HOLLAND AMERICA GLACIER DISCOVER: THE ULTIMATE ALASKA CRUISE EXPERIENCE
By Sharon K. Kurtz
Something is soul-stirring about sailing through Alaska, where snowy peaks slice the clouds, glaciers crack and tumble into icy fjords, and little towns still hum with stories of gold, grit, and wild beauty. On our seven-day Glacier Discovery Northbound cruise with Holland America Line, we traveled from Vancouver to Whittier, tracing a route that felt both rugged and timeless.
From lively port towns to glassy bays filled with ice, this trip gave us big views and quiet moments—the kind that stay with you long after you’re home.
ON BIG BLEND RADIO: Travel writer and award-winning photographer Sharon K. Kurtz talks about her unforgettable Holland America cruise through Alaska! Watch here in the YouTube player or download the episode on Podbean.
What to Know Before You Go
This cruise works well for first timers and seasoned travelers alike. Because it’s one-way—from Vancouver to Whittier—it gives you more time to explore inland afterward. We tacked on a few days in Anchorage and Seward, and I’m so glad we did. It rounded out the experience.
The Alaska cruise season runs from May through September. July and August bring the most consistent weather and wildlife activity, but June gave us clear skies and long daylight hours. If you want a veranda room or specific excursions, book early—they go fast.
Holland America’s mid-sized ships strike a nice balance: polished and classic but never stuffy. Our balcony cabin gave us front-row seats to glacier views and wildlife. I lost track of how many mornings I stood outside in a robe with coffee in hand, just soaking it all in.
Port Days with Personality
Each port had its own rhythm, and we loved exploring them our way.
In Ketchikan, we zipped across open water in an inflatable boat to a forested island in Tongass National Forest. A naturalist led us through mossy trails and tidepools full of sea stars and anemones. Later, we strolled Creek Street, the town’s historic red-light district turned artsy boardwalk. Salmon jumped upstream just below our feet.
Juneau was a DIY day. We took the Mount Roberts Tramway up the mountain, hiked a wildflower-lined trail, and caught the trolley out to Mendenhall Glacier. The hike to Nugget Falls felt like walking through a postcard. We ended the day with local halibut and an Alaska-inspired cocktail the color of glacier melt.
In Skagway, we stepped back in time. The White Pass & Yukon Route Railway carried us up into misty mountains and across old trestle bridges. Afterward, we dug into a classic salmon bake and wandered through town, where history lingers in every creaky wooden storefront.
Glacier Days: Big Ice and Shared Awe
While the port stops were memorable, the real show happened on the water.
Sailing into Glacier Bay National Park felt almost sacred. Snow-covered peaks surrounded us. The water was calm and green. Rangers and Huna Tlingit cultural guides came aboard, sharing stories of the land and people. When we reached Margerie Glacier, we stood side by side on the bow, silent, watching the ice split and crash into the sea.
The next day, we cruised into College Fjord, where glaciers named Harvard, Yale, and Wellesley flow from the Chugach Mountains. Harvard Glacier, the largest and still advancing, stretched over a mile wide. From the deck, we heard thunderous cracks as ice calved into the sea. Seals rested on floating ice, otters played nearby, and bald eagles soared above—an awe-inspiring cathedral of ice.
Life Onboard: Comfortable, Calm, and Just Right
We sailed on the Nieuw Amsterdam, a mid-sized ship that was easy to get around and never felt overwhelming. It had a classic, understated style—graceful without being overdone. One of my favorite spots on board was the Crow’s Nest, tucked into the bow and wrapped in a wall of windows. I’d settle into a cushy lounger, coffee in hand, and watch Alaska unfold in every direction.
Our veranda stateroom gave us plenty of room to spread out: a sofa, a desk, a good-sized bathroom, and that balcony we couldn’t get enough of. On sea days, we found quiet corners to read or listen to naturalist talks. I loved the BBC Earth wildlife documentaries in the theater, too.
What makes this cruise special? For me, it was the balance—epic landscapes, cultural depth, and time to relax and connect.
Ready to explore Alaska with Holland America? Find out more on HollandAmerica.com
Keep the Journey Going: After the Cruise
We disembarked in Whittier, a tucked-away harbor town framed by towering cliffs—a quiet, fitting farewell to the cruise. But ending here doesn’t mean your adventure has to stop. Whittier makes an easy springboard for exploring more of Alaska.
What This Cruise Gave Us
This trip wasn’t just about seeing Alaska. It reminded us how good it feels to slow down and notice—how much beauty is out there when you’re willing to look up, breathe in, and be still for a moment.
We came home with glacier spray in our hair, salt on our skin, and memories that keep showing up in quiet ways—like morning coffee on the balcony or the sound of ice cracking somewhere deep in our minds.
If you’re wondering whether travel still has magic? Let Alaska answer that for you.
Sharon Kurtz is an Austin-based freelance travel writer and award-winning photographer. She is passionate about exploring the world and sharing her experiences through captivating storytelling, and Big Blend Radio podcast, “Wander the World with Sharon.” She is an active member of The Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and The International Food, Wine, and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA). Follow her travels on https://sharonkkurtz.com/ and https://www.instagram.com/shar_kurtz
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