Pick the RIGHT Holland America Ship for Alaska 2026

Planning a Holland America Alaska cruise in 2026? Choosing the right ship is NOT as simple as booking the newest one! With six Holland America ships sailing to Alaska in 2026, the experience can feel completely different depending on which ship and itinerary you choose. In this video, we break down the key differences between the Koningsdam, Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Westerdam, and Zaandam so you can confidently choose the best Holland America ship for your Alaska travel style. We’re not just comparing specs — we’re covering the decisions that matter most, including Seattle vs Vancouver departures, roundtrip vs one-way itineraries, and the ultimate Alaska glacier showdown between Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier, and Tracy Arm / Endicott Arm. Whether you're planning your first Alaska cruise or returning for a bucket-list trip, this guide will help you avoid common mistakes and pick the perfect ship for an unforgettable adventure. 🔔 Subscribe for more Alaska cruise tips: https://www.youtube.com/@cruisingwithkristie?sub_confirmation=1 00:00 - Round 1: Seattle vs. Vancouver Departures 04:49 -Round 2: Roundtrip vs. One-Way Itineraries 06:42 - Round 3: The "Big Three" Ports vs. Wildcards 10:45 - Round 4: Ship Classes (Pinnacle, Signature, Vista, R-Class) 11:51 - Round 5: Glacier Bay vs. Dawes Glacier WATCH NEXT: ❄️ The Ultimate Alaska Cruise Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEXn53w4tmF-4mmCkiv2rmYEvT0Db1YJS 🎒 Alaska Packing Guide: https://youtu.be/AcMjDvbu5S8?si=7hw_QUWNh6CFpntB 🎥 Juneau / Skagway / Ketchikan port guide: https://youtu.be/9cSykiXueAY?si=Tzql3mLa-_SwvI4g 8 Things We Wish We Knew Before Our Alaska Cruise Tour https://youtu.be/NSTBdPEAiaQ?si=_AmqfoQKjjayo3NN PDF to Port Times: Be sure to check the port times of your specific sailing before you book. file:///Users/kristiekuehnast/Downloads/Holland%20America%20Port%20Times.pdf The links below are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you choose to use them. Cruise Essentials 1. Magnet hooks and Strong Magnets https://amzn.to/3OngyQP and https://amzn.to/47ZZUQn 2. Hanging toiletry bags https://amzn.to/4kxxGSu 3. 2 ounce Travel sized containers for shampoo, conditioner, body wash, etc. https://amzn.to/4m7pOY3 4. Elastic Sleeves for leak proofing https://amzn.to/3rUKEn6 5. Foldable mesh hampers https://amzn.to/47i5E9W 6. Non surge protected power bars https://amzn.to/3rWPIrd 7. Mini fan https://amzn.to/43UDnkC 8. Motion detector night light https://amzn.to/43XLX1U 9. Poo-Pouri Toilet Spray https://amzn.to/3s0xVPD 10. Bonine Non-Drowsy Motion Sickness Medicine https://amzn.to/3JR78OR 11. Luggage Tags https://amzn.to/3OF2LpV 12. Downey Wrinkle Release https://amzn.to/3Ks6nsV 13. Packing Cubes (LOVE!) https://amzn.to/3Kps2Sw 14. USB C Charger Block (LOVE) https://amzn.to/4ctb15m 15. Space Saver Bags https://amzn.to/3HzWryT 16. Belkin BoostCharge Pro Flex Braided USB-C to USB-C Cable (3M/10FT) (Make sure that you have plugs for USB-C if you are purchasing this cable) https://amzn.to/4c7uHwk 17. iWALK Small Portable Charger 4500mAh Ultra-Compact Power Bank https://amzn.to/4340MkP 18. Gear Tie Reusable 3-Inch Rubber Twist Tie https://amzn.to/3PcmU6O 19.Luggage Scale https://amzn.to/48Jpo3e 20.Travel Toothbrush Head Covers with Suction Cup https://amzn.to/49WzuyM 21. Travel Toothbrush Head Cover for Oral B Electric or Regular Toothbrush https://amzn.to/4389ApN 22. Steripod Razor-Clip-On Razor Protector https://amzn.to/3IqA38p 23. WANDF Travel Backpack that goes under the seat https://amzn.to/4kKq5Qv 24. mixi Carry On Luggage https://amzn.to/3ZcrxTr