Know What You Want

Volendam Cruise Review

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 21

Overall rating:

3.9 out of 5
Volendam

7 Night Alaskan Inside Passage (Vancouver Roundtrip)

Sail date: August 16, 2023

Ship: Volendam

Cabin type: Inside

Cabin number: 2535

Traveled as: Singles/Friends

Reviewed: 1 year ago

Review summary

Average ship in an above average setting. You’re coming here for Alaska, not for 5 star entertainment. This was the cheapest Alaskan cruise all season and it delivered the experience in a way my previous Alaskan cruise could not (one could argue the previous cruise was more enjoyable, and I would agree, but for the money paid and what we got to see there was nothing like it).

Embarkation

3 out of 5
Not a fan of the stand up chairs waiting to board in Vancouver, but it wasn’t the worst thing in the world.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5
Sometimes it was really really good, and other times left a lot to be desired. The lido market was pretty slow for such a small ship, but the main courses in the dining room were fantastic virtually every time.

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5
When I say know what you want, I mean it here. I wanted to go to Alaska, and focus on the inside passage. This ship offered that in spades - the Crow’s Nest being a highlight. But if you want games, fun pools, movies, fantastic shows, and whatnot, I’d recommend elsewhere.

Entertainment

4 out of 5
Some music was good, some not so much. The shows were a time killer for sure, but the presentations (especially those featuring Kainoa, the ships Wildlife expert) were fantastic.

Service and Staff

4 out of 5
Grumps here and there, but most were more than friendly and fantastic people.

Ship Quality

3 out of 5
Nothing egregiously bad, but it did seem that some spots were left with dishes on them for a while.

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5
Interior cabin. Fine size. Fine bathroom. Just plan ahead, as there’s only one plug.

Ship tip

The boat is more of a means of transportation than a vacation itself.

Ports of call

Skagway, Alaska

5 out of 5
Absolutely fantastic. Small town, didn’t feel too crowded, lots of nature to find.

Juneau, Alaska

4 out of 5
It’s got it’s touristy bit for sure, but our experience with whale watching was epic.

Cruise Inside Passage, Alaska

5 out of 5
This was why I was on the ship, and it delivered.

Ketchikan, Alaska

3 out of 5
Whole town felt like a facade. We traveled about 30 min outside by bus to a totem site that was pretty neat.

Vancouver (Canada Place), British Columbia

3 out of 5
Outside the terminal was dirtier than expected.

Cruise Glacier Bay

5 out of 5
It’s glacier bay.

Disembarkation

4 out of 5
Fine. Nothing fancy.
Was this review helpful? 21

4 Comments

Ladyjunecliff    1 year ago

Glad you enjoyed your Alaskan cruise

cruising2004    1 year ago

Thank you for sharing your cruising experience. Glad you enjoyed beautiful Alaska.

javawoody    1 year ago

Appreciate the review

AuntPinkie    1 year ago

Appreciate your detailed feedback. Glad you enjoyed your cruise and knew what you wanted for this cruise.