Name: 8-Day Far East Discovery
Brand: Holland America Line
Rating: 4.4 (5 reviews)

Overview

This 29-night Holland America Line voyage departs from Tokyo, bound for the waters of North America and Alaska. 3 ports await on this cruise - among them Kobe, Aomori, and Seattle, Washington, each offering its own flavour of North America and Alaska. The mix of port visits and leisurely sea days makes this 29-night itinerary ideal for both first-time and seasoned cruisers. From £4,830 per person, you could be stepping aboard the Noordam and heading for North America and Alaska.

Holland America Line

Holland America Line, which has been sailing for 150 years, visits 400 ports in 114 countries every year. Dutch heritage shines through in some of the $4million-worth of artwork to be seen onboard, complimenting the luxurious cruise experience.

Live music remains HAL's forte, with venues including the Rolling Stone Rock room and BB King's Blues Club. For foodies, a wide range of restaurants serve the finest of fayre.

Cruise Itinerary

Day 1

Tokyo

Tokyo, a city that masterfully blends the ultramodern with the traditional, offers a vibrant urban tapestry that is a treasure trove for explorers and cultural enthusiasts alike. Known for its dynamic climate with distinct seasonal changes, Tokyo provides a unique backdrop for the cherry blossoms of spring and the fiery leaves of autumn. This city goes beyond the neon lights and skyscrapers; its a place where ancient temples stand in the shadows of towering buildings, offering a true slice of Japanese life. Fun fact: Tokyo's Sumida River hosts one of the oldest and most spectacular fireworks festivals in Japan.

Day 2

At sea

Day 3

Kobe

Kobe, known globally for its luxurious beef but cherished locally for its scenic harbor and multicultural heritage, is a haven for travelers who relish both culinary excellence and serene cityscapes. The city's temperate climate, marked by crisp, cool winters and warm, humid summers, complements its relaxed atmosphere, making it ideal for those seeking a blend of urban exploration and natural beauty. From the vibrant Nankinmachi Chinatown to the tranquil Nunobiki Herb Gardens, Kobe is a tapestry of diverse influences and green escapes, crowned by its panoramic night views from Mount Rokko.

Day 4

Kochi

Day 5

Kagoshima

Day 6

Fukuoka

Day 7

Sokcho

Day 8

At sea

Day 9

Kanazawa

Travelers who cherish art and elegance will find a haven in Kanazawa, a city spared from wartime destruction, preserving centuries-old craftsmanship including the art of gold leaf decoration. Its humid subtropical climate enriches its celebrated Kenrokuen Garden, one of the most beautiful feudal gardens in Japan, making it a picturesque destination across seasons. Kanazawa offers a quieter, more refined glimpse into the samurai era, far from the well-trodden tourist paths. Unique to this locale is its mastery in Kaga yuzen silk painting, ensuring every visitor leaves with a sense of having touched authentic Japanese heritage.

Day 10

Sakata

Day 11

Hakodate

Perched on the shores of Hokkaido, Hakodate beckons with a captivating blend of history and charm. As the site of Japan's first international trade port, this city exudes a welcoming aura, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in its storied past. With a temperate coastal climate, Hakodate offers a refreshing escape from tourist crowds, unveiling authentic experiences beyond the beaten path. Cruise lines embrace its allure, ferrying passengers to explore its historic sites and culinary delights. From panoramic views atop Mount Hakodate to serene strolls through Motomachi District, Hakodate serves as a gateway to Japan's soul.

Day 12

Aomori

Day 13

Miyako, Iwate

Day 14

At sea

Day 15

Tokyo

Day 16

At sea

Day 17

Kushiro

Day 18

Days 19-23

At sea

Day 24

Kodiak, Alaska

Day 25

At sea

Day 26

Sitka, Alaska

Sitka is a hidden gem among cruise destinations, offering a unique blend of Tlingit culture, Russian history, and breathtaking natural beauty. This picturesque town, located on Baranof Island along the Pacific Ocean, captivates visitors with its blend of cultures visible in the onion domes of St. Michael's Cathedral and the traditional Tlingit totem poles scattered throughout the area. Sitka's natural surroundings are equally impressive, featuring volcanic Mount Edgecumbe and abundant wildlife that includes sea otters, bears, and eagles. With fewer tourists compared to other Alaskan ports, Sitka provides a more serene and intimate experience, making it a truly undiscovered treasure for cruise travelers.

Day 27

Ketchikan, Alaska

The area's history is steeped in the traditions of Alaska's indigenous Tlingit people and the thriving fishing and logging industries that shaped its development. Originally known as "Kitschk-hin," meaning "thundering wings of an eagle" in the Tlingit language, Ketchikan was a vital Tlingit settlement long before European settlers arrived. With the discovery of gold in nearby creeks, Ketchikan boomed during the late 19th century Gold Rush, attracting prospectors and entrepreneurs. Timber soon became the primary industry, and Ketchikan earned the title of the "Salmon Capital of the World" due to its bustling fish canneries. Today, Ketchikan's rich history is preserved in its historic buildings, totem poles, and vibrant cultural traditions.

Day 28

Prince Rupert, British Columbia

Day 29

At sea

Day 30

Seattle, Washington

Day 1

Tokyo

Day 2

At sea

Day 3

Kobe

Day 4

Kochi

Day 5

Kagoshima

Day 6

Fukuoka

Day 7

Sokcho

Day 8

At sea

Day 9

Kanazawa

Day 10

Sakata

Day 11

Hakodate

Day 12

Aomori

Day 13

Miyako, Iwate

Day 14

At sea

Day 15

Tokyo

Day 16

At sea

Day 17

Kushiro

Day 18

Kushiro

Days 19-23 At sea

At sea

Day 24

Kodiak, Alaska

Day 25

At sea

Day 26

Sitka, Alaska

Day 27

Ketchikan, Alaska

Day 28

Prince Rupert, British Columbia

Day 29

At sea

Day 30

Seattle, Washington

1927

Passengers

820

Crew

2006

Launched

2019

Last refit

82897t

Tonnage

285m

Length

32m

Width

24kts

Speed

Decks

USD

Currency

Noordam

Named for the Northern compass point, Noordam dazzles with museum-quality art and lavish staterooms. Guests of this Vista Class cruise ship will have their pick of onboard activities.

All Prices

Customer reviews

Reviews

A fabulous cruise

We went on the Koningsdam after our tour of Canada. The ship was beautiful and we saw so much wildlife life. It was absolutely fantastic

Holland America Line Koningsdam

Reviews

False advertisement and no customer service

Booked a cruise with HA, thinking they offer nice excusions. At the time of the booking they all seemed available. Day after booking I have discovered there is literally none left, besides basic walking city tours for over 100 USD! In short, I cannot even spend my onshore excusions credit with them. I have written so many emails and called so many times trying to find a solution, but they dont return any answer.. My phone bill is probably over 500 USD after one month of this now. I simply hate HA at this point of time. On top of it, they website is super buggy - hundreds of error messages, you cannot check out, you see things as available which are not, and and and... And they also advertise wrong prices - e.g. Have it all package for 55 USD a day, and when you try to check out it magically becomes 65 USD a day.

Holland America Line Nieuw Statendam

Reviews

2024-01-14 12:05:45

A wonderful way to see Indonesia and Malaysia from Singapore. This was a special time, especially the tours on the many ports of call. Quite naturally one compares it with the best of my many previous cruises, and that`s when improvements spring to mind. What was missing was the daytime activities and evening entertainments to stimulate the senses. Regular Holland America cruisers, of which there are many, insist that classical music and educational speakers were the norm before covid. If the latter had been in evidence, then a great cruise could have been an amazing one. Our tours were expensive, and although some tour guides were exceptional, sadly some were very poor. Holland America does not ask for feedback, so presumably no opportunity to reward the best whilst eliminating the seriously bad. Thank you Holland America, and in particular the majority of the service staff, who went out of their way to ensure our well being.

Holland America Line Westerdam

Reviews

2023-09-07 05:43:53

We are regular cruisers and this was the worst experience ever. Waste of time and money. Total cheats. We took the cruise from Sydney to New Zealand and back for 15 days. The arrival back to Sydney was delayed and as a result, we missed our flight. We were told to submit all papers to Holland America who would reimburse our change of travel, hotel stay, and food it is going to be 1 year and we have had no response from the cruise line despite several reminders. We received a notification saying it is covid and we will get the response in 4-6 weeks' time. When the whole world is back to normal Holland America is still hiding behind covid. What a shame. Worse cruise line ever and cheats on top of that. No decency to send a reply either agreeing to pay or not. It is because of them that we unnecessarily spent USD 700/-. Please do not use this cruise liner. There are other professional cruise liners who treat their customers well and reply to their queries. There is nothing nice about this cruise line.

Holland America Line Rotterdam

Reviews

2023-06-18 07:11:20

Unfortunately, although the quality of food was good, it always arrived cold. The fitness facilities were woefully inadequate whereas the gambling facilities were the opposite. The entertainment facilities were also inadequate and very loud. The quality of the entertainment was variable. Most of the staff were very courteous yet we found the lady on the restaurant booking desk rude and condescending. There were queues lasting hours to embark but disembarkation was very smooth. There were also large queues for reception and some reception staff were not particularly helpful. The shops were mainly jewellery based so not much in the way of souvenirs aboard. The destinations were very good especially Glacier bay.

Holland America Line Koningsdam

Reviews

2023-06-02 19:14:08

Wonderful crew! Nice ship, great itternary

Holland America Line Oosterdam

Reviews

2023-03-29 11:16:57

Some clear evidence of cost cutting. Standard cabins need bathroom refurbishment. Food was good, but trying to get it hot was a challenge. Staff always great but clearly overstretched in the main dining room, which was also poorly organised when we joined the ship which meant queuing for up to 20 minutes to get into dinner even though we had a reservation. Not acceptable that we couldn’t book excursions as they were all fully booked although we had excursion credit which we couldn’t use. They were charging silly money for short shuttle rides into town - sometimes $50 for two for a 10 minute ride (a taxi would be cheaper!). Main complaint was dining room which they just need to get sorted - poor management. Deterioration sine we were on this ship in 2019.

Holland America Line Westerdam

Reviews

2023-03-29 07:56:57

Fantastic cruise to Alaska with fabulous memories. Visiting glacier bay was amazing and all the trips were brilliant. On board facilities were good, great food great staff, lovely cabin. Cannot fault anything.

Holland America Line Koningsdam