Amsterdam Review

4.0 / 5.0
0 reviews

First cruise - exceeded expectations

Review for Alaska Cruise on Amsterdam
User Avatar
Kelly SS
First Time Cruiser • Age 60s

Rating by category

Cabin
Value for Money
Embarkation
Dining
Public Rooms
Entertainment
Service

Additional details

Sail Date: Jul 2019
Cabin: Lanai Ocean-View Stateroom
Glacier Bay as seen from Lido Buffet while cruising to Anchorage.
Puffins flying over Gulf of Alaska.  Taken from just outside our stateroom
View from Lower Promenade Deck, just outside our Lanai stateroom.
Sea otter as seen from just outside our stateroom.
Anchorage in the morning on approach to port.
Sleeping Lady Mountain, 10pm at night and the sun is still high in the sky.
Pilot boat coming alongside - seen from the deck just outside our stateroom
Approaching Hubbard Glacier.
Hubbard Glacier - photo taken from Lower Promenade Deck and just outside ou
Storm approaching from the west after leaving Sitka.  Taken through our sta
Looking back on the storm we just missed after leaving Sitka.
Seattle from Puget Sound before docking.
Humpback on the starboard side of the ship, taken from Lower Promenade Deck
Kodiak Harbor - taken from inside our stateroom.
Mount Rainier and Washington State Ferry at sunrise as we approached Seattl
Sawyer Glacier, Tracy Arm.  Taken from just outside our stateroom door.
Sea Lion at Port of Sitka - taken from my deck chair just outside our Lanai
Seal pup on iceberg, Tracy Arm - taken from just outside our Lanai stateroo

Absolutely everything in this two-week cruise was amazing from the moment we entered the cruise terminal in Seattle to the moment we exited the same terminal upon return.

We got a last minute, inexpensive upgrade to a Lanai stateroom and were so glad we did! Thoroughly enjoyed the door taking us out to the Lower Promenade deck and allowing us to see out to the ocean and ports we visited as well as the scenery and wildlife. The reserved deck chairs outside our cabin were awesome (although a little hard to get out of) and perfect for the at sea days and drifting through Tracy Arm Fjord and toward Hubbard Glacier. We have decided that we would like to try and always get a Lanai stateroom (five of the HAL ships have them) because it offers the freedom to view what's happening outside and being able to enjoy the fresh air, ocean, and scenery as it goes by without the extra cost of a private veranda. We also very much enjoyed watching people walking by (and knowing they couldn't see inside) and visiting with our Lanai "neighbors".

The staff who took care of the room for us were awesome and attentive to our every need and want. Room service was great for the times we didn't feel like heading out to eat and the morning pre-ordered breakfast was nice to take advantage of when desired. Cabin was spacious enough, bed that was supposed to be a queen actually was more in the king-size range and quite comfortable.

Cabin Review

Lanai Ocean-View Stateroom

Cabin CA

Port Reviews

Juneau

Enjoyed walking around, visiting the shops, eating at Tracy's King Crab restaurant!

Homer

We liked Homer, just walked around and visited shops, got some nice carvings and other items. Not our favorite stop, but very enjoyable nonetheless.

Kodiak

Took the driving tour of the town and just a little beyond town. Enjoyable, driver/guide was informative and very nice. Sitting in a school bus for us older folk is a bit uncomfortable, but... a good excursion, nonetheless.

Seattle

We live just two hours away from Seattle, so didn't do anything there other than show up at the cruise terminal! Great check-in experience, really exceeded our expectations and were soooo glad it's not at all the same as checking in with an airline! Efficient, friendly, and stress-free.

2 Helpful Votes
previous reviewnext review

Find a cruise

Any Month

Get special cruise deals, expert advice, insider tips and more.By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

© 1995—2024, The Independent Traveler, Inc.