We just returned home from our first ever cruise, with Holland America. We enjoyed an 11 day land and southbound cruise, beginning in Fairbanks, a couple of days in Denali, and overnight in Anchorage, before boarding the Noordam in Whittier. The ship went to Glacier Bay, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, ending in Vancouver. We traveled by plane, bus, railroad and cruise ship. Everything you said about Holland America was spot on! We would certainly look at Holland America first, for any future cruise vacations! Since we had never been out of the country before, we had new passports, and were disappointed that Canada did not even stamp them. No proof that we were ever in Canada! 😂
Thanks for sharing that. Yes, Holland America is the king of Alaskan cruiselines. I understand that it is the main company that made Alaska a cruise-destination . . . decades before other cruise-lines even started to go there. It is no wonder that Holland America gets priority docking and celebrity status; it has earned the respect of the State and the gratitude of the locals for all the tours, the stops, the infrastructure, and the jobs that it has helped to create over nearly a century.
Great job covering so much info in such a short video! Yes, we are planning on going on a land/cruise trip in May 2025 on the Nieuw Amsterdam! Can’t hardly wait!
@@alisayoung It was amazing! I have never breathed fresher air in my life as we did in Alaska. We really enjoyed our excursions in each port as Holland of America did a great job with their offerings. We will do this again!
We are cruising to Alaska on Holland America in September. Looking forward to it. We love HAL & have gone on their ships 4 -5 times. We just returned a few months ago from a Mexican Riviera cruise on Carnival. Too large, too many kids & I didn’t enjoy the food as much. We will stick with HAL. Love smaller ships that are for a bit older crowd. (We are in our 60’s). Thanks for your insight!
*** H.A. Zaandam to Alaska was wonderful. BUT wish we had known = $17 USD per day Crew Appreciation NOT shared by ALL. Ask bar servers if they get portion. If not, leave $1/$2 per tab instead of signing tip on bill b/c 18% will be added to room charge. 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.
Another great vlog! I will be headed to my 3rd Alaska trip in early June on rhe Eurodam. My other trips were also HAL (Amsterdam pre-shutdown , Koningsdam)
Thank you for your informative videos. Does HAL offer hands-on experience with America's Test Kitchens? I read that online, but I haven't seen any reports of it. Is there a way to get daily itineraries? I'm booked on the Eurodam in September 2024.
*** H.A. Zaandam to Alaska was wonderful. BUT wish we had known = $17 USD per day Crew Appreciation NOT shared by ALL. Ask bar servers if they get portion. If not, leave $1/$2 per tab instead of signing tip on bill b/c 18% will be added to room charge. 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.
Hello Alanna. I would like to give HA a try for an Alaska cruise but concerned about the size of their ships that sail in Alaska. I wanted to book a Pinnacle class ship but none of those sail there at this time. Any suggestions on which ship is the best to sail that region? Thank you
I have sailed HAL to Alaska twice, once on Signature Class (Eurodam) and once on Vista Class (Oosterdam) and both were great. Since I got a suite upgrade on Oosterdam, that made for an even better trip, but the only thing I missed on the Vista was the Tamarind Grill speciality restaurant which was on Eurodam as that was an amazing meal. I do hope to get on a Pinnacle class in the future as well.
@@CruisetheWorldAtoZ No biggie Alanna , but I think he was referring to Volendam. Agree wholeheartedly with your views on HAL in Alaska. 3 weeks and I'm on the Koningsdam. Can't wait.
We just returned home from our first ever cruise, with Holland America. We enjoyed an 11 day land and southbound cruise, beginning in Fairbanks, a couple of days in Denali, and overnight in Anchorage, before boarding the Noordam in Whittier. The ship went to Glacier Bay, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, ending in Vancouver. We traveled by plane, bus, railroad and cruise ship. Everything you said about Holland America was spot on! We would certainly look at Holland America first, for any future cruise vacations! Since we had never been out of the country before, we had new passports, and were disappointed that Canada did not even stamp them. No proof that we were ever in Canada! 😂
Thanks for sharing that. Yes, Holland America is the king of Alaskan cruiselines. I understand that it is the main company that made Alaska a cruise-destination . . . decades before other cruise-lines even started to go there. It is no wonder that Holland America gets priority docking and celebrity status; it has earned the respect of the State and the gratitude of the locals for all the tours, the stops, the infrastructure, and the jobs that it has helped to create over nearly a century.
Amen well said Brent, they deserve the praise for being the trailblazers. Have you cruise to Alaska with HAL?
no princess is
Great job covering so much info in such a short video! Yes, we are planning on going on a land/cruise trip in May 2025 on the Nieuw Amsterdam! Can’t hardly wait!
Going on our 5th trip to Alaska on HAL in 2024. Always enjoyed them from our first time. Thanks for sharing
I'm so excited - we are heading to Alaska on the Koningsdam next month!
How was it
@@alisayoung It was amazing! I have never breathed fresher air in my life as we did in Alaska. We really enjoyed our excursions in each port as Holland of America did a great job with their offerings. We will do this again!
@@jgheart3018 VERY NICE!
We are cruising to Alaska on Holland America in September. Looking forward to it. We love HAL & have gone on their ships 4 -5 times. We just returned a few months ago from a Mexican Riviera cruise on Carnival. Too large, too many kids & I didn’t enjoy the food as much. We will stick with HAL. Love smaller ships that are for a bit older crowd. (We are in our 60’s).
Thanks for your insight!
Thanks for sharing your perspective, Patti! HAL really has great food in comparison! 💛
@@CruisetheWorldAtoZ thanks for answering. Your video was great! Thanks!
Very first cruise in a couple weeks. Cannot wait !!!! Alaska - here we come!!!!!
*** H.A. Zaandam to Alaska was wonderful. BUT wish we had known = $17 USD per day Crew Appreciation NOT shared by ALL. Ask bar servers if they get portion. If not, leave $1/$2 per tab instead of signing tip on bill b/c 18% will be added to room charge. 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.
Another great vlog! I will be headed to my 3rd Alaska trip in early June on rhe Eurodam. My other trips were also HAL (Amsterdam pre-shutdown , Koningsdam)
Thanks awesome! I happy for you that you get to go back again!!
Great video.
Thank u for another informative video! Love your hair!
Appreciate you more than you know! 😘
Thank you for your informative videos. Does HAL offer hands-on experience with America's Test Kitchens? I read that online, but I haven't seen any reports of it. Is there a way to get daily itineraries? I'm booked on the Eurodam in September 2024.
Thank you for sharing ❤
Thanks for being apart of the community and commenting so I know you enjoyed it!
0:23 I'm concerned about how weak that coffee looks 😀
*** H.A. Zaandam to Alaska was wonderful. BUT wish we had known = $17 USD per day Crew Appreciation NOT shared by ALL. Ask bar servers if they get portion. If not, leave $1/$2 per tab instead of signing tip on bill b/c 18% will be added to room charge. 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.
Fantastic Video! 🚢🚢🚢🚢🚢
Love the info. Your new hair styling is so becoming on you
ooo thank you! I'm looking to keep up with the hair and maybe go a little lighter and some more next time!
@@CruisetheWorldAtoZ That would probably turn out great !!
Hello Alanna. I would like to give HA a try for an Alaska cruise but concerned about the size of their ships that sail in Alaska. I wanted to book a Pinnacle class ship but none of those sail there at this time. Any suggestions on which ship is the best to sail that region? Thank you
I have sailed HAL to Alaska twice, once on Signature Class (Eurodam) and once on Vista Class (Oosterdam) and both were great. Since I got a suite upgrade on Oosterdam, that made for an even better trip, but the only thing I missed on the Vista was the Tamarind Grill speciality restaurant which was on Eurodam as that was an amazing meal. I do hope to get on a Pinnacle class in the future as well.
howmuch dd holland pay you. prioncess is the one known for alaska and has won many awards. and ncl also does many trips to glacial national park
areyou on something. princess is the one who is voted time and time again for alaska
Pls learn how to pronounce the names of the ships.
Which ones did I say wrong? Thanks for the heads up.
@@CruisetheWorldAtoZ No biggie Alanna , but I think he was referring to Volendam. Agree wholeheartedly with your views on HAL in Alaska. 3 weeks and I'm on the Koningsdam. Can't wait.
you watched that whole informative video and that it was you decided you needed to comment on??? She left out one syllable, big deal!
To much talking head. Boring