Our group of family and long-time friends last sailed on the Westerdam in February 07 and had a great time. Prior to that, I had cruised with Disney and Princess. I loved Disney...Princess not so much. This year, we convinced some more friends to try their first cruise. The result was a great week of relaxation, entertainment, sun and friends. We are already planning next year's Westerdam cruise.

Embarkation was pretty easy. Both my parents required wheelchairs and my father has a defibrillator,so he can't go through the security x-ray machine. It took a little while for my folks to pass through security and the staff tried to rush me along and separate me from my parents. I explained that I was not leaving until I was sure that everything was OK for them; the gentleman who addressed me brought them over to a separate handicapped check-in point which was very helpful.

Staterooms: My parents and my family (DH 48, me 46, DS 14) had adjacent deluxe verandah suites. The rooms were roomy, neat and nicely decorated. There was plenty of storage. The bathroom had both a stall shower and a jacuzzi tub. Although the Westerdam is roughly the same age as the Princess ships I've sailed, its staterooms were in far better condition. (Last year, my room on the Caribbean Princess had stained carpet and chipped bathroom tile.)Our balcony had lovely, sturdy wicker and wooden furniture. Our stewards kept the room neat and well-stocked all week. One of my favorite HAL touches is the daily fruit basket. Read more