1st HAL Cruise

[katmash]

Trying to decide between 10 day Volendam or 7 day Westerdam for our 1st HAL cruise in Oct. We like the sea days and Aruba/Curacao of the Volendam, and Grand Turk/Tortola of the Westerdam. We are looking for relaxation and pampering. We do love the casino, spa and hanging out on the balcony and enjoying the company of traveling companions, SIS and BIL. We've cruised a lot and our favorites so far are Princess, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity. Which ship should we choose to introduce us to HAL?

[Krazy Kruizers]

Have sailed on both - love both ships.

We love long cruises and would definitely go for the 10 day. Do remember that the spa on the Volendam is not as large as the one on the Westerdam.

[venicecruiser]

If it were me, I would choose Volendam. Beautiful ship and a wonderful crew!

Claudia

[RlrCstr]

I have also done both ships.
I did that same 10 day itinerary on the Volendam in March and loved it. I would vote for that one. Hope you like Dominica as much as I did.

[Willsot]

My vote is Volendam. Smaller number of passengers gives more of a feel of what HAL is about. But there will be more verandah cabins available on the Westerdam. Like others, we enjoyed both.

[CCCM]

For the itinerary I would do the Volendam if I could get enough time off from work. We are on the Westerdam in Oct. Can't wait to get back to Tortola (Virgin Gorda and Sunny Caribe for spices). Looking forward to Grand Turk.

[katmash]

Thanks for your responses. The score looks like Volendam 3 Westerdam 0. I'll pass this info on to the group. Is something wrong with the Westerdam since nobody picked it?

[SANDY BEACH]

I don't think there is anything wrong with the Westerdam. Many opinions here seem to think quite favorably of the Volendam. We have cruised the Zuiderdam a few times and were looking for a different experience. In reading many comments on these boards, we chose the Volendam for November. I'm very excited over our choice and feel we may experience a different Holland feeling by cruising a smaller ship. Many say that it is the true Holland experience.

[cruznon]

Katmash,
I'd always go for the 10-day over a 7-day cruise. You're gonna love HAL!:)