My third cruise to Alaska on the Volendam
Volendam Cruise Review to Alaska - Inside Passage
Contributor Level:
Purser
Cruises: 4-6 cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 66
Review summary
I will never tire of visiting Alaska. This is some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. The day in Glacier Bay is the high point of the trip. Having National Park rangers on board for the day adds to the richness of this experience.Embarkation
It is so easy to embark at the Vancouver port. Staff are friendly, helpful, and efficient.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
There is great variety in the Lido buffet, and I had all my breakfasts and lunches there. Dinner in the maid dining room is always enjoyable. I like being a walk-in diner. This way I am always at a different table and meeting different people every night. Service and food are good. There is great variety; presentation in attractive, and the selection of fish entrees keeps me happy.
Onboard Activities
There is a good selection of activities, although I tend to spend my time on deck looking at the scenery and watching for wildlife. This year the Volendam added a naturalist to its staff. He was knowledgeable and helpful. I learned several interesting facts about the wildlife we were seeing.
Entertainment
I was not interested in attending these programs.
Children's Programs
I was not traveling with children.
Service and Staff
All the staff I encountered were exceptional. They are professional, friendly, helpful, and provide consistently excellent service.
Ship Quality
This is a well-maintained ship.
Cabin / Stateroom
My cabin was comfortable, spacious for one person, and always clean.
Ports of call
Vancouver (Canada Place), British Columbia
I live in Vancouver and can recommend it as a great place to visit. It is a walkable city, has a bike-share program, good public transportation, many cultural activities, and wonderful restaurants.
Thumbs Up
4
I visited the city museum. There is an excellent film on the history of the Juneau area, and there are many artifacts from the early days of the city. There's a new distillery in town that is producing a very fine gin.
I like walking in Skagway. There are some shops here that aren't the usual tourist traps. If you are a knitter, look for the yarn shop. It has some of the most beautiful yarns I've seen. If you like beer, there is a brewery that serves great beer and wonderful food.
Ketchikan is my favourite port in Alaska. This is a town of arts and artists. Be sure to visit Crazy Wolf shop for Native American jewelry, bentwood boxes, masks, and other artifacts. For beautiful silk-screened and embossed prints, stop in at Alaska Eagle Arts. There is a wonderful independent book store here with many books on Alaskan history, wildlife, geology, geography, and photography. The staff are helpful.
For lunch I always stop at New York Cafe. I am particularly fond of their salmon burger.
Disembarkation
I was off the ship and in a taxi within 10 minutes. This process is simple as can be.
3 Comments
GIL155 7 years ago
Alaska truly is amazing and the time you visit could determine the wildlife, weather, and excursions. I have been there twice and only remember rain due to a picture of us in raincoats. Lots of rain and fog this year. Lots of cancelled excursions. But the views, the glaciers, the waterfalls, and the endearing spirit of the Alaskans remain. Not to mention the whales, bears, eagles, and salmon. I agree with you - never tire of Alaska!