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Just what we expected by
Linda T. from Oklahoma City, Ok Sailing date: Mar 2011Pros: 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 Quality
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Honolulu, OahuSubmarine wasn't our favorite.
Hilo, HawaiiWe biked around a volcano in a rain forest. It was wonderful and the guides great.
Lahaina, MauiSnuba diving was fun and different
Nawiliwili, KauaiHelicopter 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.
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  Love Alaska by
Dave B from Colorado Springs, CO Sailing date: May 2010Pros: The cruising itinerary Cons: Not getting the stateroom we specifically picked on-line The ship was a little outdated for our tastes. Ship QualityWe liked that the ship was smaller than other ships we have been on, but it was a little dingy looking with stained carpets and old upholstery. Dining/FoodThe food was good and there was a large variety but there were times when we wanted to grab something to eat and nothing was open. Our only option was to order room service. Stateroom QualityWe had chosen an outside stateroom on level 7 of the ship and nothing was ever said that we were going to end up with a differnt room. Everything we printed from our reservation had our chosen stateroom number on it. When we boarded the ship we found out that we were given a stateroom on the bottom of the ship and they called it an upgrade. We totally disagreed but there was nothing they could do as they gave our chosen stateroom to someone else. On about the 4th day of the cruise the ship experienced a sewer problem that backed up into our bathroom. We wondered if that would have happened had we been in our originally chosen room. Ship Staff QualityThe staff was friendly and helpful. Entertainment & ActivitiesThere was a large variety of options. However, some of the schedules overlapped.
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Juneau, AlaskaThe Thane Ore House was a restaurant suggested to us by someone who had traveled to Juneau before. It's a little off the beaten path but well worth the trip. The hiking is great.
Ketchikan, AlaskaIt rained the whole time we were in Ketchikan but that was expected. We did a little hiking and learned about the totem poles.
Sitka, AlaskaWe do a lot of hiking and Sitka offers well maintained trails with lots to see.
Victoria, British ColumbiaNot much time spent here but loved the stroll through the streets in the evening. A very neat and clean city.
12 out of 15 people found this review helpful.
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Alaska is magnificent! by
Ian G. from Arizona Sailing date: Sep 2009Pros: Onshore excursions Cons: Rolling waves make it difficult to run on a treadmill... :) The ship was great! 1400 guests is a lot of people but it didn't feel crowded with so many places to go onboard. Ship Quality
Dining/FoodThe food was consistently good. Lobster and tenderloin? It was excellent! Stateroom Quality
Ship Staff QualityThe staff was tremendouse. Friendly and thorough in their service. Very considerate of our needs as guests onboard. Entertainment & Activities
9 out of 10 people found this review helpful.
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The ship was beautiful by
Susan B. from USA Sailing date: Jul 2009Not 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.
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"Fantastic vacation cruise" by
GlendaN from St. Louis, Missouri Sailing date: May 2009Pros: 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 QualityThe 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/FoodSome of the menu items were not always like "what mom made", but they offered at least eight options to choose from. Stateroom Qualitythe 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 QualityThey 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 & ActivitiesWe never had time to do all the onboard activities. But there were alot listed. They met a number of interest and hobbies.
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Juneau, AlaskaMendenhall 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, AlaskaDecide 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, AlaskaNot 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 ColumbiaWe 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.
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A Perfect Getaway by
Tom A. from Monroe, WA Sailing date: May 2009Pros: 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 Quality
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Juneau, AlaskaDon't Miss: Red Dog Saloon Ketchikan, AlaskaWe 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, AlaskaDon't Miss: Raptor Center 2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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A good Cruise by
Roy B from homosassa Fl Sailing date: Nov 2008Pros: Food Cons: The Room 2nd. Time on this ship and Service is down a bit Maintanance needed bad, stuck in elevator and one day at a port to get of they were out of order had to walk down from deck 8 to 2 to get off Ship Qualityneed more help on ledo line Dining/Food
Stateroom QualityHad disiability room in rear of ship, layed out bad and next to passageway to the bottom of the ship to much noise Ship Staff Quality
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4 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
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Being pampered in the pristine wildernes by
Sunny from Hilo, HI Sailing date: Jul 2007Pros: 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. Dining/Food
Stateroom QualityThe 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.
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Entertainment: Nice variety. The sound was a bit too loud on the second floor during some of the shows.
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Cruise Inside Passage, AlaskaGlacier 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, AlaskaTake 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, AlaskaTake 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.
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Ship Review by
A Traveler from The Woodlands, Texas Sailing date: Jun 2006
Entertainment & Activities
1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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The crew that smiles. by
Mary from CA Sailing date: Jan 2007Pros: 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!!!!! 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.
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