North Bound or South Bound Cruise

Question

Is north bound or south bound cruise preferred? Looking to cruise Holland out of Vancouver or Whittier next year. Are there pros or cons for which cruise is best? TIA

Answer

When considering an Alaska cruise out of Vancouver or Whittier with Holland America, choosing between a northbound (Vancouver → Whittier/Anchorage) or southbound (Whittier → Vancouver) route can affect your experience in subtle ways. Both itineraries visit the major highlights—glaciers, wildlife, and charming ports—but there are some pros and cons for each direction.

Northbound (Vancouver to Whittier/Anchorage):

Pros: You start in the more urban Vancouver and gradually transition into the remote wilderness. The scenery “builds” as you travel north, making the glacier and mountain vistas more dramatic as the cruise progresses. Many travelers enjoy this narrative feel of starting in a bustling city and ending in the quiet beauty of Alaska.
Wildlife Opportunities: Wildlife sightings may be slightly better early in the cruise in southern channels, as the ship is often closer to quieter fjords and protected waterways.
Jet Lag/Arrival: If you fly into Vancouver, it may be easier to adjust to the time zone before the cruise departs.
Cons: By the time you reach Whittier or Anchorage, you may be eager to disembark, and the northern ports can be more remote with fewer pre- or post-cruise amenities compared to Vancouver.

Southbound (Whittier/Anchorage to Vancouver):

Pros: You start the cruise in Alaska’s dramatic wilderness. Glaciers and wildlife are front-loaded, which can be thrilling right from day one. Ending in Vancouver can be convenient if you want to spend a few extra days exploring the city or fly home from there.
Logistics: If your home airport is in Vancouver or nearby, returning southbound can simplify travel arrangements.
Cons: Some travelers feel the scenery “winds down” as the cruise progresses, especially if you prefer finishing on a high note of natural vistas rather than urban landscapes.

Additional Considerations:

Weather patterns are similar both ways; mid-summer months (June–August) generally provide calm seas and milder temperatures regardless of direction.
Itineraries are mostly identical for ports, though the order of stops changes slightly; some excursions may be more popular at certain times of day depending on direction.
Cabin positioning: Northbound or southbound doesn’t affect your view, but if you like seeing glaciers or wildlife in the morning light, check which side of the ship faces the main attractions based on sailing direction.
Personal preference: If you prefer starting in a city and ending in wilderness, go northbound. If you want an adventurous start and relaxed city ending, choose southbound.

Overall, both directions offer excellent experiences. Your choice mainly depends on whether you want the “build-up” effect (northbound) or prefer an exciting start with Alaska highlights first (southbound), and how you want to plan your flights and post-cruise time.

North Bound or South Bound Cruise

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