After talking about it for 20 years we decided to finally do the Alaska Cruise. We are a couple in our mid 60's and have previously taken 4 transatlantic crossings on the QM2 and a Canada/New England cruise on the Caribbean Princess. We decided to experience HAL this time and chose the Vancouver to Vancouver 7 day trip on the Volendam. It seemed to be the perfect size ship for this cruise. We booked early as I wanted a balcony and at the time of booking there was a promotion for a free night pre cruise at the Pan Pacific Hotel and a transfer to the hotel from the airport so that made for a great deal.

We embarked quickly and efficiently and were pleased to find our stateroom to be just as it is pictured on the website.

The ship is an easy size to get around. The food (although a very subjective matter) was fine in the dining room and the lido buffet. Room service was fast. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate and water are available all day in the lido buffet but was disappointed that juices were only available during breakfast hours. The casino was small and never very busy. Perhaps this was because the slot machines are quite tight with small payouts. Most of the dealers at the tables were just standing with no players. Blackjack tables seemed to get busier at night. Movies are shown in the Wajang Theater on deck 4. It is a small theatre with really poor quality acoustics and picture quality. But there is free popcorn and it is entertainment for a couple of hours. Same movies were shown on your stateroom TV as well. The production shows, magician and comedian acts were in the lovely Frans Hal Lounge on decks 4&5. These shows were all top notch. Read more