Holland America’s Alaskan Wilderness Week

Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the pristine wilderness of the Last Frontier with our comprehensive guide to an Epic 7-Day Holland America Alaska Cruise. This journey aboard the magnificent ms Eurodam, sailing roundtrip from Seattle, promised and delivered an extraordinary experience, visiting breathtaking destinations such as Glacier Bay National Park, Sitka, Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Ketchikan, and Victoria, British Columbia. From awe-inspiring glaciers and abundant wildlife to captivating local culture and unparalleled onboard luxury, this Alaska cruise review offers a detailed look at every aspect of our voyage, designed to help you plan your own dream Alaskan escape.

7 day Holland America Alaska Cruise over a cruise ship with We heart alaska on it

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An Unforgettable 7-Day Holland America Alaska Cruise on the Eurodam

Pre-Cruise Preparations: Gearing Up for Alaska

The anticipation leading up to a new cruise is always exhilarating, and this trip to Alaska was no exception. There’s a unique joy in completing all the pre-cruise paperwork, knowing that soon we’d be stepping aboard a new ship, bound for an incredible destination. This particular voyage marked our inaugural sailing with Holland America Line. While we had previously toured the Holland America Westerdam a few years prior, this was our first time experiencing their renowned service and Alaskan itineraries firsthand, so we diligently completed all necessary documentation as soon as it became available.

In the days leading up to embarkation, a crucial step was the mandatory COVID-19 testing. We utilized the convenient Abbot e-med tests, which allowed us to conduct the tests from the comfort of our home via our phones. Receiving those negative results always brings a wave of relief, signaling that we were cleared and ready to set sail. This process has become a familiar, yet always appreciated, part of modern cruise travel.

Packing for an Alaska cruise, even in July, is a unique challenge. While our home in Spokane might be basking in summer warmth, Alaska demands preparedness for all seasons. Over numerous past Alaskan voyages, we’ve learned the invaluable lesson of packing for every possible weather scenario. One minute can be gloriously sunny, while the next can bring cold, persistent rain. This meant unearthing our winter gear from the depths of the closet, a humorous but necessary ritual that always feels a bit like summoning winter prematurely.

This particular Holland America Alaska cruise was a spontaneous booking, snagged thanks to an irresistible deal and an itinerary that perfectly matched our desires. Although it didn’t include a visit to Tracy Arm Fjord, we were more than content, as any opportunity to experience the majestic Glacier Bay National Park is a true highlight for us. A significant draw for this trip was the chance to explore Icy Strait Point and Sitka, Alaska, for the very first time. The prospect of visiting Sitka National Historical Park was particularly exciting, promising a blend of natural beauty and rich cultural history.

This Alaska cruise vacation was truly a much-needed escape. We eagerly anticipated spotting abundant wildlife, especially whales, and immersing ourselves in the serene relaxation that comes with the epic, ever-changing views characteristic of Inside Passage cruises.

Eurodam cruise ship with safety boats on the side

Our Holland America Alaska Cruise Itinerary: Roundtrip from Seattle

  • Embarkation: Seattle, Washington – Sailing Puget Sound
  • Day 2: At Sea
  • Day 3: Scenic cruising Stephens Passage and Juneau, Alaska
  • Day 4: Glacier Bay National Park and Icy Strait Point, Alaska
  • Day 5: Sitka, Alaska
  • Day 6: Ketchikan, Alaska
  • Day 7: Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
  • Disembarkation: Seattle, Washington

Our Stateroom: VQ10027, Deck 10 – Panorama Deck

Looking over a cruise ship to the Space Needle in Seattle

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Embarkation Day: Setting Sail from Seattle, Washington

With a leisurely 1 PM boarding time, we enjoyed a relaxed morning at our hotel in Issaquah before making the short drive to the Seattle port. Parking at the Seattle Cruise Port proved to be remarkably straightforward, aided by friendly attendants who guided us through the payment process for the full seven days. A complimentary shuttle bus then efficiently transported us directly to the terminal entrance, eliminating any hassle of navigating with luggage.

Upon arrival, however, we were met with a considerable line. The length of the queue can vary significantly depending on boarding time and passenger volume. For those with mobility restrictions or difficulty standing for extended periods, it’s highly advisable to alert a port employee, who can often assist in streamlining the process. A key tip for all travelers: have all your necessary paperwork readily accessible to expedite check-in.

Regrettably, we missed the deadline for Holland America’s VeriFLY program for this cruise. This was a missed opportunity, as guests who had confirmed their VeriFLY information were able to bypass the main queue entirely, moving straight through to security. For any future cruise, we strongly recommend completing this step if available. Once past the health screening and security X-ray, the transition onto the Eurodam was smooth and swift.

The advantage of our later boarding time, around 2 PM, meant we could immediately head to our stateroom upon embarkation. Our balcony stateroom, located on Deck 10 at the front of the ship, offered a welcoming retreat. We took a moment to absorb the excitement, take a deep breath, and officially commence our Alaska cruise vacation.

Eurodam Stateroom with bed, couch, looking out window to another cruise ship

Muster drills have evolved considerably in recent years, thankfully for the better. The modern approach involves watching a safety video on the stateroom television at your convenience, followed by a quick visit to your designated muster station. There, you simply confirm its location and learn how to properly don a life jacket. This streamlined process, which we’ve experienced on several recent cruises, is a vast improvement over the traditional mass gatherings, allowing for a much quicker and more efficient start to the vacation.

pizza with meat on a tray

Our primary goal for this Holland America Alaska cruise was pure relaxation. For our first onboard meal, we opted for a casual late lunch/dinner, grabbing some New York-style pizza and exploring the vast Lido buffet. The salad bar on the Eurodam was particularly impressive—a massive array of fresh options, accompanied by generously sized bowls, perfect for crafting an epic, personalized salad. This provided a delightful fresh counterpoint to our pizza.

A note for plus-size guests: many chairs on the ship, particularly in the Lido area, feature armrests that can be restrictive. You might need to seek out benches or specific areas with more accommodating seating to ensure comfort.

John and Tammilee on a cruise ship balcony.
Seattle skyline fro the water with the Space of Needle

After dinner, we returned to our room to unpack and soak in the mesmerizing views as we sailed away from Seattle. The panoramic vistas of the city skyline receding into the distance are always a favorite. A thoughtful touch from Holland America was the provision of deck blankets, perfect for snuggling up on the balcony as the cool evening air of the Puget Sound embraced us.

Dining room with a staircase in the middle, shiny glass and chandelier
eggs benedict with a hashbrown and sausage on a white plate

Day 2: A Day at Sea and a Lesson Learned

We rose early on our first full day at sea, eager to experience breakfast in the main dining room. I had been eagerly anticipating an epic eggs benedict, and it absolutely exceeded expectations. Each bite was pure perfection, a delightful start to the day.

looking down a cruise ship on a grey day with some waves

However, as we cruised north towards Alaska, the seas grew noticeably rougher. To my surprise, and for the first time in over 20 cruises, I found myself battling seasickness. The majority of the day became a challenging experience, far from the happy cruiser I usually am. Our sea day transformed into an unexpected movie marathon in our stateroom, curled up in bed. I managed to venture out only once, for a veggie burger at the Dive In burger restaurant, before retreating back to the comfort of our room.

Seasickness is, without a doubt, no fun. A candid confession: I had neglected to pack any of the seasickness bands or anti-nausea medication we typically keep on hand, assuming that after two decades of cruising without issue, we would be fine. This experience served as a valuable life lesson: always pack the basic essentials, hoping you won’t need them but prepared if you do.

One aspect of the Holland America Eurodam that truly impressed us was the extensive selection of on-demand movies available in the stateroom, all complimentary and included with the cruise fare. We found recent releases that had just been in theaters a couple of months prior, offering excellent entertainment during our unexpected day of rest.

plate of chocolate chip cookies

We ended up watching four fantastic movies and opted for room service for dinner. A crucial tip for anyone booking a Holland America cruise: you absolutely MUST order the chocolate chip cookies from room service. I’ll admit, I may have placed a second order immediately after the first batch arrived. They are, without exaggeration, the best chocolate chip cookies we have ever had on any cruise line.

room with black chairs, wine bottles, and windows out to the water

Day 3: Juneau, Alaska – Whales and Panoramic Views

Arrive: 1:00 PM | Depart: 10:00 PM

After a full day of napping and movies at sea, we woke early, feeling refreshed and ready for Juneau. Before the main dining room opened, we sought out coffee and a remarkable chai tea at the Pinnacle Bar on Deck 2. This proved to be an excellent decision. The chai tea latte was, without exaggeration, the best I’ve ever had on any ship – a perfect blend of presentation, flavor, and attentive service from the incredible staff. It instantly became our chosen spot for starting each day. The barista even brought us a small plate of breakfast pastries, including a chocolate pastry, a croissant, and biscotti. My husband quickly claimed the chocolate pastry, declaring it divine.

Holland America napkin with a small plate of cookies, and a chai tea

Breakfast in the dining room is always a highlight; it offers a calmer ambiance than the bustling Lido buffet, and the food quality is consistently outstanding. This morning, we were fortunate to secure a table at the very back of the ship, right by the windows. As we savored our meal, we spotted our first humpback whale of the trip. An epic eggs benedict, a humpback whale nearby, and spectacular views – it’s hard to imagine a more perfect start to a day on an Alaska cruise.

Eggs benedict, bacon, and potatoes on a white plate
crepe with fruit, sausage, and syrup on a white plate

With the ship now navigating the calm channels en route to Juneau, it became prime whale-spotting territory. Having visited Mendenhall Glacier on previous trips, we decided to forgo it this time and instead book one of our absolute favorite cruise shore excursions: the Juneau Whale Watching and Wildlife Quest. While we’ve also experienced smaller boat tours, we generally prefer the larger vessels offered by Allen Marine for whale watching.

Despite the rain, the whale watching tour did not disappoint. Barely ten minutes into our excursion, we sighted our first humpback whale in the distance. From that moment on, it felt as though we were surrounded by these magnificent creatures, appearing in every direction around the boat.

humpback whales tail coming out of the water.

A highlight of this excursion is the onboard naturalist, who provides invaluable insights into whale behavior and their presence in Alaskan waters. We learned, for instance, that humpback whales rarely breach in Alaska because this is primarily a mating behavior, more commonly observed in warmer waters like Hawaii and Mexico. If you do witness a humpback breach in Alaska, it’s most likely a playful juvenile. We were incredibly lucky to have several whales approach our boat quite closely, offering fantastic opportunities for photos and videos. The collective “oohs and aahs” from fellow passengers as whales swam by and then revealed their powerful tails were truly memorable.

Humoback whale tail coming out of the water next to another whale
grey dreary day looking out the Mount Roberts tram at two Holland America cruise ships in Juneau

Following our whale watching adventure, we returned to Juneau and finally decided to experience the Mount Roberts Tramway. Our Holland America ship was conveniently docked right next to the tram’s entrance, which felt like a sign to finally take the plunge. And it was absolutely worth the cost! The ride up takes just a few minutes, offering the most incredible panoramic views of Gastineau Channel and Juneau as you ascend. At the summit, visitors can enjoy a wonderful restaurant, a raptor center featuring Lady Baltimore (a rescued Bald Eagle), totem carving demonstrations, a well-stocked gift shop, and numerous hiking trails.

Fish and chips on a white plate

We enjoyed dinner at the mountaintop restaurant, where my husband raved about the halibut and chips – a generous portion that tasted incredibly fresh. The views from every vantage point were simply spectacular. We hope that on our next Alaska Cruise, the weather will be more cooperative, allowing us to explore the nature trails and spend more time outdoors. After a full day, it was a quick and easy ride back down on the tramway. We headed to bed early, knowing we would awaken in the heart of Glacier Bay National Park and eager to maximize our time soaking in its legendary scenery.

Looking down on Juneau with multiple cruise ships in the water and mountains on the other side.
View of Gastineau Channel from the top of the Mount Roberts Tramway in Juneau, Alaska

Day 4: Glacier Bay National Park & Icy Strait Point – A Symphony of Nature

Glacier Bay National Park

Arrive: 7:00 AM | Depart: 4:00 PM

There’s an undeniable magic to waking up and realizing you’re already amidst the breathtaking beauty of a National Park. Our plan to be awake to witness the National Park Service boat approaching the ship was delightfully foiled by the gentle rocking of the Eurodam, which lulled us into a deeper sleep than anticipated. It seems that once the ship enters the serene Inside Passage, falling asleep becomes effortless, often leading to 8-10 hours of uninterrupted slumber. Despite the semi-firm beds, which isn’t typically our preference, they certainly contributed to our restful nights.

table looking out over the water from the cruise ship

We headed to breakfast in the main dining room, once again securing an exceptional table by the back window. Enjoying breakfast with panoramic views of Glacier Bay National Park is truly an unparalleled way to start the day. The sit-down breakfast experience is consistently amazing; I genuinely wished our cruise was longer than a week so I could explore more of the menu. However, the eggs benedict holds an irresistible charm, compelling me to order it almost daily. I did, however, branch out to try the Texas Toast French toast, which was absolutely fantastic. My husband, meanwhile, is convinced that everyone must try the fresh butter croissants with Nutella – baked fresh daily, their quality is undeniable.

Today's schedule in Glacier Bay with a map and information

After breakfast, we made our way to the Exploration Café to visit the National Park Service tables and acquire our coveted National Park Passport Stamp. A thoughtful detail was the availability of a special notepad featuring a cruise ship and Glacier Bay for stamping, so bringing your personal passport book isn’t strictly necessary unless you prefer to stamp directly into it. Throughout the day, park rangers provided insightful commentary, detailing the glaciers and the geological wonders we were passing. A ranger was also stationed in the Exploration Café, readily available to answer any questions. Be warned, though: if you desire a window seat in the café, arrive exceptionally early, as guests tend to settle in for the day.

Large glacier surrounded by green hills

We opted to return to our balcony, allowing others, particularly those in inside cabins, the opportunity to enjoy the café’s prime viewing spots. Sitting on our balcony, watching colossal glaciers calve and soaking in the epic scenery, is unequivocally one of the finest reasons to book a Holland America Alaska cruise. At one point, we witnessed a bald eagle gracefully perched atop an iceberg, a new, unexpected bucket-list moment that left us in awe.

Looking down the cruise ship to a large glacier

What truly astonished us was the generous amount of time the Eurodam spent at Margerie Glacier within Glacier Bay National Park. We lingered for so long that I momentarily wondered if there was a technical issue with the ship. It was genuinely incredible how much time was allocated for each side of the vessel to fully appreciate the glacier. Compared to other Glacier Bay cruises we’ve experienced, Holland America’s commitment to ensuring every passenger had ample viewing opportunity was truly exceptional.

Tammilee and John on the cruise ship balcony with a glacier in the background
Large Alaska glacier seen from a cruise ship balcony

At one point, I ventured out for burgers at Dive In on Deck 9, which was perfectly timed as Holland America had set up an impressive area on the pool deck featuring Glacier Bay-themed gifts. I happily surprised my husband with a few books about Glacier Bay National Park, knowing he would appreciate the thoughtful gesture. Dive In Burgers once again proved to be excellent, and we particularly appreciate their availability of Beyond Burgers for vegetarians, with customizable toppings. As we departed Glacier Bay and headed towards Icy Strait Point, it was the ideal moment for a cruise ship nap with a view. I even woke up once to the incredible sight of a humpback whale gracefully passing by our balcony.

Cruise Ship surrounded by large mountains and glaciers

Icy Strait Point, Alaska, US

Arrive: 6:00 PM | Depart: 10:00 PM

Our first visit to Icy Strait Point left a lasting impression. We were incredibly impressed by this unique Alaska cruise port. The Eurodam was the sole ship in port, creating the delightful sensation of having a private island all to ourselves. A short, pleasant walk connects the ship to the main activity area. For those with mobility needs, a convenient cart service runs every 10-15 minutes, transporting guests around the port terminal.

We opted not to book any shore excursions here, allowing ourselves ample time to independently explore the port. Despite a steady downpour during our visit, Icy Strait Point remained remarkably charming and engaging. Well-maintained pathways guided us to the historic salmon cannery, now transformed into a museum and gift shop complex, alongside various restaurants and engaging activities.

beach area with a wooden building, orca whale statue in the distance.

We made a beeline for the crab shack, where my husband indulged in fresh Dungeness crab, having tried King Crab on a previous visit to Skagway. He declared the crab fantastic, but enthusiastically recommended the reindeer chili, touting it as truly epic. For a complimentary and scenic experience, a four-minute gondola ride transports visitors to another section of the port terminal, offering pleasant views through the forest. We learned about the high density of grizzly bears in the area, though we sadly didn’t spot any during our visit.

John holding crab legs
Looking down the beach with people walking along the beach, grey skies, building on the side.

We’re already planning another Alaska cruise, hoping for better weather to fully experience the mountaintop gondola ride and its panoramic views of the entire area. Our evening concluded with an “all aboard” call at 10 PM, and we enjoyed watching bald eagles from our balcony as the Eurodam sailed out of Icy Strait Point, bound for Sitka, Alaska.

Looking over the water to alaskan islands and mountains in the distance.

Day 5: Sitka, Alaska – Totems, History, and Tranquility

Arrive: 8:00 AM | Depart: 4:00 PM

We awoke to a stunning panorama of islands and calm waters as the Eurodam gracefully navigated into Sitka, Alaska. The serene beauty of our approach was absolutely gorgeous. We began our day with another perfect breakfast in the main dining room, once again marveling at the impeccably poached eggs – a consistent delight that has us wondering about the chef’s secret to such perfection, truly some of the best poached eggs we’ve encountered worldwide. I also ventured to try the Belgian Waffles, which were both charmingly presented and delicious.

waffles with strawberrys and sausage on a white plate

Our primary objective for the day was to immerse ourselves in Sitka National Historical Park, marking it as the 275th National Park site we have explored together. The Holland America Eurodam docked at the older cruise port, located a short distance outside of town. After a brief walk to the port area, a free shuttle service was available to transport guests into the heart of Sitka. However, we opted for a taxi to reach the visitor center directly, a decision that proved fantastic. Our taxi driver provided an engaging historical narrative, taking us through town and pausing at an overlook to point out the site where the Tlingit tribe famously battled with Russia, enriching our journey with a compelling history lesson.

Sitka National Historical Park sign with two totem poles

Sitka National Historical Park is an absolute must-see when visiting Sitka; it truly exceeded our expectations, and we would eagerly return. Be sure to allocate ample time to explore the park and walk along the captivating Totem Trail, which has now become one of our most cherished walks within the National Park Service system. Being surrounded by magnificent totem poles, with bald eagles soaring gracefully overhead, was a genuine bucket list moment. We lost count of the number of bald eagles we spotted during our serene walk. While we didn’t encounter any bears, we were advised that they can sometimes be present in the park, so maintaining bear awareness during your visit is always recommended.

Tall totem pole with figurines cut into it

After a few hours immersed in the park’s beauty and history, we took a taxi back into town to visit the Russian Bishop’s House, another integral part of the historical park. A quick and informative walk through the first floor provided further historical context before we caught the free shuttle bus back to the port terminal. We noted that Sitka’s main shopping area is delightfully pedestrian-friendly, blocked off from traffic to allow visitors to wander freely among the shops and enjoy downtown Sitka. Many cruise guests appeared to be enjoying some leisurely shopping. On our next visit, we definitely plan to allocate time for the Raptor Center and the Fortress of the Bears to learn more about the critical wildlife rehabilitation efforts in the region.

The dive at the Terrace Grill french fry containers next to a burger on a platter.

Once back onboard the Eurodam, we found ourselves gravitating towards Dive In Burgers again for lunch. If you’re planning to enjoy their offerings, be prepared for a wait of 20 to 30 minutes, as it’s not a rapid-service establishment. Arriving feeling “hangry” might lead to frustration, as we observed a few disgruntled guests expressing their dismay at the wait times. A recurring observation was that many of our burgers, even the Beyond Cheeseburger, often came with only a half slice of cheese, or occasionally none at all. If you appreciate a good amount of cheese, it might be worth specifically requesting double. While their customization requests were fulfilled about 50% of the time, the Beyond Burgers themselves were consistently delicious and well worth the wait.

After a satisfying lunch, it was time for one of our favorite cruise ship activities: a rejuvenating nap. We were still in port when we drifted off, only to be delightfully startled awake by the ship’s horn signaling our departure from Sitka. I was momentarily disoriented, truly a testament to how deeply relaxed we had become. This Holland America Alaska cruise has proven to be exactly what we needed for catching up on sleep and truly unwinding. The consistently rainy and grey weather, while typical for Alaska, ironically enhanced our desire to cocoon in our room, watch movies, and simply relax.

Table covered in white plates with a sandwich, soup, pasta, chocolate cake, and a salad

Dinner was ultimately room service, followed by a quiet evening of relaxation. Despite our good intentions to visit the BB King Blues Club and attend the Lincoln Center presentations, we consistently found ourselves drifting off to sleep before making it there. The serene rhythm of the cruise was truly restorative.

Day 6: Ketchikan – A Rainy Respite Onboard

Arrive: 7:00 AM | Depart: 12:00 PM

Our arrival in Ketchikan was met with a classic Southeast Alaska greeting: rain, rain, and more rain. It was a thoroughly wet and grey morning. We headed to the main dining room for breakfast, using the opportunity to decide whether to brave the weather in Ketchikan or embrace a relaxing day onboard.

Dining room area with tables and chairs

Breakfast, as expected, was once again exceptional. I continue to be utterly amazed by the consistent perfection of the poached eggs served with the eggs benedict each day—a true culinary marvel. This morning, I also sampled the banana bread French toast, which offered a strong, unique flavor profile and an interesting oatmeal crust—a novel touch I hadn’t encountered before.

White plate with ham, sausage, eggs, baked bean, and potatoes.

My husband, John, thoroughly enjoyed the full English Breakfast, finding it both filling and delicious. As we left the dining room, the cool, damp air streaming in from the open gangway solidified our decision. We exchanged a glance and knew immediately: we would skip heading into town. Having had the pleasure of visiting Ketchikan multiple times before, and while we genuinely appreciate the city, the prospect of getting wet and cold simply didn’t appeal. The comfort of the Eurodam offered a far more inviting alternative.

The day unfolded in a blissful blur of relaxation, allowing me to finish a captivating book and both of us to simply watch the world drift by from our spacious balcony. The expansive balcony window provided a perfect vantage point to lie in bed and observe the serene seascape, truly embodying the essence of a peaceful cruise vacation.

Looking over the cruise ship balcony to sunset at sea

Day 7: Sea Day, Victoria & Culinary Delights

Arrive: 8:00 PM | Depart: 11:59 PM

A minor oversight on our final full day: we completely missed the announcement that the ship’s clock had moved forward an hour from Alaska Time to Pacific Time. This meant we barely made it to sit-down breakfast before it closed! The irony was not lost on us – we were sitting in our room, meticulously counting down the minutes until we thought the restaurant would open, only to discover it had already been open for an hour. Thankfully, we still managed to get in and indulge in yet another epic eggs benedict breakfast. Yes, I admit, I had the same breakfast every single morning of the cruise – it truly is that extraordinary, featuring the most incredible poached eggs I have ever experienced.

Upon returning to our room after breakfast, a delightful surprise awaited us: a thoughtful gift from Holland America. As first-time cruisers with the line, we were officially welcomed into their Mariner program. The gift included two exquisite Delft ceramic coasters, beautifully depicting the ship, accompanied by a welcoming card. I’m excited to use them at our desks, serving as a charming reminder of this wonderful cruise experience.

Holland America Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam coaster next to a card

The weather remained consistently grey, rainy, and a bit dreary, so we continued our pattern of relaxation, interspersed with a bit of work and more movies. However, we finally broke our room-bound routine and ventured out to experience the renowned BB King Blues Club. We had such a fantastic time that we stayed through 2.5 performances, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and incredible music, before heading to the Pinnacle Grill Steakhouse for a special date night onboard the Eurodam.

Blues band on stage

The Pinnacle Grill experience was truly fantastic. My husband, without hesitation, would recommend dining there solely for the bacon appetizer. The look of pure joy on his face as he took his first bite of the candied bacon was priceless. He declared that the entire dinner was worth the price just for that bacon—a true testament to its deliciousness.

Bacon hanging from a metal rack with rosemary and lemon

As a vegetarian, I was intrigued to try the Beyond Burger Ground Steak on the menu. Going into the meal, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. To my amusement, it arrived as a sizable Beyond Burger, elegantly presented on a fancy plate with some red onions. While it certainly wasn’t what I envisioned, it tasted fantastic, and I’d happily enjoy a veggie burger daily. It was simply a surprising visual presentation for a “ground steak.”

Table covered in plates including steak, asparagus, mushrooms, drinks, and more.

However, the undisputed highlight of our Pinnacle Grill dining experience was dessert. Oh, my goodness, the desserts! I had long harbored a desire to try a Jacques Torres Chocolate Dessert, having spent many hours watching him on Netflix’s “Nailed It” during the past few years. The Pinnacle Steakhouse proudly features a Jacques Torres Chocolate Soufflé, and it was simply divine. I confess to closing my eyes and practically melting into my chair; it was that good. I would genuinely get back onboard just for another bite of that chocolate soufflé. And the dessert course began with small chocolate truffles, including exquisite white chocolate passion fruit truffles that were so exceptional, I actually asked the waiter if I could take the last couple back to our room. There was no way I was going to let them be discarded. The entire Pinnacle Grill meal was a delightful experience, with the appetizers and desserts truly stealing the show.

Chocolate Souffle in a white bowl next to a cup of cream and strawberrr

After dinner, we slowly made our way back to the room, feeling wonderfully full and content, ensuring everything was packed and ready for our morning disembarkation.

Disembarkation: Reflecting on an Epic Alaska Cruise

Cruise ship parking area with taxi's seen from the balcony with another cruise ship on the other side of the lot

Arrive: 7:00 AM

The Eurodam arrived back in Seattle early, and we opted for self-assist disembarkation, our preferred method for a quick exit, especially with a 4.5-hour drive home from the Seattle Cruise Port awaiting us. Self-assist disembarkation requires you to manage all your luggage independently, which was no issue for us as we had packed relatively lightly for this cruise. The process was commendably swift and smooth: a quick scan of our cruise card to leave the ship, a seamless passage through customs, and then a convenient shuttle bus ride to the parking lot.

If only the long drive home were as quick and easy! Nevertheless, every moment of this journey was undeniably worth it. Experiencing our first Holland America cruise and spending a week indulging in relaxation amidst the epic Alaskan landscapes was truly unforgettable. Holland America Alaska Cruises offer a variety of itineraries, departing from both Seattle and Vancouver. Some voyages explore stunning areas like Tracy Arm Inlet or Endicott Arm, witness the grandeur of Hubbard Glacier, visit charming towns such as Skagway, or delve into the Misty Fjords and Prince Rupert. For those seeking an extended adventure, numerous land tours can be added, including excursions to the magnificent Denali National Park.

While this was our initial experience with Holland America, our cruising history spans multiple other lines, including Carnival, Princess, Royal Caribbean, and more. We invite you to explore all our extensive cruise articles for valuable tips and insights, not only on Alaska Cruises but also Caribbean Cruises, Mexico Cruises, Baltic Cruises, and beyond! Start planning your next dream cruise today.

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