Statendam, Ryndam, or Volendam?

[NancyIL]

I also posted this on the Alaska board, but wanted to get input from folks here. Holland America has their Alaska 2007 schedule out - even though prices are not yet available. Of the one-way cruises, the Statendam and Ryndam visit Glacier Bay and College Fjord (although I believe there is an error in the Cruise Planner that lists the southbound as going to College Fjord and Hubbard Glacier), and the Volendam goes to Hubbard Glacier. Based purely on the ship - which of those three would you prefer for an Alaskan cruise? Thanks!

[RuthC]

Except for decor, the Statendam and Ryndam are identical. The Volendam is slightly larger. The Pinnacle is located in a different area and the Piano Bar was changed to a Piano Lounge. Otherwise, that ship is very, very similar to the others.

Since the S-class ships do the same route, chose there by sailing day.
The Volendam is a round-trip out of Vancouver. Much easier for arranging flights.

It's impossible to say which one to chose. Do you want to do a one-way? Or a round-trip? Or a back-to-back north and south :) ! Does date od sailing matter?
Any of the three really is an excellent choice.

[NancyIL]

Except for decor, the Statendam and Ryndam are identical. The Volendam is slightly larger. The Pinnacle is located in a different area and the Piano Bar was changed to a Piano Lounge. Otherwise, that ship is very, very similar to the others.

Since the S-class ships do the same route, chose there by sailing day.
The Volendam is a round-trip out of Vancouver. Much easier for arranging flights.

It's impossible to say which one to chose. Do you want to do a one-way? Or a round-trip? Or a back-to-back north and south :) ! Does date od sailing matter?
Any of the three really is an excellent choice.

This is for 2007, so all three ships do one-way cruises between Vancouver and Seward - which is what we want. We're flexible about the sailing date. The Statendam/Ryndam sail on Sunday and the Volendam sails on Friday.

[RuthC]

This is for 2007, so all three ships do one-way cruises between Vancouver and Seward - which is what we want.
Oops. :o Sorry, didn't catch the date. Guess I was focused on my own Volendam cruise this July.

In that case---it still doesn't matter which ship, so much as which itinerary---are they very different?
Personally, I prefer Hubbard Glacier on a good day to Glacier Bay. I've never been thrilled with College Fjord.

You might also consider travel/to from the ship---which day has the better connections? Are there more ships on one day vs another? That would add to the chaos at airports.

Whichever ship you choose, you will be pleased with your choice.

[garydm]

Statendam.

Gary