Lizzie68

I use an electric curling brush, which would go into my carry-on, being the last thing packed. If they take that away from me I'm doomed!

From past experience Captains are so aloof they hardly speak to you and CD's are so up themselves it's all about me me me and not the passengers. Perhaps I have just been unlucky.

Don't feel bad. I'm a relatively newbie cruiser - just one so far and one booked. But their job is huge, and I am sure they have too much to concern themselves with than to schmooze with the passengers. And if they do, I'm sure it's just a part of the PR that is required of them during their infrequent breaks from running the ship.:)

We tip $2.00 for our morning coffee and danish. It is worth it to me to not get dressed and run up to the Lido to get it myself.

That sounds very reasonable. And I wouldn't want to inflict myself on other passengers before I've had my morning coffee.:D

Same here. My name is not Hyacinth Bucket!;);)

LOL - I've seen some posts that could have been written by Hyacinth!:D

And I have no interest in knowing who the captain, Cruise Director or anyone else is, as long as they do their job.

Can someone give me some guidance as to what a reasonable tip would be for a breakfast tray? Coffee, juice and toast or Danish. Thanks.

Buy wine with the metal screwcaps, then you don't have to worry about a corkscrew.

^^^ Exactly! some very nice wines come with screwtops now.:)

Thank you for all the help. I think we are going to go for the Volendam cruise from Vancouver. Now to decide when.... originally we thought the last week of August/first week September, but I have seen comments about it getting dark much earlier then, and missing scenery. So possibly June instead.

I have my 7th and 8th Alaska cruises booked for this August. I've been up and down enough routes, and on enough ships, to know that with Alaska it's itinerary first and foremost.

 

Once you decide on the itinerary, then---and only then---is it time to select a specific ship.

I have sailed Alaska on the S-, R-, and Vista class ships. I prefer the intimacy of the small ships anyway, and especially like them up there. The small ships have fewer people pouring off to go ashore in those small towns. They are easier to get around, while still offering great outdoor spots to sit and watch the world go by.

 

Don't forget, day of the week for sailing is also a consideration. The Volendam, small enough ship, sails on Wednesday, which means fewer passengers from other lines sharing the ports.

I have been reading the Ask a Cruise Question board as I am planning an Alaska cruise, and now I am narrowing my search down to a Holland America ship. I like the idea of less crowds, but wonder if it is less smooth sailing on a smaller ship? And is there enough to do on a smaller ship on sea days? Also does this one go to Tracy Arm? There has been some discussion on the Ask board about some ships being able to go all the way through, but it looks like a dead end on the map. Thanks for any help.

I have a hot tub at home - and that's the only one I will go in. I don't do public hot tubs. So I don't care if they are hot or not.:D

I really like Hol Am but this year was VERY tempted to go on the Pacific Princess to Alaska. Smaller-than-most-ships, and I'd really like to try a ship that size. Sails from Vancouver.

Thanks for the info. I'll take a look at their itineraries. Though I understand that Holland America has smaller ships too. I am checking those itineraries right now as well.

The Zuiderdam does both.

By the way, welcome to Cruise Critic.

Thank you! I see you have 2 cruises coming up on the Zuiderdam, so you must like that ship. I will check into Holland America cruises to Alaska.

I'm planning an Alaska cruise for the end of August/early September, but haven't decided which cruise line yet. I see some of them do Tracy Arm and others do Glacier Bay. I'm a bit confused as to what to book, and when:confused: I posted on the Ask a Question board and got directed to this one - lots of good info, but I think there are too many choices and decisions now, ha ha.

I am in the process of planning an Alaska cruise and I see that not all ships go to Tracy Arm. It does look like a fjord on the google map I pulled up. But my question is - should I pick a cruise that includes Tracy Arm, or is Glacier Bay better?

Thanks for the responses - I will go to the Alaska board and do some reading. Guess I should have done that in the first place.:o

Hi. I am new to this so I hope I am asking the question in the right place. I've only done one cruise before, and it was arranged by someone else. I am planning to book a cruise to Alaska, and have no idea which cruise line is the best bet for that destination. Any help would be appreciated. This would be a one-week cruise, so I guess a return from either Seattle or Vancouver (Vancouver would be my choice as we live not far from there).