Our tour began as a land cruise. Our surprise was the weather ((mid-70's) and the lack of snow! Destinations all had interesting excursions. Hotels were just ok. The highlights were our tour guide, Jason Balera, and the driver-guide, Lance! There were several very long "coach" rides (9-12 hours) and they saved us from total boredom! We witnessed something that most people do not see when they go to Alaska. We saw Mt. McKinley (Denali) cloud free all three days we were there! Astonishing. The disappointment of this trip was actually the cruise portion.

We were on the Zaandam. Our luggage was delivered in a timely manner, so no complaints. We had a verandah room on Deck 6. It was very cramped. My husband and I (both small people) could not pass one another. Closet could not be opened when anyone else was there, or if the bathroom door needed to be opened. Very poor layout! There was plenty of space for storage. The room was very worn, and the veranda showed a lot of rust. Windows in our cabin, and throughout the ship were filthy.

As far as the service went, we were very disappointed. Very few smiles, or greetings from staff when meeting in passageways. Room stewards had to be called to clean our room, even though we had been gone all day! Daily cleaning was very minimal. The main dining room offered good menu choices but food was often overcooked, or cold when it arrived. Our big complaint about this ship is that they nickle and dime you for everything. Very little was included. They try to even upsell you for water with your meal. The food in the Lido restaurant was very unsatisfactory. We ordered breakfast for two from room service and got a danish the size of an Oreo cookie, and croissants the size of a apple slice! Coffee was bland at best. Read more