Sun Nov. 22, 2009 Leaving Ft Lauderdale We boarded the Westerdam, without any problems. We have been on 3 HAL cruises, this one was the speediest. Once onboard we had the option of going to the Lido Lounge on Deck 9 or going to the Neptune Lounge on Deck 7 since we had a suite. We opted to go to the Neptune Lounge and were informed that the cabin 7048 would be ready about 1:00pm. As you have to wait until 1:00pm for your cabin, why board earlier. I spoke to Angelo, steward in charge of the Neptune Lounge, informed him of the Cruise Critic Meet and Greet for the 11/22/09 HAL Westerdam Cruise Critic tomorrow at 10am, gave him the list I had of the attendees and their cabin numbers and he sent out invitations on HAL letterhead; I had received information and helpful suggests on the Meet and Greet from Serendipity and Hallover (cruise critic names). When we got to our cabin the bed was made as a queen, I informed the steward and was informed it would be rectified by 7pm. What was different this time was the fire drill. We were informed to show up at the designated place without lifejackets. There was a sailing away party where the stewards gave h' dourves. Before that I went to the Lido restaurant on Deck 9 for a sandwich then to the Terrace Grill for a hotdog; what is going on a cruise without having a hotdog? We had supper in the Vista Dining Room on deck 2. At 7pm there was a Welcome Party for Verandah suites in the Observation Lounge. I went to the show tonight, the Entertainment Team; they were talented.

Mon Nov 23, 2009 at sea Our cabin was the Deluxe Verandah Suite type and one of the perks was free laundry service. We all know there is no such thing as free, but this is how it is billed. At 7am each morning, before I got ready for the day, I put my laundry outside for pickup as it would be ready the next day. Today I went to the Lido Restaurant on Deck 9 for breakfast. Today was meet and greet in the Crow's Nest on deck 9 at 10am for the roll call for cruise critic members although anyone could attend. At 9:58 the only people in attendance were Bob and I and I was concerned that we would be the only ones. Low and behold others arrived and we had over 20 attendees. We even had people show up that did not reply. An area was blocked off in the Crow's Nest for this get together. As far as I was concerned it was very successful. HAL set up 20 cups, regular coffee, decaf coffee, tea, cookies. Some people even brought their own coffee. I had lunch in the Lido Restaurant on deck 9. Then I went to the Future Cruise area on deck 1 to put a $100 deposit on a future cruise. Next I went to the digital workshop for two classes - A New Window To You World at 2:30pm & Show And Tell at 4pm. Tonight was formal night so I went back to the cabin to change into my tux. Then went to dinner in the Lower Vista Dining Rm. One comment about dinner, service is slow. There are normally 2 shows each evening, 7:30pm & 10pm. Seldom do you make the 7:30pm show when you show up to eat at 5:15, for most I left early in order to make the early show. Many people agreed that the service was slow. But then again you are on a cruise. Talking about food, there is too much of it. You can constantly eat. The Lido Restaurant hours are 6:30am - 11am, 11:30am - 5pm, 5:30pm - 8pm, 11-12pm. They serve pizza which I hear from other passengers, is very good. I attended the 10pm show, Captain Edward G. van Zaane had a welcome toast and introduced his officers and as with other HAL ships I've been on, someone came out with a big bottle, I was sitting in the front row and was the recipient a ton of confetti. The performance by the Singers and Dancers was superb.

Tue Nov 24, 2009 Grand Turk Bob & I had a quick breakfast then took the Conch Tour at 9am offered by HAL. This was a very informative tour. Yet although this was interesting, I did not think it worth the price. I was speaking to Chris who runs the Digital Workshop and he said at the ports we go to, you can't go wrong with beach activities. The beach at Grand Turk is at the end of the pier where the ships dock. If you go ashore as early as possible, you will have your pick of beach chairs with shade. Back at the ship, at lunch a couple informed me of an offering the Spa has for a weekly price that includes a heated lounge, use of a sauna, use of a steam bath, whirlpool, and shower message. I told them I was on the cruise for next week also; they said maybe the Spa would cut me a deal. Well they did cut me a deal; $200 for the 2 week period. Deal; there is no such thing as a bargain with HAL. But this would prove advantageous. After a hot, humid day, you end up in the Spa area taking a shower right before supper. It is refreshing and well worth the price. I do not know what the charge is for couples, but it is less expensive than a single. We finished dinner in time to see Joel Mason. He usually does a takeoff on Elton John but the Cruise Director Jason Venner said Joel was not feeling well earlier today and there was talk about cancelling the show so Joel played various guitars as well as the piano. There is one thing I will say about Joel. There are ways to work an audience and Joel knows how to do it. He brought the house down or the house brought him down, Joel was fantastic. Read more