Alaskan Awe & Wonder: A Journey on the Koningsdam
(23 Reviews)
100% Recommended
KELLY IRELAND
Lakewood, CO
Alaska Caribbean Europe - Ocean & River Cruises
I'm Kelly, a Nexion / Travel Leaders Trusted Travel Advisor, and my passion lies in finding the Ocean or River Cruise vacation that best matches your vision. With over 26 personal cruise experiences across all major cruise lines, I bring invaluabl...
I'm Kelly, a Nexion / Travel Leaders Trusted Travel Advisor, and my passion lies in finding the Ocean or River Cruise vacation that best matches your vision. With over 26 personal cruise experiences across all major cruise lines, I bring invaluable firsthand knowledge to your travel planning.
With my extensive knowledge of destinations such as Alaska, the Caribbean, Europe, Mexico, the British Isles, the Mediterranean, and European Rivers. I offer rich insights and tailored recommendations for every client.
My firsthand experience and insider tips bring unique value to every journey. I demystify the entire process for first-time cruisers, making it easy and enjoyable. For seasoned travelers, I offer fresh perspectives and exciting new options. Under my guidance, families find hassle-free, multi-generational experiences. I manage group details and dynamics expertly using my promotion and event planning skills, which I have perfected during my 17 years as the marketing manager/director in the casino hospitality industry.
My professional achievements underscore my commitment to excellence. I hold Master Cruise Counselor, River Cruise, and Cruise Group Certification from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). Additionally, I am a Verified Travel Agent certified by the American Society of Travel Advisers (ASTA). These certifications, respected across the travel industry, attest to my unwavering dedication to providing top-notch service.
Attentive preparation is critical to a seamless travel experience. Before booking, we meet to discuss your expectations, desires, ship amenities, restaurants, and tours. We keep in touch during the booking to ensure everything goes as planned and you are ready for embarkation. Before departure, I prepare a personalized travel packet consisting of a detailed itinerary, maps, addresses, printed confirmations, luggage tags, and boarding passes. We review this packet together, imagining the vacation step by step and addressing any questions or concerns. This gives you a confident departure so you can focus on the most essential part of a vacation: making memories. So, here's to Traveling Better and Confidently. Let's embark on your next great adventure together!
"Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did." - Mark Anthony Twain
Can Be Reached At
1-303-986-2808
Glacier Explorer Excursion
It was an early morning in Vancouver, and our room at the Pinnacle Hotel offered a front-row seat to the spectacle unfolding before us. The Koningsdam majestically approached Port, framed by the striking Canadian mountains and the twinkling lights of West Vancouver. As the sky burst into a bright orange, yellow, and red kaleidoscope, I knew this was just the beginning of an unforgettable adventure.
There is simply nothing like an Alaska cruise. Having experienced over twenty-five cruises, I confidently say Alaska tops the list. Our boarding process was a breeze despite the stringent Canadian restrictions. With smooth guidance from Holland America Line, we were aboard by 11:30 AM. By 1:00 PM, our luggage awaited us, and we received the green light to head to our spacious balcony cabin. The sail-away party buzzed with contagious energy. Canadian well-wishers lined the Lions Gate bridge, waving as we sailed under it to embark on our journey through the Alaska Inside Passage.
Day 1: Serenity and Scenic Beauty
Our first day cruising through the Inside Passage was serene and picturesque. Majestic mountains flanked us as we glided beneath a pristine blue sky. We called it an early night, eager for the magic awaiting us at Tracy Arm Glacier the next day.
Day 2: Glaciers and Whales – Nature’s Symphony
At 8:30 AM, we joined about 200 other passengers in the showroom. The ship anchored at the fjord's entrance, and we boarded a high-speed catamaran. We sped through ice fields and paused to watch a whale breaching silently. The glaciers awaited us, displaying shades of blue and white that were hard to fathom. The thunderous calving sounds seemed to echo from the heavens. With perfect weather, we marveled at the differences between the glaciers. Returning to Juneau, we couldn't resist a stop at the iconic Red Dog Saloon for a local brew, toasting our six-hour adventure.
Day 3: Skagway’s Golden Past
In Skagway, the morning was spent leisurely shopping and exploring the town. The afternoon brought a historic journey aboard the 120-year-old White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad. Our guide's narration painted a vivid picture of the Klondike Gold Rush as we traveled through black tunnels, sky-high trestles, and remote valleys with evocative names like Bridal Veil Falls and Dead Horse Gulch.
Day 4: Glacier Bay Grandeur Glacier Bay
greeted us like an old friend with its stunning vistas. Holland America had a National Park Ranger on board, narrating the adventure and pointing out wildlife. Glacier Bay’s dramatic landscape, described perfectly by the National Park Service, captivated us. From the deepest fjord to the highest peak, it’s a land that reawakens and inspires.
Day 5: Ketchikan’s Charm
Our final port of call was Ketchikan, where we delighted in the exhilarating Lumberjack Show and explored the charming town.
Day 6: Inside Passage Wonders
On our last day, we cruised through the Inside Passage, feeling so close to the land that it almost seemed within reach—the early morning of our final day in Vancouver brought a sense of profound contentment. As we gazed at the glittering lights of downtown, marking the end of our journey, we reflected on the incredible experience.
With Holland America Line as our exceptional host, we felt our spirits rejuvenated and our hearts full of gratitude. Alaska, you’ve been a dream.