HAL Westerdam Pt.1 - Embarkation Day For Our 28-Day Alaskan Summer Solstice Legendary Voyages Cruise

[@mattmerchant3543]

Omg! We are going on this 28 day cruise next year. Can’t wait to watch all the videos. Thank you for the info.

[@amandagraves5468]

Wow what a party😬 5 people were able to move and dance!

[@billcook4768]

Realistically, I will never be able to take this cruise. So thanks for taking us along.

[@justcody85]

Dee is the best dancer 💃 🕺 💃 on the ship 🚢!!! ❤

[@dominiquebrown8790]

Always! 🎉

[@andic8287]

Facts!

[@maryellendillon4469]

You’re living the interior life for a LONG time like I will be next year. Enjoy!!! ❤🛳️

[@claudiakatrosh8945]

I have been looking forward to seeing this voyage. Thanks for bringing us along!

[@user-pj2tp5ps7o]

Sounds amazing. I couldn’t handle an inside room for a month especially without a couch. You two are brave travelers. I could, however, handle Alaska for a month. Can’t wait to watch your journey.

[@debbiepowell8172]

As always, another great video. I’m excited for this series. Alaska is so beautiful.

[@sherladixon2842]

Y’all are the babies on this cruise lol

[@user-oo3uj5ku9r]

Woohoo, so so looking forward to this series.

[@amyames6069]

Blessed to know you two 🫶 I hope and pray I can be on another cruise with you two again 🙏🙏 I have friends who would like to meet you two 😊 be who God designed you to be in Him xoxo 😊

[@mercyrodriguez5780]

Earlier when I watched it I forgot to write something! First of all have a great 28 days, can’t wait to see Dee snorkeling! I don’t know if I can go 28 days in an inside, I don’t even like a week! ❤

[@conniea9374]

Wow 28 days interior Yikes!😬

[@parodeejay]

Yeeeeeah, the budget could only hold a guarantee interior on this one, ha ha… but we’ve enjoyed spending more time on the opening decks wandering around!! :P

[@leavittfamilymedicine5456]

If they have Bridgerton in the library, highly recommend it. My sister got hooked when she picked one up while sailing on the rotterdam

[@amandagraves5468]

No way would I book an interior cabin, let alone a month, my God!!! But I’m claustrophobic!!

[@amandagraves5468]

Ya for sure. And if I’m cruising to Alaska I want a balcony to whale watch and what ever else swims by or is out there!!

[@barblynn6303]

You probably know this by now, the little device that is to the left of the door is a flashlight that is charged. I had to ask my room steward what it was and was very surprised how convenient that is in case of a power failure

[@heideleskun1163]

That Tulip is adorable, those would be so cool to collect honestly.

[@zarzu_hzr285]

Wow! So thrilled ro Watch all this Cruise serie! Thank you!

[@rebeccacraig6604]

I have been watching you guys for a long time and I love all your videos but this one for 28 days holy moly do you guys ever Miss home. Me and my family we've only been on a few cruises and we are always homesick after day number 5 so don't know how you guys do these all the time. ❤

[@parodeejay]

We try to balance chunks of time at home with chunks of time away, while always keeping the videos coming so it seems like we’re always gone, ha ha… :P

[@eminiarvii]

Westerdam my first HAL ship back in the 80s…yes that would be me in a parker and ski mask 😂😂 28 days WOW! have a great time guys🚢🙂

[@DeanDonehoo]

Wow! We are taking this cruise next year. Your reports will be our tutorial. Your first day video was interesting and informative. Enjoy!!

[@tinastawinski]

Currently on the treadmill watching this. You guys get me through workouts! 😅😂 20 days til my bachelorette cruise to Bermuda!

[@tinastawinski]

Hope you have a wonderful trip!

[@dgaither3838]

Thank you for doing this series. My husband and I are looking at doing an Alaskan Cruise next year on a HA ship. This series will give me an idea what it would be like traveling in an interior cabin and in an extended stay. Thank you.

[@nicza460]

Wow! Just got back from a cruise so I'm late to the series and can't wait to catch up! We're planning to go on an Alaska cruise (a bit shorter) and can't wait to what is out there!!!

[@catherinecyr8331]

Wow, I was so excited to see your videos on this cruise. My oh My , would be a bucket list cruise for us for sure ! can't wait for the series !

[@user-hp7kj7bn9k]

Thanks! We're going in July and I'm so glad to watch your videos to learn more about what to pack and what to do in ports.

[@pamwolff4459]

We are going on the 14 day HAL Alaska cruise next May. Do you know when we HAL starts taking dining reservations for the “extra” dining rooms? It sounds silly to be worried already, but quite a few shore excursions are already sold out!

[@susanmichele957]

That looks like an amazing journey! I look forward to seeing some of the stops that I have never been to. Have fun!!!

[@angelas9467]

Oh my goodness you are hilarious. Also the Dueling Piano Bar on Euro damn that we just got off of was one of my favorite things ever

[@susananderson618]

Been patiently waiting for this series as we are looking at this cruise for 2025! Following several CC postings and it seems there have been some hicups that HAL needs to iron out prior to next years sailing, but nothing serious. Many many world cruisers on this sailing as well and they need to "adapt" that is is NOT a world cruise so some things are a bit different. Food looks AMAZING, though we are NOT dining room people anymore. Looking forward to seeing your tour of the Crow's Nest. Will miss the Dutch Cafe on Westerdam but will manage!

[@parodeejay]

Yes, the skipping of Little Diomede and the Arctic Circle was understandable, and we've had a few other bumps along the way like changing from one advertised tender port to five tender ports so far, etc. but we're having a ball!! :P

[@justcody85]

I hope y'all have so much fun Dee and Jay! I love y'all so much and look for to this adventure of a lifestyle! Dingdong. I would be lying if i didn't say I am a little jealous 😂 hihi

[@heideleskun1163]

Wonder if the aft pool was heated. When we did the Spirit in Sept of 2022 it was, as well as the hot tubs. Took robes and had an extra towel we "checked out" LOVED it. Then again I've been in a hot tub during a snow storm and LOVED that too. SO "cool", especially when we hooped out and ran to the house. lol

[@stevebartley628]

Some friends had a charter fishing boat in Campbell River. The fish really get concentrated in the narrow area between land.

[@christianefrere9204]

I am so happy for you. I love Alaska. Have à good trip 😊

[@dodgers175]

28 days on a cruise ship sounds amazing. Have a blast!

[@SHYsArt]

I looked it up for 2025 and was over $20,000 for two in a balcony cabin.

[@parodeejay]

@SHYsArt Thus, an inside cabin for us, ha ha… :P

[@neilborst4100]

So cool to watch this while y’all still on the voyage

[@MomDocTravels]

We just got off the discovery princess 2 days ago with the BEST weather EVER!! Hope y’all have an amazing time!! 😊

[@SHYsArt]

Real cheese plate, yay. Nice gift shop. I love Alaska.

[@grannyoffive1313]

Great video ...thank you for all you do🚢

[@BernalilloGirl]

So excited you are reporting on this cruise! We hope to do it in 2026, but I'm sure you will help us figure this out. In particular interested in the "motion on the ocean" as you travel beyond the normal Alaskan ports.

[@parodeejay]

We’ve had the most amazing sunny weather overall with calm seas. We barely even know we’re moving most days, ha ha. Here’s hoping for the same on the future sailings!! :D

[@BernalilloGirl]

@@parodeejay That's great - thank you. Also very curious about the overnight stay listed for "Anchorage". Did you really dock there?

[@parodeejay]

@BernalilloGirl Yes, we docked in Anchorage proper, the same dock that we showed in our Noordam vlog series last year!! :D

[@Dillingham-]

Interior rooms are the best. If crew can do it for six months, so can I 😀

[@amyobenhaus916]

Inside cabin sounds awesome to me! More money for excursions!!

[@parodeejay]

Our thinking exactly! Plus, we get the best sleep in an interior cabin!! :P

[@Pantherjonvideos]

Editing Jay is going to be busy,busy, busy for this series! This is going to be chock full of fun!!

[@parodeejay]

Yeeeeeah, ol’ Editing Jay is about one week ahead of the editing schedule thanks to some recent sea days, ha ha… we’ll see how he holds up now that we’re getting back to some ports!! :P

[@jwyz1981]

I don’t think I could do a 28 day of Alaska in interior. I love to sit on balcony and watch the world too much.

[@parodeejay]

We’ve always enjoyed having a balcony, the times we’ve done it in Alaska, but we’ve really enjoyed our dark little cave, ha ha!! :P

[@SYF369]

Have a great time…no comparison that’s not a carnival sail away 🤣

[@tonygaluppo2383]

28 Days!! Wooohooo!

[@parodeejay]

We’re excited for all the new places!! :D

[@SherryHill-vm8ez]

Hope you guys have a great time. Alaska for 28 days sounds amazing. You guys have the best life.

[@jlizardi5013]

Hope you already figured it out but if not, the "BOW" sign could indicate that the "bow" is open for passengers to go and better enjoy the views of the area they are cruising by. Access is usually through the cabin hall on deck four.

[@annawukich1091]

I am delighted you are highlighting the library and am wondering what you are reading during this trip?

[@parodeejay]

We love seeing real libraries on the ships! We haven’t found much time for reading due to work, which is a always a good thing, but they have a good number of selections in there!! :P

[@timspeedinc]

I’m about to get on the Discovery Princess to Alaska on Saturday; if I see your ship I’ll wave

[@susansmithers859]

Hey Jay! That’s a goose, not a duck! LOL

[@parodeejay]

One day, I’ll learn all these dang birds, ha ha… yeah right!! :P ~Jay

[@eggy4152]

Jay,that welcome bird was a white swan,not a duck. Hope the Summer solstice was cool. When your that far up,no sunset.

[@Misbehaven99]

Tulip is a Drink Stir Stick I think.. LOL .. unless the paint is toxic.. hahahha

[@annawaywego370]

I. Jinx do live to do a 2& day Alaska cruise. Sounds amazing.

[@claudeallen725]

Well fluffy ducks! Something else to add to my list of things I’ll never get to do. Me sad 😢. If you guys ever need a personal porter, hit me up.

[@alk61695]

When you say you're only doing 1 Alaska cruise this year... 28 days. As to be expected from you guys at this point. Ha ha ha.

[@meganhamilton7758]

Holland cheese plate looks so much more impressive than the one on Jubilee

[@user-pb6rl8tp9d]

WOW

[@code4forlife]

We Are Doing This Cruise In 2025 😀 Thank You Both For Sharing

[@harrietwalker9064]

28 days🎉❤

[@debbiegibson3604]

One of my friends just returned from a HAL cruise and loved it. Is this your longest cruise?

[@parodeejay]

Yes, this is our longest stint on a single ship so far, but we’ve got some coming up that will beat this record!! :P

[@andrewbrown574]

If you go back for MDR breakfast (and on a 28-day cruise, I assume you will), can you please show the menu? Thanks!

[@skeletor9121]

Surprised that you two didn’t get a balcony cabin being on an Alaskan cruise for 28 days. I would definitely get claustrophobia.

[@parodeejay]

Eh, the cost difference was pretty dramatic for a cruise of this length. Our budget could only hold the guarantee interior, ha ha… :P

[@football11248]

I thin Sweet Caroline is Jay Favorite Song!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@parodeejay]

Bah Bah BAAAAAHHH!!

[@thisisandersonliving7500]

I love your sweater, Dee! Where is it from??

[@parodeejay]

Thankee! The light beige ribbed one on Day 1 was Walmart. The blue sweatshirt on Day 2 was Old Navy!! :P

[@neilborst4100]

Mermaid Dee in Alaska 😅😊

[@lisacraze1]

FYI it’s pronounced Straits of Juan de FEW-ca, not FOO-ca. Always love the videos!

[@parodeejay]

Ooooh, it sounds less "dirty" that way, ha ha... we'll have to remember that!! :P

[@lisacraze1]

@@parodeejay tee hee hee!☺

[@SusanPitman]

Have you guys started seeing USB-C outlets on any of the ships?

[@parodeejay]

No, maybe one or two brand new ships had them, but most ships still have standard plugs with a possibility of regular USB outlets. Not much USB-C as of yet.

[@rowenabellingham3179]

We call them bum bags in Australia...cos you kinda supposed to wear them near your bum

[@halfdome86]

When sailing through Alert Bay did you get serenaded by the guy with the trumpet greeting the ships?

[@parodeejay]

Ooooh, we didn't hear anyone. That's fun though!! :O

[@halfdome86]

@@parodeejay Very funny

[@larrystyba5199]

little off topic. question on the inside rooms, how do you deal with the lack of windows? I have been told to keep the tv on overnight to the bow cam and the tv gradually lets the light in as day breaks? thanks in advance.

[@parodeejay]

We sleep too well sometimes, ha ha. But our bodies tend to just wake up around 7-8am. For this cruise, the bow cam trick might not work that well since we have 22 hours of sunlight on certain parts of the itinerary!! :P

[@larrystyba5199]

@@parodeejay I hear ya on the copious amount of sunlight you're experiencing. any other tips you can share about my question?

[@parodeejay]

For us personally, we just seem to wake up around the same time every day. If we have an earlier morning plan on a particular day, we set an alarm on our phones. It’s always going to be dark inside the cabin, so an alarm is about the only way to make sure you wake up at a certain time without that natural light source!!

[@cjpampling]

Jay, the question is, did you pack 28 pairs of socks for sock of the day, or planning on buying them on the go at each port

[@parodeejay]

Figuring that we half about half port days and half sea days (which will be mostly unvlogged), a half ration of socks ended up being enough!! :P ~Jay

[@kevinleach7799]

I know you sometimes travel with carry-ons only. Have you ever done a video, or is there something on your website where you go over what you bring when you do carry-on only?

[@parodeejay]

No, every time we think about doing a packing video, we always back burner it since packing is so subjective and we don't really feel like our specific packing would help folks all that much, ha ha... :P ~Jay

[@ginacota9724]

Probably not likely to see any kids and very few young people on that cruise. I would love to go for 28 days!

[@Mooney-5280]

Will you be riding the HAL train to Denali. I am a rail guide on board the train and would love to see ya’ll

[@parodeejay]

Ah, not this time! We’d like to give ourselves a few days at Denali to do it properly, and the timing on this visit felt a little rushed. Definitely on our eventual list though, probably as part of a land trip for us!! :D

[@Mooney-5280]

I see your ship in Anchorage, too bad we cant meet up, just got off the train and we are wiped out. Hope you got something fun in !

[@chuckoneill2023]

Your recent playlists have been set up backwards. When I try to binge one of them, the episodes run from last to first.

[@parodeejay]

Oh nooo, probably some setting YT might have changed. I’ll give them a peek and see about manually making them sort by oldest to newest!!

[@fredsmodel3n192]

Not many cruise on 28 - 54 day cruises, can you find out how many passengers are on this cruise? Thanks

[@parodeejay]

The ship is pretty full, from what we can tell. Pretty close to the 2,000-ish capacity, we'd say!! :P

[@fredsmodel3n192]

Hi DeeJay, that ship looks like a Carnival Spirit class ship, can you confirm that. Thanks

[@parodeejay]

Heyo! Definitely not similar to a Carnival Spirit-class ship in our minds, no.

[@stevealbritton2876]

How do I get notifications when a live stream is starting?

[@parodeejay]

As far as we know, click the bell icon on our channel page and enable all notifications.

[@stevealbritton2876]

Thank you. I just changed the notifications to All.

[@Cruiselover-it6td]

Were you the youngest people on the ship?

[@parodeejay]

We’ve seen a few youths around, but we’re in the youngest 5% we’d say!! :D

[@davidmulholland8050]

28 days gd

[@stevealbritton2876]

What is the name of the app you use to track the ships?

[@parodeejay]

We use the CruiseMapper mobile website. No app needed, but they probably have one. You can also use MarineTraffic mobile website but that shows ALL vessels and confuses my brain, ha ha… :P ~Jay

[@stevealbritton2876]

Thank you good sir. I downloaded the Cruisemapper app, very nice

[@loishaffner9483]

I couldn't stand being in an inside cabin for a week.I am fine with a window. But no way for a month

[@parodeejay]

We’ve enjoyed feeling compelled to get out of our cabin and see the world. It’s strangely a good way to get us up and moving!! :P

[@timothycollins3829]

How full was the ship?

[@parodeejay]

Almost completely, from what we can tell!! :D

[@timothycollins3829]

@@parodeejay looking forward to this series. This itinerary definitely appeals to me and I want to see how it goes. My wife and I are on the 2 week Nordam trip in September and got some great ideas from your posts.

[@amandagraves5468]

And those 5 people will be the only ones dancing for a month! The party was over in 10 minutes. You guys are young, how can you spend the money and cruise on a ship with senior citizens? Im 66 and I would never go on those cruise’s, boring and for a month, OMG!!!

[@parodeejay]

The highlight for us was being able to see some amazing less-visited places in Alaska, like Nome, Valdez, Kodiak, Haines, and such. Love it!! :P

[@Chickenlegs836]

Being an avid cruiser I’m interested in this 28 day cruise 🚢 & ship!. I do Princess Cruises 🚢 for Alaska never Holland! This is my cup of tea cruising 28 days👍. Cost of cruise please ? TY!Enjoy your trip! Blessings 🙏🌸🌺🌼

[@parodeejay]

The rack rate was around $10k for two in an interior or $20k for two in a balcony, as far as we recall. They’re doing it again in 2025, which is awesome!! :D