This was our first cruise, so we have not a lot to compare with. Since we used a lot the CC reviews during our research for our cruise, I will anyhow summarise our experience in the Volendam.
We have been postponing forever our first cruise because genuinely we were afraid of hating the entire thing: we are well educated and well traveled people, that prefer either an hiking trip in a park or a very serene resort (and not much in between)... Thus, the idea of being in a confined space with hundreds of other travelers, and making new "friends" on on long dinners with strangers is not our priority. Bingo, casino, bars, trivia quiz, art sells, bus tours, pool games, etc, is not our vacation priority.
A professional trip to Vancouver created the right circunstances for trying a first cruise, because Alaska cries for a cruise. We opted for an Inside Passage from-to Vancouver, with a visit to Glacier Bay in late may. We opted for the Volendam because of the size and layout of the ship.
Very good location. Very quiet. Temperature control worked very well us (southern european so we do not like AC turned to very low temperatures). Only felt a small amount of mechanical vibration in the cabin.
Bathroom was recently renovated; curtain shower without tub.
Just walked around. Enjoyed the village (particularly creek street).
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