Vancouver and Alaska Cruise 2024
Our arrival at Vancouver Airport was a breeze, thanks to the efficient new customs kiosks. Within an hour, we were through immigration, collected our bags, and headed to our hotel, just a quick 20-minute ride away.
We stayed at the luxurious Shangri-La Vancouver, a five-star gem ideally located between bustling Robson Street, known for its shops and restaurants, and the picturesque waterfront. The hotel’s bathroom was a standout feature, complete with a TV embedded in the mirror, a spacious bathtub, a separate shower, and a private toilet area.
Our adventure began with a half-day city tour with Landsea. This small-group experience took us to Stanley Park, where we marveled at the iconic totem poles and enjoyed stunning views of the city. Next, we explored Granville Island, indulging in delicious local treats like Lee's Donuts, clam chowder, and banana cream pie. Our tour also included a drive through various neighborhoods, including Chinatown, which is still recovering from the pandemic, and Gastown, a vibrant area filled with souvenir shops and eateries. We wrapped up our tour at Canada Place, near the cruise terminal.
A highlight of our trip was the “Fly Over Canada” experience, a thrilling 8-minute ride that took us across the breathtaking landscapes of Canada on a massive screen—it was absolutely worth it! Robson Street offered fantastic shopping, and I highly recommend renting a bike to explore Stanley Park, with a stop at the aquarium for a fun day out. Also just out of the city you will want to visit Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and Grouse Mountain which makes a nice day out.
Cruising with Holland America Line
Our cruise began with Holland America’s Koningsdam. With two ships in port, it took us over two hours to board, but first impressions of the ship exceeded my expectations. The atmosphere was diverse, with guests of all ages, and while not specifically family-oriented, it was family-friendly with a kids’ club. The ship had been recently renovated, and all areas felt fresh and inviting. Music lovers would be in heaven here, with venues like BB King’s, Billboards, and the Rolling Stones Lounge featuring dueling pianos.
We enjoyed a spacious balcony cabin that accommodated three people comfortably, complete with ample closet space. The third person slept on a pull-out sofa, which we stored during the day for extra space. Our cabin included a safe, a mini-fridge stocked with drinks (available for an extra charge), and plush robes. One of the best perks was the free 24-hour room service, providing plenty of dining options throughout the day.
Dining options on board included the main dining room and Lido Marketplace, which offered a variety of choices for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including pizza. You also have speciality dinning restaurants which come at an additional charge and not included in the cruise fare. Complimentary beverages like water, tea, coffee, and juices were provided with meals, while sodas and alcoholic drinks came at an additional cost. The crew was truly amazing, enhancing our experience.
Discovering Juneau Alaska's Capital
Arriving in Juneau was seamless—we simply walked off the ship into town, filled with shops selling jewelry, souvenirs, and a few bars and restaurants. From downtown, we took a short tram ride up the mountain for spectacular views, hiking trails, and a gift shop.
A must-visit is Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls, accessible through a ship tour or independently. We opted for a taxi, which cost us $75 flat for up to 10 people. Our driver gave us a delightful downtown tour before taking us to Douglas Island, offering incredible views of Mendenhall Glacier. We spent about 1.5 hours at the national park, walking to the falls and back, with a small visitor center available. Note that food is not permitted in the park, and while we saw signs about potential bear sightings, we didn’t encounter any.
Adventures in Ketchikan
In Ketchikan, we braved the rain for an exhilarating zip-lining tour at the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary. Thankfully, the weather cleared just in time for our adventure through the rainforest, where we even spotted a couple of deer! After our zip-lining experience, we explored the charming town of Ketchikan and visited Creek Street, known for its colorful shops.
Glacier Bay was nothing short of breathtaking! As we approached Johns Hopkins Glacier, the sheer beauty of the surroundings left us in awe. Spending the day on deck, soaking in the stunning views, was an unforgettable experience. The towering ice formations, the vibrant colors of the landscape, and the tranquility of the water combined to create a magical atmosphere. It’s moments like these that remind us of nature's incredible wonders!
Our journey through the Inside Passage was a serene way to return to Vancouver, with some last minute wildlife spotting rounding off a fantastic cruise experience.
Overall, this trip was a wonderful way to explore the beauty of Alaska, and I highly recommend it to fellow travelers!