We just returned from the Westerdam- Eastern Cruise and I thought that I would pass along a few comments that relate to many of the questions that have come up on the board over the past few weeks, along with a brief description of our experience on the Westerdam.

Pre-cruise. We selected the Hyatt Pier 66. Recently remodeled and close to port. We did get a port view room as requested. They took our cell phone number after we checked in so that they could call us when our room was ready since we were very early. They stored our bags and allowed us to use the spa to change clothes. It is about a 15 to 20 minute walk east to the beach area. If you walk west over the bridge you'll get to some shopping centers but not many restaurants. Overall a nice stay but overpriced. It's a 15 minute cab ride in heavy port traffic to the ship.

We arrived at the ship around 11:15 am and had a fairly quick check-in prior to being placed in a waiting room. On previous cruises departing Ft Lauderdale, we have found early embarkation to be fairly rapid to the ship with a short wait. The ship was being cleaned after a Norwalk outbreak the previous week. We boarded the ship about 1215 PM. The extra cleaning was appreciated and you could see other changes on the ship related to the extra care necessary to keep Norwalk at bay on this cruise. One note about the land operation, during the holding period the HAL contracted 'cattle herders' were rude and not helpful in the least. Many people had questions and once I even heard a 'herder' say to the simple question of when people will be allowed to board..."You'll go upstairs when I tell you, go sit down". Not a smile in sight. Many people were having a bad first impression of the service to come...just because of these contractors. Too bad. Read more