First cruise ever and we're impressed

Westerdam Cruise Review to Alaska - Inside Passage

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 23

Overall rating:

4.9 out of 5
Verified Review
Westerdam

7 Night Alaskan Explorer (Seattle Roundtrip)

Sail date: September 24, 2023

Ship: Westerdam

Cabin type: Suite

Cabin number: 8040

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 1 year ago

Review summary

We needed a break from the past few years and we got exactly what we needed.. great service, good food and drink, and plenty of ways to just relax around the ship areas and enjoy the sea. We could not have asked for better weather, sunshine in every port. Our only downside was both getting Influenza A and not feeling well at the last two ports. That's the breaks of being in enclosed spaces with a lot of folks after a few years of isolation. I'm not sure we got all the correct on board credit we were supposed to, be sure to check your bookings, take screenshots if it says pre-paid gratuity etc. It will come in useful for any questions later.

Embarkation

5 out of 5
Quick and easy, even when my spouse had to go back for his phone at security

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5
Everyone was so happy to see us and make sure we were happy with our choices.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5
We were mainly on the cruise to relax, not do a lot. It was perfect. I didn't want the high energy of a lot of stuff going on.

Entertainment

5 out of 5
The band and DJ in the Rolling Stone venue were both excellent.

Children's Programs

Do not have children, do not care to vacation around them

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
Every time we needed something, it was there. We really appreciated having our cases stored and taken out and the cleanliness of the room.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
For a first cruise, we were impressed with this "older, smaller" ship, it was lovely. There was something to see around every corner.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
We were surprised by the room and the size of this upgraded suite. The balcony is so roomy!

Ship tip

Go to relax, get the veranda. It's all worth it.

Ports of call

Seattle, Washington

5 out of 5
Took a bus tour and went up the needle. we would go back.

Cruise Puget Sound Did not visit port

This was at sea, not a port call.

CRUISE STEPHENS PASSAGE

4 out of 5
It was late so we didn't see much. Again, not a port call.

Juneau, Alaska

5 out of 5
Loved just walking around the town and found some great local shops and a bar/cafe.

Cruise Hubbard Glacier

5 out of 5
We were so thrilled, we got in close since the Westerdam is smaller. Plenty of time was spent here just taking it all in.

Sitka, Alaska

5 out of 5
We loved Sitka and the Historic Tour was so interesting. We learned a lot about the town, saw the Cathedral, museums and a lovly recital.

Ketchikan, Alaska Did not visit port

We stopped but I was ill and did not get out of our room.

Victoria, British Columbia

4 out of 5
We left the ship but didn't feel like walking down the dark street "to town." We took a few pics and went back on the ship.

Disembarkation

4 out of 5
I missed the Port Valet deadline and there was no way to get out of lugging our own stuff, but that's our fault. Next time we'll take an earlier flight out, had no idea we could have made it

Traveler Photos

From the bed, so roomy! We made it! Get the crab, that's why you came here!
Was this review helpful? 23

5 Comments

Cruisers4Lyfe     3 months ago

Thanks for sharing

javawoody    1 year ago

Glad you enjoyed your first cruise

cruising2004    1 year ago

Glad you enjoyed your first cruise. Thank you for your review.

AuntPinkie    1 year ago

Welcome to the wonderful world of cruising. Sorry you caught the flu. Appreciate your feedback and positive attitude. Glad you enjoyed your first cruise.

Gwbigdog    1 year ago

Thanks for sharing your cruise with us

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