Amsterdam or Oosterdam ???

[Reno NV Couple]

We have been on one cruise, Alaska on Statendam and loved it. We now want to go on another Alaska cruise and this time take our teenage son and wife's sister. So, with four in a room we will want to get a deluxe suite. My question is, I am uncomfortable in crowds and I thought the Statendam was wonderful, never felt crowded....The Oosterdam seems so huge, does it still feel as "intimate" as say the Amsterdam? we are going to take the Seattle round trip 7 day cruise. My gut feeling tells me I'd like the Amsterdam better but the Oosterdam schedule is alittle better traveling to the Hubbard glacier instead of the Glacier bay where the Amsterdam will stop. I've already seen Glacier bay,,,,,(dont know if the Hubbard is worth the difference??) but I would kinda like to see the Hubbard but am not sure I will enjoy the Oosterdam as much? any comments? thankyou.

[Reno NV Couple]

I guess I should ask about activities on both boats, any differences? I like the quiet, coffee lounges, library, walking around the ship to keep weight off. Sister in law is more adventurist, likes seeing, trying new things and will probably drag my wife along with her. My 15 yr old son will probably be bored on either ship I would imagine but maybe one ship is more fun for the kids? Any feedback is greatly appreciated. thankyou.

[lipoppop]

I haven't been on the Ost but have sailed the Westerdam. Have sailed the Amsterdam and have two more bookings already made for 2005 with her. The Amsterdam wins hands down-ambiance, layout, decor etc. She is truly HAL's flagship. Go with her and a glacier is a glacier- not in MHO a reason to pick one ship over another.

(Did I say in MHO?) Never been accused of being humble. Seriously you wil love the Amsterdam.

:cool:

[WindyCity]

The S suite on the vista ships is slightly smaller, so you may want to take that into consideration also. I am pretty sure the verandah is smaller not sure if the cabin is.

[doone]

I haven't sailed the Vista style ships yet, but I have sailed the Amsterdam. I would vote for the Amsterdam in a minute.

[Pudgesmom]

i have been on the Statendam and Oosterdam. I would take the Amsterdam in a heartbeat, no questions asked. Both ships were full. We liked the smaller ship much better.

I have also been to the Hubbard Glacier. I understand Glacier Bay is more impressive, and that the Hubbard is only visited because on limited ships allowed in Glacier Bay.

Beth

[john2003]

Interesting thread. Maybe HAL's design team should take a read!! We have not been on the Amsterdam but have been on the Statendam and Ryndam. This fall we took the 1 day cruise from Seattle to Vancouver (we live in Victoria) on the Oosterdam to answer your question. Absolutely, I agree with the other comments. We were not excited by the Oosterdam.

[localady]

I have been to both Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier, both are impressive, but IMHO Glacier Bay is right up there with seeing Yosemite. Not only is the Bay large and picturesque, we saw a great deal of whales the day we were there. One whale treated me to a private performance as we cruised out of the Bay late that afternoon as I sat on the veranda reading. We saw more calving on Hubbard Glacier, but I really think that the Amsterdam and Glacier Bay would be my choice.:)


:cool:

[c-cruise]

Ok, I will chime in here with some support for the Oosterdam. I really prefer the size of the vista class ships. Big enought to feel like there is always something new to explore, but not overwhelming. Plus you gotta love those glass elevators on the outside of the ship. Not sure I would go back to one of the smaller ships unless I really loved the itinerary. Was on Zuiderdam last year and loved it and we are leaving again in a few weeks for a western caribbean on the Oosterdam.

One other thing to consider is that Oosterdam departs on Saturdays and Amsterdam departs on Sundays. Might be a factor for some people. Other than that the itineraries and times in port are virtually identical. The main expection being the different glacier. Been to Tracey Arm and Glacier Bay, but never Hubbard.

[jhannah]

I have sailed on each of their "twins," the Rotterdam and the Zuiderdam. I would think you could hardly go wrong with either one. The Amsterdam will have a slight edge on being a bit more intimate with just under 500 fewer pax than the Oosterdam ... but the Vista ships are laid out to not give you a cramped feeling. Since the cabins tend to be slightly larger on the Amsterdam, that might be your best choice.

[Reno NV Couple]

Thankyou everyone for your comments. you confirmed my gut feeling. I am old fashioned and like the traditional decor of the older ships. From what I've read, the Amsterdam fits that bill much more than the Oosterdam. This is a fantastic site. I'll post our favorable review when we return.

[Reno NV Couple]

Ok, thanks to all your great comments,,,I am choosing the Amsterdam,,,now, being one who likes quiet, relaxing evenings, which Deluxe Verandah room would be best for being a quiet room, no lido commotion, chairs, etc overhead, also, which room would ensure the smoothest ride possible,,,I would think being in the aft part of the ship.,,,also, port or starboard side,,,I suppose that wouldnt make much difference, you see the land coming or going. Thanks again.

[Krazy Kruizers]

We have been on both the Amsterdam and the Oosterdam.

I would definitely choose the Amsterdam for Alaska.

We had cabin 7006 on the Amsterdam for a 22 day cruise - loved it.

For Alaska we have always booked cabins on the port side - did Alaska several times. Even when we did back-to-backs we still chose the port side.

Personnaly we like Glacier Bay bettern Hubbard - JOHO.

[sail7seas]

I think you would be happy on either ship. They are both wonderful. I've sailed Amsterdam but only Oosterdam's sister.


The "S" on Amsterdam definitely has a larger veranda and is a larger cabin. The dressing room is better IMO on Amsterdam and the drawer storage is hugely better on Amsterdam in the "S". The closets on each are good. I think I might actually like the closet space better on the Vista ships.

[bepsf]

Having sailed both, I prefer the Oosterdam:

Separate jacuzzi tub and shower in the suites
Angled/sectional sofa in the S Suites
SS Suites
More Balconies
Better verandah furniture (padded wicker instead of mesh on metal)
Exterior Glass Elevators
Odyssey grillroom has windows and a small bar overlooking the Atrium
Larger ships ride better in rough seas
Tender lobbies are better laid out and easier to find
Separate stations in the Lido
Corner-Aft Suites
...Although many prefer Amsterdam - and it is more traditional and intimate due to its smaller size. I do prefer the straight corridors and the layouts of the Ocean Bar and the Dining Room. (although I prefer the decor and chairs on Oosteram...)

As much as I enjoyed Amsterdam, I found myself missing the additional amenities of Oosterdam.

[Budget Queen]

One factor not mentioned is the route. It is poor going out of Seattle if you want inside passage. Much more of these Seattle sailings are open ocean. For me everything I go to Alaska for (18 trips) is outside the ship. Far better routing is out of Vancouver, easy transfer from Seattle if needed. Especially if you sailed Alaska before from Vancouver you will note a difference. :(

[peaches from georgia]

I have wondered why HAL, with 2 ships doing rnd trips from Seattle to Alaska, doesn't have one of the ships do it 'Inside Passage' rather than open ocean. We have wanted to do this cruise, preferably on the Amsterdam, from Seattle, but definetely want Inside Passage. Celebrity does cruise from Seattle through the Inside Passage, so I know it is possible.

[Thoth]

Is it too late to vote? I was on the Oosterdam to Hubbard Glacier back in July and loved it. I have also sailed the Statendam and Maasdam. Let's face it they are ALL wonderful. The O-dam is large but she feels no more crowded than the other 2. She makes up for the additional walking with some nice new bells and whistles, such as improved Lido buffet, knockout shows in a state of the art show lounge, more activies, and outside glass lifts. The social staff ( cruise director & assistants) were much more personal than on the older 2 ships.
Since I have been to BOTH Hubbard and Glacier bay, I cannot understand why some consider Hubbard inferior.

[SeaCruiser_1]

There were a group of us that sailed The Amsterdam Alaskan Explorer cruise this past July. Many of us had previously cruised the inside passage with HAL. We had an absolutely fabulous time on the Amsterdam! We never felt crowded. The service was wonderful! (I have a CC review posted on this site)

I know I am apprehensive about sailing the Vista Class ships although I will be sailing a three day on the Westerdam in December so I will be better prepared to make a comparison.

Now here is another point to consider.. The Amsterdam is in Victoria on Saturday night. The Buchart Gardens have the most remarkable fireworks display on Saturday evenings during the summer months.

[Reno NV Couple]

Thanks to everyone on this board for helping decide. We booked deluxe suite # S7004 port side, just behind penthouse suite. We understand its right below the beauty parlor so should be pretty quiet after hours. Looking forward to our trip on the Amsterdam.

[doone]

Good for you, I think you will thoroughly enjoy the Amsterdam. She's a beautiful ship.