Westerdam v. S class

[LDinCT]

Would really like to sail one of the S class to Alaska this summer, however prices are really high. They are offering a good deal on balcony for Westerdam with HAL's 3 day sail, but read some scary things about WDam. Do they have all the SOE upgrades? Do they have the internet cafe and the dvd rentals. The choice would be ov on the S or balcony on the WDAM. Which would you choose?

[WindyCity]

The Westerdam is fairly new (2004) so the SOE is in place. Yes, there is an internet cafe and DVD rentals and the wonderful mattresses. What have you read that is so scary about the Westerdam? She is a lovely ship.

IMHO, choose the itinerary you like best and then the ship - you can't go wrong with any HAL ship.

[LDinCT]

The recent reviews on cc have been disturbing - bad food, bad excursions, etc. Also, it seems what we liked on our trip on the Zaandam won't be duplicated - quiet, service, etc.

[Shifra]

I was on the Westerdam this past January and I really loved it. The ship has the same ambiance of any HAL ship just a bit larger than the S Class. I found the decor, service, food very good and I had a wonderfully relaxing cruise which is what I like about HAL ships . I will definately be cruising on Westerdam in the future.:)

[chumley]

We were just on the Westerdam in April and had a fabulous time. The ship was in great shape and it was one of our favorite cruises. The food was excellent and the service was as well. No complaints from us!
Leslie

[WindyCity]

I agree with Shifra & Chumley, we enjoyed the Westerdam - no complaints - food was good - service was great - and you can find plenty of "quiet spaces". We have sailed both ships and, although the Westerdam is larger, it still was very nice and felt "uncrowded". Try the Observation deck - each time we went up there, very few people were present - was nice to sit and enjoy the views!

[mfanderso]

I sailed on the Westerdam May 14. I loved every minute of it and would do it again in a flash.

[as41shots]

LD -

I had read some of the same reviews you have and I take all of these reviews, good and bad, with a grain of salt. The other day, however, a glowing and lengthy review was posted here http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=355871
which was more of what I was expecting to see. We are doing the Seattle r/t on August 6th with the kids (boys 11 and 16) and BOTH sets of parents. I know where the bars are, but I'm wondering where the pharmacy is.

Book it and enjoy.

[penk99]

We were just on the Westerdam for the 5/21 sailing to Alaska. The ship was wonderful and the service exceeded our expectations. We planned HAL excursions in every port and all of them were extremely enjoyable. No complaints about the food, or anything else! Well one complaint, the time went by way too fast!! :o