Know What You Want
Volendam Cruise Review
Contributor Level:
Purser
Cruises: 7+ cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 16
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
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
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
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
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
Grumps here and there, but most were more than friendly and fantastic people.
Ship Quality
Nothing egregiously bad, but it did seem that some spots were left with dishes on them for a while.
Cabin / Stateroom
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.
Thumbs up
0
Ports of call
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
Disembarkation
Fine. Nothing fancy.