Did I book the wrong cruise, Zaandam,Alaska

[moofus]

:confused: We have only traveled on RCCI or Celebrity. Never on HAL. Wanted to try something different. So we are booked on the Zandam for 7 days in Alaska, Sept 11.
We were advised that HAL is a "step up" from RCCI.

After reading some of the reports I am now worried that I should have stuck with Celebrity.
We have a really nice suite, a delux verandah.
I am 51, husband is 56, we are going alone. Like to gamble, and go to shows, movies, and, of course, eat. Not really in to nightclubbing, but also not in to polkas.
I still have ytime to change without too much of a forfit,,, what do you think?

[cviolante]

In my honest opinion, if you're the kind of person who is looking for your next cruise to be just like your last few cruises, then you shouldn't change cruise lines.

If you're the kind of person who is excited to see what the new cruise has to offer, then you'll probably have a great time.

I have sailed on several different lines, and have never had anything but a fantastic time. But then again, I definitely fall into the latter category above. I love experiencing new things about cruising.

[Roz]

Not to worry...I've been on 3 HAL cruises and have never witnessed a polka. :D

My very first cruise was a HAL ship to Alaska. I was on the Zaandam last December, and she's a beautiful ship. Great food, service, and atmosphere. What specifically in these "reports" has you concerned?

Roz

[moofus]

Thanks for your responses. I read in a previous post that the average age is above 65, not so much of a problem for us, I can talk to most anybody and I don't get hung up on age... but we do like to see a few ( living) bodies hanging out after dinner. A previous poster said everyone was in bed by 10:pm and that the music by the pool was Polka. I doubt if we will be doing much pool in Alaska in Sept. Probably more inside activites during sea days.

The idea of 1400 passengers vs 14,000 is one of the things we liked about HAL.

[Roz]

You'll find an older demographic in May and Sept., because children are still in school. Alaska tends to appeal to older cruisers, regardless of the cruise line. Friends of mine sailed on the Carnival Spirit last summer and said they only had about 50-60 kids.

On my July Alaskan cruise, I'd say the average age was 60-65. By comparison, when I went in May (both on HAL), the average age was 75-80. :eek: However, please keep in mind that on both cruises, there were passengers of all ages, from infants to 90+.

On both cruises, only the pool with the retractable roof was open due to weather conditions. I never remember any kind of music being played by the pool, let alone a polka. I'm an accordian :) player myself, so if there was polka music being played, I would have noticed.

Alaskan cruises tend to have a different atmosphere than Caribbean cruises, IMO. People tend to cruise for the destination and scenery, more than the "cruise experience".

Don't worry and just enjoy yourselves. I'm sure you will.

Roz

[ExpCruiser]

Dear Moofus, I vote for you to change! I think Celebrity is way ahead of HAL and RC was ahead of HAL as well. I seem to be in the minority on the HAL board of saying this, but the supporters here love the laid back style of HAL and I feel that the quality of the other two lines you mentioned is way higher.

[Time2sail]

We have booked excursions in every port--helicopter/glacier trek; kayaking; hikes; whale watch; garden tour (walking) and village tours (walking). We are your ages and in excellent physical condition. We will probably be in bed by 10p.m. a few nights because of plans the next day and just being tired. We also have a balcony so we will be spending time out there day and night, and I am sure other people will be doing that, too. The size and quality of the ship and the ports were the major factors in our choosing this cruise.

I have done a polka or two when I was younger but it takes a lot of stamina to do several. We love to dance to any music so fire up the band. This will be our first trip to Alaska and our first cruise on HAL. The ages of the passengers on our past cruises were not an issue and are not an issue in our planning this one. So if everyone is asleep but us, just gives us more space.

Whatever you choose, have a great cruise.:)

[sammiedawg]

HAL is a nice line and the Zaandam is lovely. We did the Alaska sailing 2 years ago this July and really enjoyed it. HAL and Princess control the Glacier Bay permits, I dont think Celebrity does Glacier Bay.

[Peggy Sue]

We've been on two HAL cruises (Both caribbean) and average age on both tended to be 65+. There were a few walkers, wheel chairs, scooters etc. on board, but most passengers were very active and when I learned their ages it didn't seem possible. You will find this group to be well traveled, friendly and fun to be around.

That said, the two cruises we were on were very laid back .. no music on deck and nothing too exciting go on. The Crows nest most evening had a hand full of people..but....we didn't last much past midnight ourselves! We found the casino on the Volendam (sister ship of the Zaandam) to be small and VERY smokey. We found the zuiderdam and volendam to be very elegant ships .. they do not have a glitz and glam .. but they do have beautiful / unusual / interesting art and floral arranements. The Zaandam recently went through a dry dock for the SOE enhancements .. we're anxious to see the differences between what we saw on the volendam last November.

Our next cruise is also on HAL - Alaska - 5/28 on the Zaandam. We choose to return to HAL for several reasons... HAL is a leader in the Alaska market .. this cruise goes to Glacier Bay, size of the ship, and we're bringing my dad (75) along and we believe he will enjoy the HAL experience.

The deluxe verandah suites are terrific. Very comfortable and the neptune lounge is a great spot to grab a snack, coffee, juice etc. The Conceriege is very helpful. The verandah's are huge and quite comfortable..great for viewing Alaska!!

Our next Caribbean cruise will be on Princess...thought we'd give them a try..so many choices out there .. we would like to try them all .. but dang, we just don't have enough vacation!! :rolleyes:

Good luck with your decision ..

[Himself]

You will never get into Glacier Bay on Celebrity. They cannot get in there. If you ever see the Marjorie Glacier Calf--and the Zaandam goes there--you will never regret choosing HAL to Alaska. You chose the right line.

Himself

[cruisecrasy]

For what its worth, I have been to Alaska on HAL many times (lost count - 10 I think) with my next one coming up on May 18th. I have tried 2 other cruise lines there also. Obviously HAL is my cruise choice with Volendam & her 'sister' the Zaandam as my favorites. I am just 60 yrs old & started cruising there when I was 53 yrs old. Sometimes I go twice a year - usually by myself. U couldn't have made a better choice - just wait & see - u will likely be planning your next cruise before u get off. I like HAL so much I am booked on a Mexican cruise on the Oosterdam in late Nov and wld have 'done' Alaska again in Sept also but a family committment (darn it) will keep me land locked instead - so I am booking for next May or June as soon as I can. U shall have a fabulous time and in my humble opinion, your choice was excellent - enjoy!!

[Budget Queen]

HAL is an excellent line for Alaska, but it is interesting that NONE of your priorities are for what is outside the ship- Alaska. :) Late night is way less on these sailings due to heavy port activities and early rising yielding some great scenic sailing. BUT the best thing about this HAL sailing is the route and glacier, superior to Celebrity. IF you priority continues to be the ship and activites on the ship- then you may want to consider a change?

[bellebaby]

We have been to Alaska on 2 previous occasions, both on Celebrity. The first time was on the Mercury when they still had access to Glacier Bay.

We are returning to Alaska this May and have chosen Holland America (Volendam) for several reasons, but mainly due to HAL's reputation in Alaska, access to Glacier Bay in conjunction with a r/trip Inside Passage from Vancouver, and the traditional cruise experience.

Age is not really an issue for us, we are late 40's. We have sailed Holland America previously and enjoy the product as well as that of several other lines.

If you are looking for a destination of Alaska cruise, Holland America is a great choice. If the ship and shipboard activities are your priority, you may want to look at the newer Celebrity or Princess ships.

This is just my opinion... Hope you have a great trip, whatever you decide!

[shuttle-c]

We've been on celebrity and HAL to Alaska. We are 50-55 range and enjoy some evening club - shows. We thought HAL was about the same as Celebrity. Our Alaska trip on HAL was wonderful. We do that cruise again. They Ryndam and Zaandam are great smaller ships. With the smaller number of passengers, we had more access to see the whales and wildlife from the Crow's Nest.
Stay with the HAL.

[cruisecrasy]

Your chosen interests onboard the ship included gambling, shows & eating - perfect for HAL. As for not much going on later eve. - u didn't mention a lot of interest in disco dancing till the wee hrs and regular dancing is available earlier in the eve - ideal right? U will be tired from excursions and all that 'invigorating' air - and likely also will be going to bed early!! It amazed me how 'fresh' the air is and that scenery - 'mesmorizing'..!! Hope u enjoy it as much as I do?

[richnorto]

We have not done Alaska on Zaandam, but just got off a Zaandam Carribean. The ship is immaculate!! They do inspections and deep cleanings - I saw them in action at night!!!! Nobody I heard of got sick! The beds are SOOO comfortable you won't want to get out and the food is very good! The staff is wonderful!!!! This really is a first class line! If you want no/few kids, pick a time when kids are in school. Some kids - Fall break.:)

[localady]

I concur with Richnorto!

We had a great cruise as a family on the Zaandam last week! The ship is absolutely beautiful, and the staff was fabulous! I will provide a full review when I get settled as we just got home. We would cruise on the Zaandam again anytime!:cool:

[Gaelic]

I had a great time last year in May, same ship, same trip. I'm 53 and had a great time. it's what you make it too.

keith