HAL Westerdam - first time cruise

[uclamike]

I booked a cruise on the Westerdam for a March 26 2006 cruise in the Carribean - taking my mom (good son :-). I wanted to ask about the FOD meetings, how does one set one up, etc? I'm 32 - probably will be one of the youngest cruisers - are there any younger people onboard? I'm not looking to party and am looking to relax and have fun with my mom but would like to meet other gay people on the boat if they are there. Any tips?

[bepsf]

Mike--

 

32 isn't that young - there are sure to be folks even younger aboard Westerdam that week...

 

Just have a chat w/ your CD or Hotel Manager, and be sure to hang out w/ the entertainment staff - you can usually find them in the Library in the AM's.

 

Enjoy!

[uclamike]

Hi there Brian/Cool Cruiser:

 

Thanks - as this is my first cruise EVER I am excited but also have NO idea what to expect. None of my friends have ever been on a cruise. Q: how do I find if there is a gay roll call for my cruise Westerdam 4/26/06? Do I start one?

[uclamike]

Hi there Brian/Cool Cruiser:

 

Thanks - as this is my first cruise EVER I am excited but also have NO idea what to expect. None of my friends have ever been on a cruise. Q: how do I find if there is a gay roll call for my cruise Westerdam 4/26/06? Do I start one?

[uclamike]

oh - and why do you say thaty there are certain to be young cruisers on my ship that week??? Hopefully you don't mean children - I wanted to book a cruise during a time when there would be less of a chance for a lot of kids onboard.

[seaelf]

Mike,

You and mom are sure to enjoy the Westerdam, especially if it is your first cruise ever. You will be awed at the beauty and size of these floating resorts. We cruise 3 or 4 times a year and mostly on Holland America ships. They have an understated elegance that is hard to match. Since it is your first cruise be sure you and mom take some motion sickness precaution. Hopefully you won't need it but if you do, like we did when we first started cruising, it is nice to have. I like the patch behind the ear but my bf likes the pills. You can also get some help from the doctor's office on board (but they don't have the patches, you have to get them with a prescription from your doctor). I only merntion this because I have seen so many first time cruisers suffering motion sickness. Nothing worse than having that nausea feeling. Enough on that.

 

You shouldn't have any problems getting a FOD gathering announced in the daily newsletter. We have seen the notices many times. HAL, Cunard, and Celebrity are very gay friendly. You can also check out the emarkation photo gallery to see if there are any single or same sex couple or same sex group photos. An FOD announcement would be the best.

 

Happy sailing to you and mom.

 

Seaelf:cool:

[uclamike]

SeaElf - thanks for the advice and feedback - much appreciated!

[crystal808]

You, indeed, are a good son! And, believe me...there will be a time in the future that you will be very glad that you took this trip with your mom!

 

And, by the way, in starting this topic, you've technically created your own roll call!

 

Have a wonderful time, and don't keep "too close" a tab on Mom; she may wish to "do her own thing"!! (so let her!) But beware: you may find that cruising is addictive..."It's an ILLNESS, I tell you!!! <he screamed> :eek:

 

Best wishes, and smooth sailing...to a good son!

 

Paul

[bepsf]

I wouldn't worry too much about seasickness - the Vista Class ride rather well on heavy seas (which I doubt you'll have in late March...)

 

Don't take motion sickness medicine unless you need to - it can leave you just as buzzy and queasy as being seasick would...

 

You can also check for a roll call on the HAL/Westerdam roll call boards...

[bryanjaync]

My partner and I cruised on the Westerdam earlier this month (Dec 4th). There were 2 FOD listed in the programs during the week. I dont think anyone of the passengers requested them, just seemed to be standard procedures. The listing basically stated time and place, and that the event was 'non-hosted'. So, we showed up, quickly recognized others and started chatting. About 10 of us. Westerdam is a great ship, casino is good, piano bar is not (very sad). One funny story, on the third day, one of the bartenders that we saw a lot of asked us if we were partners. We said yes, then he went on and on about all the all-gay charters on the ship. Lots of business at the bar from those cruises! Everyone, passengers and crew, were very open and friendly on our cruise. Go have fun.

[uclamike]

You guys are awesome - thanks so much for the feedback! Yes - my mother will be staying up late and having fun on the ship while I intend to enjoy the excursions and the spa.

 

Any suggestions as to where to stay in Ft. Lauderdale the night before? Dinner?

 

If you suggested one or two things I shouldn't miss while on the cruise (spa, entertainment, etc.) what would it be?

[bepsf]

Any suggestions as to where to stay in Ft. Lauderdale the night before? Dinner?

 

Try MaiKai - its a kitschy tiki-lounge/restaurant w/ a live floorshow!

You can get tickets through your hotel concierge.

[bryanjaync]

We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express on the 17th Causeway. Not fancy, but has it's plusses. + Very close to the port (you can walk three blocks and see the cruise ships docked) +A $12 cab ride from airport + A $6 shuttle to the cruise ship + Good Thai restaurant next door + Free breakfast + 3 block to the Water Taxi, which for $5 is the best possilbe sight seeing excursion in FLL (absolutely do this, you dont have to get off, just do the roundtrip). + Walgreens one block away for last minute items +Liquor stores nearby to buy WINE...yes you can carry wine onboard HAL ships,you dont have to sneak it on.

 

About Westerdam, things not to miss +the spa with the hydropool and ceramic heated chairs (worth every penny), +the wrap around teak walking deck on 3, + Face up blackjack ! + the Crows Nest for the best view and +++++ the food !