Background: This is our 2nd HAL cruise, the first was in '99 on the old Westerdam with extended family. This cruise was just my husband and I to celebrate our 25th Anniversary. We are both 50/51 and live in the Portland, OR Metro area. We chose this itinerary because it sails RT from Seattle. This is much more convenient than traveling to Vancouver (as we did in 1999). We drove to Seattle the morning of the cruise.

Embarkation: Arrived at 11:30 which is the earliest you can begin boarding. Parked in the lot ($12/day) and checked bags inside. No long lines anywhere and within a short time we were walking up the gangway. We had done the Immigration forms on line but at that time of the morning it probably didn't matter. It was nice to have them done ahead of time though. We had lunch in the Lido then took our carry on luggage up to the 9th floor and waited in the Crows Nest until our room was ready (at 1:30). Our bags had all (3) arrived by 4pm.

Ship: The Amsterdam is beautiful inside and out. She is elegant and well cared for (there is always someone painting, scrubbing and polishing 24/7). The decorations are tasteful and the public areas are spacious and comfortable. The Exploration's Cafe is well stocked with books, DVD's and current magazines. There are also games and a large puzzle. There were ample computers but we did not use the ship's internet services. There are paintings and sculptures (new and old) and fresh flowers all over the ship. The location of the stairs and elevators made getting around the ship very easy and at each elevator there were ship diagrams and directions to any venue. Most of the public areas had expansive windows to view the ocean as you read, ate or relaxed. The Crow's Nest has the best indoor viewing on the front of the ship. Read more