Let me start off by saying I LOVED THIS CRUISE, this is my 20th cruise and I jump from one cruise line to another to suit my vacation desires, to me the secret to having an enjoyable cruise is you simply need to tailor it to your own preferences. Boarding was very fast, always a challenge filling out the health questionnaire while carrying luggage and keeping pace in line. Off to the Lido deck for lunch, the Lido was packed, no trays so you grab a plate, stand in line forever, throw some food on, hunt down a table and skip the drama of finding beverages while guarding the table. That was the first and last time I ate in the Lido. After lunch we went to the room to discover we received a free triple upgrade to the Lanai stateroom on the lower balcony, after walking in the room Holland America was "tops" in my books. The room was large, wheelchair accessible for those who may need it, huge shower and bathroom of wall to wall Terracotta, so many drawers and closets you cant even use half of the space provided and a electronic sliding glass door that leads out to the Lower Promenade where you have your own private (reserved) cushy chairs to relax in. We named the electronic sliding door DD for Devil Door, on two separate occasions it closed while my cabin mate was standing in the doorway chatting up a storm, no harm just plenty of giggles, I miss DD, she showed gumption. All window Glass is ONE WAY VIEW so you can see out but people outside can not see in.

We ate Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner in the La Fontain dinning room, open seating so we could mix and mingle with people, lifestyles, and cultures from around the country and around the world. Made reservations at the Pinnacle Grill and then cancelled them because we were getting Prime Rib, Lobster, Filet Mignon, and many other terrific multi course meals in the LaFontain dinning room that could not have been better. If you see Surf and Turf and prefer the surf then ask for 2 lobsters, if you prefer the turf then ask for 2 Filet Mignon, mix and match to your taste buds desire. Without going into every delectable dish I will finally say they serve up home made sorbets pineapple, Mandarin, Mango, ETC---that are out of this world and could never be found in a grocery store.

Juneau was the first stop, went on the Kayak tour and the water was really rough. Had fun watching the bald eagles, wildlife and getting exercise. I understand from other passengers the whale watching tour was amazing as they watch pods of whales feeding. Read more