WESTERDAM BtB 10-18-09 thru 11-01-09

[JimVrhovac]

Westerdam Cruise 10-18-09 thru 11-01-09

 

Captain Edward G Van Zaane

Hotel Manager Ron Bontenbal

Cruise Director Jason Venner

Guest Relations Manager Marion Keijer-Koopman

Beverage Manager Murat Kaya

Event Manager Marie Popka

 

This review is only our opinions and in no way represents the opinions of the others from the Cruise Critic Boards that were with us on the cruise.

 

PRE CRUISE:

We drove from Orlando to Ft Lauderdale on 10-17-09 and spent the night at the La Quinta Hotel as we usually do. If you stay there one night you can leave your vehicle there for up to 30 days for free. The rooms are clean, the prices are competitive, and the service is excellent. You could not ask for more.

 

10-18-09: Embarkment

The shuttle took us to the port for free around 11:00am and we got checked in right away thru the suite booths and boarded the ship without any problems around 11:45 am. They had already started boarding the ship and everything seemed to be going smoothly and without any problems.

 

10-19-09: Half Moon Cay

We arrived at 7:50 am and departed at 3:45 pm. The weather was beautiful. Winds 8 knots, Temp 81 with partly cloudy skies. We stayed on the ship and rested and relaxed all day.

 

10-20-09: Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos

We arrived at 9:45 am and departed at 5:06 pm. The weather was great. Winds 12 knots, Temp 81 with cloudy skies. We went ashore and walked around for a couple hours. We talked with several people that went to the beaches and they said that they enjoyed themselves. It was a great day as Ruth found no jewelry that she wanted to purchase. She did however purchase another watch which she added to the dozen she already has. I just said YES DEAR and signed the charge slip.

 

10-21-09: At Sea

Winds 4 knots, Overcast and Temperature of 81. It was a great day to wander around the ship and relax.

 

We had the meet and greet for the first week today between 12 noon and 2:00 pm in the Crow’s nest. A special thanks to Amanda at corporate for helping us set up the date and time and to Murat Kaya, Beverage Manager, for setting up the area and providing snacks and beverages. We had good attendance and everyone had a good time.

 

10-22-09: Grand Cayman

Winds 14 knots, temp 88 and cloudy skies. We arrived at 7:38 am and departed at 4:38 pm. It was a beautiful day with calm seas and the tender service operated without a problem. Ruth stayed on board to relax and I went ashore to find something specific but was not able to find the shop that was there last visit. This island has really changed and become commercialized. Downtown is still not handicapped friendly because of the sidewalks that are there.

 

10-23-09: Costa Maya

Wind 14 knots, temp 88 and cloudy skies. We arrived at 9:43 am and departed at 6:28 pm. We did an independent tour with Native Choice tours of one of the Mayan ruins and had a really good time. Their knowledge of the site, its architecture, and its history was impressive. I would highly recommend this company if anyone desires a tour in that port. Ruth managed to help the Mexican economy while she was in the shops. I just said YES DEAR and paid the bills.

 

10-24-09: At Sea

Wind 5 knots, Temp 86 and sky was partly cloudy. We relaxed around the ship and Ruth spent most of the day on the deck getting fried and tanned.

 

10-25-09: Ft Lauderdale

We arrived at 6:30 am and departed about 6:45 pm. It was nice to sit on the balcony any watch everyone else rush off the ship dragging their baggage and the new crowd running around the ship trying to find things when there are signs at every elevator bank giving good directions and they simply do not look at them. How sweet it is the second week.

 

10-26-09: Half Moon Cay

We arrived at 8:00 am and departed at 4:00 pm. I went deep sea fishing at 8:30 am and had a good time. We caught some fish and spend a nice day on the boat. We went Parasailing around noon time and Ruth had a great ride. When they were bringing her down I told them to dip her feet into the water and then take her back up for my ride. She really enjoyed the extra time.

 

10-27-09: At Sea

Weather was beautiful. We held the meet and greet for the second week group today and the crew of the Westerdam put on a nice presentation for us as usual. A special thanks to everyone who was involved in setting up the meet and greet.

 

Leo, the ship’s florist came up and met with us. He has an interesting background and a very interesting job. He is responsible for setting up and maintaining all the floral decoration on the ship. He has wide discretion on what he does, as long as he does not go over budget.

 

10-28-09: Oranjestad, Aruba

We arrived at 12:00 nn and departed at 11:30 pm. The weather was cloudy with temperature in the 80’s. We spent the day on the ship relaxing with some time in the Hydro Spa. It was definitely a relaxing experience.

 

I had some fun with the ladies at the spa desk this morning. When I went to the hydro pool it was early and I was the only one there while I was in the pool. When I was leaving I stopped at the desk and asked if they had a separate pool for the ladies and they said no and asked why. I asked what times were scheduled for the men to use the pool and then did not seem to understand why I was asking these questions. They finally asked if there was a problem and I then told them “I NEVER WEAR SWIMMING TRUNKS IN A HOT TUB.” The look on their faces made the day priceless. I then asked if I need to start wearing trunks and they said it would be a good idea……..

 

10-29-09: Willemstad, Curacao

We arrived around 8:00 am and departed at 4:30 pm. Weather was clear with temperature in the 80’s with a slight breeze blowing that kept it cool all day. Six of us got together and rented a van to tour the island with Renwick Rojer (E-mail Renwick_rojer@hotmail.com). He did a nice job and we had a great time. We toured the distillery and then went out to the stalactite caves where the slaves used to hide. It was enjoyable and informative. He dropped us off at the shopping district, per Ruth’s request (demand). Within an hour she managed to raise havoc with her credit card in the Linen shop, cosmetics store, and jewelry store. I just said YES DEAR and signed the charge slips. We had coffee at an open air restaurant and then walked back to the ship. They have done a lot of work in the dock area and there are a lot of new shops and the area really is laid out and decorated nicely.

 

10-30 & 31-09: Sea Day

It was a nice relaxing day at sea. We spent time wandering around, relaxing in the hot tub and hydro spa, finishing this review and generally doing nothing. It was formal night and a good percentage of the passengers dressed up but a lot did not and that did not create a problem with us.

 

11-01-09: Disembarkment Ft Lauderdale

They did the silent schedule and a schedule with times for colors was delivered to every cabin the night before. We generally go a little on the late side and there were no crowds and ours was the last set of luggage in our area so we had no problem finding them. We had arranged for a ride back to the hotel when we were brought over. We called and they were here within 30 minutes to take us back to the hotel.

 

POST CRUISE:

We got back to the hotel and were on the road home approximately one hour after we left our room. I put it on 35 mph set the cruise control and got in the left lane so I would be safe and 6 hours later we were in Orlando. It amazed us how many people gave us the #1 sign when they passed us honking their horns. How Polite the younger generation is………

 

 

CREW:

Lately there have been some negative comments on the Cruise Critic Boards regarding crew behavior on HAL ships. This was not the case on the Westerdam. We found the crew of the Westerdam to be everything that we have come to expect from Holland America Lines and their ships. They were consistently cheerful, polite, attentative, and with an extreme attention to detail. You could not ask for a better crew.

 

The cabin stewards kept the room neat and clean and we never had a problem. Whenever we left the room we put the “service wanted” thingies in the key slot and the room was cleaned when we returned.

 

CRUISE CONSULTANT:

Vladka Bontenbal was the Cruise Consultant and she had all the cruises up through 2011 available for us to review. We booked two more cruises and are considering a third. Every time we went past her desk she had a line waiting to see her. There are some good prices available and we took advantage of them.

 

CUSTODIANS OF THE SEA:

The Environmental Officer, Peter Tuckker, showed a brief movie and answered many questions concerning environmental issue on the ship. It was very informative as to how the ship processes and treats its waste and the laws and regulations that govern them. If you have the time on your next cruise I would highly recommend that you attend this presentation.

 

LAUDRY:

We utilized the cleaning, pressing, and dry cleaning services while we were on the cruise and cannot say enough about the quality and promptness of the services we were provided. On one particular day we sent in dry cleaning and regular laundry at around 8:30 am and it was back in our cabin by 6:00 pm. Even though the amount of work placed on the laundry services has been greatly increased by the new star program they have met the challenge and exceeded our expectations.

 

LIFEBOAT DRILL:

The new procedure is that you do not take your life jacket to the drill and they do not take roll at the drill. They do have several members of the crew demonstrate how to put on the life vest in front of everyone while they are at their lifeboat stations.

 

The logic behind this is that there have been several accidents from falls when passengers stepped on the strings that were dragging behind other passengers who were too INCONSIDERATE, too STUPID and too IGNORANT to follow simple rules (Do not untie your vest until you get back to your stateroom). This is typical of the DUMBING DOWN OF AMERICA that is so prevalent today.

It is this individual’s opinion that HAL is compromising mine and my wife’s safety in an emergency situation as the crew will be spending all their time showing passengers how to put on their life vest rather than doing their assigned duties. I discussed this issue with several officers and they do not feel that in an emergency situation safety would be compromised. Let us hope that the day never comes that this issue is tested……..

 

MEALS:

We ate in all the venues; Vista dining room, Leto dining room, Pinnacle Grill, and Room Service and generally found the food good with nice presentation and adequate proportions. Food is so subjective and we are simple people that like steak and a baked potato so we are not hard to please.

 

NEPTUNE LOUNGE:

Celeste and Gelo, The concierge in the lounge, met and exceeded our expectations. The prepared and delivered the invitations for two (2) cruise critic groups meet and greets and saved us a tremendous amount of time. Whenever we asked for assistance they resolved the situation or provided the information we requested. There two people, and the services and snacks provided at the Neptune Lounge, are the main reason we travel in a suite. The other reason is that Ruth would castrate me if I booked anything else………..

 

SHOPS:

There are some new items in the shops. They now carry Murrina Glass Jewelry which we never say before. The selection of Amber jewelry seems to be much better. They still DO NOT carry a descent selection of men’s after shave lotion. Otherwise the shops are essentially unchanged.

 

SMOKING: (This is not meant to start a smoking debate)

One half (1/2) of the Sports Bar is now non smoking.

The Casino had no smoke free nights.

Non smokers are still complaining that they can smell cigarette aromas in parts of the ship. Gee…….

 

SOCIAL ENGINEERING:

Holland America Lines continues along its path in social engineering to make all of us good healthy individuals by implementing several new policies.

 

1. You can no longer purchase cigarette lighters in the shops.

2. You can no longer purchase cigars in the shops even though the TV commercials talk about the great selection of premium Cigars available in the shops.

3. The selection of cigarettes in the shops literally SUCKS. There were only two brands available even though the TV commercials promote the wide selection of US made Cigarettes available in the shops.

 

There is creditable talk that HAL may institute some new experimental changes in the very near future:

1. If you are greater than 200 lbs you will be limited to a special low calorie diets at all the food venues.

2. They will be implementing a $25.00 per desert surcharge for any individual that appears to be in the need of a diet.

It will be interesting to see how these new rules are accepted by the passengers.

 

GENERAL

We had multiple discussions with a lot of people on the ship and outside of the normal subjective problems there seemed to be no major problems on the cruise. Everyone in our group had nothing but good things to say about the ship, the crew, and the cruise. We consider ourselves to be low maintenance passangers and do roll with the punches when little things happen.

 

We did review this review with Marion Keier-Koopman, Guest Relations Manager, and left her a copy of this review.

 

Ruth & James Vrhovac

[johnlcruise]

LOL....Great review. Looks like you had an excellent time.

Thanks for posting.

[cruisun]

Fun review! I am looking forward to trying the Westerdam for the first time.

OP, did you find a difference in atmosphere doing a 7 day back to back vs doing a normal 14 day or longer sailing. I am curious because this will be my first 7 day b2b and wonder if it will be a younger crowd and possibly more casual.

[IRL_Joanie]

Loved the review. Thank you!!!

 

I especially loved this Post Cruise part: I put it on 35 mph set the cruise control and got in the left lane so I would be safe and 6 hours later we were in Orlando. It amazed us how many people gave us the #1 sign when they passed us honking their horns. How Polite the younger generation is………

 

I DO PRAY that you spoke 'tongue in cheek' regarding the Social Engineering?????? While I am no longer anywhere near 200 lbs, I would be insulted by anyone attempting to enforce the dietary constraints. Like I said, I am assuming it is a joke:)

 

Joanie

[JimVrhovac]

Joanie;

My comments on Social Enginering were in jest. Both Ruth and I are smokers and we see the use of Social Engineering as a means to get us to stop when we do not want to and we are fearful of that trend in this country.

 

My remarks about dietary habits are already starting in the country and we do not feel that it is a nice thing that we are headed for. For example:

-One state has a 6.5% tax on JUNK FOOD.

-The are putting special taxes on soda cans to get us to cut down on sweet drinks.

-Certain types of fats are banned in New York.

 

NEED I SAY MORE.....

 

PLEASE DO NOT TURN THIS INTO A SMOKING/ANTI SMOKING THREAD....

 

Cruisin;

The biggest difference when you are doing a back to back is that you have different groups of people to socialize with on each week. If you have a great group on the first week you have high expectations for the second week and they are not always met.

 

The best thing is lounging around the ship on the middle port day and watching everyone hurrying up to leave and then watching all the new people find their way around the ship.

 

We did not have to go to lifeboat drill the second week.

 

Hope this answers both of your questions.

 

Ruth & Jim

[mrsltg]

I loved your review, Jim! Mike and I boarded the Westerdam the day you left. We also found the crew to be wonderful! I look forward to the day when we will be able to cruise for 14 days. Until then, we will take all of the "7 days in heaven" we can get!

[JimVrhovac]

We have all been in your place. Give it time and work and you will be able to spend more time on the ships.

 

It did for us

 

Ruth & Jim

[cruzkitty]

I enjoyed your Review, Jim, just as I enjoyed meeting both you and Ruth at the M&G the week of 10-18-09. Thanks for the Laughs!!

[SandyMc]

Wonderful review! Sounds like all went well and you guys had a great time. I am aware you are somewhat mobility challenged and wanted to ask about your walk back from the middle of town in Curacao to the ship. We had docked there a few years ago and I seem to remember it being quite a walk! Is that still true? (I love that town!)

[hogwildcruzers]

Great review Jim.....it was a pleasure to meet you and Ruth....hope y'all have a great Thanksgiving.

[catl331]

Walking in Curacao--It depends on which dock the ship is at. The dock near the floating bridge in the channel is easy to get to via the bridge but when we were on the Noordam, the Zuidy was docked there and we were further away at another dock , out of the channel, and it was a longer walk. The area there though is being devloped with shops and restaurants and has nice sidewalks and benches to rest on. We, also, love Curacao.:)

[esther e]

Great review, Jim. Indeed it was a pleasure meeting you and Ruth. I'm glad your second week was as pleasurable as the first. Please, our regards to Ruth.

[usha]

I really enjoyed your Westerdam review, Jim.

I especially got a kick out of reading about your parasailing experience on HMC!

What's next? Bungee jumping? You HALraisers, you!:D

[JimVrhovac]

All the pavements and the bridge are rather smooth and alker/wheelchair friendly.

 

Just take your time, stop frequently and enjoy the sights and you should be ok. Estimeate that it took us 1 - 1 1/2 hrs to walk from downtown to the pier on the ocean. If you are docked inside the harbor it may take a little longer and there is quite a stretch that is an uphill incline and may cause some problems.

 

Enjoy your cruise

 

Ruth & Jim

[JimVrhovac]

Ruth asked me what I want for my birthday next month and then got mad when I told her.

 

They have a HALO program in Tennessee and I want to make one last parachute jump before I get to old (I am almost 70 now),

 

It is a 3-4 day program and then on sunday you jump from 35,000 feet. What a rush freefall. Have done it in the military many years ago and it one of two things left on my bucket list....

 

Jim (without Ruth)

 

PS:

I told her that she could increase my insurance policies before I go up there if it would help in getting her permission.....

[mamadot]

Jim & Ruth, We met you on our cruise out of San Diego in May and enjoyed your lovely suite! We went on to Vancouver and spent 14 days in Alaska.

So happy you are still cruising and Ruth is enjoying those lovely jewelry stores.

We were in the southern Caribbean in October on the Zuiderdam but missed the meet and greet with you two!

[Coastalbreezes]

Great review -- thanks! I am ready to go...only two more weeks!

Tracy

[holacanada]

Thank you for this great review Mr Jim.

 

I would like to know if there is a lounge/room (like on the Noordam) where we can smoke other than the half part of the sports bar. (eg. ocean pool wich side ? / Crow's Nest (1/4 part like the Volendam last cruise).

Do you saw lot of people using indoor facilities like thermal beds, hydro pool...) ? What about the dam dollars on this specific cruise..?

 

Have a very good day !

 

Holacanada sail away in 6 days, 0 hours, 17 minutes and 40 seconds

[JimVrhovac]

Nordam - That is all the smoking areas that are left - compliments of social engineering....

 

Spa facilities - If, and I say IF, you are going to use them and spend some time there they are worth it. Otherwise get a day pass for when you want to use them. If you get a day pass early in the cruise and deside you like it the cost of the day pass will be applied to the cost for the whole cruise.

 

We have used them but found them not to be cost effective for our routine...

 

Ruth & Jim

[dutch46]

Great review Jim. BTW did you get the photos I emailed to you. I have been fighting with my computers trying to upgrade them to Windows 7 and have not paid a lot of attention to my email.

 

Harlan

[JimVrhovac]

I got the photograps you emailed us. Thank you very much. I still have to send you the ones I took of you.

 

Ruth & Jim

[SuperTrooper00]

Westerdam Cruise 10-18-09 thru 11-01-09

 

 

 

CREW:

Lately there have been some negative comments on the Cruise Critic Boards regarding crew behavior on HAL ships. This was not the case on the Westerdam. We found the crew of the Westerdam to be everything that we have come to expect from Holland America Lines and their ships. They were consistently cheerful, polite, attentative, and with an extreme attention to detail. You could not ask for a better crew.

 

The cabin stewards kept the room neat and clean and we never had a problem. Whenever we left the room we put the “service wanted” thingies in the key slot and the room was cleaned when we returned.

 

 

Ruth & James Vrhovac

 

I could not agree more about the Staff. We felt they were better than ever. Nice review.

[RetiredMustang]

Jim,

 

Great review. Questions -- on the Ft. Lauderdale turn-around day, did you have to get off the ship and then back on, and did you get two different ship cards or did they issue you one for both cruises?

 

We did a Westerdam b2b in 2007 and had to get off and were issued new ship cards, but things change a lot, and we would appreciate knowing in advance of our Noordam Collectors Cruise this Feb.

 

Thanks much,

Dave

[JimVrhovac]

Hi Dave

 

We re ceived ship cards good for the 14 days as we were booked for one 14 day cruise not two seven day cruises.

 

Immigration requires that the passanger manifest get down to zero passangers so all of us had to get off, walk down to the luggage are, wait until balance was zero, and then we were allowed to immediately return to the ship.

 

If you are booked for two seperate seven day cruises I think they deliver everything to your room

[prescottbob]

...much for taking the time.

 

I also noted that your headed out tomorrow on the "Elegant Explorer".

Have yourselves a wonderful cruise!!!

 

Bon Voyage & Good Health!

Bob:)

 

P.S. I will hoist a glass of 'Wild Turkey" tomorrow (hell maybe tonight) in your honor.:D