I've had an Alaskan cruise on my dream list for over 20 years! When I became a travel agent I began seriously to research and plan my journey. I took multiple courses from each of the major cruise lines I knew about that cruised to Alaska. I quickly honed in on the Holland America line based on their long experience cruising into Alaska. They have been sailing to Alaska for over 70 years! Longer than Alaska has been a state in the USA. Because of their longevity, they have access to the contracts to be able to sail into Glacier Bay. These are 10-yr contracts, highly prized and scarce. Only ships small enough can sail there and the passages are tightly controlled by the Glacier Bay National Park Service.
We sailed through Glacier Bay for a full day. All the way up and down to the mouth of the Bay was one of the most powerful experiences I've had while traveling. We had Glacier Bay Park Rangers come alongside our ship and board up a 30ft rope ladder at 6 AM. They spent the full day with us. Giving talks, showing videos, giving us maps and going out on the bow and other balconies with us to point out the features and the wildlife. It was an immersive experience and so powerful.
The ship has multiple features to make viewing easy. In fact, their EXC deck 11 viewing lounge is truly Extra-ordinary.
This panoramic photo doesn't do it justice but it's truly amazing. Right at the front of the ship - up high - and full viewing!Glacier Bay plus their experience were the top two reasons I chose Holland America and when the opportunity came up for me to take a Familiarization Cruise on the Eurodam on the exact itinerary I was considering, I jumped at it.
The ship was so very amazing in so many ways that I know I'll miss some things and I'd love to hear about your Alaska trips as well as any of your Holland America Cruises. Here are some of the special things I noticed about cruising with Holland America.
America's Test Kitchen Cooking show with demos - Awesome!
Amazing Outdoor Viewing Decks as well as the inside viewing decks.
Live Orchids on every table every day - Gorgeous!
<- BBC and other educational videos and educational shows.
-> Ping pong tournaments on the deck :)
<- Tours of the kitchen at NO extra cost.
-> Decor is Amazing and Every Detail is special.
<- My Vanna White impression at the Glass Elevators!
-> Gala Night in the Glamorous Dining Room
<- Music Row in Holland America Ships includes BB King's Jazz Club, Billboard Onboard, Lincoln Center Stage and they just announced a partnership with Rolling Stone Magazine so will be adding that.
-> BB King's was awesome - not just Jazz and great fun and dancing
<- Yes, there is a full Casino
-> View of the Billboard Onboard space - two pianos, two players, lots of fun.
<- indoor pool and 3 hot tubs space
-> Therma Spa
<- one of the fun bar spaces - this one near the outside pool area
-> we had fun with this all wooden statue of Poseidon
<- private cabanas you can schedule on the inner pool deck
<- show completely organized and put on by the Filipino Staff about their culture & history
-> more orchids, NO fake flowers here
<- just another cool bar space
-> lots of shows here
<- and let's not forget holland's partnership with Oprah Winfrey
-> Awesome Almanac of our journey given us at the end
<- Master illusionist - great show!
-> In the outdoor pool
<- Staff was amazingly personable
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