We have sailed on HAL many times. This time it was a seven day Vancouver to Whittier (Anchorage). Last August we sailed on the same ship out and back from Seattle. Trips from Canada add to the complexity of the paperwork, but we managed. Covid testing at a CVS back home (Las Vegas) was free and results were sent in less than twenty-four hours.

This vessel was 70% occupied, masks required in public areas (high compliance in hallways, but when seated folks ordered a drink and off came the masks.) There were no rumors of covid quarantines on either voyage. Passengers were generally middle aged or older (we are older) similarly complected, Friendly. Few kids even over the July 4th week.

The Nieuw Amsterdam is in her early teens, but in excellent shape. We had a veranda cabin last year and this year a good deal on a Neptune-level SB guarantee. We were "upgraded" to an SQ. Roomy, but this SQ level has a teeny, almost useless balcony. OK I guess for cold weather but it would be awful for a warm water cruise. Read more