We sailed on the May 16, 2010 sailing on the Statendam from Vancouver to Seward. We booked the cruise because of a very low promotional rate. We believe the rate was offered because 1) sailing in May, 2) first sailing of the season, 3) on the Statendam. We booked an inside guarantee room. We are a gay couple in our mid-forties. We have sailed on seven previous cruises (3rd with HAL)

We had read the reports of the Statendam's problems prior to dry dock and the problems that were reported following the 2010 dry dock. We found that while a large number of problems still exist, some are being fixed. Others are simply long-term problems that I believe can never or will never be addressed. Alaska is beautiful and this itinerary is great. The small size of the ship makes for an enjoyable cruising experience (especially in Glacier Bay and College Fjord). Where the Statendam disappoints, the great outdoors provides the splendor for this vacation.

We received our room assignment only two days before embarkation. We had been upgraded to the room when other folks had been upgraded. This created some problems at check-in (we received someone elses keys) and in the room (we received their luggage) and throughout the cruise (we kept getting these folks invitations, mail and phone calls). Embarkation relatively smooth (except for the keys) where we received priority boarding. Easy to get to terminal in Vancouver. Disembarkation is relatively painless in Seward on this route as you clear customs in Vancouver. Read more