Alaska and the Voendam
Volendam Cruise Review to Alaska - Inside Passage
Review summary
The stops in Alaska were wonderful and the nature and countryside were spectacular. I do wish they actually let us see the Tracy Arm Fjord up close. That would have been a highlight instead of just making a servcie call to drop off people. Skagway and Glacier Bay were teh best stops on the trip. Skagway's Jewel Gardens was lovely and the time in the teahouse absolutely enchanting. The Glaciers in Glacier Bay were marvelous.
I would say, however, the Volendam needs some work. We had a crack in the tub in our room and the curtains and other apurtenances in our room and on the ship needed updating. The food was good to excellent, although, like many cruises these days, the food seemed to slip in quality as the cruise proceeded. The best food and experience was, of course, in the specialty restaurant, the Pinnacle Grill. Lunch and dinner there were wonderful, as was the night at Le Cirque.
The production shows were truly superior and the magician was quite good, although doing tricks that everyone knows. The comedian was ok, but not amazing.
The cruise director and many of his staff truly seemed more stand-offish than I am used to with other lines. I was surprised that they had no real idea how to be very friendly with people. But, that seemed to be part of teh stuffiness on the boat in general. The exception to this was the casino staff, who mostly went out of their way to be very friendly and accomodating. High praise to them!
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Onboard Activities
Entertainment
Service and Staff
Ship Quality
Cabin / Stateroom
Ship tip
Best food in the Pinnacle Grill, although early nights in the main dining room were good. Breakfast for sure in the buffet, no where else. Lunch in Pinnacle was fantastic!
Ports of call
Vancouver (Canada Place), British Columbia