7 Night Alaskan Explorer Via Hubbard Glacier (Seattle Roundtrip)
Sail date: September 16, 2018
Ship:
Amsterdam
Cabin type: Suite
Cabin number: 6109
Traveled as: Couple
Reviewed: 6 years ago
Review summary
This was our first cruise. The Amsterdam was a great way to start. The ship was not too big and with about 1300 guests, nothing was ever crowded. There were many places to relax on the ship, both indoors and out. We felt pampered with the top notch service. We were blessed with sunny weather up until the last day when there was a brief rain shower. Folks said it was unusual to have so much sunshine.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
No lines at 12:30 pm. Lots of cheerful, helpful people.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Enjoyed the variety at the Lido Market. Our favorite lunch spot was the Dive-In. They had great burgers. Not so impressed with the service in the main dining room on Gala Night. The food there was mediocre. I cannot stop raving about room service for breakfast. We ordered in every day but one. Food was hot, coffee was strong and timing was spot on. Sadly, there was a limited menu for lunch and dinner.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
We liked going to the presentations about wildlife, ports, and Alaska in general. The captain's talk was real interesting too.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Listening and singing along with Don, in the Piano Bar, was our favorite evening pastime. The main stage shows were good. The BBC Wildlife film set to live music was really terrific.
Children's Programs
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
I'm giving a 5 because our stateroom stewards were excellent. Wait staff in the Lido were attentive. Our one main dining room experience found the service lacking. No refills on water; had to ask a different server for coffee; big push to sell liquor--the bar server was at the table numerous times.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Good sized stateroom--large bed--two twins pushed together, two night stands, couch, desk/vanity, four closets, bathroom had a glass enclosed shower (we opted for no tub). The room was clean and maintained meticulously. Lots of drawer space too. The balcony provided great viewing throughout the cruise.
Ship tip
Check out the Piano Bar with Don. Order room service for breakfast!
We flew into Seattle a day ahead of the cruise. We went to the Chihuly Glass Gallery. That was awesome. Skipped the Space Needle due the high price. Ate at some small mom and pop places--good food.
Went to the Rapture Center to see eagles up close. Interesting. Visited a totem center and saw salmon spawning in a stream after a short walk. Informative guide. Comfortable transport.
We arrived late due to choppy seas in the harbor--the ship ahead of us had some trouble docking and slowed us down. It was nearly dark. Didn't seem like there was much to do after dark.
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