I’m catching up on posts this week that I wanted to write a while ago, but never got around to.
Last summer, as you may recall from a few posts (Tall Tale Taxidermy/USPS, Vancouver: First Impressions, Banff National Park Photos), we took a family cruise on the Ryndam Holland America ship. Specifically we took the Alaska Inside Passage Cruise which started and ended in Vancouver and stopped in Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and Glacier Bay National Park.
Ryndam Entering Glacier Bay National Park
Overall, it was a phenomenal trip. The highlights of the Ryndam Holland America ship (which, from what I’ve been told, are true of all Holland America ships) included:
Staff: The ship staff were incredibly friendly. They were always smiling and willing to answer any questions we had. They seemed to genuinely care that we had a good cruise, and because of them, we did.
Food: I was expecting mediocre food based on what I had previously heard about cruises. Luckily, the food was amazing. Had it not been for our wedding immediately following the cruise, I would have likely eaten enough to gain 10 pounds in a week.
On-Ship Activities: I brought several books on our Alaska cruise — expecting to be bored during the days at-sea. However, there were so many on-board activities that I didn’t even get one of my books finished. Plus, it turned out I didn’t need to bring books because the on-ship library stocked more bestsellers than my local library. Some of the best activities included a tour of the ships kitchen and a mixology class.
My only suggestion when it comes to booking a Holland America cruise is that if it’s not too much more money, to book a room with a window (or even a veranda if you find a good price). I didn’t spend much time in my room, but had I wanted to, it would have been a little claustrophobic.
Environmental Officer:
Before we took our Alaska Inside Passage cruise, we contacted a Holland America PR rep who arranged for us to get a behind the scenes tour with the ship’s Environmental Officer. On each of Holland America’s ships, there is an Environmental Officer who is responsible for ensuring that the ship follows all applicable environmental laws as well as promoting overall environmental stewardship. We met with the Ryndam Holland America Environmental Officer for about an hour and learned about what cruise ships are doing to be more environmentally friendly. Here are a couple of snapshots from the tour:
Staff Bulletin Board with Environmental Goals (Including reducing waste and conserving fuel)
Recycling Containers for Passengers
Trash Room where all trash is stored until it can be off-loaded
Note that this post may contain affiliate links
Recommended Reading:
- ms Ryndam Cruise Ship: First Impressions
- And We’re Off: Alaska, Vancouver, Banff and Beyond
- Photos from the Road: Tall Tale Taxidermy/U.S. Post Office, Ketchikan, Alaska
- Taking a Taxi is Greener than Public Transportation: Lessons Learned in Juneau, Alaska
- Southern Right Whale Watching off Peninsula Valdes in Photos
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
This is a great post. Thanks a lot for the information. I’d be sure to pass this along to my readers.
@ Jet set. Glad you liked the info. Keep up the great work at Jet Set!!
This is a lovely continent, but I have never been there. I have found this place too cold for traveling.
This is a great and informative article. As for ecotravel in Alaska, more specifically the inland passage, National Geographic recently did an article on the best cruise to take in the inland passage. They highlighted a company that provides an eco adventure, more than just on board, they actually have a staff of naturalists who are familiar with the flora and fauna of the area and provide excursions in kayaks and the like in the area. It sounded like the best way to travel the inland passage! Thanks for sharing your journey.
I am trying to research this cruise based on the cruise only cost but can find no information regards on board tariffs. Can anyone give me an idea, (ball park figures) of the tariffs in the the various resteraunts and bars.
Many thanks Gary
@ Gary I’m not exactly sure what tariffs you are referring to. The main two dining options are free; and the “fancy” restaurant was, I believe, $20-30/person for a 3-5 course meal.
Alcohol is always pricey; but we got wine cards that I think made the glasses of wine only about $5-6 each.
alaska is the one of the best places to cruise, if do it kosher it’s even better check out http://www.koshertravelers.com for more about kosher cruises
Good to know that the cruise lines are trying to clean up their environemental act – but I fear they have some way to go. Personally I’m not one for all that glacier watching – too cold on deck, but I love Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway – great little ports of call.