Alaska Cruise Review
By Steve Cosgrove
Summers in Texas can be brutal and suck the life right out of you. With several projects falling together at once, a lot of late nights, and not enough Dr. Pepper, the heat felt a little hotter and the air a little muggier. What’s a guy to do? 
It was evident I needed to reboot my life for a week. Finding the destination was a no-brainer. Steve needed some cooler temperatures, and fast. Choosing the cruise was simple too. Holland America is a great option for all ages, and I knew their food options would allow me the freedom to enjoy time alone, and also some time at a formal dining table if I wanted. There were a few things that made this more than just a reboot. I have broken it down into highlights of the sights, food, shopping and things for families to consider.
The Sights
Juneau
Our first port, after sailing overnight. I had not booked shore excursions, but that is no problem. A quick shuttle bus takes you into town where it drops you off by the tram ride; you will find several booths like this {insert juneau.jpg| offering you an assortment of excursions. Alternatively, walk the town and shop, drink and eat. The choices are abundant.
Don’t miss: Red Dog Saloon & Mendenhall Glacier. The helicopter ride is spectacular.
Skagway
As the gateway to the Klondike, Skagway is rustic and has the feel of an old west town. I took the 3-hour round trip from the White Pass & Yukon Railway it was fascinating to think of the miners and what they endured on the terrain and with gear, no less.
Quick Tip: In Skagway, you have a very short walk to get to the White Pass and Yukon train. Sit on the left side for the best views.
Glacier Bay
There is no single greater reason to see Alaska than Glacier Bay. It is breathtaking to experience an enormous calving of the glacier, coming off the seven tidewater glaciers. Stop and listen to the sound of icebergs being born and watch as they land in the water. Take a photo, but then get out of your way and watch.
Quick Tip: Put your phone down and watch this National Park show off.
Ketchikan:
One of the best ports for shopping and recreational activities. Ketchikan has galleries with arts and crafts, jewelry designers and gift shops with easy access from the ship. Since this was the last stop, this made for the most practical, as well as the most diverse shopping choices. Active travelers will find kayaking, hiking, fishing and nature watching readily available.
Don’t Miss: Totem Bight State Historical Park
Shopping:
Ketchikan Creek Street is a must visit. The creek has salmon running and even a sea lion playing with them. The shops are all locally owned, and some have good stuff and others tourist crap. Easy walk from the ship for most. Plenty of places to eat if you want. One store offered to send home salmon or halibut. 5lbs @ $30 a pound and $50 shipping and it was frozen. Runs about $45 or so at home so not a huge savings. Same on buying and shipping salmon home. Just as cheap at Central Market. Now if you can carry it home in your luggage, your mileage may vary.
Culinary Highlights:
Shipboard Bites:
The lunch buffet on the Lido Deck once you have boarded is a long-running joke and cliche. After my first lap, I settled on the lamb with mint sauce and rice. For you vegans from Texas they had BBQ Tofu, which shall never touch my lips. The buffet and dining area are on deck 9.
Room Service
Knowing we would be in Juneau in the morning, I decided to get a good night’s sleep and ordered breakfast the following morning between 9 am and 930am. At 9:04 am I have got an Egg white and cheese omelet, turkey sausage, ham, juice, iced tea, and Tabasco. A great start to a beautiful day.
Hangar on the Wharf – Juneau
The best halibut fish and chips in Alaska. Tempura fish, good local craft Alaskan beer, view of the bay where the cruise ships are parked and lots of locals here. $22 for the fish and chips. Another five or so for the beer.
Fancy Night, Steve Style
The staff ran an online poll, and while it was dead even, I was asked to leave the sandals I pair with socks out of the suitcase. This time I obliged and I was glad I dressed up this night. The Tamarind Restaurant is an Asian inspired restaurant. Since Holland America has an all Indonesian staff, all of the staff in Tamarind was Indonesian which added grace and elegance to the atmosphere. Delicious and elegantly plated. My dining companion had sushi, and I had chicken satay and Asian short ribs for an appetizer. Next came the perfectly prepared Lobster for my friend, while I enjoyed a wasabi and soy-crusted tenderloin.
For desert friend Dave had the mini donuts which he said was better than Cafe DuMonde in New Orleans and I had mango sorbet. As part of their dining plan, eating here a la carte was $25 per person, but since I bought the ultimate dining package for $65 I received one dinner in Tamarind, one in Pinnacle Grill and one in Canaletto which is a saving of about $20 over buying them on their own. Buy that in advance or once you get on the ship, your choice, but worth the money if you want to experience any of these specialty restaurants.
Family Matters:
Traveling with kids and are wondering about taking them on a Holland America cruise and to Alaska? No worries. On this cruise over 150 children ages, 3 to 17 sailed, and I did not see a single one not having the time of their life. A quick tour of Club HAL found some kids enthralled with the video games and movies while in port. They had so much fun that they were oblivious to me even being there. A random poll I conducted during the week validated they were indeed having a good time and all “yes” votes were with a broad smile. Pressing my luck, I asked them if they had a better time than they expected and again the answer was a resounding “YES!” Final poll numbers confirm Alaska is a great destination for families and a once in a lifetime trip for the wildlife and attractions alone.
Families, if you are still wondering about Holland America being only for the nearly dead and older crowd, I can assure you that all ages sailed. Not like the old days when Holland and Alaska were only for those who were dead or nearly dead.
Re-Entry
I was delighted to find that I brought back cooler temperatures with me. Arriving back at DFW I expected to step back into a sauna, but it was a balmy 80 degrees. This cruise was everything I’d hoped for and more.