To resume pre-Covid travel, we decided to take up an attractive 2 week fly/cruise package departing Singapore. Having previously sailed on Cunard and Celebrity we sought out a different cruise line,HAL, which was scheduled to visit approx 6 interesting Asian ports. This proved to be a huge mistake.

Amongst the few positive aspects of the line's Westerdam ship is it quirky, modern art deco interior. Most of its physical facilities (main theatre, dining room, 2 pools, gym etc) are fit for purpose, although the sauna is tiny. Our cabin attendants were helpful and, once seated, the serving staff in the dining areas (MDR and Lido) were generally responsive, if a little slow (or over-worked) at times. The (included) wifi worked most of the time and the basic drinks package provided (barely) adequate choice of average quality wines, although draft beer was hard to find.

However, our cruise experience was affected by many shortcomings and disappointments: Read more