July 2–9, 2024 | Holland America Line

Why We Chose This Cruise

Last summer, I experienced Alaska in a way that felt both adventurous and effortless—by sea. We sailed with Holland America Line aboard the MS Nieuw Amsterdam, departing from Vancouver and ending in Whittier.

This 7-day cruise (July 2–9, 2024) offered the perfect balance of scenic cruising, Alaskan ports, and onboard comfort—ideal if you want to see Alaska without constantly packing and unpacking.

The Route at a Glance

🛳 Duration: 7 days
📍 Departure: Vancouver, British Columbia
📍 Arrival: Whittier, Alaska
🗓 Dates: July 2–9, 2024
🚢 Ship: Nieuw Amsterdam (Holland America)

This northbound itinerary is especially appealing because it allows you to pair the cruise with land time before or after—whether that’s Anchorage, Denali, or a scenic train ride.

What It’s Like Cruising Alaska in July

July is one of the best months to cruise Alaska. The days are long, the weather is relatively mild, and wildlife sightings are common. Think:

Snow-capped mountains
Glaciers calving into icy blue water
Bald eagles, whales, and seals
Cool mornings, crisp air, and cozy layers

Alaska doesn’t rush you—it invites you to slow down and look around.

Life Onboard the Nieuw Amsterdam

The Nieuw Amsterdam felt refined without being stuffy. There was always a quiet place to sit with a coffee and watch the scenery drift by—something you truly appreciate when sailing through the Inside Passage.

Highlights included:

Comfortable staterooms with thoughtful storage
Excellent dining options (especially seafood nights)
Daily enrichment talks about glaciers, wildlife, and Alaskan history
Spacious viewing decks for glacier days

Holland America really shines when it comes to Alaska itineraries—they’ve been sailing these waters for decades, and it shows.

Ports, Glaciers & Scenic Sailing

One of the biggest advantages of an Alaskan cruise is how much you see without effort. Between port days and scenic cruising, every day brought something different—whether it was a charming coastal town, a glacier viewing day, or sailing through narrow passages surrounded by mountains.

(This is where your photos will really shine—glaciers, port towns, deck views, and candid onboard moments.)

Disembarkation in Whittier

Ending the cruise in Whittier was a memorable experience in itself. Surrounded by dramatic mountains and icy blue water, it felt like stepping into the heart of Alaska.

From Whittier, it’s easy to:

Travel onward to Anchorage
Connect to a land tour
Begin a rail journey deeper into Alaska

This route is ideal if you want your trip to continue beyond the cruise.

Would I Recommend This Cruise?

Absolutely. If Alaska is on your bucket list and you want a stress-free way to experience it, this itinerary checks all the boxes:

✔ Stunning scenery
✔ Comfortable pace
✔ Excellent onboard experience
✔ Perfect summer timing

It’s a beautiful reminder that sometimes the journey is the destination.

Final Thoughts

Alaska has a way of grounding you—making you feel small in the best possible way. Cruising from Vancouver to Whittier allowed me to experience that magic while still enjoying comfort, routine, and incredible views every single day.

If you’ve been considering an Alaskan cruise, this route and ship are a fantastic place to start.

🚢 Alaska by Sea: A 7-Day Cruise from Vancouver to Whittier