Westerdam versus Celebrity's Millie

[bryanjaync]

Have cruised on the Millienmum twice and loved it. Going on the Westerdam later in 2005. How do the two compare, anything I should be prepared for ? Booked a SS category. Any thoughts ?

[Esme]

Have never cruised any other line, but can tell you that Westerdam is HAL's newest ship (launched summer of 2004) and the SS cabins are great - ours was large enough for 3 people and we were never in each other's way. Double sinks in bathroom with a separate shower stall. Big balcony. We loved it.

[xznwfd]

I've been on the Millennium and the Zuiderdam (sister to Westerdam). You will love the SS suite - felt like twice the size of a verandah cabin on the Mille. The speciality restaurant won't be as elegant as the one on the Mille, but it's still very good. The Mille is a prettier ship IMO, but you won't be disapointed with the Westerdam. The fresh flower arrangements are amazing, although it doesn't have the conservatory where you can wander around like the Mille does. I found the food comparable on Celebrity and HAL, although some on the boards will disagree with me. I like the staff better on HAL; they seem friendlier. Service (rooms, waiters) were very similar, no complaints from me on either line. I'm sure you will love the Westerdam!

[SANDY BEACH]

I have also sailed the Millennium and the Zuiderdam. Millennium is my favorite because of the excellent service, food and overall classy feel of the ship. I enjoyed my cruise (2 in fact) on the Z very much. I agree the crew tries very hard to please. Holland IMO has the most comfortable beds afloat. We stayed in a S suite and loved the extra room and amenities. When we traveled in the Fall, there were great prices on the S. You might recheck prices closer to your final payment date and see if an upgrade is that much more. There are many amenities you receive with a S that you do not get with a SS. I believe the SS just gives you a larger room and balcony which ofcourse is very nice. I'm sure we will sail with Holland again even though Celebrity is my first choice. Enjoy!

[HeatherInFlorida]

I've been on the Millie and the Oosterdam (same design as Westerdam) one year apart. They are very similar in size, design and feel. The Shops area does not even compare. Millie's were much better. And I missed the wonderful little deck behind the Lido that was on the Millie. Once you've been on the Millie glass elevators, you'll find the Westerdam glass elevators feel cramped and tiny.

We visited friends in an SS cabin and I thought it was amazing, but bear in mind that I'm used to a standard verandah cabin. The SS is quite large with a very large balcony. The bathroom was also a very nice size with 2 sinks, shower and jacuzzi. The beds and bedding are far superior to the Millie and so amazingly comfortable that they are beyond description.

There is a charge for the T-pool on the Westerdam. I prefer the ice cream on HAL ... also the hamburgers, hot dogs and taco area.

I agree with Sandy Beach that the overall service is superior on Celebrity. Personally I like the food better on Celebrity, too. Some people on Celebrity boards say that has changed and I'm basing my opinion on my December 2003 cruise.

I find the HAL crew to be very warm and friendly. I also like the Celebrity crew. But on Celebrity I felt I saw more officers welcoming me here and there. Every morning on the Millie an officer would greet us at the elevator on the Lido. That never happened on HAL.

All that said, I love HAL. I love the passengers on HAL. I've met people on HAL I want to know forever and that hasn't happened to me on Celebrity (I've cruised each line twice).

[Little Feet]

We were on the Millennium 2002 and the Westerdam last month. The food is better on all the Celebrity ships, and the Millie did not falter here. I think they have some of the best food at sea. Everything there was lovely and classy. Our verandah cabin was acceptable and would be comparable to Westerdam verandah cabins.
HAL (only been on Vista ships) has the nicest crew and the best beds. The Westerdam was a pleasure. The crew was so very friendly and kind. I do keep returning to HAL because I am comfortable on that line....even though Celebrity has the finest eats!