Westerdam Review
Rating by category
Additional details
I wonder, in reading other reviews, if perhaps some people become inured to the magic of a cruise. I do not have the means to go on cruise after cruise. Truthfully, I don't have the means to go on even one cruise... I was treated to this one by dear and generous people. That being said, I have stayed in many hotels and/or resorts over the years, and can discriminate between good, mediocre, and poor service.
My experience with Holland America, and specifically the MS Westerdam, was exceptional. From the time we arrived in the ship's terminal until the time we were picked up by our driver, every need or want was taken care of, and always with a smile. I have a degenerative neurological disorder that affects balance and coordination, as well as thinking processes and learning new information. I also have chronic kidney disease, which required lots of time in the stateroom with my feet elevated due to swelling. Two of us in our party had mobility issues and required a walker and a wheelchair to navigate the ship. We were always assisted with directions, finding a table during dining, and storing the devices while seated. We were ushered through boarding and disembarking and the process was rapid and smooth. Not one of the crew gave the impression that we were a burden for needing extra assistance. I felt welcomed and valued every moment. My favorite crew member was Wala, my cabin steward. He was always genuinely happy to see me, even when my presence in the stateroom made it more difficult for him to finish his work. He showed me how to fold towel animals every evening, and greeted me so sweetly every morning. He made sure I had water and ice at all times, and helped with information re: ship logistics and directions. With a total of almost 3,000 souls on board, it was a small city!
The food was wonderful. So much variety offered, between the different venues offered. Highlights: New York strip steak, apricot soup, salmon. baked Alaska, cherry crisp, salmon, fries and omelets on the Lido. Oh, too many to mention! Since I had to be in the cabin so much, room service was a godsend. They were so accommodating, willing to provide dining room items as well as the regular room service menu. I developed a real fondness for their grilled tuna sandwich. : )
Cabin Review
Large Ocean-View Stateroom
Love, love this cabin! Great location on the Navigation deck, right by the elevators. It was just a short walk to the dining areas form the elevators. Great mattress, very clean. Only used the minibar for cold water, loved having it so available. But the selling point was the balcony. To be able to go out any time I wanted was such a luxury, not to mention the view through the sliding doors. It made the room seem very spacious. We were on the ninth level, so there was a lovely rocking motion at night.Rock me to sleep,Mother Ocean,Safe and warm In your loving arms.