We chose this cruise to Alaska because of the 14 day itinerary. Many of the other cruises offer 7 day back to back however go to the same ports on the northern route as the southern route.
We were very pleasantly surprised with the ship, it is one of the best run Holland America ships that we have been on. Waiters remembered out names and preferences, greeted us everyday with a smile and made sure we had everything we needed. We only ate in the dining room so can not comment on the buffet, we did have a couple of lunches in the Pinnacle which were a real treat and reasonably priced. Our stateroom staff were wonderful, there was no refrigerator in our cabin and we brought our own soda (Dr Pepper and diet ginger ale, not available on the ship). The first day we asked if our ice bucket could be filled and if we could have an extra bucket. We never had to ask again and our ice was refilled twice a day. Our room was kept very clean and was cleaned while we were out. The guys seemed to know when we went for breakfast and dinner and were right in there to service our room. We love to do some ballroom dancing and the band in the Ocean View bar were excellent. We missed a lot of the shows because we didn't want to go 45 minutes early to get a seat, and even going 10 to 15 minutes early was too late to get a seat at the 8 o clock show. By 10 pm we were just too tired out to go ha ha. A wonderful cruise on a lovely ship.
The only upsetting thing that happened was that I took off my ring in the dining room because it was feeling tight and I put it in my little carry case with my glasses. By the time I got to the Ocean view lounge it was gone. I retraced my steps directly back to the dining room and the staff there even shook out napkins and table cloths from the table we were at but the ring was no where to be found. I checked at the desk several times and it was never handed in. I can't help thinking someone must have picked it up and kept it. I should have been more careful with it and while it was not super valuable it had a lot of sentimental value to me.
Went into town on our own lots to do and free shuttles to the knife factory, and other attractions.