A Bucket List Trip
Oosterdam Cruise Review to Alaska - Inside Passage
Contributor Level:
Purser
Cruises: 4-6 cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 49
Review summary
Do it! Never mind the cost, it’s a bucket list trip that everyone should do. HAL is a great cruise line at reasonable cost with impeccable service and fantastic food and drinks.Embarkation
Boarding and embarkation was very smooth. Even though we had a 5:00PM departure from Seattle lunch was served once onboard. I thought that was very nice.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
We ate mostly in the main dining room but two meals in the specialty dining and the food in both places was wonderful.
Onboard Activities
The activities onboard were good but being “people of a certain age” we were. Not into the physical stuff. Having said that, there was plenty to do in many locations.
Entertainment
There were several different activities and all were good. The comedian and the magician were fantastic.
Children's Programs
We chose Holland America because they don’t cater to children that much.
Service and Staff
Every staff member we met was eager to see that we had an enjoyable experience.
Ship Quality
The ship was very clean and well laid out once we figured it out.
Cabin / Stateroom
Our cabin was very clean and spacious. In my opinion, a verandah is a requirement on an Alaskan cruise.
Ship tip
Stay away from the buffet. The women are all elbows and will bowl you over getting to the food ahead of you like it’s their last meal.
Thumbs up
0
Ports of call
Plan an extra day and rent a car to get around the greater Seattle area. Pike Place is a must.
The salmon bake was a great experience but be sure to walk psat the diamond and jewelry shops without stopping.
A beautiful real Alaskan town that doesn’t seem to be in the business of fleecing the cruise ship flock as much as elsewhere.
Ketchikan is a cruise ship town and you have to walk a distance to get away from the tourist traps. I highly recommend the totem pole tour. The tour is full of local culture and wonderful local people.
I have been to Victoria before and always enjoy going back. The culture, the architecture and the warm people along with high tea at the Empress Hotel are memorable experiences the are well worth repeating.
Disembarkation
In port by 8:30 AM, off the ship by 9:30 AM to spend a day in Seattle before a red eye home to NC.
Traveler Photos
