MS Amsterdam 14-nights Alaska - I'm back

[TheCalicoCat]

Any questions?

a quick photo free overview...

 

We visited Mt. Rainier prior to boarding the ship. (Please if you take no other piece of advice fly in the day before, even if you just stay at your hotel.)

 

After I had made my arrangements with a car company to drive me to the pier, I got an e-mail from HAL asking me to arrive well after the time that I had booked. I stayed with that pre-arranged time. The car arrived early, traffic was probably normal for a Monday (lighter than I am used to but the highway was full.) and we got to the pier at about 11:30. We were in our room (2684) by noon.

 

No hiccoughs with our prepaid unlimited laundry. The only mistake with our signature beverage package was refunded. (The Irish Cream flavor shot at the Explorations café was charged, because it was counted as a separate beverage.)

 

My son, 8, loved the Club HAL. There were 35 kids in the under 13 & 35 over 13. There appeared to be about a dozen who went to the club. I heard no complaints from those who went, but there were 10, 11, 12 year olds who were too old for club (as in didn't want to play with the younger kids) but not old enough for the Loft. There were a couple girls in that range that weren't well behaved/supervised... Not so much that it was a detriment, but enough that they got a reprimand.

 

The Loft also appeared to be well used. There were teens on the steps waiting for it to open.

 

I got it as part of Explore 4. I would prefer to book as Explore 4 again to get that package, but I also think that I would buy it. (I never got near the daily minimum, but I'm pretty sure that I went over the purchase price. I know my husband would make good use of it. As it is my son drank too much soda!)

 

I passed on eating in the Pinnacle Grill.

 

All of the staff were wonderful, the ship was clean and "just the right size."

 

I didn't like that the dining room was cut off from the rest of the ship on the 4th floor. (I barely passed The Pinnacle Grill & the photographs, etc. on the 4th floor as a result.)

 

I "never" had a reason to go down/up there.

 

The food in the MDR (90% vegetarian) was good. The options on the Lido for a vegetarian were very limited. One night I wanted something quick & ended up with a plate full of carrots. No pizza at dinner time & I did not want another cheese sandwich. (Chicken stock is the base for a lot of the soups even "mushroom" that could have been made vegetarian.) Food is very subjective... My table mates who were able to partake more widely really enjoyed their meals. The no sugar added desserts often sounded the most appetizing & were very good in general.

 

There was a children's menu in the MDR & my son ate his fair share of pizza & too much soda/ ice cream.

 

While I did not partake, I think that the daily entertainment was adequate & enjoyable according to those with whom I discussed it.

 

Trivia was done by the cruise director (Jorge for those who care) & his staff. The Piano Bar (David, I think was the players name) was full of listeners/ sing-alongers. The trio & the strings were also nice, but I think that they were all performing at the same time.

 

People left lunch early to get seats at the America's Test Kitchen shows. My tablemates could not get seats together for the shows in the lounge (& they liked the shows) even when one arrived early. The movies were current & the theater was full.

 

I guess this falls under self-entertaining, but on our cruise the puzzles were a hit & there were a lot to choose from, there were enough small group games and spaces for those who wanted to play cards, Monopoly, etc.

 

The library was well stocked & I saw several people toting along a book that they had borrowed. (I believe that they have done away with the Librarian & officially checking in/out.)

 

The bow was open for the 2 scenic cruising days & most of the outside viewing areas were full of people. (The 9th floor on the sides weren't full on the day on which we sailed into Endicott Arm, nor was the secret spot on the aft on deck 2. I did not check deck 3.)

 

Disembarkation was simple & easy. I liked that they asked you when you wanted to leave. Since my flight home was the next day, I chose the 9:20 slot. (I was even able to get one last Latte since I had the Signature Beverage Package! I wish I knew that before breakfast. The brewed coffee is not to my taste, but they had plenty takers.)

 

I'm not sure what else to add to a general overview.

[puppycanducruise]

Thank you for taking the time to post your comments.

Glad you had an enjoyable cruise.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Welcome Home

Glad you had a wonderful cruise -- I love that itinerary.

Thank you for your comments.

[TheCalicoCat]

You are welcome. Thanks for taking the time to read it.

[Old As Dirt Mom]

Hi Calico, were your shore excursions everything you'd hoped they would be? I know you did a lot of planning in advance, in order to maximize your Alaska experience, so I'm hoping you were rewarded for all your research.

[TheCalicoCat]

Hi Calico, were your shore excursions everything you'd hoped they would be? I know you did a lot of planning in advance, in order to maximize your Alaska experience, so I'm hoping you were rewarded for all your research.

 

My flight to see bears in Ketchikan was everything & more! I also enjoyed the AK Coastal Studies tour out of Homer. We got fogged out of Kodiak. That was my only disappointment.

[kazu]

Sounds like your work in planning for your cruise paid off.

 

So glad your young one liked Club HAL. I think it is one of the best kept secrets on HAL.

 

Sounds like you had a great cruise and I am happy to hear it :)

[Matushka]

My flight to see bears in Ketchikan was everything & more! I also enjoyed the AK Coastal Studies tour out of Homer. We got fogged out of Kodiak. That was my only disappointment.

 

Was your excursion fogged out of Kodiak or did you get fogged out of Kodiak all together? My husband and I are really looking forward to Kodiak.

 

Denise

[TheCalicoCat]

Was your excursion fogged out of Kodiak or did you get fogged out of Kodiak all together? My husband and I are really looking forward to Kodiak.

 

Denise

 

We got fogged out all together. Extenuating circumstances: There was a ship in need of repairs at the 1 dock available. I think that if it had not been moored that we would have been able to dock. (Based on how close we were.)

[Copper10-8]

Thanks for taking the time and effort on your 14-day Amsterdam/Alaska review

Unfortunately, nothing can be done about the Deck 4 egress from the lower LaFontaine dining room.Elevators and/or steps up and down are the only option due to the Main Galley being "in the way". Same story on the remaining two "S"-class ships. It's the ship's design

[Kiran]

Thank you for your review.

Looking forward to our turn on this trip!

[rafinmd]

Thanks for taking the time and effort on your 14-day Amsterdam/Alaska review

Unfortunately, nothing can be done about the Deck 4 egress from the lower LaFontaine dining room.Elevators and/or steps up and down are the only option due to the Main Galley being "in the way". Same story on the remaining two "S"-class ships. It's the ship's design

 

Yes but I appreciate the R-class midship stairs/elevators so the Half Moon, Hudson, and Wajang are not down a dead end hallway.

 

I normally prefer smaller but in this case I like the R over the S.

 

Roy

[Copper10-8]

Yes but I appreciate the R-class midship stairs/elevators so the Half Moon, Hudson, and Wajang are not down a dead end hallway.

 

I normally prefer smaller but in this case I like the R over the S.

 

Roy

 

Good points, Roy

[rkacruiser]

Yes but I appreciate the R-class midship stairs/elevators so the Half Moon, Hudson, and Wajang are not down a dead end hallway.

 

I normally prefer smaller but in this case I like the R over the S.

 

Roy

 

Yes, I agree. The mid-ship elevators/stairwell is a plus for the R Class vessels.

[erewhon]

Thank you for taking time to review your cruise on board the Amsterdam.

 

Sounds like you had a super time.

[easyboy]

Glad you enjoyed your cruise.

Thanks for the feedback.

[TheCalicoCat]

Unfortunately, nothing can be done about the Deck 4 egress from the lower LaFontaine dining room.Elevators and/or steps up and down are the only option due to the Main Galley being "in the way". Same story on the remaining two "S"-class ships. It's the ship's design

 

You are so right, but more than once I was irritated thinking I could go across only to find that I couldn't. (Not too many times on a 14-night cruise. But I was on that floor so infrequently, I had no idea where to get the tender ticket. I had never seen that "wine bar.")

[TheCalicoCat]

Yes but I appreciate the R-class midship stairs/elevators so the Half Moon, Hudson, and Wajang are not down a dead end hallway.

 

I missed all of those. I remember seeing a movie poster once or twice &/or America's Test Kitchen. I have no idea about the other 2 venues...

 

Not that I was negatively affected by this. I'm not great at be here at this time. & Based on what my table mates said those activities were packed. (not my idea of fun)

[TheCalicoCat]

Thanks again, I went through my photos last weekend, so I hope to do a more through (or a photo laden) review later.

 

I've made my shutterfly book! :o)

[Copper10-8]

You are so right, but more than once I was irritated thinking I could go across only to find that I couldn't. (Not too many times on a 14-night cruise. But I was on that floor so infrequently, I had no idea where to get the tender ticket. I had never seen that "wine bar.")

 

I don't believe that "Wine Tasting Bar & Gourmet Shop" (it used to be the Java Cafe Coffee Bar on the "S" and "R"-class ships) across from the Wajang is used a lot

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

Thanks for sharing the info.

[rkacruiser]

I don't believe that "Wine Tasting Bar & Gourmet Shop" (it used to be the Java Cafe Coffee Bar on the "S" and "R"-class ships)across from the Wajang is used a lot

 

You are correct. It is wasted space. When there was a Java Bar at that location, it was well patronized. But, that was prior to the Exploration's Cafe concept with coffees/teas that needed to be purchased. The Java Bar's offerings were no charge.

[bracket]

Hello CalicoCat, we are going on the Amsterdam at the end of the month, our first time to Alaska. We are flying out from the UK and doing a tour of the Rockies before we board. We are away for almost 3weeks and have a limited luggage allowance. My husband normally takes his evening suit for cruises but as we need a fair amount of clothes for our land tour he is not sure wether to take all the formal evening clothing with him. Although we have done a lot of cruises we have never been with HAL before, could you let me know if everyone dressed up in evening wear for Gala nights please? We are wondering if due to its destination it will be a bit more casual. I would appreciate any information you can give. Many thanks, Denise.

Edited August 7, 2017 by bracket
Spelling error

[rkacruiser]

Not CalicoCat, but I sailed on the Amsterdam's July 3rd 14 day cruise from Seattle. I wore my tux; I was not overdressed in comparison to other guests.

 

Was I in the majority dressing with formal wear? Probably not. But, I felt comfortable and the guests with whom I met, including table mates, were most accepting of my appearance. (I even received 2--really, 2 on separate evenings--comments from people that I had not met--on how pleased with my appearance was to them.) Certainly, I did not expect such comments. I dress to please myself and I would suggest that others do likewise, within the proper guidelines, of course.

[TheCalicoCat]

Although we have done a lot of cruises we have never been with HAL before, could you let me know if everyone dressed up in evening wear for Gala nights please?

 

I saw a full range of dress. (including a powder blue tuxedo from the 80's & a super fancy military uniform!) For men it appeared to be at least shirt & tie.

 

I would not stress over "smart casual." After posting my packing list, someone on my roll call mentioned the smart casual & so I added a couple dresses & a skirt to my bag - I never wore them. (I did wear my 3 gala night outfits & my son wore shirt & tie trousers & dress shoes.)