HAL-Westerdam

[pinksandybeaches]

Hello all, we're booked on a 7 day Western Caribbean New Year's Eve cruise - leaving Ft. Lauderdale, FL 12/26-1/2/16. Has anyone gone on a New Year's Eve cruise on this ship? If so, can you please let me know how it was? Also, we've never been to Grand Turks and would appreciate any and all ideas!!

Thank you :)

[Essiesmom]

There is not much at Grand Turk except beach, Margaritaville with a great pool, and shopping. Best info on Westerdam can be found on the HAL board here, under Cruise Lines A-O. EM

[pinksandybeaches]

Thanks, Essiesmom. Any suggestions for Puerto Rico? I'm looking for things to do and hopefully not very expensive. I've never booked excursions through the ship - way too much. Usually get a local taxi.

[Crew News]

Welcome to CC and to HAL.

 

There is a nice beach at the port for swimming and water sports.

 

Grand Turk has a nice ship-sponsored excursion to swim with the stingrays on a nearby island. The stingrays swim between your legs and give you little kisses with their mouths. It is also a good chance to do some snorkeling.

 

Another option is to catch a tram ($25) just outside the port area for a tour of the island and some good photographic spots.

 

There is also a Margaritaville at the port:

 

Edited July 11, 2015 by Crew News

[Keith1010]

I would also post this on the Holland America Board so you can get feedback on the ship and New Year's Eve.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=-1&f=171

 

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

 

Keith

[sail7seas]

I've sailed Westerdam three cruises and she's a lovely ship. We had some nice cruises on her.

[Crew News]

I've sailed Westerdam three cruises and she's a lovely ship. We had some nice cruises on her.

 

The Westerdam is a great ship. Here is my photoblog of the ship to get you oriented to its layout:

 

http://www.rogerjett-photography.com/travel-2/ms-westerdam-tour/

[Scrapnana]

Thanks, Essiesmom. Any suggestions for Puerto Rico? I'm looking for things to do and hopefully not very expensive. I've never booked excursions through the ship - way too much. Usually get a local taxi.

 

You can see Old Town San Juan for free. There is a free trolley that has a few different routes around the Old Town. There is no commentary but it is a great way to get an overview of the city and hop on and off where you want. There are three stops close to the cruise port.

 

 

http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/free-trolley-old-san-juan/

 

Enjoy the Westerdam. I cruised on her this spring and liked her so much I am going again next April.

Edited July 12, 2015 by Scrapnana

[Krazy Kruizers]

We have quite a number of sailing days on the Westerdam. She is a great ship.

One time on Grand Turk we did an island tour. Very nice. It is a small island.