Ways to Travel
US Travel Adventure Reaches New Heights As Holland America’s Westerdam Departs Seattle On 28-Night Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice Cruise With Glacier Bay And Nome
Saturday, June 14, 2025
Holland America Line’s Westerdam Launches Epic 28-Night Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice Cruise from Seattle
Holland America Line has once again charted a bold course into the northernmost reaches of Alaska and Canada with its second annual “Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice” voyage aboard the Westerdam. Departing earlier this month from Seattle, this exclusive 28-night sailing marks a significant milestone in the cruise line’s commitment to delivering extraordinary and immersive Arctic experiences for modern explorers.
The ambitious roundtrip itinerary stretches deep into the Arctic Circle, offering a rare opportunity for travelers to reach remote destinations such as the Bering Strait, while calling at 14 handpicked ports across Alaska and Canada. As the Westerdam glides through one of the world’s last frontiers, passengers are treated to some of the most rugged and awe-inspiring landscapes on Earth.
A Journey Beyond the Ordinary
Heralded as the most exclusive itinerary in Holland America Line’s Alaska program, the Arctic Circle Solstice voyage sails through untamed waters and lesser-visited locales. Guests can expect unforgettable moments in iconic destinations like Dutch Harbor and Nome—two ports seldom visited by major cruise lines. These rare calls are a testament to the cruise’s mission: delivering unfiltered access to the authentic Alaskan wilderness and Arctic charm.
The Westerdam’s extensive route also includes an overnight stay in Anchorage, providing ample time for travelers to explore Alaska’s largest city, known for its striking mountain backdrop, cultural institutions, and local wildlife. From there, the ship continues on to Valdez, a gateway to the Prince William Sound, and Kodiak, home to the world’s largest brown bears and rich Russian-American heritage.
Before circling back to Seattle, the Westerdam visits several scenic and culturally significant ports including Haines, Juneau, Sitka, Wrangell, Ketchikan, and the Canadian coastal town of Prince Rupert. These destinations offer a mix of local history, indigenous heritage, and outdoor adventure, ranging from glacier hikes and kayak tours to whale watching and native art galleries.
Breathtaking Scenic Cruising
True to Holland America Line’s reputation for scenic voyages, the Westerdam also sails through a stunning series of natural wonders. These include the famed Inside Passage, the ice-laden Hubbard Glacier, the awe-inspiring Tracy Arm Fjord, and Glacier Bay National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Each stretch of scenic cruising offers unparalleled views and exceptional opportunities for photography, wildlife spotting, and guided commentary from onboard naturalists.
This solstice cruise is carefully timed to coincide with the peak of the Arctic summer, where travelers experience nearly continuous daylight as the ship crosses into the Arctic Circle. The phenomenon provides a surreal and magical ambiance, perfect for those seeking once-in-a-lifetime experiences beneath the midnight sun.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Following the growing success of this flagship itinerary, Holland America Line has confirmed that a similar Arctic Circle voyage will be offered aboard the Noordam in June 2026. Like the Westerdam, the Noordam will follow a comparable solstice route, ensuring that more guests can experience the breathtaking northern journey in future seasons.
Alaska Remains a Core Focus
The Westerdam’s return to Seattle after its Arctic voyage marks the start of its seven-night “Alaska Explorer” itineraries, part of Holland America Line’s robust six-ship deployment in the region. Sailing every Sunday from its Seattle homeport, the Westerdam will continue exploring the wonders of Alaska with stops in Victoria, Ketchikan, Sitka, Juneau, and the dramatic Tracy Arm Fjord.
These week-long cruises offer a more accessible way for travelers to immerse themselves in Alaska’s natural grandeur and vibrant culture while enjoying the refined comfort and service Holland America Line is known for.
An Unforgettable Fusion of Alaska and Hawaii
Later in the season, the Westerdam embarks on another extraordinary voyage. On August 31, 2025, it will set sail on a 28-night “Legendary Glaciers & Volcanoes” cruise. Crafted in collaboration with the History Channel, this once-in-a-lifetime itinerary combines the majestic glaciers of Alaska with the volcanic landscapes of Hawaii.
The roundtrip journey from Seattle will call on key Alaskan ports such as Anchorage, Valdez, Kodiak, and Dutch Harbor before heading south to four Hawaiian destinations. Notably, the Westerdam will dock for two full days in Honolulu, giving passengers plenty of time to explore the vibrant capital city and its historical landmarks, lush rainforests, and world-renowned beaches.
This innovative cruise experience seamlessly blends the icy frontiers of the north with the tropical rhythms of the Pacific, creating an educational and experiential journey unlike any other.
A Star of the Fleet
Built in 2004, the Westerdam remains a cornerstone of the Holland America fleet. With a guest capacity of approximately 1,900 and offering a refined, mid-sized cruise experience, the ship features elegant public spaces, world-class dining, a wide range of enrichment activities, and immersive destination programming. It’s the perfect vessel for adventurers seeking both comfort and discovery.
Joining the Westerdam in Alaska for the 2025 season are the Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, and Zaandam. Together, these six ships represent Holland America’s most comprehensive Alaska season to date, reinforcing the cruise line’s legacy as a pioneer and leader in Alaskan exploration.
Final Thoughts
With its groundbreaking Arctic Circle Solstice itinerary and an ever-expanding array of destination-rich cruises, Holland America Line continues to redefine adventure travel. The Westerdam’s 28-night voyage is more than a cruise—it’s an expedition through some of the most remote, majestic, and enlightening corners of the planet. For travelers seeking a deeper connection to nature, culture, and history, this is an unparalleled opportunity to sail to the edge of the world and back with a trusted name in premium cruising.
Ways to Travel
New cycle trail boosts adventure tourism in Mustang « Khabarhub
MUSTANG: An eight-kilometer cycle trail has been completed connecting Gharpajhong-4 Jomsom to Baragung Muktikshetra-5 Dharkajung in Mustang.
The Tourism and Industry Office, Mustang, confirmed that the trail was built with a budget of Rs 2 million to promote tourism and encourage longer tourist stays in the region.
Prem Poudel, Chief of the Tourism and Industry Office, explained that the trail was developed by upgrading an existing road and opening a new two-kilometer track. To support the route, two iron bridges were constructed over the Sukkawal and Gavin Wall sections along the Jomsom-Dharkajung path.
This new high-altitude mountain cycle trail offers tourists an adventurous alternative route, allowing cyclists to travel from Mustang to Dolpa via Dharkajung without using the traditional Jomsom-Kagbeni road.
Poudel highlighted that cyclists passing through Dhalkedanda, located approximately 4,000 meters above sea level, will be treated to spectacular natural beauty and panoramic views. From Dhalkedanda, visitors can see the Upper Mustang region, the Nepal-China border, as well as Lower and Central Mustang.
Along the trail, cyclists can enjoy breathtaking vistas of the Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, the Kaligandaki corridor, local apple orchards, Jomsom town, and other scenic settlements visible from Dhalkedanda.
Ways to Travel
Exodus Adventure Travels Launches A “September to Remember”
Special Trips Offered During the Insider’s Season for Global Exploration
NEW YORK, July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Exodus Adventure Travels, the award-winning leader in small-group guided travel, has unveiled its “September to Remember” program, highlighting special trips and the unmatched magic of the September travel season.
September is a travel sweet spot and a time many adventurers wait for all year. Temperatures mellow, crowds thin, and destinations reveal cultural gems, rare wildlife moments, and once-a-year festivals that are best experienced when the world slows down.
Recent research reveals travelers crave authentic, untouristed moments. Exodus Adventure Travels’ “September to Remember” promotion delivers just that: special tours, availability, and access to experiences that make September one of the most richly rewarding times to travel.
From the scenic vistas of Italy’s Amalfi Coast or the vineyard harvest rituals in France’s Loire Valley to the lantern-lit moon-viewing festivals in Japan, Exodus invites travelers to rediscover this season as a time of deep connection, golden light, and local celebrations that most visitors miss. Listed below are a few examples of special “September to Remember” trips and destinations:
France: Celebrate la vendange (the grape harvest) in full swing. Join brotherhoods of winemakers in the Loire Valley and take part in the torchlit Heritage Night in Saint-Émilion. Travel on the enlightening trip, “Loire Valley: Walks, Wine & Châteaux.”
Italy: Hike Amalfi’s iconic Path of the Gods in cooler air and dive into olive harvest season. If you prefer biking, cycle the unspoiled Cilento to the Amalfi Coast. See it all on “Walking the Amalfi Coast” or “Cycle Cilento & the Amalfi Coast.”
Portugal & Spain: Experience one of the most scenic trails of the Comino de Santiago while enjoying coastal towns along the way. Feel the thrill on this highly rated trip, “Cycle the Coastal Portuguese Camino.”
South Africa: It’s spring, and wildlife is thriving—from breaching whales off Hermanus to baby elephants and zebras around watering holes. Have memories of a lifetime on “South Africa: Walking and Wildlife” and on other Africa tours.
Vietnam: Golden rice terraces and festive celebrations around Independence Day await. Cycle through the rice paddies with local guides who know every hidden route on the favorite “Cycling Vietnam“ trip.
Japan: Watch temple lanterns glow under the full moon during Tsukimi and catch high-octane floats at the Danjiri Matsuri in Osaka. Experience it with local experts on “Ancient & Modern Japan” and other September trips to Asia.
Costa Rica: Discover Costa Rica’s greatest wildlife-watching secrets: the hidden animal hotspots of the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. Enjoy this special adventure on the “Costa Rica’s Coastal Secrets” tour.
Additional Reasons to Travel in September with Exodus Adventure Travels
- Insider Expertise: With more than 50 years of experience and deep local connections, Exodus gets travelers closer to the moments that matter—often ones only the locals know about.
- Beyond the Ordinary: Small group sizes and immersive itineraries mean fewer queues, more time, and deeper cultural understanding.
- The Comfort of Convenience: No need to spend endless hours researching the best places to see. Travelers can have the confidence and comfort knowing that Exodus’ expert teams and guides have carefully curated itineraries for the convenience of passengers.
- Travel That Matters: These small group tours support local economies year-round while offering a more relaxed, responsible adventure.
For more information about Exodus’ many adventures including cultural holidays, wildlife expeditions, scenic hiking trips, cycling tours, solo travel and the best last-minute getaways, please visit ExodusTravels.com.
About Exodus Adventure Travels
For more than 50 years Exodus Adventure Travels has been the leader in active hiking, biking, culture and wildlife adventures and is known for its commitment to “improve life through travel.” Exodus Adventure Travels is a winner of the National Geographic Traveler Reader Awards and is a recipient of the Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Award, Good Housekeeping’s Family Travel Award, Wanderlust Magazine’s Best Tour Leader of the Year, USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Award, and the Men’s Journal Travel Awards. This year, Exodus Adventure Travels also received the coveted Global Vision Award from Travel & Leisure.
Exodus Adventure Travels is a certified B Corporation (B Corp), further demonstrating its commitment to improve life through travel, dedicated to creating incredible, community-driven adventures, and understands the importance of nature and wildlife conservation through programs such as rewilding and partnering with scientists to restore biodiversity.
Exodus Adventure Travels is part of Travelopia, the world’s largest collection of experiential travel brands. Travelopia’s more than 20 award-winning travel brands lead the way in creating unique experiences for guests around the world. To learn more about Exodus Adventure Travels and the company’s adventures visit ExodusTravels.com, or follow the company on social @ExodusTravels.
SOURCE Exodus Adventure Travels
Ways to Travel
Camp Chevrah Day Travel Enjoys Adventure, Energy And Endless Fun
Camp Chevrah Day Travel girls kicked off another unforgettable week packed with energy, excitement, and nonstop adventure! Monday began with the Wibbits at Darlington Beach—a floating obstacle course that had the girls laughing, climbing, and diving all morning long.
Tuesday turned up the intensity with a full-body workout on the water—kayaking! The girls paddled hard and showed off their strength and teamwork as they powered through the lake.
By Wednesday, it was time to cool off! The girls headed to Dave & Buster’s for some arcade fun and then laced up their skates for a super fun afternoon on the ice.
Thursday brought a splash of excitement at the American Dream Waterpark, where the girls zipped down slides and rode the waves with huge smiles and high energy.
To wrap it all up, Friday brought them to Power Up—an interactive arcade that had everyone cheering, playing, and racking up the points to finish the week strong.
Slurpees and Carvel were delicious treats the campers enjoyed this week, adding a sweet touch to the fun-filled days.
Camp Chevrah Travel is all about big adventures and warm friendships. Girls entering grades 5—9 enjoy a fresh, exciting trip every single day! Campers experience the thrill of travel with the comfort of a day camp.
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