Alaska Adventure: An Unforgettable Journey From Anchorage To Vancouver

It’s been more than 25 years since I took my very first cruise, a voyage to Alaska that ultimately inspired my career in the cruise industry.

When Holland America Line offered the opportunity to return to the place where it all began, this time exploring Alaska by land as well as sea, I knew it was an experience I couldn’t miss.

Our journey began in Anchorage, where I visited the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre, a sanctuary dedicated to protecting the state’s remarkable native species.

From moose to musk oxen and magnificent brown bears, it was a wonderful introduction to Alaska’s wild beauty and set the tone for what was to come.

From there, I joined the group and boarded the McKinley Explorer, a luxurious domed railcar offering spectacular views en route to Denali National Park.

We were lucky enough to get clear skies, giving us uninterrupted views of Mt McKinley (Denali) from top to bottom, which we were told is a rare sight.

In Denali, we stayed at Holland America’s Denali Lodge, where a balance of relaxation and exploration awaited.

I managed a round of golf across the tundra and joined a photography excursion before one of the trip’s standout experiences, the Tundra Wilderness Tour.

This fully narrated adventure took us deep into the heart of Denali National Park, where we spotted moose, caribou and several brown bears, offering a true taste of Alaska’s untamed wilderness.

As we travelled north, a stop at Riverboat Discovery in Fairbanks provided a fascinating glimpse into Alaska’s pioneer past. After an overnight stay, we continued our journey with a flight to Dawson City in the Yukon.

In Dawson, we were taken on a walking tour of the historic town and a visit to the Klondike, which brought the gold rush era to life.

That evening, we enjoyed entertainment at Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Gambling Hall before taking on a daring toast at the Downtown Hotel with the legendary Sourtoe Cocktail. The night ended perfectly, with the Aurora Borealis lighting up the Yukon sky.

From Dawson, we travelled to Whitehorse before the final overland leg to Skagway, where we boarded the elegant Koningsdam.

A day in Skagway included a ride on the historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, followed by a visit to the famous Red Onion Saloon, a lively reminder of the town’s colourful past and a must for any visitor.

The journey concluded with a four-night cruise through some of Alaska’s most incredible seascapes, including Glacier Bay National Park, Ketchikan and the Inside Passage, before arriving in Vancouver.

We truly got a taste of everything Alaska has to offer on this trip. Wildlife encounters, historic railways, gold rush towns and glacier-carved landscapes all came together to showcase the incredible variety of Alaska and the Yukon, made even more enjoyable by the comfort and service of the Koningsdam.

Alaska is one of those rare destinations that leaves you in awe no matter how many times you visit.

A heartfelt thank you to the entire Holland America Line team, from the local guides and drivers to the onboard crew, for creating an experience I’ll never forget.

https://www.hollandamerica.com/