What Changed in Westerdams Fru Dock

[mcrcruiser]

We heard that there were some public area changes during Westerdam.s dry dock

 

Can any one confirm the changes & or have photos ?

 

TIA

[Tampa Girl]

Look at the above link provided by Laura. No pictures yet, but a description of the changes. Major.

[highscar]

Where's the thread?

[highscar]

Sorry. I mean the link

[Old As Dirt Mom]

Here's the link:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=52976683&postcount=1

[tgeonetta]

Here are the changes from another thread: Adding Casino Bar and Billboard Onboard in place of Piano Bar and Sports Bar. Replacing Northern Lights with Gallery Bar. Transforming Explorers Lounge into Lincoln Center Stage. Adding 18 balcony staterooms and 7 inside staterooms to deck 10 forward. Adding Retreat with Cabannas to Deck 11.

[creel5857]

still don't see any pictures yet......would love to see any small suite pictures (likes SS category).....maybe real pictures of public spaces

[Tampa Girl]

And don't forget the latest and "greatest" Ashford idea - the Explorations Central, converting the Crows Nest into a travel agency for tours (my take, BTW). I will be curious to hear the reactions to that once the Westerdam has it fully implemented.

 

The Oosterdam had already taken away the Crows Nest dance floor in its 2016 refit, obviously in preparation for the Explorations Central. If you want to see pictures of the Westerdam's suites, you can probably get a good idea by looking at the Oosterdam's.

[Cindy]

I'm on board right now. I have pictures, but I need to resize them so they won't be posted for a few days. The casino, casino bar, and Billboard Onboard (great venue) are now one big entertainment area. As expected, the casino is now completely non-smoking.

 

The guest services area on Deck 1 is redone...I think it's very stark and plain looking. The bar in that area s gone, and the staircase in the atrium between decks 1 & 2 was removed. The crystal chandelier is gone too, replaced with a (in my opinion) hideous set of tilting circles for lighting.

 

Cabanas and cabins are still under construction on Deck 10, and Explorations Central remains a mystery. They were supposed to do a sneak preview for 4 & 5 star Mariners last night but it was cancelled because the space isn't ready to be seen or entered by passengers.

 

Other changes were more minor. All the cabins have new TVs, and I think all the cabins got USB charging ports over the night stands. The suites look great! One thing I really appreciate is my bathroom (5191) now has a night light. Some public restrooms were redone, and there's lots of new carpet and upholstery. The Lido had a facelift. The new makes some of the old look very tired, but I suppose they'll get to it eventually.

 

It's been a fantastic cruise, and I personally have no complaints despite the closed venue. We've been so busy and exhausted at night that the evening events aren't really important to us. We haven't had any plumbing, mechanical, or a/c problems, although I know others haven't been so lucky.

 

 

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[Florida_gal_50]

Thank you Cindy for taking the time to provide an update.

[sapper1]

Thank you for the update on the Westerdam. We will be sailing to Hawaii on her next April and look forward to seeing all the changes. The USB port by the nightstand may seem like a small thing but it will be a very welcome addition to me. Also the night light in the bathroom----one less thing to pack.

[muenchner]

Ok... how about this...

 

 

I really love the new atrium.

[muenchner]

If you need to see for from her.... search for "Peter Banaag" at FB. He seems to be a crew member...... many pics during and after dry dock, enjoy.

[mame42]

Ok... how about this...

 

 

I really love the new atrium.

 

Fantastic link! Thanks.

[Swice]

The crystal chandelier is gone too, replaced with a (in my opinion) hideous set of tilting circles for lighting.

 

 

Those circle lights are the trend. I've seen them at several hotels recently. Some of the pictures reminded me of the newly redone Marriotts in Charlotte and Bethesda, Maryland -- grays, whites, distressed woods with a pop of color somewhere.

 

I looked at the crew member's facebook pages and the video. It all looks fresh to me. Would I copy it in my home? No, but it is fresh and clean, yet still refined. I hope they still have some nautical nods so that I feel like I'm on an ocean liner and not at a "any city hotel."

 

 

HAL is in a difficult position-- just like a country club or a Marriott Hotel, they have to update every few years without going too wild but still look classy.

 

Looking forward to seeing it in person next month.

[muenchner]

The crystal chandelier is gone too, replaced with a (in my opinion) hideous set of tilting circles for lighting.

 

 

Those circle lights are the trend. I've seen them at several hotels recently. Some of the pictures reminded me of the newly redone Marriotts in Charlotte and Bethesda, Maryland -- grays, whites, distressed woods with a pop of color somewhere.

 

I looked at the crew member's facebook pages and the video. It all looks fresh to me. Would I copy it in my home? No, but it is fresh and clean, yet still refined. I hope they still have some nautical nods so that I feel like I'm on an ocean liner and not at a "any city hotel."

 

 

HAL is in a difficult position-- just like a country club or a Marriott Hotel, they have to update every few years without going too wild but still look classy.

 

Looking forward to seeing it in person next month.

 

 

I agree, some of the other HAL ships look really dated (not vintage)... they need to do something. I prefer the nautical style to, but this is much better then before in my opinion. I am really interested how he buffet area looks... it seems they did almost the hole ship (public spaces) during this dry dock.

[Cindy]

 

 

 

 

 

I agree, some of the other HAL ships look really dated (not vintage)... they need to do something. I prefer the nautical style to, but this is much better then before in my opinion. I am really interested how he buffet area looks... it seems they did almost the hole ship (public spaces) during this dry dock.

 

 

The Lido looks very nice. I have a few pictures and I will post them. There are many public areas that were untouched except for new carpet. The difference between old and new is quite a contrast.

 

 

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[creel5857]

Thanks Cindy for your posts and please keep any and all pictures and posts coming as it has helped to answer a lot of questions. I keep hoping to see pictures from someone on signature suites but the ship in general is exciting to see as well.