Our AlASKAN CRUISE

For years, we've heard that we HAVE to try an Alaskan cruise so in August, 2025, we finally did it.

On board the Holland America Zaandam, we took off on a 7 day round trip cruise from Vancouver, B.C. stopping in Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan with passes through Tracey Inlet, Glacier National Park & Preserve, and the Inside Passage.

Highlights:

Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve- when booking your cruise, pay special attention to the at sea days. Not all cruises get all the way into Glacier Bay and it is a must do.

Seals & salmon in Skagway- we to watch some seals hunting (if you can call it that) salmon in the harbor in Skagway

The Inside Passage- the Inside Passage on the way back to Vancouver is STUNNING. Be sure to keep an eye out the window for dolphins, whales, and spectacular scenery.

Covered pool deck- select Holland America ships have a retractable roof over the pool deck allowing you to use it no matter the weather.

Where to Eat/ Drink:

Holland America has the best food of any cruise line hands down so we ate on board for most of the trip- on purpose.

Skagway Fish Company- it's a 5 minute walk from the main street in Skagway and worth every step. Fantastic service, amazing house made sweet tea and, of course, fresh king crab & oysters.

The Red Dog Saloon, Juneau- this is one of those when in Rome sort of places. Stop in for the atmosphere, reasonably priced drinks, and solid pub food. Don't forget the gift shop!

Fraternal Order of the Eagles #162 in Ketchikan - it was pouring rain and the bartender welcomed us in and made us his honorary guests for the afternoon so we could have a drink & watch a salmon fisherman from their deck.