My wife and I had been to Alaska three years ago on NCL and had heard good things from member of Cruise Critic how good the HAL ships had been. So we booked directly with HAL on the Westerdam for a trip to the Hubbard Glacier, which we did not see our first trip up.
Even though we had a morning flight before the cruise, we did change our flight to stay at the Springhill Suites in Seattle (a Marriott), thus giving us a margin for flight delay (SFO does fog up) before our cruise. We recommend this option if you have the time to do so and reduce your embarkation day anxiety.
The ship decor is far more sedate than either NCL or Carnival, showing much more class and less garishness than either of these other lines.
Very comfortable beds (two joined twins). Balcony overlooked by the one above, so not completely private. Ceiling prone to creaking during rougher seas. Tub in the bathroom was a nice surprise. Some ash from the stack got on the deck and the railing.