Trans-Canada Explorer + Alaska Cruise (Zuiderdam)
The best of Canada from East to West followed by a cruise of the awe-inspiring Inside Passage and on to Alaska - this ultimate experience reveals the beauty and diversity of this extraordinary environment.
Your Itinerary
DAY 1: UK - Toronto.
Fly to Toronto where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.
DAY 2: Toronto - Niagara Falls - Toronto.
See Toronto's major landmarks today, including the CN Tower and Roger's Stadium. Later, visit thundering Niagara Falls. View the falls from above and onboard the Maid of the Mist, for a close up view from the river below the falls.
DAY 3: Toronto - Kingston - Ivy Lea - Ottawa.
Leave Ontario's capital and stop in Kingston, a city with an exciting history dating back more than 300 years. Continue to quaint Gananoque and Ivy Lea, where you'll enjoy a scenic cruise along the St Lawrence River, past wooded islands dotted with beautiful summer homes. Then proceed along the St Lawrence River to Ottawa, standing at the confluence of the Ottawa, Gatineau and Rideau rivers.
DAY 4: Ottawa.
This morning see the Canadian Mint, the embassy district, stately Parliament Hill and Rideau Falls. Also visit the Royal Canadian Mounted Police stables, a living tribute to Canadian heritage and history. Suggestions for this afternoon include a visit to the magnificent Canadian Museum of Civilisation or the array of restaurants and shops at the lively Byward Market.
DAY 5: Ottawa - Quebec City area.
We head into the French-Canadian province of Quebec, where you'll notice a sudden change in language and tradition. A late afternoon arrival in historic Quebec City, the heart of French Canada and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
DAY 6: Quebec City area.
This morning take an optional excursion to Erabliere le Chemin du Roy Sugar Cabin for breakfast and a guided visit with a presentation about maple extraction. Afterwards return to Quebec City for a guided tour of Canada's only walled city, crowned by the great turrets of the Chateau Frontenac. Within the walls is the Place d'Armes, the Laval Seminary, the star-plan Citadelle and ancient Place Royale. Also see the stone houses crowding the narrow streets of Lower Town by the St Lawrence River and the historic Plains of Abraham.
DAY 7: Quebec City area - Montreal.
Head south, and late this morning cosmopolitan Montreal comes into view. As you enter the world's second largest French-speaking city, you'll see the canted tower of the Olympic Stadium. Major attractions on this afternoon's sightseeing tour include once walled Old Montreal, Notre Dame Basilica, the Seminary of St Sulpice, Mont Royal and modern Montreal. In the evening be sure to try out one of the many sidewalk cafés.
DAY 8: Montreal - Calgary.
Transfer to Montreal airport for your flight to Calgary, Canada's 'cowboy' capital.
DAY 9: Calgary - Banff.
On your included tour you will see many of the city's attractions, including downtown, Fort Calgary, the Olympic Ski Jump and the Saddledome. Afterwards head through the foothills and into Banff National Park, gateway to the majestic Canadian Rockies. On arrival join the optional excursion to Sulphur Mountain for a thrilling gondola ride.
DAY 10: Banff.
With the day free, perhaps take the optional helicopter ride high over the Canadian Rockies, or visit one of Banff's many natural features including hot springs, hoodoos, lakes and waterfalls.
DAY 11: Banff - Lake Louise - Jasper.
A day of scenic grandeur. First to Lake Louise: its cold turquoise waters are a perfect natural mirror reflecting the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Precipitous gorges, snow-capped mountain ranges and lakes of exquisite blues and greens come into view as the coach scales two mountain passes. Another highlight today is a stop for a snowcoach ride on the 1200-foot-thick Columbia Icefield. Afterwards enjoy an orientation tour of Jasper townsite upon arrival.
DAY 12: Jasper - Mount Robson - Kamloops.
Join the optional trip to Maligne Lake this morning, with a narrated cruise to Spirit Island. Then leave Jasper following the Fraser River to the base of spectacular Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Overnight in Kamloops.
DAY 13: Kamloops - ferry crossing - Victoria.
Travel through British Columbia's mountain region to its majestic Pacific coastline. This afternoon sail across the Strait of Georgia through the spectacular Gulf Islands to Victoria. Sightseeing today includes world-famous Butchart Gardens, Bastion Square and Thunderbird Park with its unusual collection of totem poles.
DAY 14: Victoria.
The day is yours to explore Victoria further at your own pace. There are many sightseeing attractions to experience, including the Royal British Columbia Museum, afternoon tea at the Empress Hotel, whale watching and shopping along Government Street.
DAY 15: Victoria - Vancouver.
Board the ferry to the British Columbia mainland. On arrival it's a short drive to Vancouver, where city sightseeing includes Stanley Park, Gastown and Chinatown. The remainder of the day is free.
DAY 16: Vancouver.
Your Tour Director will have a wealth of suggestions to enhance your day in Vancouver.
DAY 17: MS Zuiderdam Cruise - Departure.
You'll be driven to the Holland America Line Cruise terminal for embarkation. Sailing time is around 5pm. This evening enjoy a lavish a-la-carte dinner. (D)
DAY 18: Inside Passage cruising.
The beauty of the Inside Passage will amaze you as you cruise past 1,000 miles of epic scenery, towering glaciated mountains, roaring waterfalls, endless islands and virgin forests. There is also plenty of animal and marine life to look out for: sea lions, eagles and porpoises. (B, L, D)
DAY 19: Juneau.
An afternoon arrival in Juneau, Alaska's capital. The city has a gold rush story to rival that of Klondike, and is only accessible by seaplane or boat. An optional wildlife cruise and salmon fishing will normally be available, and you'll also have the opportunity to take an optional excursion to Juneau's own glacier, Mendenhall. This impressive river of blue ice is about 1.5 miles wide and over 12 miles long! (B, L, D)
DAY 20: Skagway.
Morning arrival in Skagway, Alaska's gateway to the Klondike Gold Rush in Canada's Yukon. Skagway was the turbulent staging point for prospectors and still has old-fashioned weathered boardwalks and old-time saloons. Optional sightseeing includes a ride in a vintage parlour car to see the White Pass and Yukon route. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore some more, before setting sail again late this evening. (B, L, D)
DAY 21: Glacier Bay.
Cruise into spectacular Glacier Bay early this morning, where forests give way to a rugged landscape rising to rocky peaks. Sixteen huge mountains converge to create an awe-inspiring panoramic wonder, a dramatic scene of awesome glaciers and massive icebergs. Wildlife is abundant, and you may spot eagles, seals, mountain goats, moose and bears in their natural habitat. (B, L, D)
DAY 22: Ketchikan.
A morning arrival in colourful Ketchikan, situated on Revillagigedo Island and known as the 'salmon capital of the world'. Here, a picturesque harbour shelters fishing boats and seaplanes. A wide choice of optional excursions will be available, including an outing to see Indian Heritage Villages, Totem Bight State Park and 'flightseeing' to Misty Fjords National Monument. Evening departure from Ketchikan. (B, L, D)
DAY 23: At sea.
Continue cruising south along British Columbia's spectacular coastline. Animal and marine life are abundant in this area and with a little luck you may spot a pod of graceful orca whales. (B, L, D)
DAY 24: Vancouver - UK.
On arrival at the cruise terminal, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to the UK, or extend your stay in Vancouver. (B)
DAY 25: Home landing in the UK.
Your Holiday Map
Trans-Canada Explorer + Alaska Cruise (Zuiderdam)
MS Volendam
Embodying Holland America Line's 'Signature of Excellence', MS Volendam is equipped with the most modern technologies and provides a good selection of amenities, facilities and entertainment. Decorated throughout with a garden motif, floral attributes can be found in abundance ranging from priceless paintings and sculpture, to sumptuous fabrics and bouquets of fresh flowers. Accommodating 1,432 passengers in bright, comfortable cabins, MS Volendam also offers elegant public areas and fine dining - ideal for luxurious cruising.
Public Rooms & Facilities
2 pools (one with sliding glass roof); 2 whirlpools; main dining room; Lido Restaurant; Pinnacle Grill; casual Italian Canaletto; Terrace Grill; 5 bars including Piano and Wine tasting; 3 lounges; internet café; show lounge; tennis and basketball courts; spa and beauty salon; thermal suite; fitness centre and aerobics; Wajang Theatre and Culinary Arts Center; shops; casino; art and photo galleries; launderette; 12 lifts; reception.
Dining
Your cruise includes full board. The main Rotterdam Dining Room has a wide choice of menus with most passengers opting for smart casual dress in the evenings. The Lido Restaurant and the Italian Canaletto offer casual dining most evenings, or guests can enjoy sophisticated dining in the reservations-only 'Pinnacle Grill' (additional cover charge per person applied to ship board account). Between meals there's a complimentary ice cream bar and the famous late night snack. Please note, we will automatically book early dining unless otherwise requested.
Cabins
All cabins have twin lower beds, convertible to 1 queen-sized bed (or one sofa bed and one Pullman bed); air-conditioning/climate control; flat-panel TV; DVD player; telephone; music system; and 24-hour room service. Inside cabins have a shower only while outside cabins have a shower and a bathtub. Your holiday price includes a category K inside cabin, or you may choose to upgrade.
Options/Upgrades
Cabin Categories & Descriptions:
K Large inside lower or middle deck cabin
E Large outside lower deck cabin with picture window
C Large outside middle deck cabin with picture window
AA Verandah Suite with whirlpool bath; sitting area; private verandah; minibar; fridge; floor-to-ceiling windows
Tipping
A gratuity of $11 per person per day for dining and cabin services will be automatically added to your shipboard account on a daily basis. A 15% service charge will be automatically added to your bar charges and dining room wine account.
MS Volendam
Category K Main or Lower Promenade Deck large inside cabin with 2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-sized bed
Category E Dolphin or Main Deck large outside cabin with 2 lower beds, bath and/or shower
Category C Lower Promenade deck large outside cabin with 2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-sized bed, bathtub & shower, and picture window
Category AA Verandah or Navigation Deck Verandah Suite with 2 lower beds, whirlpool bath, sitting area, private verandah, fridge, and floor to ceiling windows
Trans-Canada Explorer + Alaska Cruise (Zuiderdam) 23 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and departure month, update the calendar then select your holiday.
Trans-Canada Explorer + Alaska Cruise (Zuiderdam) 23 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and accommodation options. Then select your holiday from the grid.

| Date | Depart From | Price from PP | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26 Apr 2012 | London Heathrow |
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| 26 Apr 2012 | Newcastle |
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Trans-Canada Explorer + Alaska Cruise (Zuiderdam)
Price from £2999.00
Holiday Highlights
- Niagara Falls Maid of the Mist cruise
- St Lawrence Islands National Park Scenic cruise
- Banff National Park
- Columbia Icefield Snowcoach ride
- Victoria City tour including Butchart Gardens
- Vancouver
- Inside Passage Cruising
- Juneau
- Glacier Bay Cruising
- Ketchikan
Departures from
- Glasgow
- London Heathrow
- Newcastle
Departures between
26 Apr 2012 to 06 Sep 2012
NO HIDDEN EXTRAS: All prices shown include ALL compulsory charges (Fuel Supplement, Air Passenger Duty & Flight Supplement where applicable). Book with confidence: We are members of ABTA and all our air-inclusive holidays are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme
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