Cruise Reviews

Alex's 60th
Reviewed By: Wickens, Herne Bay on 11th Sep 2008
Cruise Line: Holland America Cruises Times cruised before: 6-10
Cruise Ship: MS Statendam Sailed: May, 2008
Destination: Alaska Age: 56-65
Firstly a mention for the team of ladies who are responsible for embarkation at Vancouver, their handling of a large group of people with speed & efficiency and friendly aswell, should be applauded.
We travelled as 2 couples & were delighted to find, on boarding, that we had been allocated 2 outside cabins that were side by side and that inside both were very nice, in all respects.
The ship itself was not too large and generally of a very high standard. This is turn meant that you could quickly learn to find your way around.
Setting off from Vancouver and sailing away alongside Stanley Park & out under Lionsgate Bridge makes for a wonderful start to your cruise.
The quality & quantity of food available virtually throughout the day, from breakfast to midnight snacks was always of a very good standard & variety.
Throughout the cruise the evening meals we were served in the main restaurant were always of a very high standard with a good choice for all courses.
All members of staff throughout the ship were attentive,friendly& helpful, their representing of HAL is to be applauded. This includes the example set by the Captain whose daily broadcasts were always informative & amusing.
As for the cruise itself through the inside passage & onwards to Alaska, it was an absolute delight.
The number of excursions available was quite staggering, with a 4* price range to suit all budgets.
During our first stop at Juneau we choose to go whale watching and it proved to be an outstanding success. The boat operators offer no guarantees of success, but our sightings of Orcas & Humpbacks etc was a tremendous success.
Our 2nd stop was at Skagway & after a wander round that included a 'Not to missed' visit to The Red Onion Saloon (not just fun for the men!) we took a trip on the White Pass Scenic Railway, a magnificent trip up into the mountains of the Klondike.
A day at sea followed and most of that was spent cruising around the spectacular setting of Glacier Bay, a magnificent wilderness of mountains & glaciers.
Our final port of call was Ketchikan, once again plenty of trips available but we opted to wander around & visit Creek Alley,
the vehicular lift & finally the salmon fishery.
During the evenings on board we enjoyed the nightly performance in the theatre and found our way round the other bars
& venues, where there was always something going on to suit all tastes.
Finally, my only gripe concerns the unbelieveable waste of quality photographs thrown away on this & other cruises.Why can't a pricing structure be introduced that encourages people to buy more & more by gradually paying less & less.
Quality of Food5
Entertainment4
Shore Excursions5
Staff5
Children's Facilitiesn/a
Onboard Activities3
Cabins4
Overall Rating4
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Comment by macro, reading (12 Sep 08 18:50) about this REVIEW.
Did you meet anyone who did any pre trip land tours?? I would be interested in comments. Thanks for the review.
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Comment by Wickens, Herne Bay (15 Sep 08 13:39) about a COMMENT by macro (12 Sep 08 18:50)
Yes, we 4 did. We were on a coach with Travelsphere for 12 days from Calgary to Vancouver. We had an absolutely wonderful time. I could bore you for hours, are there any specific things you would like me to comment about?
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Comment by macro, reading (16 Sep 08 09:24) about a COMMENT by Wickens (15 Sep 08 13:39)
I had been thinking about Princess pre cruises as I have met people on those. I have not met anyone who has been with travelsphere. they ring a bell but I would like to know if they arranged the tour and the cruise, what standard were the hotels and coach. how many hours a day were n a coach. Overall kind of cost per day on spend as prob not all inclusive like a ship! Many thanks in anticipation. Have you reviewed the pre trip anywhere?
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Comment by Wickens, Herne Bay (18 Sep 08 13:47) about a COMMENT by macro (16 Sep 08 09:24)
Yes, HAL was an integral part of the package, though optional. You'll find that other operators have links with other cruise co's. Therefore, hotels & coach co's are choosen for you, on both counts ours were fine. Hours spent on the coach are very much determined by 'tacho' laws and didn't seem excessive. As for average daily spend, that of course is very much down to individual budgets, but with meals being the main additional cost you should find plenty of choice to suit all pockets. No, I don't feel that 'The Canadian Rockies' need any additional help from me, outstanding.
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Comment by macro, reading (19 Sep 08 14:23) about a COMMENT by Wickens (18 Sep 08 13:47)
many thanks
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