About the ship...

We are sailing on the MS Zandaam owned by Holland America. I must admit, the city sized ships did not appeal to me but size was not my first consideration. My consideration was itinerary. And Glacier Bay was a must. Only 2 ships a day are allowed into this National Park and this is one of them.

The great thing is that she is a beauty.

The lovely lady MS Zandaam

She was built by Italy’s Fincantieri in Venice, and delivered in 2000. She has a musical theme and is decorated with artifacts from different musical genres. Things like a Baroque-style Dutch pipe organ and guitars signed by the Rolling Stones, Carlos Santana and Queen. Even a sax signed by Bill Clinton (big deal, hey?). They cling to traditions on this ship so I figured my old relic (Rob) will love it!

Here she is in dry dock. Lots of things going on under the water!

She holds 1,432 passengers and 615 crew. She is 781 feet long and a delicate 61,396 grt. Her cruising speed is a stately 23 knots (certainly not fast) but hey...it's not a race.

One thing I do know is that "Rhapsody" would look like a tadpole next to her.

The inside pics will be my own photos so I'll leave you with a last one of the Zandaam in Alaska.

Ciao for now !!

Inside the Ship....

Well now that we have actually been on the Zandaam, I can review the vessel and give you all my two bobs worth. Even though we spent wayyyy more than two bob.

She did not disappoint as a ship. I think she was spacious and parts of her were exceptionally tasteful. Other parts were a little 'Las Vegas' but I guess that's what cruisers want as she was pretty much at capacity.

So, here's what our cabin was like. We were on the Navigation Deck.

Seating was good...think it converts to a sofa bed

The cabin is large and has a private dressing room, masses of storage and a good size bathroom. The bed was tremendous. They are specially made and so popular that Holland America Sell them online.

Roomy enough

The verandah was such a bonus...especially in Glacier Bay. I loved sitting out there with a Champers.

Looking out over the small boat harbour at Seward

Now to the exterior....this is one tidy and loved ship. We explored the decks.

From the Bow

The ship has two pools...one in the open on the back deck (where the crazy Aussies swim) and one under a retractable cover. This was used quite a bit (and not by us).

Deck Eight

They had hot tubs...still not tempted.

Only fools and English Men...

This is why I am not tempted...

See the snow on them there hills!!!

Of course, being a boatie, I looked avidly for signs of rust. Looked everywhere....

Nope...no rust and then.....I HIT PAYDIRT. Only a boatie would understand...

Here are a few public area shots. She's got a HUGE organ...

And from the bottom up...(no one played it. I was wishing I could find an organ player as apparently she sounds amazing)

Now for some lounges (I have lost count of how many there are)...

The one above was a reading, coffee internet lounge. The one below was the observation deck...relax and have a cocktail by day, dance club by night. Not that you get much time to do either on an Alaskan Cruise.

And of course, Martini Bars....

and the showroom...they did Dancing With the Stars but I could not talk Rob into it!!

Casino for dicers...not our thing....

and the main dining room (and another glacier)...

So to wrap up, would we do it again? No. Not because it was bad, but because it was so organised. I'm not the organised type. I think next time, I'll just hire some wheels and wing it.

Would we recommend the cruise. Absolutely...as you see alot of Alaska in a short time and some of the excursions were world class. 

Finally a word about the food. PLENTY OF. It was ridiculous...people ate all day. We totally avoided the Lido Lounge where the buffets ruled. The main dining room was excellent with smaller portions and great service. We also got to meet some lovely people and I really enjoyed this area. The Pinnacle Dining was world class and I loved the Bulgari tableware. Finally, Cannaletto's (Italian) was also quite good but not really ridgy didge Italian. Mind you, the Chef was Indian.

The Neptune Lounge did food all day. I loved their blueberry and cottage cheese. Small and fresh.

Now as to the alcohol....that's a whole other story :-) And maybe one day, I will reveal all (you'd better hope not).

I hope this helps those planning an Alaskan Cruise with Holland America.

Ciao for now.