Westerdam Cruise Reviews - Reviews

This is our third cruise. We sailed with Raphosy of the seas and celebrity reflection both were really good and far superior to westredam in any aspect. The Celebrity was the best. We are not fussy in any sense and don't mind if things are not perfect but this was just a poor experience. And the sad things is it cost us more than the celebrity cruise. We paid quite a lot of money for this cruise but got nothing in return!! We are a couple in our mid-40s with 2 girls 15 and 9. The average age was probably 70. So many old, unfriendly and grumpy couples that don't seem to like younger people and kids. They just everywhere you go on the ship. Entrainment was non-existent. Poor shows that lasted half an hour. Celebrity had the tenures of rock on for 2 amazing shows and 4 live bands playing all day all over the ship. We sadly had to go to bed at 10 every night and just watched a movie. No discos or parties to go to. No bands in the pool, no pool parties, no activities for younger the crowd. The BBKING band was good but played the same oldies songs every night. The whole place was like sedated. It felt like old age home rather than a cruise ship. The daily activities were mostly talks and seminars about how to fold towels, how to diet and bridge card game. Old people staff all day long. Great basketball court but no activities on it. Food was repeatable. Sma every night. For instance, the celebrity had a theme night. If we docked in Greece they had Greek food and so on. Nothing like that on the Westerdam. Food was always the same. Eating time are very short especially for lunch which was 12-14. If you missed the time then no food! so if you onshore you have no chance of making it back for lunch. How stupid!! Celebrity had the dining room open till 4 for lunch which made life much easier. Not enough staff to clean the tables. They did not have one BBQ party on the pool deck for the whole 10 days!! It felt like the whole ship is running on a really tight budget. The ship is also built really funny. It's an old ship very poorly decorated. Felt like in some sort of a rundown 80s hotel. No central area. Unless you are penthouse VIP passenger. you cannot access the front of the ship at the top deck so it was impossible to watch the ship entering ports from the front ogf the ship. The back of the ship there is a pool, and a bar it was always flooded with water and people were smoking there the whole time which made it really unpleasant. The Gym was ok. Destinations were fabulaous. Especially kotor and venice. Bot the ship dont giver you much time onshore. The had to back on the boat by 16:30 and some days it was 15:

Beautiful destinations, wonderful accommodations, world class service, great food and a super variety in entertainment made for an incredible time! Thank you so much for the detail you put in to your vessels, your staff, your service and your hospitality. There were 18 of us in our group - Mom and Dad celebrating their 50th Anniversary, my two sisters and me and our spouses and 10 grandkids. We wanted this to be a memorable experience for my parents and they simply can not stop talking about what a wonderful time they had. They have cruised Holland America before (Mediterranean and Alaska) and told us we were in for a real treat... but we had no idea. Thank you for everything!

Our first time cruising with HAL. Absolutely loved it!! Great destinations. Professional staff. Had a verandah cabin. Loved waking up each day somewhere new, opening the curtains & wow!! Have now booked our second cruise for August 2020.

Didn't need two days in Athens, would've rather had two days elsewhere. Children got a bug or food poisoning after a trip to Mykonos which ruined the holiday.

This was an absolutely amazing adventure. Cruising the Adriatic, spending so much time in Croatia specifically, made this really a unique experience. And the food and staff are so wonderful on this ship. I am a Holland American loyalist after this cruise.

Really relaxing way to visit places between Rome and Venice, taking a variety of countries. All this without having to pack/unpack suitcases and having meals, snacks whenever it suited us.

Great itinerary I newly refurbished Westerdam from Civitavecchia to Venice via Malta, Corfu, and the Dalmatian coast including Kotor, Dubrovnik, Korcula, Split, and Koper. All beautiful, Korcula a favorite destination and Kotor an unforgettable arrival and departure experience. Service outstanding, food exceptionally good on the Westerdam. Personally not thrilled with the recent refurbishment of the Crow’s Nest, where an acceptably serious library is sacrificed for a rather slick but less reliable, excessively visual and rather superficial online exploration experience. I wish HAL would retreat from this initiative but others may like it for a while until they realize how inferior it is to a library with books.

Well, except for some small points about the shipping company and the boat as: The reserved cabin, Signature Suite category SY "guaranteed", does not correspond with the awarded (6108) Suite SS category, supposedly superior category, but being special for people with disabilities, the configuration of the cabin is different: It has no bathtub Hydromassage, no shower with screen, no double sink. In addition it was damaged twice, having to make use of the public. And it was not bad because it is supposed to be configured to facilitate the mobility of a disabled person and / or wheelchair: It does not have the usual step of entry to the bathroom, handles in the bathroom on all sides; For access to the terrace has a small ramp to save the door frame. But, as I said, it does not match the characteristics of what I booked, even though they told me that I had been upgraded.  The Spa pool was inoperative for two days and at the time I wanted to use it, for maintenance. That I say: could not they do the maintenance at night, after closing? At Westerdam you can see the years in spite of the remodelings and lifting that is carried on. In fact, from deck 10 up was closed the whole cruise because they continued working renovating / expanding staterooms, spaces, etc. Unfortunately, from what we were told, work on 25 new cabins added to deck 10 was not completed as planned prior to our departure as well as some additional finishing work. This meant that the Crow's Nest and / or the Explorations Café were not available. The racking of new mattresses, boxes etc. Was evident occupying the elevators until the cover 9 and of this one towards the 10 by stairs. Do not ask me why. In the restoration aspect, being generous, I give it a 5. Of course, when one has tried the excellence of a Koningsdam last year (for not changing company), any comparison is odious. But it is inadmissible to order a drink, when you sit in the dining room, and that you serve it when you go on the second plate: No, I do not want it now. Either the salmon is ironed, or the breakfast card in the cabin is so minimal. Regarding the scales, except for Koper that does not have much in itself, the others are fine. In Messina, Dubrovnik and Venice we had already been on previous cruises; Of Malta, Mdina; Corfu surprised us; Kotor and his surroundings reminded us, saving the distances, to Flam; And amazing Split that will stand up after so many years. All the scales we made by our account and are easy to do. As far as I can see, I have the impression that the space dedicated to the Rijksmuseum at sea and the B.B.King Club were still to be defined. In particular, the Sala B.B.King used it both for this music and to congregate the passage before disembarking in tenders, as well as to listen to the explanations of what to see in the scales of the following day by the Guide of the excursions department. By the way, I would highlight the B.B.King band, the rhythm section (bass / drums) and the wind section (sax / trumpet). The guitar somewhat loose and the keyboardist complies without great frills. As for the voices, Olivia stands out above all, for my taste. To have a good coffee, you have on the main deck a slight representation of what will be the Explorations Café of deck 10, in a corner enabled with a bar that I do not think that goes beyond 3 meters: Queue and few tables. The indoor and aft pools if I could try: divine, all for me. And free sunbeds all you want. About the occupation, it was supposed to be full. Or at least it was what they told us when we asked to change our cabin: there was no free of our category (or superior? I do not know, I do not know). At times, in the buffet, more than the lack of tables, what were missing were plates and cups !, amazing !; As well as a near-British closing schedule. To be fair also, I have to say that because we could not use the common spaces on deck 10 upwards for the theme of the renovation, we were paid $ 200 per person on our bill (I think the whole passage). And in our particular case, the Spa Access Bonus for all the days of the cruise that we hired on the first day (perhaps having had a whirlpool bath in our cabin, we would not have hired it), we were compensated, paying the amount of the expense in our account. Something of reason we should have. It can be said that the "Adriatic Dream": sailing along the Adriatic coast, the scales included and the good weather we had, was fulfilled. I'm sorry to comment on this bittersweet flavor, but we've lived like this

 The staff were professional, composed under duress, handled cranky passengers with care and concern at the desk. A lot can happen during a week at sea and a lot did happen. The weather was exceptionally good and cooperative. I've never had a smoother cruise. The food was good and varied. The entertainment staff also exceptional and varied. I especially appreciated the ships acting and singing troupe. 

The Westerdam was showing its age.  However, the onboard personnel were excellent.  They always greeted you with a smile and made you feel like family.  The Pinnacle Grill was awesome.  Both the food and service were exceptional.  The other early dining option was very good with very friendly servers.  The Lido dining was always very crowded and hard to find a place to sit.  Food, except for breakfast was just OK.  Breakfast, other than the masses of passengers, was very good.

The room stewards were always on hand and made us feel welcome.  When we noticed the sinks and the shower drains were running very slow, we called and that day a plumber showed up to clean the yucky old hair out of the drains. 

One of our sink faucets had a slow leak and the steward noted that was already documented and was geared to be fixed during the upcoming dry-dock in April.  The air conditioning unit was not operating for at least 15 cabins on our deck.  It took them a better part of a week to put in a temporary fix. . . They apologized and gave us a complimentary diner at the Pinnacle Grill.

The Crows Nest was always very crowded and hard to find a seat for four.

When our laundry was returned, they miscounted a pajama top for a tee shirt and thus we missed an item of clothing from our inventory.  The best they could to accommodate the missing item was to provide us with a claim form.  Still waiting for the results of that visit.

HAL still is a for-profit organization.  Everything you want to do, they "nickel and dime" you to pieces.  Be prepared for that.  For example, you have to pay for Wi-Fi usage where other cruise providers complimentary Wi-Fi is included.  Every turn, there is a 15% gratuity above their pricy drinks and services.

Tours were just that, tours.  Don't expect a lot and that's what you'll get.  Don't expect too much.

Noting all of the defects of this trip, the pluses outweighed the negatives and yes, we will most likely take another HAL cruise someday. 

Thirteen yeas ago we took a 16 day Holland America cruise from SAN to Hawaii that was both relaxing and memorable in many positive ways. So when we wanted to select a relaxing get away in February of this year we looked at the same (two days longer in duration) trip. Wow! What a huge disappointment. Everything about this cruise from the ship itself, the food (yup. the food),  the entertainment, or lack there of ,to the type of passenger this particular cruise (or maybe the cruise line) attracted (old and very infirm) was surprising and disappointing. This was not the same cruise line we experienced in 2004. I wouldn't recommend this trip to anyone who is youthful (in spirit ) and wants to meet and see others of similar kind. This cruise was an assisted living experience on the ocean. And you will be nickle and dimed to death as well. Even water, unless it comes from the tap (not so good) isn't included. And WiFi costs too. We've never had a vacation where we couldn't wait to come home.

Cruised out of San Diego to Mexico , first stop Cabo San Lucas had some drinks at  Sancho`s  Bar . Next stop Mazatlán  took the water taxi to Stone Island .Next stop Puerto Vallarta drank some beers on the beach . Good weather in all the ports

We had sailed HAL but never out of the port where we live: SAN Diego. Very easy but ignore the embarkation time they give you or you will miss the Mariner's Luncheon. The weather in the first week of February is great if you hate heat and mosquitoes. There were many day time ship activities and we don't play cards or gamble. The Mexican hosts were entertaining and informative. We loved the BB KING, Test Kitchen and the Adagio @ a lovely high tea- come 15 min plus early to this one for a seat. We are 70s but took son and daughter in 30s who also had a great time but did different shore experiences and loved time by the pool. This line still has a lobster night in the main dining room ( surf and turf last gala night), but tip if you are a fan the grilled they serve on deck same night are better or do both!! Room stewards were the best ever. We always get a balcony room and like higher up near the front as have no motion sickness problems. Did the ship's city tour in Cabo and it was very comprehensive but cannot grasp why anyone would buy condos there unless into fishing or underwater activities or drinking. Terrible limited beach sand and severe undertow. Took ship's city tour with restaurant "cooking" experience in Puerto Vallarta which was fun. In Mazatlan we got our comprehensive and much cheaper tour from Shipmate and reduced in price within a week of sailing. Our 30 yr olds just got a water taxi from the dock in Cabo to share with another couple to Los Arcos. Then have a taxi take them to where there were hotels with beach to walk and good lunch restaurants. They used taxis this way in the other two places. We all liked Puerto Vallarta the best with their beautiful malceon ( long boardwalk pier) but Mazatlan was nice too and our son loved the seafood. It had been 30 years since we had been to the latter two places and it was great to compare. Still prefer Hawaii for swimming and climate and Europe for experiencing other cultures but many on this cruise were repeat visitors many times over.

My cousin and I had an absolute wonderful time. The staff was wonderful from the men who cleaned our rooms and made sure I had ice for a very bad knee I have to the wine steward who was so much fun. Our table mates were so entertaining at dinner. Not one thing to complain about. A very special time for us to get away from everyday pressure and just relax and enjoy ourselves. And we did! Loved it already booked another cruise on the westerdam🤗

Enjoyed our crossing of the Pacific and cruise around the Hawaiian Islands , especially our night time cruise past the lava pouring onto the ocean

We have traveled extensively on HAL and have never had a bad experience.  This was a familiar itinerary, but we took different excursions than we had taken before.  We found the staff on board to be very friendly and competent, the food above average, a wide variety of choices for excursions and easy embarkation and disembarkation.

A little  cold leaving out of San Diego , it warmed up soon . When we cruised in to Cabo it was nice and warm , next day we were in Mazatlán took the water taxi to Stone Island. Next day we were in Puerto Vallarta hung out at the Cheeky Monkey Bar ,the next 2 days at sea.

To say the food was good would be an understatement.    We ate lobster,  escargot,   foie Gras,  lamb chops, prime rib and a myriad of delectable dishes too numerous to describe.    The room was ample in size,  and has a shower AND a bath tub,  a nice feature not always seen in other cruise lines.    Our "fully obstructed view"  cabin had a peek a boo view which brought in much appreciated sunlight.    The staff couldn't be any better.   It is a science to know when to be present and available and when to allow privacy and Holland America has acquired the skill. Only flaws:  no horseradish with the prime rib: faucet in bathroom had a small leak: some of the interior of the bathroom shows wear and is cracking.   Ship is dated and needs an overhaul,  one that is scheduled next year. 

Leaving out of San Diego , it started to rain , by the time we got to Cabo San Lucas it was nice and warm . I went to Stone Island in Mazatlán and Cheeky Monkey in Puerto Vallarta. Great ship, good crew , good food

Great cruise with family. The great thing about Holland america is that they cater to an older crowd, leaving a lot of the outdoor areas more open as opposed to Carnival. The burgers and hotdogs on the lido deck were excellent and mandatory for me everyday!