Holland America Line
With a stylish collection of 15 ships, Holland America Line positively exudes timeless elegance, offering passengers a unique blend of traditional luxury and transformative discovery. Exploration and education take center stage, from engaging shore excursions to inspiring on-board activities, including iconic BBC Earth experiences and interactive cooking schools with America’s Test Kitchen. Combined with stately accommodation, evocative itineraries and captivating cuisine, the voyage of a lifetime awaits with each sensational sailing.
This bucket list escape begins in the eclectic city of Calgary, with direct flights from the UK. Embrace the chance to explore the dazzling landscapes and glacial lakes of Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper, before embarking the iconic Rocky Mountaineer for an overnight rail journey to Vancouver. After a short stay in this eclectic seaport, set sail on-board Pinnacle-Class Koningsdam for a spectacular seven night voyage. Drift along Alaska’s otherworldly Inside Passage and encounter frozen landscapes, glittering blue waters and rejuvenating fresh air as you visit Skagway, Juneau and Tracy Arm Inlet on this once-in-a-lifetime sailing.
Days 1 – 2
Fly direct from the UK to Calgary, where you’ll check-in to the elegant Fairmont Palliser, boasting a prime downtown location. Immerse yourself in the rich Western legacy and culture, learning all about the annual Calgary Stampede. Visit Heritage Park, which evokes a strong sense of the Wild West with olde-worlde replicas of authentic ranches and paddle-wheeler boats. The next day, continue on your trip and enjoy an overnight stay at the ethereal Rimrock Resort Hotel. This sought-after accommodation is nestled in the heart of Banff National Park to the rugged backdrop of Canada’s magnificent Rocky Mountains. Lose yourself in the picture-perfect town centre, fringed by the precipitous peaks of the province, and be sure to stop off at breathtaking Lake Moraine, where the turquoise waters and emerald cedars create a veritable heaven on earth.
Days 3 – 4
The next stop on this bucket list escape is the exquisite 5 Star Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, where you’ll enjoy a luxurious overnight stay. Commanding a mesmerising position within a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ethereal resort is cocooned by shimmering emerald lakes, rugged glaciers and fir-studded peaks. Channel your outdoor adventurer and embark on an exhilarating hike to the spectacular lakefront, then make the most of your stay with a guided snowshoe tour or magical ice walk. The following day, continue on your trip for a one night stay at Hotel Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, exclusively positioned within Jasper National Park. Take advantage of the abundant wildlife offering, with the chance to spot moose, deer and bears in their natural habitat, or reach dizzying heights on the SkyTram, with panoramic vistas of the expansive cedar forests sprawled below.
Days 5 – 7
Get ready for a truly magical experience on-board the famed Rocky Mountaineer, which you’ll embark in Jasper for an overnight journey to Vancouver. Enjoy spectacular SilverLeaf Service, with the option to upgrade to GoldLeaf as you explore the regal Rocky Mountains by rail. The following day, you’ll arrive in Vancouver for an overnight stay at the 5 Star Sutton Place Hotel. Feel like a VIP at this spectacular resort, with bespoke concierge service, lavish amenities and unparalleled dining options. The next morning, it’s time to set sail on-board Holland America Line’s Koningsdam for your enchanting seven night ocean voyage. Take some time to explore the ship’s spectacular features and sample the tantalising culinary offering, before settling down for the night in your generous stateroom.
Days 8 – 9
Wake up feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to explore, as you sail past the ice-capped peaks and fir-fringed banks of Alaska’s Inside Passage. Capture extraordinary memories on camera as you marvel at the otherwordly landscapes and thriving wildlife. Catch a glimpse of rugged brown bears on shore, majestic humpback whales at sea and swift bald eagles in the sky as you’re blown away by Alaska’s expansive natural offering. Prepare yourself for a truly unique experience at Tracy Arm Inlet, which boasts the largest intact coastal temperate rainforest in the whole of the USA. Anticipate glorious panoramas as you cruise this scenic stretch, drinking in exhilarating vistas of the two towering fjords sprinkled with native wildlife.
Days 10 – 11
Whatever your taste, you’ll find a shore excursion to suit you when you dock in Juneau. Chase an adrenaline-rush on an alpine zip-line adventure, or venture into the wilderness on a guided bear-watching expedition, guaranteed to exceed expectations. Factor in some time to wander through the colourful centre of Alaska’s capital, stopping off at the Alaskan Brewery and Bottling Company, or soaking up the local history at the Alaska State Museum. Continuing on its sailing, the ship will dock in port again the following day, giving passengers the chance to explore Skagway’s vibrant cultural offering. Outdoor enthusiasts can take the opportunity to enjoy an al fresco dip in Lower Dewey Lake, whilst thrill-seekers can indulge in an adrenaline-fuelled helicopter ride offering exceptional views of the snow-kissed vistas below.
Days 12 – 13
Enjoy some time to rejuvenate with a day at sea, cruising by the enchanting frozen landscapes of Glacier Bay. With photo opportunities aplenty and limitless hours of wildlife watching, spend a magical day on deck immersing yourself in the sublime natural surroundings. Why not indulge in an invigorating treatment at the Greenhouse Spa & Salon, bring your local trivia up to scratch with a visit to Explorations Central™ or enjoy a mind-blowing BBC Earth experience. Travel back in time the following day as you dock in Ketchikan, which retains strong evidence of its authentic Native American roots with authentic totem poles scattered throughout the town. Commonly known as The Salmon Capital of the World, be sure to sample the succulent seafood on offer, and squeeze in a trip to the Ketchikan Creek & Falls for the chance to watch the fish spawn.
Days 14 – 15
Set sail on the penultimate stretch of your journey, cruising through the Inside Passage and on to Vancouver, where you’ll disembark. Make the most of your final days at sea, perusing the on-board art gallery and tantalising your taste buds with mouth-watering flavours at the on-board eateries. Why not treat yourself to a stylish purchase at the on-board boutique to commemorate this bucket-list cruise, or indulge in a professional makeover at the salon for your last evening on this glorious ship. Following disembarkation, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your return flight back to the UK.