Eurodam vs Westerdam

[dolphin30]

I am thinking of taking a Caribbean cruise in the spring. Depending on the itinerary I choose the ship would be either the Eurodam or the Westerdam. Is there a big difference between these two ships?

[Krazy Kruizers]

The Eurodam has cabanas by the Lido pool, a Retreat area on the Observation Deck which also has cabanas, and there is the Silk Den for cocktails and the Tamarind restaurant speciality restaurant.

We have sailed on both and love both ships.

But we really fell in love with the Silk Den and the Tamarind Restaurant.

[kathyemma]

We just booked the eurodam - how much do the cabanas cost? Are they near the pool? I love the sun but am allergic to it - so need to stay in the shade as much as possible.

Kathy

[jena1]

I am thinking of taking a Caribbean cruise in the spring. Depending on the itinerary I choose the ship would be either the Eurodam or the Westerdam. Is there a big difference between these two ships?
The Eurodam is somewhat larger than the Westerdam by about 200 passengers. It is newer. DH and I have been in both and both are absolutely great. We would go in either one again in a heart's beat. Just pick by itinerary, and you will happy with either one.:) Happy sailing!:)

[Jewel99]

We just booked the eurodam - how much do the cabanas cost? Are they near the pool? I love the sun but am allergic to it - so need to stay in the shade as much as possible.

Kathy

I too am allergic to the sun (PMLES) so we decided to book a Lido cabana on the Eurodam for our upcoming trip. If my memory serves me correctly, they are $199 for the week. You can also rent them for the day (rate varies whether it's a sea day or port day) but that is only if any are not booked for the entire week.

Here's a pic of the Lido cabanas:

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j300/Jewel99/img_LidoCabana.jpg

Some people love the Lido cabanas and others hate them (few seem to be impartial). Upside is that you get a specific place near the pool (on the same deck, but not right beside the pool), that's in the shade and it's yours for the week. You also get a few fun perks like frozen grapes, chocolate covered strawberries, drink deliveries, misters, iPod use, etc. Downside is that the Lido cabanas are in an area that has people walking in front of them, so you can feel like you're in a bit of a fishbowl at times. Also, if there's no breeze, I've heard they can become a bit stuffy.

In addition to the Lido cabanas, there's also Retreat Cabanas on the Retreat Deck. Similar perks. They are more expensive ($299 for the week), but they are larger, have different lounge furniture, are more private and quiet, but they are two decks up from the Lido pool - which some people like, and some don't.

Here's what a retreat cabana would look like (I think this might be the bigger "family" version, but not 100% sure).

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j300/Jewel99/img_Retreat.jpg

If your cruise goes to Half Moon Cay, you might also want to check out the cabanas on Half Moon Cay as they are very popular and often get booked long before the date of your cruise. You can search these boards for tons of info and pictures (and opinions) of the various cabanas offered on the Eurodam and on Half Moon Cay.

Hope this helps.

[kathyemma]

Those look amazing! I might have to look into getting one. My sister is also allergic and her doctor gave her malaria (SP?) medicine before we went to the caribbean a few weeks ago. First time ever she didn't break out in hives. I did. I am going to get the pills before the cruise - but you should ask your doctor about them

Kathy

[Krazy Kruizers]

Keep in mind that the Cabanas on the Lido deck get very little wind and tend to get very hot.

That is why most people like the Retreat up on the Observation Deck.

Malaria pills for hives??

[lettienets]

............
Malaria pills for hives??
anti histamines work just fine for hives from the sun.

[Krazy Kruizers]

anti histamines work just fine for hives from the sun.

Thanks -- never knew that.

[CruiseReg]

Here's what a retreat cabana would look like (I think this might be the bigger "family" version, but not 100% sure).

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j300/Jewel99/img_Retreat.jpg


That is indeed one of the two Retreat Family Cabanas on the Eurodam. We booked one for our 2nd cruise on the Eurodam this coming December 12th. We're very excited!

Also, we've been on both the Westerdam and the Eurodam and we booked the Eurodam again primarily for the Tamarind. It is an *amazing* restaurant and we have already reserved two nights for dinner. We'll also take advantage of the free lunch reservations multiple times as well.

[Willsot]

We have sailed both ships twice. While we prefer the smaller HAL ships, our four cruises on the Westerdam and Eurodam were very enjoyable. I give the nod to Westerdam for service but the Tamarind on the Eurodam keeps them even in my opinion.

On the Eurodam we experienced the retreat cabanas and much prefer those over the Lido cabanas.