Just back from Alaska June 13-20 on Zaandam

[flamedic]

This was my first cruise. I had a wonderful experience. Boarding was a breeze. I just followed everyone in front of me going through security and the checking in process. A crewmember escorted me to my stateroom.

I loved the balcony. I could see the scenery, ships and planes go by as I looked for wildlife. I watched the ship docking at Ketchikan and Vancouver from there.

 

The ship is beautiful and clean. I enjoyed the fresh flowers throughout the ship, as well as the flowers and fruit in my room. The staff was excellent. The ship was sold out, but it did not seem crowded on board.

 

The food was good, better in the main dining room than the lido, different variety and presentation. I did not go to the Rotterdam Dining on formal nights. I used room service several times. Food promptly arrived and was good. I missed the "Afternoon Teas", and the midnight buffets/chocholate extravanganza.

 

I went to a movie and one show. They were OK. I was busy all the time. I just couldn't do it all. I skipped the lounges, sales and auctions.

 

I slept well in a comfortable bed with good pillows. We were in 6106. Only one rough at sea experience, lasted about 6 hours. Was bless with mostly good weather throughout the trip. Occasional light rain for brief periods.

 

We took the "Ultimate Photo Safari" in Juneau. It included whale watching, the Mendenhall glacier and a short hike in a park. Was visited by the mosquitos on the trail. This was the only encountered with them.

 

Skagway, we did the Ultimate Yukon & Whitepass Railroad Bus/Train Combo. The scenery was magnificent.

 

"Ultimate Ketchikan, A Photo Adventure" in Ketchikan. We went whale watching again, saw eagles, anemones and star fish that were orange or purple, plus many other types of marine life. Then we went to a totem pole park.

 

We booked all the excursions thru HAL. We were met at the ship/pier by our tour guides on time and was back to the ship on time. All of our guides were excellent. We had some time left to see some of each town.

 

I loved Glacier Bay, saw bears, whales, eagles and calving of Margery Glacier. It was cold and windy. Dress warmly if you plan to stay outside like I did.

 

I wish I had another week to stay in Alaska. There were so many other things I would have liked to seen. I think I will join Mama Lou.

 

Disembarkation was orderly and easy also. I am glad to be home but hope to cruise again on a "dam" ship.

[Ali70]

Thanks for your review, it sounds like you had a great time. I'm on the Zaandam in August and I'm so excited about seeing Alaska.

 

How early are you allowed to board the ship in Vancouver? Also, does it get very crowded on the outer decks when the ship is in Glacier Bay?

[Roz]

Glad to hear you had a great first cruise experience. I also enjoyed the Zaandam. Her decor is a bit on the quirky side, but that's part of her charm.

 

When are you going to book your next cruise? :D

 

Aren't you amazed when people post here that they were bored on their cruise? I always have the problem you did - not enough time to do everything I'm interested in.

 

Roz

[flamedic]

Thanks for your review, it sounds like you had a great time. I'm on the Zaandam in August and I'm so excited about seeing Alaska.

 

How early are you allowed to board the ship in Vancouver? Also, does it get very crowded on the outer decks when the ship is in Glacier Bay?

I don't know what time the boarding started, I arrived at 3 PM. There were about 150 people in line ahead of me. Everything moved along smoothly. I was aboard in less than an hour.

 

I viewed on Deck 6 at the front of the ship. I could hear the naturalist clearly and had a height advantage. It was not crowded there. Two decks below had quite a few people out. It was windy and cold with misty rain at times, I had the advantage of using my balcony and could still view the glacier. The glacier calving was amazing. We saw a grizzley with 2 cubs and some whales while there. Alaska is so beautiful.

 

I hope you have good weather and enjoy Alaska as I did. I want to go again and do some of the things I missed. I would like to do the land cruise and see Denali.

[flamedic]

Glad to hear you had a great first cruise experience. I also enjoyed the Zaandam. Her decor is a bit on the quirky side, but that's part of her charm.

 

When are you going to book your next cruise? :D

 

Aren't you amazed when people post here that they were bored on their cruise? I always have the problem you did - not enough time to do everything I'm interested in.

 

Roz

I don't know when I will be able to go to Alaska again. But I will try to go to the eastern and western Carribean sometime in the next year. It is hurricane season until November. I will try to leave out of the Tampa and Miami area ports. I wasn't bored at all. Lots of new things to experience. I didn't try to do it all, I paced myself so I could be well rested for the excursions.

[Tinknock50]

Enjoyed hearing what a great time and good wildlife sightings you had!:)

[dvdfreakmc]

Great hearing about your trip. I was on the Zaandam two summers ago, and loved the ship, except for the awful organ in the atrium -- I'm sure others love it, but I just couldn't get used to it.

 

We just got back tonight from the Oosterdam and we took the Photo tour in Ketchikan as well -- did you have Joyce as your tour guide?

[flamedic]

Great hearing about your trip. I was on the Zaandam two summers ago, and loved the ship, except for the awful organ in the atrium -- I'm sure others love it, but I just couldn't get used to it.

 

We just got back tonight from the Oosterdam and we took the Photo tour in Ketchikan as well -- did you have Joyce as your tour guide?

I am sorry that I don't remember her name. She was young, born & raised in Alaska. Wayne was the name of the man that took us out in the boat. There were two other young ladies involved in our excursion also. We enjoyed the outing and the Lich Point Light station. Did you see the starfish on the rock walls? They were interesting as well as the eagles and the nests. I hope you had a good trip.

[Staraj]

:) Thanks for your positive review. It sounds like you really enjoyed the experience.

 

We just booked a cruise tour on Zaandam for next June so it was nice to read your comments about the ship and the excursions you took. Our trip is just shy of a year away but I'm already doing my research.

 

Hope this was just the first of many, many cruises for you!

 

 

Carol

[hammybee]

Thank you for taking the time to share your percerptions with us. I am glad you enjoyed your cruise.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Glad you had a wonderful Alaskan cruise. Bet you can't wait to go back.

[sondrad]

How was the photo tour in Juneau? Can you give some more details? Do you have any links to photos?

 

DH and I are scheduled for this tour next week, and would love some insight.

 

Thanks.