Sailing the Seas

Westerdam Cruise Review to Panama Canal, Central America

Cruises: 4-6 cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 55

Overall rating:

4 out of 5
Verified Review
Westerdam

19 Night Panama Canal Eastbound (San Diego To Ft. Lauderdale)

Sail date: March 11, 2017

Ship: Westerdam

Cabin type: Oceanview

Cabin number: 1022

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 7 years ago

Review summary

The reason for the cruise was to take in the Panama Canal.  The weather was wonderful for the whole cruise which made sailing for 19 days very enjoyable. So what in the world would you do for 19 days onboard a ship?  We took excursions in most every port which we enjoyed even though we have been to some of the countries prior.  After hitting 3 excursions in a row we were happy to have time at sea to recoup and relax under the warm sunshine with a ice cold drink in one hand and a book in the other!  We dressed for dinner and were happy to be seated with many different couples from around the world which made conversation very enjoyable indeed.  Everyone of the crew on board were helpful and alway patient.  Food was exceptional and my hat off to the head chef, great food prep. Oh, the Panama Canal, it is amazing and if you read the book you need to take a cruise to see it!!  It's amazing or did I just say that!  

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5
If you didn't like something you did not have to have it on your plate and if by chance you did and found you did not care for it you did not have to eat it. So everything was good.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5
Did not participate in all activities but enjoyed the commuter information, trivia, fitness, card. I was especially pleased about Mass being celebrated daily, almost.

Entertainment

5 out of 5
Crew was fun to watch, the magician, The Rave-ons, Jim Curry and Mike Siegel, Soundstage, Frozen Planet Live was good but wasn't thrilled with the message, the pianist my husband thought was very good.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
Our guys who did our room were great! Knew our names the second time the saw us. Use and Salamdi.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
Plenty of space to put everything. Enough hangers and I am sure you could get more if needed. We spent majority of time up top or on excursions. Cabin generally to shower, change or sleep. Oh your suitcase fits under the bed.

Ports of call

San Diego, California

5 out of 5
Balboa Park is wonderful!

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

3 out of 5

Manzanillo, Mexico

5 out of 5

Huatulco, Mexico

5 out of 5
Be sure and have water. It is hot!

Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala

5 out of 5
Antiqua is unique. Be prepared to pay to take pictures of the women carrying the bundles of colorful cloth on their heads.

Puerto Corinto, Nicaragua

5 out of 5
Enjoyed the museum.

Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica

5 out of 5
Sarchi cart factory is very unique for anyone interested in water powered pulley which run the many wood working tools.

Enter Panama Canal At Balboa

5 out of 5
The Americas Bridge, seeing Pananma City for the first time. I was surprised!

Panama Canal Transit

5 out of 5
Amazing. Read the book first before you go through the canal or observe the workings of the canal.

Exit Panama Canal At Cristobal

5 out of 5
Was surprised at the size.

Oranjestad, Aruba

5 out of 5
Enjoyed the history of the refinery, the caves and the groto.

Willemstad, Curacao

5 out of 5
Walking around all the building!

Falmouth, Jamaica

5 out of 5
Enjoyed the Barrett Plantation.

George Town, Grand Cayman

1 out of 5
It is a wonder the island did not sink with 6 cruise ships unloading at the same time!!!!
Was this review helpful? 55

5 Comments

Gwbigdog    2 years ago

Thanks for sharing your cruise.

GerryBCruisin    2 years ago

Thank you for taking the time to share your review of the Westerdam.

SallyStPete    7 years ago

I'm reading Path between the Seas. It is long but interesting. Looking forward to Jan cruise.

Kennethandcarol    7 years ago

Thank you for your review. We are doing the Panama Canal on the Westerdam in November. I am wondering what book you referred to that we should read before going.

glomarrone    7 years ago

Thanks for all your comments.    have been through full transits of the Panama Canal three times.   

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