First Time HAL Cruiser: Coming Soon, Live Review of Alaska Cruise on Nieuw Amsterdam May 28- June 4 2023

[Denise T]

63 days to go! Saw that there has been another flight change. This one is a good one. I will return to my home airport half an hour earlier which means getting home before midnight. Starting to think about what to pack and what to wear. Since it will be around Memorial Day, I will probably be wearing shorts. I have checked the long-range forecast (it will change) and it looks like Alaska will be around 60's with lows in the upper 40's. My favorite weather! I also checked the sunrise and sunset schedule. Sunsets after 11 pm at that time. That will take some getting used to as I am from the east coast. 

 

Here's to the next 30 days or so going quickly. Spring is here and hoping that it will start acting like it. 

[Haljo1935]

Although the sun may technically set around 11pm, it will likely really not get dark; kinda strange if you're not used to it. If you require darkness just bring a mask.

So jealous - we have quite enjoyed our Alaskan cruises - BBB (balcony, binoculars and blankets) are the most important items for experiencing the best AK has to offer.

We spend every minute we can on our balcony no matter the weather - whale watching, wildlife viewing and glacier cruising have all been top notch; that's where the binoculars and blankets get a work out. If you're booked in a suite, you will have 1 pair if binoculars in your cabin. Every cabin will have thick plaid HAL blankets - they may be tucked away in the under bed or overhead drawers, so it may take some digging to find them.

Flexibility and willingness to endure the weather are key to a great experience and awesome memories.

Enjoy!!

[Denise T]

2 hours ago, Haljo1935 said:

Although the sun may technically set around 11pm, it will likely really not get dark; kinda strange if you're not used to it. If you require darkness just bring a mask.

So jealous - we have quite enjoyed our Alaskan cruises - BBB (balcony, binoculars and blankets) are the most important items for experiencing the best AK has to offer.

We spend every minute we can on our balcony no matter the weather - whale watching, wildlife viewing and glacier cruising have all been top notch; that's where the binoculars and blankets get a work out. If you're booked in a suite, you will have 1 pair if binoculars in your cabin. Every cabin will have thick plaid HAL blankets - they may be tucked away in the under bed or overhead drawers, so it may take some digging to find them.

Flexibility and willingness to endure the weather are key to a great experience and awesome memories.

Enjoy!!

We will definitely have to get used to the lack of darkness. Our plan is to be out on the balcony or the promenade as much as we can. I have binoculars form my last cruise to Canada/New England. Planning on taking loads of pictures as well. I am prepared for any weather that may come. Ready to pack!

[LoriJo720]

Hey, Denise,

     Hubby and I are on the same cruise. And we are newbies too in the same age range.  I'm a nervous wreck trying to plan it all.  

    See you on board!

Lori

[Denise T]

15 minutes ago, LoriJo720 said:

Hey, Denise,

     Hubby and I are on the same cruise. And we are newbies too in the same age range.  I'm a nervous wreck trying to plan it all.  

    See you on board!

Lori

Can't wait. I have done all of the planning as I live with my sister and if I leave anything up to her it won't get done. My sister-in-law is doing all the planning for her and my brother. As he says, "I'm just tagging along." See you on board!

[Denise T]

59 days to go and counting down. starting to make a list of things I will bring. I think that I will pack similarly to my Canada/New England trip last year. I packed with layers and the weather was a balmy 70 in October. Still will have layers, rain jacket which I love, hiking boots. I will bring causal outfits, nice jeans, shorts, t-shirts, sweatshirts, etc. I will also be bringing some dressier attire. My travel companions are all over the place with defining "dressy". My brother said he bought a new suit. When you have worn hospital attire for over 30 years, a suit seems appropriate. My sister-in-law will match my brother and probably have a nice dress. I like business casual-black pants and a nice top, maybe something sparkly. Not sure if I want heels or not. I may stick to flats as I am unsure how the seas will be.  My sister, on the other hand, hates dressing up. My suggestion for her is black pants, and a nice top. We will probably go clothes shopping for her. 

 

Anyway, we are getting closer!

[Hogladyrider]

Alaska "dressy" is much more casual than Caribbean "dressy".

 

You might want to consider packing a hat and gloves for when on deck observing glaciers it can be quite cold.

[Haljo1935]

Well, Denise, you did it - all this exciting talk about Alaska led to me booking a cruise today - for next month! So, while not going with you, I do feel like you'll be there in spirit, lol.

Husband came home the other day from work saying he had vacation he had to use before June or he'd lose it. So, we're off on the Eurodam April 29 - May 6; very early in the season, maybe even opening season for HAL. Will be celebrating his birthday onboard 🙂

I've been to AK several times, all on HAL, and I'm thrilled for you to be going, especially w/siblings. My sister has gone w/us a few times, but we've not been successful in getting our brother to go, so I'm also a bit envious of your trip.  I'm sure you all will have a wonderful time and come back w/an abundance of memories.

Guess I need to break out the suitcase...

[Denise T]

7 hours ago, Hogladyrider said:

Alaska "dressy" is much more casual than Caribbean "dressy".

 

You might want to consider packing a hat and gloves for when on deck observing glaciers it can be quite cold.

Yes, I do have those. I brought them to Canada/New England. 

[Denise T]

6 hours ago, Haljo1935 said:

Well, Denise, you did it - all this exciting talk about Alaska led to me booking a cruise today - for next month! So, while not going with you, I do feel like you'll be there in spirit, lol.

Husband came home the other day from work saying he had vacation he had to use before June or he'd lose it. So, we're off on the Eurodam April 29 - May 6; very early in the season, maybe even opening season for HAL. Will be celebrating his birthday onboard 🙂

I've been to AK several times, all on HAL, and I'm thrilled for you to be going, especially w/siblings. My sister has gone w/us a few times, but we've not been successful in getting our brother to go, so I'm also a bit envious of your trip.  I'm sure you all will have a wonderful time and come back w/an abundance of memories.

Guess I need to break out the suitcase...

So exciting! 

[Denise T]

56 days and counting. My boarding pass should be available around 4/13/2023 give or take a few days. I am really in need of this vacation due to the stress of my work. I imagine myself on my balcony, with a drink in my hand, watching for the whales. I think I am in that waiting period where I start to get antsy and impatient. For now, I will sit back and continue to grade student papers. 🛳️

[Elequieu]

On 3/21/2023 at 3:25 PM, Denise T said:

68 days out. Getting closer. We are all checked in and should get the boarding documents mid-April. I love that we can check in early. When I was on NCL last year, we could not check in until 21 days before our sail date. I have been routinely checking flights and itinerary for any changes. So far so good. 

 

At the end of this day, I have a lovely Margaritta having had a stressful day at work. I am imaging sitting on my balcony on the ship or sitting at any of the bars or perhaps sitting on the promenade deck on an evening. 

 

Soon, very soon. 😊

 

[Elequieu]

2 minutes ago, Elequieu said:

62 days for me for the Eurodam. Margaritas are my jam. but  OJ/prosecco works. This will be my 4th to Alaska. Let's drink to Holland America!

 

2 minutes ago, Elequieu said:

 

 

2 minutes ago, Elequieu said:

 

 

[Denise T]

53 days to go. My sister and I are flying business class because we wanted the space. My brother and sister-in-law are flying mainly economy, however, they opted to change to business class for the Dallas to Anchorage leg of the trip. It's a 6-hour flight. This should be fun as they are sitting across from us. We should have a blast! Boarding documents should be ready on 4/13/2023. We shall see. 

[Haljo1935]

We have been able to use the welcome drink coupons for drinks other than the Welcome Punch; A bar tender in the Casino bar on Nieuw Statendam recommended a strawberry mojito rather than regular mint mojito. I tried it and it's my new favorite sail away drink!

I know this thread is for new HAL cruisers; however, If you do receive those coupons and think you'll pass on them because you wouldn't care for the Welcome Punch, try asking for something else. If you don't get a coupon, you can ask your Cabin Steward if they have an extra - they will sometimes give you one. 🙂

You're so close to a fabulous trip!!

 

Edited April 5, 2023 by Haljo1935

[Denise T]

Here we are at 48 days out. I noticed my preliminary boarding pass it out. The final one will be available 14 days out. Getting closer and closer. My brother and sister-in-law said that they have finished their shopping for the cruise. Trying to get my sister to get going as she stated she needs a few things. I think I have everything I need. 

 

From the boarding pass, the air itinerary is there and correct. I am sure American Airlines will change a few more times. We are also confirmed for the Cruisetrain transfer. It leaves Anchorage around 12:30 and gets into Whittier around 3. The we set sail at 8. 

 

I wonder what my first drink on board will be. 🤔

[oakridger]

I'm getting excited for you just by reading this!!!  

 

~Nancy

[Denise T]

4 hours ago, oakridger said:

I'm getting excited for you just by reading this!!!  

 

~Nancy

Me too! I need this cruise so badly. Haven't had time off since the Christmas holidays. 

[Denise T]

44 days out and counting. It is warm here in Pennsylvania, maybe a little too warm in the upper 80's. Spending time watching Youtube videos of the areas where I will be going, I found some nice ones from cruise vloggers ParoDeeJay that showed possible excursions in Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan. I love it because these towns are very walkable and there are things to do that aren't overly expensive. My plan is to take loads of pictures and post them here. I will do as much posting as I can, depends on the Internet. 

[Haljo1935]

@Denise Tthose towns are all very walkable with lots of nice things to do and great food.

Annabelle's in Ketchikan has great food; it's a short walk across the street from the port. It was recommended to us by locals; I don't eat seafood and always find something yummy; my husband and sister say the chowder is the best they've had. www.Annabellesketchikan.com 

The train in Skagway is good for spectacular views.

Mt Roberts Tramway in Juneau provides spectacular views, there's a self guided hiking trail and restaurant at the top. You can buy tickets through the ship, Expedia or just directly at the ticket booth.

So excited for you and looking b forward to your amazing pictures!

We leave in 2 weeks (Sat April 29) for 7 days, cruise only; earliest in the season we've gone, but there's no bad cruise to Alaska!!

 

[Hogladyrider]

@Denise T...Juneau I recommend taking the public bus to Mendenhall Glacier.  Great visitors center and great views as well, nice walking paths.

 

Ketchikan is great walking town, especially Creek Street.

 

Skagway we did the train ride, worth every penny then a quick walk into town.

[Denise T]

29 minutes ago, Haljo1935 said:

@Denise Tthose towns are all very walkable with lots of nice things to do and great food.

Annabelle's in Ketchikan has great food; it's a short walk across the street from the port. It was recommended to us by locals; I don't eat seafood and always find something yummy; my husband and sister say the chowder is the best they've had. www.Annabellesketchikan.com 

The train in Skagway is good for spectacular views.

Mt Roberts Tramway in Juneau provides spectacular views, there's a self guided hiking trail and restaurant at the top. You can buy tickets through the ship, Expedia or just directly at the ticket booth.

So excited for you and looking b forward to your amazing pictures!

We leave in 2 weeks (Sat April 29) for 7 days, cruise only; earliest in the season we've gone, but there's no bad cruise to Alaska!!

 

I hope you will post some pictures! I think that Alaska is the type of place where you should visit frequently at different times of the season. So many changes. I was thinking about the tramway. I will definitely look for Annabelle's. I am making a list of recommendations that I have gotten. 

[Denise T]

11 minutes ago, Hogladyrider said:

@Denise T...Juneau I recommend taking the public bus to Mendenhall Glacier.  Great visitors center and great views as well, nice walking paths.

 

Ketchikan is great walking town, especially Creek Street.

 

Skagway we did the train ride, worth every penny then a quick walk into town.

Yes, I heard the public bus was a good way to get to Mendenhall and that is probably what we will do. Creek Street is definitely in the plans. I love the flexibility of a DIY excursion. 

[dreamer321]

1 hour ago, Haljo1935 said:

...

Mt Roberts Tramway in Juneau provides spectacular views, there's a self guided hiking trail and restaurant at the top. You can buy tickets through the ship,

...

 

If you are thinking of doing the Goldbelt (Mount Roberts) Tramway don't pre-book through the ship. Wait until you are in port and see if the top of the mountain is clouded over. You don't want to spend $50 per person to ride the tram only to have no view from the top.  The price is the same whether you purchase via HAL's shore excursion desk or at the box office at the base terminal. It's only a short walk from the dock.

[Denise T]

7 hours ago, dreamer321 said:

If you are thinking of doing the Goldbelt (Mount Roberts) Tramway don't pre-book through the ship. Wait until you are in port and see if the top of the mountain is clouded over. You don't want to spend $50 per person to ride the tram only to have no view from the top.  The price is the same whether you purchase via HAL's shore excursion desk or at the box office at the base terminal. It's only a short walk from the dock.

I had heard this. Thank you for the reminder. Someone else had told me the same thing about the tramway.