A wonderful cruise

Zaandam Cruise Review to Alaska - Inside Passage

BarbaraB16

Contributor Level: Deck Hand

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 32

Overall rating:

5 out of 5

Verified Review

7 Night Alaska Explorer (Seattle Roundtrip)

Sail date: August 06, 2010

Ship: Zaandam

Cabin type: Balcony

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 14 years ago

Review summary

The staff was very attentative. The food was delicious especially in the formal dining room. The last night the "dessert estravaganza" was unbelievable. The entainment was very enjoyable. Get a balcony. You will love it. We also had times of having breakfast in our room. It was very convenience especially when you have to get an early start on days you are at port. We really enjoyed the show the staff put on in the formal dining room and a "separate" entertainment show after the other shows. They work extremely hard to please you and are at your beckon call to serve you. The ship was always concern with keeping things clean. There was Purell everywhere. Zaandam was an older ship but was nice and kept up. Glacier Bay was the highlight of the trip. It was beautiful to see and enjoyed this immensely.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

Food was excellent in the formal dining room. In the pool area the hamburgers were good.

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Good entertainment on board. Some activities were very popular and found it was over crowded to go to.

Children's Programs

5 out of 5

Great things for kids to do. There was a separate room for "kids" only. The really liked it that the adults could not be there. There was a young adult that supervised the area. We felt safe that the kids could spend the time there.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

The dining room staff were superb. They remembered what you like drinking. My ice tea was on my table every night before I got there. They were very attentative. The person who took care of my room was very attentative. Always turn down the bed and by the time you got back from dinner it was all ready.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Nice size ship. Cleaniness was everywhere. Staff was always keeping everything clean.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Balcony was wonderful. The staff made sure there were enough amenities. The ship could perhaps use a overall of the furniture and carpets but overall was okay.

Ports of call

Juneau, Alaska

5 out of 5

Going on the tram was a great must. The state capitol, state museum, state library and city museum were great. There is not enough time to see all. We got to see all the first time as we stayed 2 nights there. The state museum is very nice. Also the Eagle sanctuary was very worthwhile. You will see that when you go on the Tram Ride.

Thumbs Up 1

Don't Miss: Go on the tram and see the Eagle sanctuary. Also, the state museum is great to see.

Ketchikan, Alaska

5 out of 5

Saxman Totem Park was good to see. Lot of shops. There is the Scanlon Art Gallery that has a lot of native art work. Get the "Orca" kettlecorn very good.

Thumbs Up 0

Don't Miss: "Orca" kettlecorn and the Scanlon Art Gallery. Saxman Totem Park

Victoria, British Columbia

5 out of 5

Not enough time here. If you have never seen the Burchart Gardens that would be one to see and the Empress Hotel.

Thumbs Up 0

Don't Miss: Burchart Gardens

Sitka, Alaska

5 out of 5

There is a lot to see here and not enough time. The National Totem Park, the Russian dancers. the Russian orthodox church was great to see.The Shee Atika show as excellent.

Thumbs Up 0

Don't Miss: The shee Atika show. Get Theobroma chocolate made in Sitka. You can get it at Harry's Pharmacy.

Pros: Enjoyed the ports and the staff on the ship. The staff were very attentative to your needs. Very cleanly. The ship was very concern about keep things very clean. There was purell all over the ship. The entertainment was very good.

Cons: The sales pitch of each port of all the jewelry stores there were. It was hard to have the kids eat in the formal dining room with the dress code of "no jeans" Although I saw some adults wear them. I think the dress code should allow nicely pressed jeans.

Recommends Zaandam? Yes!

Be the first to comment

Other reviews of this sailing

Fantastic Experience

Great accomodations!

cruise to alaska from seattle