Great getaway - you can hardly afford to stay home!
Embarkation
5 out of 5
San Diego is a small port and the Westerdam was not taking on a full load of passengers - some were continuing from the Panama Canal cruise. So - it was swift and easy. Our party of 4 arrived early, about 11:45 to enjoy the afternoon on board before the 5 pm departure.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Holland America food is very good in main dining room with excellent service. During this cruise there was no assigned seating times, but we never had trouble being seated. We enjoyed the option to join in with others. Did not try out Canneleto - now located at the end of the Lido Market, nor Pinnacle on this trip.
If "Chocolate Surprise" is on your calendar during the cruise - get down to 2 and walk the gauntlet of bite sized treats (9 PM) served on trays. Eat your fill - very good.
Explorer's Lounge
2 out of 5
I personally do not like the retrofit of the Explorer's Lounge & Crow's Nest. Bar is small and now shared with coffee/espresso machines. Did not observe any table service during my 3 visits there. Bar is too crowded for the coffee/bartenders and they have to charge you separately if you want a coffee with alcohol? That is so strange since now they are the same bar!
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
Thermal Suite and Whirlpool at Greenhouse Spa - go there as soon as you board as they sell a limited number of access passes. We paid $75 for the 4-night cruise. This option is not available before the cruise - only on a tour during embarkation day. Best way to relax.
Mixology Class for $15 in the Gallery Bar was a blast. The group we had was fun - but the bartender, Mike was great. Guests were provided opportunity to mix the martinis.
ATK is a very nice option - no fee. Even if you don't cook - it is interesting to see the "science" part of meal preparation and why this team has changed/updated some standard practices. You get recipies - but no tastes. Get there early.
Thermal Suites
5 out of 5
Combined option for any-time access to Thermal Suite & Hydro pool was $75 for 4 days. Great deal and nice relaxation. Never crowded for us. Great view from the lounges. Be careful - wet floor near hydropool is slippery.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Lincoln Center Stage - some folks pass on this great entertainment thinking they don't like classical music. This talented group of musicians puts energy into the performance - which includes classical interpretations of Coldplay, Alicia Keys "Fallen" and is worth the time. Bring a drink in with you - comfortable but limited seating.
BBKing Club - great band but tooooo loud to enjoy or dance longer than 5 minutes
Crow's Next
2 out of 5
Don't like the new arrangement with combined bar/coffee. EXC area takes up 1/3. BBC Earth takes up former bar seating area. No table service. Espresso machine was frequently broken.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
All common areas and our stateroom were very clean. Room steward introduced himself - finding us on the balcony. If you leave a written note with a request - they gladly do as asked.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
Standard Verandah room with deeper balcony as it is on the STERN. Terrible location as the vibration from the propellers is obvious when underway and disturbing at night - limited sleep. If you get rough seas it is even worse.
With this cruise - you do not get to select your cabin - just your category. I have no idea why this was a $40/pp upgrade from our bow location we were assigned. We changed to be closer to the friends we were traveling with - but it was terrible!
Ship tip
The ship is small enough that you should be able to get around easily. Explore it all. Walk the promenade and check out all the quiet places with views to read a book.
3rd time there. Rough sea and 40- knot winds kept us from docking for 4 hours. Captain kept us informed. All ship-arranged tours were cancelled.
We prearranged Victoria PediCab Tour - and that guy waited in the cold drizzle for us! They were GREAT! I highly recommend them and purchase ahead of time online. They will customize the tour to your interests (architecture, garden, bars). And you get a quick feel for this lovely city. Also recommend Irish Times Pub downtown. Try the poutine!
Beautiful city. Did you know the newer high-rise glass buildings are required to have either blue or green glass to reflect the city's sea/sky/mountain environment? Take the Landsea bus tour to get that type of local insight. Pre-arranged a post tour excursion with them. Just walk outside the terminal toward the street and you will see them waiting for you. Bus carries about 30. They will load and lock up your bags and deliver you to your hotel or transportation to the airport after 4 hour tour. It was perfect for us as we couldn't get into the hotel until 3 pm anyway!
Easy. Bags were waiting according to our color group with signs. Plenty of employees there to ask if you needed direction or to point out the luggage location. Very efficient.
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