Alaska - Koningsdam vs. Eurodam, Vancouver vs. Seattle

[Anastas617]

I'm looking at booking Alaska next July or August and I'm pondering the options in the title.

 

I have been to Seattle several times including a cruise on Princess this year. I have no real desire to "visit" Seattle, so there is no attraction for me there. Does Vancouver compare favorably in ease of getting to port from Airport and/or central tourist/hotel area? I assume as an American my flight will likely be a bit more expensive and I'm not planning on multiple overnights in either city.

 

The (possibly) bigger question is between the two ships. Rotterdam might be my favorite ship I've sailed on (3rd time upcoming in February), so Koningsdam immediately appeals to me. What would I be missing out on with Eurodam or perhaps the inverse, what would be more enjoyable about Eurodam?

 

This will be a casino comp so price isn't a big factor, but I'm a bit shocked (perplexed?) that Eurodam is significantly more expensive for a 7-day cruise leaving the same days. Looking at three dates and Eurodam is $800-$1000 more for an inside cabin based on solo occupancy. I would be looking at upgrade options but will also be happy to just keep my interior if I don't see the value of upgrading.

 

So the question that I could have asked in one sentence: Which do the Alaska veterans think is more preferable? Koningsdam from Vancouver or Eurodam from Seattle?

 

Thanks!

[CruiserBruce]

The itinerary is important. 

 

The airfare is the airfare. Being American doesn't affect that AFAIK. 

 

Some reading on the Alaska board would be beneficial. Sailing from Vancouver gives you the more scenic true Inside Passage,  and usually more time in ports.

[FOPMan]

Airfare certainly is a consideration. Vancouver comes with international taxes.

 

I love both cities. Vancouver is easier to get around, especially as a wheelchair user. You can take SkyTrain (light rail) from the airport to about 200 feet from the cruise ship. Trains run regularly. Fares are inexpensive.

 

Vancouver is full of reasonable and very good restaurants that feature seafood. That makes me happy. Stanley Park is one of the world’s best urban parks.

 

Be in Vancouver July 1 or for the fireworks festival and watch the night light up!

[oaktreerb]

It’s easy to get transportation to the port in Vancouver.  You can actually take public transportation from the airport to the port. There are also wonderful hotels at the port.  You can actually watch your ship come in.  Koningsdam is a very nice ship.  

[a.madruga]

37 minutes ago, Anastas617 said:

I'm looking at booking Alaska next July or August and I'm pondering the options in the title.

 

I have been to Seattle several times including a cruise on Princess this year. I have no real desire to "visit" Seattle, so there is no attraction for me there. Does Vancouver compare favorably in ease of getting to port from Airport and/or central tourist/hotel area? I assume as an American my flight will likely be a bit more expensive and I'm not planning on multiple overnights in either city.

 

The (possibly) bigger question is between the two ships. Rotterdam might be my favorite ship I've sailed on (3rd time upcoming in February), so Koningsdam immediately appeals to me. What would I be missing out on with Eurodam or perhaps the inverse, what would be more enjoyable about Eurodam?

 

This will be a casino comp so price isn't a big factor, but I'm a bit shocked (perplexed?) that Eurodam is significantly more expensive for a 7-day cruise leaving the same days. Looking at three dates and Eurodam is $800-$1000 more for an inside cabin based on solo occupancy. I would be looking at upgrade options but will also be happy to just keep my interior if I don't see the value of upgrading.

 

So the question that I could have asked in one sentence: Which do the Alaska veterans think is more preferable? Koningsdam from Vancouver or Eurodam from Seattle?

 

Thanks!

Koningsdam our choice but maybe you might like the stops on Eurodam better

[Stpatsirish]

I love Koningsdam as well. I have not been on Eurodam but have cruised on Nieuw Amsterdam, her sister ship, and also like that size ship. But, having to choose between them, the Koningsdam does have the Grand Dutch Cafe and a separate Club Orange dining room, if you book with Club Orange. I am also a fan of the New York Pizza and Deli. No deli part on the Eurodam nor is there a Gelato bar.

The airfare can be a non issue if you fly to Seattle and take a HAL transfer to Vancouver. And from Vancouver you are going through the Inside Passage longer.

So, my choice would be Vancouver on the Koningsdam.

Edited Friday at 10:38 PM by Stpatsirish

[Anastas617]

Thanks for the feedback all. You guys have pretty much confirmed my initial thoughts that had me leaning toward Koningsdam.

 

I will do some research on Sitka vs. Skagway as that is the one difference that may change my mind since I have already been to Skagway (but quite enjoyed the stop).

 

I appreciate everyone's input. Cheers!

[Anastas617]

33 minutes ago, Stpatsirish said:

I love Koningsdam as well. I have not been on Eurodam but have cruised on Nieuw Amsterdam, her sister ship, and also like that size ship. But, having to choose between them, the Koningsdam does have the Grand Dutch Cafe and a separate Club Orange dining room, if you book with Club Orange. I am also a fan of the New York Pizza and Deli. No deli part on the Eurodam nor is there a Gelato bar.

The airfare can be a non issue if you fly to Seattle and take a HAL transfer to Vancouver. And from Vancouver you are going through the Inside Passage longer.

So, my choice would be Vancouver on the Koningsdam.

I had Club Orange in August on Rotterdam and the dining room (particularly for breakfast) was one of the highlights of my cruise. That being said, the HAL rep said he made a mistake and shouldn't have allowed me to book CO since I was on a casino comp. That won't stop me from trying again, though! lol.

[FlorenceItaly]

12 minutes ago, Anastas617 said:

I had Club Orange in August on Rotterdam and the dining room (particularly for breakfast) was one of the highlights of my cruise. That being said, the HAL rep said he made a mistake and shouldn't have allowed me to book CO since I was on a casino comp. That won't stop me from trying again, though! lol.

NA

Edited Friday at 11:26 PM by FlorenceItaly

[Anastas617]

1 minute ago, FlorenceItaly said:

Wow, this is interesting as I book casino cruises too.  I have never heard this, but i haven't tried to book Club Orange.

He said his supervisor told him he wasn't supposed to allow it after he put me on hold, but since he told me I could they allowed it to proceed.

 

As with many things with cruising, probably just depends who gets your call on any particular day 🤣

[FlorenceItaly]

4 minutes ago, Anastas617 said:

He said his supervisor told him he wasn't supposed to allow it after he put me on hold, but since he told me I could they allowed it to proceed.

 

As with many things with cruising, probably just depends who gets your call on any particular day 🤣

I deleted my original posting because I remembered I upgraded to Club Orange on a TA cruise where my balcony was comped.  I upgraded so I would have a choice of cabin.  This was in 2023 and things change.  ALSO, this was on the Zuiderdam and there is no separate dining room.

Edited Friday at 11:34 PM by FlorenceItaly

[Dutchman48]

1 hour ago, Anastas617 said:

 

 

So the question that I could have asked in one sentence: Which do the Alaska veterans think is more preferable? Koningsdam from Vancouver or Eurodam from Seattle?

 

Thanks!

Koningsdam from Vancouver.

Have done 5 Alaska cruises (4 with HAL) and enjoyed them all regardless of which port we went out of.

The reason I recommend Vancouver has nothing to do with the ship, but first and last sea day. Going out of Vancouver you go up between the Island and mainland which has two advantages. First it is more scenic, second should be calmer. 

Going out of Seattle you have a good chance of seeing whales, but once you leave the straits you spend a full day in open water same on the return the sea day prior to Victoria is in open water.

[Anastas617]

2 minutes ago, Dutchman48 said:

Koningsdam from Vancouver.

Have done 5 Alaska cruises (4 with HAL) and enjoyed them all regardless of which port we went out of.

The reason I recommend Vancouver has nothing to do with the ship, but first and last sea day. Going out of Vancouver you go up between the Island and mainland which has two advantages. First it is more scenic, second should be calmer. 

Going out of Seattle you have a good chance of seeing whales, but once you leave the straits you spend a full day in open water same on the return the sea day prior to Victoria is in open water.

Great info. Thanks!

[HollDoll]

I have sailed out of both Seattle and Vancouver. Vancouver is by far the superior choice for a more scenic Cruise.

[nw gardener]

Hands down,  Koningsdam due to the inside passage.  Cruised on the Koningsdam the last 2 years to AK and enjoy the Pinnacle class ships. Have not been on the Eurodam yet,  but Nieuw Amsterdam twice, and the Signature class is good as well since it also has the Tamarind.  But I would miss the Grand Dutch Cafe 😢.  But for me it comes down to the scenery of the inside passage so we now choose to leave from Vancouver. 

NB, just north of Vancouver

 

SB, last evening.

[Foggy Bay]

2 hours ago, Anastas617 said:

I will do some research on Sitka vs. Skagway as that is the one difference that may change my mind since I have already been to Skagway (but quite enjoyed the stop).

 

We lived on and cruised on our boat in SE Alaska for 20 years, with 10 of those years spent in Sitka.  In our opinion, having lived there and in Ketchikan, and cruised all the waters extensively, Sitka is the most beautiful town in SE Ak. Easily walkable, beautiful National Park, a raptor center where they rehab injured birds of prey, a gorgeous harbor, the extinct volcano that looks like Mt. Fuji....I could go on and on.  If you've been to Skagway already, take an itinerary that visits Sitka.  You won't be disappointed.

[bcummin]

We loved our ms Eurodam cruise out of Seattle.  The smaller ship might get closer docking spaces?  Sitka and Glacier Bay are not to be missed.

We have sailed out of Vancouver, but Seattle is more convenient for us.

Enjoy your cruise.

Barbara

[srsurman]

Another advantage to sailing out of Vancouver that hasn't been discussed yet is the Freedom Discount.  1.36 to be exact.

[DougnSam]

The Koningsdam has a couple of different itineraries out of Vancouver. Pick the one that is better for you. We wanted to see Glacier Bay and we chose Icy Strait Point over Skagway. I don't think the Koningsdam stops at Icy Strait Point, so we went with Eurodam out of Seattle.

 

[Anastas617]

2 hours ago, DougnSam said:

The Koningsdam has a couple of different itineraries out of Vancouver. Pick the one that is better for you. We wanted to see Glacier Bay and we chose Icy Strait Point over Skagway. I don't think the Koningsdam stops at Icy Strait Point, so we went with Eurodam out of Seattle.

 

Thanks for the head's up. The dates that work for me only have the top itinerary. 

[DougnSam]

18 minutes ago, Anastas617 said:

Thanks for the head's up. The dates that work for me only have the top itinerary. 

At least you get to see Glacier Bay! 

[Cruise Junky]

Vancouver. Hands down Vancouver. Some of the most scenic cruising are your days on the BC inside passage. You don’t get that going from Seattle.  

[Cruise4food]

On 9/20/2024 at 7:10 PM, Anastas617 said:

I will do some research on Sitka vs. Skagway as that is the one difference

Yes, It is rare to visit Sitka on a voyage originating in Vancouver. And Sitka has the New Archangel Dancers. That may be a factor in your decision.

[breakiron]

Also the Koningsdam has 12 outside cabins for singles if they're not all booked.  I booked one of those cabins for August 2025.

[AKJonesy]

On 9/20/2024 at 1:56 PM, Anastas617 said:

I have been to Seattle several times including a cruise on Princess this year. I have no real desire to "visit" Seattle, so there is no attraction for me there. Does Vancouver compare favorably in ease of getting to port from Airport and/or central tourist/hotel area? I assume as an American my flight will likely be a bit more expensive and I'm not planning on multiple overnights in either city.

I am not going to address the itinerary issue others have mentioned.  I agree with you regarding Seattle - yuck.  IMHO Vancouver is as easy or easier getting to the port.  Years ago, we sailed out of Vancouver and I just did not like the hassle because we took a bus to get back to SEA which was LONGGGGG, but then two years ago, we sailed from there again, and we got a whole new and better experience.  

 

A couple of things.  We flew from SEA to YVR for $99 each way which I thought was cheap.  Our connection is always SEA to Alaska.  One time we did the HAL transfer which was super easy and they collect you at baggage claim.  The downside is that you have to wait for everyone.  The second time we took the train;  EASY and cheap!  The station is right there at the airport.  They have lifts to the departure floor and it was an easy two block walk to the cruise pier once you depart from the Canada Place train station which is the last stop.  We had our roller bags and it was easy on the sidewalks in Vancouver.

 

In and around the cruise pier area, it is very lovely.  We dropped our bags and went for a nice walk.  We watched the float planes take off from the waterfront and considered the hop on hop off.  This time on our upcoming HAL Coastal trip, we are arriving a day early and are staying 3-4 blocks away in a nice but NOT INSANELY priced hotel like the Pan Pacific which many people will recommend.  Yes, the PP is right there and convenient, but for much less I can walk 3 blocks on the sidewalk with my luggage...no problem.  I love the vibe of the area and am looking forward to our trip in October.  

 

For me it's the Pinnacle class because I love the additional restaurants and the multi level pool area, Gelato, the library, and more.  The only downside is that there are no deck chairs on the Promenade because the lifeboats take up the area, but it is still a nice walk around the deck.  You can find deck chairs all over the higher decks, if the weather permits.  I still like the Eurodam but I'd probably choose a Pinnacle class ship if the itinerary was good and/or similar.