Alaska In-Depth
Holland America Line
Overview
One of Ambassadair’s most popular land and cruise itineraries, this encompassing land tour is coupled with a four-night cruise that lets you experience more of the unspoiled wilderness in Alaska and the Yukon! Stay two nights in Anchorage and explore the city on your own before departing for Denali National Park via the McKinley Explorer train. Ride in a dome railcar and marvel at spectacular views along the way. Stay in the new junior suites at McKinley Chalets, and embark on a Tundra Wilderness Tour to travel into the heart of Denali National Park. Glide along the Chena and Tenana rivers on a sternwheeler in Fairbanks and fly to historic Dawson City in the Yukon Territory of Canada. Spend time in Whitehorse, the capital of the Yukon, and ride a vintage train past the steep Chilkoot trail to Skagway, your gateway to Alaska’s Inside Passage. Board Holland America Line’s ms Koningsdam for a cruise through Glacier National Park and the Inside Passage, stopping in Ketchikan, before disembarking in Vancouver.
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE
- Panoramic views from the McKinley Explorer dome railcars
- Tundra Wilderness Tour in Denali National Park
- White Pass & Yukon Railroad narrow-gauge train ride
- Glacier Bay National Park
- Included Ambassadair Add-ons:
- Discover Anchorage with an extra day and overnight
- Anchorage Welcome Dinner
- Lunch on the McKinley Explorer dome train
- Stay in new Junior Suite accommodations in Denali National Park
- Ambassadair “Your Choice” excursion in Denali National Park
- Riverboat tour and dinner in Fairbanks
- Private tour and dinner in Dawson City
- Alaskan Barbeque and Dredge Town visit in Skagway
- Gratuities for bus drivers, local guides, and train car attendants
- Onboard Crew Gratuities
- Onboard Signature Beverage Package
- Onboard Wifi access
- Shore Excursion Credit of $100 per person
- Dinner at the ship’s Pinnacle Grill
PACKAGE INCLUDES
- Roundtrip commercial air from Indianapolis to Anchorage, Alaska and from Vancouver, Canada
- Escorted
- 4 nights shipboard accommodations on Holland America Line’s ms Koningsdam
- 9 nights hotel accommodations
- All meals on ship
- 17 meals on land
- Sightseeing and admissions per itinerary
- Transfers and ground transportation
- Taxes, and port charges
Note:
A passport is required to travel to this destination and must be valid for at least six months after your return.
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination may be required.
This itinerary includes activities where moderate walking, possibly on uneven terrain, is required.
*Additional costs apply for optional excursions.
Itinerary
Sun, July 23: Fly to Anchorage, Alaska. Transfer downtown to the Hotel Captain Cook for two nights. The extra daylight hours will allow for plenty of time to wander and possibly catch a great photograph of the surrounding Chugach Mountains.
Mon, July 24: The day is yours to do as you please. Discover the city on a trolley tour, rent a bicycle and ride a coastal trail or visit one of many fantastic museums such as the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center and the Alaska Native Heritage Center.* This evening, join up with fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner. (Meal: Breakfast, Dinner)
Tue, July 25: Journey aboard Holland America Line’s award-winning McKinley Explorer train and marvel at the spectacular views from the dome railcars as you traverse the Great Land to Denali National Park. Lunch is included in the dining car. Check in to the new Junior Suites at McKinley Chalets on the Nenana River for two nights. Your leisure time can be used to relax or take advantage of the “Ambassadair Your Choice” excursion this evening. (B,L)
Wed, July 26: This morning, embark on the Tundra Wilderness Tour. Travel 53 miles deep into Denali National Park, home to North America’s highest peak, Denali (formerly Mount McKinley). A light snack is included during the tour. The balance of the day is yours for optional activities such as flightseeing, river rafting, hiking and more!* (B)
Thu, July 27: Travel by motorcoach north to Fairbanks. Enjoy an included lunch before cruising the great Chena and Tanana rivers on the sternwheeler riverboat, Discovery III. Afterward, stop to see the one of the world’s engineering marvels, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local favorite restaurant, The Pump House. Featuring “Alaskan Style” cuisine, all meals are crafted with the freshest ingredients possible. (B,L,D)
Fri, July 28: Fly from Fairbanks to Dawson City, Yukon Territory, Canada this morning. Lunch will be provided before an exclusive tour of historic Dawson City. See some of the original gold rush era buildings that are still standing along its boardwalks. Stop at the historic cabin of Robert Service, the renowned poet of the Yukon before seeing Gold Dredge No. 4 and Discovery Claim where the first Alaskan gold was discovered. Cap off the tour by taking in the fantastic panoramic views from atop the Midnight Dome overlooking the Yukon River and Klondike Valley with the Ogilvie Mountains in the distance. Spend the next two nights here in the heart of the Klondike National Historic Site. (B,L)
Sat, July 29: A true frontier presence lives on in Dawson City, once the heart of the Klondike Gold Rush. Embark on a nostalgic, narrated river cruise on the Klondike Spirit paddlewheeler and soak up the atmosphere. Learn the story of Moosehide and the Klondike Gold Rush as you float along the Yukon River. Gather with fellow travelers this evening for an included dinner at a popular local restaurant. (B,D)
Sun, July 30: Travel via luxury coach along the Klondike Highway, passing the area where the Yukon River is divided by four islands into five channels; known as the Five Finger Rapids. Arrive in Whitehorse, the capital of the Yukon Territory. (B,L)
Mon, July 31: Depart for Fraser, to board the vintage White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad scenic train to Skagway. Whisk through the narrow passageways as the train car attendant dressed in vintage train attire narrates the history along the way. Savor an Alaskan barbeque lunch, then experience interactive Dredge Town to learn the rough and tumble history of mining during the Gold Rush. Colorful characters show you the town and period costumes are available for some memorable photos. Overnight in Skagway, home to gold-rush-era buildings now preserved as part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. Enjoy an evening at leisure. (B,L)
Tue, Aug 1: Spend the morning at leisure on your own or on an excursion*, before boarding Holland America Line’s msKoningsdam, your home for the next four nights. Have lunch on board and explore the ship or see more of Skagway. The ship departs this evening. (B,D)
Wed, Aug 2: Cruise Glacier Bay National Park. Spend the day on deck to see seals and sea lions and keep an eye out for whales! Sail up close to some of the most actively calving glaciers. National Park Rangers will board the ship and provide interesting and educational commentary. (B,L,D)
Thu, Aug 3: Spend the day in Ketchikan, located in the Tongass National Forest. Choose to explore on your own or book an optional excursion.* Immerse yourself in Tlingit Indian culture, view the world’s largest collection of totem poles, see the Lumberjack Show or stroll the boardwalk through Creek Street, the former “red light” district. (B,L,D)
Fri, Aug 4: Spend a relaxing day as you sail through Alaska’s Inside Passage. (B,L,D)
Sat, Aug 5: Disembark the ship after breakfast. Afternoon flights home from Vancouver. (B)
*Note: Additional costs apply for optional excursions.
The Ship
ms Koningsdam. Launched in March 2016, this ship is first of the Pinnacle-class cruise ships. The ms Koningsdam raises the bar for 21st-century elegance, with a mix of something contemporary and something classic. The beautiful architectural elements were inspired by music, and the ship is full of light-filled spaces. At the heart of the ship is a central atrium that soars three decks high. Upscale dining, family ocean-view cabins and a two-tiered Lido Pool area with an outdoor movie screen are just some of the exciting features. Highlights: staterooms with mini-refrigerators∙ complimentary fruit (on request)∙ 100% Egyptian cotton towels∙ use of bathrobes during your voyage∙ bedside USB ports • eleven restaurants • seven bar/lounges • in-room dining • fitness center with fitness classes • two pools • three whirlpools • jogging track • sport court • Greenhouse Spa and Salon • Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine, with classes, demonstrations and dining • theater • Lincoln Center Stage • casino • Club HAL youth program.
Pricing
- Price
Per Person* - Double
- Single
- Cat I
Large Inside - $5,999
- $9,889
- Cat E
Ocean View - $6,339
- $10,569
- Cat VD
Verandah - $6,499
- $10,899
- Cat SY
Signature Suite - $7,099
- $12,079
* Subject to change due to fuel surcharge.
Call for additional stateroom category and occupancy pricing.
Documents Required: Valid Passport, visit travel.state.gov for specific requirements
CANADA ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Any person may be denied entry to Canada for reasons including, but not limited to, security risks, human or international rights violations, medical reasons, financial reasons, misrepresentation, failure to comply with Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, having an inadmissible family member and involvement in criminal activity (regardless of degree or length of time since such crimes occurred) such as DUI, DWI, reckless driving, negligent driving, misdemeanor drug possession, all felonies, domestic violence, shoplifting, theft, and other crimes. It is recommended that a person who has ever been charged with, or convicted of, a crime obtain the necessary approval documents before attempting to enter Canada. To learn more about applying for and receiving these approvals and corresponding documentation, we strongly recommend that you visit the following website for details regarding the requirements and process: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/immigration-citizenship.html. This is only a guide. A Canadian immigration officer will decide if you can enter Canada when you arrive at a port of entry.
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