VACAYA’S SUMMER IN ALASKA CRUISE: EAGLES AND OTTERS AND BEARS… OH MY!
We’ll sail roundtrip from gorgeous and super-LGBT-friendly Seattle for 7 magical nights to Juneau, Ketchikan, the Dawes Glacier, and Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. With no roads connecting Alaska’s main cities, you have two choices to explore this wild frontier – by air or by sea. We think by sea is the better of those options and we hope you’ll join us to see for yourself why Alaska has repeatedly been rated the #1 cruise destination on earth.
There’s no better way to play during Summer 2025 than in Alaska with VACAYA!
No one… and we mean NO ONE… has better ships for Alaska than HAL (Holland America Line). What makes them the best? With Alaska’s mercurial summer weather, HAL’s ships have you covered… literally! Each of their ships features a retractable Magradome roof that can open and close over the upper deck. This allows for the use of the pool and a warm dry place to hold our parties rain or shine no matter the outside temperature. Very few ships have this perfect-for-Alaska feature, but ours does. And with just under 2,000 guests, she’s the ideal size for the non-stop connections VACAYA creates.
Superbly refreshed, Westerdam features excellent bar, entertainment, and dining venues, plus completely reimagined suites. Westerdam is a fascinating destination in her own right and has won multiple Best Cruise Ship awards. Onboard, enjoy live entertainment with Music Walk, including Lincoln Center Stage, B.B. King’s Blues Club, and Billboard Onboard. Feel immersed on your cruise with regional cooking demonstrations and food and wine tastings with Port to Table. Enrich your travel experience at the new Exploration Central atop the ship.
Each day onboard offers delicious dining options, world-class entertainment, and enriching activities.
SHIP HIGHLIGHTS
Westerdam is the perfect ship for exploring Alaska
OUR PLAY SPACES
Experience delicious, globally-inspired cuisine with our always-included onboard dining that offers true culinary adventure. Whether you prefer a sophisticated three-course meal amid an ambience of casual elegance, indulgent barbecue favorites poolside, or quick and easy on-the-go snacks to grab before your adventures, it’s always included.
WORLD STAGE
BILLBOARD ONBOARD
LIDO POOL & DOME
GREENHOUSE SPA & SALON
CASINO
FITNESS CENTER
Stop by the professionally-staffed Fitness Center equipped with the latest cardio and weight machines. Try one of our classes on indoor cycling, Pilates, and more, or work out at your own pace. Some classes may have a nominal fee.
LINCOLN CENTER STAGE
B.B. KING’S BLUES CLUB
BBC EARTH IN CONCERT
THE DINING ROOM
LIDO MARKET
Steps from the Lido pool, this modern marketplace includes a curated selection of delicious options you can grab on the go or have made to order: Breadboard, with freshly baked breads and pastries; Wild Harvest, offering a selection of hearty salads; Homestead, serving up comfort classics; Distant Lands, featuring global cuisine; Rise, savory quiches, croissants and sandwiches; Roasting Pan, hand-carved meats and fresh fish; Sweet Spot, for ice cream creations and desserts; Perk, freshly brewed beverages and chilled juices; and Quench, premium coffee, beer, wine, and soda available for purchase.
PINNACLE GRILL ($)
The refined menu features a selection of 28-day wet-aged USDA Prime steaks – meticulously chosen to guarantee the finest quality – as well as classic steakhouse dishes and innovative recipes from James Beard Award-winning chef and Culinary Council member, David Burke. Every dish is exquisitely prepared, beautifully plated and complemented by a vast collection of award-winning wines. Extra charge.
TAMARIND ($)
Praised by Condé Nast Traveler for cuisine “that rivals the top restaurants on land,” Tamarind is the perfect place to explore the culinary traditions of Southeast Asia, China, and Japan. The menu, which honors the elements of water, wood, fire, and earth, features such exotic fare as wok-seared lobster, barramundi (Asian sea bass) in banana leaf, and sushi, accompanied by chilled or heated sake. Be sure to try the specialty sushi created in collaboration with Culinary Council member and Master Sushi Chef, Andy Matsuda. Extra charge.
CANALETTO ($)
In Italy, there’s nothing more important than coming together to celebrate the joy of great food. This is the inspiration for our onboard Italian restaurant, Canaletto. Enjoy amazing Italian classics like braised chicken cacciatore al forno, branzino ai ferri, garlic shrimp ravioli, and fresh-made pasta. And for dessert: tiramisu, cannoli alla Siciliana, gelato, and more. Buon Appetito! Extra charge.
24-HOUR ROOM SERVICE
CROWS NEST
The Crows Nest, located on the Observation Deck of the ship, provides 270-degree views of stunningly beautiful Alaska.
EXPLORATIONS CAFE
At Explorations Café, sink into plush chairs and sofas in a comfortable environment. Sip elegantly prepared espresso drinks and nosh on fresh pastries from the coffee bar. You can also take in fantastic views, catch up on your favorite book or browse the web.
NEPTUNE LOUNGE
The Neptune Lounge is open to certain suites as an exclusive and private place to relax, socialize, and enjoy the personalized service of a concierge who can make shipboard reservations and provide guidance about Holland America Line experiences.
GALLERY BAR
This moody bar and lounge is close to the casino and features an exclusive cocktail menu by Dale DeGroff and decorated with still-life, landscape, portrait, and abstract pieces of art.
SEA VIEW BAR
OCEAN BAR
CRUISE WITH CONFIDENCE
On land or onboard, your safety is our top concern. This means the ship upholds strict health and safety measures. As the rules and regulations change and evolve, the cruise line is continuing to adapt and optimize its already robust protocols, integrating all the technological, human, and material measures to ensure the provision and maintenance of a healthy experience onboard. This reinforced protection is designed to guarantee onboard conditions, sanitary protocols, and daily monitoring (guests, equipment, and ships). For your added safety and peace of mind, doctors and nurses are present on every ship.
PLEASE NOTE: Health and safety protocols, guest conduct rules, and regional travel restrictions vary by ship and destination, and are subject to change without notice. Due to ever-evolving health protocols, imagery and messaging may not accurately reflect onboard and destination experiences, offerings, features, or itineraries. These may not be available during your voyage, may vary by ship and destination, and may be subject to change without notice.
There are currently no extensions for this cruise.
After years of guests asking us for a second annual big-ship cruise, the time has finally come for us to make that leap! And there’s no better destination for it than The Last Frontier. Alaska is one of the most beautiful places on earth, full of majesty, natural wonders, and endless romance.
The V Team is already hard at work to bring this extraordinary adventure to you at the best possible price. Throw in the option to purchase HAL’s Beverage Package options, and you’ll be amazed at all that’s included:
- 7 Nights aboard the beautiful Westerdam from Holland America
- Meals with flavors from Tuscany to Thailand (Premium Dining Restaurants extra charge)
- 24×7 Room Service (complimentary around the clock)
- 24×7 Stateroom Service
- 24×7 Reception Desk
- Fitness Center
- All-Star VACAYA Entertainment
- Endless HAL and VACAYA social activities
- Warm friendly parties with music you love and can even sing along to!
- VACAYA ReachOUT Philanthropic Service Opportunities
Our journey starts in one of the most beautiful cities in the entire United States. Bounded by Puget Sound to the west and Lake Washington to the east, and surrounded by forests and mountains, Seattle boasts a stunning location. With its iconic attractions, such as the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass, and Pike Place Market along the stunning, steel-gray waterfront, you’ll be spoiled with endless things to do here. Since we sail away at 3pm, you’ll have hours to enjoy the incredible Pacific Northwest scenery as we journey northward.
After our THIS IS ME kick-off party last night, it’s time to settle in to our new home-away-from-home as we make our way up to Alaska. This (hopefully) sun-filled day will be bursting at the seams with endless social activities, entertainment, and our first V-Dance of the week, GS (short for Gray Sweatpants) – a tribute to everyone’s favorite season! We’re excited to share all we have in store for you on this journey.
Juneau’s known for its outdoor recreation, fresh seafood, and fine dining. The city itself is beyond charming, but the real highlight of Juneau is tracking down the wildlife. Most sightseeing and whale-watching tours head north to Auke Bay (bring a good pair of binoculars to get the best view of the various majestic and graceful creatures). For the more adventurous, take a helicopter up to Mendenhall Glacier and trek with sled dogs or even hike the icy blue and white behemoth. Weather permitting, of course.
The opportunity to witness towering glaciers up close is one of the main reasons adventurers choose to visit Alaska. Sailing through the 30-mile-long Endicott Arm Fjord, you’ll witness a frozen wonderland of granite cliffs, verdant valleys, and gushing waterfalls. Sitting at the southern edge of Fords Terror Wilderness area, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife in action, with bald eagles, harbor seals, moose, and bears regularly seen throughout the journey. Once we reach the end of Endicott Arm Fjord, you’ll come face to face with Dawes Glacier, a 600-foot-tall and mile-wide active icecap that produces daily displays of calving!
We have a full day here in one of the most picturesque cities in all of Alaska! Alaska’s “First City” clings to the banks of the Tongass Narrows, flanked by green forests nurtured by abundant rain. Ketchikan is one of the best spots along the Inside Passage to explore the rich cultural sights of Native Alaskan nations. You can see intricately carved totem poles at the Totem Heritage Center and Totem Bight State Park, while the attractions of Saxman Village just outside Ketchikan offers the chance to see Tlingit culture in action, with working carvers and a dance show in the clan house. Don’t forget to leave time to explore the sights and shopping along historic Creek Street, a boardwalk built over Ketchikan Creek.
Our time together is almost up. It’s hard to believe this week has slipped by so quickly. But no worries… you’ve got a full day to enjoy Wetserdam. Looking to enjoy a relaxing spa appointment? Go for it! Or how about a spirited game of bingo? Yes! Use these final hours at sea together to share, laugh, and connect with friends old and new.
We’ve made the impossible possible with a nearly full day in endlessly charming Victoria, British Columbia. By tweaking our custom itinerary just slightly, you’ll get 8 hours in this truly wonderful town. Roam the peaceful paths of the vast Butchart Gardens and see vibrant blooms at every turn. Enjoy afternoon tea or a walk in the park or a shopping trip to Market Square or along Government Street. Whatever you choose to do, you’ll be so charmed by the city, you may never want to leave. But you WILL leave because our last V-Dance of the week – our She’s A Mess Sail-Away Celebration – will be calling you back to Westerdam in the late afternoon!
We return to where our magical journey first started, beautiful Seattle. Whether this day sees you continuing your summer holiday in the Pacific Northwest or heading home, we are so grateful you chose to spend this week with VACAYA exploring beautiful Alaska. Thank you. Flights onward or home should be scheduled for after 12pm.
Bookings for the Alaska Cruise 2025 start at $1,577 per person for (2 Guests) Interior Staterooms to $5,697 per person for (4 Guests) Suites. Please contact us directly at [email protected] or (+1)713.661.2117 for real-time availability of spaces and for reservations.
