Alaska Cruise - My exoerience and tips for future travelers

Alaska Cruise - Holland America - Zaandam (July 24th to July 31st)

Vancouver - Juneau - Skagway - Glacier Bay - Ketchikan

General Tips:

• Smooth Sailing: The Alaska Inside Passage is mostly close to shore, so the sea is generally not rough.
• Navigator App: Download the Navigator App and familiarize yourself with it a week before the cruise. It will show the menu and other details. You might need to log off and back in occasionally to get it to work properly.
• Special Requests: If you want something specific, like a particular type of food, call the cruise line in advance. We requested Indian food, and while it was provided the next day, it involved a lot of confusion and uncertainty because we didn’t think of it beforehand.
• Room Essentials: I requested a charging strip extension cord a few days before the cruise, and it was in the room when we boarded.
• Room & Amenities: The room and bathroom have sensor lights strip on the floor, which I loved. The provided shampoo, conditioner, soap, and lotion (Elemis) were good enough: Robes, beach towels, and thin blankets were provided in the closet.
• Water: Don’t forget your own water bottle. You SHOULD NOT drink water from the sink. We filled our bottles in the Lido daily. Zaandam is a plastic-free ship, possibly like the entire Holland America fleet.
• Library & Internet: There’s a library on the ship if you prefer paper books. There was also one computer with internet access in the library area. I enjoyed being away from social media on the days we were at sea but it was helpful to know there was internet if needed.
• Phone Service: We had pretty good phone service in Alaska (we use Verizon).
• Room Key: Bring a lanyard for your room key or buy one for $5 at the ship.
• Backup Battery: Bring a backup battery for your phone.
• Room Temperature: The room was too warm for me; I wished I had brought a portable fan. I heard you can ask for one.
• Medications: Don’t forget your usual medications, including those for body aches, fever, diarrhea, sleep, and motion sickness. Acid reflux can be an issue with the rich food and lack of sleep. If you're Indian, bring Saunf and Ajwain.
• Comfort: The ship was small enough to walk around easily. Remember to bring flip-flops as the pool/deck area can be wet.
• Luggage: Check out the Port Valet service for your big bags. There are also a few hotels in the area that offer luggage storage for $10 per suitcase. The airport has this option too. There’s an all-day luggage storage service at Canada Place Cruise Terminal. If you are in Seattle use Port Valet https://www.portseattle.org/page/port-valet-enjoy-seattle-luggage-free
• Clothing: Pack layers and a light raincoat, as the weather can change quickly.
• Phone Mode: Keep your phone on airplane mode when on the ship and at sea.
• Room Layout: The ship has odd-numbered rooms on one side and even-numbered rooms on the other. The maps/diagrams on the elevators were very helpful.
• Storage: The room was big enough for two people, with plenty of storage. It could work for four people too since we spent most of our time in the Crow’s Nest, Lido, bow, pool, and Exploration Café.
• Workshops & Seminars: There were many free workshops and seminars. I tried a couple but didn’t enjoy them much. We were a big group, so we didn’t have much time for other activities.
• Sleep: Keep track of your sleep. The long days, fun activities, and rich food can lead to sleep deprivation. I was very sleep-deprived when I got back.
• Dress Code: I didn’t pack fancy clothes, but you can dress up for dinner if you enjoy that. I wore sarees on three nights when we didn’t go out. Bring a backup pair of dressy sandals—mine broke on day three.
• Mini Bar: I had the mini bar emptied on day one (it had two Cokes and one sparkling water).
• Snacks: Bring some ziplock bags—they’re handy for late-night snacks if you don’t want to bother room service.
• Dining: I overate in the dining room, often ordering two appetizers or entrees. Must visit the Explorer Café and library area, even just to sit and watch the world I or sea) go by.
• Daily Itinerary: The itinerary for each day, including the program/show details and the dining room menu, is left in your room the night before. Pay attention to it.
• Arrival: Fly in a day early, spend the night, and board the ship at noon. Boarding usually starts around 11:30 AM.
• Afternoon Tea: Don’t miss the afternoon tea. Sit with new people each day.
• Dress Code: There are two dressy nights; business casual is fine. No need for a suit or tie—a simple shirt/polo and pants/khakis/jeans work well.
• Orange Night: There’s an “Orange Night” where you can wear something orange, but it’s not necessary.
• Excursions: Read up more on the excursions ahead of time.
• Tipping: You can reward the staff through the "Let Us Know" tab on the Navigator App.
• Pics - If you buy anything from ship’s photographer make sure to download right away on the ship, You cannot once you are out of the ship.
• Lava Cake: Don’t miss the Lava Cake in the main dining room. Have an extra one for me and remember to have fun!