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A good cruise by
A Traveler from Midland, TX Sailing date: Dec 2009Pros: The food and menu choices were excellent Cons: Bed bugs Beautiful ship. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The rooms seemed a little smaller than other Holland America ships. The food and menu choices were excellent. The daily cruise compass was a little hard to figure out and the activities were not always offered at good times. They conflicted with other activities. The cruise decorations were the best we've had on a Christmas cruise as well as the Christmas activities. The room service was very good. The biggest negative was getting eaten up by bed bugs. Ship Quality
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Stateroom QualityVery large bathroom - superior suite. Ship Staff Quality
Entertainment & ActivitiesEntertainment was okay but not great. Not a whole lot of activities and not always offered at good times. However, the lighting of the Christmas Tree, Santa Claus, Christmas Eve Church services and other Christmas related activities were among the best. Children's ProgramsChildren must be at least 3 years old to participate. It would be nice if younger children (ages 1-3) had a few activities so parents could have some free time. Also they were not allowed in the pool Should be a pool for toddlers.  1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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  Great time by
A Traveler from Calgary, Alberta, Canada Sailing date: Nov 2009Pros: The food was very good Cons: can't think of anything Everything was great and well balanced. Service was great overall from each department. Were on the Westerdam ship. Perfect size of ship for our liking. Ship Quality
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Stateroom QualityOur room was on the 6th floor second cabin from the front. We felt a lot more of the motion the first couple of days but room was good overall Ship Staff QualityGreat staff! Entertainment & ActivitiesSome of the shows were not very entertaining and was not interested in the activities, but good overall 1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Fun times were had by
A Traveler from Costa Mesa, CA Sailing date: Aug 2009Pros: The music on the boat! Cons: Too many "tourists" when we were on shore First I must say I don't think we are really "cruise people." We like to spend more time exploring little towns, living the lives of local, which really is an impossibility on a cruise ship as you don't get to spend much time on land and when you are their are so many other passengers from your boat and other boats, that it really is hectic! The ship on the other hand was a lot of fun. Food and drinks were always readily available and the music entertainment was really fun. I wish there was more music entertainment throughout the "at sea" days and not just in the evenings. We are not really bingo people, so we felt like there wasn't as much to do on those days when we were at sea. The crew was amazing nice and super helpful. People would remember our names and everything was always clean and orderly! It really was a wonderful time. Ship Quality
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Juneau, Alaska
Ketchikan, Alaska
Sitka, Alaska
Victoria, British ColumbiaWe just didnt have enough time here!
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disappointing by
Kathy B from california Sailing date: Jun 2009Pros: The food and the Guest Chef Brian Archibald! Cons: The Lack of Cleanliness and attention by staff I will say the food on this ship was good! The lines on the lido were not bad. The time in the main dining was a bit slow however considering the food was so good it eased the pain of the time you waited.
Overall we were disappointed in this ship as a line that is billed as a luxury line. I have photos of overall messiness. water spills not cleaned up. food messes not cleaned up in public areas. It was common for our Room not to be made up until 4 pm daily. While on a budget line cruise as soon as we left our room in the morning it was done!
The day of disembarkation we went to eat breakfast we had a late disembarkation and left our things in the statreroom and when we returned our bed was ready for the next guests complete with luggage mats!!
The highlight of the cruise was Guest Chef Brian Archibald and his wife they were wonderful!! Enthusiastic and refreshing!!
The Johnny the Cruise Director was really lacked whjen he led the activites.. as did Jazzy... they seemed to be just going through the motions and when they did games they were less than organized as on other cruises. They did a marriage one that was supposed to have people who have sttod the test of marriage and the longest married couple couple was 13 years... when there was a couple volunteering to play who had been married over 25 years sitting next to us! Many demonstrations were not hands on that could have been like the towel folding as on other ships we have been on. Ship QualityThe decor was very nice! public areas were not kept as clean as they should be and there is wear and tear showing... one area of the upper deck was peeling. Dining/FoodThis was a plus! The food was generally well presented and considering the large numbers of people served we were impressed. Stateroom QualityThe stateroom was a nice size however again a bit of a disppointment. The pillows were lumpy. The beds were sunken in the middle. They obviously had seen better days. The bathroom had hairs in the tub when we arrived. The tub did not drain properly and we had to pull out the stopper ever time we showered. Ship Staff QualityJenn from the Pursers desk was awesome.. she was so friendly and helpful! One of the cooks on th Lido I didn't get her name but she called everyone darling... she was was great! The activities people were...well read above for details! Hopefully the ship brings Brian Archibald back because he and his wife were truly highlights!!! Entertainment & ActivitiesAgain the Guest Chef was awesome!!
The activties lacked as did those who directed! 1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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North to SE Alaska by
Stan K. from Goldendale, WA Sailing date: May 2009Pros: Entertainment and Actvities Cons: Over crowding on the Lido Deck Seven years ago, we took the same trip on the Amsterdam, so we are comparing that trip to the one we just took on the Westerdam.
We enjoyed our recent trip, but it did not meet or top the Amsterdam Cruise in 2002. We felt the Westerdam was overcrowded at times, hard to find seating on the Lido Deck. When arriving at Seattle Dock, we came early (around noon) as suggested. There was crowding of people departing the ship and those waiting to board. When on ship, we were late in departing, and it was crowded (everyone was encouraged to be on the Lido Deck) until we could access our stateroom. Ship QualityIf I was to take another cruise, I'd book on a smaller ship, probably one like the Amsterdam. The Amsterdam, the minute we boarded, was playing the tune North to Alaska, everything was geared to heading north. The Westerdam was larger, just didn't have the excitement we expierenced on the Amsterdam. For us, the less congestion the better! Dining/FoodThe food was good to very good. We felt that the food, overall, was better on the 2002 Amsterdam Cruise. Appears the portions have been cut down some from what we remembered, however, we did enjoy ourselves and the dishes served (open seating) were tasty. We liked the Open Seating Option, it wasn't available on the Amsterdam Cruise in 2002. Stateroom QualityRoom was clean and in good condition, showing some wear, which is to be expected. In comparison to the Amsterdam Stateroom, we liked the Amsterdam layout better, as there was more room in the bathroom portion. We were happy overall with our stateroom on the Westerdam. We enjoyed the view from the outside window we had. Ship Staff QualityStaff was friendly, room service was very good. Sometimes, some difficulty in understanding what was being said (speaking in English). We felt every Staffer was trying to be helpful and were friendly. Entertainment & ActivitiesWe went to the evening shows, felt Joel Mason did a great job (imitated Elton John), plus other skits. We enjoyed all the shows. Wish the slot machines were a bit looser...no one was winning any jackpots, ha!
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Juneau, AlaskaEnjoyed the Red Dog Saloon with friends, walking and sightseeing was fun.
Don't Miss: hiking up to the Governor's Mansion Ketchikan, AlaskaWe didn't hike around here as much. We did visit the Port Area. We thought it would have been better to have more time here to do things.
Sitka, AlaskaBeautiful day, really enjoyed the sights and hiking to points of interest.
Don't Miss: Check out the National Park Service Museum and hiking trail. Victoria, British ColumbiaAgain, we didn't get off ship here due to time constraints and time of day in port. We did enjoy sitting up in the crow's nest visiting with friends while overlooking the city from the ship.
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Our most EXCELLENT adventure! by
Wendy M. from Coolin, Idaho Sailing date: May 2009Pros: The Ship was truly beautiful, It was not too crowded, and our room steward. Cons: I can't think of anything at this moment. The Westerdam is one of the most beautiful ships I have ever been on and I've been on several cruises. It was comfortable and accessible in that we could get wherever we needed or wanted to be. I would go on this ship over and over I loved it. In fact with most cruises I am ready to go home on this one I wanted to stay a few more days. Ship QualityFor the entire cruise it was as if there were only a handful on the ship it was perfect. Dining/FoodWe enjoyed the open dining but prefer to have our table every night waiting for us rather than remembering to make a reservation. The food was good and we loved our meals. Stateroom Quality
Ship Staff QualityOur steward really did spoil us. He just knew when we were out and we would come back to a clean cabin I wanted to take him home.. The best! Entertainment & Activities
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Juneau, AlaskaWe did the mendenhall glacier, whale watching and the salmon bake at Orca Pt. It was the best excursion for us because we saw a pod of whales, stellar sea lions, seals and otters it was wonderful oh and don't forget the eagles. Plus we had hours to shop.
Don't Miss: I think the mendenhall glacier is a don't miss because at the rate it is receeding it won't be here too many more years Ketchikan, AlaskaSaxman to us was incredible.
Sitka, AlaskaWe loved visiting with the locals.
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Memories with my family by
Stephanie B from Dallas, TX Sailing date: Apr 2009Pros: customer service Cons: understaffed shipped We recently sailed on the Westerdam and I must say there are pros and cons to the vacation. It is hard for me to complain when I received quality time with my family, time off from work and a good sun tan. But there are a few things that I was disappointed in from the Holland America Company.
Understaffing:
It is clear that through this economic hardship decisions must be made to effect the business and clearly the staff had been dramitically cut. The dining rooms did not have enough staff, resulting in multiple 3 hour dinners. Due to the length of time spent in the dining room, my family was not able to make the nightly shows. This was a huge disappointment. The lack of staffing was also clear on the pool deck, as finding someone to provide seating, refreshments or towels was basically impossible. The staff that WAS on the ship was wonderful though. It was clear that they were doing the best that they could. But it's a shame, because all through the boat the patrons were complaining. Many were getting comped on certain items to make up for the disappointment. If Holland America is saving money by cutting staff, then the overall price should had been cut as well. The expectation remained the same from patrons, if I'm paying the same price, then I deserve the same service. And that was clearly not the case here. I must say that it was my families favorite cruise line until this past trip, and that is no longer the case.
I do hope that Holland America finds away to save money in other ways so that you will maintain the repeat customer. Because if they keep on the same journey they are on now, Holland America will soon find an empty ship. Ship QualityThe decor - specifically the carpets, and wall coverings need to be updated. Dining/FoodThe food quality was great. Especially in the Pinaccle Grill and Chef's Dinner. But the problem was the wait time on the Lido desk and outdoor grill. Every single meal you had to wait 20 minutes for a plate of food. It was outrageous. Stateroom Quality
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Entertainment & ActivitiesLove the Chef's Dinner with Andreas. A memory with my grandfather that I will never foget. Fernando was excellent too with the wine.
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Oranjestad, ArubaNeed to provide additional information concerning the islands, and maps. What does the cruiser do if they don't want to take a tour, and just want to get a taxi to visit parts of the city.
Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (Private Island)Great island. Food situation again was poor. The drink and ice stations were packed and the line was 20 minutes long. The floating rafts needs to be updated as the one which i purchased for $9 did not float.
Willemstad, CuracaoBeautiful!
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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The best for Seasoned Citizens by
Jerry from Largo. FL Sailing date: Mar 2009Pros: Friendliness and Courtesy of crew and of course the food Cons: need more slots in the casino We've been to this ship four times. Needless to say, we love it.
Not too big. a ship. Easy access to all areas. Food and service are the best.
Something to do for everyone. Your choice.
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Grand Turk Island
Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (Private Island)Great place for the whole family and several water activities to choose from
San Juan, Puerto RicoDon't take ships "city tour" Not worth the money. Walk if you can. You'll see what they show and more.
Philipsburg, St. Maartenreasonable prices for food and drink. Visit both sides if time permits.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Great Cruise by
Tim B from Naples, Fl Sailing date: Feb 2009Pros: Ship very clean and the staff very friendly. Cons: Ports missed because of bad weather. The ship was what we expected as we have been on several other Vista class ship. Easy to get around and not too large as some other ship have been. Ship QualityAgain, size was ideal and the overall condition of the ship was superb. Dining/FoodFood in the dining room could have been better. However food quality overall was very good. Stateroom QualityWe were upgraded and couldn't have been more pleased with our stateroom. Ship Staff QualityStaff was for the most part very friendly. Dinning room staff could have worked on that a little. Stateroom staff were super friendly and very accomodating. 7 out of 7 people found this review helpful.
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wonderful cruise by
A Traveler from Bushnell,Fl Sailing date: Feb 2009Pros: food was excellent Cons: activities I had a wonderful time on the ship. It was a bit rough and quite rocky most of the time but the staff was wonderful and the food was great. We relaxed most of the time and enjoyed the weather. the entertainment I thought was lacking, my other cruises I enjoyed every one of the shows. We did'nt stay at most of these. I enjoyed the comedian. The activites I thought were horrible. Who wants to lean how to fold napkins or set a table. The bingo I think is costly.I would give the Holland American another chance Ship Quality
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1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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