We wanted to see as much of the Alaska coastal cities as we could, so we choose the 14 day Great Land Explorer cruise with Holland America. The Land word in the title is a little misleading. You are seeing the coastal area mostly. And it was good! While the excursions are repetitive - Whale watching, bear viewing, flight seeing glaciers, kayaking/and or fishing with a few ATV tours, salmon bakes and a few short hikes thrown in, they give you an idea of what the coastal area is all about. Unfortunately, commercialism has hit Ketchikan and Juneau in that you are bombarded with the Jewelry sales, Bamboo sheets and the like that you get when you go on a Carribean cruise. Those are the only two cities that are set up for that which is good.

Holland America Maasdam exceeded our expectations. After reading other reviews of the ship condition, stateroom problems, so-so food, we were second guessing ourselves. HOWEVER, we found the Maasdam to be a wonderful ship. It was small enough that you could get around with ease. No it did not have water slides and rock walls, but it had a wonderful library where you could check out books, play chess, checks and many board games, read current magazines and daily Times highlights, use the computer and have a fresh brewed Latte while sitting in comfortable chairs gazing out over the mountains and waters.

The movie theater played current movies in a theater - not sitting around the pool smelling clorine. Our balcony room seemed more spacious than what we've had on other ships. Nice leather sofa, comfy bed, lots of closets space and drawers. One caution - the tub. It's a little high to get in but even higher when you step out as you are stepping down a few extra inches. They have wonderful handle grips to help. Read more