Westerdam – Eastern Caribbean Apr 12-19 Review … LONG

[canehdn]

Background
DH not ready for another cruise … so invited my mother on her very first cruise. Big fan of “free-style” dining, have enjoyed my previous NCL cruises. Since I was traveling with my mother (mid-80’s), was looking for a line with an older demographic, but still wanted open seating dining. Research on CC pointed me in the direction of HAL since they offer AYW dining in addition to traditional. Happy to say I am now a HAL convert. HAL dining staff did an exceptional job. We made reservations day of and next day and took what suited us best … some meals 5:30, some 7:30, sometimes dining alone, other times with 2, 4 or 6 other guests and it worked well. Perfect opportunity to meet wonderful people and made for interesting dinner conversations. Brought wine on board to enjoy in our stateroom and purchased a wine card making it very easy to enjoy a glass of white or red house wine at dinner. Purchased a coffee card and enjoyed a wonderful selection of flavored coffees and baked goods in the Explorer’s Lounge, deck 10. Coffee lovers – don’t forget you can order cappuccino or espresso with your dessert each evening at dinner.

Saturday, April 11
Heading into Ft. Lauderdale a day early … to avoid possible flight delays on embarkation day. Southwest direct flight from Kansas City to Ft. Lauderdale left gate right on time. Slight problem in Lauderdale getting our hotel shuttle due to a miscommunication, but it worked out and ended up at the Hampton Inn & Suites on Stirling with many other cruisers. Oakwood Shopping Center a short walk from the hotel had some good shops: Jones of NY, Marshalls and Home Goods, Payless Shoes, Famous Brand Shoes, Barnes & Noble, Michaels and quite a few restaurants. Also a BJ’s warehouse where you can pick up wine, soda and water for your cruise. Comfort Inn next door has a cozy little Pub & Grill by their pool where we enjoyed a grilled burger, cold cocktail and great conversation with other anxious cruisers.

Sunday, April 12
Hampton Inn’s breakfast buffet offered scrambled eggs, sausage, toast, bagels, English muffins, Danish, cereal, fresh fruit salad, yogurt, milk, juice, coffee and tea. Tummies full and bags ready to go, we relaxed and waited with many others for 11:00 shuttle transfer to Pier 27 where we boarded the beautiful Westerdam. Check-in fast and efficient – no more than 20 minutes and on board. Went to Lido deck buffet for lunch but, as expected no tables inside or out. Managed to find 2 stools at the mid-ship Lido bar where we met and enjoyed the company of CC’s “ladymacwilly” and her DH David. Finally managed to snag a table at 1:30 and enjoyed our first lunch on board. At 2:00 it was announced rooms were ready. 7143 … last balcony room starboard side before the aft facing suites. Loved our room with plenty of storage, large bathroom with tub and very comfortable balcony (all areas were larger than NCL’s balcony room). Muster drill was at 4:15, upon return luggage had arrived. Harry and Lubis, our room stewards stopped by to introduce themselves and make sure we had everything we needed. Asked to have fridge emptied so we could store our white wine and bottled water. Always addressed us by name and room always well prepped for the day and evening. Following sail away, freshened up, changed and on to the Vista Dining Room for our first “As You Wish” dining experience. Were seated with 3 other couples, had a wonderful dinner, both choosing the prime rib. On CC I read the cold fruit soups were a “must try” … Mom enjoyed the peach and ginger fruit soup tonight. Following dinner off to the Vista Theater for the evening show … a sneak preview of the crew show and a British comedian – all were good. Following the show we familiarized ourselves with the many public rooms on board. Impressed with the size of the casino and the number/variety of slots. Casino was very crowded and although smoky – didn’t feel it was as “unbearable” as I had read on CC. Back to room by 11:00, got ready for bed, read through our program, made plans for next day and placed morning coffee/juice order. 11:45 and “lights out”.

Monday, April 13, 2009
Great sleep, beds are so comfortable and bedding wonderful. Breakfast room service menus offer delivery in ½ hour time slots and we received all orders on time. Today’s order arrived at 6:45 and we enjoyed it while watching the ocean go by on the balcony. Rattan furniture is a little worse for wear, but still comfortable. Went to casino to set up our casino accounts (no more cash or coins in the slots … just your room card). 8:30 to the Vista dining room for a wonderful breakfast of Belgian waffles with fresh strawberry compote and whip cream … overlooking the beautiful wake of the ship. Made a 7:45 dinner reservation. Sunned on the upper observation deck for a few hours, watched games by the pool, met a few more wonderful people, had a bite to eat and headed back to the cabin to shower and get ready for the Captain’s Gala formal evening. Visited a few bars while waiting for dinner time. Listened to a wonderful band in the Ocean Bar, enjoyed a cocktail and some appetizers. Beef Wellington was our entrée of choice this evening and once again enjoyed the company of dinner companions. Attended the Captain’s toast and musical entertainment in the Vista Lounge. At 12:00 headed back to our room and were greeted by a stingray towel animal. Got ready for bed, went through our program for the following day and time for lights out. Arrival at Grand Turk would be 7:00 am.

Tuesday, April 14
Awake at 5:00 … ooh, way too early, so crawled back under the covers and waited for the room service knock. Right on time at 6:15 heard the knock and enjoyed our continental breakfast and coffee, got ready for the day and left the ship for Grand Turk … no land excursion planned for today, just relaxed at Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville. Laid by the pool for a few hours, walked the grounds, the beach and checked out the shops. Before the sun got too hot headed back to the ship, had lunch, back to the cabin to freshen up, and on to the casino for a while. As departure time neared, headed up to the aft pool where we had a good view of the gangway, and watched as people returned to the ship. Why are there always those people that return late? Watched the Westerdam depart Grand Turk and headed back to our room to relax with an old movie, a glass of wine and get ready for the evening. 7:00 pm dinner time tonight and a table for 2. Entertainment in the Vista Lounge was Leo Ward – we were too tired to stay. Back to the room, cleaned up for bed, checked out next day’s program, took pictures of our dragonfly towel animal and off to bed.

Wednesday, April 15
Coffee arrived at 6:45, we got ready for the day and grabbed a good breakfast at the Lido before meeting our tour group. Enjoyed the most beautiful rainbow while entering San Juan Harbor. Today’s tour would depart at 10:30. Tour guide for the Bacardi Rum factory and Old San Juan was very informative and quite the comedian. Learned a few interesting things about San Juan ... the annoyingly noisy little Coqui frog is their national symbol, the population is 4 million, the island is 110 miles long and 35 miles wide, is ¾’s mountains and rain averages 350” per year. We enjoyed 2 lime daiquiris at Bacardi and learned the factory distills 800,000 gallons of rum per day and they make 150, 80 and 40 proof rum. Following our tour at the fortress of San Cristobal, found a traditional Puerto Rican café where we enjoyed a cappuccino and dessert. Headed back to the ship, relaxed for the afternoon and took a badly needed nap. Prior to our 7:00 pm dinner time, enjoyed a cocktail and some appetizers in the Ocean Bar. Tonight we dined alone and I’m so glad we did, as I managed to spill an entire carafe of balsamic vinaigrette all over my white pants, the white table cloth, carpet, chair and just about anything else that was in the path of the dressing. Our server was so gracious … cleaned everything up and brought extra napkins to cover the mess so we could continue our meal. I know he felt my pain. Apart from that incident, dinner was fabulous as always and we headed back to room to do laundry in the tub, for the most part managed to get the stains out of my clothes, hung them on the line and had a good laugh. What else can you do? Tonight’s entertainment in the Vista Lounge was A Tribute to Patsy Cline starring Marlana Dunn of the Westerdam cast. Back to the room by 10:30 … finished watching a movie, checked out the next day’s program and were once again overjoyed at our towel animal … this time a shrimp. Lights out by midnight.

Thursday, April 16
Today we tour the island of St.Maarten (Dutch) or St.Martin (French) depending on which side you’re on. Up at 6:00 today. Ship would arrive in port at 8:00 today and tour was to start at 9:00. Breakfast arrived at 7:00 … punctual as always. Tour was great, spent time in Marigot and loved it … tour lasted about 3 hours, guide dropped some people off at Philipsburg for shopping and returned the rest to the ship. Browsed the terminal shops/restaurants and took a few more pictures of the beautiful Westerdam and the Carnival Triumph berthed next to us. Let me just say at this point that I know I wouldn’t like that outdoor movie screen blaring all day on the Carnival ship. It could be heard throughout the entire port area – very annoying. Back to room, mom had a nap while I recharged camera battery then headed back out for more ship pictures. Returned and relaxed on the balcony for an hour, then time to get ready for our 5:15 dinner. Watched the ship leave port at 4:30 from balcony, then on to another wonderful dinner with 2 other couples in the aft dining room window with a view of the wake. Following dinner off to another great show in the Vista Lounge … Joel Mason All-Stars Variety Show. An amazing pianist and guitarist and announced he would do a full Elton John show complete with costumes Saturday night. Tonight’s Dessert Extravaganza from 10:30 – 12:00 was Lido Deck midship. At 10:00 guests were invited to take photographs. Snagged a table and watched the set-up of the desserts, ice sculptures and chocolate fountains. Enjoyed a Spanish Coffee made at our table, grabbed a few small desserts and headed back to our room, checked out the next day’s program. Tonight’s towel animal … a swan.

Friday, April 17th
Woke early today, still dark out … sat on balcony to watch sun rise at 6:30 am. Just coffee and juice delivered today … since this was a sea day, decided to enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the Lido. 9:00 am was the Susan G. Komen 5K Walk for the Cure around the ship’s deck. Had hoped to participate but something interfered … may have been the Disembarkation Briefing in the Vista Lounge ... can’t recall. Back up to the observation deck for a little sunning and then to the Lido Grill in time for lunch … our first cheeseburger and fries … delicious. Then out to the aft pool to relax in the shade and watch pool games. Met so many great people as we shared tables under the canopy by the aft pool. 1:30 headed back to the cabin to get showered, and catch a little rest before the Farewell formal evening. Tonight I enjoyed the delicious and generous sized surf and turf and mom had pork tenderloin. Following dinner I relaxed back at the cabin and mom went to the casino to see what she could do with her last $15. Tonight’s entertainment in the Vista Lounge was Showtime: Stage & Screen starring the Westerdam singers and dancers. Too tired to attend. Today we had our best towel animal ever … a wonderful little dog wearing my reading glasses and mom’s necklace. Out came the camera.

Saturday, April 18th
While enjoying morning coffee, got ready for the day and headed out to Half Moon Cay on the tender. Waters were rough … Half Moon Cay is definitely everything I read about on CC. The most beautiful white powder sand beach and turquoise water, hundreds of chase lounges lined the beach. We rented a clamshell for shade if needed, but the day was absolutely gorgeous. Hammocks were strung in some of the trees and wooden cabanas complete with food/drink service dotted the beach with their beautiful brightly colored exteriors. Waiters walked up and down the beach serving cocktails and a great BBQ lunch was served from 11:30-1:00. I enjoyed 2 of the largest prawns I’ve ever seen … definitely picture worthy. After a full day in the sun tendered back to the Westerdam and headed up to the Crow’s Nest for a specialty coffee and enjoyed the incredible view of Half Moon Cay beach. Dinner tonight was roasted tenderloin of beef for Mom and apricot glazed salmon for me. We really enjoyed the cold fruit soups with the best one being the strawberry. Following dinner caught the farewell show in the Vista Lounge starring Joel Mason, the Elton John impersonator. What an incredible show … I haven’t seen this kind of talent on a cruise ship to-date. Walked through a few bars, listened to music and caught the Newlywed game show in the Queen’s Lounge. The multi-functional Queen’s Lounge is also home to the Culinary Arts Center, the movie theater and several other functions. Then headed to our cabin to finish packing and get our luggage out into the hall for pick up before heading to bed. Since our flight out wasn’t until 3:55 was hoping to participate in the Express Baggage service offered by HAL, unfortunately Southwest does not participate in this service.

Sunday, April 19th – Disembarkation Day
Enjoyed a room service breakfast and when ready for the day, said goodbye to our cabin and took a few more pictures throughout the ship while waiting for our 10:00 am disembarkation time. The “silent” disembarkation was the smoothest I’ve seen … no annoying color announcements etc. You choose your color to coincide with your travel time and you’re trusted to depart on time. Had a little difficulty finding our luggage but with help from staff got that done and headed out through customs and then on to get a cab to the airport. Leaving the ship took no more than 15 minutes and most of that was trying to locate our luggage. Ft. Lauderdale airport was by far the worst airport experience I have ever had. With 6 cruise ships arriving in port at the same time and the majority of those passengers taking flights out of Florida … this was the only negative during this most incredible week.

Overall a fantastic cruise. Can’t say I witnessed any of the negatives I read from previous cruisers on CC … maybe my expectations aren’t as high. I did not witness slow dinner service … our water glass was constantly replenished. Our room was always clean, and the staff was incredible. Everyone from officers right down to the cleaning staff polishing the brass railings had a smile and a greeting when you passed. Food was excellent, entertainment was top-notch and the ship is beautiful. Couple of things that really stood out for me … no constant bombarding of announcements all day long … it was just so peaceful and I didn’t get the feeling I was constantly being asked to buy extras like the “crack-it” tickets on NCL. The other thing was the photographers … no pressure like on other cruise lines. They ask first and if you say no … that’s it. You aren’t made to feel like a horrible person because you didn't want to have a shipboard photo taken. My only negative comment about the entire trip was Ft. Lauderdale airport at departure … ughhhhhh!!

[coho ken]

Thanks for your review!

[cruzkitty]

Great Review-thanks for posting! Looking forward to boarding her this October!

[our turn]

Thanks for your comprehensive review. We also love the Westerdam.

[Solo Cruiser]

A very well done review. I loved the Westerdam too and she is the ship that made me a HAL convert.

[coolgranny]

Very interesting review...Enjoyed reading it...I just love the Westerdam

[Willsot]

Very nice review.

We were on the Westerdam for a Southern Caribbean cruise a year ago and I believe the service and staff were the best we have experienced in our six HAL cruises (including the Prinsendam).

[IRL_Joanie]

Originally Posted by canehdn

Everyone from officers right down to the cleaning staff polishing the brass railings had a smile and a greeting when you passed.

I know just what you mean This was on ms Westerdam around 12 May 2009.
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[earl_m]

Nice review! glad you enjoy your cruise!!

[Susie51]

Nice review. My mom was on this cruise with you. Like your mom, she is also, in her mid 80s.

[matondo]

Thanks for the great review. We took our third cruise December 2008. All on HAL, first time on Westerdam and we loved it. DH will not consider another cruise line aside from HAL.

[Krazy Kruizers]

We got on the Westerdam the day you got off.

[Crusing Bob]

Very nicely written and organized review. Since you took it in April and now writing your review, I'm sure you relived the cruise and wished you were just getting ready to go again on the Westerdam. This year will make our 3rd straight year on her so I guess you can say we love her very much.

Bob

[Nasmas]

We're on the Westerdam in October. This will be our 2nd on the Westerdam and if its as good as the first, she will also be our favorite ship. That is saying alot. Our all time favorite was the Ms New Amsterdam, her only draw back being no balconies.

[Mollynme]

I'm so glad someone resurrected this old thread. This is just the information I wanted to send to my family. We will be doing the same Westerdam itinerary in November and this is only their second cruise.

[Crusing Bob]

I must have had a senior moment thinking it was just now written. But, what I don't understand is how it got posted showing an April date.

[jturner901]

Nicely written. Muchly enjoyed.

[Conniepo]

Good review - we'll be on the Westerdam in January - CAN'T WAIT!

Connie

[sealovers]

Your review was clear, concise and without a lot of fluff. Thank you for sharing. We will be on the October 18th Western Caribbean sailing which will be our third sailing on the Westerdam since last September (Alaska). I Actually booked this due to it's unique itinerary which includes a little of the Easter Caribbean - Grand Turk and Half Moon Cay, as well as some Western C - - Grand Cayman and Costa Mayo. She is a wonderful ship. I have sailed Carnival and Royal Caribbean previously, but our first HAL cruise has made us loyal HAL fans. When we sailed an Eastern Caribbean itinerary last December, many of the staff had been swapped out, but the service was still exceptional. I hope HAL continues with its exceptional standard of service and dining. Due to our current economy, I would rather have HAL increase fare rather than degrade service. After this cruise, I think I should break away from the Westerdam and try some of the other HAL ships that I've read such wonderful things about!