Live from the Oosterdam in Alaska

[cigloo]

Hello all.

 

We are live from the Oosterdam and having a FANTASTIC time :)

 

It has been a dream come true here sailing in Alaska for this final week before the Oosterdam heads south for Mexico.

 

We were so worried about the weather as we had read/heard how cold and rainy it gets here. Well it rained in Seattle the day we left and have not seen a drop since!! We are in Sitka today and it is quite warm, we are wearing short sleeves and pants. Yesterday we were in Hubbard Glacier and nothing but wonderful weather and LOTS of calving from the Glacier itself!

 

We came completley prepared for the rain and thrilled we haven't had the chance to wear the gear. The long underwear was helpful in Juneau (the coldest of ports so far) and in Hubbard Glacier just while on deck and even then really didn't need it.

 

The Oosterdam looks good, bedding is wonderful. All meals so far are delicious - service the usual HAL high quality. The guest lectures/naturalist have been so good, their knowledge truly full of information. We even got to have our passports stamped by the Ranger in Hubbard Glacier.

 

Crew day in and day out have told us that this has been the best weather this far this season on a consistent day by day. No rain in Juneau - sun shining - Bald Eagles flying - everywhere!! We seen Sea Otters, Orca Whales, Dolphins, Bald Eagles and Sea Lions sitting in the sun on the rocks sailing out of Hubbard Glacier.

 

The Glacier itself, left us speechless.......... There was so much activity - it kept calving and calving!

 

The Captin and crew have been so kind - talking to everyone and really talking about where we are going and what we have seen.

 

The Comedian the first night left you in tears of laughter, the Magician speechless in awe of how he does it, the Musical Mowtown tribute dancing in the aisles.

 

Needless to say - it has all been good and we still have the rest of the week to go.

 

Thank you to everyone who helped us with packing, itineary choice and just answering our questions!

 

Holland America does it best in Alaska!!!!!

 

Jennifer

[vbmom87]

You are indeed lucky to have such great weather this late in the cruising season.

 

Glad to hear your cruise is going so well. Enjoy the rest of your trip.

[jjb415]

Congratulations on the great weather you're having. Thanks for reporting in with us. :)

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Jennifer, I am so glad you are having such a wonderful time. We too had that really great weather in September last year in Alaska so one just never knows but best to come prepared. I am sure you are taking good care of the Oosterdam because in less than 4 weeks we will be back on board enjoying the warmth of Mexico :)

Enjoy the remainder of your week.

[Himself]

Glad you are enjoying the cruise and glad you can get close enough to Hubbar's glacier to see the calving. Glad the weather is good for you. I have noticed it has been cool in Alaska. By the way, enjoy Victoria B.C. It is a great town.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Thanks for checking in.

 

Enjoy the rest of your cruise.

 

Don't forget to do a full report when you get home.

[NYGirl1002]

Thanks for checking in. I'm so jealous!!!! I want to be back on the ship.

[CowPrincess]

Pea green with envy here!!! Enjoy your cruise, glad it has been so wonderful!

[darcy24]

Quick question for you: what are the dinner times - early and main on this cruise? also, are shows mostly before dinner for main diners? thanks!

[cigloo]

The dinner times are 5:45 and 8:00. One of the good things they did was have the Baked Alaska on a non formal night so we didn't have to come to dinner early. We had the 5:45 dinner so had until 6:00 for them to gaurantee the table.

[Krazy Kruizers]

This is interesting that this ship has different dinner times for Alaska than the other ships.

[AtlantaCruiser72]

Oooh, you are making me jealous! Can't wait for a detailed report. I'll be enjoying the Oosterdam Nov 1st - can't get here too soon!

[Assateague Island Princes]

I miss the Oosterdam....and Alaska!!! Lucky you! Trust me, they're going to have to pry you from your stateroom!

[marcyjane]

So glad your having a great time in Alaska. Sailed 2 years ago. I would love to go back again.

Remember to come back and tells us more about your trip and the Oosterdam for those of us that have not been board her yet.

Take lost of photo's of Alaska & the Oosterdam to share as well.

Marcy

[sail7seas]

Jennifer...... Great to hear you are having such a wonderful cruise.

Fun reading your 'Live From' and thank you for posting for us landlubbers to ride along with you.

 

Have fun.