Alaska Cruise Report -- Aug. 14 to 21 on Amsterdam

[shealea]

Cruise: We sailed on the MS Amsterdam to Alaska from August 14 – 21. We booked 1 ½ weeks prior. This was our 5th cruise to Alaska. This was our first time ever cruising with Holland America. We had been a bit leery because of it being referred to as “the grey-haired “ cruise line. Ha! But, heck we ARE getting up there in age

 

(approaching 60)!

 

 

 

It was a lot of older folks, but also many in their 30’s or so, some families, but not many. I really did not see many in wheel chairs or using scooters, not like I was expecting at all!! Ha!

Some of my review will compare this trip to Alaska with our previous trips there on Norwegian Cruise Line.

 

 

Cabin: We booked an Inside Guarantee and were assigned our cabin right after I filled out all of our sailing information (credit card, passport info. Etc.). We were happy with our location. Sideways cabin on floor 1, first cabin around the corner of the elevator. Love sideways cabins, love being right at the elevator. We never have a noise problem at all right by the elevator.

 

 

But we did get an upsell offer via email for an ocean view. Price seemed to high, so we didn’t respond. A couple days later we got another offer. Same offer but price had gone way down. For $49 a person we upgraded to an Unobstructed Ocean View. We got to choose the exact cabin we wanted. Loved having the ocean view. Our bed was right under it. I spent much, much time sitting on the bed gazing out at the ocean. Loved it!!!!

 

 

Embarkation went very, very well! Quite a bit faster than NCL. Our rooms were ready on our arrival, so we dropped off our luggage. Our cabin was larger than we’ve had on NCL. We liked the small couch. A ton of closet and storage space. Maybe bring extra hangars if you have lots of clothing.

 

 

 

Hubbard Glacier: This was our 5th Alaska cruise. We have done Glacier Bay twice, the Endicott Arm with Marjorie Glacier, Sawyer Glacier and now Hubbard Glacier. This is my opinion:

 

 

Most folks suggest Glacier Bay. But for me, it’s furthest down on my list. For the cruise on the way into the glacier my top choice is Sawyer Glacier. Going through the fjords into the glacier is outstanding. You go back-and forth, back-and-forth through a narrow passage, with tall, high cliffs rising straight up on both sides. The trip into Hubbard Glacier was very pretty, but nothing like going into Sawyer Glacier. But the actual Hubbard Glacier itself was by far the most impressive glacier viewing out of all of them. We got so close, I felt so impressed. There was constant calving – thunderous clapping and super loud crashing down into the ocean. The glacier is huge, very wide. Hubbard Glacier is my favorite!!

 

 

Dining: We went to the Main Dining room for a nice, quiet embarkation lunch. We couldn’t eat there because it’s only for Mariners, and since it’s our first Holland Cruise, we didn’t qualify. Ate at the buffet. We ate at the buffet a lot. It was good, but I think I prefer the NCL buffet. NCL had many Indian dishes always, which I enjoyed.

 

 

 

Ice cream is served in the buffet area. Both hard scooped and soft serve. There are many, many selections for desserts to choose from. I especially liked the bread pudding with sauce. Desserts were better than NCL.

 

 

 

We ate at the Main Dining room 3 times. We had Anytime Dining. We never had to wait for seating for us two. We were always asked if we wanted to share a table with others, but we declined. Service was excellent!! We were able to get in and out rather quickly. Quicker than on NCL. On lobster night, we each had two lobsters. Lobster was very good. NCL no longer serves lobster. The lobster we did have with them in the past was not as good – sort of rubbery! Yikes!!

 

 

We sure took advantage of Free Room Service!! Okay menu, sort of limited, especially after 10 pm. But it was good and we enjoyed eating in our room, especially for late-night munchies! Ha! And we are NOT AT ALL HAPPY that NCL now charges $7.95 for room service. They may have lost our business because of all of their new changes!!! Irritates us!!! But we shall see. Guess it depends on cruise price!!

 

 

We liked eating at the Dive In by the Pool. You order, they give you a beeper that lights up. It’s a bit slow service, but that’s ok. It’s fun to sit and relax and people watch. I love, love watching all of the kids in the pool having a good time!! I love their happiness and excitement!! The Dive in has very good burgers. Good Portobello burger. Outstanding fries, with “secret sauce”. Various hot dogs. A large self-serve buffet for making nachos, including soft tacos. Lots to choose from. It was really popular with folks.

 

 

 

Dress: We changed for dinner, but nothing fancy. Me – black slacks and a pretty top. Dh: dockers and a black top with collar. Most folks were dressed like us for the anytime dining. I could see up to the 2nd floor where Set Dining folks ate. Many men in tuxes there.

Around the ship it was pretty casual dress during the day. Jeans, shorts, fleece tops, t-shirts.

 

 

 

Entertainment: We went to all of the main shows in the big showroom. They were good, but nothing compared to the entertainment we have experienced on The Jewel and The Pearl with NCL. Just not the same caliber or grand production.

The entertainment in the smaller venues is very good. We especially loved Jamie and the HALCats in the Crows Nest. Folks loved the music and danced.

 

 

Activities: The Amsterdam has a gorgeous Culinary Center. There are comfy seats, showroom style. And a beautiful, beautiful kitchen. There are chefs giving cooking demonstrations. Usually at least 2 a day. Also cooking classes for a fee. On a screen they show close-ups. Samples are passed out and recipes. At the end of the cruise you can join a meeting and a ship employee has a whole portfolio of recipes from around the ship that you can have access too. Way too Cool!!! If there are any items of food you had on board that you would like a recipe for, just ask.

 

 

I went to a couple of Computer Classes. They have many computer classes onboard. How to Use Your Digital Camera, How to Take Great Vacation Pictures, How To Edit Your Photos for great pictures. Also many, many classes on how to use Windows 10 features. The teacher was great, so very patient. He made the classes fun!

 

 

I went to an Art Auction. Didn’t plan on bidding, just watching. It was fun to watch and to learn about the various artists. Many pieces sold, many did not.

 

 

I went to a Jewelry Auction. It was the first one they had done as a trial. Did not go well. Not a thing sold. They had two drawings. I WON!! YIPEEE!! A very, very beautiful bracelet. Price tag said $125. I was so very excited and love my bracelet.

 

 

I went to a 60’s sing-along in the Piano Bar. They passed out papers with all of the words. It was a great time. Fun!!

 

 

I went to a tea seminar. Lots of very good information about the different types of tea and the health values. We all gave our cabin numbers and a whole packet of information was delivered to our room. All sorts of great information about different teas and the values of each. So nice!

 

 

Casino: The casino was REALLY small. Much smaller than on NCL! Before the ship left and before the casino was open, we went to check it out. One guy was in there, his eyes popping, looking all around. He said, “THIS IS IT”!! I can’t believe it! I’m used to the casino on Carnival. It was very small, and I got a little bored with not much of a choice. But it was never, ever hard to get a seat at a machine, so I guess the size works!!!

 

 

Movies: A different movie shows each day, a few times. A couple G rated, and the rest PG. They are shown in the Culinary Arts Center room. Comfy seats to kick back and enjoy a movie!!

 

 

Mass: Mass is celebrated each day in the Culinary Arts Center. When there are not cooking demonstrations, the screen door closes.

 

 

 

Karaoke: It was held one night, and that place was ROCKIN’ Very busy, packed full. Some very talented folks singing. It was sure a good time watching. No participation from me – horrible voice!! He,he!

 

 

We went to a Newlywed game. It was fun. The couple that was married 61 years won!! I tried to get picked to be on stage, but my husband was horrified at the thought. Me: I'm game for most anything on a cruise!!! he, he!

 

 

 

The Crows Nest in the front of the ship was outstanding. Beautiful huge windows for excellent viewing. We saw dolphins. We saw orcas a few times. One group put on quite a show. It was much fun watching them jump, roll, slap their fin. Playing, playing!!! If you are going soon to Alaska, watch for whales from 1 to 3 pm on your way into Victoria.

 

 

All over the ship are areas to sit and relax and enjoy quiet time. The ship never, ever felt crowded. It was never even crowded or long waits at the buffet. The ship is very well laid out.

 

 

 

Ports: We did not do scheduled shore activities. We enjoyed just walking around town, visiting shops, watching people, enjoying the town. I did geocaching. It wasn’t bad getting off the ships, but we always waited a bit to get off after the rush. Long lines to get back on if you wait till the very end.

 

 

 

My favorite port was Ketchikan. Love that place. I miss going to Skagway with NCL. The port instead on Holland is Sitka, which was just okay to me. We live near the sound and on a river, so we already see that sort of thing. It’s a lot about the salmon, which were heavily spawning. We have that right outside our door. So, most other folks would pry appreciate it more than me.

 

 

 

We went to the State Museum in Juneau. It’s brand new and so very beautiful! Sure enjoyed it.

 

 

I got a Christmas ornament in each port with the name of the town on it.

 

 

Photo shop: The photo shop sells a very nice scrapbooking package with all sorts of neat things. Also a nice scrapbook album, and I bought both. I also bought our embarkation photo and a ship photo. They take photos each night if you would like to get your pictures taken. We didn’t do that.

 

 

Secret Door: We followed the directions given here on CC and found the secret door leading out onto the bow. So very cool! We were out there at night in pitch dark!!! Great!

 

 

I kept busy constantly! My dh smokes and we got to know a lot of folks in the smoking area outside at the back. Lots of great folks. This ship is smaller than other ships we’ve been on. Loved that! Much more likely to get to see and visit with the same folks throughout the cruise. I love to talk and visit!! Yes!

 

 

Every night when I got my new schedule for the next day, I got out my hilighter and marked everything I wanted to do. And it was a lot. My problem was there was often two things at the same time, forcing me to choose! Such hard decisions!!!!! Ha!

 

 

Coffee shop and Library: We got coffee once. It was hot and very good. The library and internet center was always busy. You can get a copy of the news there. They have a wipe-off table with a crossword puzzle that can be worked over and over. Good selection of books. Plus a section where you can take a book and leave a book. Neat!

 

 

 

Service: Service was outstanding! Everywhere you go you are ALWAYS greeted with a hello. I always take care to smile and ask how the staff person is doing, how their day is going. I visit with them often, and enjoy hearing about their family etc. They work so very hard!! I appreciate each and everything they do for me. I’m not of the mind that they are put there to cater to my every whim and every demand. They are not on a luxury job on a luxury cruise, they work and work and work!

 

 

Our room steward was very nice. We are very easy. Most days we just keep our Do Not Disturb Sign on the door handle. I don’t need my bed made up or down each day. I don’t need my room cleaned each day. I don’t need a towel animal each day. I just throw the covers up, pick up my junk. I had him do up the room a couple of times, get me ice a couple of times, asked him for towels when needed. That’s about it. We gave him $20 the first day, and told him we are super easy, don’t need much of anything, and when we do, we will let him know. Works great for us!!!!

 

 

 

We loved this cruise and we will definitely be using Holland America Line again. We especially loved the smaller ship, and we will stick with those in the future. Now that we don’t have children going with us, we don’t need most of the offerings of the huge mega ships. If you have not been to Alaska, you surely need to go!!! It is out of this world beautiful!!!

[RMLincoln]

Thanks for this very comprehensive review. We've been to Alaska twice and NCL twice but not to Alaska. Next cruise is on Amsterdam in an OV, so I'm happy to read that you enjoyed your cruise on her. Yeah, smaller ship, smaller casino but lots of other advantages. Glad you enjoyed your cruise! m--

[erewhon]

Thank you for reviewing your cruise to Alaska on board the ms Amsterdam.

Congratulations on winning the bracelet.

[Clarea]

Excellent report, thanks!

[SherriM]

Agreed, great report! Congrats on your sweet upgrade offer!

[kftw]

Enjoyed reading your review especially since we leave in a few days for our first Alaska cruise. Thank you for taking the time to share your cruise with us.

[Copper10-8]

Thanks for taking the time and effort to write a comprehensive review! Nice to hear you enjoyed the co-flagship

[Krazy Kruizers]

Thank you for taking the time to write your wonderful review.

Glad you enjoyed the ship and cruise.

If you need more clothes hangers -- just ask your cabin steward for them.

[puppycanducruise]

Thank you for taking the time to post your review.

5 cruises to Alaska - lucky you!

Congratulations on winning a bracelet.

Glad you enjoyed your cruise.

[freestyling]

Enjoyed your comprehensive review. Sounds like this won't be your only HAL cruise!

[shealea]

Thanks for the nice replies!! We've cruised to Alaska five times because we live near Seattle. It makes for a nice, easy, fun vacation. My son just drops us off at the pier and picks us up when we call after arriving back!!

 

I will never tire of Alaska. We always find something new to do in each port. Next time I am determined to take an excursion on a plane flying over the glaciers.

 

We have only ever seen one bear, way off near the glacier in Glacier Bay. I would love to see more bear!

 

We are thinking of driving the hiway to Alaska soon and taking the ferry back down to Seattle.

[Alwayshome]

Wow! DH and I are pushing 60, sailing our 5th Alaskan cruise next July, and will be sailing on the Amsterdam for our first HAL cruise. Thank you for sharing your experiences. What deck was your cabin on? We will have our first ocean view cabin - aft deck 2. I'm a bit concerned about being too low for a good view. We've always been higher before. Thanks again for sharing your trip!

[shealea]

AlwaysHome - WOW is right! Sounds like we sure do have a lot in common with our cruising to Alaska!!

 

We were on Deck 2 ..... just like you! Ha! But we were mid-ship in cabin 2623. Right out from the elevator.

 

It was also our first time in an Ocean View. We were super happy with it. I felt our view was just fine, even though it was a lower deck. I always felt I could scan out to the scenery really well. And if any whales or dolphins do swim up close, you will have a better view close up. We had a pretty rocky ride the second night out. Many were sick. You will have a better ride lower down. So...... I think you will be happy with your cabin!

 

I also think you will enjoy Holland America. For some reason, I had always hesitated to book with them. Worried it would be too slow-paced for me, as I like to keep busy with shows and activities. It's just a bit toned down, as in comparison to NCL. But really not much.

 

I knew they had the culinary center, but I didn't think I would be interested in that much. But it was outstanding, so make sure you pay a visit. And I was very impressed with the computer classes. Perfect for me! Check those out!

 

Enjoy your cruise! Alaska is the BEST! Yes!!

[Alwayshome]

Thanks for the info on the cabin and deck 2. We are really looking forward to the smaller ship. If you don't mind another question - I am a bit confused about Anchorage. Evidently you have to ride a shuttle in to town? Is it the only options? I am working with a tour company but the instructions they gave me are odd. They said take the shuttle, get off and walk a few blocks... it seems strange. I guess I am used to walking off the ship, maybe through the port entrance and being in town. Glad you mentioned the museum in Juneau. That is on our list. Thanks again.

[Alwayshome]

I'm so sorry. I can't figure out how to edit my post. I don't think Anchorage was one of your ports. I think I really need the vacation NOW. :eek:

[bamagirldonna]

I enjoyed your review very much. I am leaving on Sept 8 on a HAL land/sea cruise and looking for info so yours was very helpful.

[geoherb]

Thanks for posting your review. We were supposed to be on the Amsterdam last week but had to cancel. I shouldn't be reading reviews because they remind me of what I miss about HAL--the bread pudding and the Culinary Arts Center events. As of now, it looks like our next cruise will be back on Princess, unless a great deal on a HAL cruise comes along.

 

Once we tried other cruise lines, we knew we'd probably never go back to NCL. Their production entertainment, I must say, is better than any other cruise line's I've seen. It's just that the rest of the cruise experience isn't better.

[luvteaching]

Thanks for the info on the cabin and deck 2. We are really looking forward to the smaller ship. If you don't mind another question - I am a bit confused about Anchorage. Evidently you have to ride a shuttle in to town? Is it the only options? I am working with a tour company but the instructions they gave me are odd. They said take the shuttle, get off and walk a few blocks... it seems strange. I guess I am used to walking off the ship, maybe through the port entrance and being in town. Glad you mentioned the museum in Juneau. That is on our list. Thanks again.

 

Hi Alwayshome!

 

We've been on the Amsterdam several times and 2017 will be our 4th time on the two-week itinerary. In Anchorage you do ride the shuttle into town. The port is a working port and you can't walk in or out nor can unauthorized rigs come in or out. The shuttle takes you to one of two centers in town and then you can go from there. If you are doing a ship-sponsored tour you are picked up at the dock.

 

I did the shuttle on the last trip as I wanted to wander around a bit and it worked great. They had plenty of them running and your wait was minimal.

 

We are on deck 3 aft in a handicapped accessible cabin. One thing we did last time was leave the beds in the twin configuration then we could walk right up to the window to look out. It's less awkward than having to climb on the bed to see out - which we did a few years ago.

 

Karen