Holland America Line offers an ultra-low-cost cruise option for Vancouverites looking for a short getaway this fall.
Pacific Coastal cruises take place after the Alaskan cruising season wraps up, repositioning vessels that were used during the busy summer season down south where they typically make trips out of California down to Mexico.
Since they aren't part of the regularly scheduled cruise programming, these sailings typically cost a fraction of what people pay to visit Alaska.
For example, a sailing that departs Vancouver on Tuesday, Oct. 24, and sails down to San Diego in California on Saturday, Oct. 28 costs just over $500 per person for the entire cruise. It also makes a stop in Astoria, Oregon on the way down the coast.
The only extra cost is a one-way flight back to YVR from San Diego, which starts for as little as $144 with WestJet and only includes one stop.
The ship is Holland America's five-star Koningsdam, which is a Pinnacle Class vessel.
| Date | Port | Arrive | Depart |
| Tuesday, October 24 | Vancouver, B.C., Canada | 3:00 p.m. | |
| Wednesday, October 25 | Astoria, OR | Noon | 8:00 p.m. |
| Thursday, October 26 | At Sea | ||
| Friday, October 27 | At Sea | ||
| Saturday, October 28 | San Diego, CA | 7:00 a.m. |
Vancouver cruise from San Diego with Holland America Line
The cost for an interior stateroom for two people including all taxes and fees is $1,011.40, which works out to $505.70 per person. Since the cruise is four days long, each person pays $126.43 per diem.
Not only does that cost include your transportation on a beautiful five-star vessel, but it also includes meals, entertainment, snacks, and lodging. The only thing it doesn’t factor in is alcohol, but you may opt to purchase a drink package that can reduce the cost of your spending.
In contrast, most five-star hotels cost several hundred dollars a night and do not include the cost of meals or transportation.
Famous for its live entertainment, jazz and blues fans will enjoy inspired performances in the B.B. Kings Blues Club. Fans of traditional cruising will also enjoy dressing up on gala nights when guests sport their finest formal attire.
In addition to the main dining room, there is also a casual option on the Lido Deck and a couple of fine dining options: the Pinnacle Grill and the Canaletto Restaurant. For burgers or hot dogs at lunch, the Dive-In offers mouthwatering eats for hungry cruisers until 6 p.m.
Guests may also order food into their rooms at any time of the day.
Lead-in interior staterooms feature complimentary room service, a seating area, generous storage, daily housekeeping, luxury bathrobes, and other amenities.
In 2022, I sailed on the Koningsdam's first voyage to Vancouver. Read about my experience sailing from San Diego.
