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Note - this page contains multiple reviews.
Name: Warren Stankiewicz
Email: nf1j@juno.com
Age: 43
Occupation: Broker/Analyst
NumberOfCruises: 2
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Holland-Statendam
SailingDate: 3/18/00
Itinerary: 10-Day Mexico Riviera
Cabin: 678E
FoodDiningRoom: 95
CruiseDirector: 95
CabinComfort: 98
FoodRoomService: 99
CruiseStaff: 85
CabinAmenities: 99
FoodLidoDeck: 99
DiningRoomService: 99
CabinQuietness: 80
FoodMidnightBuffets: 80
CabinSteward: 99
ShoreExcVariety: 99
FoodVariety: 80
DeckService:
ShoreExcValue: 100
GoodForHoneymoon: 100
CasinoStaff: 100
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService:
TenderService: 95
GoodForSeniors: 95
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 80
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 98
OverallPortsofCall: 85
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 99
Casino: 95
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities: 99
ShipCleanliness: 99
EmbarkDisembark: 50
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 95
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio: 90
OverallCruiseValue: 95
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 01 Apr 2000
Time: 12:15:05
Remote Name: 167.216.183.254
Remote User:
Comments
This was our second HAL cruise, we had gone to Alaska on the Westerdam in September, so our
standards were high.
Our introduction to the Statendam was much less pleasant. We arrived in San Diego early on the 18th,
and were strongly advised to take the HAL transfer instead of a cab. This cost $15 each; we waited an
hour for a bus which then took us to a hotel for an extended 4 hour wait with the two rudest HAL
employees I've ever met. We got into San Diego at 10:15 AM; we weren't taken to the dock until nearly 3
PM. Embarkation was the usual chinese fire drill.
We found out coming back that a cab will cost you $5 between the dock and the airport, plus tip.
The ship is in pretty good shape and cleanliness all around; we were on the main deck, which meant we
could hear the sound of the thrusters when coming into port, and could smell when the crew's mess was
preparing something with substantial amounts of garlic. One peculiarity--if you're aft on Promenade deck
at the dining room, you have to walk up or down to go forward.
Of the four forward elevators (which can take you to the Crow's Nest, or down to the embarkation
tenders/gates on Deck B), only two worked reliably. And one of them had a mind of its own.
The dining was good, with the exception of one night where we were offered either fish or the prime rib
we'd gotten on the menu two days ago. We opted that night for the barbecue on the Lido deck, which
was outstanding. So we made out well. Our assistant waiter did far more work and was much more
personable than our regular table waiter. We never were able to get a cocktail at our table before
dinner, and I had to specifically ask for a wine menu the second day out before we ever got one. Just
not as friendly or attentive to detail as before.
The Lido breakfasts served the same food each day; the Rotterdam dining room does change their
menu around. It's also a nice view in the morning by the windows...lunches were good in both places.
And if they're passing out the lemonade on deck, get some. It's pretty darn good.
The show room entertainment ranged from outstanding (the magician, the ventriloquist, the
impersonator and the concert pianist), to the mundane (we're not fans of banjo music). We skipped the
nights with the big production numbers. If James Cielen is on your cruise, don't miss him.
Ports of call: First stop was Cabo San Lucas. Beautiful town, our excursion here was billed as snorkeling
on a catamaran with a subsequent sail around the bay. A three hour tour. This turned out to be 20
minutes of snorkeling and 2 1/2 hours of sailing around the bay drinking free margueritas while listening
to Jimmy Buffett music. We had way too much to drink, but that's our fault. Be advised that the water in
Cabo is colder than it is later on the cruise further south.
Next day was Mazatlan; we could do without this stop next time. It's sort of like Oakland--just a seaport.
Most of the buildings in old town (we took the walking tour) are pretty, but fairly run down. The cathedral
is in drastic need of repairs.
Acapulco was outstanding. We took the tour that went to the Los Flamingos Hotel, some of the nicer
private homes on the south side of the bay, and up to the chapel of peace (where the cross is). Our
guide. Heraldo, was simply tremendous, and we had a great time. We can't wait to go back here, and it
had some of the best shopping of the trip.
Zihuantenejo is a little fishing village that *smells* like Newark NJ. They sell the fish right out on the
beach under the sun, so be forewarned. We just walked around a bit, and didn't try for Ixtapa; the ship
was not in port very long here anyhow.
Puerto Vallarta was another great stop, and my wife did most of her shopping here; the old town is very
nice and friendly, and this is another place we'd visit again if we had the chance.
From Vallarta, it's two days at sea until you're back in San Diego--and 10 days is about as long as we
can take on a ship, we think. It was just long enough to have us ready to go, instead of sad to leave.
Our favorite place on the ship quickly became the Crow's Nest. Quiet and peaceful in the morning, and a
great place for a drink before or after dinner. Watch out for the strawberry margueritas--they taste
great, but are strong!
It was also nice to have a dining room, as the one on the Statendam (and other ships of that class) with
a view; much better than the tomb-like Westerdam room.
Some of the cruise staff were very disappointing. The social hostess seemed very unfriendly and aloof;
we never saw her smile at any point during our ten days. We think she was more interested in her
boyfriend in the officer's crew than anything else.
The cruise person who ran the bingo games (such a boring job) didn't show much personality until about
the last day or two; she's a really nice person, and we wish she had loosened up a bit early in the cruise.
Our theory on HAL casinos remains intact--play there early, because the later in the cruise it gets, the
tighter the payoffs become. Beatrice, the cashier girl, has about the most positive attitude of anyone on
the ship.
It was a good trip, however. When we went to Alaska, we went with the intention of seeing new things;
this trip was more of a vacation and relaxation time, and we enjoyed ourselves despite the annoyances.
Name: Rene Bibby
Email: bandrbibby@jps.net
Age: 37
Occupation: homemaker
NumberOfCruises: 3
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Holland-Statendam
SailingDate: 5-7-00
Itinerary: Alaska glacier discovery
Cabin: F723
FoodDiningRoom: 95
CruiseDirector:
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService: 95
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 95
FoodLidoDeck: 90
DiningRoomService: 90
CabinQuietness: 98
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety: 90
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService: 80
ShoreExcValue: 85
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 85
LoungeService: 99
TenderService: 95
GoodForSeniors: 95
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 80
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge:
OverallPortsofCall: 95
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 75
Casino:
AirSeaProgram: 90
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 90
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 99
Stabilization: 99
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio: 99
OverallCruiseValue: 90
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 19 May 2000
Time: 20:00:08
Remote Name: 216-119-27-65.smf.jps.net
Remote User:
Comments
This was my second Alaskan trip with Holland America. I had such a wonderful experience two years ago that
I convinced my entire family to give it a go. There were 10 of us in all,three generations, ages ranging 6-65. I
chose HAL with the knowledge that they generally cater to an older crowd. We are younger, but prefer the
more sedate atmosphere. The children, were welcomed by the crew, but there were very few other children
on board.I would not reccomend this cruise to anyone with children who are not well behaved.The other guest
appeared intolerant of having children on board at the begining of the week.By the end of the week we were
overwhelmed with compliments on our childrens behavior. My overall feeling was that HAL is doing some cost
cutting.
Meals were very good, but not as elaborate as in the past. Not a single night of dessert flambe!Our
wine steward was wonderful, she had our drinks on the table before we arrived by the third night. The waiter
was not up to par, he was overwhelmed, with no busboy. Kudos to Orlando in the crows nest bar, he even
memorized the names of our kids. Cabin space was good, even with four of us sharing.It was also very
quiet,the exception being, guest talking in the hall outside our cabin at 5:00 A.M.(we were across from the
laundry room).We had an outside cabin which is great for viewing the Alaskan scenery. If you need dark to
sleep, keep in mind this is the land of the midnight sun.Another bonus, we had a bathtub, not just a shower.
Ports of call: Ketchikan, We opted to book a fishing charter before leaving home.We had a great experience,
and avoided the crowds. Ken, at Northern Lights Charters took four of us out for a half day. Each of us
caught a couple fish. Juneau, My husband did the fly out fly fishing. He personally caught at least a dozen
fish in 4 hours time. It was the highlight of the trip for him. The kids and I went on the gold history and panning
tour. You would have to be a bit naive to believe that guaranteed gold is possible without a litle intervention. It
did, however, give you a taste of what it may have been like to pan for gold.
This is a great place to take a
helicopter ride and walk on a glacier. Sitka, We went on the sea otter and wildlife quest. We saw several
otters and hundreds of bald eagles. We were hoping to spot a bear but no such luck. Valdez, If you have the
opportunity to raft the Keystone Canyon and are able bodied to do it, don't miss out. This was not available to
us as water levels were to low this early in the season.Two years ago it was the highlight of my trip. We called
ahead and rented a car from Valdez U Drive. We saved money by not booking the canyon and glacier tour,
but followed the same route as the bus. We were able to see the same sights, but at our own pace.The
waterfalls in the canyon are incredible, don't miss this opportunity. We encountered fabulous weather for a
May cruise. Highs were in the 60's in every port. The only rain we saw was in Seward as we dissembarked.
Unbelievable. The cruise overall was a huge success as a three generation vacation. HAL is a quality cruise
line, and I would sail with them again. If you are looking for a party, look elsewhere. If you are looking for a
relaxing, calm vacation this is a great choice. If you have questions feel freee to
E-mail
me.bandrbibby@jps.net
Name: James Houston
Email: mjhouston@worldnet.att.net
Age: 64
Occupation: retired
NumberOfCruises: 2
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Holland-Statendam
SailingDate: 7-29-00
Itinerary: Glacier Discovery - Alaska
Cabin: C 110
FoodDiningRoom: 90
CruiseDirector: 86
CabinComfort: 92
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 95
FoodLidoDeck: 90
DiningRoomService: 85
CabinQuietness: 90
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety: 90
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService:
ShoreExcValue: 85
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 90
LoungeService: 95
TenderService: 95
GoodForSeniors: 95
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 95
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 95
EntertShowLounge: 95
OverallPortsofCall: 95
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino: 90
AirSeaProgram: 81
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 98
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs: 90
DeckSpace: 98
Stabilization: 80
ShopsOnBoard: 85
SpaceRatio: 98
OverallCruiseValue: 95
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 21 Aug 2000
Time: 20:22:55
Remote Name: 146.pittsburgh-13-14rs.pa.dial-access.att.net
Remote User:
Comments
This was my second cruise and my first to Alaska. I was prepared for a great cruise from talking
with friends, but it was well beyond my expectations. The scenery is spectacular. Holland America
does a great job and we (my wife and my adult daughter and I)were well pleased. The ship is very
nice. It is not as gaudy as some, but I personally like that. The only problem was the roll on two
days with some people getting sea-sick. That may have been more the weather than the ship itself
because it was rough. The food was very good and well prepared. Our waiter was good enough,
but seemed easily distracted so that at our table for seven, he made at least one mistake per night.
Another problem was that the check in at Seattle Airport was slow. The only obvious employee
seemed harried. The wait for the bus was excessive - about two hours - and we were given little
information. However once underway, the trip to Vancouver was pleasant and the driver was
informative.
The ports of call were great. We stopped at Ketchikan, Juneau, Sitka, and Valdez. We
arranged for tours on the dock usually and found that the value was better than that offered by the
ship. Valdez seemed a disappoinment at first, but everyone enjoyed it, especially the little museum
there. We docked at Seward and continued on a land tour. One last comment about the cruise.
Holland American's tip policy is ambiguous. They state that tips are not required, but are welcome if
the passenger is pleased with the service. I assume that this is to make everyone comfortable, but
really has the opposite effect. I heard a great deal of discussion about this. Our last cruise was
very specific about the tips and that was much better. Our land trip was great. The Kenai Fjord
cruise was marvelous. We saw a lot of animals and birds and glaciers. Caution: Dress very warmly.
It really gets cold out there, but that is true throughout. Take plenty of warm layers. Anchorage was
nice.
The Heritage Center was engaging. The train trip on the McKinley Explorer was very
pleasant. The cars are renovated and well maintained dome coaches from the grand days of
transcontental trains and I found them very interesting. Denali Park is grand. We upgraded our
tour to the 6-8 hour wildlife tour and it was well worth the extra cost. The only problem was that the
teens that the hotel employed to run their business were either uninformed or unwilling to transmit
what knowledge they had. They caused us a great deal of inconvenience and lost sleep by their
handling of our tour change. Some training in professionalism is badly needed. The rest of the tour
was great. Fairbanks and the gold dredge tour and the Discovery III tour are wonderful. It was great
being so far north. We marvelled at the giant flowers and vegetables. The Airport at Fairbanks is a
pleasant surprise as was our flight on Alaska Airlines. Their service was superior. I would certainly
recommend this cruise/trip to anyone. And I really liked Holland America. In spite of some
complaints - they really can't diminish the overall experience.
Name: Judy Blankenship
Email: youngblank@worldnet.att.net
Age: 55
Occupation: Acct Admin Rep
NumberOfCruises: 1
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Holland-Statendam
SailingDate: 9-10-2000
Itinerary: Alaska
Cabin: 126
FoodDiningRoom: 90
CruiseDirector: 90
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService: 98
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 95
FoodLidoDeck: 85
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 90
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety: 97
FoodVariety: 95
DeckService:
ShoreExcValue: 85
GoodForHoneymoon: 90
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 85
TenderService: 79
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 85
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 80
EntertShowLounge: 85
OverallPortsofCall: 95
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 85
Casino: 85
AirSeaProgram: 95
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 98
EmbarkDisembark: 69
DiscoNightclubs: 85
DeckSpace: 90
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 85
SpaceRatio: 85
OverallCruiseValue: 92
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 17 Oct 2000
Time: 20:16:22
Remote Name: 28.san-diego-01-02rs.ca.dial-access.att.net
Remote User:
Comments
This was our first cruise, I had always wanted to see Alaska & thought what better way to see alot of
country in a week. We boarded in Vancouver, after being met at the airport to be transported by bus.
Embarkation went fairly smoothly, although quite a wait to board, once on board all went smoothly.
Food was excellent the majority of the time as well as the service. There was a very good variety to select
from. We were at the 2nd seating which I was happy of, I think being at the first would be a rushed event.
Our cabin was a mini suite which probably spoiled us, extra room plus they had little extras you don't
receive on the other decks.
Our ports were beautiful and we did a shore excursion in every one, which is a little spendy but that's
what your for is to see the country. Ketchikan: we took the Misty Fjords flightseeing & cruise tour. This
was wonderful, the flight takes you below the mountain tops to see wildlife & then lands on the water,
where you board a big catamaran. We were served snacks, than soup & salad for lunch. this is was worth
every penny. Juneau: did the fishing trip. The boat was comfortable, however it was late in the season, we
only caught one salmon for 5 hrs. Weather turned terrible also. Sitka: saw the Raptor Rehab & Wildlife
Center & toured the Russian history. The Russian dancers were mediocre, I would probably skip that
again. Because it was raining our bus driver was concerned about our comfort, he dropped some of us at
a river/park which was beautiful & took the others back to the ship than came back for us. Hubbard
Glaciers were magnificant to see Valdez: took Thompson Pass/Worthington Glacier bus tour, this is
absolutely beautiful. It was fall up there, the leaves & foliage were all turning. They take you up to the
glacier, where you can get out & stroll. Seward: Disembarkation was a nightmare, very disorganized, I was
very surprised because everything else on board food, service, etc. had been very well done. They
definetly need to work on this. We upgraded to the train instead of the bus to Anchorage, it goes more
inland & a very nice trip. All in all, we really enjoyed this ship, lots to do on board even though the
weather was not the best. If I was to do this cruise again, I would go earlier in the season to have a little
warmer & not quite so rainy !!
Name: Harry Maclin
Email: 102467.2656@compuserve.com
Age: 74
Occupation: Retired
NumberOfCruises: 30 +
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Holland-Statendam
SailingDate: October 18, 2000
Itinerary: Hawaii
Cabin: 52
FoodDiningRoom: 90
CruiseDirector: 92
CabinComfort: 88
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 86
CabinAmenities: 85
FoodLidoDeck: 89
DiningRoomService: 90
CabinQuietness: 94
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 90
ShoreExcVariety: 88
FoodVariety: 84
DeckService: 82
ShoreExcValue: 80
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 88
TenderService: 92
GoodForSeniors: 94
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 90
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 85
EntertShowLounge: 92
OverallPortsofCall: 96
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 88
CruiseActivities: 84
Casino:
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities: 88
ShipCleanliness: 90
EmbarkDisembark: 89
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 88
Stabilization: 92
ShopsOnBoard: 88
SpaceRatio: 84
OverallCruiseValue: 90
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 11 Nov 2000
Time: 20:47:56
Remote Name: atl-qbu-zpg-vty22.as.wcom.net
Remote User:
Comments
Our first ocean voyage was with our then 2 and 3 year old daughters in 1953 on the Holland-America
Lines' ship, the Nieuw Amsterdam. when we sailed from New York to Europe for graduate studies abroad.
Though we had an inside tourist or 3rd. class cabin without a bathroom and were confined to the
tourist-class facilities of the ship, that experience was enough to hook us for life on travel by sea. Since
then we have sailed on a variety of ships on oceans, rivers, lakes and canals and continue to enjoy such
travel to this day because for us it's the only way to go for relaxation, variety and, best of all, unpack and
pack the bags just once! It also affords several opportunities, dependent on the length of the cruise, to
‘dress up' for dinner a few times, meet new and interesting people from all over the world, hear interesting
lecturers, enjoy many varieties of music and see some energetic stage productions while sitting in a
comfortable theater just a few steps or decks away from our cabin. The most recent cruise was again on
a Holland-American Line ship, the MS Statendam, 15 days around Hawaii from/to San Diego. It was just
what we were looking for. Though it was our third time aboard this particular vessel, we selected it again
because of the nearly10 days at sea with five days for stops at as many different ports. It's the days at
sea with no port calls that test the overall service and deck activities offered by a ship. On this cruise the
staff gets generally high marks in every category.
Our cabin steward and dining room waiter and helper
were all very good. And on the four formal nights at sea our table of six was expanded to seven to include
one of the ship's officers who not only added to lively conversation but also offered, compliments of the
ship, both white and red wine for dinner. The cruise director, a seasoned veteran, was one of the best
we've seen and heard. He supplied lively banter and information each evening in just the right proportion
at the conclusion of the evening entertainment. The ship's colorful theater has a revolving stage,
occasional fireworks and a fine 7-piece orchestra which plays for a energetic group of ten 20-something
singers and dancers. Among the other acts, we particularly enjoyed the three tenors (called These Three
Tenors) who gave two fine concerts and a pianist who had played her instrument of choice in nearly 250
Hollywood movies, a gifted and talented musician. In addition to the theater presentations there were
dozens of activities of every sort from very active (deck sports of all kinds) to sitting in a comfortable
lounge chair punching out bingo tabs or on a casino stool trying to beat the odds at a huge variety of
one-armed/buttoned bandits. One of the ladies at our evening dining table lost quite a pile of money by
trip's end. She said the casinos in Atlanta City were much more generous in their pay outs. Since neither
of these activities have any appeal to us, we used the large and well lighted library on board, walked at
least four times around the promenade deck (a mile) each day or two, enjoyed the lovely blue sea from a
comfortable deck lounge chair with fresh lemonade served in the morning/tea in the afternoon, read a
good bit about Hawaii from a fine selection of books and on more blustery days went up to the Crow's
Nest forward lounge on deck 12 to enjoy panoramic views of sea. This time around the overall quality of
food service seemed to have improved though with somewhat fewer varieties of salads, soups and
entrees (including fish and/or shellfish) for dinner; even so, there were always from three to five of each
one with a chef's suggestion for a low cal choice for every course. Going with the chef's selection, one
could then splurge on one or more of several tempting desserts including the flambee of the evening
and, if you liked, topped with ice cream, a sorbet or a dip of sherbert. Breakfast and lunch (open seating)
was served in the two-level sit-down dining room at any table or cafeteria-style in the Lido with many
choices from a do-it-yourself salad bar, sandwiches, hot and cold entrees, hamburger/hot dog offerings
and all the trimmings near the main indoor/outdoor swimming pool. There was an ethnic hot bar nearby
also, usually with varieties of Philippine or Indonesian food. Especially did we enjoy the spicy peanut hot
chop on a mound of steaming rice for lunch. Having gone to many midnight buffets in the past aboard
ship, we tend to skip them all now; in fact, there was only one offering on this 15-day cruise, a dessert
fiesta at 11:30 p.m. featuring chocolate in almost every form one could think of. Earlier night snacks were
offered at 10:30 p.m. and if one was still hungry, pizza was always available. Though room service is
obtainable 24 hours a day, we seldom use it although breakfast trays could be seen here and there atop
the hands of stewards in the cabin passageways from 6 to 10 a.m. each morning. This particular cruise
from October 18 to November 3 was largely made up of mature passengers with a sprinkling of
honeymooners. I saw no more than 4 or 5 school-age children out of the nearly 1,250 passengers. A
number of people in wheel chairs or using crutches or walkers were aboard. Knowing the ship has only 6
wheel chair-accessible cabins, I asked the Purser how they arranged the accommodation for so many. He
replied that most of them could actually walk a few steps and could get in and out of their cabins and
bathrooms without too much difficulty. I thought of a cruise we had been on some years before during a
school holiday period when physically challenged passengers might have found it quite difficult with scads
of running and happy youngsters racing up and down the passageways, elevators and monopolizing the
swimming pools and hot tubs.
While we at one time sailed with our own children and enjoyed every
moment of it, our feeling these days is that we've been there, done that - and prefer leaving it behind
now. If you feel somewhat the same, select a sailing date that avoids such hilarity; on the other hand
should you have children and want them to be almost totally occupied during every waking moment in
shipboard activities for and with other kids - then have at it. No need to worry about them at all - they
can't be any more than a few hundred yards away any time of the day or night on a ship. Usually, the
longer the cruise, even during school holidays, the fewer the children, especially those of ten days or
more. We usually do not purchase the land tours offered by the ship at ports of call, preferring to arrange
our own, sometimes with a small rented car or a taxi, sometimes with another couple we have met on the
ship. This is frequently both cheaper and much more convenient, enabling us to stay as long or brief a
period of time at any given stop along the way, avoiding usually much slower 50-passenger tour buses,
loading/off loading procedures and, sometimes most aggravating, waiting for the inevitable one or two
persons who seem to lose all track of time and cause unnecessary delays. For this particular cruise,
however, we used the ship's tours, mainly because the rental of a car or use of a taxi seemed expensive
by initial comparison. In hindsight, had we had the information we have now, we could have done it
ourselves without much difficulty, but Hawaii's taxis are not cheap.
We had five ports of call, three
alongside a dock and two from anchorage by lighter - several of the ship's large seaworthy, all-weather
lifeboats. The helicopter tour over the lava flows and smoke-spouting volcanos near Hilo were our
favorite. The ship's charge of $199 per person included transportation to the Hilo airport and return -
could have arranged a similar flight on our own for about half that amount plus taxi. Being a Navy vet from
the Pacific area (aircraft carrier), I especially wanted to see the USS Arizona Memorial at Oahu where two
of my neighborhood friends (brothers) died that tragic day in 1941. Since January, 1999, the USS
Missouri has been moored at Ford Island nearby and is slowly being turned into a most interesting
museum. So here one can see both where the war in the Pacific began and where it ended on the deck
of this famous battleship. It was a very moving experience for me, especially as I read the names of my
friends on the white marble wall on the USS Arizona memorial. Three more port calls were made at
Nawiliwili, Kuai; Lahaina, Maui; and Kona, Hawaii. At Nawiliwili, we traveled to see the Grand Canyon of
the Pacific - a great sight - and the Spouting Horn Park where crashing waves on the coral shore spouts
a large geyser of water into the air through a blowhole. And range chickens under shaded hedges
nearby really know how to work the tourists for crumbs. The tour on Maui from the ship was not only
reasonably priced but, for us, an outstanding event. We went to the local theater to see the production of
‘Myths and Legends of Hawaii.' The music (mainly drums of various types) and staging of this drama of
the origins of the islands and its people was an exceptional treat. Don't miss it should you be in Maui. At
Kona, our final port of call, we selected a bus tour to an old ranch, the largest one in the world we were
told, miles away from the port. This tour was an almost all day experience which was really much too long
for what we saw. Of course, at every port of call one could find a Hilo Hatties for virtually any combination
of colors for shirts, skirts and souvenirs. Sometimes embarkation/debarkation procedures can be
frustrating. We almost always arrange our own travel to/from the port of the ship. By so doing we both
flew for just a bit more than the cost of one person on the inclusive rate. To get such a good price,
however, we had to change planes once both ways - fine with us for it gave us a chance to stretch our
legs a bit as well as get a meal in an airport, a meal which these days is often much superior to the usual
dry turkey slices on a bun and maybe a small apple on the plane. We also know that although boarding
time is often posted from 2 to 5 p.m., those who arrive earlier can usually board from about 12:30. Many
who have arranged their own travel arrive at the port city the night before to avoid the rush. The
advantage of boarding shortly after midday is to find a very good lunch waiting for you on deck with an
opportunity to check out your table reservation in the dining room. We always ask for the first sitting,
usually at 6 p.m., not wanting to wait until 8:30 in the evening for dinner. As sometimes happens (and it
did this sailing also) we were on the second seating though we had been confirmed on the earlier one.
Arriving when we did I was able to change it and get seats at a table for six on the upper level of the
dining room. We are already looking forward to our next cruise in the spring which will again be from the
west coast but this time travel to the Mexican Rivera and through the Panama Canal to Fort Lauderdale,
another two week experience. In the meantime, we've arranged a mini-cruise from Florida over the
Thanksgiving holidays for our entire family (19 at the moment) to introduce several of them to cruising
and to have our first Thanksgiving in most of their memories where none of us will be cooking or washing
dishes!
Name: Mallory Gorenzal
Email: prodigygirl@netscape.net
Age: 15
Occupation: student
NumberOfCruises: 1
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Holland-Statendam
SailingDate: August 27 2000
Itinerary: Northbound sailing
Cabin: C 349
FoodDiningRoom: 100
CruiseDirector: 90
CabinComfort: 100
FoodRoomService: 90
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 95
FoodLidoDeck: 95
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 100
FoodMidnightBuffets: 100
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety: 100
FoodVariety: 100
DeckService: 100
ShoreExcValue: 100
GoodForHoneymoon: 100
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 100
LoungeService:
TenderService: 90
GoodForSeniors: 100
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 100
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 90
OverallPortsofCall: 100
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 100
CruiseActivities: 95
Casino:
AirSeaProgram: 100
MedicalFacilities: 95
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 100
DiscoNightclubs: 100
DeckSpace: 95
Stabilization: 100
ShopsOnBoard: 100
SpaceRatio: 100
OverallCruiseValue: 96
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 09 Jan 2001
Time: 10:48:20
Remote Name: as1-dial21.ptsk.mi.freeway.net
Remote User:
Comments
I met so many people on board the cruise! I met 3 girls through Club Hal. I really feel that Club Hal was such a
benefit for kids my age. It meant I didn't have to be with my family the whole time and that it was my vacation
too. Three of the girls I met were from Chicago, New Jersey and Australia--we still keep in touch via email.
We started our trip out in Vancouver--we had a pre-night. That was alot of fun. I think that is much more
relaxing than going to Vancouver the day your cruise starts.
The rafting in Juneau and in Valdez and the kayaking we did was in Sitka was just awesome! Not too many
people can experience such great activities. Even my grandfather went!
We toured Ketchikan in a classic red chevy! The tour guide was Lois Munch. What a riot. She even wore
saddle shoes and the poodle skirt. Way before my time but grandpa seemed to remember and have a great
time.
The train up to Anchorage was the best. I don't think I would have liked to be on the motorcoach. I hate riding
on buses as it is. Being all cramped and can't move around much.
The disco was great. I stayed there until all hours. My mom had to come and get me one night! How
embarrasing.
I met a young Dutch Officer named Steven. He was so nice. We also had dinner with an actual officer at
dinner as well. I can't remember his name, I do remember that he was British.
There was one thing I hated was that I didn't get to do more shopping on shore. My mom made me do the
activities on shore. Another thing was our flights, but that was not under Holland's control. Our flight was late
getting out to Vancouver because of bad weather in the Midwest.
All I can say is that the travel agency my mom went through was wonderful. If it wasn't for Alaska Bound in
Michigan, my mom would have lost her hair. My mom tried looking on the internet at all different websites and
just got confused. I can't believe how much they did for us. Saved us lots of money as well. Got to have more
money for the shopping!
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