Another bucket list item checked
Volendam Cruise Review to Alaska - Inside Passage
Contributor Level:
Second Mate
Cruises: 4-6 cruises
Reviews: 7
Helpful Votes: 216
Review summary
Excelent experience. HAL does not dissapoint. Taken care of exceptionally well from start to finish. Alaska is a must-see.Embarkation
Overall, fairly smooth. Plenty of friendly staff to guide the process. Due to a low tide issue, and earlier deoarture time we were asked to disregard our assigned boarding time and arrive sooner. This meant more peiple at one time. However, we were one of the first groups to arrive, so that helped to expedite once they were aet up & ready for us.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Dining room was beautiful, attended well. Mostly very good service. A few mornings, at breakfast, a little slow but understandable w so many at one time. Food was excellent, portions plentiful. Would have liked a little more variety of menu, but afain how do you please so many different tastes. Pinnacle Grill experience top notch and worth the up-charge. You are treated like royalty.
Onboard Activities
Did America's Test Kitchen, Afternoon Tea, fitness center, and thermal suite. Enjoyed them all emmensely.
Entertainment
Went to Rock Legends and Roadhouse and a party in the Crow's Nest. Musician's and performers all near Broadway-level talent. Party was fun too. DJ and Cruise Director made sure everyone was a part of it.
Children's Programs
No kids
Service and Staff
Attentive, friendly, professional. Anything we needed they were making sure we received.
Ship Quality
Beautiful artwork and design. Clean and well-maintained enough for an older ship.
Cabin / Stateroom
Wasn't even expecting an oceanview. Last minute upgrade was given. Excellent size, plenty of extra storage space, and loved the shower with a door. Comfotable and very clean.
Ship tip
Exolore and experience as much of the ship as you can can. Lots of hidden treasures.
Thumbs up
0
Ports of call
Vancouver (Canada Place), British Columbia
Incredibly beautiful. Arrived 2 days early to get to know the area. So unique and a great outdoorsy, urban vibe. Did an indepe ndent half-day tour with Land and Seas. We saw so much and just enough. Would love to visit again someday.
Beautiful to see amazing scenery as we cruised. Captain was great to announce when wildlife was spotted.
My favorite. Rangers and cultural interpreter provided very good information. Scenery was just amazing and life-affirming.
Port was beautiful and charming. No excursion, but walked Creek Street, great shopping, and fantastic chowder at Anneabelles.
Disembarkation
Smooth, organized. Transfer to airport was quick and pretty easy.