There’s a reason Alaska remains a bucket-list destination for travelers worldwide. It’s a place where nature rules, mountains rise sharply out of steel-gray waters, and frontier history meets modern-day luxury. If you’ve been dreaming of witnessing towering glaciers calve into the sea, tracking humpback whales, or walking the wooden boardwalks of historic gold rush towns, Holland America’s 7-Day Alaska Explorer cruise, sailing roundtrip from Seattle, is the gold standard.
This journey effortlessly balances inspiring wilderness with rich local culture. Here is what to expect from the vibes, activities, and local flavors at every iconic stop along the way.
Stop #1: Juneau, Alaska
- The Vibe: Sleepy, misty, and utterly unique. As America’s most remote and beautifully strange state capital, Juneau feels like an authentic frontier town of fishermen and local shop owners, yet it gracefully welcomes over a million travelers every summer.
- What to Do: Juneau is a paradise for outdoor recreation. In a single day, you can tour the grand capitol building, hike right up to a massive glacier, and head out for world-class wildlife tracking. Take a trek up Mount Roberts for a chance to spot wild deer and bald eagles. For an unforgettable marine adventure, catch a whale-watching tour heading north out of Auke Bay—just remember your binoculars to capture these graceful giants in action. If you want to see Alaska’s famous land mammals, you can even hop a floatplane excursion to nearby Admiralty Island or Chichagof Island to spy on bears lolling in their natural habitat.
- The Cuisine: After a day of exploring, Juneau’s fine dining and fresh seafood scenes await. There is nothing quite like relaxing on a seaside patio, eating fresh-caught fish right on the waterfront, and toast to the day’s adventures.
Stop #2: Sitka, Alaska
- The Vibe: Storied, scenic, and deeply historic. Tucked away on Baranof Island and surrounded by the icy blue waters of the Sitka Sound, this port stands completely apart by offering a captivating window into Alaska’s multi-layered past.
- What to Do: Because Russia controlled Alaska from the mid-1700s until the United States purchased it in 1867, Sitka served as the capital of Russian America (then known as New Archangel). Today, you can stroll past gorgeous historical landmarks like the onion-domed St. Michael’s Cathedral and the Russian Bishop’s House. Head over to the Sitka National Historical Park visitor center to view an incredible collection of Native Alaskan and Russian artifacts, or join a ranger-led tour of the historic battlefield where Russian forces fought the indigenous Tlingit people. For animal lovers, a trip to the Alaska Raptor Center or the Fortress of the Bear is a must, offering a safe, up-close look at rescued eagles and bears framed by the lush Tongass National Rainforest.
- The Cuisine: Walk up Castle Hill for a stunning vantage point of Mount Edgecumbe, a dormant volcano, before heading into town to enjoy the ocean-to-table freshness. Sitka’s local food scene emphasizes fresh-caught wild halibut, rockfish, and coastal bites inspired by the region’s rich cultural roots.
Stop #3: Ketchikan, Alaska
- The Vibe: Nostalgic, rainy, and colorful. Known as Alaska’s “First City,” Ketchikan earned its nickname because it’s the very first major landfall cruisers meet as they navigate the dramatic fjords of the Inside Passage. The town clings beautifully to the banks of the Tongass Narrows, surrounded by vibrant green forests fed by the local rain.
- What to Do: Ketchikan is one of the absolute best places to immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Native Alaskan nations, including the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian. You can view intricately carved totem poles at the Totem Heritage Center and Totem Bight State Park, or see Tlingit culture come alive at Saxman Village with a traditional clan house dance show and working carvers. Don’t forget to explore the heart of town along historic Creek Street—a vintage wooden boardwalk built right over the rushing creek. Here, you can tour gold rush-era attractions like Dolly’s House Museum and shop for local art.
- The Cuisine: Long celebrated as a booming hub for the salmon-fishing and packing industries, you can try your luck on a sportfishing excursion or simply dive into the local culinary scene. Savor fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants and pick up some world-class smoked salmon or local souvenirs to take a piece of the Inside Passage home with you.
This is a front-row seat to the raw power of nature, wrapped in the effortless comfort of a luxury voyage. By exploring the Great Land from the water, you skip the logistics of planes, trains, and highway driving, allowing you to wake up to a brand-new fjord, historic gold rush town, or calving glacier every single morning.
From the misty paths of Juneau to the storied shores of Sitka, it is hands-down the most seamless, breathtaking, and immersive way to experience everything Alaska has to offer.
Talk to your Travel Agent for more information on once-in-a-lifetime experiences like this.