We had a great time

Zaandam Cruise Review to Alaska - Inside Passage

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 8

Overall rating:

4 out of 5
Verified Review
Zaandam

7 Night Alaskan Explorer (Seattle Roundtrip)

Sail date: July 03, 2009

Ship: Zaandam

Cabin type: Oceanview

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 15 years ago

Review summary

The crew is very friendly and helpful. Holland America has boarding the ship and handling the luggage at the end down to a science. We paid the $16 fee for express baggage handling. The ship staff took our luggage to the airport directly from the ship and they also printed our boarding passes. Well worth the $16. The Zaandam is an older ship and starting to show some wear - but we thoroughly enjoyed the cruise. Beware! Men must wear suit coats to be admitted to the dining room on formal night. We didn't read the literature close enough and had to eat on the Lido deck on the formal nights.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5
There was a good variety of food and it was always served hot (even on the lido deck). The portions were reasonable (not so big that you waste food). There were four in our group and we all thought the food was good.

Entertainment

3 out of 5
The entertainment was a good as any cruise ship I've been on.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
You can't beat the staff. They are friendly, polite, and courteous.

Ship Quality

3 out of 5
The ship is showing its age but the crew is awesome.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
We were in a handicapped room so it was a little larger.

Ports of call

Juneau, Alaska

5 out of 5
Mendenhall Glacier by helicopter - very expensive but worth it. We also did an evening whale watch that was good.
Don't Miss: Mendenhall Glacier

Ketchikan, Alaska

5 out of 5
We did not have enough time to fully appreciate Ketchikan. The town is very charming!!! We took a float plane to the Misty Fijords. It was a great tour.
Don't Miss: The town itself and Misty Fijords

Victoria, British Columbia

3 out of 5
We only had three hours in this port. Not nearly enough time to enjoy this wonderful city.
Don't Miss: Don't know - didn't have enough time there.

Sitka, Alaska

5 out of 5
Sea otter quest - we saw hundreds of sea otters.
Don't Miss: Wildlife quest - seaotter adventure.

Pros: The ports were awesome. We also appreciated the efficient way Holland America boarded the ship and handled our luggage after the cruise. Both of these have been a hassle in the past.

Cons: Too little time in some of the ports - i.e., Ketchikan and Victoria.

Recommends Zaandam? Yes!

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