MS Westerdam
May 12, 2024

Seattle, Washington, offers docking at Pier 91. Travelers explore Pike Place Market and Space Needle. Excursions include whale-watching in Puget Sound. Local markets sell smoked salmon. The peak season, June to September, brings mild weather for coastal tours. Photography captures urban landmarks and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes Dungeness crab, a Washington favorite. Souvenirs, like native crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Salish history. Light layers and waterproof shoes suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Seattle’s urban charm offers a vibrant American stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of iconic markets and scenic waterways, making Seattle an engaging destination for exploration.

Puget Sound in Washington has no docking; ships cruise to Seattle. Travelers observe orcas breaching in open waters. Excursions explore Olympic National Park’s rainforests. Local markets sell smoked salmon. The peak season, June to September, brings mild weather; taxis cost 5-10 USD. Photography captures San Juan Islands’ rocky shores. Dining onboard includes clam chowder. Souvenirs, like totem replicas, are available in ship shops. Briefings cover marine ecosystems. Light layers suit coastal weather. Puget Sound’s islands and whales provide a scenic Pacific Northwest coastal experience.

Juneau, Alaska, offers docking at Juneau Port. Travelers explore Mendenhall Glacier and Mount Roberts Tramway. Excursions include whale-watching tours. Local markets sell smoked salmon. The peak season, June to August, brings milder weather for coastal tours. Photography captures glaciers and Inside Passage vistas. Dining onboard includes king crab, an Alaskan favorite. Souvenirs, like totem crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Tlingit history. Warm layers and waterproof boots suit the cool climate, while sturdy shoes enhance glacier hikes. Juneau’s natural charm offers a vibrant Alaskan stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of stunning glaciers and marine wildlife, making Juneau an engaging destination for exploration.

Stephens Passage in Alaska’s Inside Passage has no docking; ships cruise its calm waters. Travelers observe humpback whales bubble-net feeding. Zodiacs explore Holkham Bay’s glaciers and wildlife. No facilities are present; provisions come from the ship. The peak season, June to August, brings rain and fog. Photography captures Admiralty Island’s forested shores. Dining onboard includes Dungeness crab. Souvenirs, like whale prints, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover marine ecosystems. Kayaking navigates serene bays. Waterproof gear is essential for wet weather. The passage’s rich marine life enhances Alaska’s coastal journey.

Cruise Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska, offers scenic cruising without docking. Travelers view Sawyer Glaciers and granite cliffs from the ship. Excursions include zodiac tours for wildlife spotting. No facilities exist; provisions are ship-based. The peak season, June to August, brings milder weather for fjord cruising. Photography captures icebergs and Inside Passage vistas. Dining onboard includes salmon, an Alaskan favorite. Souvenirs, like glacier crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Tlingit history. Warm layers and waterproof boots suit the cool climate, while binoculars enhance wildlife viewing. Tracy Arm’s natural allure offers a vibrant Alaskan stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of glacial beauty and marine life, making Tracy Arm an engaging destination.

Sitka, Alaska, offers docking at Sitka Port. Travelers explore Sitka National Historical Park and St. Michael’s Cathedral. Excursions include whale-watching tours. Local markets sell smoked salmon. The peak season, June to August, brings milder weather for coastal tours. Photography captures totem poles and Inside Passage vistas. Dining onboard includes halibut, an Alaskan favorite. Souvenirs, like Tlingit crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Russian history. Warm layers and waterproof boots suit the cool climate, while sturdy shoes enhance park walks. Sitka’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Alaskan stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of native heritage and scenic fjords, making Sitka an engaging destination for exploration.

Ketchikan, Alaska, offers docking at Ketchikan Port. Travelers explore Totem Bight Park and Creek Street. Excursions include Misty Fjords flights. Local markets sell smoked salmon. The peak season, June to August, brings milder weather for coastal tours. Photography captures totem poles and Inside Passage vistas. Dining onboard includes halibut, an Alaskan favorite. Souvenirs, like Tlingit crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Native Alaskan history. Warm layers and waterproof boots suit the cool climate, while sturdy shoes enhance historic walks. Ketchikan’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Alaskan stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of native heritage and scenic fjords, making Ketchikan an engaging destination for exploration.

Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, offers docking at Ogden Point Port. Travelers explore Butchart Gardens and Craigdarroch Castle. Excursions include whale-watching tours. Local markets sell Nanaimo bars. The peak season, June to September, brings mild weather for coastal tours. Photography captures floral gardens and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes salmon, a BC favorite. Souvenirs, like totem crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Salish history. Light layers and waterproof shoes suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance garden walks. Victoria’s scenic charm offers a vibrant Canadian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of natural beauty and historic landmarks, making Victoria an engaging destination for exploration.

Returning to Seattle — see Day 1 above for port info.