Beautiful Alaska
Volendam Cruise Review
Contributor Level:
Purser
Cruises: 4-6 cruises
Reviews: 2
Helpful Votes: 105
Review summary
Alaska is a place that should be on everyone’s bucket list. As a diehard beach resort person that hates the cold with a passion I wasn’t expecting to enjoy this trip as much as I did. I am now team Alaska and Holland America is one of the best to get you there and explore it with. With the exception of my food restrictions and limited dining options, this was one of the better cruises I have been on.Embarkation
We had a Neptune Suite and one of the supposed perks was priority embarkation with a 10:00 AM appointment time. It didn’t take long to realize this meant nothing as anyone and everyone who showed up at that time was allowed to embark. No one was checking appointments and it seemed impossible that all of could have been given the same time. The whole process was very disorganized and we received a lot of misinformation from different officials at the port being sent in one direction only to be told we needed to be somewhere else. It was tedious and confusing and took about two hours before we were finally able to board. Compared to my last cruise experience on a different cruise line that was fifteen minutes from baggage drop to being on the ship, this experience was pretty bad.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
The reason for two stars is because I have Celiac disease and there were little to no options available to me in any of the dining venues other than what is naturally gluten free, i.e. plain meat and vegetables. Not fun when the rest of your group are dining like Kings and your choices are so limited. The Lido Buffet offers a variety of sandwiches but none are available on gluten free bread, almost all offerings from the Italian/Asian sections are off limits. Even asking the question “Is the sauce gluten free” brings nothing but blank stares and shoulder shrugs. In the main dining room asking for gluten free bread with dinner takes 20+ minutes to receive it and is usually ice cold. At Tea Service I asked for a gluten free Tea and was given a bowl of tapioca and told that was all there was. As I sat watching everyone enjoy their scones and sandwiches I was later offered a gluten free sandwich which was half a hoagie roll, partially frozen with a minuscule amount of egg salad. Very disappointing. Even the burger joint was without a gf bun option and room service was only good for a plain salad. What I did eat was good but I couldn’t wait to come home and have something different like pasta or some fried chicken.
Onboard Activities
We were never without something to do. Sometimes there were too many options and we had to choose. Not a bad problem to have on sea days.
Entertainment
We only heard live music which was always good.
Service and Staff
Only had one bad waiter who ironically greeted us by saying he was the best waiter on the ship. Guess if you are trying to advertise maybe it’s for a reason? Everyone one on the ship were very friendly and many came to know us by name. Only negative was that most staffers seemed to know little or nothing about gluten-free foods or dining. Hate to harp on it but when it’s your world it’s pretty important to your overall happiness.
Ship Quality
Ship is very clean but showing her age here and there.
Cabin / Stateroom
Very spacious with a large veranda. Bathroom could use some updating, but it was a good choice for three adults traveling together. Our stewards were the best and kept our stateroom exceptionally clean and organized. For a couple it would be outstanding. I would always try to stay in a Neptune Suite if I were to sail with Holland America again.
Ship tip
Don’t try to make comparisons to newer or larger ships. The Volendam has much to offer and you could miss out on its charms if you do.
Thumbs up
0
Ports of call
We thought we would not do an excursion in Juneau and just explore on our own. Big mistake. The port shops are nothing but tourist traps with sales people so aggressive they put Tiajuana Mexico to shame. Truly they just made us want to run away and never look back. We regret not being able to see more and feel like we cheated ourselves out of a great experience. On the plus side Tracy’s Crab Shack was excellent with the best service in town. Go there and stay far away from the shops. Especially the Alpaca store where they force the items onto your body and then treat you poorly when you refuse to buy their $300 sweater. Rudest people ever.
Went on one of the Musher excursions offered by the cruise line. Can’t say enough good things about it. If you love dogs and outdoor adventures this is a must do. We learned so much about the sport and got to enjoy all of the dogs, puppies included. I would do this again and again.
Great port for walking and shopping. No aggressive sales people here. Did a canoe and forest walk excursion that was also excellent. From pickup to drop off every one along the way was fun and friendly. The beauty of the lake and the pristine mountain air left us so refreshed. Our guide was a bundle of energy and overflowing with enthusiasm and knowledge of our surroundings. Couldn’t ask for a better experience.
By far one of the most beautiful places on earth. This made the whole trip for me. Hard not to get emotional staring at so much awesomeness. And I don’t even like the cold!
Vancouver (Canada Place), British Columbia
Cruise Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska
Disembarkation
Was pretty straightforward and easy. Exact opposite of embarkation.
Traveler Photos
6 Comments
Ladyjunecliff 1 year ago
Thanks for the details of your Alaskan cruise. Love your photo of the musher dogs.
Sorry about you not getting to enjoy your food. I am lactose intolerant and had to go to the baristas to get my coffee milk dairy free. It was hard enough just to get a coke with waiters ignoring you on Princess. But I am thinking ahead for next cruise with dollar tips. Seems to improve attitudes for workers.
norbe 1 year ago
Glad you still enjoyed the cruise, even the food did not meet your dietary needs. You could contact the cruise line ahead of time about your dietary restrictions. They could make special arrangement for you.
We met a Jewish couple on our last NCL cruise, all their meals, breakfast, lunch and dinner, were kosher, delivered directly to theirs table. We were on the NCL’s private island. They did the same for their lunch. They said they just contacted the cruise line ahead of time.