An Alaska Oosterdam cruise is a great way to experience the glaciers and fjords of coastal Alaska.
Holland America's MS Oosterdam can accommodate up to 1830 passengers on 11 decks.
It is one of the newer ships in Alaska, having been launched in 2003.
The MS Oosterdam is my favorite of Holland America's Alaska fleet. It's large, elegant and beautiful, the type of ship that elevates cruising to a whole new level.
Holland America has been one of the most traditional of cruise lines in terms of dining options, but that has started to change as passengers have begun to demand more flexibility in dining scheduling and choices.
By the summer of 2008, passengers on an Oosterdam cruise will be able to take advantage of "As You Wish" dining, which allows you flexibility in the time you eat each day.
Another advantage to "As You Wish" dining is that you are seated with different people at every dinner, allowing you to meet new friends. (It also allows you to avoid having to sit next to annoying passengers the entire cruise, as was a possibility with traditional cruise seating!)
Of course, traditional cruise dining arrangements are still available if you so choose.
Many people still prefer assigned seating, as the find that it allows them to build rapports with the people at their table over the course of the cruise.
If you are looking for even more diverse dining options, I suggest checking out cruises on one of Norwegian Cruise Line's Alaska ships, such as the Norwegian Star, which has almost a dozen different restaurants and dining options and even greater flexibility in making daily dining choices.
There is much to see and do on an Alaska Oosterdam cruise, from gambling in the ship's casino to taking in Broadway type shows and revues in the ship's lounges and theater.
Movies are shown each evening in the Queen's Lounge, and bands, singers, and stand-up comedians perform in the ship's many bars, clubs, and lounges each night.
Sports facilities include a health club, two pools, and the Greenhouse Spa.
This is a classy, elegant ship. An Alaska Oosterdam cruise harks back to the glory days of cruising, and makes for a thoroughly enjoyable cruising experience.
