This was my 13th cruise experience and 3rd with Holland America. I've cruised with Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Princess, and Windjammer (once was enough). I must say that this last cruise on the Westerdam was perhaps the best. Yes, I am in my early 50's and Holland America does attract an older crowd, but the line is trying to attract a more diverse market and did not find this cruise to be an "older" crowd than other ships. It may have been because it was the week before Christmas which had more families and younger couples.

We flew into Ft. Lauderdale the same day of the cruise and arrived at the port very early at 9:30am. We did have to wait for check-in until 11:30am but the embarkation process was smooth and organized and on the boat within 15 minutes. They do not allow guests into their rooms until 1 - 1:30pm and the call came at 1:15 that rooms were ready.

We received a wonderful deal on a superior suite and it was "sweet"! This by far is the largest room I've had with any cruise line. A total of 389 square feet with a very large balcony that fits 4 chairs and a table large enough for dining. Lots of storage space in the room and huge bathroom. The beds are very comfortable with soft linens. The only down side of the room was the air conditioning. Room seemed cold at night regardless of changing the temperature, but just asked for blankets the first couple of nights and once we were in a warmer climate, the temperature seemed ok. The room was a great value and I'd book it again. Read more