We booked this cruise in March, right after cancelling a European cruise on Osterdam that was to leave June 1st. We were anxious about rising covid numbers and different protocols for the countries on the itinerary, not to mention flying Toronto to Barcelona and spending 2 days there before the cruise plus 2 days in Venice post cruise. There were just too many "what ifs". We had been to Alaska ...
We sailed on the Westerdam June 12-19 as part of a 13 person family trip. Here is a summary and highlights / lowlights:
We are a couple in late 50’s with 2 of our kids (30, 27) and one of their spouses with us.
Embarkation was at pier 91 in Seattle and was terrible. Despite doing verifly app, Canada app, doing pre-Covid test appropriately and completing Navigator app, Holland really ...
Holland America cruise
Embarkation.
If arriving at Montreal airport or dropping off rental vehicle at the Montreal airport and you wish to get an Uber ride to the cruise terminal, you must wait for your Uber car at the departure level outside door 7. There are clearly marked overhead signs & road markings indicating you are in the correct area. (See picture) It’s about a 30 min drive to ...
I’m not typically one to write a bad review, or even write a review, but I was surprised by the lack of service on this ship. First, it took over 48 hours for them to fix our air conditioning. We respectfully asked 5-6 times the first two days and no one came. We were so hot. Then, after going to the front desk, on the THIRD day, someone came. Second, our ship departure was changed to trieste ...
We chose this cruise due to Holland America's reputation in Alaska ( The park service prefers Holland America), the price ( super low) and because we had sailed on the Z dam 18 years ago...
The crew was amazing. Knew our names after only a few days, dealt with difficulties ( excursions cancelled due to illness of guides) solved our minor problems and treated us like honored guests. Plenty ...
With all the flight cancellations happening this Spring it was nice to drive to Vancouver BC and avoid flying. We uploaded our USA passports and Covid vaccination documents on the Arrive Canada online site as required although no Canadian official ever asked to look at our documentation. There was an awful delay when we were boarding because the Holland America employee insisted that we have our ...
cruise chosen as part of a SAGA Alaskan Adventure tour.
Ship is very comfortable, the crew friendly , very helpful and communicative.
The primary aim of the cruise is to view the wonderful scenery and watch out for wildlife. The dining room staff are excellent and the food nice, but not outstanding .
The main failing was the quality of the evening entertainment, the theatre was the ...
Anniversary celebrated on day 3, Juneau. Saw Alaska for 1st time.
We picked this itinerary because of simple Vancouver departure and return location, and wanted no more than 7 days. HAL offered the ideal itinerary and made a compelling last minute booking offer (we found this 60 days prior to) Dates worked for an easy day ahead and day after in Vancouver with only a week off work. Would ...
Our first cruise, saved and planned as was supposed to be our big special holiday and feel let down by Holland America, they were recommended by family members who raved about how great they were but not a good impression. Most staff amazing, helpful and friendly. Then go to get a mojito from pool bar and rude, patronising and belittling bar waiter left me in tears, I could not return back to the ...
The Zaandam has returned to service after a year+ absence short staffed and provisioned. About 20 short in the kitchen, 2 in photography and stretched thin on cabin stewards, future cruise staff, and etc. As others have mentioned, gone are dinner theme nights, surf and turf, ice sculptures, live music at diner, the after dinner mint station (aka the traditional HAL level of dining). Service was ...