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About Your Ship: Zaandam

7 Night Glacier Discovery Northbound
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Departs Vancouver (Canada Place) aboard Holland America Line – Zaandam

Sailing Date(s): Jun 2013, Jul 2013, Aug 2013, Sep 2013


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	Average Zaandam Rating



	SORT BY: Most Recent \| Positive \| Negative \| Helpful 1 - 10 of 15 \| Next 5 >
	Overall Rating: About the Reviewer: Age: 65+ Cruise Experience: First cruise Traveler Type: Couple Stateroom Type: Balcony Just what we expected by Linda T. from Oklahoma City, Ok Sailing date: Mar 2011 Pros: Food and Service Cons: Formal Night This was our first cruise and it didn't disappoint us. We wanted rest and relaxation and we sure got it. We could sleep all day if we wanted or enjoy the numerous activities they offered. The food was every bite wonderful and service was immaculate. We forgot some medicine and got that replaced quickly. The excursions were excellent. Everything was perfect and as close to heaven as it can get. We felt like babies who were fed, entertained and rocked to sleep every night and afternoon in the cloud soft beds. LOVED IT and would go again as soon as money is saved up for it. Ship Details: Ship Quality Dining/Food Stateroom Quality Ship Staff Quality Entertainment & Activities Read this user's port of call reviews: Honolulu, Oahu; Hilo, Hawaii; Lahaina, Maui; Nawiliwili, Kauai Collapse List of Ports Ports of Call: Honolulu, Oahu Submarine wasn't our favorite. Hilo, Hawaii We biked around a volcano in a rain forest. It was wonderful and the guides great. Lahaina, Maui Snuba diving was fun and different Nawiliwili, Kauai Helicopter ride was spectacular and the picnic lunch on honilie bay (Puffs place) and tour of wildlife preserve. 4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Did you find this review helpful? Overall Rating: About the Reviewer: Traveler Type: Singles/friends Stateroom Type: Oceanview The ship was beautiful by Susan B. from USA Sailing date: Jul 2009 Not as big as some of the Holland America Ships, good thing. The cabin steward knew and rememberd my name from the first day. He kept my stateroom clean, decorated (towel Oragami), and my ice buckiet full. The food was to die for, I gained 9 lbs. even though I walked 15 miles. Took advantage of the Greehouse Spa for a special in port "massage & facial". Everyone at my table noticed the improvement in my face. The shore excursions were extremely educational and as a science teacher, got lots of great pictures. The 'Coup d'etat' was the express disembarkation: I set my luggage outside my room on Thursday night, and did not see it until I arrived in Hartford, CT the next day, intact. It was the last piece of luggage on the conveyor which means it was the FIRST loaded on the plane. I will continue to sail with Holland America. Thank you for a great summer vacation. I think I will book a cruise to the Panama Canal for this Spring. 7 out of 8 people found this review helpful. Did you find this review helpful? Overall Rating: About the Reviewer: Age: 50 - 65 Cruise Experience: 2 - 3 cruises Traveler Type: Couple Stateroom Type: Inside "Fantastic vacation cruise" by GlendaN from St. Louis, Missouri Sailing date: May 2009 Pros: The staff attention and treatment to their guests was exceptional. They made you feel like a queen/king. Not to mention the onboard fun activities. Cons: All the food that was so tempting and yes we tried it all. We took a trip on another cruise line many years ago and after this trip we realized that it was more pleasant on a smaller ship, 1500 vs 3000 passengers. The stewards all knew our name and addressed us each time they saw us. They were exceptional. There were tons of onboard activities. The staterooms were very comfortable. We enjoyed the amenities like the terry bath robe available in the staterooms upon arrival. Ship Details: Ship Quality The ship was very clean, organized, and always decorated beautifully. The fresh flowers everywhere were outstanding. There was never a problem accessing any area of the ship. Dining/Food Some of the menu items were not always like "what mom made", but they offered at least eight options to choose from. Stateroom Quality the size was great, we did not feel like we were tripping over each other. It was always clean and fresh feeling when returning to our room. The bed was really comfortable and we considered buying the mattress upon our return home. Ship Staff Quality They did everything to make you feel welcomed, comfortable, and relaxed. They would carry you to your stateroom if you needed it, (wheelchairs were available everywhere). Entertainment & Activities We never had time to do all the onboard activities. But there were alot listed. They met a number of interest and hobbies. Read this user's port of call reviews: Juneau, Alaska; Ketchikan, Alaska; Sitka, Alaska; Victoria, British Columbia Collapse List of Ports Ports of Call: Juneau, Alaska Mendenhall Glacier is a must see for everyone. Not too much walking but a spectacular site to see. You can kayack up to the the area around the glacier. We did not stop to eat a meal at this cruise stop. Don't Miss: This was the spot to check out the whales and marine life. Ketchikan, Alaska Decide early what you want to do in each port and don't waste time shopping in all the stores. We enjoyed the Lumberjack Show also. Don't Miss: The Red Dog Saloon! Sitka, Alaska Not enough time spent in this port we thought. They have a great cultural history that needed more time to see it all. The pharmacy downtown was a great place to stop and visit their old fashioned, soda fountain. Don't Miss: The glass bottom boat was a good value for the money. Victoria, British Columbia We entered customs without a hitch and exited just as easily. We were not there long enough to see much. We cannot figure out why we stopped there when we were so close to Seattle, WA, our home port. They could have stayed longer in one of the other ports and skipped Victoria, Canada. You should see the Botanical Gardens in St. Louis, MO, for an exceptional tour of flowers and plants. Don't Miss: didnot see any 12 out of 14 people found this review helpful. Did you find this review helpful? Overall Rating: About the Reviewer: Age: 30 - 49 Cruise Experience: 2 - 3 cruises Traveler Type: Couple Stateroom Type: Oceanview A Perfect Getaway by Tom A. from Monroe, WA Sailing date: May 2009 Pros: The staff on board the Zaamdam were fabulous and the food was great. Cons: We have nothing to complain about, even the weather was terrific. My wife and I took the cruise to celebrate our anniversary and to get away from daily life for a little while. Right from the start the baggage handler in Seattle was up beat and made you feel welcome. We had some wait in the check in line, but that was the only delay of the entire trip. Once on board we felt like we were in a 5-star hotel with the rich appointments and beautiful art displayed throughout the ship. Our ocean view stateroom was ready for us shortly after boarding and our bags came shortly after, the stateroom was roomy and very clean. We found the ship to be easy to move around in and the layout was great. We were never more than a few floors from where we wanted to be and took the stairs versus the numberous elevators. The food was excellent for the most part. The Pinnacle Grill was outstanding and worth every penny of the $20 up charge per person. The Rotterdam Dining Room was also very good and the wait staff and wine stewards were outstanding providing excellent service as well as the occational magic trick. The buffet on the Lido deck seemed to be always available and with a huge selection that would be sure to please the pickiest of eaters. If all else fails you can get a burger or hot dog at the Lido Pool Grill or even build a taco or get a slice of pizza. We ordered breakfast in bed most every morning and it was a perfect to start each day. The ports we visited were all great and each has too many assets to list in this review. We were able to sample the local cultures and enjoy the beatiful landscapes that make Alaska so special. We were able to see Dall's porpoises, Humpback whales, Sealions, harbor seals, numberous eagles and a grizzly bear on our way into Glacier Bay from the ship. The facilities on board that we used were fantastic. The gym area was on the top floor of the ship over the navigation deck and has a commanding view over the bow of the ship. I was able to be on a treadmill and watch Humpback whales play as we cruise by. The evening shows by the Zaandam Dancers and Singers was a great surprise, as well as the culinary arts kitchen were we attended a cooking class by on of the great chefs on board. We also attended a beer tasting event in the Compass Bar and sampled some of the great beers of Alaska. Overall the trip was a huge success in our eyes and we couldn't find a thing to complain about, I even won money in the casino which is a rare event in it's self. We found that we could be alone if we chose to or with others partaking in one of the on-board activities. The ship was large enough to not feel crowded, but small enough to be able to get around it quite easily. It was the best. Ship Details: Ship Quality Dining/Food Stateroom Quality Ship Staff Quality Entertainment & Activities Read this user's port of call reviews: Juneau, Alaska; Ketchikan, Alaska; Sitka, Alaska Collapse List of Ports Ports of Call: Juneau, Alaska Don't Miss: Red Dog Saloon Ketchikan, Alaska We only had a short time in Ketchikan and would like to spend more time shopping and seeing the town next time. Don't Miss: Saxman Village Sitka, Alaska Don't Miss: Raptor Center 2 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Did you find this review helpful? Overall Rating: About the Reviewer: Age: 30 - 49 Cruise Experience: First cruise Traveler Type: Couple Being pampered in the pristine wildernes by Sunny from Hilo, HI Sailing date: Jul 2007 Pros: The efficiency of how the ship is run and the handling of so many guests is amazing. The cruise was a lovely experience and a great "first time cruise". The staffs were very helpful and accommodating. There was a wide range of activities to choose from both aboard ship and on shore. Enjoyment of the stateroom's veranda was diminished by others smoking cigarettes on their verandas. The Signature Express Baggage Service made ending the trip very low hassle. Ship Details: Dining/Food Stateroom Quality The bed was very comfortable and the extra pillows were nice to have. The noise from the Lido deck above was quite high in the mornings. Ship Staff Quality Entertainment & Activities Entertainment: Nice variety. The sound was a bit too loud on the second floor during some of the shows. Read this user's port of call reviews: Cruise Inside Passage, Alaska; Juneau, Alaska; Skagway, Alaska Collapse List of Ports Ports of Call: Cruise Inside Passage, Alaska Glacier Bay is simply amazing. With the calm seas of the Inside Passage, this first time cruise was a great introduction to cruises. The scenery was pristine, calm, peaceful and beautiful. Glacier Bay is awe inspiring and worth the full day spent cruising there. Don't Miss: Glacier Bay is not to be missed. Juneau, Alaska Take an excursion to see more of Juneau. Right near port, Juneau is a tourist trap. We took a bike riding tour around Mendenhall Lake to see Mendenhall Glacier. Even though the weather was poor, the experience was great. Don't Miss: See Mendenhall Glacier. Skagway, Alaska Take the train ride. The train ride was quite stunning and is very convenient because it leaves directly from the dock. Skagway is fun to walk around in and there is a better variety of shops nearby than in Juneau. Don't Miss: The train ride. 11 out of 12 people found this review helpful. Did you find this review helpful? Overall Rating: About the Reviewer: Age: 50 - 65 Cruise Experience: First cruise Traveler Type: Couple Ship Review by A Traveler from The Woodlands, Texas Sailing date: Jun 2006 Ship Details: Entertainment & Activities 1 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Did you find this review helpful? Overall Rating: About the Reviewer: Age: 50 - 65 Cruise Experience: 2 - 3 cruises Traveler Type: Couple The crew that smiles. by Mary from CA Sailing date: Jan 2007 Pros: Eating outside on the decks. Music coming from different areas as you walk through. All of the staff are friendly, hard working people who go out of their way to make sure we all have a wonderful trip. They don't mind telling us where they are from, what goals they have and I think they like hearing our stories too. I admire their hardwork. While we are playing and being pampered they are working. Also love the nighttime animals!!!!! Ship Details: Entertainment & Activities Entertainment: Thought the shows were fantastic, a wonderful group of dancers and singers. And the acts were top notch. 10 out of 11 people found this review helpful. Did you find this review helpful? Overall Rating: About the Reviewer: Age: 30 - 49 Cruise Experience: 2 - 3 cruises Traveler Type: Couple The ship was very nice. The people that by Danielle from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Sailing date: Jul 2006 Pros: The casino. We had a great trip to Alaska. It was an amazing adventure. I would definitely go again and we would travel on this ship. Ship Details: Entertainment & Activities 0 out of 0 people found this review helpful. Did you find this review helpful? Overall Rating: About the Reviewer: Age: 65+ Cruise Experience: First cruise Traveler Type: Couple Wonderful experience. by Charlie from Breckenridge, CO, USA Sailing date: May 2007 Pros: Service. Our first cruise and every aspect was superb. The service was exceptional, especially at dinner each evening and the cabin steward. The song and dance troupe were great. I know you would like to take credit for the seven days of blue sky and sunshine - we were told it was very unusual for a May Alaska cruise - but I don't think HAL had much to do with that part of the cruise. We will recommend HAL and the Alaska cruise to everyone. Ship Details: Entertainment & Activities Read this user's port of call reviews: Cruise Inside Passage, Alaska; Juneau, Alaska; Skagway, Alaska; Cruise Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska Collapse List of Ports Ports of Call: Cruise Inside Passage, Alaska Juneau, Alaska Golf in Juneau. One of my goals was to play golf in Alaska - HAL doesn't include this option. I played what was described by a local as "probably the worst course in the world but the best in Juneay" and had a great time. Skagway, Alaska Cruise Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska 2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Did you find this review helpful? Overall Rating: About the Reviewer: Age: 65+ Cruise Experience: 2 - 3 cruises Traveler Type: Couple Friendly & accomodating. by Bob from Kentucky, USA Sailing date: Jun 2006 Pros: Accomodations. Excellent accomodations, food & service. Ship Details: Entertainment & Activities 2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Did you find this review helpful?
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