Westerdam May 9-16

Just returned from Alaska on the Westerdam yesterday. We were so lucky to have sun at every port. This was my 10th sail to Alaska. It was our second HAL experience. We chose this sailing because it included Sitka. I loved Sitka. It was a quaint port. I enjoyed the tour of St. Michaels. It has an interesting history. Sitka should be on every Alaskan cruise. Not sure why it’s not other than maybe it’s out of the way.

I always enjoy seeing Mendenhall in Junea. It’s like visiting an old friend. The cottonwood trees smelled beautiful the day we visited. It was an experience to see this glacier with the sun shining over it. What a beauty. Last time it was misty and the top was covered so it was not a clear view. What a treat this year. Ketchikan was also nice to be there when it was dry and sunny.

In Sitka and Juneau we did tours. The tour in Juneau was to Mendenhall and back to the ship. It was basic transportation. I have done combination tours in the past and this time I just wanted to see Juneau. In Sitka we did a tour that was run by a local company booked through the HAL but not owned by HAL. We had a historian running the tour who has lived in Sitka for thirty five years. She was full of knowledge about Sitka. What a difference having someone who lives year round leading your tour rather than the flown in college student who lives there to work for the summer. Nothing against college students trying to make a living but getting a local you get more of the flavor.

The Westerdam is a beautiful ship. I enjoyed the BB King Blues Band. We went to see them almost every night. They were everything you could hope for in a blues band. Entertaining and made you want to jump up and dance. Some passengers did exactly that! We loved every minute of the show.

The Casino was small but I loved it so much I gave as much as I could! LOL. The hostess, Ottie greeted me every evening with a smile and welcomed me back always asking what I did that day. She was so pleasant and we shared a lot of laughs.

Vista dining room server Sam was wonderful. He was very professional and courteous. We had a wonderful experience with him. He was “old school”, took pride in his work. I rarely do assigned seating for diner but we decided on it for this cruise and I was happy we made this choice. We sat with some interesting passengers and enjoyed our dining conversations.

Room stewards were attentive and greeted us with smiles and good wishes daily. Our few requests were met with quick responses. Our verandah had very worn looking furniture but it was adequate for our needs. I was surprised at how work the furniture was though. It was pretty beat up with mold on the chair pads. We covered them with towels so no big deal.

My first stop before visiting my stateroom is always the Spa. We did the tour and signed up for the package to use the hydropool, saunas and thermal beds at our leisure for the week. I booked a treatment (usually I book a few for each cruise) and off I went looking forward to these visits. The next day we were at sea all day and I was excited to make use of the Spa and my treatment. I went to the hydropool and it was filled with passengers enjoying it having drinks in glasses, towels thrown all over the floor and chaises. Looked like a party was in full swing. The hydropool was nice but not relaxing, too noisy with the party goers. I thought good for them having some fun but I would come back when it would be more relaxing for me. I went to the saunas and I found them just ok. They were very small, like being in a closet. I was surprised by the hoses for cooling off, they looked like worn out garden hoses without the spray nozels. The thermal beds were what I had experienced on other ships only they faced a wall of glass looking out to the ocean. What an added treat for thermal beds. I was in my robe with my hair wrapped in a turban and as I was resting feeling great I heard some laughing and loud talking. I opened my eyes to see next to me a man fully dressed in jeans with sneakers on in the bed and next to him another man and a woman, all dressed in street clothes laying in the thermal beds. The chuckling and yacking back and forth between them while I was trying to relax was just too much for me. I thought I would come back later when hopefully things quieted down. As I stepped out of the thermal beds I was in the regular hallway and it was easy to see that everyone was traipsing by in their clothes. This spa is not private or secure. It was a disappointment to me. At no time in the spa other than when you went to the desk were staff around at all. I went back the next day and it was pretty much the same experience. I did not return or book any other treatments on this cruise. The one treatment I did have was good. Not at any point in the Spa did staff pass through to clean up or check on things although we did have lots of passengers checking on us from the windows in the hallways.

Lido deck: another warning: Inside and outside were both not up to standards. The servers behind the counters seemed surly. One morning I couldn’t help but giggle when I asked for blueberry pancakes and the server put on small pancake on the large plate and handed it to me. I thought of the Oliver Twist story and wondered if I should dare ask for more. This was constant. I heard passengers all around asking for more please. I was also surprised that no one comes around refilling coffee. It was odd to see folks struggling carrying hot coffee cups around. I could not help observe passengers with walkers struggling with carrying food to their tables. I watched one passenger seat an elder and run back and forth with food for both of them to the table. I wondered why the staff was not noticing this. I asked the woman at one point if I could help her and she was so thankful. She said none of the staff asked her at any point during the cruise if they could help on the Lido deck. We discussed the poor service we both noticed. Outside was not much different. Staff congregated around the bar talking with one another and did not pay any attention to passengers. This was something I have never noticed on a cruise before. One passenger commented that the staff on the Lido deck seemed lethargic. I agreed although I would add surly to the comment of the staff serving in the buffet. It was not unusual to see dirty tables and staff walking by them rather than stopping to clean up. Many times at lunch we would sit down at a dirty table and that was the only way to get the attention of staff to clear it off.

I was happy to visit Alaska again and I was thrilled that we had a week of sun for this trip. I was disappointed with HAL, it did not live up to my expectations. One thing for sure, they have the selling on the ship down perfectly. Service and food quality need work. My first trip to Alaska was on the Volendam ten years ago, this was not the HAL I remembered. They leave a lot to be desired for cruising.

I look forward to cruising again but not on HAL. As far as I am concerned HAL has a lot to learn and perhaps they could take some tips from Princess cruise line. Princess knows how to do it when it comes to service. I will be trying Royal Caribbean this December so it will be a new experience all together for me. Happy sailings. Mimi

It was good to hear you enjoyed the BB King Blues Band. Somewhat sad, however, given his recent passing. Sorry with your experience on HAL - we are looking forward to a more positive experience later this year.

Sorry you were so disappointed. I was on the Westy a week prior to you. I had wonderful service and maybe because i don't drink i didn't notice the poor service out by the pool. I did notice how poorly run the "dive in" was. I waited 15 minutes for a plain burger and fries. I could see them cooking up a storm but whoever put the orders together took his sweet time. By the time you got the burger they were dried out. Other than that great. The thermal pool was empty everytime we went and the heated loungers were always free. We were lucky I guess. Things like this do make or break an opinion.

I just got off the Westerdam 2 weeks ago from a 20 day repositioning cruise. I purchased a 7 day pass for the spa and found it to be relaxing and quiet each time I visited. I never saw more than 4 or 5 others in the hydro pool or thermal suite and noticed staff coming in often to clean up and replace used towels. I was using a wheelchair and found the staff very attentive and checked on me if I was by myself, brought me water and held doors as I went from one area to the next.

On the Lido buffet DH usually brought my food or wheeled me through the lineup and went back for his own after getting me to a table. I found the staff helpful in bringing us juice and coffee at breakfast or iced tea/water at lunch.

We enjoyed Dive In burgers several times during our cruise and except for a 25 minute wait right at noon on a sea day, we found the wait short and the burgers great. We usually took our pager and went inside to find a table and sides to accompany our burger.

I'm sorry you were disappointed but this does not sound like the same ship I just left.

I was on same cruise and just posted a small review and my sister had same experience as you with spa package and could not go any more due to what you described. Wasted money. The food and service was horrendous on this ship and they have lost us as a customer. Its back to Royal Caribbean and Princess for us. I agree totally with everything that you described since I saw the same lack of service.

Sorry you were disappointed in the Westerdam.

Glad you had beautiful weather for Alaska.

We certainly had a different experience on the Westerdam for the 20-day repositioning/Panama Canal. Do you think it could have anything to do with the fact that it was just a 1-week cruise? We will be on Volendam next month for one week in Alaska, and I'll be interested to see how it compares with our 28 days on her last year.

If you have poor service in the Lido, I would mention it to the Lido Manager. On ships where the Lido Manager has been very good, the staff have been careful to help elderly and folks who may be a bit disabled. We've had coffee/etc refilled, also by them. We have found that the manager makes a large difference in the service you receive there, so comments to the Hotel Manager early on (rather than letting it continue) might help. On one cruise the Lido was so terrific, we gave a large tip to the Lido Manager and told him to give the staff some kind of treat, rather than tipping each one individually.

Each HAL ship is unique, so sailing on one, is definitely not the same as another...and one crew may differ from another...so it's all about the average. Yes, the last cruise we had on the Veendam had poor food, but the two weeks before on the Westy had very good food. Previously we've had very good food on the Veendam...so who knows what will happen for the V of V in July on her. Hopefully it will be better...if not, hopefully I'll lose 10 pounds!

thank you for your comments and support.

I was happy that we had the best weather to visit Alaska in May. It was so comfortable to walk around with a light windbreaker on in the warm sun.

BB King's passing while we were on the ship made seeing the BB King Blues Band even more meaningful to us.

I never tried the hamburgers and hot dogs, their was always a line at the window.

To those that have had a better experience than we did, well, that's how it should always be on a cruise ship. I am happy for you. It should not be hit or miss when going on a cruise vacation. It's a floating resort, they should have it down to perfection. A few flaws ok, but there were just to many for my liking on this ship. As they say... FUBAR!

Happy Sailings, Mimi

During your casino donating periods did you notice it they had the 'Jackpot Party' slot machine? :D

Thanks for your review.

Sorry you had such a bad experience.

During your casino donating periods did you notice it they had the 'Jackpot Party' slot machine? :D

I did not notice that one.

During your casino donating periods did you notice it they had the 'Jackpot Party' slot machine? :D

I forgot to mention that they have an app and you can play from anywhere. I did not download it but they announced it a lot. Too dangerous for me. lol

thank you for your comments and support.

 

I was happy that we had the best weather to visit Alaska in May. It was so comfortable to walk around with a light windbreaker on in the warm sun.

BB King's passing while we were on the ship made seeing the BB King Blues Band even more meaningful to us.

I never tried the hamburgers and hot dogs, their was always a line at the window.

 

To those that have had a better experience than we did, well, that's how it should always be on a cruise ship. I am happy for you. It should not be hit or miss when going on a cruise vacation. It's a floating resort, they should have it down to perfection. A few flaws ok, but there were just to many for my liking on this ship. As they say... FUBAR!

 

Happy Sailings, Mimi

Mimi, my husband and I were the same sailing as you were. Our experience was similar to yours, but I wanted to wait until this weekend when I had time to post my review.

I was on same cruise and just posted a small review and my sister had same experience as you with spa package and could not go any more due to what you described. Wasted money. The food and service was horrendous on this ship and they have lost us as a customer. Its back to Royal Caribbean and Princess for us. I agree totally with everything that you described since I saw the same lack of service.

Ironic, the worst experience I've had in 12 cruises was Princess and wouldnt touch one of their boats if it was free. Great example of YMMV.

During your casino donating periods did you notice it they had the 'Jackpot Party' slot machine? :D

They do not

Mimi, my husband and I were the same sailing as you were. Our experience was similar to yours, but I wanted to wait until this weekend when I had time to post my review.

I was hoping it was just us but we spoke to quite a few cruisers on the ship and they seem to be experiencing the same issues. Sorry you had the same poor sailing. Hopefully it gets better for others.

Mimi

They do not

I wanted to reply to your original post on 5-17-15 "Lost weight from Westerdam Food" but it appears to be locked. Did you request this?

Mimi

I wanted to reply to your original post on 5-17-15 "Lost weight from Westerdam Food" but it appears to be locked. Did you request this?

 

Mimi

Hi Mimi, no I did not request it....I didn't get to answer a number of posters. Not sure why it got locked, I know I was being put down for my review of the food but I have seen others complaining as well. Guess someone didn't like I had to say. :rolleyes:

Hi Mimi, no I did not request it....I didn't get to answer a number of posters. Not sure why it got locked, I know I was being put down for my review of the food but I have seen others complaining as well. Guess someone didn't like I had to say. :rolleyes:

LOL...boy now I'm curious to read what you wrote!

Hi Mimi, no I did not request it....I didn't get to answer a number of posters. Not sure why it got locked, I know I was being put down for my review of the food but I have seen others complaining as well. Guess someone didn't like I had to say. :rolleyes:

I just posted a new thread called "locked post". I asked if anyone knows about this. I am curious because I have never seen this before. I hope someone has an answer. I would hate to think your post was being censured because someone didn't like it. I hope its nothing more than a computer error.

Mimi

Mimi01, in reference to the spa, did it seem to you that anyone, with or without a spa pass, was able to walk in there and use the facilities? I wonder how difficult it would be to get a refund (on day 1 or 2) if I had a similar experience.

Mimi01, in reference to the spa, did it seem to you that anyone, with or without a spa pass, was able to walk in there and use the facilities? I wonder how difficult it would be to get a refund (on day 1 or 2) if I had a similar experience.

It did appear that way to me. It's an odd set up for a spa. In my opinion that appeared to be more about spa sales. Maybe that works for HAL but it just didn't feel comfortable to me. You could probably argue and get a refund but I did not want to bother with the energy it would have taken. I put that down as one of cruise experiences that I will pay more attention to when booking my next cruise. Maybe no one else was bothered by this except my traveling companion and myself.

mimi

Mimi01, in reference to the spa, did it seem to you that anyone, with or without a spa pass, was able to walk in there and use the facilities? I wonder how difficult it would be to get a refund (on day 1 or 2) if I had a similar experience.

We have had a thermal Spa package on several different ships, including the Westerdam. To enter the thermal bed and hydro pool areas (separate on the larger ships) you had to use a Spa key on the door to enter. Was that not the case?

We have had a thermal Spa package on several different ships, including the Westerdam. To enter the thermal bed and hydro pool areas (separate on the larger ships) you had to use a Spa key on the door to enter. Was that not the case?

Yes I had a spa card for the doors they gave me at the desk. I can only guess at how folks not holding cards got into the spa. Maybe someone with a card holding the door or someone innocently coming and going holding it. Not sure but maybe it was just folks with access choosing to go to the spa with their clothes on, just not sure why it was this way.

mimi