Statendam Alaska Cruise

[Elizabeth225]

We are first time cruisers, planning on a cruise on the Statendam to Alaska this summer. Any information or tips would be greatly appreciated. Any recommendations on port excursions?

Thanks,
Elizabeth

[DeeDee]

What ports will you be visiting?

[Elizabeth225]

I don't have the itinerary in front of me, but I believe we will dock in Juneau, Skagway, and ....oh shoot, can't think of the name....it's not Glaciery Bay, it's the other Bay or Glacier (senior moment, forgive me).

Thanks,
Elizabeth

[DeeDee]

It's probably Hubbard Glacier.

Skagway - we did the White Rail Pass train ride - it was fantastic.

You can check the ports by going to HAL's website www.hollandamerica.com and click on Destinations.

[Elizabeth225]

Thanks, I have done that, and printed out the brochure. I was hoping that someone would have some recommendations. I notice that there are HAL excursions and then there are independent excursions....is there any diferency in the quality of excursions between HAL and the independents?

Thanks,
Elizabeth

We went to Alaska on the Veendam June 2002. Our favorite excursion was the Best of Juneau (Mendenhal Glacier, Whale Watching Tour and Salmon Bake).

At the end of the cruise, we took the train ride back to Anchorage and stayed for a few more days. We had a rental car reserved and did our own tour of the Hubbard Glacier and panned for gold at this great little mine near by. We ate lunch at this wonderful little place place called "Chair Five" right near the ski resort. Great dinner at Simon and Seaforths in Anchorage as well.

Here is the web site for chairfive:

http://www.chairfive.com/

Lived in Alaska for 18 yrs and Simon and Seaforth one of our favorite restaurants thru this period.chair 5 has also been around for many yrs and is very good.If you have any additional questions let me know as we brought 2 children up in ak and will say the finest place we have ever lived.