lukydog

We have stayed there on 2 separate occasions and we LOVE this hotel! It has a great location..good bar/restaurant...nice rooftop pool & bar...within walking distance to the water taxi, beach boardwalk (hotel right across from the ocean) and the boardwalk has lots of people watching, food, drinks. When you book a room you want to book a room in the towers. The other part of the hotel is older and I believe that is what is undergoing renovations. We loved every bit of our stay, including our rooms, service by workers, etc. I would stay there again in a heartbeat.

To Lukydog

 

I am not good with the computer. I do not know how to post pictures to this post. If you could point me in the correct direction, I will attempt to post a few.

As I took so many pictures I have not begun to organize & fix them yet. Likely this weekend. Some of the photos are ok right out of the camera, unfortunately many need help as my skills are weak a best.

 

Thanks John

I have never tried posting any photos either, but I have seen topics on here on how to do it. Would have to do a search probably.

Enjoyed your report. Hope you will post some of your photos!

We will be on the Noordam (and Holland) for the first time next June. Will also be our first trip to Alaska..so excited! How did you like the Noordam?

Thanks for the link! Found it :)

Carol, glad you enjoyed the review. Below is a quote from Harv & Marv's website (Frequently Asked Questions):

 

"There are three big steps to get in and out of our boats and the van parks about 300 yards away from our boat. If you cannot walk 1/2 mile or up and down stairs with ease, you should consider booking with a different company."

 

Yes, a representative from H&M met us on the port dock. We checked in with the representative and one member of our party was given a paper bracelet that showed the name of our boat we were assigned to for our excursion. A mini-bus was called and we boarded the transportation to the place where the Harv & Marv boats are docked. Upon arrival we were met by our Captain, given an opportunity to use the restroom and then taken down to our boat.

 

We have no mobility issues and found no issues with the walk from the dock to the boat. You might want to take a look at the Harv & Marv website to see if any other concerns you might have are addressed.

 

Hope you get the opportunity to tour with Harv & Marv.

I was looking at Harv & Marv's website but couldn't find a price for the whale watching tour. Would you be able to tell me how much this excursion is?

We are doing a one-way from Vancouver to Seward next June on Noordam. I've never been on Holland before so can't help you there. I do know they are offering a free beverage package as a perk right now.

I would also be interested in what ideas anyone has for an afternoon and evening in Anchorage before taking the train to Denali the next day. Recommendations for hotels or bed & breakfast?

I, too, am interested in knowing how you find out if a charter or large group is going to be on your sailing.

We didn't find 5180's verandah small... It had a few chairs and was comfortable for us. I don't have any really good photos of it though I looked.

 

Was your cabin one of the ones that look out over the lifeboats? We have one booked next year on the Noordam for Alaska. I know you won't be able to look directly down but is your forward view compromised? We are going with 2 other couples (we want to open the partitions between our 3 cabins) and the one couple wanted to be midship on Deck 5 but I'm worried I'm not going to like it. :eek:

Budget Queen....what would be a good hotel for Denali if you are arriving by train and won't have a car to get around?

We love Bahia Mar. It is across the street from Ft. Lauderdate Beach and the beach boardwalk with tons of restaurants/bars/nightlife. It is a block away from the Water Taxi. Nice hotel in a great area!

May I ask how much the shuttle costs?

Thanks for your review. How did you get to the Capilano Suspension Bridge from your hotel & what was the transportation cost ?

Crew News, may I ask which whale watching excursion you went on? We will be making our first trip to Alaska in 2016 and really looking forward to it!

Feel free to ask any question. Because I am on the first Noordam cruise to Alaska, my goal is to answer questions for those who will follow as well as collect all of the menus to help others plan their Noordam dining experience.

---End quote

 

Looking forward to menus etc

 

Happy travels

Interested in knowing how the men are dressing for formal night? What kind of men's attire is being allowed? (I ask because ties make DH claustrophobic).

A dinner jacket is a tux.

 

For men, renting is the best option. It's waiting in the cabin at embarkation, they can do last minute adjustments, you don't have to pack it or have it cleaned, and you are spared the need to pack a pair of dress shoes. My partner does it for every cruise and it has never failed.

 

I, on the other hand, wear my kilt, so I pretty much occupy the luggage space that he has vacated.

Approximately how much is it to rent a tux for a 7 day cruise?

We will be on our first Holland cruise to Alaska in 2016. My husband has an aversion to ties as they make him feel claustrophobic. Would they allow him in on formal night with no tie? Could he wear one long enough to get in the door then remove it? I've read that formal night is more relaxed for Alaska. Will a sports coat be required?

I didn't notice Captain Morgan. Do they not have Captain Morgan on Holland?:eek:

We are planning our first trip to Alaska and the hubby wants to do some gold panning. We plan on a 7 day one way cruise and then spending several days in Alaska. So how about it everyone...where did you pan & how did you like it? Thanks, everyone!

We are considering sailing on the Norwegian Sun to Alaska and have never sailed NCL before. My husband has Celiac Disease and has to eat gluten free. Would love to hear from anyone that has sailed NCL and must be gluten free. How did they do? Thanks!

Thanks, everyone! Sounds promising! And yes, GF bread is bad, he usually just steers clear of it due to the taste.

Thanks for the responses. Good to know that Princess does a great job with GF!

We have never sailed on Princess before and are considering doing so for an Alaskan cruise. My husband has Celiac Disease and has to eat gluten free. So how about it...anyone else out there required to eat gluten free....what was your experience on Princess? Thanks!

We have never sailed on Holland before but are considering it for an Alaskan cruise. My husband has Celiac Disease and must eat gluten free. Carnival handles this really well. Would love to hear your experiences for being gluten free on Holland! Thanks!