When the United States purchased Alaska in 1867, the purchase was initially ridiculed as "Seward's Folly," by those who saw the vast wilderness as nothing more than a frozen wasteland, before the region's immense economic potential came to light. Beneath its vast landscapes lies an abundance of natural resources, famously launched into global prominence by the 1890s Klondike Gold Rush and later sustained by massive reserves of oil, natural gas, timber, and commercial fisheries.
But Alaska's rich history began long before, with its diverse Indigenous peoples, including the Inupiat, Yup'ik, Aleut, Tlingit, Haida, and Athabascan groups, whose ancestral ties to the land date back tens of thousands of years.
Traditionally categorized into five major linguistic and cultural groups—Alaska Natives—these populations developed sophisticated societies finely tuned to some of the most challenging environments on Earth. In spite of the challenges, these groups have successfully persevered, passing down their knowledge and traditions to future generations, creating a cultural richness that enhances Alaska's identity.
Today, Alaska is a premier destination for global tourism, highly sought after for its stunning wilderness, featuring majestic mountains, expansive glaciers, and pristine coastlines, drawing millions of tourists each year. Visitors flock to Alaska for experiences such as wildlife viewing, fishing, hiking, and exploring national parks like Denali and Glacier Bay. The chance to witness phenomena like the Northern Lights or partake in unique local traditions adds to its allure.
June in Alaska
While winters in Alaska are known for the northern lights, during the summer months—particularly around the summer solstice in June—the sun remains visible for 24 hours a day in Alaska's northern regions, bathing the landscape in perpetual daylight. Even further south in areas, visitors can experience long, luminous twilight hours where the sun dips below the horizon for only a brief period, creating endless days, and a uniquely surreal atmosphere.
June is also an excellent time to cruise Alaska, offering warmer weather, and lower rainfall compared to late summer. It is peak season for wildlife viewing, including whales and bears, with fewer crowds.
Launched as Holland America Line's first Signature-class ship, the m/s Eurodam bridges classic maritime tradition with contemporary elegance, offering spacious decks and an extensive art collection celebrating Dutch heritage. Accommodating roughly 2,100 guests, the mid-sized vessel maintains Holland America Line's high standards for which the cruise line is renown: Exquisite cuisine guided by some of the world’s leading chefs; distinguished wine and spirits experts bringing unsurpassed skill to every dining venue, lounge, and bar; gracious, award-winning service; superbly appointed staterooms; and a mastery of the details that reflect on the line’s history that keeps guests returning again and again.
While on board, guests are presented with a number of daily activities, and nighttime entertainment options, including Holland America's signature Music Walk experience featuring live performances at the Rolling Stone Lounge and Billboard Onboard. Take in a Broadway-style show at the World Stage. Try your luck in the casino. Or shop for designer jewelry in the duty-free shops.
World Stage is home to a variety of performances day and night, surrounding you in spectacular sight and sound with a two-story, panoramic LED screen.
2 pianos - 60 Years of Chart Toppers - 100s Of Songs. Sing along, test your music trivia skills or just sit back and enjoy as the hits fill the room each night.
When you’re ready to rock, head to the Rolling Stone Lounge, the ultimate live music venue at sea. Hear your favorite classic hits, right from Rolling Stone magazine’s top song lists.
Eurodam elevates the dining experience as well, offering nine restaurants (both complimentary and specialty), serving a multitude of traditional and contemporary cuisine to satisfy any palate - from classics like burgers and fries served poolside to innovative culinary experiences.
Complimentary dining options include: The Dining Room (Main Dining), Dive In (Poolside Grill), New York Pizza & Deli (Casual Dining), and the Lido Market (buffet).
Specialty restaurants include: Canaletto (Italian), Morimoto by Sea (Seafood Specialties), Morimoto by Sea Sushi (Sushi), Pinnacle Grill (Steakhouse), and Tamarind (Pan Asian).
Note that an additional fee applies to all specialty restaurants.
Staterooms on board the Eurodam are the definition of “understated elegance”, and feature Holland America Line’s signature Mariner’s Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses.
Other amenities include: a sitting area, shower with premium massage showerhead, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a private verandah ideal for viewing Alaska's vast landscapes.
Your dream vacation includes all of the features that you have come to expect from Brandon Company, including round-trip air into Fairbanks, Alaska, and returning from Vancouver, British Columbia; three-day Alaska interior tour prior to your cruise; deluxe accommodations in Fairbanks and Denali; daily breakfast and dinner allowance during your interior tour; Denali Natural History tour; One-way transfer from Denali to Whittier via the McKinley Explorer train; Deluxe oceanview staterooms on board the Holland American Eurodam; all meals as served on board the ship; round-trip transfers throughout; all baggage handling; gratuities and travel-related taxes throughout; and so much more.
We've even included Holland America Line's "Have it All" package which includes a shore excursion credit, upgraded elite beverage package, one night specialty dining, and complimentary Wi-fi on board. (Some conditions apply.)
Contact your local Brandon Company territory manager for complete details.
Below is a brief outline of your itinerary. Click on the dates below to see a brief summary of each day's activities. While some details may change, this will give you a good idea of what to expect.
Arrive in Fairbanks, Alaska.
Transfer to the hotel and check in.
Remainder of the day at leisure to explore Fairbanks.
Dine around evening in Fairbanks.
Overnight in Fairbanks.
Breakfast at leisure in the hotel.
Depart Fairbanks for Denali National Park.
Denali National Park tour.
Dine around evening in Denali.
Overnight in Denali.
Breakfast at leisure in the hotel.
Depart for Whittier, Alaska via the McKinley Explorer train.
Afternoon arrival in Whittier and Eurodam embarkation.
Remainder of the day at leisure on board.
Evening departure for Hubbard Glacier.
Private Brandon cocktail reception.
Dinner on board.
Overnight on board.
Breakfast on board.
Scenic cruising of Hubbard Glacier.
Dinner on board.
Overnight on board.
Breakfast on board.
Scenic cruising of Glacier Bay National Park.
Dinner on board.
Overnight on board.
Breakfast on board.
Morning arrival in Skagway, Alaska.
Dinner on board.
Evening departure for Juneau, Alaska.
Overnight on board.
Breakfast on board.
Morning arrival in Juneau.
Dinner on board.
Evening departure for Ketchikan, Alaska.
Overnight on board.
Breakfast on board.
Morning arrival in Ketchikan.
Dinner on board.
Evening departure for Vancouver, British Columbia.
Overnight on board.
Breakfast on board.
Full day at sea cruising through Alaska's Inside Passage.
Private Brandon cocktail reception.
Dinner on board.
Overnight on board.
Breakfast on board.
Disembark and transfer to Vancouver airport for flights home.
Fairbanks, Alaska (Port of Call)
Denali National Park (Port of Call)
Skagway, Alaska (Port of Call)
Juneau, Alaska (Port of Call)
Ketchikan, Alaska (Port of Call)
