Westerdam Alaska Review 8/16/2009

[randych]

Ok, just back from the Westerdam Alaska cruise and thought I’d post a quick review for those of you still preparing for your trips.

First, some quick info about us: My wife and I are in our late 40s (okay, okay… 50 is no longer “late 40’s”, but it’s close) traveling with two older kids (17 and 20) and my 70ish parents. We’ve been on four cruises in the past five years, all of them different cruise lines, although we did sail HAL once before (many, many years ago, when phones were still attached to walls and people thought leg warmers were a good idea). Here a quick review:

Embarkation:
After initial reviews of pier 91 we were ready to book a military transport to get us there. I had this vision of my entire family rappelling from a hovering helicopter and completely avoiding the Aurora Bridge gridlock. Alas, the embarkation reviews improved during the season and we decided to arrive in a minivan instead. We ran into a little bit of traffic near the Seattle Center thanks to “Hemp Fest” (ahh, Seattle), but almost no lines in the terminal, and a 10-minute wait to board the ship. Very easy. But the “Blackhawk Down” helicopter entrance would have been way cooler.

Cabin:
We splurged for verandahs on our previous cruises, but this was the anti-splurge cruise (auntie splurge – wasn’t that a character from Willie Wonka?), so we decided to try an outside, obstructed view cabin on deck 4. Well, when HAL says obstructed view, they mean obstructed view. Essentially, the weather outside our cabin never changed – it was always lifeboat, with a 100 percent chance of lifeboat. Not sure I would ever book another view-less cabin, but other than that, our cabin was great. The beds were the most comfortable we’ve ever experienced on a ship, there was plenty of storage space, and the cabin felt very roomy, especially the bathroom. On our other cruises the bathrooms were so small it was like wearing a fiberglass parka. By comparison, this bathroom was huge. We could have put a conga line in there. The furnishings and linens were in great shape, the flat screen TVs and DVD players were nice. But the hair dryer had about as much oomph as grandma blowing out her birthday candles. I’d suggest you bring your own (hairdryer, not grandma).

The Ship:
The Westerdam is in pretty good shape. As previously mentioned, we thought the cabins were great. However, I was a bit underwhelmed with the public areas. Compared to previous ships they just seemed smaller and more crowded. On other ships (of about the same size) we were constantly wondering, “where is everybody?” On this cruise we were frequently asking ourselves, “where did all these people come from?” The public rooms were nice, just too small for the number of people on board. We really enjoyed the Crow’s Nest and library area and spent quite a bit of time there. The Lido pool area (with the roof closed) was a popular place, and there were almost always people in the pool. The gym was okay (but, again, on the small side).

Entertainment:
The entertainment was actually pretty good. I mean, it’s not like any of them need to worry about their People’s Choice awards falling off the shelf during high seas, but they were entertaining, which is ultimately the point. So, good on them. Joel Mason did an amazing Elton John impersonation. If you like Elton John, or are familiar with Elton John, or have ever heard of Elton John, or know someone who has heard of Elton John, or have heard of someone who knows someone who is familiar with Elton John – go see Joel Mason. He was really, really good. Julie Barr was (mostly) funny. The ventriloquist –not so much, although some people seemed to be enjoying him. We also really liked Matt Murphy who played guitar in the various lounges.

Dining:
We got off to a rocky start with the service. Our first dinner was just not good. The service was slow (not “let’s sit and chat” leisurely slow, but more like “I hope they organize a search party to come find us” agonizingly slow). Food was cold, orders were incorrect, etc. Really, a comedy of errors (except no one was laughing). By far, the most unimpressive dinner we’ve ever had on a cruise, and the first time we’ve ever needed to talk to the maitre d’ to move tables. However, once we changed tables things improved dramatically and the rest of the week was fantastic. Food consistently ranged from “really good” to “amazingly great.” Some dishes were better than others, but we enjoyed almost everything. And that includes the Lido, the poolside grill, the nacho bar and the special themed offerings around the pool. Oh, and room service was awesome too. By the end of the week my waistbands were begging for mercy.

Dining attire:
Frankly, I’m not a person who pays much attention to what other people are wearing. They’d have to be dressed like Ronald McDonald for me to notice them, and even then the first thought that crossed my mind would likely be, “boy, a Filet o’ Fish sure sounds good right now.” But I tried to pay extra attention during the formal dinners and thought that people, in general, looked pretty sharp. I saw maybe a couple dozen tuxedos (half belonging to the waitstaff), lots of suits and sport coats on the men, and a few guys in just shirts and ties. I didn’t see any shorts, sweats or jeans… but they were probably around. Again, I’m probably not the best person to be commenting on this anyway, but I know this is a popular topic of discussion around here.

Debarkation:
Again, very easy. Walked off the ship at 9:15, had our bags by 9:17, customs agents sort-of, kind-of, casually almost glanced at our passports at 9:18, and we were on our way home at 9:20. We had a friend pick us up, although it looked like there were plenty of taxis available. By 10:15 I was sitting at home working on this review and trying to avoid helping with unpacking and laundry (which is why I'm typing very slowly ).

The good:
Free espresso and cappuccino after dinner, a great room steward, extensive room service menu, the Crow’s Nest, winning free drinks in a trivia contest, great food, technology classes, martini mixology class, and Joel Mason. Oh, and the towel animals. This was our sixth cruise and the first time we’ve ever seen these elusive creatures. I was beginning to think they were urban legends, like Bigfoot. Or steroid-free professional athletes.

The not so good:
Where were the cooking classes? They have this nice demonstration kitchen but we never saw a cooking class offered all week. Show times just aren’t right for the fixed dining times (8:00 dinner and 9:30 shows). We usually had to rush through dessert to get to the show on time – and no one should ever have to rush through dessert. Ever. (I believe rushing through dessert a misdemeanor in some countries). Calling room service or housekeeping on the phone generally meant a 5 to 20 minute wait on hold, although this did get shorter as the week went on. Probably a few other little issues that I just can’t think of right now.

This is getting long, so I’ll make it a “Part 1” and post another shorter review with port information later.

Overall, it was a great cruise and we would definitely sail HAL again! Let me know if you have any questions about the Westerdam or Alaska and I’ll do my best to answer them.

[NorthPhoenixGuy]

Thank you for taking the time to review the Westerdam. I'll be sailing on her September 20th. My very cruise was on the Oosterdam three years ago and it was a fabulous experience. That's why I booked the same type of room, mini suite, Navigation deck since this is also a Vista Class ship. I'm really excited and your review makes me feel very positive about it. I always travel alone and I have the late dinner seating. Certainly don't want to miss Joel's Elton John show. Actually, he was on the Oosterdam three years ago too along with Julie Barr but the show times were later than they appear to be now. Again, thanks for your posting. I'm glad you had a favorable experience with HAL.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Thanks for reporting about your cruise.

Show times -- they have slightly changed since we were on the Westerdam in April/May -- if you have dinner at 8 -- then you are expected to see the show at 7:30. These new shows times with various variations have been on HAL for a couple of years. You eat late -- then your show time is early. You eat early -- your show time is late.

It wasn't like this a few years ago.

As for the cooking classes -- they are not advetised in the daily program. You have to go to the front desk on Embarkation day and ask when and what times they will be. They are limited to 12 people and cost $29 per person.

[randych]

Originally Posted by Krazy Kruizers

if you have dinner at 8 -- then you are expected to see the show at 7:30. These new shows times with various variations have been on HAL for a couple of years. You eat late -- then your show time is early. You eat early -- your show time is late.

We thought about that, but it didn't seem to work either. I wasn't specifically timing them, but I think the shows were at least 45 minutes, and maybe an hour long. Weren't they? Seems like they either need to move the 7:30 time to 7:00, or the 9:30 time to 9:45. In fact, on the Master Chef's dinner night they did move the showtime to 10:00 which worked out great.

It wasn't that big of a deal. We missed the beginning of Julie's show but made it to the others on time.

[Benji817]

Loved reading your review! Thank you for sharing your recent thoughts on the Westerdam. I'm considering booking this ship for a Caribbean cruise in January. Obstructed OV is one of the categories I'm looking at... do you mind sharing which categroy letter you had? Even being fully obstructed, were you at least able to see a little daylight? I don't care so much about the view, I just like being able to wake up and quickly determine if it's morning!

[luannsimon]

Your review was so funny! Thanks for the laugh.

[RuthC]

Originally Posted by Benji817

Loved reading your review! Thank you for sharing your recent thoughts on the Westerdam. I'm considering booking this ship for a Caribbean cruise in January. Obstructed OV is one of the categories I'm looking at... do you mind sharing which categroy letter you had? Even being fully obstructed, were you at least able to see a little daylight? I don't care so much about the view, I just like being able to wake up and quickly determine if it's morning!

I once had a fully-obstructed on the Noordam, and since normally I'm a cave dweller, I loved it. The windows were wall to wall, floor to ceiling. On the other side was a catwalk, then the lifeboat. I could see sky, clouds, whether or not it was raining, and daylight! Glorious daylight!
It's a nice size cabin, too.

[randych]

Originally Posted by Benji817

Loved reading your review! Thank you for sharing your recent thoughts on the Westerdam. I'm considering booking this ship for a Caribbean cruise in January. Obstructed OV is one of the categories I'm looking at... do you mind sharing which categroy letter you had? Even being fully obstructed, were you at least able to see a little daylight? I don't care so much about the view, I just like being able to wake up and quickly determine if it's morning!

We were in category GG, cabins 4093, 4095 and 4097.

4095 and 4097 really were completely obstructed -- there was very little daylight sneaking through. And since there was some ambient light from the promenade deck below it was hard to tell night from dawn. Of course, this was overcast Alaska, so maybe sunny Caribbean would be different.

Our kids were in cabin 4093 which was much better. They had a bit of a view off to the left, and more light. I think category G would be even better, and worth the slight increase in cost since these cabins are between the lifeboats. Category F would be better still, although there are only two of them on the ship. We noticed these from the outside of the ship and they would have a great view. Completely unobstructed and not that much more expensive.

Oh, and don’t go by the diagrams on the HAL deck plans as far as how the tenders and lifeboats align with the windows. I’d rely on the categories instead. I think G would be pretty good, F would be great. GG, H and HH really are obstructed.

All of them were great cabins, btw. Good location, mid-ship, close to the promenade deck, close to the elevators and stairs. And we really didn't mind the lack of a view that much.

[Storylady]

[quote=randych;20929674]
But the hair dryer had about as much oomph as grandma blowing out her birthday candles. I’d suggest you bring your own (hairdryer, not grandma).

I agree the wall hair dryer doesn't have much blowing power.

I could be wrong, but I think there is a hand held hair dryer hidden somewhere in the room. I am sure that I have seen one on previous cruises. Since I have short hair, I usually don't bother looking for it.

[aliaschief]

Well written revue that was well balanced and fair. Thank you for taking the time and effort.

[Bighorn Hockey Nut]

Loved your humor in your review, I will be on the Westerdam Sept 20 and looking forward to it. I see that you said anti-splurge but did anyone go to the spa and if so, how were the prices? Any specials? Thanks for your time in writing the review

[randych]

Originally Posted by Bighorn Hockey Nut

Loved your humor in your review, I will be on the Westerdam Sept 20 and looking forward to it. I see that you said anti-splurge but did anyone go to the spa and if so, how were the prices? Any specials? Thanks for your time in writing the review

I believe the rules for an anti-splurge cruise specifically preclude any spa activities (even on a "regular" cruise I have to admit that we don't do much spa stuff). I know there were specials throughout the week -- but I don't know what they were. How's that for the most unhelpful answer ever? Actually, I'm probably the least qualified person here to answer that, so maybe someone else can jump in here.

Originally Posted by Storylady

I agree the wall hair dryer doesn't have much blowing power.

I could be wrong, but I think there is a hand held hair dryer hidden somewhere in the room. I am sure that I have seen one on previous cruises. Since I have short hair, I usually don't bother looking for it.

This was the hairdryer in the room, under the vanity (I didn't see another one). Maybe we just had a bad one that was on its last legs. But I'd say bring your own.

[earl_m]

Glad to hear that you enjoy your cruise, we will be on the Westersam in 2 months

[Jana White]

We were on the Westerdam in June and there were no cooking classes. When we asked why we were told that there were too many groups booked and there was not time available in the Queens Lounge for the cooking classes

[dmlee1990]

Thanks for your review. I enjoyed reading it. We were on the Westerdam back in April in the Caribbean and we thoroughly enjoyed our cruise. We also had Joel Mason on board and he is amazing! We had excellent dining stewards, but so so cabin stewards. We've always enjoy sailing HAL and consider this cruiseline our favorite.

[randych]

Originally Posted by Jana White

We were on the Westerdam in June and there were no cooking classes. When we asked why we were told that there were too many groups booked and there was not time available in the Queens Lounge for the cooking classes

That may have been the case with our cruise too. I did notice several groups meeting in the Queen's Lounge during the week. Or maybe we just missed the classes. Not sure.

I forgot to mention that we did go to a free cooking demonstration early in the week. It wasn't a hands-on class, but we did get to watch two of the chefs prepare grilled salmon and an apple dessert. Very interesting and fun!

[dchip]

Thanks for the review! Reading anything about the Westerdam is so exciting since we will be sailing two months from today

Cheers, Denise

[PennyAgain]

Thanks for the review. You certainly have writing talent!