This is a continuation of the daily programs from Holland America’s 7-Day Alaska Explorer cruise, sailing round trip from Seattle on the Eurodam. If you missed the post with programs from Day 1 and 2, find them here.
Day 3 Eurodam in Juneau, Alaska
Since the Eurodam does not arrive into Juneau, Alaska until 1 pm, there is a full schedule of activities on the ship in the morning. (There’s also the opportunity to sleep in for those who stayed up late the night before.)
A late-morning highlight we recommend is the 11:30 am Scenic Narration as the ship sails into the Gastineau Channel. The ship enters this scenic channel — that separates the mainland shore of Alaska from Douglas Island — roughly about 8 miles before arriving at Juneau. On a sunny day, it is a great view from your balcony or the wrap-around walking promenade on deck 4 of the Eurodam.
Once the ship arrives in Juneau, everyone tends to want to get off the ship fast; if you are not in a hurry to a shore excursion, take your time as the ship stays in port until 11 pm.
To learn more about this port, check out 20 Fun Facts About Juneau, Alaska.
Although the ship stays in port in Juneau until 11:00 pm (meaning all on board is 10:30 pm – do not be late), most folks come back to the ship for dinner. The ship generally docks right in front of downtown Juneau, so it is an easy walk if you want to get back off for once last drink at the infamous Red Dog Saloon.
Day 4 Eurodam in Glacier Bay
If the sun is out (and, even when it isn’t), we think the day the Eurodam spends sailing in Glacier Bay National Park is a highlight.
Since it is a national park, several park rangers board the ship at 7:30 am, and give narration throughout the day of the highlights as you sail past them.
Even if you have a private verandah, you should make your way to the ship’s bow on Deck 5, forward sometime between 8 am and 4 pm — as it is a rare chance to get out on the usually-restricted-to-crew-only area.
If you are out on the bow around 10 am, you will want to try the famous Dutch split pea soup served in paper cups to warm the crowd. By the way, even on a sunny day, it can be quite cold out there with all those glaciers. Dress warm, with a head covering and even light gloves. Learn more in what to pack for an Alaskan cruise.
On the bow in Glacier Bay 
Margerie Glacier
After Glacier Bay National Park, it is time for cocktail hour, dinner, and an evening of entertainment, or an early evening as you do not want to miss a minute of time in port tomorrow in Sitka, Alaska.
Classical music lovers should not miss the Lincoln Center performances on the Eurodam. They usually give three concerts most days, but the venue is somewhat small, so you want to arrive early for a good seat.
Day 5 Eurodam in Sitka, Alaska
Sitka is one of our favorite ports in Alaska: it has fantastic hiking trails through rain forest, terrific places to enjoy lunch, and fascinating history as Alaska’s capital city when the state was part of Russia. Learn 25 Fun Facts About Sitka, Alaska here.
Two key notes on Sitka:
- The port for Sitka is about 6 miles from the town. There is a free shuttle bus, but you do have to plan for the 10 to 15-minute transfer to and from the town, and time to wait for the bus, unless you are taking a tour.
- Sitka is in a rain forest; on average it rains three out of every five days; take a rain jacket and hat (and then it will NOT rain on you.)
For those into trivia, the daily Team Trivia Challenge is a popular activity. If you like to try different wines with food pairings, the “Sip & Savor” is a fun event each day — for $5 you get a glass of the featured wine and some delicious appetizer that pairs with it — learning while sipping.
All of the entertainment options are fantastic for this evening. One highlight that only occurs one time is the crew show, at 10:30 pm.
Click Here to continue to Daily Programs for Days 6 and Day 7 for Holland America’s 7-Day Alaska Explorer cruise, sailing round trip from Seattle on the Eurodam.
As you look at the schedules for Days 3, 4, and 5 on the Eurodam sailing to Alaska, have you thought about which port or scenic cruising that you cannot wait to experience?
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