REVIEW: Amsterdam 6/8/07 to Alaska [Archive] - Cruise Critic Message Boards

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PunxyBob

June 19th, 2007, 06:22 PM

Since I'm a 'newbie' this will probably be less comprehensive than many other reviews I've read but, here goes...

Suffice it to say, I think I'm 'hooked' :D My first cruise experience was made especially memorable, I believe, by virtue of the fact that it was 1) to beautiful Alaska and 2) on one of those DAM ;) ships -- the Amsterdam. Flying from Pittsburgh to Seattle on embarkation day made my arrival at the terminal on Friday the 8th a bit later in the afternoon than I would have liked (the lines to check in at the port terminal were daunting) but the excitement of the eventual walk up the gangway managed to overcome the irritation of winding my way through the 'rat maze' to reach the counter. When the nice lady picked up her little computer quick cam and snapped my photo I knew it was all ready to unfold for me. This ships's videographer was at the top of the gangway and must have captured my wide-eyed "yeah, I'm a first-timer" expression as I had my room key scanned for the first time. (Alas, that footage along with any other that may have been taken of me during the cruise must have ended up on the cutting room floor as I've not been able to spot myself in the cruise video I purchased on disembarkation day.)

I was a solo cruiser this first time. While I had a WONDERFUL time, I sure would have appreciated someone to "Oooooo and Awwwww" with along the way. Next time for sure.

Having saved for a cruise to Alaska for some time, I went 'all out' for this one and booked myself a category B verandah on the port side of the ship. I'd have to concur with all the other posters on so many message boards: if you're EVER going to spring for a verandah, spring for one on an Alaska cruise! Such beauty -- such majesty! And so wonderful to be able to take just a few steps to take it all in.

As a solo cruiser, one of my little worries beforehand was "what if I end up with a bunch of real 'lemons' as table mates?" Again --- SO blessed. Had such wonderful table mates for the duration that it was really kind of sad to say farewell. The fact is we clicked so much and laughed so hard during our early seating dinners that we seemed to be the envy of those around us. I have the feeling that many a lasting friendship are begun on cruise vacations. I know that I hope to keep in touch with the new friends I was so fortunate to meet.

"Helmy" my room steward was a marvel. If he would have fit in my suitcase he would be here with me now. :) As a confirmed bachelor (well, I'm a priest afterall) I told him that I can't remember a time when my bed has been made so many consecutive days in a row -- and so neatly! (the days of live-in housekeepers making Father's bed pretty much went out with Bing Crosby in "Going My Way") It was nice to be so spoiled for a week.

The ship? Immaculate. Radiant. VERY classy. The meals? W O W ! I remarked to a fellow passenger that the one thing HAL needed to have on their ships was a professional tailor who was adept at letting out seams.

For almost two weeks before the cruise I had consulted the 'extended forecasts' for Alaska. Each day looked worse than the day before. Well, our weather couldn't have been better. We got rained on ONCE - and that was on the 15th - the day we sailed back into Seattle. In Juneau the rain held off until we were all back onboard after our excursions and in Ketchikan the locals were simply slack-jawed at the clear blue skies and the 71 degree temperatures. I understand that we were among the first cruise ships this season to make it the whole way up into Tracy Arm to view the beautiful twin Sawyer Glaciers. Again, WOW.

As for sea sickness -- well, on Friday evening the 8th after we reached open waters I felt myself getting a little 'green' and simply willed myself into wellness. It passed and the rest of the cruise (even Saturday when we were in gale force winds with 15ft breakers in the open sea on the way to Juneau) I was fine. My chief complaint was (is there a name for this?) LAND SICKNESS ! When I'd get off the ship to go into port everything still seemed to be moving. Since returning home I've had the same experience for three days now, but it seems to be subsiding. A small price to pay for such a wonderful time.

I know there is much more I could write about --- this is going to be my 2 cents worth of gushing though. I wish you all well -- and happy sailing!

Fr. Bob

ministocking

June 19th, 2007, 06:42 PM

Bob, thank you for your upbeat review. I am especially happy to know that the weather was good for you (all the better to see the scenery and enjoy your verandah). Thanks for the report on Twin Sawyer...that's on our Aug 3 itinerary on the Amsterdam and I'm thrilled to know it's open all the way in now! I also have worries about seasickness but you seemed to tough it out and I'm sure, with the help of Bonine, I will too.:)

Welcome home!

Holly

SDHALFAN

June 19th, 2007, 07:41 PM

Thanks Bob for such an upbeat review. Being a longtime cruiser with HAL it is always nice to get a "newbie's" first impressions. I have not been to Tracy Arm before (did Glacier Bay instead) so I am looking forward to that experience aboard my favorite HAL ship - the glorious ms Amsterdam.

I am so glad that you had a such a great time and thank you for telling us about it. Now all you have to do is start saving for your next incredible HAL cruise:D.

Valerie:)

hammybee

June 19th, 2007, 08:56 PM

Bob, I have a feeling you fit in wherever you go. The Amsterdam is my favorite HAL ship and I think you picked a good one, for a first cruise.

Thank you for sharing the gush.

If you have not yet booked your next HAL cruise, consider joining some of us on the 2/9 Oosterdam , the cruise of the YUM- YUM Man Worshippers. Several of us are soloing and there is always room for one more.

SDHALFAN

June 19th, 2007, 09:10 PM

Starr Mtn

June 19th, 2007, 09:34 PM

Fr. Bob,

Enjoyed reading your excitement of your first cruise ! Love the Amsterdam also.

If you are still experiencing the "land sickness" - try some over the counter
med - like Bonnine. I had that problem after my first cruise - and actually called my doctor - and that was his recommendation. Good news - it helped and I've never had sea sickness even in very rough seas !

Best wishes for many enjoyable cruises in the future. And , yes, we still
keep in touch with former table mates..........

hammybee

June 19th, 2007, 09:35 PM

(Psst - hammybee, Bob is a Priest. Are you sure that we want him tagging along? Unless, of course, he has taken a vow of silence;)).

Valerie:D

And the next thing you will tell me is that he's 29 years old.

So much for trying to play matchmaker for you, my dear. :)

Regardless, we can certainly "Ooooooo and Awwwww" with the best of them.

Starr Mtn

June 19th, 2007, 09:36 PM

Lvteks

June 19th, 2007, 10:31 PM

Wow, we will be on the Amsterdam in August, and reading your review is so tantalizing...just can't wait. Did you take any excursions? Would you flyi in on the cruise day again or come in early? Please write more if you have time.

Blessings.

Gail

seattleadjuster

June 20th, 2007, 12:10 AM

My wife and I were on this cruise also and had a great time. I think I saw you once on the cruise -- I previously read a post about an official cruise ship priest, and another priest being on board.

Wished I'd experienced the gale force winds and 15 ft seas. My wife and I love rough seas, and didn't note any on this cruise. Guess we'll have to quit booking lower level, middle of the ship, oceanview rooms.

BTW: I was the guy who took over for the Yum Yum Man one night when he abandoned his post.:)

hammybee

June 20th, 2007, 01:10 AM

BTW: I was the guy who took over for the Yum Yum Man one night when he abandoned his post.:)

Did you get any tips?

PunxyBob

June 20th, 2007, 07:06 AM

Wished I'd experienced the gale force winds and 15 ft seas.

Hi Seattleadjuster --
I'm just going by what I saw on the TV channel that featured the "Report from the Bridge" early (5:30am -- 6am) Saturday morning the 9th. I specifically recall reading "Gale Force" and "12 - 15ft breakers". I actually kind of enjoyed it myself! Still, things calmed down considerably and rather quickly as the morning progressed and the weather for the remaineder of the cruise was awesome.

luckygirl59

June 20th, 2007, 10:21 PM

We were on this ship, too. I did meet Father Bob on the promenade deck the morning we were sailing into Juneau, but never managed to connect after that. He was as awestruck as I was.

It was our first cruise ever, for our 25th anniversary. Took the kids (14 and 21) in a room next to us. Let me say first that THIS WAS THE BEST VACATION I HAVE EVER HAD.

We booked HH guarantee about 7 weeks pre-cruise. TA at CSAA recommended HAL because they often give a little more glacier time and the ships are smaller. Colleague echoed good opinion of HAL. We were 'upgraded' to E rooms on the main deck, with only 2 other rooms between us and the little stern balcony. I thought the rooms themselves were a decent size, comfortable (especially the beds) and loved the big window, especially since we would have had obstructed views with the HH.

Our room steward was Ridwan. I'm not sure how good his English was, but he took fabulous care of us in a nearly invisible way. Towel animals 3 nights! :) There were two small room problems: the first night out Seattle, DH and I were bothered by the engine noise immediately below us (kids slept great) and the kids' toilet clogged about 3 days in. It was unclogged promptly and they were given a rubber HAL ship stress reliever to make up for the stress of the clogged toilet.

Overall, I thought the ship was beautiful and I never felt like there could be 1300 people plus crew on board. I'm not sure I could ever try a larger ship after starting with the Amsterdam. Interestingly, we kept seeing the same 20 people over and over around the ship. One fellow promenade deck frequenter said there were 2 guys at his dinner table from Santa Rosa, too.

Food was pretty good, with some misses. I didn't much care for Dutch night stuff. We loved the fruit soups:D, the almond crusted salmon, and the guys had a good time with the crab legs. DH ordered just about every seafood option on the menu. He routinely ordered 3 starters plus an entree. Kadek, our steward, was gracious and friendly. Presti, the dining room assistant manager stopped to see us every night and chat. He got our son a cheeseburger from the terrace grill at lunch one day since there was no kids menu in the dining room at lunch. That was about the most special thing we asked for.

Lido food was usually pretty good. I especially liked the banana bread and zucchini bread french toast. The 14 year had a lot of pizza and cheeseburgers. We did not have any alcohol all week. Got a couple of drinks at the coffee bar in the Explorations lounge. That poor guy seemed a little overwhelmed to be working alone. We went to Dutch high tea and it was good. We ate 3 meals a day and did not do any late night eating (not even the dessert event:mad:). We had room service breakfast the last day and I think the kids used it a couple of time for snacks.

The first night was rough, as others have mentioned and I woke up Saturday morning SICK! After a shower and a transderm scop patch, I made my way to the lido at about 830 am and begged an attendant to find me a diet coke. He first said that the bar would not open till 9am, but then said he would get it for me. When he brought it he asked if I had the flu! I was quick to reassure him that it was just mal de mer. By noon, I was fine, and didn't have any more tummy trouble for the rest of the cruise. No one else had any trouble at all.

Here's a little nugget: I walked 3 to 5 miles a day (love that promenade deck) between the ship and shore. I LOST 3 pounds on this cruise:D. I ate dessert every night, too.

Shore excursions were mixed. We went with Captain Larry in Juneau. He is quite a trip! If you've been with him, you know what I mean. If you haven't, I wouldn't want to ruin it for you. Captain Larry and the others were personable, knowledgeable and enthusiastic. We saw 3 or 4 whales, including an adult and calf pair with the calf showing off a lot. The coolest part was when the first whale we saw unexpectedly breached about 20 yards from our boat. That was truly up close and personal!

Mendenhall glacier was lovely. We had a little transportation trouble, but it all worked out. The next part applies to all of the ports: I was REALLY put off by the emphasis on shopping and by the pushy salespeople in the jewelry stores. We did little shopping (DH got a BIG hunk of jade), but I do like to look at things. I would have liked it better if they had believed me when I said I was just looking.

In Sitka (the most beautiful place on earth) we went to the Raptor center and then went back to the ship and just enjoyed the incredible number of bald eagles all around us. We couldn't believe how many there were. At one point I counted more than 20 sitting together on the beach across from the ship. When we left Sitka, I stayed on the bow and saw a gratifying number of whales as well as some puffins. Next time, I would do a whale and bird and otter excursion in Sitka. I say it was the most beautiful place on earth because (forgive me, I DO live in northern California) it was like being in the most beautiful part of the Sierras (think Yosemite) but with OCEAN all around!!! It just doesn't get any better than that.

In Ketchikan we ziplined. I had reservations, but it was the one thing our son really wanted to do. It was great. We did not see ANY wildlife at all, but we had fun perfecting our zip technique. The college kid guides were friendly and helpful. I am definitely not a slender gal, and I discovered abdominal muscles that I am still feeling a week later, but it was really fun. I don't think people should be put off by the strenuous activity label this one is given. We did NOT have to climb 125 feet of stairs and steep boardwalk trails. We did have to descend about 40 stairs at the end. There were 3 fun rope and board suspension bridges, too. I got great video clips of my family zipping with my little Canon Elph. This one we would do again, for sure.

Tracy Arm was amazing. It was cold outside. The funny thing was that I walked 3 miles earlier that morning (around 7:30) and was not bothered by the cold at all. The farther in we got, the colder it got. We went inside once the ship turned around.

Victoria, I had not planned anything for. We took a taxi downtown and saw the first panhandlers of the trip. DH bought maple syrup and we all had ice cream. The Empress Hotel was beautiful. One note about that night: the main dinner seating was 'open', and right in the middle of the time in Victoria. We ate in the Lido before going into town and were a little dismayed at the lack of food available. There was little staff; utensils and glasses were hard to come by. It felt like they were done with us:confused:.

The shows were okay. We did like the crew show and emcee Heri asking us to give 'thunder applause' to the next act! Did not gamble. Saw a couple of movies. Spent a lot of time lounging with the family in various ship locales.

Embarkation, tendering, disembarkation were all smooth. The staff was great with few exceptions.

I am sold on cruising now. I don't think I have ever enjoyed my family on a trip as much as I did on this one. I was going to (finally) get diamonds for this anniversary, but we spent the money on the cruise instead. It was a great trade. We are planning for 2009 or 2010 for Alaska again. Next time we want to go farther north and either add some land tours or do a B2B. I can't imagine sailing with any line but HAL.

SFAM

June 20th, 2007, 10:32 PM

Thanks for the reviews, guys. I'm going on the Amsterdam next week (the 27th). We've never been on a cruise before so this is all pretty exciting but still pretty unknown.

A few questions if I might - we have a 9 year old daughter and 14 year-old son: how many kids did you have on the cruise? Did your son make friends?

Also, I noticed some saying they got reservations for eating in advance. Do we need to be doing this?

luckygirl59

June 21st, 2007, 12:37 AM

You only need reservations for the Pinnacle Grill if you choose to do it. Otherwise your dining time is assigned. I think if you book early, you get to choose your time and table. If you are late like we were, it is assigned. People seem to like the early seatings better, but we were very happy with the 'main' seating at 815.

Our kids are 14 (boy) and 21(girl). There were tons of kids on the ship, but not in any kind of overrun way. The only time they were bothersome was on the first sea day. We were waiting for high tea in front of the dining room and a bunch of kids ran up and opened the doors to crowd around the staff. Turns out they were on a scavenger hunt from Club Hal. They got their signature from one of the assistant dining room managers ( a woman!) and left.

Our son did not take part in any of the teen activities, but both kids were greeted as we boarded the ship with invitations to the opening day activities. (The older one was a little chagrined to have been taken for a teen! How I would relish being mistaken as even 4 years younger these days.)

There were plenty of middle and older teens on the ship. I think late July will be even more family oriented since most schools will be out.

Have a great cruise. It's hard to see how you could NOT have a great cruise.