Westerdam Review
Rating by category
Additional details
My husband and I chose a last-minute seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruise on the Westerdam because our previous Alaska cruise on the Zaandam had been so enjoyable.
We traveled Huntsville-Atlanta-Fort Lauderdale and stayed overnight at the Hyatt Place North because of its location and free port shuttle. It's located near a shopping center with a Publix, Total Wine, and restaurants. The hotel is heavily trafficked and looking a bit worn, but our only problem was the air conditioner/heating unit in our room. It was LOUD. We had to turn it off in order to sleep. The staff is friendly, the free breakfast was adequate for people about to over-eat for a week, and the shuttle service was prompt. (Just be sure to sign up for it when you check in.)
Embarkation went smoothly and all our luggage appeared in our cabin in a timely fashion. The Westerdam had just returned from its European route and there were, of course, major staff changes. This may account for a few of the initial problems that we encountered.
Cabin Review
Neptune Deluxe Verandah Suite
We had Suite 7070 on the Rotterdam Deck and anything good that you have heard of HAL cabins could be said of ours. It was large, clean, well decorated, with a large balcony and a separate shower and spa tub. The bottle of cold champagne that the HAL website promised would be waiting all Deluxe Suite passengers was no where in sight and failed to appear. But we did get a bottle of water. Our cabin stewards were all that is pleasant and agreeable, and 7070 remained a delightful place to sleep and rest. (Warning: the cabin next to us flanked the glass elevators that run up the side of the ship - they had no privacy on their balcony and also had the lights from the elevator shining on their balcony at night.)