This was a 5 day Pacific Northwest cruise Vancouver, Seattle, Port Angeles, Victoria, Port Alberni, and Vancouver leaving 05 May 2009

Embarkation was great as there were only 2 ships leaving from Canada Place when we departed & returned. Other days when up to 8 ships were departing didn't fare as well according to news reports. We were on board quickly with our rooms ready & our luggage soon delivered.

The Statendam is a well looked after older ship. I think it goes in for dry-dock refit in 2010.  Keeping this is mind when booking a cruise on her will allow you to enjoy her timeless elegance. The fountain & escalators were still not functioning on this trip. The escalator wasn't a problem for access as we like to use the stairs as much as possible. If the large fountain was working I can see how it would have added to the ambiance of center atrium. The ship was cool to cold in the public areas most of the trip. We often wore jackets inside after being out . The covered pool area was appreciated on this cruise as the first few days the weather was unseasonably cool. However they kept the cover partially open too far most of the time. This made it unnecessarily cold and most passengers were using the provided blankets and didn't stay long by the pool. Keeping the cover closed would create a Tropical feel to the pool area even when in Alaskan waters. To one staff members credit they did close the cover after I suggested the passengers were cold. I'm sure on the nicer days by the pool that beverage sales went up as was with our gorgeous day in Port Alberni. So Hal keep the lid on when it's cold outside Please! Read more