First Time HAL Cruiser: Coming Soon, Live Review of Alaska Cruise on Nieuw Amsterdam May 28- June 4 2023

[Denise T]

1 hour ago, acct1975 said:

How is your cabin? Thinking of cruising on this ship and am curious about how cabins are.

 

Thanks

I have a verandah on deck 7. This is the balcony cabin. The room is comfortable. It does lack drawer storage compared to when I had a balcony on the Norwegian Pearl. They have good size closets for hanging. The bathroom is a decent size. with a shower/tub combo. There is a small desk with mini fridge and a sofa and little table. The beds are comfortable. It works for two people. The balcony is vey nice. The heat and air work nicely. It is a basic cabin that works for us. 

[Hogladyrider]

1 hour ago, lilacsam said:

Hi Denise T, we’re doing a cruise in 2 weeks time with similar itinerary

and so looking forward to it, hoping for chances to see plenty of wildlife too.

I would be interested to know if Skagway is fully operational now after last years landslide as we have an excursion while in port too.

Really enjoying your travel log, looking forward to any info that would be useful to us too. Thanks in advance.

 

While I am not Denise T I am going to throw my two cents in here.

I have a friend who is working in Skagway this summer.  Retail as a workamper.  She has sent me photos of the landslide and informed me that Skagway is full speed ahead on all fronts.  Her hubby is driving a tour bus.  So far they love it there despite the high prices of everything.  This is his and her first experience working in a cruise ship port and they are loving it there in Skagway.

[Denise T]

13 hours ago, lilacsam said:

Hi Denise T, we’re doing a cruise in 2 weeks time with similar itinerary

and so looking forward to it, hoping for chances to see plenty of wildlife too.

I would be interested to know if Skagway is fully operational now after last years landslide as we have an excursion while in port too.

Really enjoying your travel log, looking forward to any info that would be useful to us too. Thanks in advance.

 

We had four cruise ships in today including the Nieuw Amsterdam. The two ships docked near the rockslide were the Majestic Princess which tendered passengers to port and the Norwegian Encore which shuttles passengers to the port. No one walked. Other than that, the Skagway was hopping and busy. There are lots of stores thought that never reopened after the pandemic, but it seems that all excursions were happening. Several train trips, bus trips, and helicopter and whale watching tours were happening. 

[Denise T]

Skagway was very windy and chilly. 

We were in port with the Celebrity Millenium, Majestic Princess, and Norwegian Encore. We got in about 5:00 or so. We sailed away around 9:00 pm. The wind was a challenge but doable if you dress warmly. We walked the town and shopped. Skagway was packed. We watched several trains come and go. We also saw the helicopters for the glacier tours.  

 

We came back after a few hours to warm ourselves in the Lido buffet. We had lunch there and then walked around on the promenade and explored more of the ship as it was less crowded. Try as I might, I am having trouble finding any of those hidden cruise ducks. I have a few more days to find. 

 

After lunch, we walked around the ship and settled in our favorite Ocean bar. it is so nice to just sit and relax and talk. We stayed until dinner in the MDR. I am so impressed with the staff. They are helpful and work very hard to make the cruise experience wonderful. I will say that my experience has not been the same as the many people who have complained or been critical. This has been a wonderful cruise so far. 

 

We had a couple of medical responses this week. Not sure of the details. Did not do much in the evening except watch sail way. Very exhausted with all of the walking. 

 

Tomorrow is Juneau. 

[oakridger]

When I was on Nieuw Amsterdam last fall the Ocean Bar was my main bar hangout too.  The crew was very friendly, and I always love to get a chance to practice my Tagalog with them.  The 4-5 piece band that played in there was very enjoyable because they had talent and their choice of songs was danceable for those that wanted and not too loud so you could have a nice conversation with someone while having your drink(s). 😁

 

I did enjoy the BB King Bar as well for the band and lively set lists but did find them to be too loud sometimes......I must be getting old!!  I go there to listen/dance, not converse.  

 

Have you gone to BB King or Billboard onboard?

 

~Nancy

 

 

[Denise T]

1 hour ago, oakridger said:

When I was on Nieuw Amsterdam last fall the Ocean Bar was my main bar hangout too.  The crew was very friendly, and I always love to get a chance to practice my Tagalog with them.  The 4-5 piece band that played in there was very enjoyable because they had talent and their choice of songs was danceable for those that wanted and not too loud so you could have a nice conversation with someone while having your drink(s). 😁

 

I did enjoy the BB King Bar as well for the band and lively set lists but did find them to be too loud sometimes......I must be getting old!!  I go there to listen/dance, not converse.  

 

Have you gone to BB King or Billboard onboard?

 

~Nancy

 

 

Yes. Lots of the trivia we participated in is in the Billboard onboard and we would just sit in there in the middle of the day when it was quiet. We heard the BB King All Stars in BB King's and they were fantastic. We also played Bingo in BB King's. 

[Denise T]

1 hour ago, oakridger said:

When I was on Nieuw Amsterdam last fall the Ocean Bar was my main bar hangout too.  The crew was very friendly, and I always love to get a chance to practice my Tagalog with them.  The 4-5 piece band that played in there was very enjoyable because they had talent and their choice of songs was danceable for those that wanted and not too loud so you could have a nice conversation with someone while having your drink(s). 😁

 

I did enjoy the BB King Bar as well for the band and lively set lists but did find them to be too loud sometimes......I must be getting old!!  I go there to listen/dance, not converse.  

 

Have you gone to BB King or Billboard onboard?

 

~Nancy

 

 

Yes. Lots of the trivia we participated in is in the Billboard onboard and we would just sit in there in the middle of the day when it was quiet. We heard the BB King All Stars in BB King's and they were fantastic. We also played Bingo in BB King's. 

[Denise T]

Juneau was fantastic. The weather was much better as the wind had died down tremendously. We docked early and would be leaving early. I began the day with a massage. expect the spa to try and upsell your products and services. Just say no. Breakfast was in the Lido Market and I had a reindeer sausage. Most people had gotten of the ship, and we waited until the crowds left. Once off the ship we took photos of the many totems. My sister and I took the tram up the side of Mt. Roberts. Such beautiful sights going up. Once we got off the tram, we looked around and was able to see the ships below. great walking trails We then came back down. If you buy tram tickets, you can tram the entire day. We went shopping and then went back to the ship for lunch. We had three other ships in port so that the popular tourist attraction was full. These would be Tracy's Crab Shack and the Red Dog Saloon. 

 

Once onboard for lunch, we had lunch in the Lido. we had to stop by Customer Service do to misunderstanding the onboard statement. We returned to the Lido bar and relaxed a little. So many staff ae friendly. My room steward Ari is the best. He has many rooms to care for but always remembers are names. We went for a walk around the promenade.

 

We watched sail away. We were warned the last two days that onboard was at 4:30. Alas, there were 2 pier runners who did not make it. Dinner was in the MDR. Service seemed a little longer, but I got my Baled Alaska! I noticed the staff are always attentive. They always try to be friendly.

 

The night ended in the casino. Do not ask me how much I lost. 

 

Tomorrow is Ketchikan where there will be 6 cruise ships in port. 

[Haljo1935]

@Denise T DH and sister love Annabelle's for lunch. It was recommended a few years ago by a local in Ketchikan; they try to eat there every time we go to AK.

I don't eat seafood, but there's plenty of other great options.

Easy walk from the pier - take your appetite. 

[grapau27]

5 hours ago, Denise T said:

Juneau was fantastic. The weather was much better as the wind had died down tremendously. We docked early and would be leaving early. I began the day with a massage. expect the spa to try and upsell your products and services. Just say no. Breakfast was in the Lido Market and I had a reindeer sausage. Most people had gotten of the ship, and we waited until the crowds left. Once off the ship we took photos of the many totems. My sister and I took the tram up the side of Mt. Roberts. Such beautiful sights going up. Once we got off the tram, we looked around and was able to see the ships below. great walking trails We then came back down. If you buy tram tickets, you can tram the entire day. We went shopping and then went back to the ship for lunch. We had three other ships in port so that the popular tourist attraction was full. These would be Tracy's Crab Shack and the Red Dog Saloon. 

 

Once onboard for lunch, we had lunch in the Lido. we had to stop by Customer Service do to misunderstanding the onboard statement. We returned to the Lido bar and relaxed a little. So many staff ae friendly. My room steward Ari is the best. He has many rooms to care for but always remembers are names. We went for a walk around the promenade.

 

We watched sail away. We were warned the last two days that onboard was at 4:30. Alas, there were 2 pier runners who did not make it. Dinner was in the MDR. Service seemed a little longer, but I got my Baled Alaska! I noticed the staff are always attentive. They always try to be friendly.

 

The night ended in the casino. Do not ask me how much I lost. 

 

Tomorrow is Ketchikan where there will be 6 cruise ships in port. 

I'm pleased you are having a great time Denise.

I hope you did not lose much.

On Royal Caribbean we get free credits for the casino with our high loyalty but never use them.

I hope your casino was non smoking as the casino on Princess ships and Royal Caribbean are unpleasant with tobacco smoke to walk through for us non smokers.

[0106]

7 hours ago, Denise T said:

we had to stop by Customer Service do to misunderstanding the onboard statement.

FYI- I have been able to rectify all problems with my onboard account using the Navigator app.  Avoids the need to stand in line.  I also use the app to make positive comments about staff interactions.  They really appreciate it.

 

I love your positive attitude.  Thank you for your trip report.

[SightCRR]

Several Ketch webcams. here is screen shot of one: 

[MochiYuzu]

If anyone played pickleball on the Nieuw Amsterdam in Alaska, can you tell me your experience? I'm also interested how crowded the court gets when you're at sea, and do they have organized tournaments? Thank you!

[smitty34877]

I am very much enjoying your reports. Thank you for taking us along. 
 

[Denise T]

13 hours ago, grapau27 said:

I'm pleased you are having a great time Denise.

I hope you did not lose much.

On Royal Caribbean we get free credits for the casino with our high loyalty but never use them.

I hope your casino was non smoking as the casino on Princess ships and Royal Caribbean are unpleasant with tobacco smoke to walk through for us non smokers.

Yes, the casino is nonsmoking which made it a pleasure to be in. 

[Denise T]

3 hours ago, MochiYuzu said:

If anyone played pickleball on the Nieuw Amsterdam in Alaska, can you tell me your experience? I'm also interested how crowded the court gets when you're at sea, and do they have organized tournaments? Thank you!

Pickleball is available. have not been up to the top deck due to many days of rain. They had several activities where they actually taught how to play pickleball. Every day you could reserve the court, or they had pickup games. 

[Ready2go11]

I am so happy for you that this trip seems to be exceeding your expectations! 
 

We are In Alaska beginning late next on another line because they had a 12 night option with a few new stops for us.
 

Question though based on your reports- sounds like it might be colder and /or windier than you expected. Is that the case?  I may need to rethink what I packed because forecasts I’ve been tracking sounded like 50s and even low 60s and was hoping it would not feel like winter (just maybe late fall 😉). 
 

thanks 

[Denise T]

2 minutes ago, Ready2go11 said:

I am so happy for you that this trip seems to be exceeding your expectations! 
 

We are In Alaska beginning late next on another line because they had a 12 night option with a few new stops for us.
 

Question though based on your reports- sounds like it might be colder and /or windier than you expected. Is that the case?  I may need to rethink what I packed because forecasts I’ve been tracking sounded like 50s and even low 60s and was hoping it would not feel like winter (just maybe late fall 😉). 
 

thanks 

The one thing that we learned is that the weather in Alaska is unpredictable. Today in Ketchikan, it is chilly and rainy. I packed in layers with a raincoat. Skagway was cold and extremely windy, and Juneau was warmish. I packed shorts that I have yet to way but may need to wear them when I fly home as it has been in the 90s in Pennsylvania. 

[Haljo1935]

44 minutes ago, Ready2go11 said:

...We are In Alaska beginning late next...
 

Question though based on your reports- sounds like it might be colder and /or windier than you expected. Is that the case?  I may need to rethink what I packed because forecasts I’ve been tracking sounded like 50s and even low 60s and was hoping it would not feel like winter (just maybe late fall 😉). 
 

thanks 

May is typically cooler and rainier, so as you get further into the season it does warm up some.

As DeniseT said, AK weather is unpredictable so layers are recommended. 

And it is a temp rain forest...

[MochiYuzu]

1 hour ago, Denise T said:

Pickleball is available. have not been up to the top deck due to many days of rain. They had several activities where they actually taught how to play pickleball. Every day you could reserve the court, or they had pickup games. 

Thank you so much - it's good to know they have pickup games. I hope you are continuing to have a great time. Thanks for posting 🙂

[Denise T]

A day behind. had every intention to post but fell asleep. 

 

Ketchikan.

 

Started off with breakfast in the Lido Market. The Lido can be crowded but we found if you go near the end of the opening times, it was less crowded. We did not get into port until 11 so we walked the Promenade and enjoyed the view. No whales were spotted but we did see where Norwegian docks in Ward Cove. We were in berth 1 so it would be an easy walk into town. We had lunch at the Lido as well. The food continues to be wonderful. We let the rush of eager passengers get off the ship first. Be mindful of the gangways. They can be steep and slippery when it rains. The staff will assist you off if you have mobility issues. 

 

It was chilly and rainy. But that did not stop us from walking the town. What a great place. This has to be my favorite. Despite having a total of 6 cruise ships in, it did not feel like it. We wandered to Creek Street and visited the salmon ladder. Couldn't see any salmon but the rushing water was awesome. We went shopping and just walked along the harbor a little. We stayed out for several hours. 

 

Once onboard we warmed up with coffee and snacks. We rested from our long walk. We got our luggage tags (boo!) for disembarkation. My brother and sister-in-law had a date night and so my sister and I had dinner at the Lido. Can I say that people do forget all kinds of manners in the buffet. Walking through the buffet in your bare feet is unacceptable. Would you go through a restaurant on land like that? There continues to be a sense of superiority in some as they talk with disrespect to the staff. Totally uncalled for people!

 

After dinner we sat in the Pinnacle bar enjoying drinks and people watching until we were too sleepy. 

 

We are going through the Inside Passage. I hope to get pictures downloaded when I get home. Internet is still sketchy. i will also share final views and tips about the cruise. 

[Haljo1935]

7 minutes ago, Denise T said:

...We are going through the Inside Passage. I hope to get pictures downloaded when I get home. Internet is still sketchy. i will also share final views and tips about the cruise. 

I have thoroughly enjoyed following along on your 1st Alaskan and 1st HAL journey - thanks again for sharing.

Looking forward to your pictures.

Safe travels!

Oh - hope you took advantage of FCC while onboard so can have a little extra on your next cruise to AK. 🙃

Edited June 3, 2023 by Haljo1935
Typo

[Denise T]

Our last sea day through the inside passage. 

Fun on the ship was the plan. 

Breakfast was in the main dining room. I cannot say enough about the quality of the food. Delicious. Service continues to be awesome. 

We walked the promenade and then watched the presentation about life on a cruise ship. Very interesting. After the presentation they had many members of the crew on stage. What hard working people. 

We then had some drinks in the pinnacle bar and then lunch at New York Pizza. I loved the pizza there. 

After lunch we walked some more and then played in the casino. Now luck there. We then played Bingo. I won a total of $1375.00! We had a blast. 

We then played in the casino, had more drinks and went to dinner in the MDR. I ate so much fish on this ship because I can't cook fish well. 

After dinner, it was time to pack. BOO! My family got together, and we had champagne in our cabin to celebrate the last day of the cruise. Before that we completed the customs forms and luggage tags with bags out. 

On our balcony we see a Celebrity ship and a Royal Carribean, all heading to Vancouver. I think we will actually see a sunset tonight for the first time in a while. 

Oh, and I found two cruise ducks!

Tomorrow Vanvcouver. We will spend the day and fly out on Monday. 

 

 

[Haljo1935]

@Denise T congrats on the bingo win and finding the ducks! Will you keep the ducks or rehide them?

Safe travels home. Glad you made some good memories w/your siblings. 

[Vandelay Inc]

Hello. You mentioned that the 2nd night was a chic/dressy dinner. Was that the only one or was there another dressy night? Any other dinner specials? (If so, which day?)

Did you have an Orange Party? Which port or which night?

Thanks.