Where can one really start?

It was almost by virtue of being in North America, attending the world Cruise 3Sixty Degrees in Vancouver that we stumbled upon this cruise and decided at the last minute to take it.

We flew ex Sydney to LA, over-nighted and then headed by air up to Anchorage.

We'd considered the train connection to Seward (the port) but decided to take the similarly scenic road route, by bus. (At a fraction of the cost)

Arriving the port seemed a little deserted. Some passengers had arrived before, others were behind us. After checking our bags in at the 'Bag Drop', we made our way back to the terminal to join an anticiptated queue; to check in, and board the ship.

Shore staff were excellent during the processing of passengers and within twenty minutes, we were on the gangway heading into level (deck) five of the ship. Our 7 night cruise had just begun!

I love the feeling of stepping aboard ship, you have to agree - the only thing that usually comes to mind is: 'Oh, I wish it could be longer' but you're already thinking about what your stateroom looks like and where after that should you begin to explore the ship!

No sooner we'd checked out the stateroom, our bags were delivered - all accounted for.

After a quick unpack, we started touring the ship; checking her out and making comparisons to other Holland America ships we've seen. Results of her recent refurbishment were one of the first things we wanted to see.

Simply amazing kind of sums it up. Statendam is stylish, classy; much more 'open' than her sister Volendam and the decor has been brought to modern standards surpassing many-a-style I've seen on comparable ships.

Refurb

Tasteful & peaceful. Holland America has listenned to passengers like us and have openned her up, getting rid of the nook & crannies and exposing lounge and rest areas (and shops) to allow internal stroll areas to flow freely through all levels of the ship.

Yet, still the ship has privacy rooms for readers, internet users and intimate groups. It was perfect.

The refurb saw major improvements to staterooms and stateroom bathrooms, most lounge areas as well as what looked like new decking around the Promenade. Add to that, a new shopping area and various added sitting areas; perfect for the climate with Alaskan cruising.

Staterooms

Neat. Everything you need except a fridge, that can be pre-ordered at around $2.50 per day.

I couldn't fault our oceanview stateroom, it was roomy - had a Plasma TV and all things you'd normally expect on a Holland America cruise ship. Did I say cruise ship? I should correct myself; she's an ocean liner (having visited Sydney in the early 2000's), Statendam knows more about the seas than most of her mega-ship counterparts.

Bars, Lounges - drink prices etc

Like all HAL ships, her signature (late) lounge/bar is the "Crow's nest" And again like most, it's situated forward - with 180 degree views ahead of sail.

It's large and hosts different kinds of entertainment (DJ/music, Karaoke etc) and passengers often meet here after the show for a quiet nightcap, else to let off a little more energy before heading to bed.

There are several bars and coffee shop/cafe's situated around the ship, but it does lack facilities Aft - for the 'sail-aways' that Australians have become familiar with.

Bar prices were familiar; those you'd normally expect aboard a ship operating in North America. Beer was priced from (US) $4.50, Wine at around $7.00 and cocktails from $6.50. Bottled wine at dinner was priced from $27, red or white - ranging much highly, however the selection was excellent.

Swimming pools

You probably wouldn't associate an Alaskan cruise with swimming pools but not surprisingly, the 2 pools (one forward, one aft) were heated to around 26 degrees. Some passengers braved the cool air on donned the cozzies but it does go to show, HAL haven't left anything out with this cruise.

Spa, saunas, hot tubs & indulgance

I have mixed feelings about the spa facilities aboard Statendam. We love our saunas but each (male & female) rooms were a little small. We signed up for two all-cruise packages to attend the thermal suite (to attend as often as we like) and whilst these packages are only available on a limited basis, there were some problems with the hardware in these rooms.

These issues were however quickly fixed (day 4 for us), and because use of the saunas was free, we made it up - enjoying each cool afternoon with 20 minutes of sweating it out!

Issues aside, the Spa areas were extremely clean and staff were most friendly and accommodating in all aspects.

Dining

Statendam has your typical mid ship sized two-level dining room.

Seating was comfortable (no one had to stand up to allow another to move from their seat), and there was plenty of room at our table of six, that one wasn't sat upon another.

Food in all scored a good 8/10. It was fresh; well presented and a good choice of dishes were always available.

Fresh crab and lobster were a delight (available most nights) but given we were in 'Salmon Land', I have to say I expected better... some dishes were were great; others were very ordinary.

BURGER TAKE-AWAY CAFE

Pass. Very American and whilst clean and fairly fresh, I wouldn't consider this to be a meal. In fact, I'd give it the miss if I were you.

LIDO BAR/GRILL - BREAKFAST & LUNCH (OR AFTER HOURS SNACK)

I'm giving this the MISS too. We ate there a few times and whilst the food isn't bad, it lacks atmosphere and the staff were'nt going to make it any more enjoayble for you.

The Lido Bar & Grill are strict on the hours it operates and whilst (if you're late) the buffet closes pretty much on time every day, the sandwich and salad bar remains open for much of the day. I give the Lido 4/10

DINING ROOM FOR LUNCH AND BREKKY

Way to go... get the right meal and the right service. That's our recommendation on Statendam, however not withstanding your own personal choice and experience', you might have a completely different opinion and that's what cruising is all about!

Casino

Statendam has a mild Casino atmosphere. It's not in your face and you don't end up there when you get lost!

It's not huge, but has it all the latest buzzing & ringing poker machines as well as all your normal roulette and card tables, manned by some of the friendliest Croupiers Iv'e seen aboard ship.

The Casino would appear an area NOT refurbished during the recent make-over but high rollers would think little about this.

Crew/Staff aboard Statendam

Statendam, as it was demonstrated to us, is a very individual HAL ship. Crew love their lives aboard and a have an ongoing presonal-ship commitment to make/keep her the best ship in the fleet. We certainly saw that.

With exception of a few around the Lido Bar/Grill area who acted like they really didn't want to be there (however remembering they double-shift elsewehere aboard ship), the crew were spirited and catered professionally at all times.

It was difficult to pick fault (and as fastidious we are), we're delighted to say that most worked well with their counterparts in providing passengers with a pleasant cruise experience

Crew & Staff aboard Statendam get a 7/10!

Kids Club & Activities

There were few kids aboard ship but that gave us a good chance to check the 'kid's club' out.

Like her seasonal Australian counterpart Volendam, she boasts "child/teen only" areas that would have kids enthrawed with freedom and activities.

These areas (not available to others than 'kids') look fantastic. They're relaxing and appear exclusive, for even when they do have a full compliment of cruising kids.

The kids we did see aboard seemed very busy with the activities that the Staff had them busy with.

The tiny-tot area however appears to be a little dull. Not much sunlight, but having said that; a huge room and all the facilities you'd need to be sure 'bub' was well cared for.

Smoking policy

HAL, like most liners, continue to survey customer feedback on whether or not it's popular to smoke aboard cruise ships.

Right now, Statendam like others, allow smoking on certain decks, and on certain sides of the ship only.

A smoking area is avilable in the 'Crow's Nest' Bar - a one-sided corner, however unfortunately it's adjacent to bathroom doors within the same bar area meaning all passengers will pass through this area attending toilets etc.

There were no visible signs that prohibitted smoking in cabins but judging by the clean air throughout the levels, I can only gather that smoking downstairs really didn't happen.

Smokers generally kept within the confines of designated areas and it appreared non-smokers were little discomforted by those who wished to light up.

The Casino remains a smoking area.

Desitination & Shore Excurstions

Alaska? Superb! But one would rarely connect 'cruising' with cold weather! In the ideal world of cruising, we all look at it as Pacific Islands and get into the swimwear ASAP. But this is SO very different. And is the only way to see Alaska, I might add!

We booked Haines effortlessly onboard however made our own Shore Excusion arrangements for each other port. They were fantastic! We hope to blog our shore experiences real soon that includes a Sea Plane across the Misty Fjords, as well;a landing by helicopter... with dogs and sled, upon one of Alaska's most famous glaciers!

Overview

Fantastic... better than any other HAL ship we've sailed - by far.

Overall rating... 8/10