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Just when I thought I had settled on a cruise line, of course I've decided to change my mind. I'm planning our first cruise to Alaska for August 2017 and the Nieuw hits my important itinerary requirements, but I've heard so much about Holland catering to a more mature clientele that I'm really hesitating. I know the ship choice for Alaska is very low on priorities but still, we are a young couple in our 30s. We'd like to have some couples around our age to connect with, and some nightlife...not crazy but a lounge that plays music from this decade would be nice. We're also foodies so dining is important. If you've sailed on Nieuw and loved it, please sell it to me! Also recommendations for a great balcony cabin would be much appreciated! I'm confused by the VA, VB, VC, etc categories...not sure what the difference is and which are better.

 

Thanks!

Aimee

Hi Aimee,

I was in my late020s (now mid-30s) when I went to Alaska the first time and it was with HAL on the Ms Oosterdam. Being my first cruise I didn't know what to expect, but choose HAL specifically for the itinerary and the reputation, and I am so glad I did!

A few years ago, I went back to Alaska on a sister ship to the Oosterdam, the Westerdam. I recall other people my age, but I am so tired for go go going while in port that late nights didn't happen often. :)

I haven't been on the Nieuw, but I have been on the Eurodam and loved it. The Nieuw is on my list, but the itineraries have not matched up with my travel plans.

I don't think you can go wrong with the Nieuw Amsterdam (any HAL ship, really!) and Alaska. I did sail with Celebrity last fall, to Alaska, and had a wonderful time, but I missed seeing Glacier Bay. Celebrity did seem to have more activities and entertainment. The food in the Main Dining Room was okay, but even though I am a "foodie" and I am picky "foodie" and I chose not to eat in the Main Dining Room most nights.

Good luck with your decision!

Stephanie

Just spent 7 days aboard the ms Veendam and had a really great cruise. No issues that we can recall. On port days, if you are on port side forward, expect to hear lots of noise as the ship prepares to dock. It doesn't last for more then 10 - 15 minutes, but doing those early morning snoozing hours it was a bit of a nuisance.

From what we remember from our recent cruise there would be work to the radar system on the bridge-if not radar something to do with the deck 12 as a portion of it was blocked off, and maybe a deep clean.

Our cruise director was Jude, she was pretty good.

As the ms Eurodam was leaving Grand Turk in early December 2010, there was one lone humpback whale off the aft of the ship. We watched it dive a few times before we were too far away to see it.

Has anyone see whales from off the ship on the way in to Grand Turk or leaving? We have a balcony and will be there during migration in 2016.

I've only been to Grand Turk once, in early December 2010 on the ms Eurodam and from the back of the ship as we were sailing away from Grand Turk, I saw one lone humpback.

Thank you all for your helpful feedback. Only 9 days, and we will be in Sitka!

We docked with Millennium in May and Celebrity provided a free shuttle bus. Most people went on ship's tours however.

The two other times I have been to Sitka, I have done a ship sponsored tour; however, this time we booked a private tour for whale and wildlife watching. Instead of a larger vessel holding 50-125 people, we will be on a boat with 4 other people and the captain. We hope to see puffins, but not sure if it is the right time of year. Wish us luck! :)

For those of you who have been to Sitka on Celebrity Infinity or another Celebrity ship, how do you get from the dock to downtown? Does Celebrity provide a shuttle or is it an easy walk? We've been there before with another cruise line and we were tendered so this will be a new experience.