smokesmom

We were forward on Deck 10 of the Zuiderdam on the 10 day Canal and we were fine with the motion.

13 hours ago, Walfam said:

Question for those of you who have done this cruise . . . is  the all-day excursion THE CANAL EXPERIENCE FROM GATUN TO COLON worth doing, or will sitting on our neptune suite balcony (the comfort of home?lol) be just as informative?

 I talked to a couple of people who did the tour. One thought it was great and very informative. The other person said it was long and at times boring.

Seeing the Panama Canal has long been on my bucket list. We were able to experience it from Nov 4 - 14 on the Zuiderdam. It was a great trip even if the azipod had problems at the end. I journaled the trip at https://mmmtravelmemories.com/ with some pictures.

If you have any questions, I'll do my best to answer. 

Here's a link to the website for the shuttle: https://www.schipholhotelshuttle.nl/

 

We thought it was good and was recommended by Ine on Western Europe forum of CC.

I appreciate this information!

I am enjoying your report. We have booked the 14 day Scotland/Ireland trip for June 2019 (the 2nd to the last sailing of the Prinsendam).

Would you tell me the name of the shuttle service from the airport to the Banks Mansion that you pre-booked? We are staying there pre- and post-cruise.

Thank you.

We took the shuttle that Glaciers listed below - just be sure to take note of when they run - they were not large shuttles but when one was full they were able to send another right behind it.

Thank you for the information. I hope we can go.

There are a few shuttles that depart from the corner of F Street & 4th Ave, next to the Log Cabin Visitor Center. There’s also a nifty venue across the street called the Alaska Public Lands Information Center.

 

Zoo Shuttle

http://alaskazoo.org/shuttle-service

Trolley Tour $20

http://anchoragetrolley.com/city-tour/where-to-board/

Museum/Alaska Native Cultural Center

http://alaskaculturepass.org/

Ulu Factory

http://www.theulufactory.com/

Thank you for these links!

:)We just got back yesterday from the 14 day on the Amsterdam. In Anchorage we went out on our own. This ship docks at the container dock that is right in Anchorage. As it is a working dock we had to be shuttled into town which only took about 15 minutes and the driver gave us great commentary on the way in. They drop you close to the tourist info building which serves as a hub for tours. From there we took the Trolley City tour which lasted about 50 minutes and was $20 each. We really enjoyed it and learned a lot. Then we took a shuttle to the Anchorage Zoo . I was a bit apprehensive about the name zoo but it was really more of an animal rehab facility as they care for many animals that have been orphaned and injured. We really enjoyed it.

Once back we took the free shuttle to the Ulu Factory which ended up being a bit of a waste of time for us, except that we did enjoy walking around behind it and watching the many people fish for salmon in the river there .

After that we walked around town, went to a national museum, and old historic hotel, the little Iditarod museum and also popped into the shopping mall that is right by the tourist info, and has a really nice day.

Enjoy your cruise !

I'd like to go to the zoo. What shuttle took you there?

We were on the June 18th Alaska Zaandam sailing. My husband wore slacks and a collard shirt (no tie) on gala nights and in the Pinnacle Grill. He was fine. I only saw one person turned away from the dining room on a gala night and he was in jeans. Jeans were fine on the smart casual nights.

We have purchased the SBP and gotten it as part of Explore 4. Just like pre-paid ship excursions, it just becomes part of the overall cruise cost for us. We no longer worry about carrying on bottled water, colas, or wine and I like trying new drinks as well as getting the lattes and cappuccinos. We don't worry if we "break even" every day or not. We just enjoy the all-inclusive feeling it gives to the cruise.

We've not upgraded to the more elite package but we may in the future if at some point we can't find a wine we like under the standard package.

I can't speak for Skagway or Juneau as we took ship excursions but in Ketchikan there were a number of vendors at the pier that were offering different types of tours. We also saw what looked like a hop-on/hop-off trolley tour and a Duck tour vendor.

We did the self-guided walking tour of Ketchikan which was interesting to us but probably would not have been for children or teens. During the walk, we went into the Totem Heritage Center ($5 each) and paid for the tour of Dolly's House on Creek Street ($7.50 each). If we had had more time, we might have tried the Deer Mountain hiking trail.

Same thing for me.

I can only see Essential Documents and Check-In and we are within the air booking period and booked with our PCC. I would like to see them get the flight ease function running so I could check on flights and prices without having to ask our PCC to do it.

I am glad you found the report helpful.

The R1L land/cruise trip overall price included the hotel in Seattle the night before the flight to Fairbanks (also included the flight cost to Fairbanks but not baggage fees). We didn't have a choice for that hotel but it was a very nice one.

I think the expectation on coming back that Sunday is that you will fly out of Sea-Tac that afternoon. We wanted to spend Monday touring Seattle so we booked our own hotel. I just didn't really think about getting a post-hotel package from HAL but I guess we could have.

At first, I booked a downtown hotel but then I started worrying about our early morning flight on Tuesday and the traffic and cost to get to the airport from downtown. So, I booked us at the Sleep Inn near the airport based on reviews that I had read. We took the light rail into downtown on Monday. It was very easy and the hotel shuttle took us to the Angle Lake Light Rail station and picked us up when we called that evening but it actually was within walking distance of the hotel. The hotel was clean and comfortable, the people were friendly, and the breakfast was free. The shuttle to the airport early Tuesday morning was very efficient. It was less expensive than the Sheraton but on the same street and closer to the airport. There are a variety of hotels near the airport.

We never received any information about purchasing a meal plan with this tour and I didn't think to ask our HAL PCC about it. I doubt that we would have purchased it anyway since we like to be flexible about where we eat. I wanted to eat at Wally's in Seattle on that Monday night so I didn't pay attention to any restaurant around that hotel but I do remember some fast food places and I am pretty sure the Sheraton had a restaurant. I liked the food at Karstens and its relaxed atmosphere but the chicken wings were very spicy (even my husband said so and he has a cast-iron stomach).

I also liked the two restaurants over in Glitter Gulch. There were others over there too and they ranged from coffee cafes to hot dog stands to delis. I saw a lot of people eating ice cream so that place must have been good too. You could also eat at the Chalet steak house or walk over (or take shuttle) to the Princess property next door as they had several restaurant venues.

I heard a number of people enjoyed the dinner show at the Chalet but we didn't attend so I can't comment on the food quality.

In Anchorage and Fairbanks, there were a number of places to eat within walking distance of the hotels and I believe both hotels had their own restaurants. That Sunday night when we got checked in at Sleep Inn, we were pretty tired so we just ordered pizza delivered. In downtown Seattle on Tuesday, we ate at The Blarney Stone for lunch and Pike Place Chowder for dinner. They were both very good.

I know you will have a great time.

Holland America - Tour RIL - June 12, 2017 - Roundtrip from Seattle - 3 days in Denali

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2516703

Sunday, June 25, 2017 – Disembarkation and some final thoughts

It is nice that HAL allows you to stay in your stateroom until your color and number are called. We had room service and relaxed until we were called. It was pretty close to the time that was on our paperwork. Our luggage was easy to find but then the process got frustrating. One person told us to go get in line 4 for busses to Seattle. We went to line 4 only to be told by another person to go back to the other line. We went back only to be asked why we were not in line 4. Explaining we were sent back, she took us back to line 4 but then had us get in line 5. We were not sure what bus we were going to end up on. We just hoped it would be to Sea-Tac.

A gentleman came down the line checking off names and our names were not on there. I figured it was because we had been given the wrong tags in the first place and our names got left off the list. Seeing that we had the correct tags, he just wrote our names on the list. I was thankful not to be sent to another line.

Finally got on a bus and I verified that it was going to Sea-Tac. The driver assured me it was. The bus driver told us to keep our passports out although one person had already said we could put them away. We had already turned in our Canadian declaration form but the bus driver gave us a US customs declaration form to complete. As we drove through Vancouver, the driver gave us an overview of the city.

The bus was not full so we were able to stretch out a little. We stopped for a bathroom break before we got to the border.

Before we got to the border, the driver said that a number of different scenarios could happen. We might all stay on the bus and they just review our passports. They may board the bus and review the passports one by one. We might have to get off of the bus and walk through with our luggage. We were fortunate. The driver spoke with the agent and then came back on the bus and gathered our passports. Said they didn’t want our declaration forms. He was off the bus for a while but then got back on and said we would be allowed to go without having to get off of the bus. Said that was the best alternative. I saw another bus of passengers getting off and lining up with their luggage to go into the office area. Not sure why we were all allowed to go on but I was happy.

We got to the airport a little after 1:00. Earliest flight someone had was 3:20. The airport was busy. I was glad we didn’t have a flight out. We took the elevator down to the hotel pickup area and called the hotel. It was hot. We were told it was 95 degrees and was a record breaker for Seattle. Was glad that we didn’t have to sit there for long before the hotel shuttle came.

So the cruise/tour was over. Looking back at the "When and Where" pamphlets, I was surprised at the things we didn't do - didn't go to any of the art auctions, didn't go to the spa, didn't go to the movies (Beauty and the Beast, Inside Earth Documentary: The Waiting Game, Hidden Figures, Founder, Inside Earth Documentary: Extreme Worlds, Disney Nature Bears, and Split), didn't play Bingo, didn't go to the digital workshops, and didn't go to the piano bar (my husband said I needed to spare the other guests my "fine singing" voice so they wouldn't be intimidated - I think he was being sarcastic since he shuts our bedroom door whenever I break out into song on the treadmill).

What we did do - talked to a lot of nice people and enjoyed the scenery. It was a great cruise.

Thank you for following.

Saturday,June 24, 2017 – Cruising Inside Passage

Today was the Mariner’s Lunch and it was well attended. I enjoyed the Captain’s remarks. Sad that the cruise/tour is coming to an end.

Afterwards, we started on the packing. Not our favorite activity so we like to get it over with and enjoy the rest of the day. I was happy that we have mostly clean clothes to pack. We can’t send any out today since it might not get back tonight.

Walked the promenade. Spent time in the Crow’s Nest for some trivia. My husband won the afternoon black jack tournament. Enjoyed reading and drinking lattes in the ExplorationCafé. They had a number of different books on the shelves and I guess everyone was on the honor system because I never saw anyone actually recording any book that people were taking away to read.

Day went by quickly and it was the last dinner in the main dining room. The food and service have been good. We never had to wait long. Sometimes we were seated with others. Sometimes we were given a table for 2. We were fine with either. I thought it was interesting that we were brought to the 5th level on several of the evenings. Anytime dining was on the 4th level but I guess there were not a lot of diners at the 8:00 seating so when we came between 7:00 and 7:30, we were escorted upstairs.

Our room stewards were very good also. We didn’t see them often but they always said hello and asked about our day if we saw them. They kept the room nice and neat.

After dinner, we watched the comedian Rodney Johnson who boarded in Juneau. We enjoyed his show also. Last night in the casino. My husband really liked the dealers. They were personable.

Friday, June23, 2017 – Ketchikan

Another gorgeous day. We really have been fortunate with the weather. We arrived at 11:00 a.m. We were there with another HAL ship - the Oosterdam, a Celebrity ship, and a Norwegian ship. Lots of activity at the pier. Lots of vendors selling tours. Since we were just going to do the self-walking tour of Ketchikan, we were not in a hurry to get off the ship. Ate a leisurely breakfast in the main dining room.

As I was taking pictures of the port from the promenade, I noticed how many jelly fish were in the water. More than I have seen at a Caribbean port. All sizes. Creepy.

We had the map and set out walking. Wasn’t long before my husband had wished he had put on shorts instead of his slacks. I was comfortable in my long-sleeved t-shirt and jeans. Went into the Totem Heritage Center and did the self-guided tour. Fascinating work.

Once we got to Creek Street, we took the tour of Dolly’s House. In addition to her other skill, she was said to be a very good cook. Apparently, her motto was that she would get a man's money one way or the other. Since she "worked" until she was 72, I guess her strategy was a good one. There were several hidden areas for the alcohol and the back way out to "Married Man's Trail." Full service house.

We were in no hurry so it took us about 3 hours to finish the walking tour. It could be done much faster. We went back on board and watched the activities on shore from the pool area again, enjoying the sunshine.

Tonight was another Gala night. Again, everyone in the main dining room that I saw was following the guidelines and were having a very nice time. They have now run out of Malbec under the SBP so my husband is disappointed. Switched to Shiraz.

After dinner, we watched the singers and dancers perform “Roadhouse,” a country-western theme performance. I liked this performance but enjoyed Rock Legends more. Went to Crow’s Nest to listen to the music.

We also received our luggage tags for disembarkation today. After reading the information about the times for disembarkation, I realized that we received the wrong tags. The tags had us going to the Vancouver airport - nope. Went back down to Guest Services and after reviewing our account, gave us the correct tags.

Care to guess how Dolly's shower curtain was adorned?

They were silk and from France.

Thursday, June22, 2017 – Juneau

I was excited about today. I had been on a whale watching in tour in 2001 but my husband never had. I had high hopes we would be lucky today. We had the HAL tour “Discover Alaska Whales” at 8:30. Ate an early breakfast in the Lido Market. I love their sticky cinnamon buns, unfortunately, says my waistline.

For the tour, I liked the fact that there were only 20 people on the boat. We had a very good guide who had a lot of interesting information about Juneau and its whales. She was a recent environmental science graduate from North Carolina who didn't want to work at a desk job. She came to Alaska on the advice of a friend. I admired her adventuresome spirit.

We pulled a crab pot which had caught two “double ugly” fish and some sea urchins but none of the dreaded green crab. After she recorded the findings, all were set free. We were fortunate to see a number of whales. I even managed to get a picture of a tail before a deep dive. The guide was able to identify the whale by its fluke markings - it was "Flame."

I liked that the windows could be opened so we had a very good view. On the way back,we stopped to watch sea lions fight over who could stay on the buoy. The eagle who sat atop of it seemed to regard the noisy sea lions with disdain. There was one very large bull sea lion that really tried hard to knock off the smaller sea lions. He growled and growled. However, he was so fat I don't think he could have gotten on the buoy even if all the small ones were knocked off.

It was a nice day while we were on the boat but started to drizzle when we got back. However, it didn’t last long and the sun came out and stayed out. Once we returned to port, we did some shopping and then went back on board. I got my second Christmas tree ornament - a humpback whale, naturally. Ate a hamburger at the Dive In. They are good. They had the retractable roof open and we watched the sea planes and eagles while enjoying the sunshine.

Tonight was our dinner at the Pinnacle Grill. We ate dinner with another couple that we had met earlier in the cruise. They had an early dinner reservation on a different night but we were able to add them to our reservation. The service was very good despite how crowded it was in there. They kept the wine flowing. I had the crab legs which were delicious. My husband had the cedar plank halibut and the other couple had steak. We were all pleased with our choices. We shared mushrooms, asparagus, and creamed potatoes. The portions were big. I should have skipped lunch (seems to be a pattern).

After dinner, we went to the comedy/magic show. I thought it was just OK. My husband decided to go to the casino instead.

They just ignored all his fussing.

Wednesday,June 21, 2017 – Haines/Skagway

I believe the most popular tour for this port is the Yukon train from Skagway. Since we had such a nice train ride from Denali, we decided not to take the fast ferry to Skagway but to stay in Haines for the day.

We had to meet our HAL tour - Takshanuk Mountain Trail by 4x4 – at 6:50 a.m. at the end of the pier. We ordered room service breakfast to be delivered between 6:00 and 6:30. It was delivered at 6:10. The order was correct and the food was hot. I was glad they still had a number of free choices.

We should have skipped breakfast since the tour provided a lunch and it was a very early lunch since we had an early tour. We took a bus to the base where we got our 4 x 4mules. We all could have driven one but a number of us opted to ride so there was only about 10 mules going.

The guides gave a safety briefing and a description of what we would be doing. The ride up the mountain despite the trail and switchbacks was relatively smooth. My husband said the mule was easy to drive since it was an automatic. They seemed pretty new. It was a cool and overcast day so I was glad for my gloves, jacket, and hat. They gave us a lap blanket also.

We stopped at the lodge for a brief bathroom break along with hot chocolate, coffee, hot tea,and fresh-out-of- the-oven cookies. Ravens could be spotted waiting for the unlucky person to drop a cookie. I even saw a hummingbird which I didn’t know could be found in Alaska.

Had several stops along the way to admire the beautiful views. The guides gave us excellent information about the area. Even learned how to remember the way to name 5 types of salmon (chum rhymes with thumb). On the way back down, we stopped again at the lodge and had lunch of grilled halibut and roasted chicken and a variety of side dishes. Plenty of food for the group and it was excellent.

On the way backto the pier, the guides gave us a brief tour of Haines and information on what it was like to live in Haines. He was retired military. She was a native Alaskan. We enjoyed the tour.

Once we were dropped off,we wandered around the town. Bought some items at the grocery store. Took pictures. We didn’t go into the museums but there were several open. Thought the Hammer Museum was different. Walked over to Fort Seward and read all the information plaques. Found an old cemetery near a park. We were definitely not in a rush since all aboard was not until 8:30 p.m. so just enjoyed walking around. I heard a number of people went to the local library for the free wifi. My AT&T service was good at the Chalet and in all the ports.

Dinner was again in the main dining room. They have now run out of Moscato that could be purchased with the SBP so I was disappointed. Using some of our OBC, I purchased a bottle of the more expensive Moscato. I also heard someone say they had run out of grapefruit juice at breakfast.

After dinner,we watched “Alaska in Concert.” I thought the musicians did a great job playing with the footage of the changing Alaska landscape. I enjoyed the presentation.

Tuesday,June 20, 2017 – Glacier Bay

Gorgeous day today. I appreciated all the information HAL provided about Glacier Bay along with the “When and Where” pamphlet.

After breakfast, we listened to the National Park Service Ranger’s presentation about Glacier Bay. She was an excellent speaker. Gave me a real appreciation for what we were going to see today.

We started out in the Crow’s Nest and it was crowded but we managed to find seats near the windows. After lunch in the main dining room where we had an excellent table by the window to continue to watch the scenery, we went out to the bow. I was comfortable in my jacket. My husband actually got warm enough to take off his jacket. Then we watched the glacier from different points on the promenade deck. I was surprised at how close we were able to get.

Lots of floating ice chunks. Got a great video of a large calving from that vantage point. I had been trying to get a video ever since Kenai but always seemed to be in the wrong spot when it happened.

I never saw a whale although some said they did. I did see seals floating on ice chunks and sea otters floating around the chunks. Lots of birds. Saw the Eurodam in the distance. Stayed outside until it was time to go to dinner. Beautiful day.

After dinner,we watched the performance of comedian Ralph Harris. We enjoyed his show. Since we typically eat between 7:00 – 7:30, we are going to the 10:00 shows which have not been heavily attended. I have to assume that the 8:00 shows had a larger audience.

Monday, June19, 2017 – Sea Day

I was glad for a sea day. We didn’t have to set an alarm. We got coffee from the Exploration Café and then had breakfast in the main dining room. I really like getting coffee from the Exploration Café as did many others as there was a line most every time I went by. I was surprised that I could never find its operating times in the “Where and When” pamphlet though it published all the other venues. Maybe it was on the Navigator app which I did not download. They also ran out of lids for the coffee by the 2nd day. Made carrying and drinking hot liquids on a moving vessel a little tricky. I was glad for the most part we did not have much rocking motion.

Relaxing day. Walked laps around the promenade. Spent time in the Crow’s Nest watching the scenery. Looked around the shops. Ate lunch in the Lido Market. I like the variety of food and that they serve it to you. Cuts down on waste and I think helps control illness.

Listened to the presentation on Alaska wildlife. Spent time in the Ocean’s Bar before dinner. Really needed to wash the windows as they were very streaked with grime. Stayed that way the whole cruise. Didn’t have any Knob Creek at any of the bars which was disappointing for my husband. They never ran out of Grey Goose which made me happy.

We received our disembarkation paperwork which had to be returned by tomorrow night. I was not sure how to fill it out since our tour included transportation back to Sea-Tac but the only information to Sea-Tac seemed to be $69 per person. Had to visit Guest Services. They just told me to mark the “pre-paid” box. I completed the form and turned it in. I also went to the Future Cruise Consultant desk and got the form to complete for a couple of future cruise credits. Not sure what cruise we will take but I know we will go again before the 4 years are up and I like the $100 per person deposit. I thought it was an interesting coincidence that the FFC on this ship was the same one who helped me book this trip back in March 2016 on the Maasdam. I think his name is Joey but I'm not sure. He was very nice.

Tonight was the first Gala night and everyone I saw in the main dining room was dressed appropriately and having a good time. The steak and lobster dinner was very good.

We watched the Zaandam singers and dancers perform “Rock Legends.” I thought they were talented and enjoyed the show. Spent time in the casino before calling it a day.

The captain is Christopher Turner and he made informative announcements about our route and weather conditions around noon and early evening each day. The hotel director is Simon Tanner. The cruise director is Jordan F. Steves.

Thank you for all the kind words. I am glad the report has been helpful. More to come.

Sunday, June18, 2017 - Part 2

The security process was quick and efficient and we were in our room (3371) in good time – a partially obstructed view. I expected to have a lifeboat in front but we there was just some railing. I like being on the promenade deck though I have to remember to keep the drapes closed at night. We were just around the corner from being able to go outside on deck. I liked the location.

The safety drill was at 7:15 p.m. I felt bad for those people who had early seating as they seemed to have to eat quickly. We had anytime dining so we chose to eat after it was over. They scan your keycard which I thought cut down on the confusion. Everyone was on time so it went quickly.

After we finished the meal, I was very tired but I wanted to get unpacked and since I bought the unlimited laundry package, I wanted to get it all sent out. I quickly filled up one bag. I left a note to get more bags and filled up two more bags that evening. They were all back by the next afternoon. This was the first time that we purchased this package but we will do it again especially if we have to fly. I continued to fill a bag each day and it was either back by that night or early the next morning.

We had our reservation for the Pinnacle Grill waiting for us in the room. It was for Thursday at 7:30 which we liked so we didn’t get in line to get it changed. It did note that parties of two would be asked to share a table since there were so many who had the Explore 4 package.

We checked on upgrading the Signature Beverage Package to the Elite Beverage Package but were told “no” since we had received it as part of the Explore 4 package. We didn’t pursue it as we both found wines that were acceptable under the package. However, we were told that the SBP was now for drinks $9 and below. I did notice that some of the drink prices had gone up since the last time we cruised HAL but were under the $9 limit.

Sunday, June18, 2017 - Part 1

We opted for the Kenai Fjord Tour which meant we had to have our bags out and be in the lobby by 8:00 a.m. Our bags were now tagged with our Zaandam ship tags so the land tour had officially ended.

We had a nice bus ride to Seward. We had another informative driver and it was a beautiful day. We saw more moose. The tour operator met us on the bus at Seward and gave us our passes and told us which boat to get on. We could see the Zaandam in the distance.

I loved this tour. We decided to stay outside so we could move easily from side to side. We stayed in the back and I sat on the bench where the cabin cut some of the wind. But it was cold. We had on jackets, windbreakers, gloves, and a hat. I went in to the cabin once but the rooms seemed stuffy and some people were even asleep in their chairs.

We were fortunate to see whales, sea lions, seals, puffins, mountain goats, sea otters,and got close to the glacier which had some small calving. It was a great day. I was envious of the people who had long telescopic lenses and professional cameras as they could capture those fast puffins and sea otters. They were too fast for my camera.

We got back around 5:00 and found the bus that was to take us to the Zaandam. We had to ask several people about the bus since there were several different busses waiting for groups. We finally found the HAL bus. You could opt not to ride the bus and stay in Seward for a while as long as you were checked in to the ship by 6:30. As we were getting off the bus, we saw the train bringing the people who had not taken this optional tour from Anchorage. They didn’t leave until 12:30 so they had time Sunday morning to sleep in or do some exploring of Anchorage.

Pictures from the Westmark Anchorage: