SnowshoeCat

Thanks for posting. I'm booked for August and I'm glad to read your positive words.

I love the promenade (another selling point) and I can sit and enjoy for hours. My concern with the MDR was being solo. Maybe HAL is different, but another line I was on didn't offer to seat me with anyone else, except at lunch. Dinner was awkward. I've done plenty of research and I appreciate hearing people's personal experiences.

I'm undecided. Due to its good reputation, I'd like to visit Alaska on HAL. I'd also like to try one of their smaller, more traditional ships. I have a courtesy hold on the Volendam and would like any input you all may have. I enjoy outdoor activities and beautiful scenery, so the itinerary fits the bill. I don't have any interest in mega ships, at least not for the Inside Passage. But is the Volendam big enough? I'm a solo traveler and don't often eat in the dining room. Is the buffet the only other option? Will there be lectures or other enrichment activities? I'm not into shopping talks. Even though the Volendam is small-ish, we will be sharing Juneau with the Quantum, and other ports will have multiple ships. Thank you for any thoughts.

I'm booked on the Volendam in August. Both of the dates that I considered showed the Quantum in Juneau on the same days as the Volendam. The other ports will be shared with multiple ships. Should I be concerned about the crowds?

The lifeboats hang down along the promenade. While it's walkable, the view is obstructed in many areas.

I'm unfamiliar with the area so can't recommend anything specific, but many restaurants offer a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. That might be a fun thing to do if you've never had an American one. Many require reservations, so you'll need to plan ahead. Enjoy!

Lisa - thank you so much! They look so good, and now I can order at the bar with a little more confidence, and a lot less hesitancy! I don't drink much alcohol, but I did want to go to the martini bar a few times for a little "education". Now I'm thinking I should get the beverage package. It certainly looks convenient.