Westerdam Review
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Our first time to Alaska, second cruise with Holland America's Westerdam. This remains a quality cruise line, and we have enjoyed it both times. On this trip we found the entertainment in the showroom to be "OK" but lacking in variety, although technically extraordinary - LED video screens create fabulous sets. The food was plentiful and good, but we felt they were trying too hard to be "elegant" or gourmet with menu choices. The majority of the offerings were things we would not order at a restaurant - maybe we are too basic, but doing basic food in a quality manner would go a long way. Our favorite meals were on shore, not on the ship. But ... our objective was to see some of Alaska, and we did that quite well! This trip is highly recommended - it makes you see how glorious this earth can be in its unspoiled status. And don't be frightened off by the economical late season - we went in mid-September and it rained only ONE day (Ketchikan). Temps were easily tolerable in the 40's and 50's and the scenery was amazing! And bonus: lots of port stores were having excellent discounts as the season was ending. We especially enjoyed our cabin choice ... a back balcony cabin - highly endorse that! Cabin review elsewhere ...
Cabin Review
Deluxe Ocean-View Verandah Stateroom
This was our second cruise with a balcony, but our first at the very back of the ship. We were two decks down from the Lido (would not want to be right under it) on a September cruise to Alaska from Seattle. We absolutely loved this location! Looking out behind the ship, both day and night, was very restful. As a bonus, the verandah was about 4' deeper than a side cabin with a balcony, and it WAS COVERED for those 4 feet. That meant shade when it was bright sun, and shelter when it rained (which wasn't often on our trip). As a video photographer, I found the the back cabin an excellent place to shoot from a small tripod. The shore line view was great in either direction, and the balcony was a steady "dolly" platform for close-up video as entered or departed port. When the ship turns gently 360-degrees at a glacier, it permits the close-up video scene to pan gently down the face of the glacier - excellent! Otherwise, the cabin was pretty much identical to others with a balcony. Access to the stairways and elevators was great, and the walk all the way to the front of the ship to the showroom was easy. I would get a back cabin again, no matter what the destination might be!