Great Weather Helped a Lot

Oosterdam Cruise Review to Alaska - Inside Passage

Cruises: 2-3 cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 42

Overall rating:

4 out of 5
Oosterdam

7 Night Alaska Explorer (Vancouver Roundtrip)

Sail date: September 21, 2014

Ship: Oosterdam

Cabin type: Balcony

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 10 years ago

Review summary

We were prepared for the rain that is typical on this itinerary, especially late in the year, but we got very lucky and had no rain at all!  The ports were nice, although these towns have really become tourist destinations, with lots of t-shirt shops and jewelry stores.  We focused on the outdoors experiences and were very happy with them.  The glaciers, forests, wildlife and scenery were just outstanding.  I took many hundreds of photos.  The Oosterdam was nice, but not exceptional.  We did like the slightly smaller size ship, and they catered to the scenic nature of the cruise with frequent opening of optional decks for viewing opportunities.  We saw whales, dolphins, bears, eagles, otters, seals, and salmon ;-).

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5
Stayed away from the formal dining; Food was acceptable.

Entertainment

3 out of 5
Could have been better.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
Did not interact with a bunch, but generally pleased with those we did.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
Comfortable; no complaints

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
The verandah made the difference.

Ship tip

We ordered room service breakfast several times. The food was hot, served on time, and we avoided the morning rush.

Ports of call

Juneau, Alaska

5 out of 5
Mendenhall Glacier. Take the one that stays for 2 hrs. Start out by walking to the waterfall.

Skagway, Alaska

5 out of 5
Take the White Pass train up to the pass and back down. Sit in the car by the engine, as you will then be the last car on the way down with nothing behind you.

Cruise Glacier Bay

5 out of 5

Ketchikan, Alaska

5 out of 5
The Rain Forest Sanctuary was nice. Saw two black bears.
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1 Comment

Gwbigdog    2 years ago

Thanks for sharing your cruise.