Greetings from the Westerdam!

[thulewx]

First – a couple caveats... This is a straight cruise. VERY. Christian right wing fellowship group on board :eek: . But they’ve played nice. So far. Second – I’ve been on the Zuiderdam, so have some insights in to this type ship..

The cruise so far has been great. It’s a beautiful ship, IMHO nicer than Zuiderdam. They’ve made corrections to the flaws on Z – more bathrooms, less glitz.

For folks on the RSVP, though, the back deck is still going to be too small for their outdoor disco. :mad:

The crew and staff are all typically friendly service-oriented HAL folks – super efforts so far. And all that I’ve spoken to are extremely excited and happy about your group coming on. Many have sailed with RSVP before on Zuider and Oosterdam, so, hopefully they’ll have the vodka locker stocked sufficiently ;) .

Entertainment – There is a trio from Australia named RAIN that will be playing in the Crow’s Nest on nights that RSVP people aren’t playing and they’re very good. The ship’s “piano man,” Steve, will also be on board, playing in the piano lounge. I’m afraid y’all are going to eat him alive. :( I’m sorry; I’ll try to be nice. Voice – in tune at least. No, at most. Piano playing good-ish but very limited repertoire. And claims to be straight. I believe him. I fear the piano lounge will not be very busy.

Tonight is the first big show with the cast. Will try to watch and report. Last night was the juggler. Yawn.

Food – Dining room service has been a bit slow, but very attentive and the wine stewardess is very good. Food quality has been good but the choices weren’t particularly appealing TO ME – others said they’ve enjoyed it. All seem to be enjoying the Lido food also. No worries. We’re doing the Pinnacle Thursday. To all, especially former USMC-types – the Maitre’ D in the Pinnacle – sigh.... not shaved-head, but gorgeous :p . In fact most of the staff is quite cute, but I have it on good authority that this Cruise Director brings the number of straight CDs up to 4. DJ Jazzy Jeff tried to stay on for the RSVP but they made him take vacation – he was getting burned out. His replacement seems fairly capable. And the Disco is no longer looking like an exploded cow – quite nice, if small. And the Marilyn hallway is interesting.

The casino will be VERY busy on the RSVP cruise, if only for dealer-eye-candy – watch your purses, gurlz.

That’s enough for now. Internet is typically expensive – 50 cents a minute.

I think y’all will have a great time.... more later...

[Wineandroses]

Wow sounds like fun; my wife and I leave 3/19 for port and I cannot wait!

 

It's neat hearing about your cruise while you're onboard...keep it coming!!!:D

[bepsf]

Thanks for the updates Phil!

Have a great time!

[Bones]

Thanks for the information. How is the spa and gymnasium?

Have a great cruise!

Dan

[thulewx]

Not really a gym-goer, but others seem to like it -classes cost extra :( , dry sauna small but open all hours. Writing a review ond posting it on the HAL board.