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Name: Susan Smith
Email: subergin@magicnet.net
Age: 34
Occupation: Corporate Trainer
NumberOfCruises: 5
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Holland-Maasdam
SailingDate: 8/10/98
Itinerary: Alaska-Inside Passage
FoodDiningRoom: 90
CruiseDirector: 85
CabinComfort: 88
FoodRoomService: 80
CruiseStaff: 89
CabinAmenities: 85
FoodLidoDeck: 89
DiningRoomService: 90
CabinQuietness: 95
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 90
ShoreExcVariety: 95
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService: 90
ShoreExcValue: 90
GoodForHoneymoon: 90
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 90
TenderService: 90
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 85
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 85
EntertShowLounge: 85
OverallPortsofCall: 95
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 89
Casino:
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs: 85
DeckSpace: 89
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 85
SpaceRatio: 89
OverallCruiseValue: 90
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 08 Sep 1998
Time: 20:42:47
Remote Name: 208.6.200.207
Remote User:
Comments
This was our honeymoon cruise and it was truly a trip of a lifetime.
My husband and I arranged our own air travel and pre-cruise hotel stay at the Seattle
Sheraton in the downtown area. This worked out very well,
because we arrived in Seattle early in the afternoon, and had plenty of time to explore.
The next day, we boarded the motorcoach for the scenic
ride up to Vancouver. Because we had already checked in at the HAL desk at the hotel, we
did not have to go through embarkation at Canada
Place. We just got off the bus and boarded the ship!
Our cabin was very nice- we were upgraded to an outside cabin on Lower Promenade deck-very
close to all the action. We had a spectacular view
at our table on the 2nd level of the dining room and enjoyed getting to know our
tablemates throughout the cruise.
We dropped off our shore excursion request forms in the express box on the day of
embarkation, and found our tickets waiting in our cabin the
next day. This sure beat waiting in line at the desk, as I have done in the past! The
popular excursions fill up quickly, so it is wise to book them as
early as possible.
We had great weather in all the ports we visited- sunny, clear, etc. In Juneau, we took
the Mendenhall Glacier helicopter trip. It was breathtaking
and worth every penny! I would also recommend taking the Mt. Roberts Tramway which is
based right near the pier in Juneau. It's a 5-minute ride
up the mountain, and once you are there, you can hike up some of the nature trails and see
some awesome scenery.
Skagway was interesting- we took the White Pass and Yukon Railway tour, which took about 3
hours. It was a neat ride, and a great chance to
learn about the gold rush history.
Ketchikan is a cute village with fun shops to explore. We took the 8 mile bike ride, which
led us past a salmon hatchery, and up a winding mountain
road. The guides were very friendly and knowledgeable. This wasn't an exhausting tour, but
gave us a good workout and more beautiful scenery.
Glacier Bay was also beautiful; the only disappointment was that we did not see any
wildlife, even with a good pair of binoculars! We heard from
other passengers that bears were sighted, and we did hear the glacier calving.
I have sailed with other cruise lines to the Caribbean, but none compare to Holland
America and the Maasdam. The food and service lived up to
the reputation that HAL is known for. We really enjoyed the activities on board,
especially those that were for us honeymooners! I highly
recommend this cruise, both for the excellent shipboard experience,and the memorable
sights and sounds of Alaska. For those of you who aren't
sun-worshippers, and love adventure and beauty, this is the trip for you!
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