As experienced cruisers on HAL and in Alaska, we looked forward to the 19-day land cruise starting in Vancouver on the Zuiderdam for three nights with 9 days crossing from Skagway through the Yukon to Denali and reboarding the Nieuw Amsterdam for a 7 day southbound cruiseincluding Glacier Bay. Seemed well designed . But HAL did not consider that most of the travelers were over 60 and expected deluxe accomodations off the ship. This proved a miserable land tour.

Starting on the three day Zuiderdam cruise, the restaurants were understaffed. The Cannaletto reopened after staff shortages for weeks. The waiters in the Main Dining room were intimidated and di not want to alter any request for the passenger. Asking to add or remove something from an order was a big deal. Menus had no Alaskan fresh seafood. One night Alaskan Rock fish was offered, not fresh. The usual menu of Salmon was available as on all HAL sailings. Nothing Alaskan. One night Atlantic seafood chowder was offered as we sailed Alaskan waters. Seattle has dominated the menus as the same on all HAL ships apparently. We saw niothing different from our transAtlantic in 2021 on the menus while sailing Alaskan waters.

Many inexperienced staff appeared at venues having boarded with us in Vancouver. Read more