My husband and I just cruised with Holland America on the Westerdam. First, let me tell you this ship is has been very usual with my clients, I am a travel agent that specializes in cruises. Last spring, I had a client that sailed in the Caribbean on the Westerdam. She loved it so much, she turned right around and booked it for an Alaskan cruise. She loved it just as much the second time. Now, me myself, I quintessentially like to undertake a dissimilar ship each time I cruise. But I have to tell you, I would unquestionably cruise on the Westerdam again.
What a gorgeous ship. The Holland America Westerdam is 4 years old but almost spotless. Her decor is beautiful…I loved the crystal ship model rotating in the chandelier of the Atrium, right throughout from the Pinnacle Grill. Our room was a typical balcony stateroom but it was very well appointed equated to a heap of of the other ships we have sailed on. There was a great deal of storage space for all the clothes and gear we brought. We cherished the full bathtub rather than just a shower! We likewise got a look at the suites onboard this ship. They were very nice. I loved the huge seating areas, enormous bathrooms (for a cruise ship) with double sinks and the extensive balconies.
What did we take pleasure in onboard? Well, let me name a few things…..first and foremost we enjoyed the before/after dinner melodies of the string trio, the Moonlight Strings. They played, in the Explorer’s Lounge, each evening from with regards to 6:30-11:00. This trio from Hungary played classics, recent music and even a little Disney music when a child was in the lounge. The music was pleasurable and the lounge chairs were very snug so we were never in a hurry to leave. It was a great place to relax with an after dinner drink. They were great!
We also genuinely enjoyed the pool areas. The Lido pool has a terrifi sliding dome cover so disregarding of the weather, it is good swimming/relaxing weather anytime. Also, the two pools onboard were larger than most we have seen on cruise ships.
We found ourselves in the Queen’s Lounge and Culinary Arts Center frequently. The most pleasurable event here was the Culinary Art’s event “Chef Andreas Turns Up the Heat”. We had fun watching Chef Brad (the Pinnacle Grill Chef was called in when his boss got pulled into a meeting), cook a Mediterranean Chicken dinner & Austrian Apple Strudel. The setup was great…..the kitchen is set up like Emeril’s and there are a couple big screens with live shots looking directly down at the counter and stove top so you have a good view of everything the chef is doing. Chef Brad was agreeably diverting and in the end, he shared samples of the Strudel with everyone in the audience. We likewise got to fetch home the recipe cards! I can’t wait to undertake the Mediterranean Chicken dish altho I am not so sure with regards to attempting to tackle the Strudel. That looks like a little more work than I am more than willing to do. Also in the Queen’s Lounge, there were daily movies, all recent! One evening, we watched a very amusive Westerdam Superstar contest of karaoke singers…some very bad an galore astoundingly good. The room was packed, standing room only, and we laughed hysterically at times.
And the library….also very dissimilar than most of the other ships I have been on. The Exploration’s Cafe is combined with the Crow’s Nest Lounge forward on deck 10 of the Westerdam. This library was wonderful…..it was large, well organized and had a great selection. It likewise included the internet access area. The coffee bar was great and the views were wonderful! One morning, even even though we had a outstanding balcony to sit on back at our room, my husband and I sat in a great deal of very comfortable lounge chairs basking in the warm sun from the huge windows, and relaxing with a good book. We in truth cherished the down time.
Oh, and did I mention the Pinnacle Grill….scrumptious! The wait staff was attentive while not overbearing, the ambience was very nice…..be sure to ask for the corner table if you want the perfective romantic spot! The food……yum. I enjoyed a delicious fillet mignon and prawns. Dessert was to die for….chocolate souffle. I want this each night! Although there is a little surcharge for a meal here, I give hope or courage to everyone to try the Pinnacle Grill. Be sure to book speedily as the reservations fill up within the original day or two.
There were so galore more things to do, I couldn’t even get to everything but let me just mention a few more…..the Piano bar is rocking each night with lots of fun music and some happy guests! It have a tendancy to be standing room only later in the evening. Of course the Westerdam likewise has a beauteous spa featuring all the current health and relaxation prospects available in the spas at home…..even a hydro therapy pool. And, if your husband feels like he is going to miss his sports, there is a nice sports bar near the casino. When we were onboard, the Phillies were playing the Rays in the primary couple games of the World Series. In the Vista lounge, the shows were fun and what I enjoyed most was seeing one of my clients end up on the shoulders of a unicyclist. And I always thought the people that were pulled from the audience for things that dramatic were plants. Not this time! Now I know. Oh my goodness, just glad my husband didn’t volunteer me!
