We took a 7 Day cruise to Alaska to get away from CA heat. Decided on Holland America's Westerdam, because of price and destinations...Sitka and Glacier Bay. We'd previously cruised on Princess (Sapphire) to Alaska. The Westerdam offered super attentive service...the beverage people were funny and the waiter staff was thorough. One of the best places on this ship is the Eagle's Nest. We used it like a family room. People actually used the library, puzzles, magazines, computers. The bartenders were entertaining, sometimes musical entertainment, wonderful seating. Very nice and cozy. The trip was a travel bargain.... We enjoyed nearly everything but...

Be warned the water can be rough...I loved it, husband was dizzy

The Lido buffet was confusing. Selections on the buffet seemed limited, maybe I just didn't understand the system. At the end of the cruise I ordered a steak in the Lido Buffet and it was terrific. WE had many breakfasts and one lunch in the main dining room...I like to be waited on in the morning and didn't like the crowds and confusion in the Lido Buffet. The Lido didn't open until 6:30 AM...too late for some of us insomniacs. Room service was very good...surprising. Lido Deck Buffets and fast food were good. The dining room food was elegant, but bland. We felt the same about our Princess cruise, so it may be due to our CA tastes. The Steak and Lobster combo on formal night was fabulous, best ever! We often sat with other people (open seating option) who were always very nice and older. I thought bar charges were reasonable, w/o husband I would have drank way more. Here's the biggest surprise of this cruise: Most travelers were older (we really didn't want to see children) so we chose Holland. You would expect a stuffy crowd. These passengers were off the wall...very edgy humor. Risque. I laughed so hard I cried. We did the 5 Day Carnival to Mexico with our adult daughters and that was tame compared to this. Maybe this was a fluke...Like they said "what happens in Alaska stays in Alaska' If there were prudes on this cruise they stayed in their cabins...but the theater was full of screaming people. Very funny. The talent of the theater entertainers surprised me. Comedians were crazy! Incredible Bob Mackie costuming, excellent stage lighting and sets. We go to events in SF, Vegas, Reno etc...this was as enjoyable. Lounge entertainment in all bars was was lame... The nature lectures were weak, only the ranger seemed well informed. I took a computer class that was well presented, non threatening. Other classes were pretty basic...don't expect too much. Read more