Westerdam 13-20 February 2005 part 2

[thulewx]

Cabin: The Abel Tasman Penthouse 7045. I had previously stayed in a penthouse on the Zuiderdam (Westy’s sister ship) and it had some flaws, all of which have been rectified on the Westerdam. Very comfortable and it still has the bathroom to die for. The whirlpool tub is big enough for 3 and comes complete with underwater lighting and a remote control for the jets. The water spout comes out of a ceramic lion’s head’s mouth – very decadent. Lots of marble and gold-plated fixtures. The shower stall has 4 settings which include a rain-head, 9 side nozzles, a foot-massager jet and the hand-held wand. The toilet room (yes, a separate room) has another gold-plated sink, commode, and bidet. It all adjoins the closet which has ample space for those mega-clothes-horses. The new “Signature of Excellence” bed is great. It even has a remote control for the drapes by the bed. Lots of lighting options throughout the cabin (a definite improvement). The verandah is huge. It has its own whirlpool tub which is on the small side (smaller than the tub – good enough for ¾ people). There are two wicker chaise lounges and a small dining table with bench and 2 chairs, and either one more lounger or 2 chairs with ottomans (this part varies depending on what you prefer). The dining room has a table and 4 chairs but can expand to seat 6. There is a desk with plugs and phone and a window looking out into the hot-tub (with electric shade) – Electric drapes everywhere. They’ve changed the recliner in this cabin (and the identical recliners in the Crow’s Nest) so that they’re easier to operate – red leather and comfy. It still has the look and feel of the Zuiderdam’s. The cabin attendant has been friendly, efficient, and unobtrusive. There is a butler’s pantry with fridge, coffee maker, juicer, blender, microwave, sink, dishes, etc. off one side of the entry foyer, with a guest bathroom/sink on the other side. Artwork in the cabin includes a 19th century bust of Louix IV in ivory and silver, 3 19th C. paintings, and a 4th Century BC stone carving from meso-America.

There is a very complex audio-video system with speakers everywhere, including the verandah. There are 35 inch old-style tube TVs in both bedroom and living room. The system is difficult to control and has no place for inputs from other music sources (iPods), but there are plugs for input from a video camera. Also, no electrical outlets near the system. The Neptune lounge is pretty much the same as Zuiderdam – pleasant and classy. Concierges are efficient and helpful, but I haven’t used the Neptune Lounge nearly as much as I should.