Zaandammmmmn I'm Dehydrated!
Zaandam Cruise Review to Alaska - Gulf of Alaska
Review summary
I couldn't decide between 2-3 stars for this one...This was the first cruise I have ever taken and everyone I know who has gone on a cruise tells me they can't wait to go again. Unfortunately, I can't say the same. I heard Holland America was one of the better cruise lines so I picked them. Pros: The scenery of the trip was phenomenal, good food selection (included), and friendly staff. Cons: 1) We chose the 'oceanview' room deal that was advertised (they don't tell you that THAT price is for the 'obstructed' oceanview room, expect to pay more if you really want a 'view') - if you go, PICK your own room - not the 'guarantee' where they pick for you - we ended up with what no one else wanted! 2) Soda and alcohol are NOT included! I purchased a $50 "soda card" for only $25 on the first day that reduces the price of sodas to $1.75 each instead of $3.50. Plan on bringing your own soda and water bottles with you, then stocking up at each port! (Note: can't bring alcohol on the ship.) 3) the cruise price does NOT include the $11 PER PERSON PER DAY they charge for cleaning your cabin. This cost is tacked on to your on-board tab which you will get the morning you arrive for debarkation. (Note: ask for a copy of your bill the night before to review so you can get over the shock before you leave the next day!). 4) Any worthwhile shore excursions are expensive and could end up doubling the price of your trip should you decide to take them. 5) Wifi is NOT free and is NOT included! They charge 55 cents PER MINUTE! If you have a smart phone, wait until you are in port and find a free wifi hotspot. 6) This was one of the smaller cruise ships and not what I expected (you know, like what you see on all of those glamorous cruise ship commercials! If that is what you are looking for, pick another one). Overall, I am glad I finally got to do the 'inside passage' to Alaska, but I think next time, I'm going to skip the cruise and find a nice "ALL inclusive" resort where I can actually relax and enjoy the trip instead of worrying about what my final bill will look like.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Onboard Activities
Entertainment
Service and Staff
Ship Quality
Cabin / Stateroom
Ship tip
Expect to pay a lot more for your trip than just what you paid for the cruise. Room service, buffet, and dining room food is free including water, coffee/tea, etc., but ALL soda and alcohol are extra ($$). NO free wifi - 55 cents per minute!!!!! Cell service only in ports (calls ~$10/minute!)
Ports of call
Vancouver (Canada Place), British Columbia
Traveler Photos
7 Comments
noname111 9 years ago
Thank you for posting your review. I am in agreement with what others have shared. Cruising is great but we always take the time to do our own research on things ahead of time so we don't get blindsided. I'd be more miffed with my cruising-experienced friends for not sharing a bit of their knowledge with me. If you used a TA for this cruise, I highly recommend that you find another one before planning your next voyage - and I truly hope you try it again.
JusMe 9 years ago
glomarrone 9 years ago
I agree. It would have been helpful to have visited the HAL Website before your cruise. All your surprises are mentioned there. Now you are an experienced cruiser so there will little unexpected negative surprises on your next cruise. You can't blame HAL for what you didn't know ahead of time. All cruise lines operate the same way.
As for your disappointment with your room, there is a reason why these rooms are less expensive. You do get what you pay for. Chalk up your experience as being a newcomer to cruising. Thanks for alerting other first time cruisers.
Your photos are wonderful. I enjoyed viewing them all. Thanks for the great port tips too. They are very helpful.
CrusinTim 9 years ago
With all due respect, everything you complained about could have been avoided with some research prior to booking. Also, you mention you have friends that have cruised before, did they not explain any of these things to you? I'll reply by the numbers as you have posted in the review...1) Unfortunately you found this out the hard way. And I agree, ALWAYS book your own room and don't rely on the "Guarantee" booking hoping for an upgrade. I found out in 3 mouse clicks that your cabin HH3300 on the Lower Deck as a fully obstructed view. 2) I would have thought your friends would have enlightened you on this WELL known fact. Soda and alcohol are never included unless you are sailing with an upper scale line that offers it as part of the cruise. 3) The $11 a day they charge are for gratuities for not only your cabin steward. The money is shared amongst many crew members including your Dining Room staff. You could have adjusted the amounts at any time by going to the pursers/customer service desk onboard. Before auto-tipping became policy on cruises, the passengers would hand out money envelopes to the crew on the last night of the cruise to such crew as the cabin steward and dining room staff. 4) No, WiFi is not free and this could have been known if you had done some research. It isn't free on most cruise lines. 5) Again, research in the form of past cruisers on that ship in forums. The Zaandam holds a little over 2000 passengers and crew. Although not what I would call a small ship, the public areas may have caused you to feel enclosed. I also get a print of my cabin charges every two days just to make sure I'm staying on budget. Don't give up on cruises based on just one. Just do a bit more research prior to booking next time. You already have a lot of pertinent info to sail on.