kao2002

My husband and I will be cruising on the Westerdam during Thanksgiving. So I am proposing a friendly competition between the Westerdam, the Eurodam and the Eurodam over that same time period.

Let's compare by posting menus, Newsletters with activities, and anecdotal comments by actual cruisers amongst the ships. I will have to keep a record of these things and post them after the cruise, but others aboard the Westerdam may be able to post live.

I am SO interested to see how these cruises compare to each other in real time! I never know which one to book. I would like to keep it focused onboard ship experience alone, but others on the itineraries can add as needed.

My husband and I will be cruising on the Westerdam during Thanksgiving. So I am proposing a friendly competition between the Westerdam, the Eurodam and the Nieuw Amsterdam over that same time period. Let's compare by posting menus, Newsletters with activities, and anecdotal comments by actual cruisers amongst the ships. I will have to keep a record of these things and post them after the cruise, but others aboard the Westerdam may be able to post live. I am SO interested to see how these cruises compare to each other in real time! I never know which one to book. I would like to keep it focused onboard ship experience alone, but shore excursions on the itineraries can added as needed.

My husband and I will be cruising on the Westerdam during Thanksgiving. So I am proposing a duel between the Westie, the Eurodam and the Noordam over that same time period. Lets compare "publish" menus, Daily activities and anecdotal comments amongst the ships. I will have to keep a record of these things and post them after the cruise. I am SO interested to see how these cruises compare to each other! Also, I realize dueling relates to a one-on-one competition, but tripling competition just doesn't work.

Also a newbie compared to others, our first HAL cruise was a 20 day east and west Med on Noordam. The itinerary was fabulous, crew amazing and food delicious. The things that keep us booking on HAL after trying CLL, NCL, RCL and Princess is the awesome teak walk around deck that is amazing to walk around any time of day, the full menu room service and the amazing staff who really care about your experience. We are relatively young for these ships and prefer the laid back style and lack of "booze cruise" atmosphere.

I have found the earlier you eat the better your chances for a table for two, and the faster the service. We like to eat early, and if we dine in the dining room rather than room service, the earliest seatings are available, with hot food, and fast service. It is a great secret for getting in and out quickly if you have shows you would like to see later on. (based on our experience only)

"First of all the Hotel Service charge takes a large portion of one's OBC. "

I agree, start with your service charge. Plan for a lunch and dinner at a specialty restaurant.

The Med has so many DIY excursions that are not scary at all! We went in '09 (20 day east and west on the Noordam) and the only ports I wished I had booked ahead were Turkey and Tunisia.

Banding with your fellow Cruise Critic Members for excursions/support and using the casio route would be the best bang for your buck.

Good Luck,

kelly

Great info and thanks for the link the hotel!