Alaska Bound on Holland America Line's ms Zuiderdam

Our 13-day cruisetour to Alaska actually began on the Amtrak Cascades in Seattle, which was a very comfortable four-hour ride to Vancouver. We were seated on the left side of the train which gave us a great view of the water. For $118.50, Steve and I sat in business class where we had wider seats with more legroom and priority boarding and detraining. Another advantage is that we had a coupon for $3 off any menu item and were in the car next to the dining car. Anybody who knows me understands that food is never very far from my mind. Business class only cost $36 more for the two of us and was definitely worth it.

From the Vancouver train station, we hopped in a taxi to Canada Place to board the ms Zuiderdam and the embarkation process was very smooth. After boarding any cruise ship, I make it a point to go on the ship tour if it's offered because I often discover some "secret" cozy corner of the ship where I can view the passing scenery in relative peace and quiet. This time, I learned that there is an iPod tour of the works of art aboard the ms Zuiderdam available to passengers. I also learned that Holland America no longer provides trays at the buffet in order to decrease the amount of food wasted.

Departing Canada Place and cruising under the Lions Gate Bridge is magnificent on a sunny day. I enjoyed watching Vancouver's skyline recede in the distance as sea planes landed near us.

Since this was a 13-day cruisetour that included only three days aboard the ms Zuiderdam, I didn't have much time to really get to know her. Being the foodies we are, Steve and I try every dining venue available. On our first night, we dined at the Pinnacle Grill, Holland America's elegant alternative restaurant which costs $20 per person and is worth every penny. We savored our filet mignon which was prepared to perfection (rare in our case). The icing on the cake was the chocolate soufflé with Grand Marnier sauce. Given that it was the first night of the cruise we practically had the Pinnacle Grill to ourselves.

On our second night, we enjoyed lamb at the Vista Dining Room. On our third and final evening aboard the ms Zuiderdam we went to the Caneletto Restaurant, which is located inside the Lido Restaurant and offers Italian cuisine. Although the Caneletto has the ambiance of an Italian trattoria and was very charming, the white fish we had was disappointing. The best part of the meal was the interesting conversation we had with the Ukrainian couple seated next to us and another opportunity to watch a seaplane land -- this time in Juneau.

On board, I purchased a book called The Alaska Cruise Handbook by Joe Upton. It is a great read and includes a 22" x 34" illustrated map of the routes of the major cruise lines. Many of the cruise lines, including Holland America, use Joe Upton's numerical navigation system to announce their position while cruising. It's better if you read it before your Alaska cruise rather than after you return home as Joe Upton gives a lot of tips about the beautiful sites you will see and when you will see them. If you know ahead of time, you can stake a great position on deck.

More photos of the ms Zuiderdam on the way to Alaska