Westerdam Review
Rating by category
Additional details
This was my first cruise and the third for my wife, although it was more than 30 years ago. It was at a friends couple’s suggestion to join them on this cruise and we took the opportunity to celebrate my wife’s retirement, birthday and 25th year of life together. It was not our friends first cruise with Holland America and we felt reassured it would be a carefree cruise.
We had read a lot of reviews on Cruise critics and they were very helpful. Especially for a first timer: We still brought to many clothes but enough money and a night light with movement detection that was very useful at night in the bathroom.
We took the transfer from Rome airport to Civitavecchia Port from Holland America. Easy to find their representatives at the airport but we had to wait for other travelers in the bus (old) with no A/C on. On our way to the port, the water from the A/C started to leak on the head/back of a few passengers.
Cabin Review
Deluxe Ocean-View Verandah Stateroom
The stateroom was ready early, upon embarking. The Westerdam renovation are partial as we noticed that the bathtub was damaged and so was the table. However, the color scheme is nice.
Port Reviews
Monaco (Monte Carlo)
The windy conditions in Monaco showed us the risks of injuries during a tender taken by everyone, especially the staff. In the afternoon, only the fit and able were allowed to go ashore. We must command the professionalism of the staff!
Rome (Civitavecchia)
Embarkation process was relatively quick!
Florence (Livorno)
We did not go ashore.
Saint-Tropez
We were unable to visit St-Tropez due to the windy conditions in the morning. Unfortunately, the weather in St-Tropez was perfect in the afternoon. We visited Villefranche-sur-Mer instead.
Corsica (Ajaccio)
Easy access to the city!
Almeria
Easy access to the city!
Marseille
We walked, shopped and lunched (In & Off in front of the Palais des Papes)!
Marseille
A winery visit and wine tasting experience by our very knowledgeable guide!
Marseille
We walked around without our guide!
Barcelona
We were surprised to receive in writing security recommandations for Barcelona only, on our last stop, while mentioning HAL excursion. Nothing about Nice however, where we went from Monaco, a 25 minutes train ride.