12 night Koningsdam Alaska Cruise Tour May 27, 2023

[chisoxfan]

 

Hello. We have done the 7 day Westerdam cruise to Alaska some years ago (our only Alaska cruise) and a 7 night Eurodam. While we mostly cruise on X with some MSC and Princess thrown in we really like HAL and always look at this option.

Anyway, very intrigued by the upcoming subject cruise as a way to experience Alaska better. I called HAL and they were less than helpful so I thought I would go to where the knowledge really lies- CC. 

I am seeking any brief insight regarding the land/ sea HAL Alaska travel others have experienced . HAL told me everything (air fare within tour and returning to Seattle ) was included. Is this on charter planes and is this in fact accurate?

Can anyone comment on the lodging that HAL uses in Alaska. Are you given any choices as to accommodations?

While this trip seems ideal to see 'more' of Alaska we are just trying to get a feel of what to expect. I am excited to try a newer HAL ship but obviously most of the trip is on land so perhaps the ship is not critical. Noordam makes a similar trip but it is really attractive for us to leave from Seattle as we can use many existing WN points.

Many thanks in advance for your comments!

 

[oaktreerb]

You may be looking at an Alaska/Yukon cruisetour.  There is a lot of information online about your particular itinerary.  There is also a brochure that you can download and possibly have mailed to you that covers the Alaska season.

 

In my opinion Holland America offers the best experiences in Alaska.  We have experienced the Yukon cruise tours several times and they are unique to HAL.  The flights can be commercial but the flight within the Yukon may be charter.  The lodging can vary depending on the itinerary.  It will be the Westmark in Fairbanks and maybe in Anchorage.   Hotels in Alaska and the Yukon are comfortable and convenient.  HAL has the McKinley Chalet Resort in Denali.  If this is an Alaska/Yukon tour you will have a “journey host” who travels with you and coordinates your activities.  You will meet that person when you arrive in Alaska.. You are not given a choice as to accommodations but if your room is not satisfactory the front desk will  work with you.  In Denali there is an upsell for accommodations. 

 

The Alaska brochure is excellent.  HAL has a lot of choices as far as cruise tours go.  My advice is to take the longer tour if you can with two nights  minimum in Denali and Dawson City.

 

Koningsdam is my favorite ship!

Edited October 30, 2022 by oaktreerb

[chisoxfan]

16 hours ago, oaktreerb said:

You may be looking at an Alaska/Yukon cruisetour.  There is a lot of information online about your particular itinerary.  There is also a brochure that you can download and possibly have mailed to you that covers the Alaska season.

 

In my opinion Holland America offers the best experiences in Alaska.  We have experienced the Yukon cruise tours several times and they are unique to HAL.  The flights can be commercial but the flight within the Yukon may be charter.  The lodging can vary depending on the itinerary.  It will be the Westmark in Fairbanks and maybe in Anchorage.   Hotels in Alaska and the Yukon are comfortable and convenient.  HAL has the McKinley Chalet Resort in Denali.  If this is an Alaska/Yukon tour you will have a “journey host” who travels with you and coordinates your activities.  You will meet that person when you arrive in Alaska.. You are not given a choice as to accommodations but if your room is not satisfactory the front desk will  work with you.  In Denali there is an upsell for accommodations. 

 

The Alaska brochure is excellent.  HAL has a lot of choices as far as cruise tours go.  My advice is to take the longer tour if you can with two nights  minimum in Denali and Dawson City.

 

Koningsdam is my favorite ship!

Thank you for taking time to provide the clear description!. Always hesitant to ask for what would seem to be easy to gather info (and not always is). I will check the website again and probably call HAL and hope to get more informed rep.

Sounds as if you enjoyed your trip and the Koningdam.  

[Mary229]

Yes, the flights are charter 737s.  Besides Anchorage Westmark the hotels are nice, please note that not NYC nice but Yukon and Denali nice.  We stayed in the new building at the Denali Lodge and it was very nice and the restaurant on premises was very good with large shareable servings.  
 

The trains are also reserved cars

Edited October 31, 2022 by Mary229