missac Posted May 7, 2013 #1 Share Posted May 7, 2013 Thanks to all you lovely people who helped - I think we're going to give HAL a try this winter! Full disclosure - I posted the same request for help on the Princess Board (we've also done a couple Princess cruises) and we think we're a better fit over here. So please tell me - do I want the NA (because all those food options look great!) or do I want the Westerdam (because so many people seem to love her)? Itin is basically the same - swapping St. Maartin for St. Thomas, I think, and we've been to both countless times so it doesn't make a ton of difference. I like St. Maartin a little better but I would rather have a better ship experience. Help on this and then, I swear, I'll stop asking questions! Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krazy Kruizers Posted May 7, 2013 #2 Share Posted May 7, 2013 HMMMMM Really tough. We have many days on the Westerdam and we do love her. But we love the Nieuw Amsterdam because she has the Tamarind Restaurant which we love. Having been to both St Thomas and St Maarten many, many times -- again hard. Just wish that the Nieuw Amsterdam had St Maarten as we do not care for Crown Bay. Boy -- I guess I didn't solve this problem for you. Wish you luck in your decision. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WeRockChalkKU Posted May 7, 2013 #3 Share Posted May 7, 2013 The good news is : you can't make a wrong choice. The bad news is: you need to make a choice. Unless you book each one back to back!! Good luck and enjoy!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeriatricNurse Posted May 7, 2013 #4 Share Posted May 7, 2013 Thanks to all you lovely people who helped - I think we're going to give HAL a try this winter! Full disclosure - I posted the same request for help on the Princess Board (we've also done a couple Princess cruises) and we think we're a better fit over here. So please tell me - do I want the NA (because all those food options look great!) or do I want the Westerdam (because so many people seem to love her)? Itin is basically the same - swapping St. Maartin for St. Thomas, I think, and we've been to both countless times so it doesn't make a ton of difference. I like St. Maartin a little better but I would rather have a better ship experience. Help on this and then, I swear, I'll stop asking questions! Thanks! Yes, you want the 'Westerdam' ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Typhoon1 Posted May 7, 2013 #5 Share Posted May 7, 2013 You won't go wrong with Either. My personal preference is the NA. It offers some additional dining features the Westerdam does not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sail7seas Posted May 7, 2013 #6 Share Posted May 7, 2013 The advantage to NA over Westerdam is Tamarind and Silk Den. But you are aware of that distinction. We've sailed both ships and I give the edge to Westerdam. I just like the feel of that ship more for no particularly specific reason though we did find her crew to be very friendly. :) That is not to say that NA does not also have a wonderful crew as she does. You really won't go wrong sailing either. IMO As others have said. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Typhoon1 Posted May 7, 2013 #7 Share Posted May 7, 2013 As Sail mentions, they are both great ships. You could almost flip a coin and come away a winner with either choice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
510picker Posted May 7, 2013 #8 Share Posted May 7, 2013 Both are great, but I would choose the NA because they have the Retreat Cabanas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RuthC Posted May 7, 2013 #9 Share Posted May 7, 2013 The Westerdam should feel less crowded. It has fewer passengers in essentially the same amount of public space. Less competition for seats in the Lido and show lounges when so many people want to be in the same place at the same time. Less competition for more deck chairs around the Lido pool. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruz chic Posted May 7, 2013 #10 Share Posted May 7, 2013 I've had one cruise on the Westerdam in 2011 and it wasn't the best. I will be giving it another try in 2014. I love the cabanas on the N.A and also the tamarind so I would go with the N.A. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seago2 Posted May 7, 2013 #11 Share Posted May 7, 2013 Veshterdahm! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NanaBnana Posted May 7, 2013 #12 Share Posted May 7, 2013 I would choose Westerdam; better ports, St. Martin; we hired Joyce Prince to tour; best shorex we ever did....and this was cruise #7 in 4 years.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamaofami Posted May 8, 2013 #13 Share Posted May 8, 2013 We just visited St. martin on our recent cruise and spent a beautiful day at Coco Beach at Orient beach. Really beautiful spot and so much nicer than St. Thomas, although I like Magen's Bay Beach there too, but not as nice as Orient. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare kazu Posted May 8, 2013 #14 Share Posted May 8, 2013 I've been on both ships - no question from our experience - the Westerdam wins hands down. She has the highest return ratio next to the Prinsendam and I get why. Service on this ship was wonderful IMO and I would happily sail on her again. S Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Himself Posted May 8, 2013 #15 Share Posted May 8, 2013 They are both fine ships. If you want St. Maarten then I think the Westerdam would be the best choice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Crew News Posted May 8, 2013 #16 Share Posted May 8, 2013 Westerdam hands down. It has the most repeat crew in the HAL fleet and the highest repeat customers for a reason. Love that great Gouda cheese at the tourist shop in St Maarten!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
respondeat.cruiser Posted May 8, 2013 #17 Share Posted May 8, 2013 I haven't sailed on the NA, but I did the Westerdam on your Caribbean itinerary. It was a great trip on a great ship. You can't go wrong choosing Westerdam. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UPNYGuy Posted May 8, 2013 #18 Share Posted May 8, 2013 Haven't sailed on NA yet, but staff on Westerdam were fantastic when we were on it. And count us in in the repeaters. The decor is the most elegant and tasteful out of all the Vistas, without being over the top modern (atrium on Noordam) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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