Any Westerdam Alaska Returnees Yet?

[curtdesilets]

I think Westerdam now has done 2 runs up to Alaska.

 

Has anyone here been on one of those and would like to share some thoughts?

 

I'm very curious as to her condition and how the cruise was.

 

Thanks in advance!!

[snorkler8]

I'm waiting and watching too....

[krazy4kruisin]

Ditto! I am itching to book an Alaskan cruise…...

[brazilgirl]

Me too! I leave next month on the Westerdam , counting the days!

[runnergirl71]

Ditto!!

 

69 days!!

 

 

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[Mytime2014]

47 days here!

There is a one paragraph review from the 1st cruise - its a response in a post i started to SEAEDP. He said it was a great cruise

[cruiseatick]

Just retuned from Welty May 3 Alaska cruise ..The reviews are mixed our room stewards were great we had a veranda on deck 7 ,they were great and took care of all of our needs. The beds were new and very comfortable as was the carpet.I wish the rest of our cruise was that good first off the embankment was a mess it took over an hour to get on bourd after check in,and there was nobody in line just a confused bunch of workers witch is understandable since this was the first trip to Alaska.the dining room was the worst I have ever had on 4 previous cruises we sat with empty glasses and dirty dishes most of the time and our food was usually served cold.I would like to think this was an isolated in deem but we were traveling with the group and most everyone felt that they were under staffed the second from the last night we finally met the matrade and made him aware of all the problems ,and on the final nite they gave us free drinks for the problems.As I had said we were traveling with a group and the group coordinates from holland America was nowhere to be seen and the coffee was always cold when we arrived to our meetings.fianally we had to bring our own coffee,The new dive in was good the first day but when we went back on Wednesday the food was horrible the cheese that they served on the French fris looked like cottage cheese ,just plain nasty food that should not have been served.. The crew on this ship seemed very unhappy, unlike any other holland cruise I have been on.The dry dock did not show many changes just the new beds and carpet.This ship still showed a lot of ware .I would like to tell you some positives but there isn't very many good things to say holland America needs to get with the times as this ship is old and worn out the activities were minimal .Most of the passengers felt the same as the line to have gratuities removed was all the way down the hall at the guest service desk.I hope reviews get better for this cruise as the season go on ,but the reviews for the relocation cruise were not too good.We also had dinner at lecirke and the food was not much better ,we were on oyster dam a few years ago and it was a complete different event .

[curtdesilets]

47 days here!

There is a one paragraph review from the 1st cruise - its a response in a post i started to SEAEDP. He said it was a great cruise

 

Here is what the response was....

 

I can't even begin to tell you how wonderful and perfect the cruise was. I was a little skeptical about HAL because of the reviews regarding age, entertainment, etc.....but it was perfect.

The ship was in perfect condition. The service was impeccable. The staff very friendly. The food was amazing. In a word....perfection.

 

I upgraded to a verandah, and I'm so glad I did. It was beautiful to sit out there in the mornings and have coffee.

 

I was a little worried that the shows in the main theater would be a little 'hokey' and like high school productions, but just the opposite. I LOVED the production numbers and the theater on the Westerdam was so hi-tech and the singers and dancers were amazing.

 

By day 4, I started getting a little lonely. Everyone I had met on the ship all had spouses or significant others. Everyone was delightful, but I sometimes felt a little like I was in the way. Kinda a third wheel. Still, I loved traveling alone and will do it again.

 

I'm looking forward to my next cruise...probably Mexico in October.

[pharmom5]

Here is what the response was....

 

I can't even begin to tell you how wonderful and perfect the cruise was. I was a little skeptical about HAL because of the reviews regarding age, entertainment, etc.....but it was perfect.

The ship was in perfect condition. The service was impeccable. The staff very friendly. The food was amazing. In a word....perfection.

 

I upgraded to a verandah, and I'm so glad I did. It was beautiful to sit out there in the mornings and have coffee.

 

I was a little worried that the shows in the main theater would be a little 'hokey' and like high school productions, but just the opposite. I LOVED the production numbers and the theater on the Westerdam was so hi-tech and the singers and dancers were amazing.

 

By day 4, I started getting a little lonely. Everyone I had met on the ship all had spouses or significant others. Everyone was delightful, but I sometimes felt a little like I was in the way. Kinda a third wheel. Still, I loved traveling alone and will do it again.

 

I'm looking forward to my next cruise...probably Mexico in October.

 

I'm so happy to read this review, for 2 reasons. First, we are going on the cruise in August, and 2nd, my daughter is one of the performers in those shows. You know how us moms are, loving the good review! Thanks.

[Mytime2014]

I'm so happy to read this review, for 2 reasons. First, we are going on the cruise in August, and 2nd, my daughter is one of the performers in those shows. You know how us moms are, loving the good review! Thanks.

 

Which show is she in? I'm going on July 3rd

[pharmom5]

She is a singer/dancer in all the production shows. I think there are 5 or 6 shows, but I'm not sure how many they do each week. She is absolutely loving the whole experience, and she said Alaska is absolutely beautiful. I can't wait.

[marmst63]

First time on HAL will be June 28 to Alaska, waiting for more reviews of the ship and services onboard.

[Susie51]

Thank you for sharing.

[curtdesilets]

First time on HAL will be June 28 to Alaska, waiting for more reviews of the ship and services onboard.

 

I too am waiting for more reviews. The one overtly negative one that is here seems quite over the top with the (hard to believe) notion that there was a long line of people demanding their gratuity money back. We need some other, perhaps more balanced critiques of the ship.

[JudiK]

I am on the Westerdam now and couldn't be happier

Service on all levels has been great. My room stewart greats me by name and keeps my ice bucket filled

He always seems to be working as do most of the staff

I love my Signature Suites and despite the fact that it has been cool and rainy love my verandah

The food has been good- the chocolate lava cake at the Pinnacle Grill was absolutely fabulous. Don't get me started on the halibut! We plan to eat there again

The slots in the casino are loose- am up 40!!!!!

 

One of the wait staff at the Ocean Bar told me there were 1000 people on board- a little less than half full

Maybe the staff has less to do and instead can focus on customer service

Don't know and don't care as I am happy whatever the reason

Ship looks well cared for, can't find anything to fault

[Crew News]

I am on the Westerdam now and couldn't be happier

 

The food has been good- the chocolate lava cake at the Pinnacle Grill was absolutely fabulous.

 

One of the wait staff at the Ocean Bar told me there were 1000 people on board- a little less than half full

Maybe the staff has less to do and instead can focus on customer service

Don't know and don't care as I am happy whatever the reason

Ship looks well cared for, can't find anything to fault

 

Thanks for your review and glad that you are enjoying your cruise.

 

Many have been waiting for any input from the Westerdam for the 2014 Alaska season and your review will calm some misgivings for first-time Westerdam cruisers.

 

One of the advantages of being in Alaska before the schools are on vacation is a lower passenger load.

 

I totally agree with your lava cake description. It is worth going to the PG a second time just to have dessert. Don't forget the bread pudding in the Lido.

 

What is the price for the internet and how stable is it? Curious since we will be on the Westerdam 7/5 - 7/21/2014.

 

Hope to hear more from you as your week continues.

Edited May 20, 2014 by Crew News

[Mytime2014]

I am on the Westerdam now and couldn't be happier

Service on all levels has been great. My room stewart greats me by name and keeps my ice bucket filled

He always seems to be working as do most of the staff

I love my Signature Suites and despite the fact that it has been cool and rainy love my verandah

The food has been good- the chocolate lava cake at the Pinnacle Grill was absolutely fabulous. Don't get me started on the halibut! We plan to eat there again

The slots in the casino are loose- am up 40!!!!!

 

One of the wait staff at the Ocean Bar told me there were 1000 people on board- a little less than half full

Maybe the staff has less to do and instead can focus on customer service

Don't know and don't care as I am happy whatever the reason

Ship looks well cared for, can't find anything to fault

 

I will also be on the July 5 cruise....thanks for the positive review. I look forward to hearing more when you have a chance and after you get home. I'm sure ours will be a little fuller since they are offering the perks.

 

Thanks for posting!

[runnergirl71]

I am on the Westerdam now and couldn't be happier

Service on all levels has been great. My room stewart greats me by name and keeps my ice bucket filled

He always seems to be working as do most of the staff

I love my Signature Suites and despite the fact that it has been cool and rainy love my verandah

The food has been good- the chocolate lava cake at the Pinnacle Grill was absolutely fabulous. Don't get me started on the halibut! We plan to eat there again

The slots in the casino are loose- am up 40!!!!!

 

One of the wait staff at the Ocean Bar told me there were 1000 people on board- a little less than half full

Maybe the staff has less to do and instead can focus on customer service

Don't know and don't care as I am happy whatever the reason

Ship looks well cared for, can't find anything to fault

 

 

I echo the thanks given already! I am on the July 26 sailing, which I know will be more filled as the TA in charge of our smallish group has said that only some interior cabins and a few verandah cabins are left on the ship. Still, it should be good times! :)

 

 

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[brazilgirl]

I will be on the June 21st sailing...will report back after I arrive from my trip.

[Mytime2014]

I echo the thanks given already! I am on the July 26 sailing, which I know will be more filled as the TA in charge of our smallish group has said that only some interior cabins and a few verandah cabins are left on the ship. Still, it should be good times! :)

 

 

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you're sailing with my target market of attorneys - want to drop a few of my cards??? jk kinda ....I wish I was with that group!!!! I could maybe get a few contacts and enough business to quit my day job.....

[runnergirl71]

you're sailing with my target market of attorneys - want to drop a few of my cards??? jk kinda ....I wish I was with that group!!!! I could maybe get a few contacts and enough business to quit my day job.....

 

 

I'm with runners! :)

 

 

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[Mytime2014]

I'm with runners! :)

 

 

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I know - but the other group on your cruise... ah, the possibilities

I have what if syndrome about my career - if I had built up my consulting clients when I was married instead of hanging out at the barn with my horse, I could be self employed now and not working in the cube farm [with no horse, no hubby, no money, no say over my vacation schedule...]

[Buckett]

I'm curious about the weather. I know to be prepared for anything! :) Sailing with my niece in just over 3 weeks and we are talking about our packing lists.

[runnergirl71]

I know - but the other group on your cruise... ah, the possibilities

I have what if syndrome about my career - if I had built up my consulting clients when I was married instead of hanging out at the barn with my horse, I could be self employed now and not working in the cube farm [with no horse, no hubby, no money, no say over my vacation schedule...]

 

 

Haha. Gotcha! :)

 

 

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[curtdesilets]

I'm curious about the weather. I know to be prepared for anything! :) Sailing with my niece in just over 3 weeks and we are talking about our packing lists.

 

We were there last July, around Independence day. The temperature peaked at about 55 degrees. It was seriously chilly, especially if you are on the deck with a 20 knot headwind due to the ship's movement.

 

Our 2nd cruise to Alaska was very early in the season (last week of May) and we were basking in the upper 70's in Glacier Bay. People were using the outdoor pool as much as they were watching the scenery.

 

You can never tell.