We had traveled on two Alaskan cruises on HAL before. In 2010 and in 2004 we traveled on the Zaandam and then the Ryndam. We love going out of Vancouver as the city has much to offer before the cruise. We were coming in on the Rocky Mountaineer train and the connection worked perfectly with a day to enjoy going to Vancouver Island and touring Butchart Gardens.

Embarkation was perfectly handled and we were on the ship in no time. The ship however is showing it's age. Our cabin had cabinet doors that had broken latches but had plenty of storage and lots of hanging space. Dining was uninspired however. The first night was the worst but the food selections in the main dining room improved over the course of the week. The food in the lido area for breakfast and lunch were the same each day and grew old. The hamburger bar was excellent. Entertainment and activities on board were pretty limited and is mostly geared for an older (elderly) crowd. The service was very good. The ports were the same as all cruises but HAL has made the change to stay in port most of the day until late at night. This means the most beautiful part of the cruise going by at night. Such a shame. We had previously seen so many whales, dolphins, etc. and bears on shore but this time we were in port all day (until 10:30 at night in Ketchican!) with the beautiful Alaskan lands going by at night. We visited Glacier Bay and it is impressive but we had also visited Collegiate Fijords before which is much more beautiful. Instead this time we spent the last day of the cruise 60 miles off shore with the beautiful snow covered mountains far in the distance. The ship was larger this time. There were so many people on board the ship that every public area was crowded, especially when there was food or drink involved.

Overall we were a bit disappointed when we compare it with HAL of old. I don't know if they have changed their business plan but HAL did not feel like the upscale experience we had before. Such a shame.