Overall a good trip; had new adventures in Alaska.
Zuiderdam Cruise Review to Alaska - Inside Passage
Contributor Level:
Purser
Cruises: 7+ cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 21
Review summary
It was our 3rd time in Alaska. We opted for tours in two places not previously offered--the Tracy Arm adventure and the photo safari--and got to see Skagway and learn some of its history. All in all a nice way to mark my wife's birthday. (And yes, the wait staff brought a piece of cake and sang the "traditional" celebration song.)Embarkation
It took an hour to clear all of the hurdles, including US passport control and ArriveCan!
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Food was good, though portion sizes are modest--usually ordered two salads--. Ate in Pinnacle one night: very good experience, though the sides were small--half a dozen asparagus for 2 people! HAL has made the Muslim waiters do double duty as wine stewards: a major mistake as it is an extra burden on the staff and since they don't drink alcohol can't really offer an honest opinion about the wines.
Onboard Activities
With elimination of Microsoft workshop and America's Test Kitchen, fewer activities on board to our liking.
Entertainment
The Main stage shows centered around dancers. No outside entertainers there. Did enjoy Lincoln Center and Billboard. Heard the comedian once.
Service and Staff
As usual, the personnel are outstanding, trying their best to please and they usually succeed.
Ship Quality
As usual on HAL, high standard of cleanliness. Crew is constantly cleaning.
Cabin / Stateroom
Enjoyed the balcony; but cabin seemed a bit small; and limited storage space.
Ports of call
Vancouver (Canada Place), British Columbia
Walked around the morning of the cruise and when to the top of the Lookout. On our return, courtesy of the hotel, hooked up with a tour to Capilano Bridge and Grouse Mountain: an enjoyable trip made better because of our driver/guide.
Thumbs Up
0
Cruise Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska
We took the excursion and lucked out: it was sunny while we were at the glacier. Saw many harbor seals and their pups on the ice floes in front of the glacier. Lucked out and saw humpback whale as we entered the area.
Took the walking tour with Madam Trixie Turner, who dressed the part. A great two hour adventure through the town, hearing stories of the women of the gold rush era.
Took the photo safari tour. Topped expectations: learned some tricks with cameras, particularly cell phone cameras, and ventured outside of the downtown area and saw some aspects of local culture. Bonus: able to spot and take some photos of a bald eagle. Alas the whales were absent from the harbor when we were there.
Disembarkation
Went very smoothly, a sharp contrast to boarding. Appreciate the ability to have breakfast on board before leaving.