This cruise was a wonderful trip of a lifetime. With all to do on the ship and the excursions available in the ports, we were busy and each night upon retiring, felt that we didn't waste a minute of our time. I would recommend this to anyone wishing to cruise to Alaska. It was great!!
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Our embarkation was fast and without incident. Everyone (staff) was organized and knew just what we needed to be doing and when. A great way to start a cruise - no frustrations here.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
We didn't go to the specialty restaurants due to the extra cost involved (trip cost enough). The dining room served well-prepared, delicious meals. You can cut the filet mignon with a fork! The buffet was .... well, a buffet. Lots of choices, lots of people/congestion. Food was very good. Popular desserts were gone early. Along about Thursday/Friday, they ran out of lemonade - bummer. "New York Pizza" was underdone and even when we asked for well done, it was underdone. It tasted good, but pizza-making skills need work. Overall, we weren't lacking for good food.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
We didn't use the pools, basketball court, ping-pong tables, etc. Those things that we want to do, we can do at home.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Loved Lincoln Center Stage! Musicians were wonderful and each performance we attended was different. We attended the magician's show. He was very good. Billboard Onboard with the 2 piano players/singers was enjoyable. The performers involved the audience with sing-alongs. The Mainstage singers/dancers were excellent. We attended more than once.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
We didn't ask for much, although we could have. Each time we returned to our cabin, our ice bucket was full! That was a plus for us. The room stewards greeted us by name at every encounter. Waiters, for the most part, were friendly and attentive. We did have one that we commented must not be a people person - he seemed shy. Nearly all ship personnel we encountered greeted us with a "hello" and a smile.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Ship's layout was fine to us. It was our first cruise so we have nothing to compare it to. All common areas were clean and well-maintained.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Cabin was quite comfortable. It was much larger than expected. It was clean, and kept that way by the stewards.
Ship tip
Try to do as much as you can, on board ship and in the ports. Holland America makes sure there is plenty for everyone to do and see. Don't use other reviews as a guide of what to expect. You have to experience it for yourself.
We cruised on Saturday so we arrived in Seattle on Thursday and had all day Friday to sight-see. We lined up a 6-hour tour in advance of our trip. We went everywhere, it seemed. Stops at the Space Needle and Pike Place Market were the highlight. It was great and I would go back to Seattle for more.
City tour and Mendenhall Glacier were on the agenda here. We spent time at the glacier and the day was lovely and clear so we could see everything there was to see. On our return, we boarded the Mt. Roberts Tram for a trip up the mountain. Again, it was clear and we could see our cruise ship below.
We docked at the Old Sitka Dock and boarded our tour bus there. Our guide was a native of Sitka and was well-informed and shared lots of interesting information. We visited the Fortress of the Bear, saw lots of bald eagles, went to a cool rain forest (Sitka National Historical Park). Great trip!
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