NIEUW AMSTERDAM JUNE 15 - 22 2019 ALASKA CRUISE

[Zuki]

Our very first cruise was to Alaska in 2014 on the Westerdam.  This was our 3rd trip to Alaska and we went back to Holland.  It was amazing!  I think the passengers can make the cruise fun and we had some really great fellow cruisers.  Ages from 20s - 70s but all young at heart and ready for fun.

 

Boarding:  was easy.  got to the port by 11AM and on board by noon.  

 

Room: 7079 Signature Suite.  Perfect size and balcony had lots of room with two loungers and table.  It was pretty warm the entire trip so we used the balcony a lot.

 

Entertainment:  BB King was fantastic.  This group had been together for the last 5 months and this was their last week and then a new group was coming.  They really got the crowd going and dancing.  They do three sessions each night 8:30/ 9:30 and 10:30 with a 15 minute break in between.  We got their early for the first show to get a seat and never left.  

The string quartet was fabulous as well.  They were from Russia and really sounded like a recording.  Just beautiful

 

We went to one variety show and a dancer was injured due to the rocking of the ship.  They ended up cancelling the second show.  Two nights were pretty rocky during the week.

Spa:  I got the salt water spa package with the heated spa lounger.  It is $136 on line, but I waited too long and couldn't book before I left.  When I went to sign up, they wanted to charge me $215, then after i protested $169 but finally got them to $136.  I felt the workers at the spa were a bit snooty and not very helpful.  There is also no water available to drink.  So be sure to bring your own.  Really loved the salt water after a day of touring. 

Excursions:  We did the Tracy Inlet cruise and it was amazing.  Rained most of the time, but the views were spectacular.  We saw a "herd"? of sea lions and their babies splashing in the water.  Must have been about 50 of them.   a lot of harbor seals and one whale.  

Afterwards we we took the tram up Mt. Roberts and had dinner.  Food was OK.  Views were spectacular.  

The train/bus tour in Skagway.  I messed up and had the bus portion first and then the train coming back.  I would do the RT train if I had to do it over.  The train has nicer views IMO  and much more comfortable than the bus.  There is also supposed to be a club car with big plush chairs.  I'd look into that option.

Ketchikan:  We did the Ketchikan Taxi cab tour with Tim White.  Went to herring cove which is beautiful and to Potach park to see the Totems.  Also went to the Rotary park.  Saw lots of eagles.  Didn't see any bears this time.   Then went to a Jazz club in town.  Good times

Food:  We ate in the main dining room the first night.  Then Rudy's on Thursday night.  This is the one night special chef deal.  It was incredible!  The remainder we ate in the buffet.  Had the pizza and brought to our balcony.  Also had the burger at the Dive In.  They were very good as were the french fries.

 

Casino:  My husband played the slots.  (his addiction) and won $910.00.  So I'd say the slots are fairly loose.  

 

disembarking:  We had an early flight so we did the self walk off.  It was easy.   Lines were long at customs as there were 4 ships in port.  But moved fairly quickly.  

 

LOVED this cruise

 

Dawn

 

[oakridger]

Zuki, thanks for the report.  I love the Nieuw Amsterdam and have been on her twice to Alaska. The Tracy Arm Inlet excursion was the highlight of my 2018 cruise.  I would recommend it to anyone. The only drawback is how crowded the main Alaska ports have become.  5 ships in port on the same day makes for a crowded town but the scenery is so spectacular!

 

~Nancy

[oceanmom]

Once in your life, you should do the luxury car on the White Pass train. Leather swivel chairs, tour guide in the car with you, mimosas and other goodies, no crowding, it was great! I think there were 12 of us in all.

[portofrome]

Thanks for your review!

[Krazy Kruizers]

Wonderful report.

 

Glad you enjoyed your Alaskan cruise on the Nieuw Amsterdam.  We love that ship.

 

We also love Alaska.

 

Surprised you didn't try the Tamarind Restaurant.

 

Great pictures.

[erewhon]

Thank you for taking time to review your cruise, and sharing the photos.

[Himself]

I was pm this cruise and ate dinner in the main dining room.  Food was very good.

[TechyCanuck]

We're leaving on this cruise in a couple weeks.  Just curious, what time did the ship come in to Vancouver on the last day?  I'm thinking about getting up early and capturing some pics of it coming under the Lions Gate Bridge.  Thx

[charlesspinney]

We're booked on the luxury car June 6th.  Really looking forward to it.

On 6/26/2019 at 1:51 AM, oceanmom said:

Once in your life, you should do the luxury car on the White Pass train. Leather swivel chairs, tour guide in the car with you, mimosas and other goodies, no crowding, it was great! I think there were 12 of us in all.

 

[Himself]

Never heard of the luxury car before.  How much does it cost.  NA will be in Europe next summer and replacing the Westerdam in Alaska in 2021 Vancouver to Whitter and back 2021.