Review - Oosterdam to Alaska May 27, 2006

[richcrow]

Sorry for being so long winded, but here is my review on our first Alaskan cruise. Any questions, please feel free to ask.

 

CRUISE TO ALASKA – OOSTERDAM, MAY 27TH 2006

This was our first cruise to Alaska and second on Holland America. We booked our own airfare so we could use frequent flyer miles. Big mistake since all we could get was a flight which arrived in Seattle after 9:00 pm and departed Seattle at 10:30 pm after the cruise, and on bankrupt Delta to boot!

Anyway, we arrived at Sea-Tac on Friday exactly on time (could be a first for Delta). Stayed one night at the Springhill Suites at a rate of $89.00. The room was very nice and they had a full breakfast buffet the following morning.

EMBARKATION

 

We used the hotel shuttle to return to the airport and meet the HAL bus for transfer to the ship. We boarded the bus at 11:00 am, transferred to the cruise terminal, processed through the terminal and were onboard having lunch in the Lido before 12:30 pm; so, I would say that the embarkation process went very well for us. This was our first time to use HAL’s transfer system which I thought that not having to bother with our luggage at the terminal made it well worth the cost.

We were in our stateroom by 1:00 pm and had received all of our luggage before 1:30 pm.

After unpacking, we found that most of our formal clothes were badly wrinkled. Since our first formal night was the following evening (Sun.), we needed emergency help. I earlier had the pleasure of meeting and talking with HM James Deering and he had told me to call him if I needed anything. So, after DW had been wrongfully told by two different crew members that our steward could get us an iron to borrow, we called Mr. Deering. Needless to say, who I believe to be one of the head stewards came to our stateroom, picked up our clothes, had them pressed and back to us the next day. We were willing to pay for the unlimited pressing service, but you have to allow 48 hrs, notice.

Went down and made reservations at the Pinnacle Grill (a gift from our TA) and checked on our dining room table assignment. We were assigned to Table #26 on the aft end of the upper level. Our excellent tablemates were a couple from Norfolk, VA now living in Las Vegas and two ladies from San Diego. Table #26 must be one of the tables that receives complaints from some passengers about vibration. Well, we did experience some vibration, but everyone of us agreed that it was not a problem for us.

We had our Cruise Critic Get-Together in the Crow’s Nest at 10:00 pm with somewhere around 18 attending. Mr. Deering was so kind to attend and stayed “‘til the bitter end”. He provided us with a lot of insight into things that were going on with HAL concerning new ships and changes in the works for existing ships. One interesting thing to me was why HAL has elected to start using earlier sailing times out to Seattle. By leaving at 4:00 pm in lieu of 5:00 pm, they could save over $10,000 in fuel costs on the way to Juneau.

EXCURSIONS

 

We only booked excursions in Juneau (Best of Juneau – Whale Watching, Mendenhall Glacier and Alaska Salmon Bake) and Victoria (Pub & Ale Tour). Both were booked through HAL and were very enjoyable.

The whale watching period of our Juneau cruise was great. We saw many humpback whales, sea lions, and bald eagles. At one time there must have been as many as five or six whales all around the boat. We then went to Mendenhall Glacier which was interesting but very, very crowded. The tour ended with the Alaskan Salmon Bake which was some of the best salmon I have ever had. I think that it must have been the sauce that came with the salmon.

The Pub and Ale Tour in Victoria was a great way to end the cruise (of course there can never be a great ending to a cruise). We were bused to three of Victoria’s better pubs where we were provided samples of at least three different ales or beers and snacks.

At Sitka and Ketchikan, we went on our own and didn’t regret it.

Upon arriving in Sitka, we went to the Queen’s Lounge around 8:30 am to get our tender tickets and were in downtown Sitka before 9:30 am. We bought two tickets good for all day use of a shuttle bus which went to all of the popular locations such as Sitka National Historical Park, The Raptor Center, etc. We also toured St. Michael’s Cathedral, did a little shopping and had lunch.

We finally had the feared Alaska rain catch up with us in Ketchikan; so, we mostly shopped and did a little sightseeing. We, of course, did visit the Creek Street shops and took the lift up to the Cape Fox Lodge where you have a great view of the harbor and the cruise ships.

HUBBARD GLACIER

 

This, IMHO, was the highlight of the whole cruise. We arrived at Hubbard around 12:00 Noon and remained at the face of the glacier until 5:00 pm. We personally witnessed three calves of the ice (only got photos of one). The weather was fantastic with hardly a cloud in the sky.

ENTERTAINMENT

 

I would have to rate the entertainment on this cruise somewhere between just ok and tolerable. The, what I call, Las Vegas type shows were just ok. The lead singers, IMHO, just didn’t have it, but the dance crew was pretty good. There was a ventriloquist comedian who was very good and a very entertaining magic act. But of course, the highlight of the cruise entertainment wise was Joel Mason. We had no idea he was going to be on board, until we were told by Mr. Deering at our CC get-together.

THE OOSTERDAM

 

Now that we have completed our second cruise on HAL, we have something to compare. Our first HAL cruise was on the Zuiderdam which we considered to be by far the best cruise ship we had sailed on. We now will have to say that we understand why the Oosterdam is Bryan’s favorite ship. In our opinion, the Oosterdam, as compared to the Zuiderdam, is better from the crew standpoint, the interior color schemes and the food. Our wait staff in both the dining room and Pinnacle were excellent, the food, other than a limited number of choices at times, was superb and our cabin steward was the best. I don’t that I have ever had my name and what drink and food I prefer remembered by so many waiters and bar staff. How do they do that? And of course you have to say that the “O” has by far the best HM in the business.

We were booked in Verandah Stateroom 4164. This stateroom had a double size verandah because it was located just forward of an emergency stairwell to the Promenade deck. So shared the outside area with 4166. This came in handy when we were at Hubbard Glacier. We had 3 chairs, an ottoman and a lounge chair for our use. We would book this cabin again ina heartbeat.

Now for a few negatives. For some reason this ship seemed to be more crowded. We never experienced this on Zuiderdam. And HAL needs to do something with the Park West art auctions. It was beginning to feel like they were in control of the ship at times. Between them and the photo gallery blocking the passage to and from the Vista dining room was bad enough, but taking over areas such as the Ocean Bar was completely uncalled for.

DISEMBARKATION

Like I said earlier, we had a flight out of Seattle at 10:30 pm Sat. evening. So, we were expecting to be in the last group called to get off of the ship. Well, we were in the first group. Don’t ask me why. The only reason I could think of was because we had a HAL transfer booked back to the airport, they were getting them off of the ship first. If so, that would be another good reason to book HAL transfers. Needless to say, we were off of the ship and through customs in less than 20 mins. And this was with Dawn Princess disembarking at the same time.

Once we got to the airport and checked our luggage, we rented a car and headed back downtown to do a little Seattle site seeing. The first place we went was to the Pike Market Place. Not only was it Sat., but there was some kind of festival going on. It was so crowded that we made on pass through and then headed for the waterfront. Our last stop was at one of the casinos operated by the American Indians where we made our donationand headed to the airport.

All in all, a great cruise where we met some fine people, experienced a top notch crew and went to some fantastic ports. We would definitely sail the Oosterdam again. Maybe to Mexico, but it will have to be after DW gets her wish for a Med cruise.

[scopewest]

Thanks for your review, I enjoyed reading it.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Richard, thanks for the great review. Tom and I actually did very simliar to you. Our first HAL cruise was on the Zuirderdam and was the best we had, our next cruise was on the Oosterdam to Alaska in 2004. After that point we knew HAL was for us plus we loved the Oosterdam. Of course we now have been on the Oosterdam 3 times and returning March 17th and plan to also go back November 2007.:)

[kimmeesook]

thanks for the review. i will be on the Oosterdam for the first time later this summer. :)

[Tinknock50]

Excellent review!

 

Sorry to hear the art auctions are still running amuck. On our November 26th cruise they were actually in the Crows Nest with paintings stuck in front of the viewing windows! We complained then, but apparently there are still taking over other parts of the ship.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Thanks for the wonderful review.

 

There was a thread on here a few days ago about the art auctions.

 

Love Hubbard Glacier.

 

Glad you had a great cruise.

[richcrow]

Richard, thanks for the great review. Tom and I actually did very simliar to you. Our first HAL cruise was on the Zuirderdam and was the best we had, our next cruise was on the Oosterdam to Alaska in 2004. After that point we knew HAL was for us plus we loved the Oosterdam. Of course we now have been on the Oosterdam 3 times and returning March 17th and plan to also go back November 2007.:)

 

We loved the Oosterdam so much that I'm sure we will sail on her again. Maybe we will see each other on a future cruise. Still jealous of you all taking James Deering away from us in Ketchican:) .

 

Richard

[LAFFNVEGAS]

We loved the Oosterdam so much that I'm sure we will sail on her again. Maybe we will see each other on a future cruise. Still jealous of you all taking James Deering away from us in Ketchican:) .

 

Richard

 

Ah Yes, but if somebody had to do it, wasn't it good it was someone you knew from CC:D ;)

[richcrow]

Ah Yes, but if somebody had to do it, wasn't it good it was someone you knew from CC:D ;)

 

Yes, I totally agree. I only hope that if and when DW and I make it to Las Vegas, you all have a CC get-together scheduled. Your group does seem to enjoy having a good time together.

 

Richard & Judie

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Yes, I totally agree. I only hope that if and when DW and I make it to Las Vegas, you all have a CC get-together scheduled. Your group does seem to enjoy having a good time together.

 

Richard & Judie

 

Richard, Most definitely, we would love to have you and Judie join us. The Las Vegas HAL CC gang love to get together. It is almost like being on a cruise for at least one night having dinner and talking about what we all love:D

[Scrumpy]

Thanks for writing this, Richard! I could go back to Alaska again and again. Oosterdam is a lovely ship and I wouldn't hesitate to book again! Maybe we will see ya'll on another Alaskan cruise!

 

I noticed that sometimes the entrance to the DR was busy with people loitering in the doorway even when there wasn't congestion in the hallway leading there. After the first night, we would go straight to our table. Maybe that isn't the proper thing to do, but I couldn't see waiting for an escort when we knew where to go.

 

Great review; glad you had such a good time. It was wonderful meeting you and Judie!

Susan

[richcrow]

Thanks, Susan. It would be great to sail with you two again, and I agree that the Oosterdam would be fine with me.

 

Richard