Just returned from HAL's Zaandam 7 day cruise to Alaska and was quite pleased with the whole cruise. We were very lucky indeed to have beautiful weather---sunny skies and calm winds nearly the entire trip. There was plenty of snow on the mountains after a heavy snowfall season.

The Zaandam is easy to learn, especially if you have been aboard a similar Holland America size ship. The dining room/Rotterdam food was always top rate and I enjoy the two level rear facing room with its large windows as opposed to some other ships. it is a very smart size, not nearly as big as the 100,000+ ton ships that are becoming so popular. Yes, the average age is senior (ours was 70+), but a well rounded group and the majority were from Australia followed by Canada. The scenery on the inside passage route was fantastic, with Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, and Ketchican all good or better ports. We were upset to have the additional $50 Alaska head tax added after our price reservation was made, but can't really fault the cruise line for that. It seems to have created some hard feelings and lower bookings so far this season as local BC residents finding good last minute fares because of it. Wish i had easy access to go again like I do in Florida. There was a naturalist aboard the entire cruise plus park rangers in Glacier Bay, which I appreciated. HAL has changed the Mariner perk of a cocktail party to a brunch and no longer has the traditional captain's party either. Is this just the Zaandam? Complaints? The small bath tub leaks around the shower curtain, no fridge in our basic outside room, shows not as good as the larger ships. Praises? Very little lines to go ashore or return, good service, and excellent seafood in the Rotterdam dining room. Lido was not as impressive. If you get nice weather like we did, you will really enjoy this cruise.