ITINERARY If many of you are doing your research and trying to choose which Alaskan itinerary; Tracey Arm, Hubbard Glacier or Glacier Bay, let me give you my advice. I've always wanted to go on an Alaskan cruise and when Alaska Airlines had an amazing airfare sale to Seattle, I booked it. I've made the mistake of booking airfare first before researching the cruise. Most itineraries out of Settle ONLY cruises the Inside Passage and Tracey Arm. After doing exhausted research, most people recommend Glacier Bay over Hubbard Glacier and Tracey Arm. I've decided on the Holland America Zuiderdam's itinerary out of Vancouver. I figure this had the best of both worlds and the price was great! It went to both Tracey Arm and Glacier Bay. I would NOT recommend any cruises who's main feature is Tracey Arm. It was very foggy but we did do the entire scenic cruise. The sites were nice but nothing worth planning an entire trip around. I have not been to Hubbard Glacier on this cruise but I would highly recommend Glacier Bay. It was one of the most breathtaking places I've ever been. Glacier Bay is every changing and may not be around in several decades. It will certainly change in the next few years. I would love to come to Glacier Bay again.

When to go? Once you choose Glacier Bay, there's really no other option, you should book a September cruise for 3 important reasons: 1) It's cheaper 2) Major sales in ports to clear remaining inventory of tourist items 3) Access to John Hopkins Glacier. This Glacier and the John Hopkins Inlet is the most beautiful area in Glacier Bay. John Hopkins is one of very few glaciers advancing and the protective cove makes it an ideal spot for Bay Seals to breed. As such, this area is protected from May to August and no boat of any size is allowed beyond Jaw Point, roughly 5 miles from the Glacier. The seal pups have not yet developed their fins until September and any disturbances in the water by cruise ships can cause a pup to fall off an iceberg and drown. As of September 1st, cruise ships are allowed beyond Jaw Point and approach John Hopkins Glacier up to a mile away. You can get pictures of the remaining seals in the area resting on icebergs. Going beyond Jaw Point would also allow you to see Hoonah Glacier and Gilman Glacier up close. From Jaw Point, you would not have visible access of these 2 beautiful glaciers. You will also be able to access 2 very impressive waterfalls ... at least they were in existence in 2009.

HOLLAND AMERICA We chose HAL and the Zuiderdam because of the wonderful itinerary and price. The best deal! We will not sail with HAL again in the near future. The cruiseline, crew and entertainment talent was topnotch but being in our mid-30's, this was not the right cruiseline for us. As you've probably read from other reviews, the typical clientele was 60+. Activities were limited and EVERYTHING shuts down by 10:00pm. There's no such thing as a 24 hour buffet ... or even food for that matter of fact. Lunch concludes around 2:00pm and there's not much options in the Lido until 5:00pm. The food was adequate in the Lido but the food in the Vista Dining room was fair to good. Not amazing but good. We did dine at the Pinnacle Grill for $20 pp surcharge but I was disappointed. It's compared to Ruth's Chris but I did not find their food as good as Ruth's Chris and not worth the additional $20 surcharge. The food in the Vista Dining room is just as good and I do not recommend the Pinnacle Grill. Room service was good with nice entrees from noon to 10:00pm. We ordered in often. There are no other dining options. Read more