A few weeks back, I was invited to tour a Holland America Cruise ship. The tour was arranged by Expedia Cruise Ship Centers. It was a 4 hour event. It included lunch and a presentation of cruise options for Alaska. If you know much about cruising to Alaska, the season comes to an towards the end of September. Which means, you have the next 9 months to plan your cruise!
I went on a cruise to Alaska with family in 2011, there was 16 of us. The scenery took my breath away every turn the ship took. The glaciers are a stunning sight to behold! Our cruise was on a different carrier, which didn't offer the same experiences available at Holland America.
Seattle
Late spring and all summer long, the Seattle waterfront is packed with tourists getting ready to board a cruise. The day I took this tour, the city skyline looked like the twilight zone. The fires from B.C. left a smoky haze lingering all over the area.
It was so fun to be a tourist in my own city, and enjoy the perks of a cruise ship. Even if it was just for half a day!
Ms. Eurodam
The Eurodam is a beautiful, majestic ship. It's Holland's signature class ship. Ms. Eurodam carries 2104 passengers and it is the largest in its class of ships. I'm always in awe of these huge "floating cities."
The Eurodam is a beautiful, majestic ship. It's Holland's signature class ship. Ms. Eurodam carries 2104 passengers and it is the largest in its class of ships. I'm always in awe of these huge "floating cities."
I read the other day that a cruise ship is a floating city of lazy people, ha ha...well I'll leave that to your judgment. It is the ultimate vacation, with everything at your fingertips. The best part: you only have to unpack once!
Cruise Ship Dining
If you have ever been on a cruise, you know the cuisine is an adventure in itself. It's called "stuff it til it hurts!" The meal for the tour was no exception. They spoiled us with a 5 course meal, which included bubbly and yummy dessert!
On a cruise, choosing what to eat everyday is quite the dilemma, ha! How can there be so much yum in one place?! I remember getting so overwhelmed with all the choices
The Pool
Anywhere there is a pool , or beach I am right there. It didn't take me long to find my favorite spot on the ship. I was excited to find a cabana to crash on for a few minutes!
Relaxation & Leisure
Isn't this view incredible? It is one of many stunning scenes you will see if you cruise out of Seattle to Alaska. Being on a cruise is the ultimate for relaxing and doing your own thing. Some peeps are happy to hang out and read a book. If that sounds too boring, no worries there is something for everyone to keep entertained.
If you are planning a cruise...
Why You Should Cruise Holland to Alaska
1) Explore the Alaska Few Ever See:
Holland has been there since the beginning . Cruise ships started going to Alaska in 1947, and Holland America was the first to go. They offer exclusive , curated experiences that other cruise lines don't. Which ever journey you choose, you'll enjoy elegant mid sized ships with less crowds.
2) Exclusive Land and Sea Packages:
There are different excursions you can choose from. It is a one hour flight from Fairbanks to Dawson City, in the Yukon Territory. Here you will experience the old west, and relive the Gold Rush Days.
Ride the only glass domed railway cars into the Alaska interior: the McKinley Explorer. The panoramic view is in constant change as the train approaches the mighty Denali Mountain. Travelers are encouraged to have their camera ready at a moments notice. Feel the mountain air rushing by on the outside deck, as eagles soar by.
Experience refined lodging and the best of Alaskan wilderness at Denali Square. This is a new resort built by Holland, located on 60 acres of private land. Spend the day exploring rugged wilderness, and enjoy the evening by a campfire. You can also discover the history of the park's creation at the Golden Nugget Saloon.
3) A Professional Journey Host
Holland land tours include a knowledgeable guide , to be by your side for this entire portion of your trip. They know the best time to spot a red fox, where to find elk, and share tips on how to pan for gold in the Yukon
I hope you enjoyed the tour of the boat, and perhaps you will be planning an Alaskan cruise soon!
For more travel inspiration be sure to check out my travel page featuring additional cruise content.
Holland has been there since the beginning . Cruise ships started going to Alaska in 1947, and Holland America was the first to go. They offer exclusive , curated experiences that other cruise lines don't. Which ever journey you choose, you'll enjoy elegant mid sized ships with less crowds.
2) Exclusive Land and Sea Packages:
There are different excursions you can choose from. It is a one hour flight from Fairbanks to Dawson City, in the Yukon Territory. Here you will experience the old west, and relive the Gold Rush Days.
Ride the only glass domed railway cars into the Alaska interior: the McKinley Explorer. The panoramic view is in constant change as the train approaches the mighty Denali Mountain. Travelers are encouraged to have their camera ready at a moments notice. Feel the mountain air rushing by on the outside deck, as eagles soar by.
Experience refined lodging and the best of Alaskan wilderness at Denali Square. This is a new resort built by Holland, located on 60 acres of private land. Spend the day exploring rugged wilderness, and enjoy the evening by a campfire. You can also discover the history of the park's creation at the Golden Nugget Saloon.
3) A Professional Journey Host
Holland land tours include a knowledgeable guide , to be by your side for this entire portion of your trip. They know the best time to spot a red fox, where to find elk, and share tips on how to pan for gold in the Yukon
I hope you enjoyed the tour of the boat, and perhaps you will be planning an Alaskan cruise soon!
Have you been on a cruise yet?
For more travel inspiration be sure to check out my travel page featuring additional cruise content.
we have never taken a cruise, but it is one my list of must try's. i think alaska would be a great place to start
ReplyDeleteAlaska was my first and only cruise so far, it was amazing! I hope to do one in the warm places soon!
DeleteI went on an Alaskan cruise a few years ago and it was so great. This looks like such an amazing cruise line though maybe I'll have to go back.
ReplyDeletelittlewhytebook.com
Hi Lex..
DeleteYes I want on Carnival last time, it was good..but HOlland offers so much more in the way of excursions..
How great you got to experience this for a day! I've never been on a cruise, but have been thinking about it lately. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI Hope you can go on one....the one I went on 6 years ago was amazing..the one day tour was great too!
DeleteCruise is already on my must dos list. And the beautiful landscapes you've shared makes me want to do this one too��
ReplyDeleteOh great.....I am glad it inspired you..I do hope you can go to Alaska soon!
DeleteGlad you had a great time in Alaska - looks like it was an amazing trip! I spent a summer working in Alaska and it is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been.
ReplyDeleteHey Eleonore!
DeleteThat is so so cool you worked there for a summer, I would love to do that!! I so agree...it is absolutely stunning!
xo
Valerie
This is a great post with great pictures.keep up the great work :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Selma! Have a great day!
DeleteI've always wanted to take a cruise, but never have! This looks really cool. I love seeing the tour you had. Makes me want to take a cruise now more than ever!
ReplyDeleteToni
Awe Toni,
DeleteYou just gave me a great idea...some of the FTB admin should go on cruise together..HOW FUN Would that be!?!? If you want to go one to Alaska...you are wecome to come stay again before, and I ll go with ya!
Taking an Alaskan cruise on on my dream list of things to do. I have traveled a little bit onland and I think by sea would be a totally different experience. Holland sounds like a great option.
ReplyDeleteI Hope you get to go Chantel...its so amazing there!
DeleteWhat a fabulous introduction to Holland America, Val!!
ReplyDeleteWe are booked on an Alaskan cruise for next year to celebrate the mom's big birthdays!!!
XOOX
Jodie
www.jtouchofstyle.com
Thank you! Oh yaaay Jodie...good for you! We may be going next summer too ..again.not sure yet!
Deletexoxo
I lived in Alaska for several years, it was incredible. Even though I was a resident, it's always been on my bucket list to take an Alaskan cruise. It's literally one of the prettiest places on earth. The best time to see most of Alaska is June...not as many tourists yet, and the weather is gorgeous (instead of the heavy rains of August, when most everyone goes). Ashley - GrowingSpangs.com
ReplyDeleteYes ive heard june is a good month..we went in late August, and it rained in a lot of spots..still amazing tho..I hope you get in a cruise!
Delete