Alaska Cruises Aug 2009

submitted by Karen R. Baxter office
We stayed at the Comfort Suites Anchorage Airport (opened March 2009)the night before we sailed. This was a great location only a couple minutes from the airport. The hotel was very nice, clean and the staff was friendly and very accommodating! They know what customer service is all about.
Our crusie onboard Holland America's Veendam was wonderful the entire group loved it.
I had a group of 23 including myself on the Veendam for a Northbound cruise. We were very fortunate to have high 70's and low 80's with sunshine every day! The service on the ship was exceptional. With the smaller size of the ship we were able to get into smaller areas and turn around for 360 degree views that were absolutely stunning! Some people felt that there were limited activities during the days at sea and became alittle bored. The food was wonderful at dinner. The buffet selections didn't change much from day to day but was still very good. The pizza was good also. Our ports included Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. All 3 had good shopping but a lot of the same types of things. Juneau had the best deals and most variety. The scenery was breathtaking! Also, since we had all day in Anchorage before our red-eye flight, we found a tour that was great. Eight of us took a tour of the city on Segways! What a blast everyone had! If you ever have an extra 4-5 hours in Anchorage, this is a "must do"! The office is located in downtown Anchorage. The owner, Alan Weinstein, gives each person a few lessons and then he takes you on a guided tour. From start to finish is about 3-4 hours and the rate is $65 per person. All age groups can enjoy this one. the oldest we had in our group was 50 and the youngest was 10. They are developing a seat to be used on it so more seniors and/or physically challenged people can enjoy this mode of transportation. This was a beautiful way to see Alaska and was very relaxing. I would definitely do it again but probably try a different cruise line next time. The shore excursions were very good. Our group traveled together on the train in Skagway which was a wonderful trip. Many people enjoyed the Zipline and Rain Forest in Ketchikan and Panning for Gold with a Salmon Bake and Whale Watching in Juneau.

Submitted by John G Monticello office
My family and I cruised on Royal Caribbean's Serendade of the Seas. It was the perfect size ship and the service was excellent. The food was fantastic and I would really recommend eating at one of or both of the specialty restaurants - Portofino's or Chop's both are exceptional. The highlights or our cruise were the shore excursions we took. We did the helicoptor and dog sled tour in Skagway and the zipline in Juneau. We had a blast on both of them and highly recommend them. My wife was scared at first on the zipline tour but after 2 or 3 "runs" she was smiling and really enjoying the experience.

Gossens holding the dogs

Gossens on helicopter

Gossens with the sled dogs