absolutely fantastic cruise

Rotterdam Retired Cruise Review to Alaska - Inside Passage

CindyD7

Contributor Level: Deck Hand

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 40

Overall rating:

5 out of 5

Verified Review

7 Night Alaska Explorer (Seattle Roundtrip)

Sail date: August 07, 2010

Ship: Rotterdam Retired

Cabin type: Suite

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 14 years ago

Review summary

Great ship - clean and updated. Friendliest staff I have EVER encountered. Beautiful stateroom. Ports of call provided LOTS of great adventures to choose from (this was an Alaska cruise - so Juneau, Sitka, Ketchican, Victoria BC - and we took advantage of dog sledding, glacier viewing by helicopter and floatplane, zipline, etc) The Spa and exercise facilities gave us the opportunity to work off extra calories or get that much needed massage. I told everyone before I left that this would be a once in a lifetime experience, but I was incorrect - I will CLEARLY cruise with this cruiseline again!!!

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

There was always food available and from the casual buffet on the Lido to the spectacular food at the Pinnacle restaurant (what a great chef!) the food choices were excellent!

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Clearly something on this ship for EVERYBODY! Bars, live entertainment, or a class in history, self- improvement or cooking! Movies were on in the theatre every night or you could attend a live production! There would be no way to participate in everything available on this shift in a month - much less in 7 days.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Never have I seen staff who had to deal with such a diverse cross section of the public do so with such great friendliness and they always had a smile or hello for us.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

The deluxe verandah suite was clearly worth the extra money - the private verandah was a great way to enjoy the peaceful cruising at night after all the busy daylight activities were done. Our room stewards were amazing and called us by name, even if randomly running into us in another part of the ship.

Ports of call

Juneau, Alaska

5 out of 5

The dog sled camp on the Norris Glacier (in my opinion) is clearly a must see. The helicopter ride to the camp and the chance to actually see dogs training for the Itiderod was amazing. The town itself was also wonderful to explore with good shopping.

Thumbs Up 0

Don't Miss: glacier viewing - either by helicopter or floatplane - and shopping (don't miss the Blue Diamonds)

Victoria, British Columbia

5 out of 5

We chose to go whale watching rather than to explore the town on this nighttime port of call - we got to see the Orcas in a wildlife sanctuary - they were magnificent.

Thumbs Up 0

Ketchikan, Alaska

5 out of 5

Bear Creek zipline adventure was the best! We also had great luck with some shopping there as well.

Thumbs Up 0

Don't Miss: if you are physically able, take one of the zipline adventures in the rainforest!

Sitka, Alaska

5 out of 5

We went on a Volcano exploration by ocean raft and 4X4 and had a blast! Words don't describe the beauty of what we saw there.

Thumbs Up 0

Pros: The staff was the best, the ship was fantastic!

Cons: there was nothing not to love!