We began our Holland America cruisetour (#3)in Vancouver. Plan to go back to spend more time there - 2 days weren't enough. Nice, large cabin compared to others we have had with other lines. Sail off was really nice, going under the Lions Gate Bridge and between the BC islands around Vancouver. Disappointment soon followed. We could not seem to get ice in our cabin, nor the fresh fruit daily as promised and asked for. Finally got ice once, and never did get the fruit. We had a reserved table for two but when we found our table during our free time after boarding, it was attached to the waiters' station so the waiters would have been coming and going around our table and over our heads all evening. We opted for open dining and were not disappointed with our tablemates. The waiters were a little slow especially about refilling glasses of tea, water, etc.

It rained and turned very cold for the remainder of the 3 days on the ship. The "inside passage" cruise we were looking forward to became an open water cruise having gone around (outside of) all of the islands except the few between Tracy Arm and Juneau. The seas were rough - over 30' most of the day. There was no sitting on deck enjoying the warm blanket and hot cup of cocoa. You could hardly stand on deck at all. When we entered the Inside Passage it was nighttime and nothing could be seen. Breakfast was late the morning we got to Tracy Arm despite being encouraged by the cruise director to get an early start this morning. We did go into Tracy Arm, but we turned around before seeing any glaciers. What we did see of Tracy Arm was spectacular. You could get closer to the glaciers if you wanted to book a $200/pp excursion announced the night before. We had been told we would see the glaciers but how close we could go would depend on the icebergs. We never even saw the glaciers at all.

Arrived at Juneau in a pouring rain and it rained all the time we were there. See excursion information below. Arrived back at the ship about 8:30pm to be told that the dining room was closed (last open seating was 9:15?)and they were holding the buffet for us. They didn't hold much as there wasn't much of a selection and the crew seemed to be put out they had to stay after. Read more