Here’s what I didn’t expect about Alaska: it makes Caribbean and Mediterranean cruising feel, just slightly, small.
I’ve taken my family on a Royal Caribbean sailing to Italy and Greece, a Disney Cruise through the Caribbean, and another Royal Caribbean trip in the Caribbean with my youngest. I thought I knew what cruising was.
Then my friend Kim from Stuffed Suitcase (an Alaska cruise expert and travel agent) invited me on a media trip aboard Holland America’s Eurodam.
I’d been to Alaska before for a travel conference, but never by ship. I said yes immediately.
She’d be the guide who knew every trick. I’d take notes and report back to you.
If an Alaska cruise has been on your family’s list, here’s my honest take — what’s worth it, what surprised me, and what I’d do differently.
The Itinerary at a Glance
This is Holland America’s 7-Day Alaska Explorer, roundtrip from Seattle aboard the Eurodam.
- Day 1: Depart Seattle
- Day 2: Juneau
- Day 3: Glacier Bay National Park (scenic cruising) + Icy Strait Point (evening)
- Day 4: Sitka
- Day 5: Ketchikan
- Day 6: Victoria, British Columbia (evening)
- Day 7: Return to Seattle
The Eurodam is Holland America’s Signature-class vessel, carrying about 2,100 guests. It’s one of their older ships, which works in your favor on price. Inside cabins start around $1,200 per person (double occupancy) for 2026 sailings, with verandah cabins running higher.
Getting to the Ship: The Seattle Advantage
One of the best things about this cruise is that it departs from Seattle. As a Seattle local, I had my husband drop me off at the terminal. No airport, no checked bag fees, no carry-on restrictions. It completely changed how I packed.
Heads-up: Seattle has two cruise terminals. Pier 91 is the one farther north, away from downtown. The area can feel a little confusing if you haven’t been there, but it’s simple once you know where you’re going. My husband drove right up and dropped me off steps from check-in.
Kim and I met at the pier at 11:30am. Neither of us checked bags, which let us skip one line. After check-in and security, we were on board and in our cabin by around 12:30pm. Our room was already ready, which was a nice surprise.
If you’re flying in, give yourself at least a full extra day in Seattle before the cruise. Flight delays happen, and there’s plenty to fill the time. Check out my 3-day Seattle itinerary with kids for ideas.
What to Know About the Eurodam
The Eurodam is one of Holland America’s older ships, and it shows a little. Our cabin (5047, Verandah level) had some wear and tear, both inside and on the balcony.
The staff were really friendly, things felt clean, and we had a shower with a tub, which I appreciated.
The atrium on most cruise ships is a big dramatic showpiece. On the Eurodam, it’s pretty small. If you’re used to newer ships with soaring lobbies, it might catch you off guard.
That said: the food was the best I’ve had on any cruise ship. Our first dinner was at Tamarind, the Asian-inspired specialty restaurant. The flavors were incredible and I had a lychee martini that might be my new favorite drink.
For families, there’s a kids club, a teens club, and a game area. The entertainment skews toward an older crowd (more on that later), but there’s enough for younger guests if you point them in the right direction.
Kim’s first tip as soon as we got on board: unpack everything into the drawers so you can slide your suitcases under the bed. It frees up a surprising amount of floor space.
We also opened all the cupboards right away to see what we had access to, hung our jackets on the hooks, and put our shoes in the closet. It made the whole week feel less cramped.
Port by Port
Juneau
I’d visited Anchorage and Seward before through a travel conference, but Juneau was new to me. We got amazing weather and I didn’t need nearly as many layers as I’d packed.
Kim and I skipped the organized excursion and went independent. We took the city bus to Mendenhall Glacier for $2 per person, paid $5 to enter, and walked right up to the glacier and Nugget Falls.
The walk was pretty crowded since a lot of cruise passengers were there but I thought it was still worth it for the views.
The walk back to the bus stop is about 1.5 miles along the road, so we grabbed an Uber for the return.
After that, we found the whale sculpture, then tracked down Deckhand Dave’s food truck for salmon tots, ceviche, and fish tacos. Perfect port day.
For families who want a guided whale watching experience, Juneau is one of the best ports for it. Book a Juneau whale watching tour here.
Glacier Bay National Park
This is a no-port day. You stay on the ship while it navigates into Glacier Bay, and it turned out to be the most memorable day of the whole trip.
The 5th deck is where the bow opens up for glacier viewing, and it gets very crowded. We spent some time there, then moved up to the 6th and 7th decks for a bit more breathing room. The views were just as good from up there.
On the 5th deck, they serve Norwegian pea soup while you watch the glaciers. I stood there eating mine with chunks of ice floating by in the water. Kim had mulled wine. Both felt exactly right for the moment.
I didn’t see any calving, but others on the ship did. Some people spotted a bear on shore and a whale in the water. You never quite know what you’ll get.
What I didn’t expect: actual park rangers board the ship before you enter Glacier Bay. Several were on board during our visit and we listened to a talk about the park.
There was also a presentation from a Native Alaskan woman that was unexpectedly moving and gave the whole experience more depth. If you have kids with you, make sure they’re in attendance for this part.
Icy Strait Point
Icy Strait Point is unlike every other stop on this itinerary. It’s privately owned, built around the old Hoonah cannery, and feels completely different from the bigger port towns. Remote, charming, and on the day we arrived, about 70 degrees.
We docked at 6pm and had zipline reservations at 8pm, so we spent the first couple of hours wandering the cannery, shopping, and taking photos before heading back to the ship to drop off our bags.
Our excursion was The ZipRider Adventure and Sky Peak Gondola, home to the world’s longest ZipRider at 5,330 feet and 60 miles per hour.
You ride a free green gondola from the port to check-in, then take a red gondola up to the top of the mountain (free as part of the ziplining admission).
Standing at the top watching other riders fly past, I was very nervous. Had-to-be-reassured-by-multiple-staff-members nervous. I was quietly panicking as they strapped me into the harness.
And then I launched. About 10 seconds in, I relaxed. By the end of the 90-second ride, I was completely sold.
It’s a short excursion and at $199+ per person it’s not cheap, but there’s nothing else quite like riding the world’s longest zipline over the Alaskan wilderness. I’d do it again…maybe.
For families not quite ready for the zipline, there are whale watching options at this port too. Check out Icy Strait whale watching tours here.
Sitka
Sitka has a free new shuttle service into town. I booked our seats right from my phone about an hour before we disembarked.
If you’ve booked a ship excursion, you don’t need the shuttle. There’s also a standby line that was empty when we arrived, so it’s not complicated either way.
We walked around town, shopped, and finally found actual Alaska-sourced smoked salmon and salmon jerky. Heads up: it’s actually cheaper to buy salmon in Sitka vs. Ketchikan (yes, we price checked).
Fair warning: a lot of what you’ll see in Alaskan ports is actually from Washington state or British Columbia. Sitka was where I tracked down the real thing.
I also picked up some local artwork and a tin of Alaskan dandelion balm that promises to keep me youthful and wrinkle-free. Jury’s still out.
We saw the Russian Orthodox cathedral and the totem poles, both worth a slow look.
Then we joined our Holland America excursion, a combined Fortress of the Bears and wildlife boat tour. The bus got to the bear sanctuary early and had to make three laps around the block before they’d let us off. Chaotic arrival.
But once we were inside watching the bears, all of that was forgotten. Black bears, brown bears, an eagle. About 25 minutes with them up close, and it was completely worth it.
Then we got on an Allen Marine wildlife boat. Otters, eagles, grey whales, humpback whales. We saw flukes. It was quite a show.
Book the Best of Sitka Land Tour here. | Sitka Premier Whale Watching and Wildlife Tour.
Ketchikan
Ketchikan has a reputation as the rain capital of Alaska. We got sprinkles and light drizzle, which felt like nothing after all the buildup.
Our ship docked at 6:30am, which was too early to get moving. We ordered room service breakfast delivered at 6:30 (free on Holland America, which is no longer a given on most cruise lines) and got off the ship around 8:15am.
Our main goal before the lumberjack show was Creek Street, and it delivered. The historic boardwalk over the creek is exactly as charming as the photos suggest. There were multiple ships in port that day and some shops got crowded enough that we had to leave a few. Get there early.
I stopped at Lupine Cafe for an Alaskan Fog, their take on a London Fog. Perfect for a drizzly morning. And if you bought smoked salmon in Sitka, skip the salmon shops here — Ketchikan prices run higher for the same thing.
We had enough time to drop our purchases at the cabin and walk over to the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show with time to spare. The gift shop is actually fun — lots of buffalo plaid and Alaska gear that kids will want.
The show itself: just the right amount of hokeyness. Chopping, axe throwing, log rolling, 50-foot speed climbs. I would absolutely bring my boys.
The jokes were funny, the competitive energy was real, and it felt like a mix of scripted and unscripted moments in the best way.
The arena has covered grandstands with heaters, so rain is not a concern. The higher you sit, the warmer you are.
Book the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show through Viator here.
Victoria, British Columbia
Here’s the honest truth about Victoria: we docked at 8pm.
Kim and I have both been to Victoria several times, and the things we love there (afternoon tea at the Empress, Chinatown, the harbour ferry) are all daytime activities.
Honestly, I was about to just stay on the ship for this port but we decided to stretch our legs and see what might be open.
We skipped the shuttle and ended up walking about 1.75 miles to get to downtown. There aren’t a lot of streetlights so it made the walk back not-so-awesome.
We got to the Fairmont Empress hotel just a few minutes before their shop closed (but enough time for me to get their Empress tea). They also offered a “midnight tea” instead of afternoon tea but we had just stuffed ourselves at dinner.
Then we walked down Government Street to look at the tourist shops still open but ended up at Shopper’s to buy skincare and candy (gotta love the exchange rate) and then headed back to the ship.
But if you have young kids who need to be in bed, or you’ve been before, staying on the ship is a completely valid call.
Seattle, Washington
The boat docked at 7am and they started calling luggage groups on the speaker. We did carry on luggage and we left our room at about 7:30am and made our way up to the dining room in time to get breakfast (it ended at 8am).
Then we sat in one of the lounges until 9am, which is when we asked our husbands to pick us up.
What I Wish I’d Known Before I Went
Pack Wool, Skip the Rain Jacket (Probably)
Leaving from Seattle completely changed how I packed. No airline restrictions, no checked bag fees. I still used carry-on size luggage but had so much more flexibility.
Kim told me to bring a rain jacket. I brought a packable puffer with a hood instead, trying to keep my jacket count down. I also brought a heavier puffer coat that went down to my knees.
The weather was beautiful the entire trip and I ended up mainly just wearing my lightweight puffer or this plaid shacket.
What I actually wore constantly: my Cotopaxi packable puffer and lots of wool layers. A wool tank and wool base layer top went under everything.
My wool leggings were great for excursions and just wandering the ship. I wore wool socks every single day.
For shoes, I did my black Chelsea boots and Columbia hiking boots. Both worked well.
What I wish I’d packed: a slide or sandal for wearing around the ship. My Tevas or FitFlops would have been perfect.
For a more complete list, check out my full Alaska packing guide.
Book Through the Ship When It Matters (and When It Doesn’t)
We booked three excursions through Holland America. At Icy Strait Point, the zipline ran behind schedule and everyone was anxious about making it back in time.
Knowing the ship would wait for us is worth real money when you’re standing at the top of a mountain watching the clock.
Same for Ketchikan. We had about 15 minutes between the end of the lumberjack show and when we needed to board. The crowd was massive. Knowing the ship was aware of our group made that sprint a lot calmer.
For Juneau, I’m glad we didn’t book through the ship. The city bus to Mendenhall Glacier costs $2. The ship’s organized glacier tours cost significantly more for the same destination. Research each port individually and ask yourself how tight the timing is.
Also worth knowing: there are excursion booths at nearly every port. If you don’t have your heart set on something specific, you can wait until you arrive and see what the weather looks like before committing.
Two Add-Ons Worth the Money
Our cabin came with WiFi, which felt essential. I had it for one device at a time but could switch between my phone and laptop easily.
It meant staying connected to family, getting a little work done, and posting on social media. Also: mindlessly scrolling before everyone else wakes up, which is its own kind of vacation.
We also had the drink package, which I’d never done before because I don’t drink much alcohol.
It turned out to be really useful. Mocktails, lattes, sparkling water, cans of still water. It made staying hydrated throughout the day much easier than tracking down drinks at every stop.
Don’t Forget: Room Service Is Free
Holland America still offers free room service, which is no longer a given on most cruise lines.
We used it for breakfast in Ketchikan and it was one of those small things that just makes everything easier. Order ahead, eat on your balcony, and be off the ship before the crowds.
The Mindset That Makes This Trip Better
Because Alaska is so close to home for me in Washington, this trip didn’t feel like a once-in-a-lifetime experience I had to squeeze everything out of.
That made it easy to skip an excursion here, stay on the ship there, and actually rest. If you can go in with that mindset, the trip is more enjoyable.
Is Holland America Right for Your Family?
In early June, we saw a lot of multi-generational families on board. States with earlier school year end dates were well-represented.
Holland America is not a Disney Cruise. There’s no immersive theming, no characters in the hallways. The entertainment mostly skews toward an older crowd.
The comedian we saw was entertaining in moments and off-putting in others. It leaned a bit sexist and I wouldn’t have wanted my kids there. The illusionist, which we missed, was apparently very good.
What it does have: a kids club, a teens club, a game room, and Alaska outside every single window.
Your kid’s age matters less than their personality.
If you have a child who gets excited about outdoor adventures, is happy with some screen time in the cabin, can handle board games and watercolor painting at Club HAL, and isn’t expecting theme park energy, this is a great cruise.
If they need constant programming and immersive theming, look at a different line.
The cold-weather element surprised me in a good way. I’ve always associated cruising with being chilly on the ship and sweating through excursions. Alaska flips that.
The ship was warmer than I expected, and the pool deck was blissfully calm compared to the chaos of Caribbean sailings.
As a family travel expert, I’ll say this is one of the most affordable ways to see Alaska. Inside cabins start around $1,200 per person for 2026 sailings. A verandah cabin runs more but gives you private outdoor space for glacier watching, which is worth thinking about.
If you want help choosing the right sailing for your family, Kim at Stuffed Suitcase is also a travel agent and Alaska cruise specialist. Reach out to her here.