
🏊 Pools & Outdoor Fun
Features a covered Lido Pool with a retractable roof and a serene Sea View Pool at the ship’s aft. We enjoyed the hot tubs when the few kids aboard the ship weren’t there. The pool was nice early in the day; I was able to soak and do laps a couple of times before the whole ship was up and at the pool deck.
🎰 Casino & Nightlife
Includes a casino, bars, lounges, and specialty cocktails at places like the Crow’s Nest. We only walked through the casino; we didn’t gamble. It was fairly small and seemed tucked away.
More benefits offered by Holland America for the Alaskan Cruise:
🛳️ Glacier Bay National Park Experience
- Holland America is one of the few cruise lines with permits to enter Glacier Bay National Park.
- Guests enjoy commentary from onboard National Park Rangers to learn about the park’s history, wildlife, and glaciers.
- Native Alaskan Huna Tlingit cultural ambassadors also share stories and traditions during the cruise.
Once we reached a certain point near the national park’s ‘entrance,’ park rangers drove up on their boat and boarded the cruise ship. They stayed for the day onboard to enhance the national park experience, ask questions, narrate over the intercom at times, and make the day interactive.
🛳️ Spacious Decks for Viewing Wildlife
- The Koningsdam (and other ships) feature wraparound decks and open observation spaces where visitors can spot whales, eagles, and other wildlife.
- Cozy areas with panoramic windows complement scenic cruising days. Even though we had our balcony, we still explored the ship to enjoy other viewpoints.
🛳️ Alaska-Themed Culinary Experiences
- Specialty dishes featuring fresh Alaskan seafood, such as King Crab and salmon.
- Onboard culinary events include cooking demonstrations inspired by local flavors. I enjoyed this, and after watching the demonstration, I was excited about our salmon dinner!
- I was excited to hear about exclusive culinary programs where local ingredients from Alaskan ports are featured onboard. Guests can learn about traditional dishes and enjoy menus inspired by the destinations visited.
🛳️ Alaska-Themed Activities Onboard
- Workshops are offered where guests can learn about local wildlife and ecosystems.
- Art sessions and photography classes focused on capturing Alaska’s natural beauty. I attended many of the art classes, drawing, coloring, origami, and more.
FAQs
What is the best month, or the best time to go on an Alaska cruise?
The best times that are recommended are May through September. Each month offers a different reason why it’s a good time to take a cruise there.
- May – Fewer crowds, cost may be lower, more daylight hours, and better chance of seeing wildlife waking up from hibernation.
- June – Month of the warmest weather, longer daylight (up to 19 hours in some areas), and great wildlife viewing.
- July – Peak season with the best chances for sunny days, lush landscapes, and prime salmon fishing. (This is when we went, end of July)
- August – Smaller crowds than previous month, good wildlife sightings, and a chance to see the Northern Lights toward the end of the month.
- September – Temperature contines to cool, lower prices, fall leaves, and the best chance to see the Northern Lights in places like Fairbanks.
What do I pack for Alaska cruise?
Packing for an Alaska cruise means preparing for cool temperatures, rain, and outdoor adventures.
I was lucky that we had taken a trip to Iceland the year prior, and it had all the same clothing items. Here’s a must-have packing list:
Clothing
🧥 Waterproof Jacket – A lightweight and waterproof jacket is essential for staying warm and dry. We had rain off and on, so this was essential.
🧢 Hat & Gloves – Even in summer, mornings and evenings can be chilly, especially near glaciers. I did wear my hat and gloves on the deck and balcony.
🩳 Layered Clothing – Pack long-sleeve shirts, sweaters, and long underwear. Layering makes it more comfortable to adjust to changing temperatures as the day changes.
👖 Comfortable Pants – Jeans, hiking pants, or comfortable pants layered for warmth for excursions and casual wear onboard.
👟 Waterproof Shoes or Boots – Great for walking in ports, especially on rainy days or hiking adventures. I made sure I had a couple options in case one pair did get soaked, and an extra pair of socks in my backpack if I needed to change.
🎽 Casual & Cruise Wear – Comfortable for lounging on the ship and a formal or semi-formal outfit for cruise dinners. I brought a nice dress, but not something that was super formal.
Accessories & Essentials
🎒 Daypack or Backpack – For carrying water, a camera, and layers during shore excursions. I love having my hands free and not worrying about where I will keep things; it keeps your items dry and clean.
🕶️ Sunglasses & Sunscreen – The sun reflects off glaciers, making UV protection important. I always need sunglasses, but snow and water can make it brighter with reflections.
📷 Binoculars & Camera – For spotting wildlife like whales, eagles, and bears. I’m so grateful I didn’t forget mine! Watching the wildlife and shoreline was super fun.
🩹 Motion Sickness Bands or Medication – Alaska’s waters can be choppy, whether you are on the ship or taking an excursion like we did on a smaller fishing boat.
🔋 Portable Charger – Excursions can be long, and you’ll want your phone or camera charged.
Extras for Excursions
🛶 Waterproof Bag or Dry Pouch – If you’re going kayaking or on a rainy excursion, you’ll need a waterproof bag or dry pouch. We brought a liner that we put over our backpacks to keep them dry.
🏕️ Bug Spray – Mosquitoes can be an issue in certain areas, especially in June and July. I brought bug wipes but never found I needed them. But if I hadn’t brought them, then maybe I would have!
How far in advance should I plan my Alaska cruise?
You should plan your Alaskan cruise 6 to 12 months ahead of your goal trip date to secure the best prices, cabins, and excursions—especially for peak season (June to August). If you’re looking for special deals, booking 12-18 months ahead can offer early booking discounts, while last-minute deals (2-3 months before) are possible but come with limited options. For the best experience, book early, especially for balcony cabins, to enjoy the views like Glacier Bay.
How many formal nights are on a 7-day Alaska cruise?
Many 7-day Alaska cruises have one or two formal nights. These typically take place on sea days or evenings after scenic cruising (like Glacier Bay). Attire generally ranges from cocktail dresses and suits to full formal wear. I only remember one more fancy night on our trip, and only brought one dress, and my husband brought one nicer outfit. However, there were those who wore evening gowns and tuxedos. To each their own, it’s cool that it’s all optional. You can also ask the cruise line you are traveling on or ask your travel agent what the cruise line has planned or expects.
What cruise lines depart from Vancouver to Alaska?
A number of major cruise lines offer Alaska cruises departing from Vancouver, each catering to different travel styles:
🚢 Holland America Line – It is a more premium service, scenic cruising through Glacier Bay, and in-depth Alaska experiences, known for their Alaskan experience.
🚢 Princess Cruises – Offers immersive “North to Alaska” programs with local culture, Glacier Bay access, and top-notch excursions.
🚢 Celebrity Cruises – Luxury-focused cruises with observation lounges, fine dining, and unique itineraries.
🚢 Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) – Relaxed “Freestyle Cruising” with flexible dining, family-friendly activities, and glacier-viewing lounges.
🚢 Royal Caribbean – Adventure-packed ships featuring North Star observation pods, rock climbing, and large-scale entertainment.
🚢 Disney Cruise Line – Family-friendly Alaskan sailings with character experiences, themed dining, and wildlife-focused excursions.
🚢 Carnival Cruise Line – Budget-friendly cruises with fun onboard activities and classic Alaskan port stops.
🚢 Silversea, Regent Seven Seas, & Oceania – Luxury and small-ship cruises offering intimate, all-inclusive experiences with unique ports.
Final Thoughts On Alaska Cruise From Vancouver
I feel like if I never go back to Alaska, I will be satisfied with the Alaskan cruise we took with Holland America and the 7 day Alaska Cruise From Vancouver we enjoyed. It was an incredible experience.
We tasted wonderful food, saw amazing things, and had a relaxing and fun time on the boat. I feel the balcony was a must for this trip. It gave us so much flexibility to watch the beautiful landscape without the crowd and to hang out and eat during the days at sea.
If I were to do another trip, I would consider a mixed itinerary, with land and sea, while exploring the more northern parts of Alaska. Has this Itinerary been on your bucket list, too?
