Westerdam or Amsterdam?!

[poppyskim]

I have cabins held on each ship. Which one do you seasoned travelers prefer more! Be swift and answer quick I have to book it soon!

[RuthC]

Is this for Alaska? Or a different itinerary? Because my answer might be different.

If it's Alaska, then I say pick the itinerary you want, because this is one place where the destination matters more than the ship. If it's Alaska, and the itineraries are identical, then you may want to take a hard look at which day of the week the ship sails. Compare how many ships will be in each port with you, and how many will be sending passengers to the airport when you disembark.

If it's not an Alaska itinerary, or, it is, but the ports are the same and day of the week doesn't matter---then I would pick the Amsterdam.
I prefer the smaller ships. Although the Amsterdam isn't a small ship, it is smaller than the Westerdam. It is elegant; the public rooms are well arranged.

[poppyskim]

Yep its Alaska! Same stops along the way. Thanks for the replies --keep em coming.

[dmlee1990]

We enjoyed both the Westerdam and Amsterdam. The Amsterdam is a bit smaller and older. But if you like a smaller ship, go with the Amsterdam. I'm sure you'll be happy with either one.

[DutchByAssociation]

I've been on both ships this year and taken a couple cruises on each, and while the both have their highlights, the Westerdam is incredible!

Either way I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time.

And to reply to Ruth, the main difference is that Amsterdam will be going to Hubbard Glacier while Westerdam is going to Glacier Bay

[RuthC]

And to reply to Ruth, the main difference is that Amsterdam will be going to Hubbard Glacier while Westerdam is going to Glacier Bay
All the more reason to take the Amsterdam, then! :) On a good day Hubbard has it all over Glacier Bay.

[seaproponent]

No question about it -- the Amsterdam. This smaller class of ships has all the benefits of the larger Vista Class vessels (eg, the Westerdam), while providing superior food and service IMO.

[nikkin]

Is this for Alaska? Or a different itinerary? Because my answer might be different.

If it's Alaska, then I say pick the itinerary you want, because this is one place where the destination matters more than the ship. If it's Alaska, and the itineraries are identical, then you may want to take a hard look at which day of the week the ship sails. Compare how many ships will be in each port with you, and how many will be sending passengers to the airport when you disembark.

If it's not an Alaska itinerary, or, it is, but the ports are the same and day of the week doesn't matter---then I would pick the Amsterdam.
I prefer the smaller ships. Although the Amsterdam isn't a small ship, it is smaller than the Westerdam. It is elegant; the public rooms are well arranged.

I know there is a place to check how many other ships are in port same time.. but I can not find it more.. do you happen to have it? Thanks..

[RuthC]

I know there is a place to check how many other ships are in port same time.. but I can not find it more.. do you happen to have it? Thanks..
Try these two sites:
www.cruisett.com (http://www.cruisett.com)
www.cruisereport.com (http://www.cruisereport.com)

[Krazy Kruizers]

Have sailed on both ships.

Having been to Alaska quite a few times, we much prefer Hubbard Glacier over Glacier Bay -- the ice is bluer and we have seen a lot more calving there.

[Krazy Kruizers]

For Alaskan ports try this site:

http://www.claalaska.com/schedules.html (http://www.claalaska.com/schedules.html)