holland-statendamjt090698

Note - this page contains multiple reviews.

Name: Jim Thornton
Email: jthorn@gte.net
Age: 64
Occupation: Retired Engineering Manager
NumberOfCruises: 4
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Holland-Statendam
SailingDate: September 6, 1998
Itinerary: Alaska - Glacier Discovery
FoodDiningRoom: 70
CruiseDirector: 50
CabinComfort: 80
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 50
CabinAmenities: 80
FoodLidoDeck: 60
DiningRoomService: 70
CabinQuietness: 60
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 70
ShoreExcVariety: 80
FoodVariety: 60
DeckService: 50
ShoreExcValue: 80
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 80
TenderService: 50
GoodForSeniors: 80
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 50
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 50
OverallPortsofCall: 80
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 60
Casino:
AirSeaProgram: 70
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 80
EmbarkDisembark: 80
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 70
Stabilization: 80
ShopsOnBoard: 70
SpaceRatio: 70
OverallCruiseValue: 70
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 24 Sep 1998
Time: 14:08:16
Remote Name: 208.254.79.251
Remote User:

Comments

My wife and I had sailed on the Holland America Lines (HAL) Noordam on the seven-day inside Alaska Passage several years ago and the
treatment provided on this ship really sold us on HAL. In fact, two years later, we sailed on the HAL Nuew Amsterdam for a 21-day Panama Canal
cruise with the same superior service. Next, we took the Norwegian Lines Dreamward on a seven-day Fall Foliage, New England, and Eastern
Canadian cruise to compare their service against HAL and on Norwegian we had poorer service. Thus, we decided to go the HAL Statendam for
seven days with their seven day Tour 18 to Denali National Park.

My wife and I flew non-stop from Los Angeles to Vancouver, arriving just before lunch. Next, a short HAL bus ride across town to the ship boarding
area without narration of the city as opposed to the earlier Alaska trip. Inside the ship terminal, the HAL personnel was unorganized – there were
no directions, confusing signs, the lines of passengers waiting to board were poorly formed, etc. Finally, at about 3:30 PM, a HAL representative
began directly the alumni into a shorter line and our travel documents were immediately processed. However, we were prevented from boarding
the ship, as their metal detector equipment wasn’t setup. After about a 30-minute wait, we boarded the ship without the presence of the usual little
Dutch girl to greet us at the gangplank – the only greeter was the ever-present shipboard photographer.

Upon entering the ship, we were told which deck our cabin was on and sent on our way by ourselves. This was in contrast to our two earlier HAL
cruises where our cabin stewards escorted us to our cabins. And our non-smoking cabin was upgraded into a smoking one with a verandah; we
thought who would want a verandah in Alaska, but more on this later. Also, the cabin was near the stairways and elevators and the voices of the
passengers gathering to use and return from the stairs and elevators could be heard especially late at night as well as music from the Crow’s Nest
(bar) several decks above us. We received flowers from a person we did not know while we were expecting to receive flowers from our travel
agent. We guess it was an onboard HAL error. The cabin seemed a little narrow as compared to the other ships. The cabin had two double beds
make into a queen sized bed, nine-drawer set of drawers, two closets, a couch, table, one chair, two night stands, TV and VCR, refrigerator, and
bathroom with a spa-like bath tub.

We enjoyed good pre-dinner cocktail service at the Crow’s Nest except for the night of the Captain’s Reception when HAL pulls most of their
waiters and waitresses downstairs to host the reception. We, also, found that several of the bars including the Crow’s Nest would be closed without
any previous notice for private parties. There were several other used areas that could have served just as well for these parties including the
King’s Dining Room, the Queen Dining Room, etc. The dinner table were either two or six persons with two dinner seatings. On the previous HAL
cruises, we enjoyed the larger eight person tables. We didn’t have time to see any onboard movies either in the theater or in our cabin. The
entertainment was very poor – just an Elvis-like singer and magician with very load music for several nights, etc. Many of our fellow passengers
stop going to these shows because of the loud music. Except the last night, there was a good musical review show.

I wonder if the smaller ships provide better or more personalize service? The Noordam and Nuew Amsterdam carry 52 passengers than the
Statendam.

In Ketchikan, we took the 3½-hour Orca Beach Nature Walk with a very knowledgeable guide. Very enjoyable and saw their rain forest, the
different trees, mushrooms, etc. A good choice. Last time, we took the river canoeing – it was enjoyable also. We saw eagles and crows in the city.

In Juneau, we took the 4½-hour five-mile Guide’s Choice Adventure Hike along side Mendenhall glacier with lots of stair climbing, and one stretch
was 200 stairs, but for the views and camera shots it was worth it. Last time, we took the Mendenhall River rafting trip and seaplane ride over the
glaciers - two good choices.

In Sitka, we took the Sea Otter & Wildlife Quest, 3-hour boat ride and saw lots of whales and sea otters very close by. The boat came right up to
the ship and we were able to board directly into the smaller boat. Instead of going to shore by launch and then boarding the boat. Last time, we
took the sea kayaking – an another good choice.

In Hubbard Glacier Bay, we saw lots and lots of glaciers including several major glacier calving. The best place to see the glaciers is the Crow’s
Nest but it become to crowded and too full of cigarette smoke. It was here that our verandah became most appreciated as we had our private
glacier viewing area. During major glacier viewing periods, all inside viewing areas should become non-smoking for the benefit to all passengers.
There was an onboard naturalist to describe the glaciers, wildlife, indians, etc.

In Valdez, we took the 2-hour Keystone Canyon Raft Trip. Very interesting with lots of waterfalls.

We were off the ship in Seward at 6:30 AM as the shipboard personnel needed to prepare the ship for new passengers boarding at 3:30 PM. On
the HAL bus trip to Anchorage, we stopped at Portage Lake for a 3-hour boat cruise to the Portage Glacier.

Anchorage was uneventful except for the 4-hour city tour. Our two-night stay was in a HAL Sheraton Anchorage hotel and the city was repairing
the road in front of the hotel. The main floor restaurant was way over priced and the top floor restaurant wasn’t open the two nights when we were
there. The main activity was to walk downtown about six long blocks away. The nearest grocery store was about 13 blocks away. The room was on
the tenth floor with a double bed, TV, etc., the standard hotel room. The hotel was not located in the best part of town.

The special 8-hour McKinley Explorer train ride to Denali National Park was fun with lots of sights to be seen. Try and specify that you want a front
looking seat as opposed to a back or sideways looking seat. We were lucky and got a front looking seat while the couple across from us had only
the view of where we had been. We had breakfast aboard and the service and food was good. We skipped lunch as we were still full from
breakfast. We arrived at Denali about 4:00 PM.

We took the 6½-hour wildlife tour and saw only caribou and partridge-like birds. Our room in the HAL McKinley Chalets complex was actually two
rooms with a bedroom with one single and one double bed and TV and the other room with a couch, table, and chair. The drawers and closets
were very small. In fact, you can only take one carry-on bag for your clothing and toilettes. We found the restaurant and cafeteria to have a poor
choice of meals and to be over priced. Due to the distance (about ½ mile) between our room and the restaurant, cafeteria, gift shop, and lobby,
the complex provides a bus shuttle service. We took the hotel shuttle over to the park as the hotel is outside the park and spent some time at the
visitor’s center. The center is quite small and very unlike Yosemite or Yellowstone. There are no hiking trails in the park. We saw very few wildlife –
no bears, no moose, no elk, no mountain goats, etc. About ½ mile on the main road to the park is the Princess complex and we had an enjoyable
and reasonably priced breakfast the last morning.

We took the same train from Denali into Fairbanks and had dinner aboard. It too was very good. We saw several moose from the train. We stayed
at the HAL Westmark Fairbanks hotel. Fairbanks was much more interesting with its tours of the Gold Dredge No. 8 (owned by HAL) and panning
for gold (we collectively panned over eight dollars whole), and the sternwheeler Discovery cruise on the Chena and Tanana Rivers. The
sternwheeler trip was the best thing of the whole trip.

A long flight home on Alaska Airlines – Fairbanks to Anchorage to Seattle to LAX.

Name: Harry E. Barkin
Email: director-1@msn.com
Age: 68
Occupation: Retired
NumberOfCruises: 4
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Holland-Statendam
SailingDate: November 17, 1998
Itinerary: Los Angeles, Hawaii, Los Angeles
FoodDiningRoom: 95
CruiseDirector: 90
CabinComfort: 98
FoodRoomService: 95
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 100
FoodLidoDeck: 80
DiningRoomService: 98
CabinQuietness: 98
FoodMidnightBuffets: 90
CabinSteward: 98
ShoreExcVariety: 90
FoodVariety: 95
DeckService:
ShoreExcValue: 90
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 90
TenderService: 95
GoodForSeniors: 95
BeautySalonStaff: 90
EntertainmentLounges: 80
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 85
EntertShowLounge: 80
OverallPortsofCall: 95
BeautySalon: 80
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino:
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 98
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 97
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 85
SpaceRatio: 95
OverallCruiseValue: 98
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 12 Dec 1998
Time: 11:26:50
Remote Name: 153.34.39.7
Remote User:

Comments

This was our first on Holland America. The exterior design of the Statendam is conventional, but after all, it is a ship. The interior
decor however, rates a very impressive A plus.

The average passenger age on this cruise could be designated as Senior Citizen. They (we) were quite active and friendly, and
the midnight functions were well attended. The many Promenade deck walkers were serious about their exercise as were those
using the fitness facilities.

CABIN: We were fortunate enough to have booked Suite 033 on the Navigation deck, starboard. The beds were the most
comfortable we had encountered on any line. Closet and storage spaces were more than we required, and this was on a 16 day
(actually 17) cruise--more on that later.

The cabin measured 560 sq. feet. It was pleasantly quiet, but it did really creak during several 18-20 foot seas. The carpeting was
in very good condition and the heating and A/C worked well. We had no plumbing problems and heard of none. The verandah had
to be twice the normal size, with two lounge chairs, a round table and four chairs. In our cabin we had a large sofa, coffee table
with chairs, a large bar area with much glassware, a refrigerator, radio and TV.

Suite amenities included fruit, flowers and a bottle of champagne, compliments of the Captain. During the voyage, we were invited
to a private luncheon and a dinner with the Captain and his officers. In addition, suite passengers had a private cocktail party with
an exceptional open bar and formal service. Laundry service was complimentary and professional. We also received boxes of
candy on formal evenings.

Our cabin steward ws outstanding in that he did his job quickly and well. He also seemed to have the talent to anticipate many of
our requests. I do believe however, that the HAL policy of 'tipping not required' does a disservice to those crew members who are
involved with service. Too many of our fellow passengers assumed that tipping was being discouraged and they acted
accordingly.

DINING: It is a given that no restaurant can regulary serve 1,266 diners and maintain a gourmet standard. The main dining room
was beautifully appointed and did an exceptional job of satisfying the majority of passengers. The menu selections were
considerable and gratifying. Having said that, I must point out that the Lido restaurant needs work. The presentation is impressive
and the number of items were staggering -- maybe that is part of their problem. I do however, categorically state that no other line
can come close to the selection and quality of their chocolate desserts!

EMBARKATION was a bit slow, but efficient. DISEMBARKATION on the other hand was done quickly and painlessly. We were
called within an hour of leaving our cabin.

Day 17 of a 16 day cruise -- on our return trip and when we were approximately 1,100 miles from Hawaii, we turned back to Hilo,
Hawaii. This was necessitated by a passenger having a medical emergency. The Coast Guard sent out a chopper, and a
dramatic transfer by cable and basket was accomplished. The ship's Captain performed a magnificent feat of seamanship in very
rough seas, as did the Coast Guard crew. Also to be commended are the people in the HAL Seattle office. They did an excellant
job with the monumental itenerary changes for the passengers, inasmuch as we were 24 hours late upon return. They notified by
telephone or fax, relatives, friends and revised airling schedules.

COMMENTS: Language was a very minor problem at times. I do believe that the line should consider requiring more solid English
comprehension of their departmental supervisory personnel. Everyone was extremely courteous, helpful and friendly.

TENDER SERVICE showed the results of much training. The crews were expert at their duties and helpful to those passengers
requiring assistance.

Perhaps we were just spoiled or overwhelmed by the degree of personalized service provided, but my wife and I both agree that
our Holland America experience surpasses our previous cruise on the Royal Princess. We will most definitely book another
cruise on HAL in the near future, probably on the new Rotterdam.

Name: Mike Marano
Email: mmar@sprynet.com
Age: 21
Occupation: student/writer
NumberOfCruises: 8
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Holland-Statendam
SailingDate: 02/11/99
Itinerary: Caribbean
FoodDiningRoom: 100
CruiseDirector: 100
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 100
CabinAmenities: 95
FoodLidoDeck: 95
DiningRoomService: 100
CabinQuietness: 95
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 100
ShoreExcVariety: 95
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService: 90
ShoreExcValue: 90
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 90
PrivateIsland: 100
GoodForFamilies: 100
LoungeService: 95
TenderService: 100
GoodForSeniors: 100
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 95
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 100
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 90
CruiseActivities: 99
Casino: 95
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 90
DiscoNightclubs: 100
DeckSpace: 95
Stabilization: 95
ShopsOnBoard: 95
SpaceRatio: 95
OverallCruiseValue: 100
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 24 Feb 1999
Time: 13:43:09
Remote Name: 199.174.155.172
Remote User:

Comments

Hi all,

My family and I just finished a 10 day Caribbean cruise (Feb 11-21) on the Statendam (of the Holland America
Line) and it was excellent. Of the 8 HAL cruises I've been on it was the best. Everything was superb. The only
snag was that we got to St. Thomas a few hours late because of engine troubles (a rare occurance on HAL
ships), but everyone got $50 extra shipboard credit to compensate for it.

Now I'm 21, and although lots of people say that there are only elderly people on HAL cruises (there are some,
sure) I found there to be more than enough people my own age, INCLUDING the cruise staff, who were excellent
in every conceivable way a cruise staff could be. They were more than just the folks who set up atrium mini-golf,
they became friends of mine. Don't know who's reading this, but if anyone's been on or is going on the
Statendam, Janelle, Mike, And Erika are the best Cruise Staff you'll ever see.

Our initial Cruise Director, Edwin Rojas, had to leave the ship, but his replacement, "Jazzy" Jeff Davis, the
Assistant CD, passed a trial of fire with flying colours. Another superb job. If you were on that ship, Jeff talked to
you. I'll be darned if he didn't know everyone on the Statendam.

All the activities and ports of call (Half Moon Kay, Domenica, Trinidad, Martinique, St. Kitts) were top-notch, as
was the quality of the cruise overall. The food was fantastic. I didn't want to get off the boat at the end. The
shows were good, and you could hang out with the performers in the Crow's Nest Nightclub and get to know them
too. Jeff Bradley, the Magician/mime/comic did a great job, and I'm not just saying that 'cause he's from my
hometown of Toronto.

All in all, a terrific cruise. So much so that I had to write somewhere, anywhere about it. Just had to say it.

If you ever read this, Janelle, Mike and Erika, you guys were the best.

--Mike

Back to Holland Statendam