luvteaching

Good evening,

I think that you have to decide what it is you want to see. If you want to see more of the interior areas of Alaska then the cruise tour is the way to go. If you want to cover a lot of the coastal towns and enjoy the glaciers then the cruise (and the longer the better) is the way to go. THe advantage of the 14-day itinerary is that you get some ports that nobody else goes to - Homer and Kodiak. You get a full day (7:00 AM - 11:00 PM) in Anchorage and you get longer stops at Ketchikan, Juneau, etc.

Food, on these boards, is said to be so subjective and I think everyone is right. Let's just say that there's never been a time we went hungry and we've gained some favorites. My DH loves the cold soups in the dining room at dinner as well as the hamburger and fries at the Terrace Grill. I love the chocolate croissants, crab eggs benedict, and anything with seafood! We've loved the food but we aren't picky. If I'm not cooking it I'm happy.

Formal nights aren't as formal, from what I've read, as on some of the other itineraries. You see a lot of men in suits or sport jackets and ties. Ladies are in sparkly tops or something dressy.

We've done the Inside Passage once. This route is north from Vancouver between the mainland and Vancouver Island. The scenery is very nice but, if I remember correctly, on most cruises you do a lot of it at night. Going out of Seattle you do the outside of Vancouver Island on the west side which has its own scenic draw.

Have fun making a decision and keep coming back with the questions!

Karen

Good morning,

As you can see by my signature my hubby and I have done Alaska many times. We've always cruised out of Seattle because we live 90 minutes north of there and it's easier than crossing the border to sail out of Vancouver!

I can highly recommend HAL and we love the 14-day on the Amsterdam. You do ports that nobody else does - Anchorage (what others say is Anchorage is really Seward when docking), Homer and Kodiak. You get two glacier days and you get longer times in port. The Amsterdam is a smaller ship but it "fits" us perfectly!

We've done the 7-day out of Seattle and enjoyed them all. We've done one on Princess but it wasn't our top pick. One selling point for us is the totally walkable wrap-around promenade deck on HAL. Hubby has to use a mobility scooter and he can go all the way around on HAL but only partway on Princess due to stairs.

Whatever you choose have a great time!

Karen

Good evening,

I can't answer all your questions but I can answer a few! DH and I have cruised out of Seattle 6 times so we're somewhat experts at it.

Parking: We park at the dock each time. There is a parking lot fairly handy. It's a bit pricey but worth it to us. Hubby has mobility issues so I drop him and the luggage at the port (with $5.00 or so tip for the porters) and I go park the car. You can prepay on-line which is nice. There are shuttles running all the time so the wait is minimal. I'm usually back on the shuttle and he's waiting for me with the luggage gone away to show up in our room later.

Boarding: We drive from about 90 miles north of Seattle. I time it to get there by 10:00 and we're usually checked in and waiting to board by 10:30-10:45. It's about 11:30 when the doors open and we're allowed on. This depends on how soon the cruise previoius to us gets down to "zero" count and everyone is off. Suite passengers board first and then the wheelchair people board (which is us). We're just minutes behind you Neptune Suite people! :)

Can't help on the spa and culinary "Stuff" but others will chime in soon.

BBQ: There's always loads more than just salmon on the BBQ and it's easy enough to pop back into the Lido or go to the Terrace Grill (hamburgers, etc) if there's not enough to tickle your taste buds!

Have a great time! We're on the Amsterdam for two weeks starting June 22nd (as soon as school is out).

Karen

no toots?

There were toots - 3 of them (and a bit of the "Love Boat" in the background. Couldn't figure that one out!

Karen

Good evening,

We've cruised to Alaska several times and we're on a budget. Here are a few things we do.

1. I buy a beverage card before we go and it's waiting for me in the cabin. That way I can have the glass of wine, etc. and not worry about the cost (I've already paid for it). What you don't use is refunded back to your credit card.

2. Sitka is a tender port and it's less touristy than the other towns. It's a great walking town so you can see quite a bit at very little cost. As soon as you get off the tender there should be a visitor's information booth where you can get a map and information. Also, Sitka has free wi-fi throughout most of the town so it's a good place to check email!

3. Ketchikan is another town where you are docked right at the tourist area and you can walk to Creek Street, ride the funicular (something like $2.00) and do your souvenir shopping. Ketchikan is the best place to get all those souvenirs that say "Alaska" on them for the house sitter, paperboy, etc. Tongass Trading Company, the Christmas Store and many others give you lots of choices!

Have fun!

Karen

Good morning,

Have you looked at the 2-week itinerary out of Seattle? You get some different ports and have the advantage of the ship for 2 weeks. If Vancouver is a must for you this won't work. You do get at least 2 glacier viewings - Hubbard and one other. Something to think about!

Karen

We were on the Oosterdam last summer and did the Tracy Arm fjord but ours was from Juneau. It was amazing and I'm so glad we did it. There is something totally amazing being down at water level to view this part of nature. The day before we'd been there on the cruise ship and going back in the next day on a small boat was such a study in contrasts. You'll have a good amount of time in Juneau to do other things. You might not be able to get out and spend a lot of time at Mendenhall but there are still many things to do there.

Karen

Good morning,

You are going to get the whole range of responses so be prepared. We've done a balcony guarantee several times and been pleased with our cabins each time. This upcoming cruise is the first one, since our first one, that we've done a designated cabin! Due to DH's health issues I booked a handicapped cabin so he'd have a shower. Keep in mind that we are very easy to please and as long as we're on the ship we're happy! :)

Karen

Here's a link to Captain Mercer's blog:

http://captainjonathan.com/january-4th-5th-2/?WT.mc_id=SM_HAB_JM

On the left you can navigate to the latest ones. I enjoyed reading all the way through to get a feel for the cruise. Capt. Mercer was our captain on the Amsterdam 2 years ago to Alaska and is a very personable man with a great memory.

Karen

GOod morning,

Luvteaching and DH will be on the Amsterdam June 22nd (14 day). This is our 3rd time doing this itinerary and we're really looking forward to it. Now all I have to do is keep DH healthy! He has COPD and is prone to pneumonia, etc. so life can be an adventure sometimes.

Karen

We have done a few cruises and only once did I buy the internet package (I won $500.00 the first night at the free bingo so decided to splurge). Other than that I connect in port (sometimes). I do put my cell phone on in port and text or call DS but other than that nothing is too pressing. I have to admit - I like being "disconnected" or "unplugged". I miss Cruise Critic and Sailaways but I gain time to read, walk that lovely promenade deck, and talk to a husband. In the long run I'm the winner!

Karen

PS: I, too, so enjoy Jeff's blog and all the other World Cruise ones.

Good morning,

I've had flowers delivered to friends several times - the last just this past week on the Zuiderdam. You call ship's services and give them the last name of the recipient and then order the flowers. There are two bouquets that are nice - the Bon Voyage one and the Anchors Aweigh one. Last September, on an Alaska cruise, my cousin said they were in the room waiting and they were still so good a week later that they gave them to their room stewardess to enjoy.

Karen

Good morning,

Last year we had our first ever Neptune Suite on the Westerdam. We caught an upsell from an SY for $99.00 which made it a no-brainer. The space in the cabin was wonderful and we never did find, or fill, all the drawers! The balcony was huge (we've either done OV or regular balcony prior to this) and so much space to sit out. THe weather wasn't too bad so we were able to use it. The Neptune Lounge was nice and we used it but not to the extent many of the more experienced "Suite" cruisers probably have. The concierages were very helpful in arranging dinner reservations, etc. The snacks were good and quite a variety. I enjoyed going there to fill my mug for tea rather than trekking up to the Lido. Whether it's worth it to you both is more of a personal call. I know that we won't spend the money right off for a Neptune Suite (just too frugal) as we're fine with the balcony and OV cabins but if the right upsell came along (or the upgrade fairy visited) I'd take it again in a heartbeat especially on our upcoming 14 day trip!

Karen

Hi,

I live in the Pacific Northwest and have also done the White Pass Railroad. Both are very different and the scenery is different. The White Pass is an experience. You can stand on the viewing platforms to get great photos and the views are great, but most are of the interior scenery, not water views. On the Rocky Mountaineer you are hugging the coast for at least part of the trip and the scenery is wonderful. While both are train rides they are very different so do both!

Karen

I am booked on the Volendam May 14 for my first Alaska cruise. I hate salmon- it's one of the few fish I dislike. Will there be other seafood items on the menu? I eat chicken all the time at home and hope I don't get stuck ordering from the fixed menu every night.

In addition to salmon there is usually at least one other seafood entree which could include tilapia, etc. There is usually a beef entree, pasta, etc. so you have lots of choices. I, too, go for the seafood, and rarely did I eat off the "available" everyday side - but I do love salmon!

Karen

Your tribute to your dad was wonderful and I feel like I knew him in some small way. We are always "Daddy's girl" aren't we? I'm following you on your new adventure and he will be with you every step of the way.

Karen

Many of us watched you finally sail away and wish you a wonderful journey. Many of us also would love to know the tale of the 2 people who just made the ship! Bon Voyage!!

Karen

We watched your sail away as you slipped away. However, many of us want to know the story behind the two passengers that barely made the ship! Bon Voyage!!

Karen

I'm not sure where startwin is in BC but I'm just south of the Canada/US border and north of Seattle. We got up to highs in the 20's this morning but it's a gorgeous sunny day and about 40 degrees outside at the moment. I don't garden (have a black thumb not a green one) but it's a great day to be outside and I've been out walking our block (which is just over a mile).

Karen

Hi,

Princess does have a wrap-around deck but at the bow you have to go up a few stairs then it flattens out then you go down a few stairs. Since DH uses a scooter this means he can't go all the way around like he can on Holland. I'm being quiet but am here and watching the sailaway as I do emails and putter! You're right - it is a bit slow today. I should be here for the Amsterdam - we're on it (if all goes well) for two weeks in late June. Can't wait!!

Karen

We are going on an Alaskan cruise in August. We have sailed before on another cruise line to Alaska and we wore jeans during the day, attire seemed more casual. Is that true on Holland? This is our first time on a Holland, any advice or comments would be greatly appreciated. We are sailing on the Westerdam.

 

Thanks!

Good morning,

Yes, your jeans during the day are fine. You're correct, the attire on the Alaska cruises tend to the more casual side of things. For dinner in the MDR something a bit dressier is desired - nice pants and a dressy top for ladies, khakis and a polo or button down shirt for men. On formal nights DH wears a sports jacket, tie, etc. and I sometimes opt for a bit of glitter but most often something you'd wear to a wedding.

Enjoy!

Karen

Good morning,

The wrap-around promenade deck on the Westerdam is wonderful. The teak lounge chairs are there for everyone to enjoy. 3 times around the deck is equal to about a mile (according to the signs) which is handy information to know as you walk off the delicious bread pudding served at lunch in the Lido! Another great spot for watching the sea go by is the Crows Nest. Enjoy!

Karen

Hi Katie333,

We're like you and eat fairly "normally" at home. DH is a ground beef person and is very happy with meatloaf! When we cruise I look at it as an adventure and a chance to do food I don't make at home. I don't usually buy steaks or a lot of seafood so having that so readily available on the Alaska cruises is great. There's also the chocolate croissants in the morning, bread pudding at lunch, and the Terrace Grill for great hamburgers. On a cruise it's nice to get our of the rut and try new things and, best of all, someone else is making them!

Karen

Trvlcrzy and luvtwotrvl thank you for doing the ship report. I check it every day! Merry Christmas and I hope you are both enjoying your break! We head back Jan. 6th and are having a "green" Christmas. I hope you have a great day!

Karen

Good morning,

We've done both the Lido and the MDR and, for us, it depends on the mood we're in when we board. We live close to the port and we board as early as possible so the Lido hasn't been "crazy" yet. We like the variety of choices and the chance to not have a big meal at that point as we're not usually that hungry. The MDR menu is limited but it is a nice alternative.