Things to do on a cruise to Alaska on Holland America’s Eurodam

Holland America Line continues to build an immersive program that showcases Alaska in all its splendor and grandeur. Their six ships explore Alaska, each offering unique itineraries and onboard amenities. All their ships are created differently! Research is necessary to choose the best cruise and itinerary for your time and budget. But you can’t go wrong! They all bring Alaska to your front porch.

I rode the Eurodam in September, late in the season. It was a seven-day Alaska Explorer cruise that departed and returned to Seattle, Washington. Highlights included Stephens Passage and Glacier Bay National Park—amazing!

Here is my list of things to do in Eurodam. Be aware – there are so many ways to make your information that your list is completely unique. That makes HAL (Holland America) the best cruise line: you can make your cruise… your own.

Meet at the Rolling Stone Lounge

HAL is known for its brilliant live music. Its Pinnacle Class ships include “Music Cruises,” featuring BB King’s Blues Club, among others. Eurodam had favorites like the Rolling Stone Lounge and Billboard Onboard.

I met my husband at the Rolling Stone Lounge the first night, and we went every night after that. The team had a great lineup. They can play everything from Gladis Night and the Pips to Jimmy Hendrix (my husband’s favorite) to Hall and Oats (my favorite) to Jimmy Buffet.

How the cruisers had no rhythm, they did it with enthusiasm! At night, the Rolling Stone Lounge rocked the ship. The dance floor was a judgment free place where everyone was there to have fun.

Don’t miss Alaska Port Profiles

Go to Alaska Port Profiles on the first day of the World Stage. If you miss that, watch them on TV in your room. We looked at the Port Profiles for each port as we approached the port. Seeing them simultaneously on the big screen on the first day is a better option.

Do it or not? Unlimited class pass

An unlimited class pass gives you access to all exercise classes at the gym. The amount of this depends on the fitness staff on each boat. On this cruise, I found the classes basic and boring. However, I have done this on other Holland boats and found it to be quite the opposite. I recommend trying a few free classes before signing up for a pass.

Plus, if you prefer to do your thing with weights and machines, the gym is great—the view is even better!

Take advantage of learning opportunities

My husband dipped into a Thai Chi class several times during the trip. Although not a beginner, there were quite a few sailors, and the teacher did a good job of taking care of the mixed-ability class.

Holland has an official partnership with the Pickle Ball Association. I learned how to serve, score, and play in general while riding. It’s a great way to meet other sailors and enjoy the game while floating past the jaw-dropping scenery.

The donations are almost endless. Take the Modern Brush Book a class in the Art Studio, get together for a game of Mah Jongg in the Crows Nest, see how to make a Barbeque Salmon Bowl from the ship’s chef, learn about artists Peter Max or Thomas Kinkade, take your turn in a dance class.

Do: You must! Go to “We love Alaska”.

Each day inside the Eurodam, there was a We Love (heart-shaped) Alaska offering. This usually takes place on the World Stage, and in less than an hour, learn something about Alaska, its heritage, history, food, wildlife, harbors, and native people. The beautiful use of “We Love Alaska” inspires your journey and gives you a sense of place beyond the ship.

Sign up for a special meal that speaks to your palette

We love creative Asian cuisine, so we made sure to eat at Tamarind, known for its Pan-Asian Cuisine. The meal was a mix of artfully plated, colorful and healthy dishes. Delicious cocktails from Master Mixologist Dale Degroff kick off the extraordinary dining experience.

The number of restaurants on board is different. For a moderate charge, you get a dining experience outside of the main dining room, which often includes interesting food and bespoke service. It’s worth it!

Room service? Yes, please!

At the beginning of your trip, inform your manager that you would like to decline service. Having a nightly turndown is a five-star luxury experience, and it can be yours at no extra charge, why not?!

The same goes for room service. Fill your favorite card with breakfast, and a beautiful tray will be delivered to you the next morning. Sip your coffee while the beauty of Alaska passes by.

Song, dance, comedy: See the show on the world stage

Hyperion Knight (yes, his real name) was on the world stage a few nights during our tour. His acerbic delivery was hilarious, and his show was informative and entertaining. Hyperion explained how different genres of music connect and overlap. I didn’t know that Rachmaninoff was considered the most difficult composer to play or that he had fled Russia to Hollywood. At times disjointed and humorous background slides of distant places accompanied by his world-class piano playing (think Liberace), I was educated, tickled, and charmed. And that’s just one player. The World Stage featured song, dance, and comedy shows at night.

Need more time for your to-do list? Holland America offers 14-day and 28-day cruises

This is just a breakdown of what Holland America Alaskan cruises have to offer. If you’re a foodie, there are plenty of culinary delights to dig into–Dutch Tea to Nami Sushi to Alaska Sea Boil. If you dream of winning the ping pong tournament, come to the Lido deck and have fun while watching whales basking near the boat.

For the purpose of this article, I am focusing on the Eurodam vessel. But unusual adventures from all HAL ships abound, and using them allows you to live the legend of your Alaskan explorers.

“We’re continuing to build an Alaska program unlike any other in the industry, a highly immersive, hands-on experience in all the luxury that brings cruise passengers to Alaska,” said Dan Rough, vice president of finance for Holland America Line. “Whether we’re chatting with a park ranger while overlooking Glacier Bay, joining a whale-watching excursion or enjoying local fish fresh off the boat, we want our guests to come home from vacation feeling inspired.”

We’re back from our Alaska Explorer trip with thousands of photos. No matter what we were doing on the ship, there was always a view beyond—the sunrise over the islands, the moon on the water, the huge wake of the boat as we left the icebergs in the distance, the icebergs, the whales, the crocodiles. , bald. Yes, we felt inspired… and humbled by the beauty of Alaska and Mother Nature.

Cathie Arquilla

Cathie Arquilla is a travel writer from New York City. When she’s not traveling, she helps women look their best as a NYC fashion stylist.