Westerdam Review
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I have completed over 20 cruises, large ships, small ships and river cruises. Overall, Holland America does a good job. You need to recognize they appeal to a certain demographic, i.e. the 50+ crowd. Pluses include they are not pushy about taking photos, or selling drinks. Downside is inadequate speciality dining and they struggle with open seating if you want a table for two. Service was the best we have experienced on large ships recently.
We flew into Ft Lauderdale which is right next to the port, a $15 cab ride with adequate cabs available. Embarkation was smooth but we were there early pretty early. A real plus was that once we were allowed to board the ship around 11:45 we were also able to go to our room. Most of the time we have to wait until 1:30 or so to get into our cabin so it was nice to drop off the carry on luggage and go the buffet for lunch.
Our cabin steward greeted us and promptly brought us a few extra hangers as there were only about 6 in the closet. The cabin was clean and of decent size. One complaint is that there were not enough plugs for electronic devices. We carry a CPAP machine and there is no plug near the bed but we encounter this often and carry an extension cord.
Cabin Review
Deluxe Ocean-View Verandah Stateroom
This cabin is almost dead center on the rear of the ship. Good size room and the balcony was large. However, it was not shaded. This was our first time with a rear cabin and we thought the motion of the ship was a little more noticeable. Noise from the engines was not bad, although we carry a white noise machine so that probably helped at night.
Port Reviews
Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades)
the cruise terminal is two miles from the airport. very convenient. we did not take an excursion
Half Moon Cay
nice beach. if you like the beach or water sports like snorkeling, etc. it's a nice stop. This island is owned by the cruise line so it's like most of the ones I have visited on other cruise lines. The beach was very nice and pretty large, good dining and restroom facilities. Plenty of water sport activities for those who cared.
St. Thomas
St Thomas is nice stop. We have been there several times so this time just shopped. My wife has long purchased jewelry from one particular jeweler, Imperial, in St. Thomas. If you have never been down the main shopping street you will be besieged by invitations to come into various stores, mostly jewelry stores. We had a nice lunch upstairs (name escapes me) of a restaurant on the water front street with a nice view of the cruise ships. You can take a taxi back and forth for $4 per person or you can walk. Depending on which terminal your ship is docked at it may be as little as mile and as much as two miles.
San Juan
Unfortunately, our stop coincided with a national holiday so the city was dead. We were able to tour the old city and fort so a nice pleasurable stop. I do suggest you tour the fort, cost $5 per person as I recall. You can easily spend one to two hours there and get some good photos. You can also walk there quite easily from your ship.
Grand Turk
Folks, not much here to see, They have a nice beach right by the dock so no need to take an excursion to another beach. They had some shopping and one restaurant, a Jimmy Buffet Margaritaville. Food there was only okay.
Seattle
Seattle is a very long way from the Caribbean so this is obviously a mistake