Volendam & Zaandam to Alaska

[GloriaF]

Hello all,
My husband and I are considering a HAL cruise to Alaska. We are particularly interested in the 10 & 11 day itineraries of the Volendam and the Zaandam doing a Vancouver RT. I researched these ships on the HAL website, but it did not state the age of these ships or when they were last refurbished. I have heard nothing but good things about HAL in general and do not expect them to be in bad shape, I would just like some information. I would appreciate any info any of you would be willing to share with me.

Thanks in advance!

[Krazy Kruizers]

Zaandam - we were on her in 2000 - her inaugural cruises. She just came out of a 3 week dry dock where she had the Neptune Lounge and the new Explorations Cafe added. She already had the Marco Polo alternative restaurant which is now called the Pinnacle Grill.

Volendam came out in either late in 1999 or early 2000. She is scheduled to go into dry dock Dec 4 - 19, 2005.

[grannynurse]

We got off the Zaandam on January 8, just before she went into drydock. The new mattresses, bedding, and other Signature of Excellence upgrades were already in place, and wonderful. We had a suite on the navigation deck (our first), and although we've been on the Rotterdam 4 times and loved it, we really felt that the Zaandam does some things better.

She was launched in 2000 and is sister ship to the Volendam. The ship has great space/passenger ratio, and never seemed crowded even though we had a full ship.

She is not as formal, in attitude or decor as the Rotterdam. The color scheme is very pleasant. I loved the "stars" on the ceiling of the dining room, and the grand organ in the atrium. Her theme is musical and even has musical notes embedded in the wallpaper.

If you're going this summer, the difference will be the construction changes, as opposed to the Volendam which will not get hers until next winter.

I'm sure you will be impressed with either ship.
GN

[GloriaF]

Thanks for the quick responses!! Keep them coming -

I am in the process of getting a quote from my TA right now.

[KAJOKG]

Gloria -- The Volendam is my favorite ship. She is comfortable, easy to navigate (on foot, that is), and the floral arrangements all around the ship are simply gorgeous. We saw some very good show productions, and their Sea Quest program run by the crew is crazy and fun. Food is good and service is just what you expect from HAL.

[ajdegumbia]

I was on the Voldendam last June in Alaska. Was it a nice cruise...Yes...Was it a great cruise...Not exactly. The ship had just undergone dry dock, the new mattresses were very nice. The cabins were more spacious than I had anticipated (1st time on an inside) We have sailed Princess & RCI in the past and candidly, I like big ships, this is a mid-size and thus, the open areas felt cramped and also, I like a ship with alot of light. The purser's office was dark and dreary. The flowers were however just beautiful around the ship.

Everyone has personal preferences so I would suggest that you determine what is important and your likes and dislikes. I probably would sail HAL again if the $$$ was right, but would rather spend a few more $$$ for a big ship.

[GloriaF]

Thanks for the candid remarks. I've called & emailed my TA, just waiting for the quote.

I have heard that a smaller ship can be preferable in Alaska because they are able to navigate closer to the sights. We sailed the Regal and liked the size, but I, too, love the larger ships for their amenities.

[KAJOKG]

Gloria -- I do like the big ships, but the Volendam is not all that small. Smaller, of course, than the Golden, Caribbean Princess, etc. Fewer passengers does make a difference. But I think you'll find the Vaandam or Volendam very confortable. Their cabins are much more comfortable. All the Verandah suites are similar to Princess Mini Suites, but a bit bigger with very private balconies, and good size bathrooms. One negative --- HAL shops are not very good. Perhaps in Alaska it will be different, But Princess far exceeds with quality items in their duty free shops.

[GloriaF]

Thanks, Katy. I am picturiing these 2 HAL ships to be about the size of the Regal Princess. I liked that size. I think the HAL website said 60 Tons vs 109 T for Grand class. I think it will be a really good size for Alaska.

[Himself]

They are sister ships. I have yet to be on the Zaandam but I have been on the Volendam three times and I just love this ship. Since they are sister ships I don't think you can go wrong with either one.
Himself

[Budget Queen]

I would also strongly consider the destination. More important are ports, time in ports, route, glacier, price. Vancouver is superior for inside passage sailing. Are you looking at a Canadian Rockies add on or round trip San Francisco??