Westerdam Review

Go Westerdam to Alaska!

Review for Alaska Cruise on Westerdam
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drummergirl
First Time Cruiser • Age 50s

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Sail Date: Sep 2009
Cabin: Deluxe Ocean-View Verandah Stateroom

My partner and I in our early 40s and both sets of parents in their early 70s flew from Atlanta to Seattle to cruise to Alaska. This was our first cruise, and I'm a picky traveler - I don't like to spend a lot of money but I always want luxury - ha! We overdid the research to select HAL and Westerdam but it was a great choice, and I would be surprised if other cruise lines offer a better experience to Alaska. We booked through Delta Cruise Vacations and got a lot of Skymiles in the process.

We opted for the "guaranteed balcony" room which means we didn't get to select the specific room number but could be anywhere on the balcony levels. It was the same price as the "window" room and a lot less expensive than picking out our balcony. One set of parents also chose the balcony and the other set of parents chose the inside room to save money. We were assigned a room on level 8 in the exact rear of the ship which apparently is not good if you are prone to sickness, but the room was larger than others and had a larger balcony that could host happy hour for six people. We had an amazing view as we left each port and beautiful views as we sailed. I really liked having a balcony. The regular balcony only holds two people. The interior room is certainly less expensive but you have no idea what is happening outside which for me is too confining. My parents spent most of their time out of their room since they didn't have a window but would opt for at least window next time.

I was very concerned about seasickness and took lots of medicines and seabands....and I needed them. The first three days were hard for me and my partner. Our room definitely was more rocky than others. The crew was very nice and showed empathy to our situation but the ship was sold out so we couldn't change rooms. Eventually the waters calmed, we got more acclimated and we started docking at ports - all which helped us enjoy the rest of the cruise. I'd probably pick the same room again just for the big balcony especially if I am traveling with others in a larger party.

Cabin Review

Deluxe Ocean-View Verandah Stateroom

Cabin VA

lots of closet space and drawers under to the bed too. Larger than regular verandah rooms with larger than normal balcony. Right below the Lido Deck so a couple of times there were people above us when we were on our balcony. Super convenient for accessing the Lido Dining Room for breakfast and lunch and Vista Dining for dinner. Opposite end of ship from Crow's Nest, Casino, entertainment, fitness, spa. But good exercise to walk after eating all the food!

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