Background: We are a couple in the 30's from Finland who enjoy exploring the world and cruising as well in a relaxed way. Cruised with Carnival, MSC, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and HAL. Chose the Westerdam because of the ports of call and to check a HAL ship. We took this cruise on March 18th 2012, in combination with a cruise on the Allure the week before.

Embarkation: We came off the Allure and took a taxi from Allure to Westerdam, very straighforward. Embarkation is efficient and from taxi to entering Westerdam only took half an hour. We were on the ship around 11.30. We did have to wait for our luggage until 3.45 though, even we could see it laying on the dock for +2 hours.

Ship overall: As we just came from the Allure, this ship was almost the opposite . Therefore no comparison to be made between the Allure and Westerdam. The Westerdam is a small ship, it has a cosy and quiet feeling. It is easy to navigate, also because it is not a large ship. All activities are concentrated on certain decks, so by the end of the day you know your way around. We found the interior a bit old and outdated. In the evenings, besides the shows (or if you enjoy spending you time in a smokey casino) there is not much to do on the Westerdam. The pools are quite (actually very) small and not much possibilities to take nice evening walks on the deck. The ship was well maintained. Read more