Westerdam: 14-Night Cruise from Vancouver - May 9, 2027

You'll have 8 hours hours to explore Ketchikan, Alaska, from 6:30 AM to 3:00 PM - a solid full day ashore. That's enough for 2-3 attractions and a sit-down lunch without rushing. Tackle the most distant spot first, then work your way back toward the port. Waterproof layers are essential, as rain is common even in summer.

The Westerdam is a mid-sized ship, which means excursion options in Juneau, Alaska are plentiful. Plan your top priorities in advance and you'll generally find services accessible without long waits. Mendenhall Glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska and a must see for first time visitors.

Your ship arrives in Skagway, Alaska at 7:00 AM, one of the most common arrival windows. If you've booked a morning excursion, aim to be among the first off. If your plans are flexible, waiting 30-45 minutes lets the initial wave pass. Board the historic narrow-gauge railway for a breathtaking journey through mountains, waterfalls, and canyons.

The Westerdam is a mid-sized ship, which means excursion options in Whittier, Alaska are plentiful. Plan your top priorities in advance and you'll generally find services accessible without long waits. Boat tours through Prince William Sound are the highlight of Whittier.

With 14 hours hours in Skagway, Alaska - from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM - you have a full day ashore with room to breathe. Go beyond the typical tourist stops: neighborhoods, local dining, and cultural sites that most cruise visitors never reach. Leave time for unstructured wandering. Board the historic narrow-gauge railway for a breathtaking journey through mountains, waterfalls, and canyons.

The Westerdam is a mid-sized ship, which means excursion options in Juneau, Alaska are plentiful. Plan your top priorities in advance and you'll generally find services accessible without long waits. Mendenhall Glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska and a must see for first time visitors.

With a late arrival in Ketchikan, Alaska at 11:00 AM, your time ashore is more limited - but many morning passengers will already be heading back, so popular spots may be less crowded. Focus on attractions closest to the port. Ketchikan is one of the best places in Alaska to see totem poles and learn about Native cultures.

Your cruise ends in Vancouver, British Columbia, where the Westerdam is scheduled to dock at 7:00 AM. On a smaller ship, the disembarkation process moves quickly - most passengers are off within one to two hours. If you're flying out, book your flight at least four hours after the ship's scheduled arrival. Rich cultural offerings include museums, galleries, and indigenous heritage sites, making Vancouver a well-rounded destination that appeals to both adventure seekers and culture lovers.