HOLLAND AMERICA LINE ALASKA CRUISE REVIEW | Was it Worth It?
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- Опубликовано: 27 июл 2024
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Holland America Line’s Nieuw Amersterdam offers plenty of onboard amenities, entertainment, and dining options for a vessel that holds only 2100 passengers. This Signature Class vessel was the first to resume cruising for the brand. So, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to sail on a Holland America Line Alaska cruise this summer.
As our first time sailing with the cruise line, we set out to discover how the ship fared compared to other cruise lines. In this signature Holland America Line Alaska cruise review, we rate the cruise ship on several areas.
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Share your Holland America Line Alaska cruise review in the comments section below!
-----Holland America Line Alaska Cruise Review 2021----
0:00 Introduction
0:50 Casual Dining
2:05 Main Dining
3:28 Specialty Dining
5:15 Pool Deck
6:45 Sports Deck
7:30 Service
8:45 Bars and Lounges
9:41 Entertainment
11:50 Stateroom
14:00 Embarkation
15:10 Itinerary
-----Holland America Line Cruise Review 2021----
First, embarkation and disembarkation were similar to our previous cruises since the restart. Despite additional safety measures and verification of COVID vaccination and test results, this process was very smooth.
Similarly, the service on Holland America Line was always friendly and attentive. Given this was the 5th Alaska cruise for the brand since restart, the crew had seemingly worked out all the kinks already.
When it comes to the amenities on the ship, Holland America Line’s Nieuw Amsterdam features 2 pools. Only one of these pools, the aft-located Sea View pool, is an outdoor pool. The midship covered pool, the Lido pool, felt more like a typical cruise ship solarium. While the setup is fine in Alaska, we can imagine the aft deck would get very crowded in warmer regions like the Caribbean.
In our Holland America Alaska cruise review, we detail how the cruise line shined with its culinary options. In terms of casual dining, there is the Lido Market cruise ship buffet, a pizza window, and the Dive-In pool grill. We really enjoyed the offerings at the buffet, and the pool grill also ranks as one of our best burger joints at sea.
Further, Holland America Cruise Line delivered an exceptional specialty dining experience. We enjoyed the cruise ship's steakhouse Pinnacle Grill, the Asian-inspired Taramind, and the Italian Canaletto. Each menu offered delicious 3-course meals. We even give the seafood options at Rudi’s Sel de Mer two thumbs up!
In terms of entertainment, this cruise ship offered diverse and intimate venues to enjoy live music. The B.B. King’s Blues Club featured a fabulous band with two lead vocals. This venue also hosted comedy shows.
Billboard Onboard was your piano bar at sea. With a line-up of specialty cocktails and a dynamic piano duo, this venue was often standing room only. The Lincoln Center Stage also offered live music from a 4-piece orchestra.
Finally, the Holland America Line Cruise Mainstage is the ship’s main theater. The theater had shows most evenings including 3 productions from the Step One Dance Company. The first show, Humanity, was by far our favorite. This performance integrated dance, lighting effects, and upbeat music for an unforgettable show.
Even our cabin surprised us. While the main area of the stateroom was on par with other cruise lines, the bathroom was bigger with a full tub. The balcony was also bigger which came in handy while admiring the Alaskan scenery.
Not knowing what to expect, this Holland America Line Alaska Cruise review impressed us on several fronts. With tasteful dining options, a variety of talented live music and nightly entertainment, and just the right amount of onboard enrichment, it was an ideal cruise ship to sail to Alaska.
-----Read our Holland America Line Alaska Review on the Blog -----
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Have you cruised with Holland America Line? Share your reviews with us below!
My favorite line is HA. I've traveled Princess more, but my longer cruises have all been on HA.( 21 day Panama Canal, 28 day South American, 18 day Hawaii & 35 day South Pacific as well as a few 7 day cruises as well) I think they are A+ for food quality, entertainment(Shows, music, etc...), and the staff, like on board Princess, are fantastic handling all requests in a cheerful manner. I have a total of 6 more cruises booked on Holland America for late 2021 & 22/23. ps I was on this ship in April 2018 through the Panama Canal just after it's refitting. I really enjoyed it. I don't think of go-carts or water slides when I cruise, I prefer a traditional experience and higher quality. Fewer children are a plus for me!
23 times so far and 2 booked
I love HAL! I have taken the Alaska Cruise 4 times, and enjoyed every single one. I have met some great people , and, the staff have become my friends. In fact, one of the staff continued to stay in touch, and, I married his uncle in Indonesia. Also, I am starting a feeding the needy program with my dear friend Danny, and he was one of many friends I have made with the crew while he was working on the Zaandam (I am in quarantine in hotel in Jakarta, Indonesia as I write this ) So, you can say, I love the cruises and HIGHLY recommend the Hawaiian cruise. It was fantastic and honestly in the warmer weather, it is so enjoyable and alot of activities. No, I am not a rock climbing, mall shopping, glass elevators kind of girl. I love the history and nostalgia of the line and hope others enjoy this as well. I began cruising Holland America in my late twenties, and, have loved it ever since. Happy Cruising!
We sail once ,service was good,acomodation was good,the part I love more was mass everyday, the only part we don't like is to quiet for us,the music was more in the relax mood,,I don't know is We will try again
We just got back from this same ship and route. One thing we noticed about our room the last day is that the beds have drawers facing the wall. Would've been nice to know they were there. Still lots of space in the veranda rooms
We love HAL. As "older" cruisers, we don't need a lot of flashy décor, rock walls, go cart tracks out over the water, etc. Also, very few if any children are aboard. We have grand children and great grand children and love them dearly. But...we can see them about any time we want and that does not include a cruise. We don't miss the younger generation staggering around trying to get the very most out of their drink cards as we have seen on other lines. HAL for us all the way.
Dick: man oh man you sound just like us. We really like HAL and Viking. Those two lines meet 100% of our cruise needs. We are “older” as well. Give us good food and a quiet ship.
I so relate to your remarks! I started cruising in my early 20’s and thrived on the Party boat experience. A few years later, I took my daughter (age 4) on her first cruise, and then years later we had the joy of watching my grandson on his first cruise at the same age. I am glad that I have those memories, but now at 65, I’m ready for “me time” on the more adult-focused lines. So glad to hear that others like you may be onboard.
I am not at all in the older category but just got back this week from this same cruise and route. Absolutely loved the slower pace and no frills cruising. I drank one night and was sea sick the whole next day. Learned my lesson cruise sober and with the older crowd.
Coming from a teen, I completely understand. Sometimes is just good to get away from us😂. It is good however that the kids lounge up top was really nice and not that far from the buffet if we wanted a bite to eat. I really liked the simplicity of it.
Sounds very boring cruise
I've cruised twice - Alaska 2017 & Canada 2018 - both with Holland America. I've got pretty high standards when it comes to vacationing and they have just blown me away. Fantastic service, beautiful ships, outstanding food. I've got pretty much no desire to sail with anyone else on the routes they cover. My wife and I are booked and have given my in-laws the cabin next door on our first Caribbean cruise on the Eurodam. And, in 2023 we're doing the big ticket Land/Sea Alaska cruise. I can't say enough nice things about Holland America, I can't wait to get back on board.
Did an Alaska cruise with HAL in 2016 on the Nieuw Amsterdam and it was fabulous. Beautiful ship, delicious food with several restaurants and bars, fantastic crew and good selection of excursions, activities and entertainment. We had an outside cabin which was very comfortable and the on-board facilities were first class. The fact that the ship obviously appealed to slightly more mature passengers suited us fine. We loved every minute and would go again for sure.
We took the first HAL Alaska cruise in July and loved it! We have done 7 w/HAL, 2 w/Carnival and 2 w/Norwegian and HAL is our preferred cruise line. We like relaxing cruises without all the added amenities.
I was on this cruise and it was a tremendous opportunity to see Alaska and experience the ship and all it had to offer as outlined by the commentator. Would highly recommend Holland America to see Alaska as they have been doing Alaska cruises the longest… you absolutely won’t be disappointed!
I went on only one cruise. It was on the Eurodam. I enjoyed it. It wasn't packed with activities and not over run with restaurants and bars like the megaships. I was able to relax and the itinerary was nice too. We went to New England and Eastern Canada to Quebec City.
We just returned from an Alaska Cruise on the Amsterdam. We are in our mid 60's and celebrating our 42nd anniversary with friends. The service on board was unbelievable. We come from the Midwest so we know pork and beef. The ribeye at the Pinacle was the best I've had ! No matter where we we're were on the ship there was staff asking us if we need anything. I'll agree with the other reviews, if you want party hard, go to the Caribbean. If you want to relax and sight see go North. In my opinion Holland does it right,
We just got back from our 1st (definitely not last) HAL cruise to Alaska! This was only our 2nd cruise, the first being with Celebrity and HAL far surpassed them, IMO. The service was impressive, the food outstanding, the entertainment was very good and the cleanliness of the ship was unparalleled! I can't wait to go on another cruise with them......and hopefully sooner than later 😉🙂😁
Thanks for this. We cruise viking and Oceania. Just signed up for our first cruise on HA because of theitinerary. About to sign up for another in Japan. I hope we like it. The food has always been great on Oceania and Viking so we are pretty spoiled
Our first cruise was an Eastern Caribbean on the Ziuderdam in 2004 with 2 teenage girls. We enjoyed it. Ate in MDR every night and the food was great. Girls didn't want to go to the club for teens but found enough activities to keep them happy. HAL can be a great choice regardless of your age, it depends on what kind of cruiser you are on whether it's right for you.
This is a very true & extremely detailed review of this ship.We have enjoyed 8 x 24 nights ( 2 x 12 night cruises back to back )with HAL & enjoyed them all.Some ships have been retired since Covid started.When we can safely cruise again we certainly will.Many thanks from Australia.😊🙏
You hit the nail on the head regarding Holland America.
It’s a very special line with a target demographic of 50 and up. HAL and Princess rule the Alaska routes. I’ve gravitated to HAL the last few years. I love the atmosphere and the fact that fellow passengers have much in common and actually remember when Jimmy Carter was President.
😉
We did the same cruise July 24, 2021. Sunny in all the ports which was very unusual. Alaska is my very favorite destination. Glad to have HAL back!
Really enjoyed your review. I was interested to see how cruising had evolved since the pandemic. I love HAL and Alaska too. Have cruised through Glacier Bay Nat’l Park on several occasions. Was fortunate to have clear weather on each visit. The glaciers are truly amazing!
I took my first HAL cruise so long ago that the entire crew was Dutch. It was a wonderful cruise and I look forward to another HAL cruise. I’d also like to go back to Alaska, and cruising with HAL looks like the best way to go.
I concur - we thoroughly enjoyed our Alaskan cruise with HA.
May I know the year of your first cruise with HAL? Mine was in 2013 and I was in my late 30’s. Since then I have returned several times and I will be on the 5th one in several weeks to South Caribbean 😊
HAL is certainly my favourite cruise liner. ❤
Awesome video review !!! We have done 14 HAL cruises and a 14 day Alaska cruise out of Seattle. Holland America has some of the best ships, the food is out of this world and just a great time onboard. Alaska is a MUST SEE if you have not been, you will be absolutely amazed at the scenery and will never forget your adventure. Have another 10 day leaving in December and can't wait to get back onboard !!
We've cruised Princes and Carnival before but started only Holland America and usually its Inspiration cruises. This is our 6th cruise with Holland. Almost every area of consideration has Holland ahead. Specifically, the constant party atmosphere on the other cruise line was a bit much for us. We appreciated the two formal nights and the more mature, up-scale atmosphere of the Holland America line. We have already committed to our next cruise in November this year. We loved the freedom of the very early or later breakfast and formal dining or specialty dining. All was great. Entertainment options were perfect. Dealing with the crowds of people was never a problem and well organized.
We have cruised HAL 13 times in 10 years, and love it. We both have dietary restrictions and found that the food choices met our needs adequately. As the years ticked by we noticed a dressing down of the ambiance … one of the things we loved was the fresh flowers on each table, these are now gone, as are many of the gorgeous floral arrangements that used to be liberally dotted around the ship. Still our fave.
I have been on 14 cruises with Holland America. Been on different ships and have been to 40 different countries . I have crosses the equator, the international dateline, and been to the artic circle. I have always had a great time, met incredible staff and other guests. It is my pretty cruise line. I have one scheduled in March 2022 depending on the ever changing COVID requirements.
I hate auto correct.
My first cruise was a HA cruise to Alaska. The price was cheap compared to others, and I was spooked that it was going to be one of those nightmare cruises where they just happen to be remodeling the ship that particular week, right around you!
Thankfully that wasn't the case - instead, I was so impressed with the value provided by HA. Hearing that you have chosen them for the 14 cruises you've been on, isn't surprising at all. I can't wait until I can join them again.
I have cruised with HAL twice. First in 2014 and then 2018. In 2018 we had a Neptune Suite which was unbelievable. The room was so large with a huge bathroom. Our balcony was humongous. The service was spectacular. One of the 'once in a lifetime' cruise. Staff was amazing and the food excellent. I am going (hopefully) on the Zuiderdam in April 2022. I've cruised with Carnival and I prefer HAL, anytime.
I think we are on the same cruise and I agree with everything you said! It was really a wonderful cruise and with really good weather most of the days. Can't wait to do it again!
Thank You! I love your succinct but yet detailed review with honest opinions. Keep up the good work
I just returned from this very cruise. It was my 8th HAL cruise to Alaska and just as enjoyable as the other 7. I did a Princess to Alaska a few years back but didn't like it as much. We didn't have as good of weather as you did but still have a great time. I think the service is great. I had an issue with my cabin and was transferred to another cabin with no problems. And we were about 70% capacity. I was just happy to be health and able to travel and hope things continue to get better for all.
Zaandam to Alaska was wonderful. But wish we had known = $17 USD per day for Crew Appreciation does NOT go to ALL crew. Ask your bar servers if they get portion. If not, leave them $1/$2 per drink instead of signing tip on bill b/c 18% will be added to room charges. Best to give directly. Also, Guest Services do not share Crew Appreciation. Pop drinks not included but ice tea, lemonade, coffee with meals (not other specialty coffees). Otherwise fantastic food and service. Just be informed. Loved it!
I’m getting ready to sail with HAL in July, thank you for this informative review. I’m even more excited now to see Alaska!
Really liked the review. I am m going on an Alaska cruise for the first time and have chosen to go with Holland America.
Excellent review of your trip, we just came back three weeks ago from Alaska on the Celebrity Millennium and really enjoyed it. This was our 4th cruise in Alaska and one of those four was with Princess on their land tour and cruise and included 5 of the Princess lodges. On this cruise we visited Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway and had four sea days so it was very relaxing.
Glad you enjoyed it!
We've cruised on Holland once. Funny story.......as we walked to the cruise terminal, the agents looked at us and said - "are you sure you're on the right cruise"? We said yes, but looked confused. She was like ok. She checked us in. What we found out after boarding that the average age of the passengers was about 65. That's what the agent meant. We we're in our 40's at the time of this cruise. We had a great time. The passengers we're flirty and wanted to party. I was hit on numerous times LOLOL. The food was great and the cruise was relaxing. There we're very few kids on board, so it was a very chill cruise. I would definitely cruise Holland again.
Thoroughly enjoyed your video. We’ve been researching best Alaskan cruises and HAL keeps coming up as top of the list for us. Whilst we’re still relatively young & enjoy a couple of drinks & good food we prefer calm settings over rowdy party environments. Being from the Gold Coast Australia we can get our fast entertainment kicks at home.
Thank you for the excursion reviews. We’ve now included a glacier charter tour in our plans
Glad you enjoyed the video. HAL does a fabulous job in Alaska.
I really appreciate your in-depth reviews. Good job!
Thanks. Glad you enjoyed our review!
I went on the westerdam to Alaska it was very nice and calming and when we got to Alaska it was very fun to go to.
Holland America is the one and only Cruise Line - we have been on 5 HA Cruises, and LOVED them all - we are Seniors from Canada, have tried one other Cruise Line, and were so happy to get home. Holland America is the total opposite - we are never ready to come home. Our next HA Cruise is booked in May 2022 - off to Alaska for the 3rd time. I hope and Pray that the Pandemic is just a "dream" we have been in for the past 2 years ----
I prefer HAL as their ships are smaller making getting on and off for each port great. I have taken 10 cruises on 7 different HAL ships. Of course HAL is also replacing the smaller ships with larger one. On the longer cruises I have noticed that HAL is able to get to more ports with the smaller ships.
We are going on our first cruise ever next summer to Alaska with HAL. We are doing a 7 day land and 7 day cruise. Thank you for this video which helps us understand more about the ship and how things work. It also reinforces that we made the right cruise line decision. 😀
Glad you found the video helpful. Have a great cruise. We would love to hear your review when you return.
We went on this cruise that began on August 28th. Stayed in a Veranda stateroom shown on the video. Great room, great cruise and the staff, from cabin stewards to restaurant staff, was top notch. We have no complaints.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I am studying Hotel Management to become a "Hotel Manager at Holland America - Rotterdam", so I am really excited! Love the sea so much 😳
We just sailed the same cruise with Holland for the first time and agree with everything you shared! Well done and wonderful trip!
Thanks for sharing. Glad you enjoyed our review.
Thoroughly enjoyed your review. Thank you so much!!
We did the 8 day inside passage Alaskan cruise on Volendam in 2019 , the service ,food and experience. Was so good that we have booked a Mediterranean cruise with Holland America in 2023 , really looking forward to that
Sounds awesome. Have a great cruise.
We have done an Alaskan Cruise with Norwegian. This summer we're going to give HAL a try. Thanks for sharing.
Never cruised on HAL. 15 cruises on Carnival, Disney, Norwegian. Preparing for a Cruisetour in Alaska, ( our 2nd Alaskan cruise). Have almost decided on Princess mainly because of their lodges. Really enjoyed your review of HAL. It provided much insight to this cruise line.
Thank you for such a wonderful report. We are getting ready to do this cruise for a special occasion. It was so informative and I will be booking all the tours you showed in the video. This is our first Holland American cruise. You have prepared us well. Looking for to the trying all the speciality restaurants on board
Glad you found the review helpful. Have a great cruise!
I like HAL. Free room service. Great staff. Quiet.
The main dining room for dinner was one of my favorites. We only did one specialty dining, the Tamarind - wonderful!
But the dining room for dinner really delivered as far as I am concerned.
There is more outdoor space on other parts of the ship.
We go on HAL because it doesn’t have rock climbing walls, etc. Love the quiet atmosphere.
Came for the food. The service. The music walk.
We agree with all the above!
Thank you for this review! We have a big family group of 12 going on the Westerdam this July for a 7 day Alaskan cruise. It’s the first cruise for all of us!
Have fun!
Sailed several times. was a computer trainer (contract). Last ship, back in the 2000's was aboard the SS Niew Amsterdam. Was on it's final Alaska cruise. It was the last steamship still in service and was to be retired at the end of that season.
Found your youtube when I was researching a cruise to Alaska - perhaps in 2022 - now I am stoked and will be looking into HAL as I have already heard they REALLY know Alaska. Happy Sailing!
Thanks for the comment. Happy Sailing to you too. Did you book the cruise?
You will love HAL for a cruise to Alaska, and depending on where you live check out booking airfare to Seattle with HAL. We booked airfare from Florida and the fares were very reasonable. Alaska you will never forget !!
We're also big HAL fans. We've been to Alaska twice with them - 2010 on the Zaandam and 2021 on Nieuw Amsterdam.
Taking my first cruise with HAL in October cant wait
Great video. Very informative. Thanks for getting it out to us !!
Thanks, Glad you found it informative!
Holland America is our preferred cruise line. We have sailed all over the world with them.
Nice review! I’ll be doing a back to back on Nieuw Amsterdam to Alaska starting on Saturday! Can’t wait!
Have a great cruise!
It has been 5 years since I was on Holland America, the pandemic obviously put a long pause on our cruises. I have a cruise booked with them in 6 weeks and I am excited to see what I think about it having sailed with Royal Caribbean in the meantime. Based on my prior experience, I expect good service, good food, but a much quieter ship than Royal. The main drawback for me with Holland is they do expect you to dress in a jacket if you want to do formal night in the MDR. I wish I did not have to take a jacket with me, its just hassle. We have sailed on the Westerdam, Nieuw Amsterdam and Eurodam before and will be back on the Nieuw Amsterdam this time.
I did cruise with Holland American for the first time. We were on the Westerdam to Alaska. Wonderful!!
I have cruised a few times with American in the past and my experiences with Holland have not been so pleasant. I felt like a lot of the times the staff were severely under trained, but however, beginning of this coming year, I’m going to be doing my first Holland America cruise in a long time so I’m looking forward to seeing if they’ve changed lol and also in the past when I walked around the shop till like eight or 9 PM I feel like everybody was bad and it was a ghost town
I love HAL…loved Alaska! Having said that we always get the aft rooms corner, 90 degree glass windows. Neptune Suite…Neptune lounge is awesome…your own concierge, up scale dining no charge, free laundry…we had it all! So worth it!
Thanks for the feedback. We will need to check out the Neptune Suites on a future trip, they sound great.
We all can't afford that.
Thanks for the video. I’m taking this cruise this year and can’t wait
Have fun!
Great review. Convinced us to take this tour!
Looking forward to our first cruise. Booked the smallest living cabin option. I hope it’s not a disappointment for my spouse. Quite honestly though I’m banking on enjoying as many of the amenities offered. 👍🙌
We just booked our first ever cruise on HAL’s Eurodam for an end of May 2025 Alaska trip. Looking very forward to the more relaxed and laid back atmosphere of Holland America.
Have a great trip. What is the itinerary?
@@Eatsleepcruise1 It is the 7 day round trip from Seattle.
Great video! Planning on this itinerary next August on HAL’s Eurodam. Thanks for sharing!
Our pleasure. Have a great cruise!
We just did this same cruise on August 14. Two things you didn’t mention, that we really enjoyed, were lunches on sea days in the Pinnacle Grill (a bargain at $15) and we had booked a cabana on the top deck for the entire cruise. The cabana was nice even on days when it was a bit chilly (wool lap blankets provided) & we had our own private glacier viewing window. We often had breakfast or lunch there, too, served by our very attentive ‘cabana boys’ including mimosas on request.
Janis b...taking this cruise in 2 weeks. Can you tell me how much the cabana was for the week?
@@jaygroman5120 Hi Jay, the cabana was $399 for the week. We, also, tipped our 2 ‘cabana boys’ (Christian & Ian) $50 each. There are, also, family size cabanas that cost more. Ours had 2 lounges, 2 chairs, a small dining height table & a small lounge side table.
Nice video, great info. Thanks and take care.
Guys you did an amazing job of the land portion of the trip. Thanks so much.
Glad you enjoyed the review. Happy cruising.
Sailed on NA in February 2020 just before Covid lockdowns. That must have been an off week since we felt the service was lacking as well as the main dining room food. We did love Tamarind and Rudi’s however. The coffee area on Explorations deck was lacking compared to other lines cafes. Didn’t like the main shows but did enjoy the Blues Club and Lincoln Center however these venues were so small it was always standing room only. This was our first HAL cruise. Our expectations were high based on reviews but this cruise didn’t live up to them. We will try HAL again in November on the Eurodam.
Years ago I cruised out of Seattle towards Alaska on Norwegian, and a separate time on Holland America! The Norwegian Cruise Lines departure was filled with energy, with a buffet on the top deck; there was excitement, there was fun in the air. When I cruised out on Holland America it was absolutely dead. There was no music, there were no announcements, there was no departure party! It was silent. Perhaps it's changed, but I've avoided them since then.
We are trying to decide between HAL and NCL. I like do like larger stage productions when I'm cruising and the current NCL offers are very enticing. After seeing your video we will most likely go with HAL. Thank you for being so detailed.
Glad you found our video helpful. Have a great cruise.
Excellent review. I with my wife are booked to take this cruze in June. Expect the Weather to be good. There are actually many excursion options and we are confused with which one to take and which one not to take. We both are above 65 yrs. Both have knee and back pain problems. So too much of walking in ups and downs will be a problem for us. At the same time we are very much interested in Whale watching and Bear watching. I am interested in Single Malt very much. From your review I did not get fair idea about what varities of liquire and wines are available in the ship and in the room. However I am pretty mcuh inspired by your review and looking forward for the journey. Thanks.
We loved our Holland America cruise to Alaska❤❤❤❤
Going to Alaska on HAL this spring. First time using HAL and we are excited! We booked a trip from them on a Mediterranean cruise for next yr but they cancelled it bc they will be working on the boat.
Booking a cruise on HA to Alaska in 2024. Thanks for the preview!!
In August we will be on Noordam in Alaska after a 2 year delay from our original planned trip on 2020. This will be our 2nd trip with HAL.
Hi. We have sailed on HAL, the Oosterdam. We had the best time, and every meal was delish! The staff were professional and friendly. I'm looking forward to trying a different destination and wondering if Alaska will work for us. Love this video, anyone who treats his parents (especially his mom) to such a nice trip is a very nice son.
Great and detailed review! Thanks!
Thanks for watching!
I sailed with my father and three adult siblings on Holland America once to Alaska. It was my first cruise. Our two rooms we booked were damaged from the prior cruise so they put us in two different rooms. My father’e cabin was on the front facing high deck. He was never able to go out in his wheel chair as the wind was so hard we could not even get the door open. The casino was minuscule. There was very little outdoor space. Very few activities. However, the crew were very kind to my father and would work to find him a convenient table for his wheelchair when dining. Have cruised 20 times since all with NCL. Have three NCL cruises booked for next year. Always have had a wonderful experience on NCL.
Sorry to hear your HAL experience was not up to your standards.
@@Eatsleepcruise first cruise. Who knew. However, as I noted, clearly NCL has never let us down in any way, which is why we stayed with them through 20 cruises and have 3 more booked. I think that different people enjoy different things including ships and that is what builds loyalty for all the different cruise lines. To each his own. 😀
@@jacquelinechristensen9231 my thoughts exactly. NCL is the best for me. See my comment about I think HAL caters to couples.
I enjoyed this thorough review.
Thanks. Glad you enjoyed the review.
Eat Sleep Cruise, yes, I had my best vacation ever when I tried Holland America for the first time when it offered round-trips and boarding from Barbados. The food-quality and service were generally superior to what we experienced with other cruise-lines such as Carnival and Royal Caribbean. The range of services in the spa & fitness-centre is very wide (e.g., reflexology, personal training, body-analysis, acupuncture, nutrition, herbal supplements, foot support, muscle-recovery & leg-massage machine, et cetera).
Oh that was terrific, Jessica!!!! Love being at sea!!! But have never been on an ATV before. What was all the external gear for --- protection in case you ran into something you didn't want to, be animal or plant? Or also prevention in case of accident?? Oh the waterfalls always get me too!!!! And the food ---- I'm about to get insanely jealous!!! INSANELY!!! I'll see on next week's edition!!!
My first cruise was on HAL (Maasdam). I was 20. The cruise wasn’t bad, but it also wasn’t memorable. I can’t remember a single thing I did on that ship, and I was sober. I remember the activities we did at port visits, but I don’t remember the pool, the shows, movies, food, or even sun bathing. I don’t even remember young people on that ship with me. Probably why I don’t remember anything. It’s geared for the retired folk so nothing was available to entertain the young crowd. I’ve since moved over to Disney cruise lines. That fits my personality so much better and I have a blast. I’m in my 40’s now. I do avoid Carnival though.
Would highly recommend HAL especially for cruisers over the age of 55, or anyone looking for a calmer cruise. Service is excellent, everybody is nice.
Good review. We haven't sailed on HAL yet. Been on all the other main lines. My wife keeps looking at HAL, and I probably will agree.
Very cool, we recommend giving HAL a try, it was much better than we expected.
I just completed a Mediterranean cruise on HAL and loved it. I especially enjoyed the dining and options available. Unlike this vlogger, I did enjoy the MDR for dinner. The Tamarind and Sel de Mer were exceptional. The crew was especially attentive and very personable. Although we did need to wear masks as needed, the crew somehow recognized me and remembered my preferences. And finally, the house band in the BB King Jazz room was phenomenal. I would go there after dinner every night, As a result of this first time on HAL, I've booked another cruise for February....this time through the Panama Canal. Highly recommend this line.
Thanks for the feedback. Glad to hear you had a good experience with HAL. We look forward to sailing with them again soon as well.
New ships are even better, although they all pretty much follow same layouts. Prior to pandemic, cabins were ready when you embarked. Their laundry bag service is excellent. Overall, it is more a ports oriented cruise line so even on the Caribbean or the Mediterranean outside areas are never super congested. Love HAL.
We agree. Definitely a great option for port intensive cruises. Happy sailing.
Doing my second HAL cruise in November. We did the first before the shut down and had two cruises cancelled, so we are hoping this one goes. We have been Princess cruisers for decades, but since they ruined everything with that Medallion, we are transitioning to HAL as our regular line.
You will never look back when you cruise with HAL, we have done 14 with HAL so far and have another for December. We love the HAL ships and will never cruise another line now.
Love the excursion details as we booked on the Noordam May 28, 2023.
Have a great cruise. HAL does an amazing job in Alaska.
Agree with your comments, MDR would deserve another chance as I dined there on different nights actually preferring to eat there rather than going to the Lido. Canaletto was my only "for charge" venue. It was good as well. Comments on the plain décor and fewer activity choices lend itself to Holland America's demographic being a more mature clientele that lends itself to traditional cruising without all the formality of, for example , Cunard. I love the "No Formal Night" format. They do have "Dress to Impress" geared toward getting more dressed up if desired.
Love this cruise line. Looking forward to my second cruise of the year to Hawaii.
Glad you enjoyed our review. Thanks for the comment.
Yes, we loved our cruise to Alaska on HA
I have 25 cruises on Holland America and love the cruise line! If you like traditional cruising, give HAL a try. They have the best itineraries and reasonably sized ships.
Thanks, Bill for the feedback! We can't wait to sail again with HAL!
Thanks for, good review, we just returned from the September 11, 2021 cruise.
Glad you enjoyed the review!
Enjoyed your review. At 1st I thought might be long. Though I learned u covered on/off ship. I did Alaska HAL Ossterdam 2017,since smaller got in closer in some ports. I cruise Nieuw Amsterdam 11dec/18th 2022, Caribbean aruba + Curacao 3sea dys I enjoy. Tks for your details
Glad you enjoyed the review. Thanks for watching.
We sailed on the first cruise in 2021 (July 24th) to Alaska.
I thought it was a excellent cruise. The weather was picture perfect.
There were a little bit of relearning as this was the first time in 14 months
That the crew had paying passengers.
We did have three nights in the speciality restaurants, and the food was superb.
Thanks for your feedback. Happy cruising.
We are looking forward to a 14 day Alaskan Land & Sea Cruise. How many bags should a couple pack? We are planning on a personal bag each, a carry-on each and at least one full- size suitcase. Do we need to each have a full-size suitcase with all the changes of clothes and layers we need, or will one do for us to share? We won't be packing big cameras and electronics except our cell phones. What should go with us for the land part (first)?
Thanks for reviewing HAL. They need to be reviewed more .They're an old line and quite premium.
I sailed the Rotterdam of 1959 in the 1970s and Statendam class ships 90s/2000s.
This is my style of cruise line since it has a good balance of dining venues, inside lounges with music and dancing, the theater is nice enough and the service style is friendly yet professional and attentive. I think the food is mostly good but all mass market lines seem to slip from time to time. It's good to hear the specialty dining venues delivered. HAL is a ship for sort of old-school cruisers who like to play cards, dance in lounges, and meet up by bars. No, it's not for a lot of the family adventure stuff that happens with RCI or NCL. And not even as much activity in some Celebrity and Princess ships. Sometimes. But they have fun on HAL too.
I think you should try the MDR dining again. It should be comparable to Princess or Celebrity.
Have sailed on Holland America line and have been enjoying their cruises rate 8 out of 10
This is my plan for September 2022 for my 50th birthday celebration 👍🙏💖
Thanks for your video! We are Platinum Members with Celebrity, however I am excited to Cruise with HAL this May!! How do you feel about the AFT facing cabins, Concierge class? Thanks for posting this amazing review!
Don, that was an EXCELLENT review! We just got off the August 28th sailing of the same cruise on the Nieuw Amsterdam. We had better weather in Glacier Bay but worse in Ketchikan. Our experience and feelings towards the cruise are identical to yours. We had a great time and, in fact, we had only about 1100 to 1200 cruisers on board so we had no lines anywhere. GREAT job on this review!!!!
Thanks so much, we are glad you enjoyed our review! Happy cruising!
Is Holland America sailing intentionally at reduced capacity or did your cruise just have fewer guests than normal?
@@rodneypalmer8551 It was fewer than normal. They want to be around 70 percent capacity but the initial rush of cruisers is fading. The people who were suffering from cruise deprivation is wearing off and now the cruises stand on their own merit. Some cruise lines are having to discount their cabins very steeply right now.
Supposed to be on Rotterdam this Sunday! Now next September!
Nice review…we are about to sail on this ship in 3 weeks for a 5 night Eastern Caribbean itinerary. We are in a suite and I was curious if you happen to know if suite guests get saved seats at venues like BB King’s and the World Stage?
Great video!
Glad you enjoyed it
Very informative, we are going in 2023