There are some trips you enjoy, and then there are trips that stay with you long after you’ve unpacked your suitcase. My Alaska cruise aboard the Holland America Eurodam was one of those vacations.
Before booking, I spent hours reading reviews, comparing cruise lines, and wondering if Holland America was the right choice. Was the ship too quiet? Would I be bored? Was it really worth paying a little more than some of the larger cruise lines?
Now that I’ve experienced it for myself, I can honestly say I understand why Holland America has such a loyal following among Alaska cruisers. While no cruise is perfect, Eurodam delivered exactly the kind of relaxing, scenic vacation I had hoped for, and in several ways, it exceeded my expectations.
If you’re considering sailing to Alaska on the Holland America Eurodam, here’s my honest review of what you can expect.
Why I Chose Holland America’s Eurodam for Alaska
When I started planning this cruise, I wasn’t looking for the biggest ship or the flashiest attractions. I wasn’t interested in waterslides, roller coasters, or crowded pool decks. Alaska, after all, is the attraction.
I wanted a cruise line that focused on the destination rather than trying to compete with it.
Holland America has been sailing Alaska since 1947, making it the longest-running cruise line in the region. Several things checked the box for me: 1) They dock right in the towns, making it easy to get off the ship, wander around town or get to the pickup point for your excursion. 2) It’s known for its deep history in the region and has built a reputation for immersive itineraries and outstanding Glacier Bay experiences. And finally, I have sailed on Holland before and really enjoy their excellent music venues and specialty dining restaurants. After comparing several cruise lines, it simply felt like the best fit for the type of vacation I wanted.
The Eurodam Alaska cruise is round-trip Seattle. If you’re flying from the U.S., choosing this departure port can significantly reduce your airfare costs, as opposed to flying out of Vancouver.
Seattle airport can get chaotic during the busy cruise season, so as always, I suggest arriving a day early and giving yourself at least four hours between embarkation and debarkation if you need to get to/from the airport. We missed our flight only because the lines were so long. It wasn’t just our ship arriving that day.
First Impressions of Holland America’s Eurodam
With a capacity of a little over 2100 guests, the Eurodam provides a classic cruise experience. The first thing I noticed wasn’t how beautiful the ship was, it was how calm everything felt. It has a serene vibe to it that I really enjoyed.
The port is only about 5-10 minutes from downtown Seattle, so uber or taxi is the easiest way to get around. Boarding was organized, the public areas never seemed chaotic, and within a short time I was already exploring the ship with a coffee in hand. Instead of loud music and constant announcements, the atmosphere felt relaxed and welcoming.
Holland America’s Eurodam isn’t one of the newest ships sailing Alaska, but that’s actually part of its charm. The décor has a classic elegance that feels timeless rather than trendy. Comfortable seating areas are everywhere, making it easy to sit with a drink and simply watch the scenery glide by.
One of my favorite places on the ship is the Crow’s Nest. You get a wonderful forward facing 270-degree panoramic view on the 11th deck. I enjoyed my specialty coffees while playing board games or just relaxing and taking in the view.
Our Verandah Cabin
For an Alaska cruise, I think a verandah cabin is one of the best upgrades you can make if it fits your budget. Nothing beats waking up in the morning, stepping outside with a cup of coffee and enjoying the scenery.
Some mornings there were dolphins. Other days it was mist hanging over snow-covered mountains or waterfalls cascading down cliffs.
I went in the latter part of May and at night it got quite chilly. As a matter of fact, at one point it was so windy we couldn’t be outside at all. Just be aware the weather changes quickly.
The cabin itself wasn’t oversized, but it was thoughtfully designed. There was enough storage for two people, the bed was comfortable, and everything was kept spotless throughout the cruise. Our cabin was towards the back of the ship on the 8th deck and although the sea was pretty rough a couple of nights, I hardly felt the rocking.
The bathroom was compact but perfectly functional.
Glacier Bay Was the Highlight of the Entire Cruise
Glacier Bay was truly one of the highlights of the cruise.
Photographs simply cannot capture the scale of what you’re seeing. Towering walls of brilliant blue ice stretch across the landscape while silence settles over the ship. Every passenger seems to instinctively stop talking as everyone soaks in the breathtaking landscapes.
The Eurodam makes a U-turn around the bay, so you’ll be able to see all around. Be prepared with your camera because in front of you you’ll have the stunning blue ice, above you a soaring eagle and if you’re lucky, below you a humpback whale.
If you’re comparing Alaska itineraries, I strongly recommend choosing one that includes Glacier Bay National Park. For me, it wasn’t just the highlight of the cruise, it was one of the most unforgettable travel experiences I’ve ever had.
Dining on Eurodam
Food is always subjective, but overall, I was very pleased with the dining experience.
The Main Dining Room offered a nice variety of dishes, and I appreciated that meals never felt rushed. Dinner became part of the day’s experience rather than simply something to check off the schedule.
I also found myself returning to the Lido Market more often than I expected. The selection changed throughout the day, making it easy to find something whether I wanted a light breakfast before an excursion or a relaxed lunch after returning to the ship.
One thing I especially appreciated was the attentive service. The crew quickly remembered our preferences, and by the middle of the cruise it felt like dining with familiar faces.
Holland America has won multiple dining awards, including “Best Cruise for Overall Cuisine” and I can attest to that. Two of my favorite specialty dining restaurants are The Pinnacle Grill and Tamarind, with its Pan-Asian cuisine was outstanding. If you buy the “Have it All” package, be sure to take advantage of the specialty dining options included. That alone makes the package worth the value.
The Entertainment Was Better Than I Expected
One misconception about Holland America is that evenings are boring. It’s for old people. While most of the guests looked retired, I saw plenty of 30-40-50 year olds. As a matter of fact, I went with my 30 year old son and he had a blast. But if you’re looking for a party cruise, this one is not for you.
Instead of high-energy production shows every night, The Eurodam offered a mix of live music, entertainment, and smaller venues that created a more intimate atmosphere. The dueling pianos are great fun as everyone joins along, but my favorite is the B.B King’s Blues Club. It features great blues bands and amazing singers.
You can also enjoy the destination onboard programs. Experts provide guides on local wildlife, explain the science of glaciers and park rangers come directly onboard the ship to share stories about the area.
After spending a full day exploring ports or watching glaciers, I appreciated that evenings were entertaining without feeling overwhelmed.
The Alaska Ports Were All Different
One of the things I loved most about this itinerary was that every port had its own personality. For me, the itinerary was the most important thing. All this to say, book your shore excursions early because the best ones sell out early. In Alaska, this is definitely the case.
Juneau offered beautiful mountain scenery and opportunities for unforgettable whale-watching excursions. Definitely do the Whales and Mendenhall Glacier excursion if you can. It is amazing to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Another must is Tracy’s King Crab Shack about 5 minutes from the port.
Skagway transported us back to the Gold Rush era, with its wooden sidewalks and historic buildings. If you’re considering the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad excursion, I can easily see why it’s one of Alaska’s most popular experiences.
Ketchikan felt colorful, charming, and incredibly walkable. Between Creek Street, local shops, and waterfront views, it was easy to spend several enjoyable hours simply wandering. In Sitka be sure to go to the Alaskan Raptor Rehab center.
Alaska cruise excursions sell out fast. I made the mistake of waiting, hoping the price would drop but I wasn’t able to book the ones I wanted. I always compare the cruise lines prices with the Shore Excursions Group because you can usually get a better price and they have a guarantee return to shope.
Is Holland America Eurodam Good for Travelers Over 50?
Absolutely. In fact, I think this is where Holland America truly shines. The onboard destination programs and expert seminars give you a deeper understanding of Alaska’s history, wildlife, and culture. It’s those little extras that make the experience feel richer, more memorable, and much more than just another cruise.
The atmosphere is relaxed without ever feeling dull. The ship is easy to navigate, announcements are minimal, and there are plenty of quiet spaces to read, enjoy the scenery, or simply have a conversation.
Many passengers were experienced travelers who genuinely wanted to experience Alaska rather than spend every waking hour participating in onboard activities.
For retirees, couples, and anyone looking for a slower-paced vacation, The Eurodam feels like a wonderful match.
Would I Cruise on Eurodam Again?
Without question. Would I choose it if I were traveling with grandchildren who wanted water slides and laser tag? Probably not.
But for an Alaska cruise where the scenery is the main attraction, I think Holland America strikes an excellent balance between comfort, service, and destination-focused travel.
I came home with hundreds of photos, wonderful memories, and a much greater appreciation for Alaska’s incredible beauty.
Final Thoughts
Choosing an Alaska cruise can feel overwhelming because there are so many ships and itineraries to compare. After sailing on the Holland America Eurodam, I understand why this cruise line has become one of the most respected names in Alaska travel.
From the breathtaking day in Glacier Bay to the warm, attentive service onboard, this cruise reminded me that travel doesn’t always have to be fast-paced to be unforgettable. Sometimes the best memories come from standing quietly on your balcony, coffee in hand, watching the wilderness unfold around you.
If you’re looking for a relaxing Alaska cruise that focuses on incredible scenery, thoughtful service, and an itinerary designed to showcase the very best of the Last Frontier, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the Holland America Eurodam.
As always, be sure to purchase travel insurance to protect your cruise investment. Here are my recommendations: Best Travel Insurance for Seniors
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Holland America Eurodam a good ship for an Alaska cruise?
Yes. Eurodam is well suited for Alaska thanks to its comfortable atmosphere, destination-focused itineraries, and excellent Glacier Bay sailings.
Is Holland America good for first-time Alaska cruisers?
Absolutely. Holland America is the expert on Alaska, and because of their longstanding relationship they are allowed to dock right in town, while other cruise lines must bus their guests into town. The relaxed pace, knowledgeable crew, and thoughtfully planned itineraries make it a great choice for first-time visitors.
Is a verandah cabin worth it on Eurodam?
If your budget allows, I believe so. Having your own private space to watch glaciers, wildlife, and Alaska’s stunning scenery adds another level to the experience. But if you decide on another type of cabin you can watch the scenery from the Crows Nest, the Lower Promenade Deck or the open air bow-forward decks.
Would I choose Holland America again?
Yes. I am thinking of doing the cruise again, simply because there is so much to see and learn about Alaska. Although this time I might do an open loop Vancouver to Anchorage-also with Holland. This will allow for more time in Alaska. Or I might go on the Cruise and Land Tour, with a stop in Denali National Park. Stay Tuned!
For more information on Alaska, checkout the Best Alaska Cruises for Seniors (2026 Guide) A Comparison
Not sure what cabin suits you best? Read Best Cruise Cabins for Senior Travelers: How to Choose the Right Stateroom for a Comfortable Voyage
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Happy Sailing! Evie
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