MS Westerdam
June 9, 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.

Cruise Inside Passage, Alaska, offers scenic cruising without docking. Travelers view fjords and humpback whales 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 coastal cruising. Photography captures glaciers and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes salmon, 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 binoculars enhance wildlife viewing. Inside Passage’s natural allure offers a vibrant Alaskan stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of marine life and scenic fjords, making Inside Passage an engaging destination.

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.

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.

Cruise Hubbard Glacier, Alaska, offers scenic cruising without docking. Travelers view Hubbard Glacier and Disenchantment Bay from the ship. Excursions include zodiac tours for seal spotting. No facilities exist; provisions are ship-based. The peak season, June to August, brings milder weather for glacier cruising. Photography captures icebergs and Yakutat Bay 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. Hubbard Glacier’s natural allure offers a vibrant Alaskan stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of glacial beauty and marine life, making Hubbard Glacier an engaging destination.

Valdez, Alaska, offers docking at Valdez Port. Travelers explore Columbia Glacier and Worthington Glacier. Excursions include kayaking in Prince William Sound. Local markets sell smoked salmon. The peak season, June to August, brings milder weather for coastal tours. Photography captures icebergs and Alaskan vistas. Dining onboard includes halibut, an Alaskan favorite. Souvenirs, like native crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Chugach history. Warm layers and waterproof boots suit the cool climate, while sturdy shoes enhance glacier walks. Valdez’s glacial charm offers a vibrant Alaskan stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of icy landscapes and marine adventures, making Valdez an engaging destination for exploring Alaska’s coastal wilderness.

Prince William Sound in Alaska has no docking; ships cruise to Valdez. Travelers spot orcas and sea otters from the deck. Zodiacs explore Columbia Glacier’s icy front. No facilities exist; provisions are ship-based. The peak season, June to August, may bring fog. Photography captures Chugach Mountains and icebergs. Dining onboard features fresh halibut. Souvenirs, like glacier prints, are available in ship shops. Briefings cover marine wildlife. Kayaking navigates serene bays. Waterproof gear is essential for rain. The sound’s glaciers and marine life deliver Alaska’s coastal wilderness at its finest.

Returning to Cruise Prince William Sound — see Day 6 above for port info.

Cruise College Fjord, Alaska, no docking; ships cruise Prince William Sound. Travelers spot harbor seals. Lectures cover Harriman Expedition. No facilities; provisions from ship. Peak season June to August; weather unpredictable. Photography captures Harvard Glacier. Dining limited to ship. Souvenirs include glacier postcards.

Seward (Anchorage), Alaska, offers docking at Seward Port with excursions to Anchorage. Travelers explore Kenai Fjords and Alaska SeaLife Center. Excursions include glacier cruises. Local markets sell smoked salmon. The peak season, June to August, brings milder weather for coastal tours. Photography captures glaciers and Resurrection Bay vistas. Dining onboard includes king crab, an Alaskan favorite. Souvenirs, like totem crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Athabascan history. Warm layers and waterproof boots suit the cool climate, while sturdy shoes enhance fjord hikes. Seward’s natural charm offers a vibrant Alaskan stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of glacial landscapes and marine wildlife, making Seward an engaging destination.

Dutch Harbor, Alaska, has docking at Unalaska Port. Travelers explore Aleutian WWII history at the museum. Excursions spot bald eagles on volcanic trails. Local markets sell smoked salmon. The peak season, June to August, brings fog. Photography captures rugged coasts. Dining onboard includes king crab. Souvenirs, like Aleutian prints, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover island history. Waterproof gear is essential for rain. Dutch Harbor’s remote port offers a wild Alaskan experience.

Little Diomede Island, Alaska, has no docking; ships anchor offshore with zodiacs to rocky shores. Travelers explore Inupiat culture and spot seabirds. Excursions view Russia’s Big Diomede nearby. No facilities exist; provisions are ship-based. The peak season, June to August, brings milder weather. Photography captures Arctic vistas and Bering Strait. Dining onboard includes smoked salmon, an Alaskan favorite. Souvenirs, like Inuit carvings, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Arctic history. Warm layers and waterproof boots suit the cold climate. Binoculars enhance wildlife spotting. Little Diomede’s remote allure offers a unique Alaskan stop, blending culture with Arctic wilderness.

Cross Arctic Circle offers scenic cruising without docking. Travelers celebrate the polar crossing with shipboard ceremonies. No excursions or facilities exist; activities are ship-based. The peak season, June to August, brings milder weather for Arctic cruising. Photography captures polar seascapes and midnight sun vistas. Dining onboard includes international dishes, reflecting the global journey. Souvenirs, like nautical crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Arctic exploration history. Warm layers and waterproof boots suit the cold climate, while comfortable shoes enhance deck walks. Crossing the Arctic Circle offers a unique maritime stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of ceremonial events and polar scenery, making the Arctic Circle an engaging destination.

Nome, Alaska, offers docking at Nome Port. Travelers explore the Bering Sea waterfront and Gold Rush-era artifacts. Excursions visit Iditarod trail markers or Anvil Mountain for tundra views. Local markets sell smoked salmon. The peak season, June to August, brings milder weather for outdoor tours. Photography captures Arctic coastlines and historic relics. Dining onboard includes reindeer stew, an Alaskan favorite. Souvenirs, like ivory carvings, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Gold Rush history. Warm layers and waterproof boots suit the cold climate, while binoculars enhance wildlife spotting. Nome’s rugged Arctic charm offers a unique Alaskan stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic sites and wild landscapes, making Nome an engaging destination for exploring Alaska’s frontier heritage.

Kodiak, Alaska, has docking at Kodiak Port. Travelers explore Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge for bear spotting. Excursions visit Russian Orthodox churches. Local markets sell smoked salmon. The peak season, June to August, brings mild weather. Photography captures rugged coasts and wildlife. Dining onboard includes king crab, an Alaskan favorite. Souvenirs, like bear carvings, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Russian history. Warm layers and waterproof boots suit the cool climate. Binoculars enhance bear spotting. Kodiak’s wild beauty offers a vibrant Alaskan stop, blending nature with cultural heritage.

Anchorage, Alaska, docks at Port of Alaska, 3 kilometers from downtown, with shuttles or taxis for 10-minute rides. The city, population 290,000, features the Anchorage Museum with Athabascan artifacts. Travelers visit Ship Creek for salmon fishing demos. Excursions to Chugach State Park, 30 minutes east, offer bear-spotting hikes. Local markets sell ulu knives. Peak season June to August; taxis 10-20 USD. Dining includes reindeer sausage at street carts. Souvenirs feature totem carvings. Bike paths suit urban exploration.

Returning to Anchorage — see Day 18 above for port info.

Homer, Alaska, has docking at Homer Port. Travelers explore Kachemak Bay’s wildlife via kayak. Excursions visit Seldovia’s quaint village. Local markets sell halibut. The peak season, June to August, brings mild weather. Photography captures glacier views and bald eagles. Dining onboard includes salmon chowder, an Alaskan favorite. Souvenirs, like bear carvings, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover marine ecosystems. Warm layers and waterproof boots suit the cool climate. Binoculars enhance wildlife spotting. Homer’s scenic harbor offers a serene Alaskan stop, blending natural beauty with coastal charm.

Cruise Glacier Bay, Alaska, offers scenic cruising without docking. Travelers view Margerie Glacier and humpback whales from the ship. Excursions include ranger-led tours. No facilities exist; provisions are ship-based. The peak season, June to August, brings milder weather for glacier tours. 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 spotting. Glacier Bay’s natural allure offers a vibrant Alaskan stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of glacial landscapes and marine wildlife, making Glacier Bay an engaging destination.

Haines, Alaska, has docking at Haines Port. Travelers explore Chilkoot Lake for kayaking and bear spotting. Excursions visit Klukwan’s Tlingit cultural center. Local markets sell smoked salmon. The peak season, June to August, brings mild weather. Photography captures glaciers and mountain vistas. Dining onboard includes salmon chowder, an Alaskan favorite. Souvenirs, like Tlingit carvings, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover indigenous history. Warm layers and waterproof boots suit the cool climate. Binoculars enhance wildlife spotting. Haines’ rugged beauty offers a serene Alaskan stop, blending nature with cultural heritage.

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.

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.

Misty Fjords, a national monument in Alaska, has no docking; ships cruise its glacier-carved channels. Travelers view towering granite cliffs and New Eddystone Rock from the deck. Zodiacs spot harbor seals basking on ice floes. No facilities exist; provisions come from the ship. The peak season, June to August, often brings fog. Photography captures misty waterfalls cascading into fjords. Dining onboard features fresh Alaskan salmon. Souvenirs, like fjord prints, are available in ship shops. Briefings emphasize park conservation rules. Kayaking navigates narrow inlets for close wildlife views. Waterproof gear is essential for rain. Misty Fjords’ untouched cliffs and serene waters deliver a pristine Alaskan wilderness experience, ideal for nature enthusiasts.

Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Canada, offers docking at Prince Rupert Port. Travelers explore North Pacific Cannery and Museum of Northern BC. Excursions include whale-watching tours. Local markets sell smoked salmon. The peak season, June to September, brings milder weather for coastal tours. Photography captures totem poles and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes halibut, a BC favorite. Souvenirs, like Haida crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Tsimshian history. Light layers and waterproof boots suit the temperate climate, while sturdy shoes enhance coastal walks. Prince Rupert’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Canadian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of maritime heritage and scenic fjords, making Prince Rupert an engaging destination.

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