RosieRoo Posted March 18, 2008 #426 Share Posted March 18, 2008 Wow! I would just like to say that I really enjoyed following you along on your trip. I have been looking to book this ship and you now have me convinced. Thanks for all the pictures. That was a great picture of the handicapped stateroom. My sister is handicapped and always books one of these when she sails. If you have any other pictures of that particular stateroom would you post them? Thanks again. Great job. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ILoveScotland Posted March 18, 2008 #427 Share Posted March 18, 2008 Wow! I would just like to say that I really enjoyed following you along on your trip. I have been looking to book this ship and you now have me convinced. Thanks for all the pictures. That was a great picture of the handicapped stateroom. My sister is handicapped and always books one of these when she sails. If you have any other pictures of that particular stateroom would you post them? Thanks again. Great job. While you wait to hear from Radio here's a link to a picture I took of the balcony of VB 6049 which identical to the HC VA cabin Radio posted. I don't have pictures of the inside of the cabin. I was looking aft when I took the picture. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ILoveScotland Posted March 18, 2008 #428 Share Posted March 18, 2008 I forgot to include the link. http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2047305180091120326etiHtY Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bubbie617 Posted March 18, 2008 #429 Share Posted March 18, 2008 to radio you can go to staterooms.com they give you .50 for each pic just a thought and people get to see the rooms, i looked for ours but wasnt there and thanks for the pics I went to staterooms.com to try to see my cabin on my upcoming cruise. That link does not work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Radio Posted March 18, 2008 Author #430 Share Posted March 18, 2008 Hello everyone. Here are a few more pics of different Cabin Types on the Westerdam. Thanks for tuning in ! Radio CAT F / Oceanview Stateroom / FWD Facing Cabin (Only 2 of these cabins on Ship) CAT VB / Deluxe Verandah Outside / Triple (Cabinets above pull Out Sofa) CAT VB / Deluxe Verandah Outside / Double (Cabinets below pull Out Sofa) (This was my Cabin - 6011) CAT I / Inside Stateroom / Triple (Large) CAT I / Inside Stateroom / Triple (Large) . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frodo63 Posted March 18, 2008 #431 Share Posted March 18, 2008 I went to staterooms.com to try to see my cabin on my upcoming cruise. That link does not work. If you don't sign up for the premium site which was $5 one time fee when I signed up a few years ago, all you get is the cruise deck plan site. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AerynSun_JohnCrighton Posted March 18, 2008 #432 Share Posted March 18, 2008 Thanks Radio.. we are Cat. VB tripple... it looks nice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Radio Posted March 18, 2008 Author #433 Share Posted March 18, 2008 Hello everyone. . . It appears that I made a mistake on this photo. I originally captioned this as a SY Deluxe Verandah Suite, a few pages back. It is really an SB Deluxe Verandah Suite. . . . Oooops :( Radio CAT SB Deluxe Verandah Suite Deluxe Verandah Suites: 2 lower beds convertible to 1 king-size bed, bathroom withdual sink vanity, full-size whirlpool bath & shower& additional shower stall, large sitting area,dressing room, private verandah, 1 sofa bed for2 persons, floor-to-ceiling windows. . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Radio Posted March 18, 2008 Author #434 Share Posted March 18, 2008 Thanks Radio.. we are Cat. VB tripple... it looks nice. They are very nice. . . You will love it ! Radio :rolleyes: :rolleyes: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajk-123 Posted March 19, 2008 #435 Share Posted March 19, 2008 Thank you sooooooooooooo much. Just spent the last 2 hrs. reading and looking at your posta. We will be sailing on the Westerdam on Apr. 13th. We will be staying in Cat SY Room 5001 ( the handicapt suite ) Did you get to see this room ??? or have any pics ??? Once again, Thank you !!!!!! Arthur :cool: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FL_Cruiser64 Posted March 19, 2008 #436 Share Posted March 19, 2008 If you don't sign up for the premium site which was $5 one time fee when I signed up a few years ago, all you get is the cruise deck plan site. That link brings me to a government site. :confused: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bucsfan100 Posted March 19, 2008 #437 Share Posted March 19, 2008 bummer on the sb vs. sy suite pictures!! we are in an sy in june and i was pretty excited about those pictures! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donna S Posted March 19, 2008 #438 Share Posted March 19, 2008 Radio, what does a CAT SS look like? Do you have a cabin that would compare to it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bucsfan100 Posted March 19, 2008 #439 Share Posted March 19, 2008 i think the ss and the sy are the same size. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wheatengirl Posted March 19, 2008 #440 Share Posted March 19, 2008 Radio: I have followed your posts for several years and absolutely love them. We have been loyal RCCl cruisers and have decided to try HAL for our next cruise. Where will you be posting your report card, will it be on this thread or under reviews? I certainly don't want to miss it. Thanks for all your effort over the years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Radio Posted March 19, 2008 Author #441 Share Posted March 19, 2008 Radio: I have followed your posts for several years and absolutely love them. We have been loyal RCCl cruisers and have decided to try HAL for our next cruise. Where will you be posting your report card, will it be on this thread or under reviews? I certainly don't want to miss it. Thanks for all your effort over the years. I will be right here. . . Radio :rolleyes: :rolleyes: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bailey57 Posted March 19, 2008 #442 Share Posted March 19, 2008 Hi Radio - I've enjoyed your cruise along with everyone else. Thanks for taking the time to do all that you've done. I have a question - We have a cat L inside cabin that runs vertically along the lines of the ship, front to back for our 4/13 cruise - do you know how those differ from the usual horizontal cabins, size-wise and layout? It is very close to the aft of the ship on the Veranda deck. Seems like a good location - a couple levels below aft pool, a couple above dining, etc... but I'm curious about the layout. Do you know? Or happen to have any photos of a similar cabin? Thanks! Bailey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billfish Posted March 19, 2008 #443 Share Posted March 19, 2008 I will be right here. . . Radio :rolleyes: :rolleyes: Absolutly Fantastic Albums Have followed the entire Thread Just Great We were on the Westerdam in February of 2007 and your phots gave us an opportunity to enjoy the Westy a second time. THANKS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
innlady1 Posted March 19, 2008 #444 Share Posted March 19, 2008 Radio...did you happen to take any photos of the Auto Train? That sounds fascinating! Since the Noordam isn't going out of NYC after this season, we need to decide whether we're going to fly to FL or drive...the train might be a good option! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redroses27 Posted March 19, 2008 #445 Share Posted March 19, 2008 sorry it is cruise stateroom.com they pay .50 per pic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LillyBelle Posted March 19, 2008 #446 Share Posted March 19, 2008 I believe I read earlier in the live report that Radio was going to try and post menus when he returned. I can't find them. Am I just not finding them? I'm very new to the boards. Hubby and I are cruising aboard the Westerdam in May to Alaska and I was very excited to see those menus! Thanks! :rolleyes: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Radio Posted March 19, 2008 Author #447 Share Posted March 19, 2008 I believe I read earlier in the live report that Radio was going to try and post menus when he returned. I can't find them. Am I just not finding them? I'm very new to the boards. Hubby and I are cruising aboard the Westerdam in May to Alaska and I was very excited to see those menus!Thanks! I have not posted them yet. . .Today was my first day back to work in 2 weeks. Give me a couple of days and they will be posted. Thanks for understanding. . . . Radio ;) ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AerynSun_JohnCrighton Posted March 19, 2008 #448 Share Posted March 19, 2008 We understand, a couple of days won't hurt me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Radio Posted March 19, 2008 Author #449 Share Posted March 19, 2008 Hello everyone ! Here is my Report Card from my sailing on Westerdam, last week. There have been many great reviews about HAL, and Westerdam. This is a review that was done through my eyes. . . Radio :rolleyes: :rolleyes: Holland America Line Westerdam March 9, 2008 Western Caribbean Westerdam Please note that I do not work for HAL, and I have sailed on many Cruise Lines, and many ships. These are my opinions, and I urge you to read many reviews about Holland America Line, and Westerdam. I did not pay much attention to the kids programs that are available on Westerdam, so I did not give that aspect a grade. I have commented daily throughout my cruise, and many comments have been posted by me on a daily basis. Embarkation: As I entered the Terminal I was processed with the normal security check. I placed my carryons through the metal detectors and proceeded directly to the check-in stations. The check in process was fast & efficient. All of the cruise lines should use the same process as HAL. Your A-PASS Photo (security photo for when you board or leave the ship) is taken at the check in station. This eliminates another check in station before boarding. I then went upstairs and boarded in less than 5 minutes. Report Card: A Cabin: I loved my cabin and I’ll tell you why: The cabin had an LG Flat Screen HD TV even if it did only have an analog (Non HD) signal. This included only 20 channels of programming (14 Ship channels, 6 Cable channels). This could have been better by offering more channels with cable programming. There was also a COBY DVD Player underneath the TV. The many amenities in the Bathroom included bath gel, shampoo, conditioner, and body lotion. There were high quality, thick towels and bath mats supplied, as well as a bath robe. Large storage drawers under the bed and sofa grabbed my attention as well. (Note: Triple cabins have 2 large cabinets above the sofa instead of under the sofa, due to pull out sofas in the triples) There was a shoe shine basket for complimentary shoe shines. Report Card: A- Dining: I was assigned to the new As You Wish Dining, and was very pleased. As a solo cruiser, it was nice to be promptly seated in the dining room. One evening I was given a single table, another evening I was seated at a table for 6, and twice I was seated with 2 other Cruise Critic members (we had a reservation).The food was enjoyable. The choices and presentation were excellent. The Lido dining was very good as well. You were able to choose from the same items that were served in the dining room with a more casual atmosphere. The wait staff throughout was memorably attentive and friendly. Report Card: A- Entertainment: I thought the shows performed in the main theatre were pretty good, however not as good as RCI or CCL shows, being that the variety in entertainment genre was a bit lacking. The production value was above average though and the sound quality very good. The best entertainer on the ship was Joel Mason. He was very dynamic and really put on a great show. I wasn’t able to see the performances in the Piano Bar unfortunately. I did see the Caribbean band “Helen and the HAL Cats” perform and they were excellent. The Intermezzo String Quartet (Classical) in the atrium was very good as well. Report Card: B Public Areas: The Public Areas were clean & comfortable. The Westerdam has a very classy feel to her. Much of the décor enhanced my cruising experience with it’s nautical atmosphere, while some areas felt a little dated. For a ship built in 2004, this was unexpected. Most areas however were very classy and the themes unique to this ship. I especially enjoyed the Atrium area, which was very beautiful. I loved the exterior areas of the ship including the gorgeous teak wood that seemed to be everywhere. The pools were never overcrowded, and the passenger flow was nominal. Report Card B (Interior), A (Exterior) Debarkation: The debarkation process was the best of any cruise line. Passengers were able to stay in their cabins until their color was called. It was very nice not to be rushed off of the ship. The option to order room service on the final morning was available. The process seemed to really make sense by not having everyone wait in a public area and then rush to get to the gangway. The flow of guests inside the terminal went very smooth, with no lines and no clutter. Report Card A+ Final Thoughts: This was my first HAL Cruise, so these views are really from an outsider looking in. Many people have asked me to compare HAL with RCI, which would not be fair to do. RCI is a Mass Market Cruise Line, while HAL is considered to be a Premium Cruise Line. I would rather favorably compare HAL to Celebrity. A good comparison to Westerdam would be Celebrity Millennium. I think that Millenium has more advanced technology and is ahead of its time. Both have the services and amenities that would be expected on a Premium Cruise Line. Both have dining choices and the high quality food that would be expected. The thing that puts HAL and Westerdam above any ship that I have sailed would be the crew. The Indonesian and Filipino staffed crew (Wait Staff and Attendants) seemed to be the life blood of the ship. There is a strong team undertaking of superb service with an endeavor to please I have never before experienced. I would highly recommend the Westerdam for anyone who really appreciates the service aspect of a cruise. She deserves very high marks! Overall Grade: A __________________________________ The Beautiful Westerdam in Grand Turk . 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Heidi H. Posted March 19, 2008 #450 Share Posted March 19, 2008 Thanks for the review and sharing your trip with everyone. I look forward to seeing the menus also.:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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