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DCL Duo Podcast: A Disney Cruise Line Fan Podcast

Ep. 611 - Disney Cruise Fans Try Holland America for Alaska — an Honest Review

DCL Duo Podcast: A Disney Cruise Line Fan Podcast

Brian Flock

Hobbies, Places & Travel, Society & Culture, Leisure

4.9575 Ratings

🗓️ 20 December 2025

⏱️ 62 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Sonia and Russell join the DCL Duo Podcast to share their experience cruising Alaska aboard Holland America — and how it compared to their multiple prior sailings with Disney Cruise Line. After sailing Disney several times, they decided to step outside the Disney bubble for a port-intensive Alaska itinerary, sailing round-trip from Vancouver aboard the Koningsdam. In this episode, they walk us through what surprised them most, what they missed from Disney, and where Holland America truly shines — especially for an Alaska sailing. We discuss: Why they chose Holland America instead of Disney Cruise Line for Alaska Booking far in advance and pricing differences The “Have It All” package and what it includes Embarkation day in Vancouver and sailing aboard the Koningsdam Ship design, atmosphere, and onboard demographics Food quality, specialty dining, and buffet comparisons Entertainment, Music Walk venues, and onboard enrichment talks Glacier viewing at Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier Ports of call including Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan Whether Disney Cruise Line’s premium pricing is worth it for an Alaska cruise This is a thoughtful, experience-driven comparison from seasoned Disney cruisers who found that Alaska may be the perfect place to try a non-Disney cruise — without giving up an unforgettable vacation. Listen now and join the conversation! Help Support the Show: Book your next Disney Cruise Line vacation with My Path Unwinding Travel Join the waitlist for DCL Magazine and use promo code DCLDUO for 10% off at the WDW Magazine store! Stay Connected with the DCL Duo Website | Instagram | Facebook | Facebook Group We’re Ranked as a Top Podcast by Feedspot Top 30 Disney Cruise Line Podcasts (#1) | Top 20 Cruise Podcasts (#2) | Top Disney Podcasts (#4) | Top 20 Disney Cruise Line Influencers (#12). Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the views of the Walt Disney Company, Disney Cruise Line or any other travel provider discussed or mentioned. #DisneyCruiseLine #HollandAmerica #AlaskaCruise #DisneyVsHolland #AlaskaCruising #CruiseComparison #DCLDuo #CruisePodcast #DisneyCruise #HollandAmericaLine #AlaskaTravel #CruiseLife #CruiseReview #Koningsdam #VancouverCruise #EndicottArm #DawesGlacier #Skagway #Juneau #Ketchikan

Transcript

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0:00.0

And I really felt like that was like a major difference.

0:02.5

It has just seen how the people working for Holland America were so different.

0:07.8

They did a great job.

0:09.2

Don't get me wrong.

0:10.5

But they just were not.

0:13.2

At an independent of a cruise, you know people's names.

0:17.3

I could not have told you anybody's names, but I could tell you they all had.

0:21.0

Then I had a great time with it for the week.

0:35.2

Welcome back, everybody, to this week's episode of the DCL duo podcast brought to you by my path unwinding travel.

0:41.9

And Sam, do your jingle.

0:44.2

Yes, simply the best, better than all the rest.

0:49.8

There it is.

0:50.5

There's the jingle.

0:51.1

The review jingle, that's right.

0:52.3

We have another five-star review to read on the air this week. And I will once again, apologize. I have sort of lost track. So if I'm reading a review, we've already read, too bad. All right. Here we go. Here we go. Here we go. This review comes from cns.b. Although the reviewer signed their review Charlie Brown. So a great, great name of Charlie Brown. So there we go uh, uh, uh, great, great name. I love Charlie Brown. Uh, and it reads

1:14.2

great podcast. Best review ever, 432 lookout key. What an amazing review to take the time to walk the

1:21.4

island explaining step every step, explaining every step of the way, I think is what they're trying

1:25.1

to say. No lunch break to give an in-depth view of the island. While it sounded like Disney isn't 100% ready, I am ready to check it out. Brian did a marvelous job, painting the picture of the island. Can't wait to hear your review after you're able to relax Charlie Brown. So thank you for that review. Finally, Sam, a review. I know about you. About me. I feel so proud. So if I read this one twice, it's only because, you know, it's about me. I got to tell you, Brian, as soon as you started talking and like reading the review, I was like, oh, yes, a review about Brian because I wasn't even on that episode. I wasn't even on that cruise. I didn't get to look out until like a week later. So, but I'm okay with that. You know, the producer just gets the credits at the end and that's all of it's needed. So there you go. But thank you for leaving that review, Charlie Brown. And I really appreciate it. It was a fun review to give. And I did put a lot of effort into that one. So appreciate the recognition there. With that, just for everyone out there listening, you know, remember, the best way and the easiest way to help support our show beyond supporting our sponsors like My Path Unwinding Travel and WDW magazine for our live and bonus shows, is to head over to Apple Podcasts. Hit those five stars. Leave us a written review. We will read it on the air at the top of one of our main

2:34.8

episodes. So head over there. Please do that. It helps us out a lot. With that. Another way, though,

2:39.2

to help our show is to become a Patreon. And we are joined by some Patreon members today. First time

2:49.9

on the show, but listening for quite some time now, I believe,

2:54.5

is Sonia and Russell. Welcome to the show, guys. Thank you so much. I'm happy to be here.

...

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