A Family Adventure Aboard Holland America’s Koningsdam: Exploring Alaska’s Inside Passage
Alaska, USA, Travel

A Family Adventure Aboard Holland America’s Koningsdam: Exploring Alaska’s Inside Passage

On the corner of Burrard St. and Canada Place is Vancouver’s cruise terminal where you will embark on your Alaskan cruise. Here, the Koningsdam awaits its departure into Alaska’s Inside Passage.
On the corner of Burrard St. and Canada Place is Vancouver’s cruise terminal where you will embark on your Alaskan cruise. Here, the Koningsdam awaits its departure into Alaska’s Inside Passage-1

On the corner of Burrard St. and Canada Place is Vancouver’s cruise terminal where you will embark on your Alaskan cruise. Here, the Koningsdam awaits its departure into Alaska’s Inside Passage.

Embark on a remarkable family journey through the majestic wilderness of Alaska aboard Holland America’s Koningsdam. This seven-day Inside Passage itinerary promises an unforgettable experience for travelers of all ages, packed with a blend of breathtaking scenery, captivating wildlife, enriching experiences, and family-friendly activities. Holland America’s Koningsdam Inside Passage cruise does an excellent job highlighting this remarkable voyage, designed to immerse you in the beauty and wonder of Alaska.
Day 1: Departure from Vancouver, British Columbia
The journey begins as you board the magnificent Koningsdam in Vancouver, British Columbia. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be greeted with warm smiles and a welcoming atmosphere. Settle into your stateroom and have some lunch at the Lido Market on Deck 9. Dining here is all-you-can-eat and dining reservations are not required.
The Lido Market on Deck 9 was the place we chose to frequently have our meals with the kids. Because of its casual atmosphere and abundance of choices, the Lido Market is the most kid-friendly place to eat aboard the Koningsdam and also enjoy meals with a view (this view was in Glacier Bay)!

The Lido Market on Deck 9 was the place we chose to frequently have our meals with the kids. Because of its casual atmosphere and abundance of choices, the Lido Market is the most kid-friendly place to eat aboard the Koningsdam and also enjoy meals with a view (this view was in Glacier Bay)!

Secure a spot outside or indoors by a window to get the best views as the Koningsdam sets sail. Say goodbye to Vancouver’s skyline, see you in a week!

Secure a spot outside or indoors by a window to get the best views as the Koningsdam sets sail. Say goodbye to Vancouver’s skyline, see you in a week!

As the ship sets sail, take in the stunning views of the city skyline and the surrounding coastal landscape, bidding farewell to the bustling metropolis in exchange for the tranquility of the open sea. Take this afternoon to explore everything the ship has to offer.
Check out the spa services and the many ways to relax aboard Holland America’s Koningsdam like these calming thermal suites
Check out the spa services and the many ways to relax aboard Holland America’s Koningsdam like these calming thermal suites-1

Check out the spa services and the many ways to relax aboard Holland America’s Koningsdam like these calming thermal suites.

Day 2: At Sea
Relax and unwind as you spend a day at sea, indulging in the countless family-friendly amenities and activities offered onboard the Koningsdam.
From world-class dining options to rejuvenating spa treatments, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Take advantage of the ship’s facilities, let the kids splash and play in the pool, while you unwind with a refreshing drink on the deck—we loved hanging out at the Panorama Bar on Deck 10. You can also catch informative talks and lectures about the destinations to come at the World Stage.
We went to a few of the lectures at the World Stage to learn more about the places we were going to explore. This was an informative map of the Glacier Bay route which detailed the types of wildlife to keep an eye out for.

We went to a few of the lectures at the World Stage to learn more about the places we were going to explore. This was an informative map of the Glacier Bay route which detailed the types of wildlife to keep an eye out for.

Note:  If you are a part of a beverage package, please clarify on what exactly is included. We had the Elite beverage package which allowed 15 total specialty drinks per day (alcoholic and special beverages like latte’s). Sodas, coffees and teas were complimentary in our package and not included in the 15 beverages a day count.
Sign up your children, if any, at the supervised kid’s club (children must be at least 3 years old), play some sports or table games, or simply soak in the panoramic views from the observation deck.
Tip:  Book your cruise excursions early as they do fill up. If you know you want to do a helicopter tour with dog sledding in Juneau, then you must book this right away. By the time we looked into excursions months beforehand, these excursions were completely sold out.
Day 3: Tracy Arm Fjord and Juneau
Awake to the breathtaking beauty of Tracy Arm Fjord, where towering glaciers and snow-capped mountains create a mesmerizing backdrop. Marvel at the awe-inspiring scenery as the ship navigates through the narrow fjord, offering unparalleled opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.
This is the beautiful view of Juneau, Alaska, from the Koningsdam. That red building, Tracy’s King Crab Shack will have to be a must visit on your list of family-friendly places to visit in Juneau. They have the best seafood!
This is the beautiful view of Juneau, Alaska, from the Koningsdam. That red building, Tracy’s King Crab Shack will have to be a must visit on your list of family-friendly places to visit in Juneau. They have the best seafood-1

This is the beautiful view of Juneau, Alaska, from the Koningsdam. That red building, Tracy’s King Crab Shack will have to be a must visit on your list of family-friendly places to visit in Juneau. They have the best seafood!

In the afternoon, arrive in Juneau, Alaska’s charming capital city, where you can explore historic landmarks, embark on outdoor adventures, or sample fresh seafood at local eateries. Families can embark on a variety of exciting adventures, from whale watching excursions to glacier hikes and dog sledding experiences.

Luckily we docked a little early so we had some time to explore the port before our scheduled excursion. Tracy’s King Crab Shack is a must try here! Come here right when you get off the ship, the line can get pretty long but don’t be discouraged, it’s worth the wait! We had 5 adults and 4 children and we ordered the 5 lbs Alaskan King Crab Bucket and it was more than enough crab to share.

Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau is also a must visit family-friendly destination. It’s not only the glacier that is so captivating, but it’s the fauna, the waterfalls, its’ surroundings that make this place so special

Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau is also a must visit family-friendly destination. It’s not only the glacier that is so captivating, but it’s the fauna, the waterfalls, its’ surroundings that make this place so special

We chose to go on the Best of Juneau excursion by Alaska Shore Excursions. This excursion led us by school bus to the Mendenhall Glacier, to a whale watching tour which began in Auke Bay and ended with dinner at Juneau’s famous Gold Creek Salmon Bake.

For more information on this excursion, read my review of the Best of Juneau excursion by Alaska Shore Excursion here.

Day 4: Skagway

Step back in time as you arrive in Skagway, a historic gold rush town nestled amidst the rugged terrain of the Alaskan wilderness. Immerse yourself in the town’s rich heritage as you stroll along its wooden boardwalks and visit iconic landmarks such as the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. One of the most popular excursions of Skagway would be to embark on a scenic railway journey through the White Pass and Yukon Rail, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, valleys and wildlife.

Emerald Lake and the White Pass and Yukon Rail were some of the highlights of one of Holland America’s Skagway excursions. The turquoise lake and scenic train ride had some of the most memorable views of Skagway and the Yukon
Emerald Lake and the White Pass and Yukon Rail were some of the highlights of one of Holland America’s Skagway excursions. The turquoise lake and scenic train ride had some of the most memorable views of Skagway and the Yukon-1

Emerald Lake and the White Pass and Yukon Rail were some of the highlights of one of Holland America’s Skagway excursions. The turquoise lake and scenic train ride had some of the most memorable views of Skagway and the Yukon.

We booked our excursion through Holland America and we were very pleased with our guide and the quality of the tour. We even saw eagles, mountain goats and a couple bears! Even though we were taken into the Yukon Territory most of this excursion, it was a great opportunity to explore that part of Canada.

For more ideas of what to do with kids in Skagway, read my suggestions on Kid-Friendly Activities in Skagway and Carcross here.

Day 5: Glacier Bay National Park
Prepare to be amazed as the Koningsdam enters the pristine wilderness of Glacier Bay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the towering glaciers and icy blue fjords as you cruise through this breathtaking landscape.
This is one of the perks of having a balcony suite aboard the Koningsdam. The fresh air and view at any moment’s notice. Make sure to use the binoculars that are in the stateroom to look out for wildlife in Glacier Bay.

This is one of the perks of having a balcony suite aboard the Koningsdam. The fresh air and view at any moment’s notice. Make sure to use the binoculars that are in the stateroom to look out for wildlife in Glacier Bay.

This is the breathtaking Margerie Glacier and Johns Hopkins Glacier in Glacier Bay, truly a family-friendly bucket list destination!
This is the breathtaking Margerie Glacier and Johns Hopkins Glacier in Glacier Bay, truly a family-friendly bucket list destination-1

This is the breathtaking Margerie Glacier and Johns Hopkins Glacier in Glacier Bay, truly a family-friendly bucket list destination!

Keep the kids engaged with onboard educational programs and activities led by naturalists at the Kid’s Club and park rangers at the Crow’s Nest, offering insights into the park’s ecological significance and wildlife habitats.
Also, keep an eye out for the amazing wildlife like humpback whales, seals, otters and bald eagles. Early in the morning we sailed right by a bear wading in the ocean! We also saw humpback whales, a group of otters and seals.
Day 6: Ketchikan
For our excursion, we arranged for a private van to take us around some of the sites of Ketchikan. We booked this through Alaska Shore Excursions and it was run by Canyon Fox Tours. We ended up spending half of the time walking through Creek Street and the shops since it was rainy and the kids were cold and tired. Ketchikan gets pretty rainy most of the time so be prepared with a waterproof jacket/shoes.
Make sure to visit Creek Street in Ketchikan and get a family or group photo in front of the historic colorful buildings

Make sure to visit Creek Street in Ketchikan and get a family or group photo in front of the historic colorful buildings

We did some souvenir shopping before getting back on to the cruise ship and had dinner reservations onboard at one of the specialty dining restaurants, Pinnacle Grill (the steaks were delicious here).

For more ideas on what to do in Ketchikan, check out my suggestions of the Best Family-Friendly Places to Visit in Ketchikan here.

Tip:  Make sure to make any specialty dining reservations way ahead of time, maybe even before booking excursions. We had a special offer that included complimentary specialty dining once, so we made those reservations early on (they do fill up quickly).
Day 7: Inside Passage and Return to Vancouver
Savor your final day at sea as the Koningsdam retraces its route back to Vancouver.
We took advantage of the family-friendly activities on board and attended the Deal or No Deal at the World Stage, Trivia at B.B. Kings, and Bingo at the Rolling Stone Lounge. We actually won the Bingo grand prize!
Don’t forget to also visit the Photo Gallery to purchase some of the photos taken on the boat.
Tip:  (pertaining to the 7 day Inside Passage Holland America aboard the Koningsdam): If you get seasick, the second and seventh day were the rockiest. Try to prepare for this by pre-medicating, scheduling a massage/spa treatment or planning on taking a long nap during these days at sea.
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Holland America's 7 Day Inside Passage Koningsdam: A Quick Itinerary