MS Zaandam
September 16, 2026

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, offers docking at Canada Place Port. Travelers explore Stanley Park and Gastown. Excursions visit Capilano Suspension Bridge. Local markets sell poutine. The peak season, June to September, brings mild weather for coastal tours. Photography captures urban parks and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes salmon, a BC favorite. Souvenirs, like Inuit crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Salish history. Light layers and waterproof shoes suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance park walks. Vancouver’s urban charm offers a vibrant Canadian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of natural beauty and cultural landmarks, making Vancouver an engaging destination for exploring Canada’s west coast.

Princess Royal Channel in British Columbia has no docking; ships cruise the Inside Passage. Travelers observe grizzly bears foraging on forested shores. Zodiacs explore Butedale’s abandoned cannery ruins. No facilities are available; provisions come from the ship. The peak season, June to September, may see fog. Photography captures rainforest cliffs and waterfalls. Dining onboard includes cedar-plank salmon. Souvenirs, such as Haida art, are sold in ship shops. Briefings discuss First Nations history. Kayaking reaches hidden falls. Light layers suit coastal weather. The channel’s serene waters enhance Canada’s Pacific coastal journey.

Great Bear Rainforest, British Columbia, no docking; ships anchor offshore with zodiacs to Klemtu. Travelers spot spirit bears in Khutzeymateen Inlet. Kayaking explores fjords. No facilities; provisions from ship. Peak season September to October; fall colors. Photography captures grizzly salmon runs. Dining onboard features cedar plank salmon. Souvenirs, like Haida carvings, in ship shops. Briefings on First Nations culture. Waterproof gear for rain. The rainforest’s white spirit bears and old-growth cedars offer rare wildlife viewing in Canada’s coastal temperate wilderness.

Grenville Channel, British Columbia, no docking; ships cruise Inside Passage’s narrow strait. Travelers spot grizzly bears on shores. Lectures cover Haida history. No facilities; provisions from ship. Peak season June to September; fog common. Photography captures forested walls. Dining onboard includes salmon. Souvenirs, like totem replicas, in ship shops. Briefings on navigation. Binoculars for wildlife. The channel’s calm waters and wildlife sightings enhance the Pacific Northwest passage experience.

Transit Snow Pass, Alaska, offers scenic cruising without docking. Travelers view glaciers and forested 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 coastal cruising. Photography captures icy straits and Inside Passage 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. Snow Pass’s natural allure offers a vibrant Alaskan stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of glacial beauty and marine life, making Snow Pass an engaging destination.

Decision Passage in Alaska has no docking; ships cruise the Inside Passage. Travelers spot humpback whales breaching. Zodiacs explore Snow Pass’ narrow channels. No facilities are available; provisions come from the ship. The peak season, June to August, brings rain. Photography captures forested islands. Dining onboard includes salmon. Souvenirs, like whale prints, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover marine ecosystems. Kayaking navigates bays. Waterproof gear is essential. Decision Passage’s wildlife enhances Alaska’s coastal journey.

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.

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.

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.

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 9 above for port info.

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.

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.

Wrangell, Alaska, offers docking at Wrangell Port. Travelers explore Petroglyph Beach and Totem Park. Excursions include Stikine River jet boat tours. Local markets sell smoked salmon. The peak season, June to August, brings milder weather for coastal tours. Photography captures native carvings and Inside Passage vistas. Dining onboard includes halibut, an Alaskan favorite. Souvenirs, like Tlingit crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Tlingit history. Warm layers and waterproof boots suit the cool climate, while sturdy shoes enhance petroglyph walks. Wrangell’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Alaskan stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of native heritage and scenic rivers, making Wrangell 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.

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.

Bella Bella, Waglisla, British Columbia, docks at Waglisla Terminal, steps from the village, population 1,000. Travelers visit Heiltsuk Cultural Centre for totem poles. Local markets sell smoked salmon. Excursions to Klemtu, 1 hour north, explore Spirit Bear Lodge. Peak season June to September; taxis 5-10 CAD. Dining includes oolichan grease at community halls. Souvenirs feature cedar carvings.

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.

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