Weather was a challenge

Zaandam Cruise Review to Alaska - Gulf of Alaska

bigboofer

Contributor Level: Cruise Director

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Reviews: 9

Helpful Votes: 249

Overall rating:

3 out of 5

7 Night Glacier Discovery Southbound (Seward To Vancouver)

Sail date: September 13, 2015

Ship: Zaandam

Cabin type: Balcony

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 9 years ago

Review summary

Rain was the norm but seas where calm so it could be a trade off. For some reason the ship was VERY cold so I kept bundled up even in my cabin. Only gave it a good because the crew and ship operation was fine but entertainment was only average for me. Glacier bay was very nice since the weather was cooperating and the ship really made a effort to please. Embarkation/disembarkation was smooth.

Real reason for trip was the tour through the Yukon which had great weather. Trip became a problem when HAL allowed a contractor to dump us without being involved at Denali. I would be very careful in booking a expensive tour (mine was a Denali overflight) since they allow contractors to do anything they want, to your detriment, without being involved until its too late to help you. Their final word was it shouldn't have happened but too bad we can't do anything.

If you are a fan of Gold Rush Haines is the home of Grandpa John and Parker and talking with the locals about them was interesting and show that they are real people.

The tour leader on our train trip from Anchorage to Seward son was a crew member on the Deadliest Catch which gave real information about the show and how hard it is to fish the Bering Sea.