Some disappointment with Eurodam -- already shared comments with Holland. Disappointed with on-board shopping -- they need to offer a 'Eurodam' ornament NOT just a generic Holland ornament. 'Solo diners' and all diners seem to need to stand your ground to NOT 'share' tables. Only '5:30 PM and 8:00 PM times were seemingly available for open seating main dining room reservations but only had to wait once for maybe five minutes.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
Holland personnel at airport hotel the morning of departure eased some anxiety about being gathered and being ready for ship check-in. Bag from hotel to ship being handled was great.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Mainly ate in the main dining room at open seating. Some breakfasts and lunches in buffet -- but later in cruise ate breakfast and lunch in main dining room. No trays in buffet meant trying to balance plates or 'claiming table' and back for other stuff. Location of where soups, omelets, etc was confusing. BUT goooooood salad makings and very friendly staff there. The push for 'extra' charge dinner in main dining room was a turn off.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
Main activity for me was walking the deck and around the ship -- stayed inside for most of 'glacier bay' cruising -- warmer and dryer than out on deck and could hear narration better.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Only listened to some stage shows in parts but did enjoy the Lincoln Center quintet.
Children's Programs
Service and Staff
3 out of 5
Waiters were mixed service -- some slowness between some dinners' courses some evenings. 'Greeters' did not seem to appreciate 'solo' diners not wanting to 'share' table. Purchase of a bottle of wine to last several days was acceptable. Room stewards were friendly and usually greeted me by name. Service desk personnel were a bit difficult to hear and understand -- soft voices and accents. Had A/C trouble in cabin and it took three reports and 23 hours before someone came to cabin.
Ship Quality
3 out of 5
No grand staircase, interesting 'lava' look to central light fixture.
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
As a Mariner I did expect a better cabin especially paying the solo supplement.
Highlights excursion was mixed. Port needs to 'highlight' location of the USS Juneau memorial -- info kiosk had no info, 'location boards' did not note it, excursion driver could point the way -- thank goodness for my phone map apps.
Again a highlights excursion -- mainly for the Russian Church. Hatchery and garden tours were OK. Need for shuttling to and from ship was of concern for timing and location.
'Duck tour' excursion was fun -- ship docked in the center of town and shopping -- ease of walking the town and Creek Street and back on ship without time concerns and finding shuttle.
Arrived about an hour late so 'highlights' tour was not as enjoyable as it might have been. In the dark could not see some of sights pointed out -- but the 'off the bus' stop for pix of the Empress and Parliament in lights was great.
Always worry that I forget 'essentials' when putting bag outside the cabin before midnight and/or can't fit stuff in tote only in the morning. BUT offer to have bag checked through to home airport was great and went smoothly. Possibly could have booked earlier flights than advised.
Nice review, will add the Lincoln Center to my to listen to list if they are still there. Glad to hear about the salad fixen’s, I like a big salad for lunch (unless I see something fantastic) to combat the “pound a day” syndrome. 283 days until Alaska!
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