Highly recommend this one!
Noordam Cruise Review to Alaska
Contributor Level:
Purser
Cruises: 4-6 cruises
Reviews: 2
Helpful Votes: 31
Review summary
This was a "bucket list" cruise for my wife and I. Yes; we spent a lot for upgrades, dinners, drinks, shore excursions, etc. All of it was worth it. HAL isn't perfect but did a great job. Highly recommend this once in a lifetime experience.Embarkation
This part was good but not great. It seemed like HAL was expecting everyone to have cruised with them previously and therefore was familiar with their protocols. Being new to HAL, this lead to things being "not quite as smooth" as expected. They were quite efficient but the communication was lacking at times. Especially once on board; there were no announcements regarding the cabins/suites being ready. A bit frustrating since that is also when you received your "key" which helped with drink purchases, etc.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
All pretty good here. The Pinnacle Grill was very good (but a little hard to justify almost an additional $100 per couple - the Main Dining Room was basically just as good). MDR was good and efficient. Plenty of choices. Lido was busy but fine. Dive In was good. Room service was good. All areas struggled with getting food to you that was hot. Drink service was often a little slow and inattentive.
Onboard Activities
What we did participate in was perfectly fine.
Entertainment
Mostly perfectly fine. Most not great, but perfectly acceptable. Dance group was the best.
Children's Programs
No children with us on this adventure - highly recommend.
Service and Staff
Mixed bag here. Restaurants were pretty good to very good. Beverage staff were lacking in speed, attention, and helpfulness. Suite attendants did very well. Laundry service was a great suite addition.
Ship Quality
Ideal for us. Alaska is well suited for these "smaller" ships.
Cabin / Stateroom
Can't rave enough about this. If you can afford any of the "aft corner wrap around balcony Neptune Suites" - book it! Worth every penny of the upgrade if you are going to Alaska or similar. Neptune Suite benefits are many and all of them are helpful and super convenient!
Ship tip
Neptune Suites are worth the upgrade. Spoil yourself - you won't regret it!
Thumbs up
0
Ports of call
Vancouver (Canada Place), British Columbia
Not a whole lot going on here but still worth getting around to see. Creek Street is a fun walk so try to fi it in if you can.
The White Pass and Yukon Rail is a must no matter which of the tours offered that you decide on - just make sure you get on one of them. Unique and stunning views.
Disembarkation
Easy peasy............