- USA Cruises
- Alaskan Coastal Cruise with Vancouver City Stay
Discover the last frontier of soaring snow-dusted peaks, teal waterways inhabited by patient salmon hunting grizzlies, an endless blanket of spruce forests and a wealth of small town hill dwellings on our sensational cruise. During your voyage, admire architectural remnants of the Klondike Gold Rush in Skagway, witness the spectacle of gargantuan glaciers splitting into ice rivers and spot fauna filled fjords as you cruise the Inside Passage.
Extend your tour with a stay in the nature bound utopia of Vancouver. Enjoy free time in the city to explore the sights at leisure, peruse world-class museums, sample a host of cuisines that span the globe and stroll downtown's promenade during this essential Canadian highlight.
Depart on your scheduled flight to Vancouver. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for the evening.
Dinner
Your driver will meet you at your hotel to transfer you to the city’s port to board your Holland America Line cruise ship, which will set sail late afternoon. You will have plenty of time to relax and take full advantage of the ship’s plentiful on-board facilities.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Leaving Vancouver behind your ship will trace the outline of North America's most scenic coastal landscape, weaving through islands of the Pacific Coast known as the Inside Passage. Boasting wildlife-filled fjords and evergreen-coated scenery, position yourself on the upper deck for the best chance to observe soaring eagles, grizzly bears, breaching whales and bathing seals.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Weather permitting, the ship will navigate the 30-mile long Tracy Arm Fjord to view the mammoth Sawyer Glacier which oversees a slow-moving river of ice. After lunch you'll arrive in Juneau, Alaska's state capital, in which there are a number of optional excursions on offer including dog sledging with huskies, whale watching and a helicopter ride over the glacier.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
The ship arrives in Skagway this morning where it remains all day, leaving plenty of time to explore this charming relic of the 1898 Klondike Gold Rush. Wooden sidewalks and turn-of-the-century buildings will take you back to the lawless living of pioneer days. Shore excursions are also aplenty; we recommend you take a fascinating ride on the restored carriages along the old White Pass and Yukon railroad through the Alaskan wilderness.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today enjoy a tour highlight as your cruise ship slowly enters Glacier Bay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that protects a unique ecosystem of majestic humpback whales, black bears and Yukon wolves. A national park ranger will come on board to provide a detailed commentary of your wild surroundings and answer any questions you have. You may also have the chance to witness a monumental chunk of ice splitting off one of the eight gargantuan glaciers.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After a morning of cruising, the ship will arrive at the city of Ketchikan, a small metropolis that clutches the shores of the Tongass Narrow. Explore this charming area in your own time, wandering along Creek Street, through the Totem Pole Park or pick one of the optional wildlife excursions such as a bear adventure by floatplane or an Alaskan fishing experience.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Your final full day on board will be spent returning through the Inside Passage allowing you more time to appreciate the area's distinct beauty, observe its natural inhabitants or simply relax.
This morning arrive back at Vancouver's port where you will disembark and be transferred to your hotel in Vancouver for your extension.
Explore the sights of this fantastic city at leisure, explore its world-class museums and sample the mouthwatering cuisines on offer.
On the day of your departure, your driver will meet you at your hotel. You will be transferred to the airport for your return flight back to the UK.
Your flight lands back in the UK today.
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Vancouver is a beautiful city and we felt comfortable moving around both day and night. The cruise was excellent and was enhanced by the fantastic weather.
Myra Davies
01 JuneMercury were fantastic organising our whole trip. After the cruise, instead of coming home, we wanted to visit friends in Toronto for a few days, so Mercury changed the tour for us by organising our flights, and organised the transfer from the ship to Vancouver airport for us. It made the whole trip so much easier and less stressful. Thank you so much Mercury!
Karen Hall
23 SeptemberThe order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions or for operational purposes. For this reason, we have indicated approximate times only. Holland America will inform you of any schedule changes as they are informed of them during your cruise. Our intention is to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary as printed; however, order of events and sightseeing may vary according to the local conditions.
Have It All Cruise Package
For one simple fare, you can save with Have It All, a package available for pre-cruise purchase and specially designed to give you the best possible experience. By purchasing this package, you will receive the below:
Price: from £60.00 per person per day
This package upgrade can be added to your booking exclusively through Mercury Holidays and not directly with Holland America. To upgrade, please contact our Customer Experience team anytime, up to 14 weeks before departure.
If booking more than 14 weeks before departure a deposit of £500.00pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 14 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 14 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.
USA
You will need to obtain an ESTA visa. This must be applied for at least 7 days before you are due to land in the USA. An ESTA can be applied for directly on the website of the Department of Homeland Security. The application fee is payable via a Credit / Debit Card online. https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta
The US Government enforces a restriction on people who have travelled to Cuba since 2021. These travellers are no longer eligible to apply for the ESTA Visa Waiver programme and need to apply for a US visitor's visa (B1/B2) via their nearest US Embassy. This ban includes transit, where you’re flying on to another country. As some of our flights go via the USA, if you have visited Cuba since 2021, then you will need to apply for a US visitor visa via the American Embassy.
Canada
To enter Canada, your passport must be valid for the length of your planned stay. To enter or transit through Canada, most people need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) – not both, you must apply for the eTA online before you travel.
Contact the Canadian High Commission in the UK if you are unsure about visa requirements or your eligibility to enter the country.
Alternatively, we work closely with The Travel Visa Company who will be able to arrange the ESTA visa on your behalf. Please call them on 01270 250590 and quote 'Mercury Holidays'. When Calling the Travel Visa Company they will advise you of any changes to the fees or procedure, they will also advise you all of the information they will require to apply for the visa.
Please note your final documentation will be sent to you approximately 21 days before departure. Check in baggage is included with your flight. Weight restrictions will be finalised on your final documentation. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check-in. Check-in should be at least 3 hours before departure. If you wish to arrange Airport car parking or accommodation at preferential rates, we recommend you book this in advance with Holiday Extras on 0333 188 0407, quoting HX313.
IMPORTANT: A printed E-ticket is no longer required at check-in, all you need to do is present your passport to the staff at the desk and your boarding pass will be given to you. Please note that you should carry your invoice with flight details on it as you will need to show this at the airport.
We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras, including up to a 20% discount, which is given to all Mercury Holidays customers. To arrange your insurance with Holiday Extras, please visit https://www.mercuryholidays.co.uk/info/insurance for more details. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24 hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.
It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include; www.fco.gov.uk, www.travelhealthpro.org. uk, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.
Medical Facilities & Emergencies
Remote regions lack advanced medical facilities, including intensive care and surgery. Ship doctors and nurses provide basic care, but serious cases may require evacuation, which depends on weather conditions, distance from a port and feasibility for medical evacuation to travel the distances required for evacuation.
Medications & Motion Sickness
The ship’s medical facility stocks a limited supply of both regular and emergency medications, so bring extra supplies of your regular and any necessary medications in your hand luggage. In case of unexpected delays, bring extra medication for beyond your cruise and a list of your medication in case you need refills. Seas can be rough—if you are prone or concerned about motion sickness, we advise you to consult your doctor and bring medication.
Health, Vaccinations & Insurance
Travellers should be in good health; those with medical conditions should consult their doctor before travel. Up to date vaccinations are strongly recommended. Comprehensive travel insurance, including emergency evacuation (minimum $100,000 coverage), is strongly recommended due to high costs and limited evacuation options.
Special Medical Needs & Age Requirement
If you need medical assistance (e.g., oxygen, mobility aids), inform the team when booking. Children must be at least 12 months old to sail to remote destinations.
For your cruise:
Medical Facilities & Emergencies
Remote regions lack advanced medical facilities, including intensive care and surgery. Ship doctors and nurses provide basic care, but serious cases may require evacuation, which depends on weather conditions, distance from a port and feasibility for medical evacuation to travel the distances required for evacuation.
Medications & Motion Sickness
The ship’s medical facility stocks a limited supply of both regular and emergency medications, so bring extra supplies of your regular and any necessary medications in your hand luggage. In case of unexpected delays, bring extra medication for beyond your cruise and a list of your medication in case you need refills. Seas can be rough—if you are prone or concerned about motion sickness, we advise you to consult your doctor and bring medication.
Health, Vaccinations & Insurance
Travellers should be in good health; those with medical conditions should consult their doctor before travel. Up to date vaccinations are strongly recommended. Comprehensive travel insurance, including emergency evacuation (minimum $100,000 coverage), is strongly recommended due to high costs and limited evacuation options.
Special Medical Needs & Age Requirement
If you need medical assistance (e.g., oxygen, mobility aids), inform the team when booking. Children must be at least 12 months old to sail to remote destinations.
This cruise is accessible to most people with an average level of fitness and normal mobility. It involves moderate days of walking on uneven paths and small hills, and getting on and off the cruise ship. This tour may not be suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.
The currency in Alaska is the US Dollar ($). We recommend that you exchange your currency before you leave the UK On board our ships, U.S. dollars are the only currency accepted. We also accept U.S. travellers' checks. In most ports of call, you may easily exchange your currency into the local currency at banks, airports, and major hotels. All onboard purchases and services in US Dollars are charged to your account by using your stateroom keycard. Cash is not accepted for individual transactions, e.g. bars, shops, spas, shore excursions. Cash is accepted in our casinos.
If you do not want to use a credit card, on the day of boarding, you will need to visit Guest Services and deposit $30 cash per person per cruise day (applies to all guests 18 years of age and over). Any excess deposit will be refunded to you at the end of the cruise. Traveller's checks may be cashed at Guest Services. Personal checks are not accepted on board.
There is not an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) available on board.
It is normal practice to present a Credit / Debit Card upon check -in to your cruise ship, to cover any extras incurred during your stay. If you do not have a credit card, you may be asked for a cash deposit.
You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any extras not mentioned on your itinerary and personal purchases, such as souvenirs, extra drinks and snacks. Approximately £400-500 per person should be sufficient for the duration of your Cruise. Please also bear in mind that there will be several shopping opportunities throughout your tour.
Tipping
The Crew Appreciation charge is paid to Holland America Line team members and represents an important part of their compensation. An 18% service charge is automatically applied to all beverage purchases, bar retail items, specialty restaurant cover charges, all for-purchase a la carte menu items, and all Spa & Salon services. Local sales taxes are applied where required.
Tipping is customary on many cruise lines. Holland America recommend approximately $17 per person per day, known as the Crew Appreciation daily and this is added to your onboard account.
*The charges are subject to change without notice.
The maximum number of travellers on your cruise will be dependent upon the Cruise ship capacity. (2,106 max cruise capacity). Please note: your cruise is shared with international clients from other companies.
There is no minimum number of travellers for this extension however the main tour passenger numbers will apply for the main part of the tour. If in the unlikely event there are less than the required number of people booked on your main tour date then you may be asked to change to a different date. A full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.
Excursions during your cruise are in shared services, meaning that these excursions are not exclusive to Mercury Holidays customers, you will have an English-Speaking local guide present during these excursions ensuring that you always have first-hand knowledge. This guide will only be available during excursions.
Your stay in Vancouver is not escorted by a tour guide. All internal transfers are included. Disembark at Vancouver’s port at 9.30am, where your driver will be waiting for you with a sign with your name on it. On the day of your departure, your driver will then meet you at your hotel at 5 pm. You will be transferred to the airport for your return flight back to the UK.
Your accommodation is selected for convenience, location, comfort or character, and can range from business hotels to leisure hotels. Hotel accommodation is generally rated as local three to four-star standard, but please note there is no international classification system for hotels, and differences in facilities and quality do exist compared to what you might expect in the UK. All group tours hotels have private bathroom facilities and air-conditioning, where needed. Rest assured that all accommodation used by Mercury Holidays is regularly inspected by our staff and partners to ensure that standards meet your needs.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner is aboard the cruise ship where are number of dining options are available.
Vegetarian and Vegan meals can be catered for.Please contact Customer Experience for questions about other dietary requirements or allergy information.
It is not recommended to drink the tap water, even in developed counties water may contain unfamiliar elements that can cause upset stomachs. In less developed countries water is not filtered in the same way as the UK. Bottled Water will be available to purchase at Shops, Hotels & Lodges.
Most evenings smart casual attire is appropriate. Shorts, pool/beachwear, distressed jeans and men’s tank tops are best left to the daytime and are not permitted in fine dining restaurants.
Dressy Nights evoke the grand traditions of cruising as guests dress to impress for special events on board, including our five-course gourmet dinner in the Dining Room. For gentlemen, collared shirts and slacks are required in all fine dining restaurants. Jacket and Tie is the preferred attire in all fine dining restaurants, but it is not an essential requirement.
On your arrival in Vancouver, you will be met by your driver at the exit, after baggage claim. The driver will be holding a sign displaying your name.
Boarding Procedures
Guests are encouraged to complete the Online Check-in process at hollandamerica.com and, if possible, download the Holland America Line Navigator App. Once Online Check-in is complete, travellers should either print their Boarding Pass or access the electronic version via the Navigator App.
At the pier, guests must present their Boarding Pass, have their passports and applicable visas verified, and have their photo taken if one was not uploaded through the app. Stateroom keycards will be delivered directly to staterooms.
Important Notes:
• Online Check-in must be completed prior to the sail date. • Required documents for check-in include: o Boarding Pass (available via Express Docs) o Proof of citizenship o Applicable visas
To comply with U.S. security regulations, Holland America must submit guest information to law enforcement at least 60 minutes before departure. This requires all information to be submitted no later than 90 minutes before the ship’s departure. Guests who do not complete Online Check-in beforehand or arrive late to the terminal risk being unable to board. Costs incurred to join the vessel at the next port will be the guest’s responsibility.
Ship Identification Card:
Upon completing check-in, guests will receive a ship ID card, which serves as identification for embarkation, disembarkation, onboard purchases, and access to staterooms. When boarding or leaving the ship, guests should carry their ship ID card along with a government-issued photo ID. Terminal security may also require a valid picture ID.
Embarkation Details:
Boarding begins at 12:00 p.m., and all guests must check in no later than 90 minutes before the published sailing time. Passports will be collected during check-in for secure handling by staff, as some ports require face-to-face immigration inspections. Guests are encouraged to bring photocopies of their passport pages as a precaution.
Although embarkation may start as early as 11:30 a.m., preparation of staterooms will be underway, with readiness anticipated by approximately 1:00 p.m. Guests are welcome to relax in bar, lounge, or pool areas while waiting. Checked baggage will be delivered to staterooms later in the afternoon.
Holland America ensures an organised and seamless embarkation process, allowing guests to start their cruise stress-free.
After disembarking the cruise, you can leave your luggage at Westcoast Sightseeing ground transportation desk located inside the cruise ship terminal. This service is at an additional fee and payable directly to Westcoast Sightseeing. It is open daily from 8am to 5pm on cruise ship days.
You will need to collect your luggage at the cruise ship terminal no later than 4pm. (You will not be able to collect after this time). Your driver will meet you at 999 Canada Place Vancouver – Welcome Centre (look for the giant maple leaf), in case of any problems please contact the 24hr contact number.
If you need to contact your representative during your stay the details are as follows:
Emergency contact information For any questions about transfers, please call Blacklane. 24 hr contact number: 001 415 429 1027 For any other queries, please call Go West Tours. 24 hr contact number: 001 415 235 1171
