Westerdam Review

Family & Friends Reunion Cruise

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

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Sail Date: Nov 2009

Our small group (9) of family and friends chose HAL's Westerdam for our reunion because of our very favorable past sailings with HAL. It was our first time on the Westerdam, however. We had a wonderful time with calls at Half Moon Cay, Aruba and Curacao. On Half Moon Cay we had a cabana and opted for the butler service add-on. Well worth it - especially when entertaining a group. When you get the butler service, the Pinnacle Grill caters the luncheon at the cabana. Wow! They sent lobster sandwiches which were to die for! Sent a lot of other savory things, too, including a wonderful chocolate cake. And there was open bar for both alcohol and sodas. We were able to secure a very nice oval shaped table in the lower dining room which was in a corner and next to large windows for a great sea view. Perfect for our group. Dining room service was top notch. Both the server and his assistant (as well as the wine steward) had wonderful senses of humor. Had dinner one evening in the Pinnacle Grill which was the very best. Both in terms of level of service and the cuisine. In fact, it was the best of any Pinnacle Grill experience we have had on any HAL ship. They should be proud of their offerings - absolutely 5 star in my book. The vanilla souffle was superb. Finally got to try the lobster macaroni and cheese - really nice and different. Would have liked a bit more lobster in the mix, though. Cabins were very nice and the cabin stewards top notch. We had several balconies in a row and had the cabin steward open the dividers so that we were able to entertain in one very large space. Really nice. Westerdam is much bigger than the S class we prefer, but met our needs for the group. Something for everybody. Very clean and well appointed with no evidence of wear and tear that I saw. They had recently implemented a new "Caribbean Menu" which seemed to us like a great improvement. Not the usual offerings. New flavors and recipes that were definitely a step or two up from previous cruises. There was an organized Cruise Critic Meet and Greet on the first sea day. Plenty of drink and finger food supplied by HAL and held in the Crow's Nest. Used the Salon a couple of times for their usual fine hairdo and service. Exceptionally friendly there and throughout the spa area. My only negative comment is that we prefer longer cruises. Too short for our tastes. As is any cruise, when I think about it.

Cabin Review

great mattress and bedding.

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