Alaska ship and port questions

[IndieTraveler]

We will be going on our first cruise ever this Sept. and though we thought we'd sail from Seattle, (cheaper flights than Vancouver), but I've read some reviews that seas from Seattle are quite rough and that the sailing from Vancouver is more enjoyable. Thoughts?
I know that HAL offers transfers from Seattle to Vancouver for $100 r/t pp...maybe it's worth it??

Also, we want to do the inside passage so that we could go through Glacier bay instead of Hubbard Glacier, which for Seattle leaves us with the Zaandam, as Ooster and West both do the Hubbard glacier cruise.

How do the Ryndam, Zaandam, Veendam and Volendam compare to each other in regards to food, theme and offerings (movie theater, enclosed pool, activities)? Other than size and HAL's 'class' category, are the pretty similar or have some been upgraded and others not (such as flat screens and new linens?) Thanks for passing on the knowledge!

[CruisinGrams]

We sailed from Seattle on the Westerdam May 21 and yes the seas were rough the first day at sea as this route is not through the inside passage. The rest of the voyage was smooth. We loved the ship and our stateroom was really nice. We even saw whales right from our balcony so it was well worth the upgrade price. We also sailed on the Volendam about 4 years ago (21 day Panama Canal) and loved that ship as well. I can't respond to recent food on the Voldendam as when we sailed the menu was really bland and not well prepared and I blame this on the fact that the cruise lines had sent most of the there crews home after 911, so we were one of the first full cruises and I don't think the right people were in place for great quality food at that time. A friend that we met on the Volendam has sailed on her since and claims that the food is back to its high standard on her.

I do know that the food and menu choices on the Westerdam were the best I have had at sea. They have a new Executive Chef on the Westerdam and he is a very good chef, personable and actually talks to the passengers and has quite a sense of humour. Service on any HAL ship will be second to none, and we found the staff on the Westerdam to be execellent.

Personally I would base my choice on the itinerary that pleases you, and whether you prefer a smooth inside passage. Going via Vancouver gives you different ports of call. The Hubbard Glacier is really something but if/when we go back we will sail from Vancouver to see other ports of call and Glacier Bay. I didn't even want to go to Alaska, but my husband talked me into trying it - I will go back given the opportunity and it will be on a HAL ship.

[Bohrski]

I just got back from the Zaandam (wrote a review a few days ago) - I was a wee bit uncomfortable with the first day but I think it was because it was the first day and I did not yet have my sea legs. Once I relaxed and let my body move with the ship I felt better - I also took Bonine and it worked very well. The movement was not excessive in my mind compared to the deepsea fishing trips I used to take as a kid and stand at the front of the ship begging the captain to make the boat go higher on each wave - it was just a different sensation to have your house move. The ship handled rough seas (as listed on the Captain's Log) very well - the returning day was rough too but I did not feel it at all. The person I was with gets motion sickness very easily from standing next to water and she took Bonine and was fine all week.

[hammybee]

I do not think it matters much Seattle or Vancouver. The first day at sea in that neck of the woods is going to be choppy. I rather enjoy the ride but acknowledge that most prefer a smoother ride.

[RuthC]

How do the Ryndam, Zaandam, Veendam and Volendam compare to each other
Basicly, you're talking two different ships on three different Alaska itineraries here.
The Ryndam and Veendam are virtually identical, as are the Zaandam and Volendam. The latter two are a kind of "big sister" to the first two; once you know the layout of one you know them all (with some slight variations).

All the ships have the new beds; I can't say for certain about the TV's.
Food, service, traditional decor are fairly consistant from one HAL ship to another.

If I were you I'd choose based on itinerary, day of departure/return, ease of transportation. Remember on the one-ways you have to either get to or leave from Anchorage. This can be daunting.

[duck tune]

We have been on the Ryndam (in 2003 and 2004 before the Signature of Excellence upgrade) and most recently the Zaandam (June 2 - 9 Alaska). Both are similar in many ways in terms of layout of the ship. The Zaandam did have the new TV flat screens and upgraded bed which was very comfortable. We are taking the Ryndam to Mexico in March to see how the upgrades changed the ship (we love the Ryndam because it was our first HAL cruise). One evening when on the Zaandam heading back towards Seattle we passed the Ryndam as it headed north - what a treat to see her with her lights on!

We have taken 4 Inside Passage cruises all from Seattle- 2 on NCL ships and 2 on HAL. Ironically the only time I had any problem with sea sickness was on the first full day out on both HAL ships (Amsterdam and Zaandam). Did the difference in ship styles between NCL and HAL make the difference - who knows? I think the key is to keep the intake of alcohol to a minimum the first night on the ship, drink plenty of water and get used to walking with the movement of the ship. One cannot predict the weather or rough seas at any time so better to be prepared and proactive to prevent problems.

The menus on all HAL ships we have been on are fairly similar with some minor variations and the Pinnacle Grill menu is the same on all ships. The difference is when the food is actually prepared and sometimes it is better than others. The Lido Buffet varies slightly in terms of layout and offerings and the choices are quite good. We live in Nevada where quality buffets are a lifestyle so think HAL does a very good job.

Look at the ports of call and how easy it is to get from your home to the port of embarkation and disembarkation if they are different. It is a matter of personal choice but I think one reason we like HAL is there is a certain amount of consistency among the service and expectations found on each ship. The fun is the discovery of what is unique about each ship!

Have fun! :)

[cruisequeen10]

The first day out of Vancouver and the last before coming back is sometimes very rough also. I am used to it, so don't even notice it.

[bepsf]

I agree that after choosing the cruiseline, itinerary is the foremost concern with choosing an Alaskan sailing - although Seattle vs. Vancouver should only be a concern should you have a DUI on your driving record and you are using your Driver's License as ID to get into the country (Canada may not allow you into the country to board the ship, thereby messing up your entire vacation...)

Regarding seas, larger ships always ride better than the smaller vessels.

Service and food will all be very comparable - HAL does a very good job of maintaining as consistent product as possible throughout the fleet.

[maxiesmommie]

6/4-6/11, beds in cabins were very comfy as well as flat screen tv's. We took Vancouver to Seward and then tour 17.
Found the food to be very good and we loved the Pinnacle.
Even in Code Red, we had an awesome time on our first cruise.

Kathy :)

[TylerRose]

Knew you would!
Have you planned the next one yet?
Robyn:)