All good all round. The food was a bit bland - we think because of the older demographics of the other passengers. But overall we enjoyed it. Bar staff were great and funny. Mask policy was controversial and some guests were a bit angry.
Took a day trip tour with City Unscripted - our guide was called Gabriel (Jewel) I think...he was excellent.
The burgers were good and we were glad we went ...
We wanted to see the cherry blossoms in Japan and booked with HAL because they were sailing this spring at the right time. We sailed with them in 2016 to Alaska and it was fine. This sailing was just awful. I read the cruise critic review several months ago when we first booked and it seemed very good but their review is way out of date. I checked recent reviews just before sailing and they ...
Embarked at Yokohama (airport bus from Haneda was easy). Approx an hour from arrival to embarkation on ship. Would recommend completing VeriFLY app. There was a separate line for those who had.
We were in cabin (VE). Quiet and comfortable. The ship itself is traditional in feel, a little past its best, but spotlessly clean. Japanese rules meant wearing of masks, which was generally adhered to. ...
We have only cruised 3 times with HAL, however each was 14+ days. We were on the last Asia cruise before Covid, and the 1st one since Covid (ports in Philippines, Taiwan, and Japan). Both on Westerdam. However HAL is down trending for us.
Preface: Let me just say that running a cruise is a very difficult thing. Nearly every guest on board has a unique need or request. Staffing turn over ...
This was a special birthday gift for my husband it was bad no organisation after 2 hrs in Singapore immigration and booking in we got to ship to find another queue to hand in passports after another hr we were free they said they needed them for immigration to Phuket which was 2 days away dinner that night took 3hrs.
In Phuket we were landed in an industrial area by tender very choppy and long ...
To resume pre-Covid travel, we decided to take up an attractive 2 week fly/cruise package departing Singapore. Having previously sailed on Cunard and Celebrity we sought out a different cruise line,HAL, which was scheduled to visit approx 6 interesting Asian ports. This proved to be a huge mistake.
Amongst the few positive aspects of the line's Westerdam ship is it quirky, modern art deco ...
Holland America changed the itinerary several times and the final one was not at all interesting. The food was mostly mediocre and not up to the quality on Azamara, Princess, Cunard or Celebrity. I was looking forward to America's Test Kitchen, but, alas, it was not on board. There were no professional lectures and the man who did the Thailand history lesson was very poor. The tender ...
Our 16 night repositioning cruise to Singapore started at Sydney airport where we were transported to the ship by our pre-booked transfer. Boarding was quick and efficient. The VeriFly app which we had been encouraged to use was a bit of a waste of time and not taken seriously by the check-in personnel.
The Westerdam is tastefully decorated with almost no signs of wear and tear. A big bonus ...
We (my wife and I, (a retired couple) chose this cruise as there was good deal on offer including 2 nights in Singapore and return flights (we live in Sydney). We were also keen to try Holland America.
The ship was a bit smaller than we are used to with limited entertainment options. The food in the main dining room and Lido was average at best. We ate in the Pinnacle twice and it was excellent ...
We booked the first 16 days of the Far East Discovery because of the amazing itinerary and we were not disappointed. From Singapore to Hong Kong, every port had something wonderful to offer. This was our 8th cruise and our first on Holland America.
Unfortunately, the embarkation was horrible. We had a 12:00 check in but had to wait about two hours in the cruise terminal before we could check ...