PNWcruzin

Just got off the Westerdam last week. That was our fourth HAL to Alaska, some things changed for the better, but some things have been noticably not so positive. The ship is in great condition, we had the SS, and the room was well cleaned and the room stewards are as always, so friendly and helpful. The food menus seem to be a little more creative in the MD., Though can't so much about the PG. My noticable difference from this cruise and prior one, was the MD and PG wait times, getting order, getting our App, main etc. We were waiting upwards of 20-30 mins between service. The PG was the same. Infact we had to leave the PG before our whole dinner service was completed. Had them deliver the deserts to the room. There was quite a few kids, teens on this cruise, as expected since school is still out. Out check-in time was at 1pm and went fast. Probably took only 10 mins including security check. Wish you good weather and just enjoy the relaxation.

The ship itself is in great condition. I read many comments about what has really changed, and I hope it's only temporary, is the service. We experienced every lunch and dinner at both the main dining room and PG, the service seems to come to a crawl during the whole service. Taking up to half hour just to get them to take your order, followed by another half hour for appetizers, then slow again for main and deserts etc. Seems many service staff are overwhelmed always. Few times they forgot my salad or appetizer, but didn't say anything, just happy to get a warm main. I will say that the quality and creative recipe dishes are a good positive direction. Seems maybe HAL lost plenty of experienced staff to other cruise lines and this is just a temporary thing.

Just got off the Westy this morning. They had a brunch in the Lido calling it "seafood boil". It cost $35 pp, I said pass.

Thank you.

Does anyone know if HAL still does the Papua New Guinea cruise stopover? We took a SYD 14 day with stop over at several northern Australia neighboring island about two years ago.

I would follow the recommended, and stay the night. We flew out of YVR two years ago and due to several airport check points within the airport it took us almost three hours from when we arrived at the airport to make it to the gate. One suggestion if you don't want to stay the night, is seeing about changing your flight to a connecting flight. You will have many flights to choose from starting at 1 pm, that's what we did, and glad we did

We have done the Vancouver cruise several times, each time by sky train. Only two blocks away from cruise terminal, and cost less than $5 bucks to airport.

June 4th we sail on the Westerdam.

It could be that the inbound passenger load factor is lower than normal, and they expect it to be ready for you sooner

Awesome, glad you had a great time. My self started cruising at early 30ish. HAL was first cruise taken. Had same great experience as you. Tried other future cruises on other cruise lines, none of which compared to HAL for overall experiences. Moved up from inside cabins, to now we only cruise in suite cabins. When you get older, you appreciate the finer things in life, are worth the extra $$$. We did/do most our cruises with our daughters, they always have things for them to keep occupied while we have some private time for ourselves. We are only a few cruise days away from three star status. We are set to cruise on the Z...dam on June 29 out of Alaska, this will be our fourth Alaska cruise. Would love to meet up with folks like yourself in future cruises. It's easy to catch the HAL bug, the only way for a cure is to book another cruise