Back from the "Big O" Westerdam 1/27

[rps2004]

Just returned from the Westerdam 1/27, the “Big O” cruise. We had a great time and have lots of good things to say, but have come to the realization after this cruise and our Noordam sailing last year, that HAL is not for us. I’ll explain later, but first, the plusses – and there were many:

Embarkation: Very easy and well organized. On board and at the Lido in 45 minutes

Cruise Critic Group and Meet and Greet: A great group of people and a wonderful Meet and Greet. Private area of the Crow’s Nest, hot and cold appetizers, complimentary drinks. Visited by the Beverage Manager and the Hotel Manager. Joe did a great job setting it up. The roll call folks were friends for the rest of the cruise.

Food: As with the Noordam, the Lido was a joy. Once you get used to the fact that it is not a “Mega Buffet” and that you are being served, it is just wonderful. Great food, good variety, absolutely wonderful staff.

The Vista dining room was great, as well. Considering the volume, the food was a notch above the other lines we’ve been on – and the wait staff was efficient and so pleasant. Only complaint was that it is not always easy to get a rare serving of beef in a high volume room. Our server did his best, though.

Entertainment: We went to every show and had a ball. The production numbers were first rate cruise entertainment. We had two different comedians – both had us in stitches. One (Storts) told a collection of Vegas lounge jokes, but had great timing and delivery. He was on twice. The other, also on twice, was a comedy juggler/balancer – akin to Letterman’s stupid human tricks – hilarious both times. Also had dueling pianos – good cruise quality act – and the ever popular Marriage Game and Karaoke competition – lots of fun.

Ports: Half Moon Cay was fine. Similar to other private beaches on other lines and very enjoyable. Had great weather all cruise. We did private tours on Aruba (“Bully”) and Curacao (Leo Plaate) and enjoyed each immensely. Both guides were pleasant, accommodating and informative and we loved each of these stops.

Cabin: We had a VF (4016) with the steel rail. Didn’t think it was a problem. Room could have used a bit of TLC, though. Fold out loveseat was frayed and damaged – had a bit of a “Motel 6” look to it. One of the cabinets over the loveseat had a broken hinge and wouldn’t stay open by itself. A bit annoying. Reported it, but it wasn’t fixed.

So what was bad, you ask? We just were looking for more things to do during the sea days and at night. Not enough venues throughout the ship and not enough activities. Tiny casino, quiet Disco. Very passive Cruise Director and staff. We are in early and mid 60’s and felt very young compared to the average age on the ship. We enjoyed the activity level and choices on Costa and RCCL much more and will seek those kinds of environments out in the future. We will probably not cruise HAL again. This is strictly a personal preference and we know that the HAL environment works for lots of folks of all ages. Just not for us.

Debarkation: We used Signature Baggage Express and were in a cab without our luggage 20 minutes after our color was called (we were in the Lido). Our bags reappeared when we got off the plane in NY. Great service!

And finally, our little personal adventure. Maureen slipped on a wet floor by the forward Lido pool and fractured her ankle on Saturday (the last day) and spent the rest of the cruise in a wheelchair. The Medical staff and Security were quick and great. Guest Services arranged to switch us to the express baggage service so that we didn’t have to contend with the bags while wheeling Maureen around.

Richard

[Krazy Kruizers]

Thaks for your review.

 

So sorry to hear that Maureen broke her ankle.

[Jsipes]

Just returned from the Westerdam 1/27, the “Big O” cruise. We had a great time and have lots of good things to say, but have come to the realization after this cruise and our Noordam sailing last year, that HAL is not for us. I’ll explain later, but first, the plusses – and there were many:

 

Embarkation: Very easy and well organized. On board and at the Lido in 45 minutes

 

Cruise Critic Group and Meet and Greet: A great group of people and a wonderful Meet and Greet. Private area of the Crow’s Nest, hot and cold appetizers, complimentary drinks. Visited by the Beverage Manager and the Hotel Manager. Joe did a great job setting it up. The roll call folks were friends for the rest of the cruise.

 

Food: As with the Noordam, the Lido was a joy. Once you get used to the fact that it is not a “Mega Buffet” and that you are being served, it is just wonderful. Great food, good variety, absolutely wonderful staff.

 

The Vista dining room was great, as well. Considering the volume, the food was a notch above the other lines we’ve been on – and the wait staff was efficient and so pleasant. Only complaint was that it is not always easy to get a rare serving of beef in a high volume room. Our server did his best, though.

 

Entertainment: We went to every show and had a ball. The production numbers were first rate cruise entertainment. We had two different comedians – both had us in stitches. One (Storts) told a collection of Vegas lounge jokes, but had great timing and delivery. He was on twice. The other, also on twice, was a comedy juggler/balancer – akin to Letterman’s stupid human tricks – hilarious both times. Also had dueling pianos – good cruise quality act – and the ever popular Marriage Game and Karaoke competition – lots of fun.

 

Ports: Half Moon Cay was fine. Similar to other private beaches on other lines and very enjoyable. Had great weather all cruise. We did private tours on Aruba (“Bully”) and Curacao (Leo Plaate) and enjoyed each immensely. Both guides were pleasant, accommodating and informative and we loved each of these stops.

 

Cabin: We had a VF (4016) with the steel rail. Didn’t think it was a problem. Room could have used a bit of TLC, though. Fold out loveseat was frayed and damaged – had a bit of a “Motel 6” look to it. One of the cabinets over the loveseat had a broken hinge and wouldn’t stay open by itself. A bit annoying. Reported it, but it wasn’t fixed.

 

So what was bad, you ask? We just were looking for more things to do during the sea days and at night. Not enough venues throughout the ship and not enough activities. Tiny casino, quiet Disco. Very passive Cruise Director and staff. We are in early and mid 60’s and felt very young compared to the average age on the ship. We enjoyed the activity level and choices on Costa and RCCL much more and will seek those kinds of environments out in the future. We will probably not cruise HAL again. This is strictly a personal preference and we know that the HAL environment works for lots of folks of all ages. Just not for us.

 

Debarkation: We used Signature Baggage Express and were in a cab without our luggage 20 minutes after our color was called (we were in the Lido). Our bags reappeared when we got off the plane in NY. Great service!

 

And finally, our little personal adventure. Maureen slipped on a wet floor by the forward Lido pool and fractured her ankle on Saturday (the last day) and spent the rest of the cruise in a wheelchair. The Medical staff and Security were quick and great. Guest Services arranged to switch us to the express baggage service so that we didn’t have to contend with the bags while wheeling Maureen around.

 

Richard

 

I believe you forgot one VERY IMPORTANT stop on the way home...and that was to stop in PHX and watch the GIANTS win !!!!:)

[sail7seas]

Thanks for your review. Happy you found much to enjoy about your cruise and totally understand not everything was to your taste.

 

Feel terrible to hear about Maureen's accident. Hope she mends well and quickly.

[rps2004]

I believe you forgot one VERY IMPORTANT stop on the way home...and that was to stop in PHX and watch the GIANTS win !!!!:)

 

From the comfort of my couch at home.

 

Richard

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Welcome Home and glad you had a great time with the exception of the accident on Saturday. How terrible, I certainly hope Maureen heals quickly. I will agree that sometimes HAL ships do seem just a bit quiet. I have often wished there was more going on in the evening. Basically you have to almost make your own fun at times. It sounds like over all the Officers and Crew of the Westerdam treated you right so that is good:)

[caribbean girl]

Thanks for the review...we will be on Westerdam in March. And sorry about the mishap. That alone would be enough to color the memory.

 

I was wondering...do you remember if Kory Simon is still at the Piano Bar? We really had fun with him on Noordam last February. And did they still have the 'On Deck for The Cure' fundraiser? Thanks, in advance for your response and welcome home.:)

[rps2004]

Thanks for the review...we will be on Westerdam in March. And sorry about the mishap. That alone would be enough to color the memory.

 

I was wondering...do you remember if Kory Simon is still at the Piano Bar? We really had fun with him on Noordam last February. And did they still have the 'On Deck for The Cure' fundraiser? Thanks, in advance for your response and welcome home.:)

 

They still do the walk. Had an interim guy at the Piano Bar, not Kory, but our cruise was his last.

 

Richard

[joedebnh]

Richard & Maureen,

 

Sorry about your mishap. Didn't hear about it until we were in the airport and Ann & Greg told us about it.

 

Posted our review today. Deb & I contracted a minor stomach bug. Definately not the notorious noro-virus. Just as probably it was picked up in airport or airplane.

 

Will be posting pictures as soon as I can get Adobe Photoshop to listem to me.

 

Enjoyed meeting both of you.

 

Joe & Debbie