TNguy12

Completely agree......that's great advice (in life too)...we were drawn to the Z based on its fit for our timetable...and, most importantly, we'd read a number of comments about the aft cabins....so we thought we'd give that a go!

Appreciate the kind words and advice....in a subset (Holland America) that I've seen a number of snarky comments.....I really appreciate you dealing 'gently' with me! Thanks again!!!

Yes....I had asked these questions previously.....and received responses previously.....its all part of my obsessive nature.....:D

Just booked a round trip out of Vancouver on the Zuiderdam.....now having second thoughts about whether or not we should have instead booked on the Volendam. We have an aft suite and my initial excitement has turned into concern/buyer's remorse. Its our first cruise...and an anniversary cruise....and I want it to be perfect...we're late 30's...and its VERY rare that we can get away without the kids...

Any thoughts....is it too late to switch..should we switch??

Help!

I realize that I'm straying from topic here, however, I'm guessing that there are many folks in this thread who would be able (and willing!) to help.

Does anyone have pics of the following?

1. Room 6166; 6177; 7142; 7151; 8140; 8147 (Neptune Suite on Zuiderdam)

2. Room 7002; 7004; 7006; 7036 (Neptune & Vista Suites on Volendam)?

Thanks so much!!!

Thanks so much for the great feedback! I'm an obsessive travel researcher/planner and am probably greatly overthinking this. We've narrowed it down to the Volendam and Westerdam (in my post I incorrectly said Zaandam went out of Seattle to Glacier...its the Westerdam). I think the itinerary for Volendam is 'better' based on port times, etc....but I'm sure either one will be great! Any additional advice would be greatly appreciated!!!!

Thanks!

Is it a completely idiotic thing to fly into/out of Seattle for a Cruise that is roundtrip out of Vancouver? If not, what is the best/most cost effective way to do this? How much time would I need to leave between arriving in Seattle and being ready to board the ship?

Thanks!

Debating between Zaandam out of Seattle or Zuiderdam or Volendam, both out of Vancouver. All have an itinerary that hits Glacier bay.....it seems that most folks recommend sailing out of Vancouver to take advantage of the scenery and calm waters of the Inside Passage, however, it would appear that the Zaandam receives slightly higher marks than Zuiderdam or Volendam and airfare in and out of Seattle would be cheaper and more convenient.

Thoughts?

Since you are a hotel and food snob, then go with Celebrity and miss the beuaty of Glacier Bay. I'm sure you'll enjoy looking at your beautiful suite.

Thanks for the kind advice......

Does anyone know where I can find specific pictures of Neptune/Signature suites on either the Volendam or Zuiderdam?

Thanks

Wife and I are taking a cruise for our anniversary this year. We are late 30's and have been married for 15 years! We're thinking Alaska and have narrowed it down to Celebrity Solstice out of Seattle or HAL Volendam or Zuiderdam out of Vancouver. We like the idea of the roundtrip (have really looked at all different options) and like the itinerary of all three. The plus for HAL is Glacier Bay....the plus for the Solstice...is..well...its the Solstice. Ideally, if the Solstice did the HAL itinerary...we'd be 100% sold.

I've researched EXTENSIVELY...and everyone seems to say Alaska is about itinerary, not the ship....that said....I tend to be a bit of a hotel and food snob....and am worried that the HAL ships won't be up to par...and we'd find ourselves wishing we'd have gone with Celebrity...higher level of service, pampering...at bit more 'plush'.

Any thoughts?

P.S. We'll be booking a suite of some type...

Thanks!

Wife and I are first time cruisers and first time to Alaska. Considering several itineraries in several different lines...one of which is Pacific Princess roundtrip out of Vancouver. The ports/times are perfect for what we want to do (based largely on research done here!)....however, I'm concerned as its an older ship....and I seem to have read several reviews about it being old/outdated/in need of repair.

Thoughts??

My wife and I are first time cruisers and planning a trip to Alaska to celebrate a milestone anniversary! We're in our late 30's and this will be a first time to Alaska as well!

I've been doing my homework...reading reviews, posts, forums, etc. as I do every time we travel and I'm afraid I'm having a bit of analysis paralysis. I've narrowed it down to four possible options:

1. Princess Cruise - Either Coral/Island Princess one way northbound out of Vancouver.

2. Celebrity - Either Millenium or Celebrity out of Vancouver as well.....one way also.

3. Holland America: Round trip out of Vancouver...variety of vessels.

4. Pacific Princess: Roundtrip out of Vancouver.

We're looking at going the last week in May/First week in June. From everything I've read....it seems that Glacier Bay is a must do...however. it looks as if the berths on Celebrity would be bit 'nicer' than Princess..

Pacific Princess would be the perfect itinerary, however, I'm concerned as I've heard that its a ship in need of a refurbish/remodel and lacking many of the amenities of a larger ship.

Thoughts/Advice?

Thanks!