Day 1 – Flight to Vancouver
We flew from Heathrow Terminal 2 with Air Canada. The check in was straight forward and we made our way through security. With Air Canada, you can book lounge access, so we had already pre-booked the Maple leaf lounge. I would recommend doing this if you want to relax in a quiet space, with drinks and food available as part of the package. It's also close to the boarding gates, so there's no rush to have to get the gate.
The flight to Vancouver was 9 hours and 45 minutes. The economy seats were comfortable, and the inflight entertainment was ample. The cabin crew were really friendly and polite!
We then arrived in Vancouver. I would recommend downloading the “Arrivcan” app and filling out the immigration declaration beforehand. It makes the process a lot easier after a 9 hour flight.
We didn't have any transfers booked to our hotel, so we decided to use an Uber as they are widely available and the pick-up is easy to find the ride.
We checked into the Fairmont Waterfront hotel. It’s literally across the road from the port, so we could easily walk to the cruise check in the morning. The rooms were comfortable, they had a big king size bed, and the shower was one of the best I've ever had. It’s a busy hotel, especially on cruise change over days, but because of its location this was to be expected. The area is easily accessible lots of places to eat and to grab a coffee.
Day 2 - Cruise Check In
Today was the cruise check in. Breakfast at the hotel was a buffet, but you could still order certain items from the menu. After we checked out, we headed over to the cruise terminal to start the check in process. There were plenty of staff available to help you find your way around. This day was busy as there were four cruise ships at the port, but overall, it took around 2 hours to get on board.
We boarded the MS Koningsdam and started to explore it. There were 14 decks in total: the main decks were 2 and 3 which had the bars, main dining and speciality dining restaurants and the Dutch café. Deck 9 was the lido deck, which had the fast food, bars and lido Market buffet, and deck 14 was the sports area. Soon there was announcement that the cabins were available the cards for you cabin were located outside the cabin so they were easy to find luggage was still being brought on so we didn't get them till later.
We were in a Verandah VB balcony stateroom on deck 4. This was forward on the deck and we had an unobstructed view. Our balcony was massive! the cabins themselves were comfortable, and all amenities are provided.
We were to sail away at 4pm. We gathered up on Lido deck (at the back of the ship) where they did a special sail away cocktail all the entertainment staff came out to introduce themselves along with the shopping team and kids club members. Sail away began the entertainment staff invited passengers to join them in a dance which wasn't for me I enjoyed the views from the deck as we waved goodbye to Vancouver as we set sail for Alaska.
The evening we decided to go to the Lido Market which was the buffet restaurant they had a great selection of food from salads, roast meats to sushi there was a lot of choice for everyone. It was a little busy but we did manage to get a table and enjoy our dinner that night we were a little tired still from the time difference so went back to our cabin and had an early night.
Day 3 – Day at Sea
Breakfast could either be taken in the main dining or the buffet, but they also offered breakfast bagels from the deli, so again choice of food was great. We opted for the buffet again as we were up early and breakfast in the buffet started at 6am. We were surprised at how busy it was for that time in the morning, but again the choice on offer was great, both cooked options and cold options.
Today, we decided to explore the ship more to see what the MS Koningsdam had to offer. We started on deck 9 (the Lido deck), which is where the pools are located. You have the indoor pool, which is in the centre of the deck, underneath a retractable roof. It was fine though, the roof stayed shut for the duration of the cruise due to the weather, so it was always lovely in warm in there. There were sun loungers around the pool and on deck 10 overlooking the pool. They had seating dotted around leading up to the New York style deli, and to the burger and hotdog bar. This then lead through to the Lido Market buffet restaurant and then onto the Seaview bar at the back of the ship which is where the outdoor pool was located. This pool was heated except for during the day. We went to Glacier Bay and they invited people to do the polar bear plunge in the morning.
Towards the front of deck 9 was the gym and spa. You could book day passes or weekly passes to the spa and this gave you access to hydra pool, sauna and steam room and the relaxation room.
Deck 12 held the Crow’s Nest bar and the navigator cafe it held great views over the ocean and you see for miles at the front of ship.
Deck 2 and 3 were the main decks for the shops, Theatre main stage, casino and bars and main dining restaurants I will tell you more about the bars as we go through the week. The remaining decks were all cabin decks.
The evening we decided to eat in the main dining room. We had an open dining experience, which meant we could go anytime from when the dining opened to close. It was smart dress code night, which meant that a dinner jacket or jacket and tie was to be worn for men, and cocktail dresses or smart dresses for ladies. We took part in this, but some guests did not and we were a little disappointed that it wasn't enforced as having done other cruises. The dressy nights are something to see, the food was lovely and the service was excellent!
After dinner, we decided to get changed and head down to the BB King’s Blues Club lounge. The entertainment staff were doing a music quiz; this was a bit of fun and we enjoyed the challenge of guessing the song. Some might have been a little bit old for us, but we did our best. After a few drinks we decided to head back to cabin to bed.
Day 4 – Juneau
We sailed up the Tracey Arm Inlet fjord and the scenery coming into Juneau was spectacular! Mountain peaks, with snow on top, with the green forests creating a backdrop which could only be described as a calendar picture.
We arrived in the city at around 12.30pm, and it was very busy because five cruise ships were also in dock. Disembarking was easy you just need your room key but always carry your passport just in case. We ventured into downtown Juneau as you leave the docks. It takes a couple of minutes to the street, and the shops consisted of jewellery, gold, and souvenirs. We popped into a coffee shop and had a lovely chat with a local lady. She suggested visiting Cope Park as had a pretty creek running through it.
There are tourist signs put up around downtown, so it’s easy to find the places. We followed the route and walked up a very steep hill. At the top, we found a wooden walkway which took us down to Cope Park. On our way down, we were stopped by another couple who told us they had seen a black bear! They were from Vancouver and said that they thought it was about a year old. Our initial reply was where's its mum!
We then saw its head pop up, and we watched it forage around for about half an hour until he disappeared. We thought it was clear to carry on down to the park, but half way down the steps his head popped up again! So, we decided at this point that we were a little close for comfort. We went back up to the top of the steps and continued our walk around Juneau. We saw the old Governor’s house and the house of wicker, some being the first Victorian built houses.
It was then time to make our way back onto the cruise ship. We walked along the dock and watched the sea plane excursions take off and land.
Back onboard, we got ready for dinner and had the steak restaurant booked. The “Pinnacle Grill” was one of the speciality dining restaurants, it served tomahawk steaks. This was at a supplement, so we decided to stick with the normal size steaks. Our waiter was lovely and really friendly, and the food was amazing! I would recommend eating here.
We decided to watch the entertainment on the world stage tonight who was a mentalist. He was very entertaining, and we still can't work out how he did it. They offer two shows a night, one starting at 7.30pm and then another at 8.45pm. This gives everyone the opportunity to watch, but you should arrive there at least 30 minutes before to get a seat as they fill up fast!
We arrived early into port, located at the end of the fjord and can be a little windy. When I say windy, I mean hold on to your hat and belongings as they can get blown away!
We had an excursion booked today at the Huskey Musher camp and S’mores Making. We were picked up and then taken through the centre of Skagway where we showed some key places to visit on our return. We then continued up the mountain towards the camp. The scenery was amazing; lush forest and aqua coloured water to name some of the sights.
On arrival at the camp we walked into this fun looking old mining town set up. There was a shop, cafe and bar. We were given some time to explore and look around before going into the Huskey area. We listened to the talk about the huskey's and their role in Iditarod Race, the annual long distance race from Anchorage to Nome.
Then we did the best bit and got to cuddle some Huskey puppies they do this as it helps to socialise the puppies and gets them used to people, they were just the cutest bundles of joy and loved to chew anything hair, buttons, zips nothing was off limits.
After all the cuddles, we were taken over to the S’mores campfires and given our packs which consisted of crackers, marshmallows and Hersey chocolate. Our guide instructed us on how to make the S’mores and we were left to give it a go.
Once we finished, we were given free time to explore the camp and there was a small walk up to a waterfall which was stunning! The whole area was lovely; we were sad to leave but had to go on our way back to the cruise. The guide offered to drop us off in downtown Skagway, and we could explore the town. It’s just one long street that consists of jewellery shops, souvenirs, native art and sweet treats like fudge.
We made our way back to the cruise ship ready for our departure that evening. We ate in the main dining room again. That evening, we made our way to the main stage to watch the comedian. He was hilarious; such a good show and we had the best time overall. This was our favourite day by far.
Day 6 - Glacier Bay Scenic Cruising
The morning, we woke to snowcapped mountains and glacier waters. The park rangers boarded our cruise early at 6.15am. They spend the morning up in the Crow’s Nest, giving commentary of where we were, and what to look out for, but were also on hand to answer any questions.
After breakfast, we made our way up to the Seaview bar at the back of the ship and went up to the viewing platforms because we wanted to get views of both sides of glacier bay. The views did not disappoint! We slowly cruised by mountains, beaches and mini icebergs, before heading to the glacier we spent around an hour rotating around so everyone had opportunity to see it. We used our balcony to see the glacier and sat with a coffee watching the world go by.
Animal spotting was on the menu today too, unfortunately we didn't see a whale but we did see sea otters, grey seals and an eagle! The whole area is a national park and it’s so quiet and peaceful.
We said goodbye to glacier bay and heading off to travel to our next stop.
Day 7 – Ketchikan
We arrived into port at around 11am the weather was not good today it was a very wet day but that didn't put us off exploring the town. It was bigger than Skagway, and there was a lot of shops to explore.
We walked around the shops found the perfect fridge magnet, then got a coffee from a local coffee shop and at this point we were a bit soggy, so we decided to head back to the ship.
The rest of the day was spent just relaxing and enjoying the bars and facilities available onboard.
Day 8 – Day at Sea
This was our last day on the cruise. We cruised back down the inside passage, looking out for wildlife. We had the Italian restaurant booked for dinner and it was lovely. The food was fantastic, and while we were having dinner, we were lucky enough to see dolphins playing in the waves. After dinner, we went to our last show and watched the comedian again. He did a new set and it was just as funny.
Day 9 – Disembarkation
It was time to say goodbye to the MS Koningsdam. We opted to take our luggage with us, which meant we could disembark any time from 7.30am to 9.30am. If you opted for the assisted luggage, you were given a specific time to disembark. We left the cruise and waved goodbye to the ship as we took an uber back to the airport. We had an overnight flight back to Heathrow, so had some time to waste before we could check in. We decided to book a day room at the Fairmount at the airport, and we chilled here till our return flight. We arrived home at 12.30pm the next day, very tired but full of stories from our Alaskan adventure.
Overall, I enjoyed the experience I had in Alaska. It’s an amazing destination!
