Holland America Eurodam Alaska Cruise: Insider Review & VLOG!

[@CruiseTipsTV]

RESOURCES MENTIONED: Eurodam Food and Bar Menus with FOOD photos: Click here to view the menus Holland America Eurodam First Impressions: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJ_cnYx_ZpaYgpo Shop our Alaska Cruise Store (clothing, outerwear, Alaska essentials): urlgeni.us/amazon/Alaska Shop for Alaska Cruise SHOES: urlgeni.us/amazon/CruiseShoesAlaska 10 Alaska Cruise Packing do's and don'ts: cruisetipstv.com/10-alaska-cruise-packing-dos-and-donts/ ALASKA CRUISE PACKING LIST 2024 🌲What to pack for an Alaska Cruise 🌲 kzbin.info/www/bejne/l32plGlvrqh6pdE Don’t Let These 10 Alaska Cruise Mistakes RUIN Your Cruise! kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5PdiKB-m7Fnp5o FREE Alaska Packing LIST: cruisetipstv.com/10-alaska-cruise-packing-dos-and-donts/ Shop My Cruise Outfits & Follow on LTK: www.shopltk.com/explore/CruiseTipsTV

[@markolwick2223]

They make you sign for the drink package because too many people were going to Guest Relations and complaining “I didn’t drink that much!” and demanding they remove drink charges from their bill. And I’m very happy that they serve you in the buffet. Much more sanitary that way!

[@CruiseTipsTV]

Good to know: thanks for sharing! Agree on the germs: those sticky salad tongs are the worst. Safe to say I have “mixed” Feelings on the buffet

[@seashell4429]

Totally agree with your points about signing for drinks each time. Not efficient and a great way to pas along germs… I however enjoyed being served at the buffet. I trust the staff to maintain cleanliness protocols. It’s also a great opportunity for our youngest to practice eye contact and polite interaction. May I please have… would you mind adding just a little more… yes that’s perfect thank you…

[@CruiseTipsTV]

Excellent point about the kids AND the germs!

[@sheissawitta]

I used to work as a waitress at Tamarind restaurant , Kiningsdam, and Nieuw Amsterdam , and my best friend still working in Tamarind in Eurodam right now , She is popular for HAL guests. I heard many stories from my Thai friend who work in different cruise companies .... and HAL is super reasonable and very clean 👌 thank you for being nice to all staff , there are so many things behind their hard work !! Thank you for sharing your journey anyway 🙏 😊

[@larryfrias8010]

I feel the serving in the buffet is a great and clean way to prevent germs. My wife and I are going on the Alaskan cruise on Eurodam in Sept 2024. I am glad you made this video for a quick view of what we can expect. Thank You

[@ThisSingleMom]

They make you sign for each drink hoping you'll add a tip even though gratuity is usually included when you buy any kind of soda or drink package initially.

[@pewing99]

I prefer cash or casino cheques for drink tips, but any extra is important to the servers.

[@christineE9301]

Love Holland America. Fantastic experience. Think it is interesting that you dislike using a pen that others may have used, but would prefer to self-serve at the buffet. Same high touch points.

[@CruiseTipsTV]

Haha, that’s a GREAT and astute observation! TRUE! I don’t like those salad tongs for sure - 👍

[@rjsams001]

You do understand that your complaint about signing for drinks and your complaint about the crew serving you in the buffet are the exact opposite? If you want to avoid germ points with the pens, then you should be glad for avoiding the germ points of other people handling utensils in the buffet. How many times have you seen other passengers go into the buffet without washing their hands? Just saying...

[@CruiseTipsTV]

Sure do! Just being honest - can’t stand touching those salad tongs in the buffet but still miss the freedom.

[@hd4100]

It’s important to understand that our bodies are prepared to fight germs. We shouldn’t be overly concerned about having everything be sterile because it’s impossible.

[@sryangould5492]

I LOVE the full service buffet, I think it's a great feature!!! 😁

[@JaniceLadyJStyleKrako]

I love HAL. Was invited to Mariner's lunches for both Eurodam and Prinsendam in NYC. Have sailed Alaska many times on a number of HAL ships

[@CruiseTipsTV]

How awesome!!!

[@kathyp2794]

Cruised Holland America on the Koningsdam last December and are now huge HAL fans. The sushi restaurant by far is the best! 🍣

[@CruiseTipsTV]

Love it! Yes, on that sushi! So good!

[@FraserAtSea]

Wow wow wow - some of that Alaskan scenery that you got looked absolutely amazing! I cruised Alaska with Princess 2 years ago, and absolutely LOVED the experience. We had an onboard Naturalist, but I adore the idea of an actual Park Ranger coming onto the ship - that's so cool!

[@akritenbrink]

Great video, I kinda want to go back to Alaska on the Eurodam again. I don't think you should feel bad for asking for exactly what you want at the buffet. Holland America has a higher level of service. As long as you are nice about it, I think it's part of the deal there for both guests and crew. I saw lots of people asking for this exact piece of fish, more mac and cheese, or whatever, and the crew did not flinch. Personally I like the cafeteria style service better because I know the people who are touching the food have been trained in proper food handling and cleanliness. And it did seem to cut down a lot on line cutting!

[@CruiseTipsTV]

True...they were pretty nice about it most times. It is very true that it eliminates germ points too, and I definitely want to stay healthy! Honestly, I thought ALL cruise ships would go back to full serve, forever after C0ViD!

[@l.wallace4252]

So glad you had a great time. We took that cruise on that ship as well this summer. Worth mentioning that not every cruise line goes through Glacier Bay. Wow, I’ve never heard anyone say something negative about being served in the buffet. It is so much healthier. Have you seen people serve themselves? Kids grabbing cookies? Multiple hands on serving utensils. We prefer the MDR in general but will get ice cream and the famous bread pudding in the buffet. So grateful it is served. Antibacterial ointment will not prevent the spread of norovirus; only bleach wipes. Great point about the pen, though. I’m bringing my own when I board next week. Probably have that process to allow for extra tipping and to avoid billing disputes. Happy sailing!

[@CruiseTipsTV]

I know, it's ridiculous that I prefer self serve buffets, and as a germaphobe it makes zero sense! Happy sailing back to you as well!

[@l.wallace4252]

@@CruiseTipsTV I’ve enjoyed your content for years by the way!

[@dianahampson7352]

We have just started planning our Alaskan cruise and just found you page. Thank you.

[@CoolChick4Eva]

I love this channel so much! your voice is so soothing to listen to and the videography is amazing

[@CruiseTipsTV]

Aaaaw, thanks!

[@terrifromm5085]

We are researching HAL for future cruises and your videos are especially helpful. Thank you!

[@CruiseTipsTV]

Have fun! OUR PLEASURE!

[@lakerfanjr]

Watching this while onboard the Koningsdam out of Vancouver to Alaska. 🤩

[@CruiseTipsTV]

Amazing! Good weather this week?

[@lakerfanjr]

@@CruiseTipsTV overcast but otherwise nice. Btw, I never get drink packages. I can never drink enough to make it worthwhile. Also, having cruised back to back on Seabourn, it's been a tough adjustment cruising with 8x more passengers. Too many people and too loud. But I do like the Pinnacle class ships of Holland America Line.

[@JulieThompson38]

Love Holland. We have four cruises under our belt - one with Carnival and three with Holland. We are doing an Alaska with Royal in a few days. It's hard to imagine it topping our Holland Alaska cruise last year. We want to try the different lines, but definitely looking forward to another Holland cruise. Looking forward to your Westerdam review. So far we've sailed on Koningsdam (2x) and Rotterdam, but the smaller ships seem like they would be awesome too!

[@stevecoats5656]

I'm going on this cruise soon!

[@rjsams001]

I love Holland America in Alaska--I think they've been sailing there the longest of all the major cruise lines, so they know how to do it (and they have the necessary permits.) And the pea soup out on the deck on Glacier Bay day is unique!

[@CruiseTipsTV]

I so agree! They do it right! What’s your fave HAL ship!?

[@thejokerspeaks]

We sailed Nieuw Amsterdam in Alaska last year, 3rd time on Eurodam's sister ship. I feels like I am breaking even with the Have-It-All package, especially if gratuities are included, with just 1 drink and a coffee. Noordam will be our 2nd HAL ship soon to Japan, sister ship to Westerdam. I just booked Azamara for a Canads to FL repo, for exactly the same price as HAL, figured why not upgrade for free?

[@CruiseTipsTV]

Absolutely! You cruises sound amazing!

[@carriesteel6422]

Not to be cynical, but I feel like the receipt on each drink is to encourage everyone to tip (extra*) on each drink. I say extra, because most people prepay gratuities. On the other hand, if you like a fast, effective drink, you may want to tip for every drink, but that's just my opinion.😂 Omg, Junior is so tall! Wow! Good to see you guys out having fun!❤

[@CruiseTipsTV]

That’s a VERY astute point about the tipping! Totally true about tipping and OMG yea- our boy is so tall! I love this age so much too.

[@chuckleavitt4309]

Thanks for the info. I cruise many lines. This holland euro will be a new 1st cruise I think the last 2 points will aggravate me too!

[@CruiseTipsTV]

I hope you have an amazing time!

[@JohnWilliams-mt6fx]

Your review was great as my wife, and I will be on eurodam's Alaska cruise in a month.

[@CruiseTipsTV]

So wonderful! Alaska is just bliss!

[@sonyah5081]

Thank you Shari. I have really wanted to sail Holland America.

[@CruiseTipsTV]

You should!

[@SusanRAtlas]

Love HA. Told me yesterday - no more laundry package! Not happy. Last year on Niew Amsterdam there was only once a day cabin service. FYI.

[@Desjardins50]

No more laundry package? What?

[@jennifercejpek1199]

We love HAL! We have been on the Eurodam two times and it was great. You did not talk about the entertainment.

[@CruiseTipsTV]

We were in bed most nights by 9pm. What are some of your faves as a seasoned HAL cruiser?

[@Islandcollector]

Hello Sherry. I've been watching the channel for a few years, but never found a need to comment. But we just got off Eurodam and discovered something that threw me off. I tried to store my luggage under the bed and could not. I also noticed there were not drawers. At the end of they voiage, I discovered the only actual drawers were under the foot of they bed😮. Nobody seams to mention this little detail.

[@CruiseTipsTV]

Welcome back! Wow! What kind of cabin did you book. I never saw those drawers, but that is so cool. I wish I would’ve known that. Interestingly, my luggage fit under the bed just fine. I think it was only on one side though. Over on the sofa side.??

[@PedroPatsf]

Really great video and overview.

[@CruiseTipsTV]

Much appreciated!

[@bobthepome]

Good review of your Alaska cruise on HAL. Seems strange though that you don't like signing for your drinks because many others may have touched the pen, but promote self serve in the buffet which is potentially a worse problem for spreading germs! I also don't like having to sign for my drinks now (didn't have to do it a couple of years ago I think) but it does potentially cover you if you have additional expenses on your bill that are really not yours! Also, one of the things that brings me back to HAL is the crew serve of food in the buffet - much more hygienic.

[@CruiseTipsTV]

Thanks! It’s just a personal preference- and yes, I understand that the two things are somewhat contradictory. I’m not promoting anything, just sharing my preference and the reason why. I agree- way more hygienic and honestly, I’m surprised any of the cruise lines went back to self-serve buffets after the pandemic.

[@frankpainter2203]

We did the HAL Panama cruise February and we had the beverage package also. It's a little annoying to sign off since the so called "tip" is included. Most of the time I just signed but occasionally we added a dollar for service like if they brought you a drink at the pool. The "don't serve yourself" buffet is ok with me and I'm not shy about asking for more or less of something. Languages can be a small problem. I think they don't want people touching the food and spreading germs. They make you wash your hands before entering the dining areas. I agree with your "pen everyone uses for drink sign-offs" concern. I caught Covid at the end and had plenty of drink "pen-touching" sign-offs during the trip...lol.

[@CruiseTipsTV]

Great tips, and thank you! So sorry you got covid! Been there, don't want it again!

[@bbman58]

So you were worried about a "dirty pen" but it annoyed you that the buffet was served? Being served at the buffet is the best way to control cross contamination of food which helps control Norovirus outbreaks and guests who are already sick with spreading COVID or any other transmissible diseases.

[@alfredcollins87]

Any tips for a 7 day cruise on princess in September on what to wear from Canada to la thanks

[@CruiseTipsTV]

Hi! Plan for more drizzle in September. I would suggest water resistant shoes. From Canada to LA, wear your bulkiest shoes on the plane, and something comfortably that you can re-wear on the ship. I usually choose jeans, and a light sweater or sweatshirt over top of a t shirt or blouse.

[@deltaforce7026]

I'm sure they give you a receipt to sign to leave the crew a tip.

[@CruiseTipsTV]

Yes: I think so

[@AaronI-k6x]

My Wife and I are looking to do our first cruise together, traveling to Alaska. We’re both 30 years old with no kids. I’m conflicted between Holland America’s Eurodam, or the upcoming Princess Star. It’s hard because the Princess Star looks huge with a large variety of food and entertainment, plus it’ll be brand new. But the Eurodam seems like it has that small ship vibe that gives you that quality personal attention in everything. Since you’ve cruised on the Princess Sun before (Princess Star’s sister ship), how do you feel about a large size cruise ship compared to a smaller cruise ship like the Eurodam? Which would be your preference? Thanks and I love watching your content!

[@CruiseTipsTV]

That’s a tough call! I’ve always enjoyed the more intimate feel of the smaller ships, but if you’re wanting that extra variety, the newer ships have so many options!

[@brianweber8706]

On the positive side, there is less “germ points” by the crew serving the food in the buffet. I personally really liked the crew serving the food when the restart happened with RC.

[@timmccartney2367]

We are booked on the Eurodam Alaska Cruise for 2025

[@CruiseTipsTV]

That’s so exciting. It’s a beautiful ship. Have a blast.

[@karenmckay75]

I prefer the staff serving, rather than serve yourself, this is more sanitary and you know that other people haven't thrown the serving thongs back in the food. I Noticed it more in the salad bar, using the thongs and than laying them back on top of the salad.

[@CruiseTipsTV]

VERY true about the salad and sometimes the tongs are sticky! ✅

[@TravelsofAngel]

Did they provide a blanket for veranda sitting? Or sitting up on the deck?

[@CruiseTipsTV]

Yes, they do in room and on deck too!

[@wandatotten7738]

I don’t drink alcohol but coffee and lots of water so the drink package would be worth it

[@jeromep]

To be honest, I'd be more willing to eat in the buffet on a cruise if it was less self-service. Is my memory straight that Sun (and eventually Star) Princess have buffets designed around staff served food or pre-plated, grab-and-go dishes. I suspect that the cruise lines know that this is the direction to go in the long run. I'm convinced that Noro breaks loose on cruises through the buffet and all the utensil handling. It's why we avoid the buffet at lunch on embarkation, and generally for a couple of days into the cruise. Food on the Lido along with the dining rooms is more than enough for us. Too many folks getting on board that have spent hours on the pressurized disease tube using sanitation facilities smaller than my motorhome's bathroom, that are never sanitized while in use, and are always strangely wet, then rushing to a taxi or Uber to get to port, then get on board and immediately head to the buffet because they are starving, and in 6+ hours haven't washed their hands once. So, I get it, you don't want to be demanding of the staff in a staff served buffet situation, but they are there to serve and they are doing their part keeping communicable diseases at bay. I'm grateful for their work, patience, and willingness to give me more ranch or blue cheese. Cheers!

[@CruiseTipsTV]

VERY true about airplanes- I can’t even count the number of times I suspect I’ve gotten sick on a flight!!

[@ping-yinwang28]

Hi May I know which travel agent/advisor you worked with?

[@CruiseTipsTV]

Sure - Wendy is with Dream Vacations at [phone]: let her know you were referred by CruiseTipsTV when you call. You can also research before u book right on the website if you prefer: cruisetipstv.membercruises.com/

[@ping-yinwang28]

@@CruiseTipsTV thank you !

[@lindaguida4074]

Have you cruised with Grand Princess?

[@CruiseTipsTV]

Yes! Older ship but we LOVE it.

[@chandramcduffie8697]

If you're not a tea drinker, do they offer coffee?

[@CruiseTipsTV]

Absolutely!

[@lindaguida4074]

Did you get your money back on Zipline excursion?

[@CruiseTipsTV]

Yes - immediately!

[@oglaladiver]

You have a problem with touching a pen after several other people have but being served on a buffet and not being able to get your own food bothers you????

[@hd4100]

As a healthcare worker I know that people should just always assume that your hands are full of germs and it’s actually OK, just don’t put your fingers in your mouth, nose or eyes.

[@CruiseTipsTV]

Good advice

[@pewing99]

It makes no sense that you complain about using a pen that someone else used, but then complain about the buffet not being self server where who knows what is on the utensials and in the food you are going to be putting in your mouth. One of the greatest things HAL did was move to full service buffets to cut down on Norovirus and other issues.

[@joelsense9031]

I have to agree on the buffet. I know some people prefer being served and I understand why but in a buffet I prefer self service.

[@CruiseTipsTV]

Yes! It’s just one of those preferences!