Oosterdam Review
Rating by category
Additional details
This was my second cruise on Holland America, my 10th cruise overall. Husband and I did round trip from Seattle to Alaska. The price was a few hundred below other cruise lines doing this itinerary, and now I know why.
The Good: Smooth embarkation and disembarkation. Room stewards attentive. 24 hour Room Service fantastic. LOVED BB King Blues Club. Drink prices were quite reasonable. Large selection of movies on the TV in the stateroom.
The Bad: Main Dining Room food always lukewarm, quite bland, and service was spotty. On Gala night was seated at 5:30 and did not get entree until 7PM. Activities during the day were sparse. If you like to cook or want to learn more about Windows, you will be fine. Other than that, though, you had best pack a few books because you are on your own! Singers and Dancers on the Main Stage were sub-par. The stateroom seemed poorly designed
Cabin Review
Deluxe Ocean-View Verandah Stateroom
We were "upgraded" to this cabin. I am not so sure it was. We did not have a bath tub (not a big issue for us) and the room was small with insufficient storage space/design. Cabin steward Fendi was terrific!
Port Reviews
Juneau
We enjoyed spending the day on our own. If you are on a budget I suggest the free tours of the state capitol building and a visit to the Alaska State Museum. We felt that $30 to Mendehall Glacier (a five mile drive out of town) was a ridiculous price to pay.
Seattle
We simply drove to Seattle from our home. I do suggest parking at the NAtional Guard Armory. Much cheaper than at the port itself!
Victoria
We have been here several times before so generally we just walk around and always find something interesting to do. Often there are chalk art exhibits and the street performers at the inner harbor are always good for entertainment.
Ketchikan
Ketchikan's first 3 blocks are pretty much Jewelry Stores. The Tongass Trading Company #1 is open year round. The 2nd floor is the place to go for anything you forgot to pack like shoes, hats, gloves, etc.