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Westerdam Cruise Review to Alaska - Inside Passage

Borton

Contributor Level: Third Mate

Cruises: 4-6 cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 16

Overall rating:

5 out of 5

Verified Review

7 Night Alaskan Explorer With Glacier Bay (Seattle Roundtrip)

Sail date: May 28, 2016

Ship: Westerdam

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 6119

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 8 years ago

Review summary

We loved our Alaska cruise on the Westerdam! The boat is pretty standard for Holland America, so you'll be able to learn it quickly. We had a nice balcony cabin, which was particularly great for Glacier Bay and when we were coming in to Victoria. Many of the other days were overcast and breezy, so less fun to be on the balcony, but there were lots of other great places on the boat where you could enjoy the view from inside - highly recommend Explorations at Crows Nest for great coffee and views, and the Pinnacle Bar is a great place to read and have a view during the day. We LOVED the Taku Mountain Glacier Float Plan Excursion in Juneau. The flight over the glaciers gives incredible perspective, the salmon is amazing and you'll likely see a bear when you're there! We also really enjoyed the Wilderness Exploration and Crab Feast at George Inlet Lodge in Ketchikan. We saw eagles, beautiful scenery and pulled up a crab pot, then the fun begins at the crab feast. You'll be able to get full on amazing Dungeness crab! So delicious and it just keeps coming! We arrived almost 3 hours late in Victoria (this is not uncommon), so we had time to see Parliament and go to the Empress Hotel. We stopped in at the Empress Bar and had a great view of the harbor with our cocktails and charcuterie.

If you're looking for an on-board splurge, definitely try to make a reservation for Cirque night at Pinnacle and a regular night at Pinnacle. The food is much better than the Main Dining Room, the service is delightful and it's a much more nicely paced, relaxing, romantic meal.

Enjoy the pea soup on deck in Glacier Bay. It's a fun Holland tradition! And make sure to enjoy afternoon tea in the dining room. It's such a civilized experience.