March 2012: Just off Westerdam- A few comments

[HealthyTouch101]

Had a great cruise and though we didn't go to the CC Meet and Greet, we did meet Barb and Alan the first day in the thermal suite (helloooo!).

 

The few things that stood out for us on this cruise, our 3rd on this ship:

 

The "worst" experiences involved other cruisers, obviously cranky or otherwise vexed. Some examples: day one an older gentleman made demands re: his egg white preparation, and while I watched the cook prepare them exactly as asked, he mocked the cook and demanded he start over, alluding to his ignorance. I walked away without my order placed; life is too short to be around that kind of behavior. Later, it was a man at the grill saying "No, let me tell you what I mean by fresh french fries..." (walked away again) and even one woman at the last breakfast demanding the bacon that was on display as the other from the warm bin was "too greasy" (it's BACON, people!). These three folks never uttered please, thank you or otherwise made their request in a polite manner. I will say the staff quietly tried to make it right, as long as I lasted in line there. I just do not understand these folks.

 

Then there were a few parents who ignored their toddlers' behaviors of screaming and fit-throwing while activities were going on. I don't blame the kids, they are being kids, but the parents in several situations did nothing to soothe the child, remove the child or even nod in apology for the interruption.

 

Those negatives were minor though. Our room was lovely and the food was tasty. We made the most out of every day, even the rainy ones in port. We attended activities, made new friends, even squeezed in shuffleboard and basketball with friends the last night (no-one was up there at all but us!).

 

We were originally signed up for as you wish but on the waiting list for the early seating. This worked out for us the second night and we sat at a table for four with our friends. after the first night, we realized that we wanted to talk to each other at dinner, and didn't want to leave out tablemates. So, we sat with others at breakfast and lunches, when we went our separate ways and met up for a lovely dinner for four. A win-win.

 

The few times we used room service, it was delivered exactly as we ordered it.

 

The bottle of liquor we ordered before leaving was waiting with sodas and ice on our arrival. I would do that again.

 

I wasn't all that fond of Curacao, as it felt crowded and we were on-guard there, with witnessing a few "bumps" into tourists, we kept alert and our distance while watching out for one another. I actually pulled back and kept an eye on a man and woman who were trying to blend in with the ship tourists and that was an education as they separated and returned to one another and circled certain people for what I believe were opportunities to steal from them. That isn't the island's fault, but it made the visit more stressful.

 

We found the Old Market, which was shut by the near 4 PM of our arrival. Just as well, as I am not sure our touring mates would have enjoyed sitting down there; we did stop for a cold drink and some bitterballen and the frickendellen on the way back.

 

I enjoyed the juggler (Hilby) enough but not Mike Robinson the ventriloquist. I wish the program would have said ventriloquist, as I went for "comedian" and then felt I could not leave (sat too close to do that politely-my fault entirely). His jokes were dated and it just wasn't that funny to our group. didn't go to the song and dance things, as I had other things I wanted to do then.

 

The ship is showing some wear. The loungers in the Crow's Nest need some upholstery work. the benches on deck 4 are dinged up pretty badly. Some of the bonsai trees look pretty bad. A few of the coffee tables in various areas are damaged in one way or another. There is a lamp shade in the Crow's Nest with a big hole in it (it is plastic) that just needs removed, if it cannot be fixed (back to the left of entering the area). The other flowers and plants look fresh and lush, especially in the thermal suite.

 

You will not be bored, unless you want to be. There is always something to do or attend. There are so many meal choices and options, that even a hungry teen won't stay that way long. Late night snack at 11 PM in the Lido will ensure even the hungriest can go to bed sated.

 

We had a good time and met some great new folks, as well as re-connecting with old friends we planned the trip with. I know we are pretty positive people, so that attitude helps "make" the cruise.

[bobmagg]

The ship is showing some wear.

 

As I understand it, the Westerdam is going to dry dock later this month.

 

Bob

[hal lover]

Thanks for your review. Sounds like for the most part you enjoyed your cruise.

Rude passenger's are yukky. Some feel such a sense of entitlement. The crew does not deserve that kind of treatment and somehow they just go on. God bless them.

A lot of parents just let their kids rule the roost. They should grow up and be a parent.

[portofrome]

Thanks for your review.

[PathfinderEss]

Thanks for your review, glad you had a good cruise.

[HealthyTouch101]

I forgot to add, that in the 27 ships in the Caribbean for the season, the Westerdam is one of 3 that have had no incidents of Norovirus.

 

We had modified service the first two days and reminders to handwash.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Thank you for your review.

All HAL ships are in Code Orange mode for the first 48 hours.

Sadly -- we all are seeing more and more rude people everywhere -- not just on ships.

[ardeur]

That was a wonderful review. Thank you.

 

My husband and I will sometimes give extra on our tip if we witness another customer "abusing" waitstaff. I've worked in customer service and I have a low tolerance for that type of behavior.

[regnig]

The "worst" experiences involved other cruisers, obviously cranky or otherwise vexed. Some examples: day one an older gentleman made demands re: his egg white preparation, and while I watched the cook prepare them exactly as asked, he mocked the cook and demanded he start over, alluding to his ignorance. I walked away without my order placed; life is too short to be around that kind of behavior. Later, it was a man at the grill saying "No, let me tell you what I mean by fresh french fries..." (walked away again) and even one woman at the last breakfast demanding the bacon that was on display as the other from the warm bin was "too greasy" (it's BACON, people!). These three folks never uttered please, thank you or otherwise made their request in a polite manner. I will say the staff quietly tried to make it right, as long as I lasted in line there. I just do not understand these folks.

 

 

We were on the same cruise, last half of our B2B, those people must have been related to the man we watched in the Lido on the last night. He insisted in less than a pleasant way that the young gal working the pizza & pasta station make him a special pizza. He requested the addition of items that were not on the pizza menu that evening and wanted it to be different on each side. Boy were we ever amazed that she accomadated him. :eek: We watched him pick it up and he didn't even bother to thank her. He and his wife, both of whom had just finished full plates of other food, then proceeded to eat at least 4 slices each. Guess a pig takes on many forms. :rolleyes:

 

For the most part the kids onboard were pretty well behaved. It was, as it usually is, the parents who chose to disregard the fact that the aft pool was Adults only. On the last sea day some gentleman finally asked one of the deckhands to do something about the kids in the pool/hot tubs and he finally sent them forward to the other pool.

 

As a 1st time HAL cruiser I'm in the process of writing a comparative review, HAL vice Princess, that I hope to post within a couple of days. So as not to make you long time HAL cruises chew your finger nails while waiting I'll clue you in..... HAL won hands down over Princess, just as Captain Keijer did with his horn blowing (I'm in love :o).

[Paticakes]

We were on the same cruise. Probably the most easy and relaxing cruise we have taken. Everything was well organized and on time. No long lines or waiting for elevators. Didnt notice any rude behavior and we saw very few children. The meet and greet was wonderful and attended by The Captain, Cruise Director and Hotel Manager. It was great meeting all the cruise critic group.

We did notice a few cutbacks from the last time we cruised HAL but I guess that is to be expected. Never did see the Dining Room Manager which was a surprise. Service on HAL still outclasses the other lines in my opinion.

We had a nice upgrade to a VA balcony from a VH. We were under the back pool but had very little noise. Our balcony was wet most mornings being my only negative.

We took an island tour in Bonaire and was nice even in the rain. The Flamingos and the salt flats were the highlights. Probably would not make a return trip.

Second time in Curaçao so we stayed at the port area and shopped and then went to the Casino. It was an enjoyable afternoon.

Half Moon Cay is still the ideal private island and the weather was perfect. All in all a great cruise.

[vivavegas]

Thanks for the review! Glad you had a good cruise...

[Viesczy]

Just a comment about the passengers...

 

Cruise line after cruise line we've been on there has always been a small congregation of acidic louts and sour harpies who demand the most inane things be done to/for them as if the 'Verse revolved around their whims and wants. They are without social grace and, honestly, bereft of the inner workings and social mechanisms that are required to be considered human beings.

 

I've not once had a crew member on any line be anything but apologetically cordial, not the same for the passengers.

 

Back on topic.

 

Great to hear you had a great vacation!

 

Derek

[Cruiser from MS]

We were on the Westerdam this past Feb and loved it. We encountered some of the rudest passengers. I heard several people talking down to their cabin steward and other crew members. Our experience with the crew was wonderful. This was our first cruise with my husband having to use a wheelchair. I know the entire staff and crew went out of their way to ensure we did not have a problem. I truly appreciate the way they took care of my husband getting on and off of the ship. I felt that this was one of our best cruises. As for the rude people, well what can you say.

[HealthyTouch101]

Yes, we had a lovely time. And we did meet some very nice people, too.

 

There were a lot of efficiencies, I agree with Paticakes. Disembarkation took less than 10 minutes from walking to the exit and clearing customs. It never took more than a few minutes wait in the Lido for anything. There were always plenty of deck chairs where we like to sit (above the Crow's Nest). I was really impressed with how everything just flows, event to event and meal to bar to entertainment, etc.

 

Had to make myself a fancy scrambled egg for breakfast (ham, spinach, cheese, roasted peppers) today to ease the transition home. Now, I need to figure out those raisin buns ;)