Volendam or Zuiderdam?

[Mare10]

I'm trying to plan an Inside Passage cruise for June 2012. Would like to go round trip out of Vancouver. Any opinions on whether to go on the Volendam or Zuiderdam? Haven't been on this cruise lines before and would appreciate opinions!

Marilyn

[Himself]

Marilyn:

I have been on both ships and if I were making the decision the ship I would take would be the Volendam.

Himself

[Bellair]

I'm trying to plan an Inside Passage cruise for June 2012. Would like to go round trip out of Vancouver. Any opinions on whether to go on the Volendam or Zuiderdam? Haven't been on this cruise lines before and would appreciate opinions!

Marilyn

Below are some video links to the Volendam including a recent trip across the N. Pacific

Enjoy!

[Assateague Island Princes]

Volendam! She's smaller, easier to get around, and just a lovely ship! Consider one of the "secret cabins" - 7086 is one. An oceanview on the aft overlooking a small, "secret" deck which is just steps from your door. No crowds, like having your own private aft balcony! Go for it!

[RuthC]

The Volendam. Not only because it's smaller, but that's one of the good reasons. It leaves on Wednesday, so you share ports with fewer ships and passengers. You have a much better chance to really experience Alaska that way.
There's lots of nice outdoor decks on which you can sit and watch the scenery go by.

The Volendam had a dry-dock this past April. I was on the last cruise before that and thought the ship in fine condition then! The staff (who I know changes) was excellent---I couldn't have asked for better service.

[themerle]

I've sailed to Alaska on both the Zuiderdam and the Voldendam. I enjoyed both ships and their crews. I would choose the Voldendam (the smaller of the two ships) because I think we were able to get closer to the glaciers.

[LuAnn]

Below are some video links to the Volendam including a recent trip across the N. Pacific

Enjoy!


is just AMAZING!!! so professional!!! We are off on a TP next month...LA o Sydney on the Volendam...and are so excited...but we did a TP last September on Princess and visited some of your ports in your video...brought back such great memories...thank you so much for creating and sharing!! LuAnn

[Mare10]

Thank you all for the great advice. You're making this decision very easy!!!! The Volendam sounds like the best choice for many reasons!

Marilyn

[erewhon]

Mare10,

The Volendam is a great choice, am sure you will not regret this decision.

[startwin]

I sailed on the Volendam last September, and she quickly became my favourite ship of all the ships I have cruised on. A great choice, and sailing mid-week makes it even better as there is less congestion in each port of call.

[startwin]

There is an excellent review of a Volendam Inside Passage cruise on the Alaska board... go check it out. I think it emphasize that you made the right decision:)

[peaches from georgia]

One more for Volendam for all the reasons already posted. Love this ship. Haven't been on Zuiderdam, but was on her sister ship, the Oosterdam, and in no rush to go back.

[Bellair]

is just AMAZING!!! so professional!!! We are off on a TP next month...LA o Sydney on the Volendam...and are so excited...but we did a TP last September on Princess and visited some of your ports in your video...brought back such great memories...thank you so much for creating and sharing!! LuAnn

Hi LuAnn,
Many thanks for your lovely comments. We have friends (Guillots) on your cruise boarding in Vancouver to Sydney.
Have lots of fun & happy sailing

NB

[Mare10]

Thanks to all the help making our decision. My friend and I are booked on the Volendam to Alaska leaving May 30, 2012!!!! We are so excited and look forward to experiencing this ship.... sounds wonderful! Thanks again.

Marilyn

[Mary Ellen]

Congratulations! You'll have a wonderful time.

[LuAnn]

Hi LuAnn,
Many thanks for your lovely comments. We have friends (Guillots) on your cruise boarding in Vancouver to Sydney.
Have lots of fun & happy sailing

NB

Are they on CC? I've arranged a M&G for 9/11 at 10 AM in the Crow's Nest...would love to meet them!! LuAnn

[5waldos]

I am trying to make the same decision and thank you all- seems to be an easy choice. One question- how are the naturalists onboard? I have sailed to Alaska on both a Princess and a Carnival sailing. The biggest difference to me was that Princess had a wonderful naturalist who was on mike a lot and knew a lot. Made for a wonderful experience. And thoughts here?

[Assateague Island Princes]

Good choice with the Volendam! Enjoy! Just returned from the Amsterdam 14 day sailing last night. Miss Alaska already!

[startwin]

The naturalists are great and give an almost continous narrative throughout the day. Always very interesting.