Westerdam Review

4.5 / 5.0
1,112 reviews

Ups and Downs

Review for the Southern Caribbean Cruise on Westerdam
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Riknpat
First Time Cruiser • Age 70s

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

We chose the 7 day southern Caribbean itinerary largely because we had both seen most of the islands before and were attracted to three full days at sea. We both enjoy life on a ship.

The Westerdam is the right size for us - just under 2000 passengers when full (which it was) - yet large enough to offer a wide variety of spaces and facilities. The layout resembles a classic ocean liner with a proper observation lounge and classic wide promenade deck offering a fully unobstructed circuit of the ship. Three laps equal a mile and we, along with many others, used it every morning. Both the Promenade Deck and the forward section of the Observation Deck offer classic, comfortable wooden deck chairs with good padding. A wonderful place to read a book and watch the world drift by.

Our fellow passengers were older (older than usual according to two officers, which for HAL is saying something)and many were, sadly, loud and coarse with a habit of yelling at each other across pools, decks and dining tables or with peremptory demands at passing staff. A minor irritation (over which HAL has no control)but the fantasy of watching a few of them wash overboard did occur. Some people's grandparents .... Our table companions, on the other hand were delightful. If you choose a fixed sitting as we did, table companions can make or break a cruise. Our table of ten consisted of well travelled and amusing people of mixed ages who were amusing, informative and fun to be with. Whew! The menus were varied, the portions reasonable and the quality of ingredients above average. Meats were invariably cooked as ordered and, wonder of wonders, the lobster tails were both large and moist. HAL has always been accused of under seasoning and the first night menu was a touch bland and tasteless. Several people mentioned this, the kitchen gained courage and things improved markedly from then on. Dessert quality varied, usually good but not always. After demonstrating the "Art of Strudel Making" one afternoon the pastry department followed up with the toughest Apple Strudel in living memory (you could gnaw on it)and later with a Napoleon with a top crust apparently made with shortbread. Too odd. A night in the Pinnacle Grill revealed a classic steak house (and a good one too, mumbo jumbo about the Pacific Northwest aside,) with the expected starters and very large, well cut and expertly grilled steaks. The Pacific is represented by a salmon steak and a plank grilled filet of sea bass which one of our companions dismissed as tasteless. The crab cakes are very good as is the numbingly rich lobster bisque finished table-side with a half shot of cognac. Tables are well spaced and the pace of dinner is leisurely.

Cabin Review

Deluxe Ocean-View Verandah Stateroom

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