Last week on Westerdam

[rarescrambler]

Curious about thoughts from others who were on the Westerdam last week regarding the food in the dining room. The dinner selections, entrees, desserts, etc. What did you think?

[LovetheFall]

We're sailing on the Westerdam on the 16th. Would love to hear what you thought of the food, service, activities, etc. This is our first cruise on Hall and would appreciate any insights.

[timbo89]

We were on the Westerdam last week. I will be writing an in depth report (when I get around to it).

 

We had been on HAL on 2 prior cruises, but not in the last four years. I would have to say that the food in particular has gone downhill quite dramatically, and the Pinnacle Grill was no better. JMHO.

[greg_atlanta]

Breakfast in the dining room was same as Lido other than a special french toast or pancake option each day. Didn't try lunch.

 

Dinner was very good in most cases though there were a few duds like asian noodle dishes (best to stick with westernized food). Service was a little rushed at times but we were normally seated when we walked in or shortly thereafter (as you wish option).

 

Don't be shy about ordering multiple appetizers or even two entrees, just be mindful of your tablemates (if you order 5 courses and they get 2, they'll be watching you eat for 3 courses).

[Boytjie]

Dinner was very good in most cases though there were a few duds like asian noodle dishes (best to stick with westernized food).

 

Tastes differ... I love the Asian dishes on HAL cruises! :D

[dj_crusin]

We were on the 10/19 B2B and really enjoyed the food, especially in the Pinnacle Grill. The new Pinnacle menu was introduced on the 10/19 cruise and we had the cod, veal chop, rib-eye and filet. The new smoked fish appetizer is outstanding! We ended up eating there 4 nights.

 

All of the rest of our dinners were in the Vista and were fine. The menus in the Vista are the same as those that have been posted lately and we foulnd something to our liking every night.

 

We did not have dinner in the Lido.

[medfordgirl]

what brand of coffee do they serve on Westerdam? I believe RCCL uses Seattles Best. Is this also served on HAL?

[KCGreg]

Just got off the Westerdam Sunday - I thought the food was very good overall, no complaints, but the variety in the Lido for breakfast and lunch was not nearly as extensive as on a Royal Caribbean or Norwegian ship.

 

The main complaint I have about the Westerdam (and Holland America in general) is that there isn't as much to do on the ship as compared to other cruise lines. I'm sure that's by design but the other ships were more fun because they had more variety.

[auntdana]

Hi

will be sailing in Jan 09

 

does anyone have any recent menus to share with us ALL?

how was the entertainment?

 

Did they give out ship dollars for certain activities?

 

How much were the photos to buy?

 

Any info will be greatly appreciated?

 

Did they have any midnight buffets?

 

 

thanks

 

DANA

[Hugh0906]

Anyone go downtown have cocktails?

 

How aobut the massages?

 

eating spots?

 

Hugh in Dallas

[rarescrambler]

Anyone go downtown have cocktails?

 

How aobut the massages?

 

eating spots?

 

 

 

We rented a golf cart and went nearly to the end of the point. We then turned around and dilly-dallied our way back. The beaches were incredibly beautiful, even in spite of the destruction from Hurricane Dean that is still apparent. The windy conditions made the water too murky to snorkel, which was our main objective, so that was a disappointment.

 

The "main" (dirt) road had smaller roads running perpendicular - these ran straight down to the beachwalk. While passing one of these smaller roads, a man whistled us down the road. We knew we were going to be accosted by the many vendors wanting us to come into THEIR store. We went ahead just to see what it was all about. This guy made quite a flourish out of escorting us into a parking space (there were spaces all over - very few people). He then carried our stuff from the cart and placed them onto a table next to 2 lounges and an umbrella. Then he said 2 margaritas for $5. I'd been wanting a "real" (authentic) Mexican margarita, so we bit. Worst marg I've ever had in my entire life!! Then he brought out the menu, but we went on our way. Strolled the beachwalk - vendors were VERY persistent, but we didn't do anything we didn't want to do.

 

Be aware we were the first ship there on Fri., 10/31. We were literally the first golf cart rented since August 07. To say the people were glad to see a ship back in port is an understatement.

 

There was Tequila Beach, a bar and grill (orange building), really the first place you come to upon arriving at the beachwalk area. We didn't stop there.

 

I think it was really too soon to have the massage huts out, though as I think about it now, there were a couple of guys on the beachwalk that rubbed my fingers and offered a massage. I didn't go for that :o) I believe some of the huts we'd seen further down the beach were where the massages were offered, but there was nobody there.

 

We were stopped on the way back by a guy standing in the middle of the road in front of a hotel (Arrencio or something like that). He gave us a brochure and told us all the reasons we should come back and stay there for $60/night. It's only a 4-hr. bus ride from Cozumel, the nearest airport. Anyway, this guy told us about the best taco being available from Corona House, which is on the main road on your left as you're heading out to the beach. It was closed. We didn't eat anything in Mahahual.

 

This was our favorite port stop. A highlight of this stop was handing out bags of Halloween candy to the kids. You'd see a couple of kids and pass out a few little bags, they'd holler something in Spanish and pretty soon there were half dozen kids around. As I said, everyone seemed really glad to have us there. There is still a lot of rebuilding in progress. Even when these people finish rebuilding their homes, their living conditions are still very sad. But to look out your front door and see that beautiful beach - that's a plus of some sort I guess.

[Susie51]

Thank you for the interesting report.

[Zesty Italian]

We were on the Westerdam last week and went to Majahual. As previously stated, the beach is gorgeous, but it is too soon to be back there. The island is still devastated and the people desperate. My DH and DDs and I tried to walk down the street and were literallly accosted. One guy tried to force me to touch his 4ft. iguana even when I repeatedly said no. My kids were very uncomfortable. The buildings are all touching and the patrons are grabbing and yelling at you all the way. One is still talking and the next is grabbing you to come to theirs. We did have a massage. The prices are much higher than I'd read. We were quoted $1/min. Did manage to find one cheaper. It was okay. At least the gals were kind and tried hard. Another lady offered us one , and when I said we'd had one, she demanded to know what we paid. We experienced the same as a previous poster with the restaurants. We were led to a table and to be polite my DH ordered a coke. It was in a can and was Awful. We didn't eat anything. I would Not go there if you want to relax. It is understandable that the residents have waited a long time for income, but it is not a pleasant vacation experience.

[EugeneD]

I thought Mahahual was fine, it was an honor to be the first ship in 14 months. We made the local news (there were countless camera crews shooting from rooftops if anyone noticed). The beach was relaxing, we were by the scuba diving hut (40 Caniones Street) which had wireless internet, a bar with swing barstools, great music, beach chairs, and the food smelled good (we were too afraid to try). Yes, it's devastated, but like New Orleans/etc, our visits help revitalize the economy/etc.

 

Yes, they did give out dam dollars for everything from ping pong tournaments to line dancing. I got about $15 just by myself.

 

I think the food is nothing to write home about. Dinners were OK -- appetizers were better than entrees, desserts were great of course, breakfast had zero variety. Because of the ports of call, and the strict 12 - 1:30 time, we never really made it to lunch.

 

Entertainment was OK, mostly revue/variety show stuff, nothing memorable or cohesive -- no real productions. There wasn't much to do at night, but that's par for the course for Holland or Princess. Karaoke was contest-only, and you had to enter on the first night or no singing for you. Those that did have the fortune of entering had to endure the humiliation by the "judges" a la american idol. There were no dance classes like salsa or swing -- and I am *not* going to count the crew-led macarena or electric slide =)