Just returned from a 7 day Alaska Explorer cruise on the Oosterdam. Following is a short recap of the trip.

Spent first night in Seattle at Fairmont. Transfer to hotel was easy and quick. Afternoon at Pike's Place Market and then a ballgame at Safeco Field made for a great start. Breakfast the next morning in the main dining room at the Fairmont was elegant/good, but expensive. However we did not feel cheated at all, well worth the cost.

Transfer from hotel to pier 99 (north of downtown) was easy after checking in with Holland desk in Fairmont lobby. Getting into the pier building was one of the low points. Confused chaos was the order of the day. Holland folks telling you different things. Finally one lady just took us in on her own into the check in building. Once inside we were able to go to the deluxe verandah suite line and got quickly through the line and on to the ship. Read more