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1 Jun 2011
Alaska Inside Passage
Volendam - 7 nights ex Vancouver, Canada
Past Sailing
Don't miss out on Volendam over 7 exciting nights aboard the Alaska Inside Passage cruise to Alaska & US Pacific Coast. Your ship starts out from Vancouver and calls into 7 ports in 2 countries before returning to Vancouver. Your 4.5 star cruise from Holland America Line has forward departures, but is unfortunately sold out for this departure.
| Day | Date | Port of call | Arrival | Departure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wed 1 Jun 2011 | Vancouver, Canada | 5.00pm | |
 Vancouver is a sophisticated coastal city located to the south of British Columbia, Canada. The city is linguistically and ethnically diverse as reflected in the fact that 52 percent of its inhabitants do not speak English as their first language. Ranked highly in worldwide ‘liveable city’ rankings for many years and being surrounded by nature’s scenery at its best, makes tourism its second largest industry.
This beautiful city brims with attractions such as Vancouver's Olympic Village located on the southeast side of False Creek, which offers stunning views of the city's downtown skyline and Coast mountains, Granville Island that offers a feast for the senses, Grouse Mountain, especially in the snow season for skiing and snowboarding and Whistler, a luxurious slice of paradise just a two hour drive away, to name but a few. The city is also renowned for its unique dining experiences, boutiques, and shopping districts such as Antique Row, exotic Chinatown, and the historically renovated Gastown - the oldest downtown neighborhood filled with great souvenirs, good food, and Native Arts and Crafts. If you are looking for funky, hip stuff, then visit Commercial Drive and Central Granville. To relax, visit the delightful Stanley Park, resplendent with its deep forest, totem poles, and scenic promenades. Its nickname Hollywood North, it is the third- largest film production centre in north America, comes as no surprise. more/less... |
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| 2 | Thu 2 Jun 2011 | Inside Passage, Canada | ||
 Alaska's Inside Passage offers spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife, vivid Native cultures, astounding history and exceptional hospitality are hallmarks of our region. Carved by glaciers and blanketed with majestic hemlock and spruce, Alaska's Inside Passage is a region of pristine water, snow capped mountains, deep fjords and forested islands. With its mild, maritime climate, this area is prime habitat for bald eagles, sea lions, porpoisees and whales. Glacier Bay National park has 16 active tidewater glaciers and Misty Fiords National Monument near Ketchikan has 3,000-foot cliffs rising directly from pristine ocean channels.
Carved by glaciers and blanketed with majestic hemlock and spruce, the Passage is a region of pristine water, snow capped mountains, deep fjords and forested islands. With its mild, maritime climate, this area is a prime habitat for bald eagles, sea lions, porpoises and whales. Glacier Bay National park has 16 active tidewater glaciers and Misty Fiords National Monument near Ketchikan has 900 m cliffs rising directly from pristine ocean channels. Alaska's Inside Passage offers spectacular scenery, abundant wild-life, vivid Native cultures, astounding history and exceptional hospitality that are hallmarks of the region. Interestingly the Inside Passage is a destination for kayakers and canoeists from all over the world. Each year groups and individuals paddle along the fjords from British Columbia to Glacier Bay in Alaska. more/less... |
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| 3 | Fri 3 Jun 2011 | Tracy Arm, USA | 8.00am | Noon |
 Tracy Arm is located just 72 km south of Juneau, and lies inside the largest temperate rain forest in the world - the Tongass National Forest of Alaska, USA. Tracy Arm is comprised of Yosemite-like granite rocks, countless waterfalls, glass-smooth water, and mountain peaks rising over 2000 m. The ‘arm’ itself penetrates about 40 km into the Alaskan wilderness, bending between near-vertical mountain chasms with numerous waterfalls cascading from spruce and hemlock-forested valleys.
The highlight of this fjord are the twin glaciers - North Sawyer and South Sawyer - that are arguably the bluest and most beautiful glaciers in Alaska. Snow-capped mountains frame the scene, and it’s a great place to watch glaciers calve. It is not unheard of to see floating ice as large as a three storey building. Dolphins and whales are also common in the fjord, and Holkham Bay is a stopping ground for many different species of migratory waterfowl and sea birds, such as arctic terns and pigeon guillemots, and occasionally, even a mountain goat. more/less... |
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| 3 | Fri 3 Jun 2011 | Juneau, USA | 2.30pm | 10.30pm |
 Built on a relatively narrow shelf between towering Mt. Juneau and the deep waters of Gastineau Channel, Juneau is Alaska's state capital and a rewarding destination for glacier viewing. Juneau is a marvel - an unexpected blend of fishermen and teachers, legislators and artists, homemakers and lawyers, union workers and frontier entrepreneurs, students and Native elders, all sharing an active port city within an inspiring wilderness setting.
Visitors often take the Mount Roberts Tramway, an aerial tramway, that takes visitors from the cruise ship docks up to the south-western ridge of Mount Roberts, providing great scenic views of Juneau and the Gastineau Channel. In front of the federal building, the large fountain with its bronze statue of pelicans which are not indigenous to Alaska, is most appealing. Juneau is home to the Alaska State Museum, which contains a life-sized eagle tree, as well as other permanent galleries. However, the absolute ‘must-see’ would have to be the Red Dog Saloon with its swinging doors, sawdust floors and flag covered ceiling providing a nostalgic flavour. The cherished memorabilia that includes Wyatt Earp's gun, a walrus oosik (would you believe a walrus penis bone!), trophy, wildlife mounts, historical posters, photographs, and currency signed by miners, simply just blows one away. more/less... |
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| 4 | Sat 4 Jun 2011 | Skagway, USA | 7.00am | 9.00pm |
 Skagway in Alaska, USA, is an historical city where the past lives on, a place where the romance and excitement of yesteryear linger around every street corner and in every bend of the trail. Gateway to the Klondike and the Gold Rush, visitors can still ride the antique White Pass and Yukon narrow-gauge railway up through silvery-purple rock faces, past Deadhorse Gulch, to see what it was like back then.
While in Skagway you can easily walk around town, see all of the historical sites along the back streets and stroll down historic Broadway. Rent a bicycle or automobile and give yourself a tour in Southeast Alaska. Also available are helicopter tours that prove very popular, while biking and rock- climbing adventures are also available. Organized tours of Skagway may include stops at the Trail of '98 Museum, Gold Rush Cemetery and viewing Skagway from the lookout perched on a mountainside above the city. Comfortable motorcoach tours are available to the interesting Yukon community of Carcross. The very reasonably priced on-off day bus pass, will take you from the pier to the Klondike goldfield area, and to the delightful Jewell Garden, where a white-topped mountain background contrasts with a riot of colourful plants, and a miniature railroad setting await you. Skagway is famous for its hospitality. Sit down at one of the small cafés, or taste something in an Alaskan brew pub, or treat yourself to a meal in a restaurant with surprises created by local chefs. more/less... |
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| 5 | Sun 5 Jun 2011 | Glacier Bay, USA | 7.00am | 4.00pm |
 Glacier Bay, situated in SE Alaska, USA, was originally a large single glacier of solid ice until early in the 18th century. Since it started retreating, it has left about 50 glaciers in its trail and become the largest protected water area park in the world. While its many branches, inlets, lagoons, islands, and channels provide prospects for scientific exploration, it is primarily an amazing visual spectacle. Glaciers descending from high snow-capped mountains into the bay create spectacular displays of ice and iceberg formations.
Interestingly, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve includes nine tidewater glaciers, four of which actively carve icebergs into the bay. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is also famous for its wildlife that include grizzly and black bears, moose, black-tailed deer, mountain goats, wolves, lynx, sea otters, seals, sea lions, Pacific white-sided dolphins, orcas, humpback whales, bald eagles, and gulls, as well over 200 bird species. Cruise ships typically spend a full day (9-10 hours) in Glacier Bay including a stop at a major tidewater glacier. National Park Service park rangers come on beard to provide a narrative about important aspects of the visit, give a presentation about the park, and answer passengers' questions. They often have a bookstore with maps and brochures as well as a variety of exhibits/hands-on materials to enhance your visit. more/less... |
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| 6 | Mon 6 Jun 2011 | Ketchikan, USA | 10.00am | 6.00pm |
 Alaska’s ‘first city’ Ketchikan is situated along the shores of Alaska's Inside Passage within the heart of the Tongass National Forest. Evergreen mountains rise out of the water, the lush green landscape nurtured by the abundant rainfall of the temperate rainforest environment. Visitors are presented with a remarkable array of activities and attractions that highlight the town's history, industry and culture and bring them up close to our resident wildlife. Ketchikan’s impressive variety of shops and galleries feature work by many of the island’s resident artists as well as an assortment of souvenir items and unique gifts that make shopping a ‘must-do’.
Visitors are presented with a good choice of one-day tours that can be enjoyed infour hours or less.These include a self guided option based on the official Walking Tour map that direct visitors to the numbered signs posted along the routes. Together with this, visitors can pay for an audio walking tour, which provides inciteful information about what is seen. Also on offer is the opportunity to experience the real Alaska, by going fishing or wild-life viewing. Another option is to rent a ‘classic car’ that includes a self touring guide, an experience that helps visitors ‘return to their youth’. Truly worth visiting are the Ketchikan Alaska Museums and Heritage Centres that are home to fascinating totem poles and native Alaskan artefacts, along with preserving and promoting local traditional arts and crafts. These include the Tongass Historical Museum with both permanent and temporary exhibits, and the Southeast Alaska Discovery Centre with a flexible plan that allows for improvisation by educational groups, community groups and families. If possible enjoy the amazing local food on offer, such as king crab, salmon and halibut, Ketchikan's seafood specialties that are always fresh. more/less... |
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| 7 | Tue 7 Jun 2011 | Inside Passage, Canada | ||
| Alaska's Inside Passage offers spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife, vivid Native cultures, astounding history and exceptional hospitality are hallmarks of our region. Carved by glaciers and blanketed with majestic hemlock and spruce, Alaska's Inside Passage is a region of pristine water, snow capped mountains, deep fjords and forested islands. With its mild, maritime climate, this area is prime habitat for bald eagles, sea lions, porpoisees and whales. Glacier Bay National park has 16 active tidewater glaciers and Misty Fiords National Monument near Ketchikan has 3,000-foot cliffs rising directly from pristine ocean channels.
Carved by glaciers and blanketed with majestic hemlock and spruce, the Passage is a region of pristine water, snow capped mountains, deep fjords and forested islands. With its mild, maritime climate, this area is a prime habitat for bald eagles, sea lions, porpoises and whales. Glacier Bay National park has 16 active tidewater glaciers and Misty Fiords National Monument near Ketchikan has 900 m cliffs rising directly from pristine ocean channels. Alaska's Inside Passage offers spectacular scenery, abundant wild-life, vivid Native cultures, astounding history and exceptional hospitality that are hallmarks of the region. Interestingly the Inside Passage is a destination for kayakers and canoeists from all over the world. Each year groups and individuals paddle along the fjords from British Columbia to Glacier Bay in Alaska. more/less... |
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| 8 | Wed 8 Jun 2011 | Vancouver, Canada | 7.00am | |
| Vancouver is a sophisticated coastal city located to the south of British Columbia, Canada. The city is linguistically and ethnically diverse as reflected in the fact that 52 percent of its inhabitants do not speak English as their first language. Ranked highly in worldwide ‘liveable city’ rankings for many years and being surrounded by nature’s scenery at its best, makes tourism its second largest industry.
This beautiful city brims with attractions such as Vancouver's Olympic Village located on the southeast side of False Creek, which offers stunning views of the city's downtown skyline and Coast mountains, Granville Island that offers a feast for the senses, Grouse Mountain, especially in the snow season for skiing and snowboarding and Whistler, a luxurious slice of paradise just a two hour drive away, to name but a few. The city is also renowned for its unique dining experiences, boutiques, and shopping districts such as Antique Row, exotic Chinatown, and the historically renovated Gastown - the oldest downtown neighborhood filled with great souvenirs, good food, and Native Arts and Crafts. If you are looking for funky, hip stuff, then visit Commercial Drive and Central Granville. To relax, visit the delightful Stanley Park, resplendent with its deep forest, totem poles, and scenic promenades. Its nickname Hollywood North, it is the third- largest film production centre in north America, comes as no surprise. more/less... |
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Until September 2013 Volendam sails out of Vancouver, offering 7-night cruises of the Inside Passage and the fjord coastline of Alaska. In September/October cross the Pacific from the USA to Sydney at a low fare and relax while you call in at Hawaii and other Pacific islands. Or, circumnavigate Australia in October/November! Volendam then heads for SE and E Asia, staying overnight at some ports to allow for good sight-seeing. Check out her itineraries in Indonesia and Vietnam. There is an exceptional Pacific crossing in March 2014: overnight in Beijing and Shanghai, ports in Japan and South Korea, then the wildlife and scenery of the Kodiak Archipelago and Alaskan fjords. Holland America Line arranges excellent onshore tours, and pre- and post-tour packages.
Accommodation
Staterooms are spacious, and include: Interior large and standard; Ocean-view, some with panoramic windows; and three levels of suites – Verandah, Deluxe Verandah, and Penthouse Verandah. Basic features include a flat-panel TV and DVD player (book your DVDs by phone), ample storage, personal safe, excellent twin/queen bedding and bath amenities, fresh fruit on request, and nightly turndown service. The décor is very pleasing and comfortable. Complimentary meals can be ordered for in-suite dining around the clock. Triple and quad cabins are available, as well as interconnecting cabins for up to six guests. Many staterooms are modified accessible and wheelchair accessible. There are no single cabins.
Food and Dining
The ship has seven formal to casual dining areas. The two-deck main Dining Room serves open-seating breakfast and lunch. For dinner chose between set-seating at first or second servings, or open seating on the upper deck. The Master Chefs’ three-course menus are excellent, and waiting staff are friendly Indonesian and Filipino stewards. Ask for a table for 2/4/6/8. Special dietary requests can be ordered pre-cruise. Two nights in seven are formal nights, perhaps preceded with pre-dinner drinks, then after your meal retire to the Showroom at Sea or a musical recital. There are two alternative restaurants, best to reserve in advance: The Pinnacle Grill for steaks and seafood, and the Italian-American-influenced Canaletto (with no service charge). Ask about wine packages.
Entertainment
At night the two-deck Queen’s Lounge offers (twice nightly) musical productions, cabaret, and its features include three video screens. Alternatively, attend a musical recital in one of the lounges, dance to the backing of a band ensemble, watch sport in the multi-screen sports bar, or sip drinks while your request is sung by the pianist or guitarist. View recent movies in the Screening Room, unless you’d prefer to watch your choice of DVD in your cabin. Through the evening the disco and nightclub on the top deck will take you into the early hours of the morning, very inviting if the new day is a Sea Day and you’ve ordered breakfast in your cabin. The large casino has lots of playing options.
Welcome to our Roll Call forum for Volendam's "Alaska Inside Passage" departing 1 Jun 2011. Here you can meet fellow cruisers, swap ideas, plan tours, share with others and make friends before you even leave!
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View the current location for Volendam here!
Cruise summary
Cruise: Alaska Inside Passage
Duration: 7 nights
Ship: Volendam
Star rating: 
Departs: Vancouver
Returns: Vancouver
Ports of call: 7
Forward departures:
What's onboard? ▼
- Staterooms
- Atrium social centre
- Art collections
- Shops duty free
- DINING
- Dining venues (6)
- Traditional & As You Wish
- In-room dining 24 h
- Formal dining nights
- Late night chocolate, snacks
- Ice cream bar
- Wine packages
- Afternoon tea, High Tea
- Lounges and bars
- ENTERTAINMENT
- Show Theatre
- Cinema
- Live music, dancing
- Casino
- ACTIVITIES
- Pools (2)
- Sliding deck pool roof
- Whirlpools (2)
- Sauna, steam rooms
- Fitness Centre
- Classes, walking, jogging
- Spa & Salon
- Enrichment presentations
- Digital Workshop
- Culinary Arts Centre
- Sports court, table games
- Photo gallery
- Shore excursion desk
- Pre/post cruise tours
- Wedding packages (value!)
- Library
- Single guests program (most)
- UNDER 18
- Club HAL (3-7, 8-12, 13-17 y)
- OTHER
- Medical centre
- Laundry self-serve (pay/coin)
- Special dietary requests
- Internet, Wi-Fi (pay)
- Mobile phone roaming
- Telephone, fax ship-shore
- 110/220V power
- Wheelchair access
- Daily newsletter
What's included? ▼
- Accommodation as booked
- Flight/s and/or transfers as specified
- All main meals on-board
- Open/anytime or traditional/set time & multi-venue dining
- In-cabin dining at no charge
- Use of ship facilities - indoor & outdoor
- Entertainment - live music and/or shows, movies
- Activities - organised & individual
- Bridge director on select cruises
- Kids clubs & teen programs (3-17 yrs) (Prinsendam 5-17 yrs)
- Cruise Director & all English speaking staff
- Special needs requests & service animals allowed
- Ship-shore-ship transfers
What's excluded? ▼
- Airfares, accommodation & transfers not specified
- Shore & land excursions and meals not specified
- Alternate specialty dining venues (unless specified)
- Casino gaming, bar expenses
- Passport & visa fees
- Insurances of all kinds
- Increases in third party charges or taxes
- Customary land tour gratuities are welcome
- Service charge: USD 11.50 pp/night (suites USD 12). Adjust wth Guest Relations Manager if service inadequate
- Service charge: bar and Dining Room wine 15%
- Items & services of a personal nature
- Medical services, vaccination costs
- Laundry and/or valet charges
- Wi-Fi, Internet, satellite/mobile phone & fax charges
Recent testimonials
"Ultimately it came down to attitude and the service from you was genuinely impressive so I rewarded that with my business. Price is very important but that good old thing called Service is hard to find these days."
William H from Melbourne
"We weren't really sure about which cabin was right for us, your advice turned out to be great. And thanks for organising all our flights and transport - so much easier than doing it ourselves!"
Bryan & Lara G from Brisbane
"Thanks again for your great service and attention to detail, and all the information given to us prior to the cruise. I will certainly choose to use you again for any future holiday plans. "
Connie B from Melbourne