Booking just a few days prior to sailing, we managed to get one of the very last staterooms on Holland America's MS Amsterdam. Since we booked so late, we were not guaranteed a particular stateroom, and due to last minute shuffling, we could have ended up anywhere. Normally, it's kind of scary to leave such an important thing, like stateroom selection, to chance. This was our first trip to Alaska, our first time sailing with Holland America, and we were cruising for an incredible value, so we took the risk.
While we didn't luck out with a balcony or suite upgrade, we were given an obstructed window view in a ADA accessible room.
When we arrived in our stateroom, we found a wheelchair and two oxygen tanks. The equipment had identification tags, so we called guest services, but oddly, they didn't seem too concerned. I'd imagine if it was my equipment, I'd be very worried. I felt stressed on behalf of the other guest. I know the staff was busy delivering luggage and setting sail, but it took multiple phone calls and several hours for the oxygen and wheelchair to be removed. They also seemed befuddled that we were not the passengers to whom they belonged. Luckily, this was our only hiccup on the cruise.
Here are some pictures of our stateroom. Since it was ADA accessible, it felt spacious; spacious for a cruise ship cabin. What I like about cruise cabins, is how they always have plenty of storage and they maximize small spaces. I've been in plenty of normal hotel rooms, that lacked in storage. I love organization.
Admittedly, it was a little odd having an ADA Accessible shower, with all of the safety bars and with an open drain. However, it was also much bigger than any other stateroom shower that I've experienced. The odd flow-bee looking thing was the hair dryer. It was about as powerful as it appears. #itcamefromthesixties
Our window was both nice and odd. We could see the ocean, but it was set back, because directly outside of our window was a promenade. Luckily, we were located on a quiet part of the ship, and we didn't hear or see too many people walking outside of our window.
Our view -
Here is a view looking into our window from the promenade. Mirrored glass = privacy.
Our cabin attendants were Hasan and Moe. At the start of the cruise, we gushed over how much we loved the towel animals. We loudly hinted that if they kept up the towel animals, there would be an extra tip at the end of the cruise. Well, they out-did themselves: We got nine animals on a seven night cruise. Flattery and cold-hard cash works! Bats are one of my favorite animals, but I think the winner is the squid. I've never seen a towel squid! There is probably no greater joy on a cruise ship, than returning to your room after dinner and discovering towel animals.
