Hi all
Looking at doing this tour next year and would love to hear from someone who has done it. Like to know what optionals are best to take on the land and sea part. I'd really like to know if it is worth paying for an outside stateroom as I've had a look at the Holland America ships and the window isn't really that big and who sits in their cabin anyway. I thought that you would be better off going to a lounge area and view the outside from there. Saying that, is it worth paying for a verandah outside stateroom? They look a lot better, in the sense that you can definitely sit in your cabin and view the scenery. What do you all think?

I had a verandah on the Statendam--an Holland American ship--when we did Alaska. I really enjoyed it, but it is not necessary. As you say, the lounges give a good view. We were heading north and I was told to get a berth on the right side (is that starboard--I always forget), but the inside passage was narrow so there is scenery on both sides usually.
We loved watching from our verandah, but be aware, the ship makes announcements about animal sightings and they are not always visible on your side of the ship.
In any case, I personally think a window is also nice, but I know some veteran cruisers who always get an inside cabin as they don't spend much time in their cabin.
Because verandahs are more expensive, you would think their availability would be good, but they sell out.

Thanks Suegreg for you reply but is there anyone else??????? I was hoping for more info. Hello is anyone out there??????

Have you read Alaska Anyone thread just below this? It is not the same tour, but lots of discussion on similar stops.

Having just returned from a Holland America cruise, your best view is from the lounge on Floor 9. You can also walk up to the bow and view from there.

Hi all, not long now for us, we fly out to Japan next Monday 18th for five days before flying to Vancouver to start this tour.

I was told by someone that we need a transformer to charge our equipment because Australia is 240 volt and Canada is a lower voltage and if we try to charge up without one then it will wreck our phone/camera battery. I also was told that I had to get one once I arrive at my destination as they don't sell them in Australia. Is this true?????