Just back from our 41st cruise, most have been with Holland America and Princess. The Westerdam is a wonderful ship, not too big or not too small. As with all HAL ships the Westerdam was clean as a whistle and kept up very well.

Embarkation was a snap and we were on board about 11:45 and having lunch in the Lido at noon. One of my complaints in the Lido is there are no trays and you are constantly going back to get a drink or desert or whatever else, I was told by my personal cruise consultant and HAL this is done so passengers will take less food. Loved the sandwiches at the deli and the salads at the salad bar. My wife had fish just about every day for lunch and it was always great. I had a couple of slices of pizza on 2 days for lunch and it was OK, nothing special.

Our cabin was ready by 12:30 and we had our luggage by 1:30 which is fantastic. Our cabin was spotless and our steward Eko did a great job. It is was nice to have a bath tub as I have a nagging back and I like to soak in the tub. Read more