We're researching cruises to Alaska from Vancouver and have focussed on Holland America as friends were happy with it. I understand it's important to go via the 'inside passage.' However, is it important to go that route both ways? There's a savings with a cruise that goes one-way only on the 'inside passage.' Also, is there reason to choose one boat over another (in this case, the Amsterdam or the Volendam)? Thank you!
Alaska cruise - inside passage both ways?
Recent Activity
View all Cruises activity »
- 1
Trip report: Sapphire Princess May 11-18 2013/Wine Country Coastal
- 2 World cruise?
- 3 cruise from miami to Los angles
- 4
Just Returned from Gate 1 Danube River Cruise
- 5 A few questions about RCI Majesty of the Seas
- 6 quick lunch in Paris
- 7 first time cruise (Carribean): what money do we take?
- 8 (Almost) Day and a half in Rome
- 9
Boston to Bermuda on NCL's Dawn
- 10 What to pack for an Alaska Inside Passage Cruise in mid-June
- 11 Boston: Black Falcon Terminal to Hilton at Logan by taxi or ship transfer?
- 12 Rhine River Cruise - Amsterdam to Zurick
- 13 Alaska-Oceania vs Regent
- 14
Travel Report for Azamara Journey - Asia Cruise
- 15 Venice Port and Hotel help
- 16 Regent vs Oceania Australia/New Zealand 2014
- 17 Cayos Cochinos
- 18 California Coastal Cruise
- 19 Shared excursions on Norwegian Spirit June 16, 2013 sailing
- 20 Royal Caribbean drink prices and the new alcohol policy 2013
- 21 Going on a Cruise? Do you still want to after you read this?
- 22 Grand Turk
- 23 Transportation from Rome airport to Port
- 24 cruise ship illness outbreaks (the Norovirus reports for 2012&2013)
- 25 Shore excursions on Paul Gaugin ship in Tahiti?
Not sure what the question was ... inside passage is the "only" way through to Alaska from the lower mainland.
I should rephrase that. It is the not the only way but all mass market cruise ships choose that way.
If you are doing a round trip, you will be going through the inside passge twice. If you are doing a Northbound or Southbound (both one way cruise), you will go through the inside passage once.
The "must" for Alaska cruise, if there is such a thing, is Glacier Bay National park.
Both ship are both similar in age and size, 1400 passengers, and considered to be small in today's mega ship size standards which typically holds 3000 passenegrs and up.
You will find info on the Amsterdam here in Fodors.
http://www.fodors.com/cruises/holland-america-line-676587/ships/amsterdam-676589/
You will find info on the Volendam here in Fodors.
http://www.fodors.com/cruises/holland-america-line-676587/ships/volendam-676603/