kelly3399

While the ship is docked at the different ports, what activities are still available aboard the ship? I assume the casino and the shops are closed. Thanks, Kelly

I will be on for next Christmas. Please let us know what they do special for the holiday. Have a wonderful trip! Kelly

Well that helped make up my mind. A smile for me and a bow tie for him. I loved the idea of a tiara but think that is probably more for the Grills guests. WOW, I suddenly have lots more room in my suitcase to bring my own wine aboard, but methinks that's a whole new thread!! Happy sailing to all. Kelly

I have seen many questions asked by those who will be travelling on QM2 who are very very concerned about the dress code for the various portions of their cruise. Everyone wants to fit in and nobody wants to be confronted by the fashion police either onboard or on this forum.

I have seen questions about what to wear on formal nights and on informal nights. They have asked what to wear when they embark and disembark. They ask about what is proper attire during the day on sea days and if that varies on port days, and of course what to wear in ports. They have asked about swim wear, gym wear, shorts and blue jeans.

My question has not been addressed and it is simply this. What exactly is one supposed to wear to bed. I am sure that I am OK with a full length cotton nightgown but what about DH? Will he be OK with a traditional nightshirt and matching nightcap or should he be looking at purchasing a 2-piece flannel pyjama set? Please help.

Have just returned from an Alaska cruise on board the Volendam and thought I would share a bit of a review. We are a couple in our mid 60s and have previously crossed the Atlantic on the QM2 and done the Canada/New England cruise aboard the Caribbean Princess. The Alaska trip has been talked about for over 20 years and we decided that now was the time. We did a 7 day return from Vancouver and chose the Volendam as I wanted to experience another cruise line and the ship looked like a perfect fit for us.

We booked with the bonus of a pre cruise night at the Pan Pacific Hotel and that was great. The hotel is right at the docks and they make embarkation easy by taking our bags over for us and walking us to the terminal from the underground parking area of the hotel. A very short wait later and we were aboard and in our stateroom. It was an AA Verandah deck room on the starboard side forward. It looked exactly as the pictures on the website. No surprises. It was large and clean. The bathroom was quite large with a small tub but that meant a very big shower. Lots of grab rails for safety and a medicine cabinet too.

The casino was small and never very full. Slots were tight and winning payouts were very small. Tables were mostly empty except Blackjack got busier at night. The movies were shown in the Wajang Theater on deck 4. It was a small theater with poor quality acoustics and picture but was entertainment for a couple of hours and they supplied free popcorn. The main production shows were held in the lovely Frans Hal Lounge on decks 4&5. All the performances there were top notch. Assorted bars seemed to be popular places to be and music was great. Shopping was the usual ship stores with jewellery and souvenirs. Lots of the Alaskan items were clearly marked Made in China or Indonesia. We wanted totem poles and ULU knives so we bought them in ports with the Made in Alaska symbol on them.

Food in both the main dining room and the Lido was very good. Food is a very subjective thing so that is all I will say about it. The dress code was quite interesting. Maybe I am spoiled by the QM2 where formal is a tux or dark suit. Here most of the women seemed to have gotten the memo but formal to the men seemed to mean - please try to look a little neater than you did earlier today. There were a few tuxes, a few dark suits and the vast majority was everything else - other coloured suits, no jackets, no ties, golf shirts, t-shirts, etc. No one was turned away. And those who dressed seemed to change back after eating.

Excursions were booked through the ship even though it cost more this way. I like the idea that should something occur, bus trouble, weather, or whatever, that the ship will still be at the dock waiting for us. It probably has to do with my age as if I were younger and more adventurous I wouldn't care, BUT with age comes wisdom, and that wisdom tells me I don't want to be on someones youtube video running and screaming down the dock as the ship pulls away.

Juneau has everything literally right at the dock. Huge lineup to get off ship so if you have an early excursion get in line early. Went to Mendenhall glacier, a salmon hatchery and enjoyed a salmon bake.

Skagway did bus up mountain and White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad back down. If taking train down sit on the right hand side for the views or you will be looking at the side of the mountain instead. They let you out on the platform between cars to take pictures as well. Dog mushers village is fun with cute cuddly puppies. The dog-cart ride is a little expensive but where else can you do it.

Ketchikan has the lumberjack show which was good. Sit higher up in the seats as the first couple of rows will get wet if it rains, and Ketchikan gets 13 feet of rain in a year. Everything is right at the docks again.

My best advice would be to get a balcony room if you can afford one. No you will not spend all day in there but when you do there is something to see. Got up one morning and as we were about to go to breakfast we noticed whales, lots and lots of them not far from the ship. In Glacier bay we shuffled between on deck, lido deck, Crow's Nest and our balcony. We were on deck while port side was facing the glacier and then when the captain swung the ship to starboard side facing them we went to our balcony for a private vantage point.

Oh and they had a salmon bake by the Lido pool at lunch on the last day. That was great.

So we had a FANTASTIC vacation aboard a WONDERFUL ship. All the crew and staff were first class with smiles and friendliness to all. Even when leaving the ship, there was about 10 members from the different departments saying goodbye and thanking us for sailing with Holland America. Please come again they said....and WE WILL!

Thank you all. Just the info I needed. Kelly

We are taking the Alaska cruise from Vancouver this Wednesday on the Volendam. Does anyone know which nights will be the formal ones? Does anyone know how much it costs to have a man's suit cleaned as well? I have to make sure DH is spiffy. Thanks, Kelly

As Alaska cruise season is in full swing, is there a webcam in Vancouver that gives a live view of the ships arriving and departing from the Canada Place terminal? Kelly

Did not get it yet. Maybe try once more. Sorry to be a pain. Thanks, Kelly

Email is kelly_3399@yahoo.ca. Thanks.

Any idea who we could contact to see about late registration? Thanks, Kelly

Toronto March break is March 10 - 14

Enjoyed our stateroom 8039. This was our view. Enjoy the ship. Kelly

Hi Everyone,

I have booked for an Alaska cruise in July on the Volendam. This is our first cruise on a HAL ship and our first time in Alaska. Can anyone who has sailed on this particular ship let me know what I can expect from her in regards to meals, activities, staterooms and such? We have a BB guarantee cabin and first sitting in the dining room. DH and I are in our mid 60's and spending the kids' inheiritance. Many thanks in advance, Kelly

Are cold drinks available in places other than the Lido or room service? I am talking about non-alcoholic drinks like juice or iced tea. I guess what I am asking is can I get a cold beverage without going to the Lido or my room (for room service)? Thank you. Have just booked my first HAL cruise. Kelly

This sounds easy. Are you then one of the last ones to leave the ship or are you in for a long wait at the other ship before you board? I know you have to vacate your cabin by 8:00 or 8:30. Thanks

We are thinking of taking the Queen Victoria British Isles Cruise next May. We would be arriving and departing from Southampton aboard the QM2.

On arrival in Southampton, does Cunard move our luggage from QM2 to Queen Victoria or is that our responsibility? Will both ships be docked together or will a cab ride be required?

Just in planning stages, so all info is appreciated. Thanks, Kelly

Is there also free bottled water available around the ship?