Amsterdam Review

4.0 / 5.0
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First Time HAL, First Time Alaska

Review for Alaska Cruise on Amsterdam
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glorialagos
10+ Cruises • Age 20s

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Sail Date: Sep 2015

We were two couples celebrating our 25th anniversaries. We knew this would be an older crowd but we really, happily, felt quite young on this ship! We have all cruised previously, mostly Caribbean.

Embarkation was super easy and we were on the ship within 45 minutes of arriving and our rooms were ready immediately (that was a first in all of our cruising). Our first stop was the spa because we were interested in the thermal suite package. For $149 per couple, we could not pass this up and it was the best purchase of the trip! We had adjoining balcony rooms on deck 6 and our wonderful steward (Tao) opened the connecting door for us so that we had access to both balconies - really added to our enjoyment of the cruise.

Overall this was a calm, laid back cruise which is what we expected. We were very impressed with all crew members - they are just wonderful, all so friendly, helpful and hard-working. I loved the movie choices and theater, shows were pretty good although the "comedian" was really a ventriloquist that told a couple jokes. Good for a ventriloquist but I was hoping for a comedian! The Beatle's guy was amazing but we weren't thrilled with the corny wife stuff (although she was a great singer - just sing and forget the "humor"). We enjoyed karaoke the first night but were disappointed when the same people sang the same songs the second night. Happy Hours are great - twice a day and it's buy one drink, get another (same) for $1. We did not participate in Bingo or culinary arts or art shows, etc - just wanted to relax and enjoy the fitness center and spa during the day.

Cabin Review

Port Reviews

Sitka

The ship normally tenders here but due to rough seas, the captain got permission to dock at a loading dock (appeared to be). We were bussed into town and from there we purchased a $5 shuttle to Fortress of the Bears and paid a $10 entrance fee. This was an awesome stop and we loved seeing the bears. They seemed to enjoy their habitat and it is better than the alternative for these orphans.

Ketchikan

We booked privately with Dave's Taxi and spent 3 1/2 hours touring the island, visiting the Potlach totem poles, hiking in the national forest, viewing seals and eagles, salmon and hoping to see bears - no luck. Afterwards we walked though Ketchikan to view the houses and shop. It was very nice even though it rained the entire time.

Victoria

This stop seemed to have no purpose. We walked into the city and would have enjoyed this during the day. We would have preferred to be spending time on the ship in the casino or watching shows. (we were told they had to make an international stop so that is why we stopped here)

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