Westerdam Review
Exceptional Itinerary But Below Par Shipboard Experience
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I chose this cruise for the great itinerary. As for embarkation, getting aboard the ship went incredibly smoothly, but then the issues began. The tone set from the beginning was negative. No welcoming glass of juice, much less champagne, and no one available to help with directions. No sail away party. For the first two days, there was a lot of finger pointing about which department was responsible for fixing snags. For example, our key cards did not work, a problem not rectified for six hours. Lines were long to have this addressed because an enormous number of passengers had issues. What I learned from this experience is to avoid taking a cruise on a ship just out of drydock, partly because of the newly introduced glitches and partly because the refurbishment wasn’t finished – paint fumes were everywhere. Neither the observation deck nor the library were available for the entire cruise. Onboard credit was given for this mishap, but it was inadequate, especially for passengers without a veranda.
After the first few days, the staff went out of their way to be helpful and were very pleasant and friendly.
The size of our veranda room was adequate, but could have been better laid-out—the closet/bathroom area didn’t make it easy for two people to get ready at the same time.
Cabin Review
Port Reviews
Malta (Valletta)
Mdina is an atmospheric walled medieval city while Valletta is of a later era but affords sweeping views of the fortifications in the area. Unfortunately our guide, although informative, did not allow for the time necessary to visit St. Johns's Cathedral, the key site of this excursion. Frustratingly, it was easily accessed and enjoyed by those who did not book an excursion.
Dubrovnik
Exceptional! Incredibly scenic views of the Adriatic Coast, a quaint village that seemed to be moored in the past and Mostar, truly a taste of the East. Note that the tour is long and the streets of Mostar are hilly and slippery.
Kotor
More scenic views,walking tours of two interesting old, walled towns. Very manageable in time taken and level of difficulty.
Korcula
A small walled town on a lovely island. Great views, easily walk-able except for getting up to the cathedral. Relaxing, shady promenade on mostly level ground. Only drawback: tacky Marco Polo souvenirs.
Venice
Long, confusing walk from the pier to the city center and even to reach the inexpensive People Mover (elevated train). Otherwise, you have to really work at not loving Venice for its atmosphere, history, art, food, music, ...
Split
Yes, the basement of Diocletian's Palace is old and well-preserved, but it's a basement! Informative tour with some pleasant views of Split. Some stairs but not a long tour.
Koper
Lovely, scenic drive through somewhat varied terrain. Great guide. Lake Bled is as picturesque as advertised, the ride to the island is relaxing, and the castle, although not representative of its era, is still worth a visit for the views and the fascinating and unique, to me, museum. Significant number of steps at church on Lake Bled but the stairs are not slippery or narrow. Steep incline at castle and some stairs.
Corfu
Albania is much more scenic and varied than I imagined. Butrint National Park is notable for its archaeological sites ranging from the early Greek to Ottoman eras.
Fascinating!