Alaskan cruise on the Statendam

[dizzy1949]

We have just booked 4 day land and 7 day cruise on the Holland America Statendam for June 2009. We have never been on the Holland America line and have only cruised the Caribbean and to Bermuda so this will be quite a change for us. Any comments or suggestions about this particular ship? Also, what kind of weather and temperatures can we expect in June? Thanks for your help. Sue

[PathfinderEss]

We have just booked 4 day land and 7 day cruise on the Holland America Statendam for June 2009. We have never been on the Holland America line and have only cruised the Caribbean and to Bermuda so this will be quite a change for us. Any comments or suggestions about this particular ship? Also, what kind of weather and temperatures can we expect in June? Thanks for your help. Sue

I'm sure someone will help you out more, but here goes, the Statendam is a lovely ship, it carries 1,200 passengers making it more personable to me, unlike these mega ships. Hal ships to me are much more adult with less of these ice rinks, wall climbing type venues. There is plenty of things do on board or you can just stretch out on a lounge chair and read a book. They have lots of bars, casino, nightly shows and plenty of good food. One of the friendliest crew of all the cruise lines. The temperatures in Alaska can be great in June warm and sunny. Probably 60's to maybe even as high as 80's. Cool mornings and evenings with mild days. Alaska is a beautiful trip if you like scenery, you'll love Alaska. Any other questions I'll try to help? Oh and welcome dizzy to the CC boards!

[Krazy Kruizers]

Welcome to Cruise Critic!!

 

We have sailed several times on the Statendam -- nice, personal ship.

 

Alaska in June -- hard to tell -- this year's weather wasn't the best. We have cruised Alaska in June and had beautiful weather nearly every day.

 

Just remember to dress in layers.

[RuthC]

Also, what kind of weather and temperatures can we expect in June?

Hi, Sue. Welcome to Cruise Critic. Pull up a keyboard and stay a while. :D

Weather in Alaska in June is hot, cold, warm, cool, rainy, sunny, foggy, misty, variable. Sometimes all in the same day!

In other words, it's unpredictable. You must be prepared for anything and everything. Dressing in layers is best.

I remember one day in Skagway, I was a little cool when I set off in the morning in a sweat-suit. By noon I was too hot in culottes and light top.

Bring a jacket and gloves for the glacier areas.

And have a great time in The Great Land.

[missintahiti]

Hi Sue,

 

We've just booked our June 2009 trip to Alaska on the Statendam as well. Will you be on in early or late June?

[pilotdane]

I like GoreTex and other modern high tech fabrics to handle the rapidly changing weather. Last September we had 80 and sunny up in Fairbanks and rain/sleet/snow on the ship one day and then 70's and sunny the next day, and 40 and foggy a few hours later. Asking about Alaskan weather is almost useless. You just have to be ready for anything.

 

Bring a good pair of binoculars and your camera.

 

Remember to find your way to the bow for some of the best views. It is not as easy to find as you might think. It is not labled so you are basically going through unmarked doors that do not say "crew only". Take either stairway at the forward part of the Lower Promenade deck and go up one deck. The hatches to the bow are unlocked or open on nice days. The hatches to the bow are just that; hatches. They are steel watertight doors like in a submarine movie and they do not look like the other doors on the ship. They do NOT have a "crew only" sign so it's OK. You cannot go on the bow at night and during rough weather.

[RuthC]

Remember to find your way to the bow for some of the best views. It is not as easy to find as you might think. It is not labled so you are basically going through unmarked doors that do not say "crew only". Take either stairway at the forward part of the Lower Promenade deck and go up one deck. The hatches to the bow are unlocked or open on nice days. The hatches to the bow are just that; hatches. They are steel watertight doors like in a submarine movie and they do not look like the other doors on the ship. They do NOT have a "crew only" sign so it's OK. You cannot go on the bow at night and during rough weather.

It's much easier to get to than that. Stay inside on Promenade Deck and head into the show lounge. (I always stay to starboard, but believe this also works on port). Head along the wall to the doors marked "emergency exit". Go through those. Within a few feet (maybe 4?) there's another set of doors. Go through those.

You are now in a passageway right in front of the hatch.

Not only do these directions save you from walking up that outside staircase, they also bring you straight back to a public restroom when you need a quick break. ;)