Alaska - Koningsdam vs. Eurodam, Vancouver vs. Seattle

[Anastas617]

I'm looking at booking Alaska next July or August and I'm pondering the options in the title.

 

I have been to Seattle several times including a cruise on Princess this year. I have no real desire to "visit" Seattle, so there is no attraction for me there. Does Vancouver compare favorably in ease of getting to port from Airport and/or central tourist/hotel area? I assume as an American my flight will likely be a bit more expensive and I'm not planning on multiple overnights in either city.

 

The (possibly) bigger question is between the two ships. Rotterdam might be my favorite ship I've sailed on (3rd time upcoming in February), so Koningsdam immediately appeals to me. What would I be missing out on with Eurodam or perhaps the inverse, what would be more enjoyable about Eurodam?

 

This will be a casino comp so price isn't a big factor, but I'm a bit shocked (perplexed?) that Eurodam is significantly more expensive for a 7-day cruise leaving the same days. Looking at three dates and Eurodam is $800-$1000 more for an inside cabin based on solo occupancy. I would be looking at upgrade options but will also be happy to just keep my interior if I don't see the value of upgrading.

 

So the question that I could have asked in one sentence: Which do the Alaska veterans think is more preferable? Koningsdam from Vancouver or Eurodam from Seattle?

 

Thanks!

[CruiserBruce]

The itinerary is important. 

 

The airfare is the airfare. Being American doesn't affect that AFAIK. 

 

Some reading on the Alaska board would be beneficial. Sailing from Vancouver gives you the more scenic true Inside Passage,  and usually more time in ports.

[FOPMan]

Airfare certainly is a consideration. Vancouver comes with international taxes.

 

I love both cities. Vancouver is easier to get around, especially as a wheelchair user. You can take SkyTrain (light rail) from the airport to about 200 feet from the cruise ship. Trains run regularly. Fares are inexpensive.

 

Vancouver is full of reasonable and very good restaurants that feature seafood. That makes me happy. Stanley Park is one of the world’s best urban parks.

 

Be in Vancouver July 1 or for the fireworks festival and watch the night light up!

[oaktreerb]

It’s easy to get transportation to the port in Vancouver.  You can actually take public transportation from the airport to the port. There are also wonderful hotels at the port.  You can actually watch your ship come in.  Koningsdam is a very nice ship.  

[a.madruga]

37 minutes ago, Anastas617 said:

I'm looking at booking Alaska next July or August and I'm pondering the options in the title.

 

I have been to Seattle several times including a cruise on Princess this year. I have no real desire to "visit" Seattle, so there is no attraction for me there. Does Vancouver compare favorably in ease of getting to port from Airport and/or central tourist/hotel area? I assume as an American my flight will likely be a bit more expensive and I'm not planning on multiple overnights in either city.

 

The (possibly) bigger question is between the two ships. Rotterdam might be my favorite ship I've sailed on (3rd time upcoming in February), so Koningsdam immediately appeals to me. What would I be missing out on with Eurodam or perhaps the inverse, what would be more enjoyable about Eurodam?

 

This will be a casino comp so price isn't a big factor, but I'm a bit shocked (perplexed?) that Eurodam is significantly more expensive for a 7-day cruise leaving the same days. Looking at three dates and Eurodam is $800-$1000 more for an inside cabin based on solo occupancy. I would be looking at upgrade options but will also be happy to just keep my interior if I don't see the value of upgrading.

 

So the question that I could have asked in one sentence: Which do the Alaska veterans think is more preferable? Koningsdam from Vancouver or Eurodam from Seattle?

 

Thanks!

Koningsdam our choice but maybe you might like the stops on Eurodam better

[Stpatsirish]

I love Koningsdam as well. I have not been on Eurodam but have cruised on Nieuw Amsterdam, her sister ship, and also like that size ship. But, having to choose between them, the Koningsdam does have the Grand Dutch Cafe and a separate Club Orange dining room, if you book with Club Orange. I am also a fan of the New York Pizza and Deli. No deli part on the Eurodam nor is there a Gelato bar.

The airfare can be a non issue if you fly to Seattle and take a HAL transfer to Vancouver. And from Vancouver you are going through the Inside Passage longer.

So, my choice would be Vancouver on the Koningsdam.

Edited 2 hours ago by Stpatsirish

[Anastas617]

Thanks for the feedback all. You guys have pretty much confirmed my initial thoughts that had me leaning toward Koningsdam.

 

I will do some research on Sitka vs. Skagway as that is the one difference that may change my mind since I have already been to Skagway (but quite enjoyed the stop).

 

I appreciate everyone's input. Cheers!

[Anastas617]

33 minutes ago, Stpatsirish said:

I love Koningsdam as well. I have not been on Eurodam but have cruised on Nieuw Amsterdam, her sister ship, and also like that size ship. But, having to choose between them, the Koningsdam does have the Grand Dutch Cafe and a separate Club Orange dining room, if you book with Club Orange. I am also a fan of the New York Pizza and Deli. No deli part on the Eurodam nor is there a Gelato bar.

The airfare can be a non issue if you fly to Seattle and take a HAL transfer to Vancouver. And from Vancouver you are going through the Inside Passage longer.

So, my choice would be Vancouver on the Koningsdam.

I had Club Orange in August on Rotterdam and the dining room (particularly for breakfast) was one of the highlights of my cruise. That being said, the HAL rep said he made a mistake and shouldn't have allowed me to book CO since I was on a casino comp. That won't stop me from trying again, though! lol.

[FlorenceItaly]

12 minutes ago, Anastas617 said:

I had Club Orange in August on Rotterdam and the dining room (particularly for breakfast) was one of the highlights of my cruise. That being said, the HAL rep said he made a mistake and shouldn't have allowed me to book CO since I was on a casino comp. That won't stop me from trying again, though! lol.

NA

Edited 1 hour ago by FlorenceItaly

[Anastas617]

1 minute ago, FlorenceItaly said:

Wow, this is interesting as I book casino cruises too.  I have never heard this, but i haven't tried to book Club Orange.

He said his supervisor told him he wasn't supposed to allow it after he put me on hold, but since he told me I could they allowed it to proceed.

 

As with many things with cruising, probably just depends who gets your call on any particular day 🤣

[FlorenceItaly]

4 minutes ago, Anastas617 said:

He said his supervisor told him he wasn't supposed to allow it after he put me on hold, but since he told me I could they allowed it to proceed.

 

As with many things with cruising, probably just depends who gets your call on any particular day 🤣

I deleted my original posting because I remembered I upgraded to Club Orange on a TA cruise where my balcony was comped.  I upgraded so I would have a choice of cabin.  This was in 2023 and things change.  ALSO, this was on the Zuiderdam and there is no separate dining room.

Edited 1 hour ago by FlorenceItaly

[Dutchman48]

1 hour ago, Anastas617 said:

 

 

So the question that I could have asked in one sentence: Which do the Alaska veterans think is more preferable? Koningsdam from Vancouver or Eurodam from Seattle?

 

Thanks!

Koningsdam from Vancouver.

Have done 5 Alaska cruises (4 with HAL) and enjoyed them all regardless of which port we went out of.

The reason I recommend Vancouver has nothing to do with the ship, but first and last sea day. Going out of Vancouver you go up between the Island and mainland which has two advantages. First it is more scenic, second should be calmer. 

Going out of Seattle you have a good chance of seeing whales, but once you leave the straits you spend a full day in open water same on the return the sea day prior to Victoria is in open water.

[Anastas617]

2 minutes ago, Dutchman48 said:

Koningsdam from Vancouver.

Have done 5 Alaska cruises (4 with HAL) and enjoyed them all regardless of which port we went out of.

The reason I recommend Vancouver has nothing to do with the ship, but first and last sea day. Going out of Vancouver you go up between the Island and mainland which has two advantages. First it is more scenic, second should be calmer. 

Going out of Seattle you have a good chance of seeing whales, but once you leave the straits you spend a full day in open water same on the return the sea day prior to Victoria is in open water.

Great info. Thanks!

[HollDoll]

I have sailed out of both Seattle and Vancouver. Vancouver is by far the superior choice for a more scenic Cruise.