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Great Alaska Explorer

Holland America Line

Join Holland America Line for a 14-night cruise departing from Vancouver, Canada, visiting Juneau, Valdez, Kodiak, Alaska, Anchorage, Icy Strait Point, Alaska, Glacier Bay, Wrangell, Alaska, Ketchikan and Prince Rupert. Enjoy luxurious accommodations and world-class amenities.

Departure date

03 May 2026

Cabins

Inside from

3,172pp

Outside from

3,476pp

Balcony from

4,866pp

Suite from

6,409pp

Prices do not include flights.
Call us to add flights, hotels and transfers.

Quote Reference number: 363372-2181746

All prices are subject to availability

Your Holiday Summary

Departure - Arrival
03 May 2026 - 17 May 2026
Duration
15 days, 14 nights
Sailing
4 sea days
Departure Port
Vancouver, Canada
Call us to quote and add flights

Travelling Itinerary

Day 1
Vancouver

Departure: at 16:00

Welcome aboard! Today marks the beginning of your unforgettable cruise holiday. Take time to explore the ship, unwind, and soak in the excitement of what’s to come. Your holiday starts now.

Day 2
Scenic Cruising

Arrival:
Departure:

Day 3
Juneau

Arrival: at 13:00
Departure: at 21:00

Cruise to Juneau, Alaska and visit the most remote, most beautiful and strangest state capital in the United States. Surrounded by water, forest and mountain sights, visitors seeking things to do in Juneau indoors and outdoors can hike a glacier, eat fresh-caught fish on a seaside patio and tour a grand capitol building all in one day. Juneau is known for its outdoor recreation, fresh seafood and fine dining. The city itself is pleasant, but the real highlight of a visit to Juneau is tracking down some wildlife. You can hike up Mount Roberts to chance upon wild deer and bald eagles. Most sightseeing and whale-watching tours head north to Auke Bay—bring a good pair of binoculars to get the best view of these majestic and surprisingly graceful creatures. If you prefer land mammals, catch a floatplane to a nearby wildlife reserve such as Chichagof or Admiralty Island to spy some bears lolling around on Alaska cruise excursion. The sleepy, misty city of around 32,000—mostly fishermen and small-business owners—has a frontier town vibe, but welcomes more than a million visitors each summer to its natural attractions, cementing Juneau as Alaska’s number-one tourist destination. Experience this breathtaking city on an Alaska cruise.

Day 4
At Sea

Arrival:
Departure:

Day 5
Valdez, Alaska

Arrival: at 07:00
Departure: at 15:00

A paradise for fishing enthusiasts, Valdez offers every kind of salmon, huge halibut and ample opportunity to reel them in. Rivers and streams spill into the Sound here and are ideal for kayaking.

Day 6
Kodiak, Alaska, US

Arrival: at 08:00
Departure: at 17:00

Kodiak is all about bears. And what bears! This unique subspecies named for the Kodiak Archipelago where they are found evolved in isolation for around 12,000 years and can reach heights of 3 meters, or 10 feet, when standing on their hind legs. One of the world’s largest carnivores, the bears have a diet that goes far beyond meat (they can sleep for up to eight months, then wake up ravenous to feast predominantly on grass, plants, berries and fish). About 3,500 live on this tiny island, meaning you have a great chance of seeing one, if not many, from May through October! Shrubs and bushes cover the rolling hills here, giving Kodiak its Emerald Isle nickname. It was once a prime native hunting ground for the Alutiit, but their population plummeted after Russian traders and fur trappers settled the area in the late 1700s. Bought by the United States in 1867, Kodiak grew into a commercial fishing center. Today both the island and the hardworking town that shares its name attract anglers, hunters, adventure travelers and nature photographers. Top highlights include the Baranov Museum, the Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Church and the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge.

Day 7
Anchorage, Alaska, US

Arrival: at 08:00
Departure: at 17:00

From ice-blue glaciers to beluga whales and the famous bore tide, a single cruise to Anchorage, Alaska will considerably shorten any nature-lover’s bucket list. Nestled between mountains and the Cook Inlet terminus, near many national and state parks, this hospitable haven is one of the best places to see Alaska wildlife. A city moose roaming the streets (there are about 1,500) is a regular sight and views of whales, puffins, otters, and Dall porpoises going about their days is just a short excursion away. Cruises to Anchorage are a must for those that want some of the most incredible bear viewing in the country. Although the wildlife is reason alone to cruise to Anchorage Alaska, the culture of the city itself is worth exploring. Almost half of the state’s residents live in Anchorage, a population that largely comprises military members, Alaska Natives, adventurous transplants from the “lower 48,” and oil industry workers. Coffee and espresso huts dot every corner and fresh halibut, smoked salmon and reindeer dogs are among the local eats. Anchorage is a year-round town. On some clear, dark nights during winter, the Northern Lights dance above. In spring, thousands of flowers planted by the city bloom to celebrate the season’s anticipated arrival. Summer brings the Midnight Sun where days can stretch to 19 hours. Take an Alaska cruise to Anchorage to discover national parks, scenic glaciers, unique landscapes and wildlife. Outdoor activities abound in Anchorage. Adventurous locals (there are a lot of them in Alaska) enjoy skijoring, a sport where a person is pulled on skis by dogs or sometimes horses. The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail and Flattop Mountain Trail inside Chugach State Park offer hiking, biking, and wildlife sighting opportunities. Book an Anchorage cruise shore excursion and explore top destinations.

Day 8
At Sea

Arrival:
Departure:

Day 9
Icy Straight Point

Arrival: at 08:00
Departure: at 20:00

Immerse yourself in secluded beaches, old-growth forests and Alaskan adventure - the best of Southeast Alaska is yours, including some of the best whale-watching and bear viewing opportunities anywhere. Rich with authentic native Tlingit culture and near the historic settlement of Hoonah, the area is home to Dall's porpoises, seals, sea otters and bald eagles.

Day 10
Glacier Bay

Arrival: at 07:00
Departure: at 16:00

With the serene majesty of snow-flecked and forested mountains defining its shores, Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve offers some of the most dramatic scenery and wildlife experiences in the world. Glacier Bay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve, is home to the mile-wide Margerie Glacier, highlight of your scenic cruise up this Alaskan fjord. Watch for breaching humpbacks alongside your ship, bears along the beaches, and so much more as Holland America Line and National Park Service Rangers guide you through the best Alaska Glacier Bay cruise adventure you’ll ever have.

Day 11
Wrangell, Alaska

Arrival: at 08:00
Departure: at 17:00

Just outside of Wrangell, explore Tlingit culture, through authentic stories, intricately carved totem poles and dance, at the Chief Shakes Tribal House—built mainly by hand and largely by women.

Day 12
Ketchikan

Arrival: at 08:00
Departure: at 19:00

Take an adventure and cruise to Ketchikan, Alaska. Alaska's "First City" of Ketchikan is so named because it’s the first major landfall for most cruisers as they enter the picturesque fjords of the Inside Passage, where the town clings to the banks of the Tongass Narrows, flanked by green forests nurtured by abundant rain. Ketchikan has long been an important hub of the salmon-fishing and -packing industries. Visitors can try their luck on a sportfishing or simply savor the fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants on a cruise to Ketchikan excursion. Ketchikanis also one of the best spots along the Inside Passage to explore the rich cultural sights of Native Alaskan nations like the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian. You can see intricately carved totem poles at the Totem Heritage Center and Totem Bight State Park, while the attractions of Saxman Village just outside of Ketchikan offers the chance to see Tlingit culture in action, with working carvers and a dance show in the clan house. On an Alaska cruise to Ketchikan don't forget to leave time to explore the sights in the town itself, including historic Creek Street, a boardwalk built over the Ketchikan Creek, where you can shop for souvenirs, smoked salmon and local art, while exploring gold rush­–era tourist attractions like Dolly’s House Museum.

Day 13
Prince Rupert British Colombia

Arrival: at 07:00
Departure: at 17:00

Prince Rupert is a port city on British Columbia’s northwest coast. It’s a gateway to wilderness areas like the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Sanctuary bear habitat. Shops and cafes dot the waterfront Cow Bay area. The Museum of Northern B.C. showcases the region’s natural and cultural heritage.

Day 14
Scenic Cruising

Arrival:
Departure:

Day 15
Vancouver

Arrival: at 07:00

As your cruise comes to an end, why not extend the magic? Our team can arrange extra hotel nights for you so you can continue exploring and make even more unforgettable memories before heading home.

Nieuw Amsterdam

The second of Holland America’s Signature Class ships, Nieuw Amsterdam, celebrates historic New York City with an inspired design and art collection. While on board, rejuvenate in the tranquil Spa & Salon, play pickleball at sea, or enjoy a tantalizing meal at fine dining restaurants. When you’re in the mood for music, Billboard Onboard fills the room with chart-topping hits.

General characteristics

Ship name: Nieuw Amsterdam
Length: 285.29 m (936 ft)
Capacity: 2,106 passengers
Total cabins: 1,053
Tonnage: 86,700 GT

Nieuw Amsterdam

What’s on Board

Technology
Food and Drink
Fitness
Entertainment
Relaxation
Recreational
Other
Decks
technology

Technology

  • Digital Workshop
  • Internet Cafe
food-and-drink

Food and Drink

  • Asian Restaurant
  • Atrium Bar
  • Cabanas
  • Canaletto Restaurant
  • Explorations Cafe
  • Italian Restaurant
  • Kitchen
  • Lido Bar
  • Lido Casual Restaurant
  • Main Dining Room
  • Manhattan
  • Piano Bar
  • Pinnacle Grill
  • Seafood Shack
  • Sports Bar
  • Tamarind Restaurant and Silk Den Lounge
  • Terrace Grill
  • The Verandah
  • Veranda
fitness

Fitness

  • Basketball
  • Fitness Center
  • Pickleball
entertainment

Entertainment

  • Crow's Nest
  • Explorers Lounge
  • Neptune Lounge
  • Panorama Lounge
  • Photo Gallery
  • Show Lounges
relaxation

Relaxation

  • Facial Treatments
  • Greenhouse Spa & Salon
  • Hot Stone Therapy
  • Hydro Massage Pool
  • Lido Pool
  • Sauna
  • Spa
  • Steam Room
  • The Retreat
  • Thermal Suite
  • Whirlpool
recreational

Recreational

  • Club HAL
  • Library
  • The Loft

Decks

DECK 1- MAIN DECK DECK 1 - MAIN DECK
DECK 2 - LOWER PROMENADE DECK DECK 2 - LOWER PROMENADE DECK
DECK 3 - PROMENADE DECK DECK 3 - PROMENADE DECK
DECK 4 - UPPER PROMENADE DECK DECK 4 - UPPER PROMENADE DECK
DECK 5 - VERANDAH DECK DECK 5 - VERANDAH DECK
DECK 6 - UPPER VERANDAH DECK DECK 6 - UPPER VERANDAH DECK
DECK 7 - ROTTERDAM DECK DECK 7 - ROTTERDAM DECK
DECK 8 - NAVIGATION DECK DECK 8 - NAVIGATION DECK
DECK 9 - LIDO DECK DECK 9 - LIDO DECK
DECK 10 - PANORAMA DECK DECK 10 - PANORAMA DECK
DECK 11 - OBSERVATION DECK DECK 11 - OBSERVATION DECK
recreational

Other

  • Art Gallery
  • Atrium
  • Boutique
  • Concierge
  • Culinary Arts Center
  • Observation Deck
  • Shops

Staff Tips

  • Astrid Bell

    Most lines allow you to pre-book shore excursions on their websites months before your cruise; doing this saves time waiting in line once on board and it also gives you first dibs on tours that may get sold out later.

    Astrid BellCruise Product Manager
  • Adrienne Keogh

    Planning for a special occasion on board? You may purchase wine, or bon voyage gifts, such as fruit baskets, champagne, birthday cakes, canapés, flowers or other gifts for your stateroom.

    Adrienne KeoghSales and Operations Manager
  • Astrid Bell

    Remember to pack your adaptor! Onboard voltage is 110/220 ac (This would be the average on most ships).

    Astrid BellCruise Product Manager
  • Claire Somers

    The most popular tours sometimes sell out and spas can be very busy during sea days, so your first stop should be the Shore Excursion Desk to book tours and the Spa to make appointments.

    Claire SomersPersonal Travel Planner
  • Astrid Bell

    Unless things get particularly dicey, shore excursions will run rain or shine. Pack a rain jacket!

    Astrid BellCruise Product Manager
  • Karen Sheals Hoy

    With most cruise companies, there is 24 hour a day room service, Room service is complimentary although you may want to offer a gratuity to room service staff.

    Karen Sheals HoyManager

Talk to our team of experts