This is a review of the Holland America Westerdam. We sailed on a seven-night Southern Caribbean voyage from Fort Lauderdale to Half Moon Cay, Bahamas; Aruba, and Curacao with three days at sea. Dates: April 1-8, 2012. We had received a $100 onboard credit for being Carnival stockholders.

The captain was Peter "PJ" van Maurik, who joined Holland America in 1994. Cruise director was Jason Venner. The mandatory muster drill was held at 4 p.m. on the Promenade Deck, Deck 3. Leave your life jacket in your cabin.

BACKGROUND: We are a family of three sailing during our 14-year-old's spring break. Overall, this was our 46th cruise. We had sailed Holland America twice previously but both were European cruises on the Maasdam and Prinsendam respectively. Read more