dcsam

So, it's a 'use it or lose it' package deal? Still awaiting to hear back from Viking on this. We have our own options to get to and from the port, so would we prefer arranging our own air, if possible.

We have options getting to and from the cruise port (San Juan), so we don't need to utilize their 'free air'. Is an air credit offered if we don't use their air?

Thank you.

The more I read about the Viking Star, the more I'm leaning towards booking a Caribbean cruise aboard her. We enjoy Azamara very much, but Viking might be a better fit for us. Plus, when all is said and done, Viking may be better priced. I've been tempted to try Oceania too. But after looking at deck plans, the Viking Star is exactly what we love in cruising: walk around decks; an aft and center pool - just an open and airy feel to both interior and exterior spaces.

My husband has walking/balance issues. He can walk, but we find it easier bringing a foldable wheelchair when venturing on shore. Onboard, he uses trekking poles. Do most included tours require loads of walking or are most conducted from buses? Staying aboard is also an option, so either way, we'd make it work.

My husband doesn't drink alcohol, but does enjoy non alcoholic beer. Is that available?

Are there travel agents who will include such things as gratuities and shipboard credit, or do most people book directly with Viking?

Thanks in advance.

OMG! Another reason we won't be booking this ship, even though there are some wonderful itineraries. "Movies under the Stars"? Say it isn't so!!!! Just like Princess. Last time we cruised a Princess mega ship, the screen was on during the day - either playing loud music video or movie. Not exactly a relaxing area to be. I cruise for cruising - not to be entertained by technology, shows or casinos. Arg!!!!

I just booked a 14 night cruise for November. But I just used our Future Cruise Deposit certificate for aanother May, Alaska cruise. If I get the FCD on our May cruise, could I apply it to the November one? I'm not sure I've ever quite understood how they work. The deposit wouldnt apply, so how would the onboard credit work? or might it be best to simply hold onto them for cruises I haven't booked yet, and use them for their full benefit? Thanks so much.

Good to hear these positive comments. I just booked cabin 4166 - one of the 'secret' ones, I believe.

So layout and looks are about the same. Did you notice more crowds on the Eurodam?

We were on the Oosterdam last summer for 2 weeks. Now, we're looking at a winter, Caribbean cruise aboard the Eurodam. I see the two ships are the same size, but the Eurodam holds more people. Guess it's not the number of people that concern me, but more that sense of open space and brightness. It's important to us. I also thought the Oosterdam was looking a bit tired and in need of some updates. How will the Eurodam compare?

Also, I really like the Koningsdam itinerary (exactly what I was looking for),but looking at the deck plans, it appears to have less open spaces than any of their other ships. Seems it's designed for nearly all inside cruising.

Thank you.

No need to do expensive excursions.

Ketchikan: take the city bus to the totem park; walk around at your own pace

Walk around Creek Street

Juneau: either take the blue bus to Mendenhal and enjoy the area on your own time. Or rent a car and see it that way. There's also a nice park across the bridge ( weather permitting). The beach and view there is lovely.

Skagway: okay... Do the ship train tour. Or take some of the nearby hikes. Or take part in the ranger-led tour of town. A couple trips ago, I walked as far left as you could go (facing town). The hike led to some big boulders where you can enjoy the scenery (or if you're lucky, like we were - watch for whales). Or rent a car and drive (we've done a horseback trip - organized on our own.

Sitka: beautiful park within walking distance; book the Russian dancer show on your own.

G&G,

No problem getting that info from HAL before contacting your TA? Typically, they don't want to talk to you if you booked elsewhere. Also curious what you paid for the upsells. Right now, the difference between a balcony and suite is $1,000pp.

G&G,

No problem getting that info from HAL before contacting your TA? Typically, they don't want to talk to you if you booked elsewhere.

We MUCH prefer smaller ships, and have decided we'll not cruise on mega ships any longer. While the Nieuw Amsterdam is considered a mid-sized ship, it's 'mega' to us. If you're more interested in letting the ship entertain you with onboard activities, then go for the larger. If you're looking to have a more traditional cruising experience - one where simply 'being' rather than always 'doing', go for the smaller, more intimate ship.

We booked the May 4th, balcony cabin aboard the Volendam cruise to Alaska. A couple days ago, it looked fairly full, with lots of Neptune Suites still available. Today, there are oodles of available cabins available in most categories but the lanai. Do we have a good chance to 'upsell' to a Neptune suite? If so, how would you go about it? We booked through a large warehouse-type of agency.

Thanks so much.

We've driven it in the past, but have always spent the night prior - leaving our car at the hotel. Last summer, we parked our car at SeaTac ($5 per day) and used HALs shuttle. Loved that so much, we're doing the same thing for our upcoming May cruise.

Thank you. I just booked the May 4th Volendam on their flash sale. We've never been to Alaska this early. Brrrr❄️ I'll be sure to pack warmer clothes for this trip. Thanks again.

Looking at an Alaska cruise aboard the Volendam or Amsterdam. Which ship would have updated cabins (balcony or suite); and more outdoor space? We were on the Oosterdam last summer. While we enjoyed the Signature suite, I didn't care for the large ship size; crowds and the confined feeling while walking around. Much prefer HALs smaller ships for these reasons. Just trying to decide between the two mentioned. Thanks so much.😊

I was checking the rates for a potential cruise just a couple days ago. Saw this deal; looked at the same cruise, and the price just went up the same amount as the promotional credit. I don't see the deal here.

I'd go with the Volendam. Smaller; a bit more intimate. We were 2 weeks on the Oosterdam for an Alaska. cruise. Loved having the Signature Suite due to the fact that my husband also has mobility issues. And most of our time was spent there and on our huge balcony. But the ship was just too large for our tastes. Also, you might consider the Hugo rollator. It can be used as both a walker, and then when she gets tired, it converts to a wheelchair with footrests. Works out great for seeing the towns. There's still plenty to do on shore - even for those who have mobility challenges.

If Princess has their small ship cruising Alaska, that would be worth checking out too. It's called either the Pacific or Ocean Princess (one sold, I think).

We live in WA state and have cruised AK a lot. We prefer Holland cruise line departing out of Vancouver. Departing out of Seattle would be easier for us (less driving), but they don't do the true inside passage. You'll be spending time in the Pacific Ocean. Check the routing closely. Once in Seward you could rent a car and do your own exploring or take the train to Anchorage and go from there. We prefer Holland's back to back cruise, so we stay aboard and cruise back to Vancouver and drive home from there. Love it

We prefer HALs smaller ships (ie, Massdam, Zaandam, Amsterdam). But last summer we booked a suite on the Oosterdam. While I loved our cabin, I really didn't like the size of ship. Larger ships = more balconies for less $ than on smaller ships.

I've looked at Oceania, but they don't do the true inside passage. For a nice getaway, yes. To experience Alaska, you really need to go further north - ending or beginning in Seward or Whittier.

I haven't looked much at Regent. I think they include excursions and cost is more than I want to pay.

Also, to avoid the kids, cruise before Mid June or in Sept.

Good luck

I should clarify.... The Star Princess lack of cleanliness was mainly noticed in our cabin - not the entire ship.

We also cruised two weeks aboard the Oosterdam this past spring. Again, lots of people, but we splurged and had a Signature Suite. Loved it!!!! Having a spacious cabin and balcony may be the way to go when cruising these larger ships. It's a toss-up sometimes: Book the smaller ships, but pay oodles for a balcony. Book the larger ships,and the cost of a balcony seems doable.

For those who like to figure space per person: How does the Maasdam or Zaandam (I enjoy these ships) compare with the Oosterdam and Koningsdam?

Thanks so much!!!

Last year, we cruised aboard the Star Princess. We always have a great time, but I disliked the size, crowds and lack of cleanliness aboard the ship.

The Konningsdam has a great Caribbean itinerary for next winter that's very tempting. Although I much prefer smaller, more intimate ships, I'm wondering just how similar in experience we'd find the Konningsdam and Star Princess?

Thoughts?

Thank you.

We're just back from 2 weeks aboard the Oosterdam. We booked a Signature Suite, and we loved it. But an aft balcony of any size would have been better. You'll love the views from back there. Enjoy. You did 'score' on this one.

We just returned from a 2 week cruise aboard the Oosterdam. Two weeks, 2 people, $450. We only used it twice 😳. Live and learn.

We won't be arriving to board the ship until the afternoon, so I'm wondering if we still have a good chance of buying a couple of those thermal suite passes for our 2 week Alaska cruise. I didn't want to book this ahead of time because we have oodles of shipboard credit. Have you ever known them to sell out shortly after boarding?

Thank you.