This was my 8th cruise, and my second on Holland America. I'd been previously pleased with our cruise experience on the Rotterdam in 2002, and this led me to book on the Westerdam for this cruise. I was travelling with my wife, two children (9 and 11), and family friends with their children (19 and 12). I'll try to cover our thoughts in categories:
EMBARKATION: We had a really early flight, so when we arrived at the pier at 11AM, they were still disembarking passengers from the prior cruise. Turn-around was quick, though, and they opened the doors for embarking passengers at 11:30. Took about 15 minutes from there, with lots of agents available. We were suite passengers with priority embarkation, but others in line with us with regular cabins were embarking just as quickly. There was a short wait in the pier waiting room, and then on to the ship at 12 Noon sharp.
CABIN: Both us and our friends were booked into Deluxe Verandah Suites via a great deal that we got online about 6 months ago. We'd travelled in a suite on the Rotterdam, so we knew what the taste of "suite life" would be - with priority services, concierge, private lounge and lots of other "perks." We were not disappointed on this cruise. Cabin was large (500 sq. feet), very clean, with LOTS of storage space in drawers and closets. Great bathroom, with two sinks, jacuzzi tub and separate shower. The veranda was large, with two lounge chairs and a table with 4 side chairs. We were quite comfortable, even with our kids. Cabin steward was wonderful, attending quickly, quietly and efficiently with all our needs.