DH not ready for another cruise ... so invited my mother on her very first cruise.  As a big fan of "free-style" dining, I have been a huge NCL fan.  However, since I was traveling with my mother (mid-80's), was looking for a line with an older demographic, but still wanted the choice of open seating dining.  Research on CC pointed me in the direction of HAL since they offer AYW dining in addition to traditional.  I'm happy to admit I am now a HAL convert.  HAL dining staff did an exceptional job.  We made reservations day of and next day and took what suited us best ... some meals 5:30, some 7:30, sometimes dining alone, other times with 2, 4 or 6 other guests and it worked well.  Perfect opportunity to meet wonderful people and made for interesting dinner conversations.  Brought wine on board to enjoy in our stateroom and purchased a wine card making it very easy to enjoy a glass of white or red house wine at dinner.  Purchased a coffee card and enjoyed a wonderful selection of flavored coffees and baked goods in the Explorer's Lounge, deck 10.  Coffee lovers - don't forget you can order cappuccino or espresso with your dessert each evening at dinner.TRAVEL TO PORT OF EMBARKATION Southwest flight from Kansas City to Ft. Lauderdale left gate right on time. Southwest's new boarding process is much improved and SW works hard at getting the plane pulled away from the gate right on time ... even if it means rushing passengers into their seats. They strive for punctuality.

HOTEL INFO Hampton Inn & Suites, 2500 Stirling Road, Hollywood, FL 33020 ... very close to airport and cruise port. Slight problem in Lauderdale getting our hotel shuttle due to a miscommunication, but it worked out and we ended up at the Hampton Inn & Suites on Stirling with many other cruisers. Oakwood Shopping Center a short walk from the hotel. Some shops are Jones of NY, Marshalls and Home Goods, Payless Shoes, Famous Brand Shoes, Barnes & Noble, Michaels and quite a few restaurants. Also a BJ's warehouse where you can pick up wine, soda and water for your cruise. Comfort Inn next door has a cozy little Pub & Grill by their pool where we enjoyed a grilled burger, cold cocktail and great conversation with other anxious cruisers.

SHIP INFO Westerdam Captain Peter Harris Cruise Director Kerry Watkins Read more