Zaandam Review
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We sailed the Zaandam, Northbound only Vancouver - Seward 7 day Alaskan cruise May 31 - June 7.
We ate 3 breakfasts in Rotterdam, including day of departure, as we disembarked at 8:25. Leave 1 hour for this leisurely served, well done meal. And, meet people!
We ate at Canaletto on first formal night for upcharge of $10/diner. We did not bring formal clothing. What a wonderful meal given neither my husband or I thought anything on the menu looked good to us (too fancy). Ask you waiter for recommendation, and go with it. Excellent meal and service!
Cabin Review
Large Ocean-View Stateroom
We were assigned cabin D3331 by HAL. It was great for us. It is the first cabin off atrium on lower promenade, and we worried about noise from atrium. None! We embarked in Vancouver right next to our room and worried about diesel fuel smell at each port. None! We were 3 doors from self serve laundry, which was great. We were steps from the atrium staircase, from the elevators, and from another set of stairs that led to all things in the aft of the ship. The cabin is clean and well maintained, nothing to worry about regarding its age. We did not mind that the walking track was outside our window. It was fun people watching. My husband twice went out on deck while I stayed inside and turned various lights on and off. He said the only thing he could see was the fact that there was a fixture on the wall that was emanating light, but could not make out anything else. We kept our blinds and curtains open all day. Do not hesitate to take cabin 3331.
Port Reviews
Juneau
We took the city bus to Mendenhall Glacier. The chartered roundtrip excursions were $20/person; we paid $4/person. There are differences though. For $20, you will get there and return quicker. Probably 35 minutes vs 1 hour 10 mins. We didn't care; we had 15 hours in Juneau. The $20 trip drops you very near the visitor center; the city bus drops you 1.25 miles out from the visitor center. We like to walk; 2.5 round trip miles is nothing. Do what is right for you; you will see exactly the same things at Mendenhall. The $20 bus will have some narration; the $4 bus will have very kind and friendly locals living their lives. That is also part of the adventure.
Glacier Bay
We lucked out this day with beautiful weather for the ship to cruise slowly through the Bay. The National Park Rangers who boarded our ship from 7a-5p gave wonderful narration and educational programs throughout the day. We were told multiple times that we lucked out on all sorts of conditions, and we believe them. Get to the 8th floor outside deck through an emergency exit in the fitness center. It was used for this purpose all day as people took photos of the glaciers.
Vancouver
We did Stanley Park, rented bikes, rode the Sea Wall all 15+ miles one way, Granville Island, excellent bar named Jimmies near Simon's bikes, the Smile Diner for a breakfast and walked, walked, walked, and walked. All in about 38 hours.
Ketchikan
Unimpressive city but we did do the Lumberjack Show. The city gets a grade of 1 star, the Lumberjack Show a 5. We went back on the ship after the show due to rain, cold, and clouds.