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Holland America Line

MS Ryndam

Your Rating:
Reviewed by:Stephen Britz
# previous cruises: 3
Date of Trip: August 22, 2002
Itinerary: Alaska

This was a spectacular cruise, quite different from the Caribbean, on a clean, service-oriented ship; the contrast between being outside on deck in rainy, cloudy weather and inside in luxury and comfort was enjoyable. We plan on doing this cruise again, perhaps several times.

The lower promenade deck was wonderful, even in the weather; teak decks and wooden lounge chairs with cushions and blankets. Inside pool was heated and delightful and never crowded; outdoor pool hardly used. Casino was adequate, but we are not gamblers and never used it. I wish public areas had seating other than in bars or lounges.

The food and service was more than adequate, but not up to RCL standards - one pet peeve was paying for cokes at dinner - the dining room was better than the buffet, which had a limited, non-changing selection - no English muffins or biscuits for breakfast - limited selection of fruit and a cafeteria smell.

We had an outside cabin on the lower promenade deck and liked it a lot - plenty of room and storage - shower was in a tub and roomy; good, but shallow, closet space. Cabin was quiet, even with promenade outside window. Cabin service was EXCELLENT, and self-serve laundromats a blessing.

We attended one Broadway Review and liked it a lot - we are not too interested in entertainment - the nature lectures were great and well-attended; our table mates went to all the shows and enjoyed each of them.

Stops were Juneau (great helicopter ride to glacier), Skagway (White Pass & Yukon narrow gauge RR was spectacular) and Ketchikan (favorite); BEST day was in Glacier Bay and made the whole trip worthwhile - motionless ship adjacent to 'calving' Glacier was awesome and appreciated by all on board. Scenery back to Vancouver was so beautiful we did not want to go to lunch - humpbacks, Orcas, etc.

We (61 and 55) were among the younger passengers - we sent photos to table mates who could not do the excursions; everyone was pleasant and dinner conversation was lively. We missed one dinner (shore excursion) and were missed by the others; we have stayed in touch with several people.