"LIVE" from the Westerdam / 3-09-08

[Radio]

Hello everyone! Today was a great sunny day (84f). I went to a very nice Cruise Critic meeting up in the Crow’s Nest (Observation Deck 10) The Hotel Director (Ronald Bontenbal) and Cruise Director (Jason Venner) were able to attend.

 

Thanks go out to Cruise Critic Member Allison for putting this together for our Group. The Cruise Critic Group members who attended the meeting were also invited to a VIP party, hosted by the Captain tonight.

 

I also enjoyed lunch in the Vista Dining Room, went for a dip in the pool, and took a long nap.(I tried to watch a movie) I couldn’t sleep long though because I had to visit the Casino. The Casino staff have been very nice (my Casino luck has been very bad!)

 

We are currently between Cuba and Jamaica, heading west. We still have about 225nm to go. Tomorrow should be a fun day in Grand Cayman. There will be several ships with us in Georgetown, GC. . .They are Carnival Victory, Carnival Conquest, and Mariner of the Seas.

 

Here are some pics from around the ship today.

 

Thanks for tuning in !

 

Radio

 

 

Postion of Westerdam on the way to Grand Cayman

 

 

 

 

Bright, Sunny day

 

 

 

 

 

Pinnacle Grill / Deck 2

 

 

 

 

Neptune Lounge / Deck 7 (An Attendant let me in just to take a photo)

 

 

 

 

 

Explorations Cafe` / Observation Deck 10

 

 

.

[Radio]

Here are a few more pics. . .

 

Radio

 

 

 

 

Looking down from my Balcony (Deck 6) to Balcony below (Deck 4)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Starboard Balconies / FWD

 

 

 

 

 

 

Very smooth, very calm Caribbean Sea

 

 

 

 

 

 

Westerdam AFT Promenade deck

 

 

 

 

 

 

Westerdam Aft (looking down)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More Pics tomorrow !

[jerseygirl3]

Radio, thanks for the great photos! Can't wait to board in just over 3 weeks!

 

BTW, can you explain the difference between Explorations Lounge and Explorer's Cafe? I remember something similarly named being on the same deck as, I think, the Pinnacle Grill last year on Westerdam, and it was a coffee shop.

 

Thanks and hope the sun continues to shine on you!

 

Jo-Ann

[Radio]

Ha ha, yeah it could appear that way since only the middle section has towels. The near section and the far section (and even the third row of the middle section!) do not appear to have towels, so one could think that a big group came early and saved that section! ;)

 

Theron

 

 

 

Yes, it appeared that they were placed there by the staff. . . I just have not been used to that on RCI or X. . . .

 

I think that they should try it !

 

Radio

:rolleyes::rolleyes:

[Radio]

Radio, thanks for the great photos! Can't wait to board in just over 3 weeks!

 

BTW, can you explain the difference between Explorations Lounge and Explorer's Cafe? I remember something similarly named being on the same deck as, I think, the Pinnacle Grill last year on Westerdam, and it was a coffee shop.

 

Thanks and hope the sun continues to shine on you!

 

Jo-Ann

 

The Explorer's Lounge is on Deck 2 AFT, and the Explorations Cafe` is on Deck 10 FWD.

 

 

Radio

:rolleyes: :rolleyes:

[CrystalWater]

77 years, 3 months. The Spring Breakers bring the average down. ;)

 

I think the age also depends on what cruise you are taking and what part of the year. When I went in September to Alaska, it was definitely 65 on up and slow moving down the hallways with plenty of walkers and scooters. most I've ever seen on any ship. LOLOLOL Yes, there were several under that, but not that many. I'm sure if you took a Holland ship to a warmer port in the summer, you would have a lot more younger people.

[CrystalWater]

Radio, how did you think Holland compares to Celebrity? I'd be curious to know your thoughts if you feel like posting them. :)

[Sugar*Magnolia]

Fabulous pictures Radio!! Thanks. While reading through, I was going to ask if you were going to post more pics of the Ship...and there they were! :D :)

I would also be interested in your opinion and comparison to Celebrity. Recently we;ve only sailed RCI b/c of our kids but DH and I loved Celebrity and Im trying to plan a cruise for just DH and me....Tossing HAL, Celebrity..Azamara... So far I absolutly love the classic charm of the decks on Westerdam. (not so sure about that not-so-classic dine when you like idea :rolleyes: )

Have a wonderful time in Grand Cayman tomorrow, one of my fave places. What are your plans for the day? :)

[CrystalWater]

Fabulous pictures Radio!! Thanks. While reading through, I was going to ask if you were going to post more pics of the Ship...and there they were! :D :)

 

I would also be interested in your opinion and comparison to Celebrity. Recently we;ve only sailed RCI b/c of our kids but DH and I loved Celebrity and Im trying to plan a cruise for just DH and me....Tossing HAL, Celebrity..Azamara... So far I absolutly love the classic charm of the decks on Westerdam. (not so sure about that not-so-classic dine when you like idea :rolleyes: )

 

Have a wonderful time in Grand Cayman tomorrow, one of my fave places. What are your plans for the day? :)

 

In my opinion, if you love Celebrity, you will very much like HAL. HAL has great service like Celebrity and a wonderful crew. Their ships are very clean and classy. However, IMO Celebrity has much better food and from my experiences, I'd still take X over HAL anyday, but I did enjoy HAL and you can't go wrong with them. I also love how Celebrity hands you a glass of champagne as you walk on. It makes you feel special. I think Celebrity had many other better touches too. HAL probably has nicer cabins IMO than Celebrity. HAL's cabins are very, very nice, but as a whole, I still do like Celebrity better. I'd like to hear Radio's opinion. The ship photos he's posting are great! Looks like a pretty ship!

[Sugar*Magnolia]

In my opinion, if you love Celebrity, you will very much like HAL. HAL has great service like Celebrity and a wonderful crew. Their ships are very clean and classy. However, IMO Celebrity has much better food and from my experiences, I'd still take X over HAL anyday, but I did enjoy HAL and you can't go wrong with them. I also love how Celebrity hands you a glass of champagne as you walk on. It makes you feel special. I think Celebrity had many other better touches too. HAL probably has nicer cabins IMO than Celebrity. HAL's cabins are very, very nice, but as a whole, I still do like Celebrity better. I'd like to hear Radio's opinion. The ship photos he's posting are great! Looks like a pretty ship!

 

CrystalWater, Thank you so much for your input! We do love the classy feel of Celebrity- I hate to admit I dont even remember our cabin on Zenith (time to look at those pictures again,lol). I love the old world charm and grandeur of cruising, as a little girl I used to go see my Grandparents and Great Aunts off from the pier in NYC, when Bon Voyage parties were very memorable!!

 

Ok Radio, now we await your opinion!

[spcl4cs_gal]

Hey Radio, glad to hear that you are enjoying your cruise on the "beautiful Westerdam". Life is indeed good on this ship! :D It's especially nice to have "Sean Connery" in the bridge this week huh? ;)

[jerseygirl3]

The Explorer's Lounge is on Deck 2 AFT, and the Explorations Cafe` is on Deck 10 FWD.

 

 

Radio

:rolleyes: :rolleyes:

 

 

Radio, I know they are in different areas of the ship, but what is the difference between the two. Is one a bar/lounge and the other a coffee bar?

 

Jo-Ann

[Sea Island Lady]

The doors are set up so that they close behind you.

If the door were to be left open it would shut off the HVAC system for every other cabin on that line. The other cabins can be inside, or even on other decks!

Not good for the others.

The auto closing doors can also be very dangerous, especially for weak people like children and my elderly (801) mother. ;)

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by bucsfan100

I know a couple other people have asked this, but I haven't seen an answer so .......

 

Radio, can you tell us what kind of camera you are using? The pictures are really awesome and I have been looking into a new camera for our cruise to Alaska on the Westerdam this June.

 

Thanks alot!!!

 

I've followed Radio's post for the last few years and thanks to his beautiful photos and camera help, I have been the proud owner of two Sony cameras.

I just recently bought the second, a Sony DSC-W200. Tried it out on my last cruise and plan to get a lot of use on my upcoming Mediterranean cruise. Photos are really nice. Examples:

 

Neat features like the Fish-eye setting

 

Clear video

 

 

bucsfan100 - What Bucs are you a fan of?

 

Sorry Radio, didn't mean to hijack this thread! :o

 

Thank you so much for getting that verandah shot for me. That's such a big help! I am trying to figure out how you took that last shot of the aft.

 

BTW-Do you know what I call the deep blue calm seas? Blueberry jello. :D

[Vic The Parrot]

The auto closing doors can also be very dangerous, especially for weak people like children and my elderly (801) mother. ;)

 

 

 

 

 

Well, they're not really automatic ... just standard doors (like for the cabin entrance) with a hydraulic arm attached to ensure it closes behind you.

 

 

;) :D

[Vic The Parrot]

Radio, I know they are in different areas of the ship, but what is the difference between the two. Is one a bar/lounge and the other a coffee bar?

 

Jo-Ann

 

 

 

Precisely .... :)

 

 

 

But you can have other drinks in the Explorers Lounge. The Explorations Cafe is the coffee bar, with coffee available. (of course ;) )

[redroses27]

pictures of grand turks just brought it right back was there a year ago on the costa magica the water is so beautiful and that island is on the quieter side thanks again radio wish i was there but will be on that ship not for that beautiful warm and tropical but doing alaska scene but i think that will be good but very different for me

[Radio]

Hello everyone. . . One of the things I like about this ship is the nautical feel of the ship. . . the classic lines, along with the beauty and appointments make this ship feel very special. The pride of the crew helps with that feeling.

I love that HAL still uses teak. . . It is everywhere. The decking, chairs, wall panels. Westerdam has a great "feel" to her.

HAL so far reminds me of Celebrity. . .This ship is very similar to Celebrity Galaxy (except much newer), but not as modern as Millennium. Give me a few more days, and I will give a report card style review of the Service, Food, Activities, etc . . .

Radio

:rolleyes: :rolleyes:

[Radio]

Hey Radio, glad to hear that you are enjoying your cruise on the "beautiful Westerdam". Life is indeed good on this ship! :D It's especially nice to have "Sean Connery" in the bridge this week huh? ;)

 

 

Ha ha ha. . . It was very nice to meet the two of you today !

 

I would love to get a recording of Captain Henk "Sean Connery" Keijer.

 

 

 

Radio

:rolleyes: :rolleyes:

[cruz chic]

Radio...just love your live from thread. I really like the little maps where you show where you are. Your live from thread is the best I've seen so far on this forum. Thanks.:)

[CrystalWater]

Radio...just love your live from thread. I really like the little maps where you show where you are. Your live from thread is the best I've seen so far on this forum. Thanks.:)

 

I agree so much! He does the most fabulous job I've ever seen and I do read them all!

[TPKeller]

Thank you so much for getting that verandah shot for me. That's such a big help! I am trying to figure out how you took that last shot of the aft.

That is an eye catcher, isn't it! :) I'm guessing he held the camera upside down while leaning over the back rail of a higher deck...

 

Theron

[Avril]

Mark (aka Radio),

Thanks so much for you live cruise!! :D I'm thoughly enjoying it and your pics are wonderful. It is good to hear this from a 1st time HAL cruiser as I'm sailing on my 1st HAL cruise this December for New Years onboard the Eurodam. We're doing a different itinerary than you though. We go to Half Moon Cay (ok, that part's the same as yours), then Aruba and finally Curacao. We have a sea day in between HMC and Aruba and 2 sea days inbetween Curacao and Ft. Lauderdale. I usualy sail Carnival so it'll definatly be a new experiance. I'm so excited!! :D

Can you tell me if they are selling hats in the shops onbard the say DAM SHIPS on them? I've seen people wearing them and I want one so bad!! :D Also, what is the average age of your fellow passengers? I will be following along with you this week and can't wait to read more and see more pics!! I hope you continue to have a wonderful cruise!! :D

[Vic The Parrot]

Hello everyone. . . One of the things I like about this ship is the nautical feel of the ship. . . the classic lines, along with the beauty and appointments make this ship feel very special. The pride of the crew helps with that feeling.

I love that HAL still uses teak. . . It is everywhere. The decking, chairs, wall panels. Westerdam has a great "feel" to her.

[/font]

 

 

 

Hello, Sir Radio ;)

 

 

The "woodiness" makes the atmosphere very classic. Think ROTTERDAM V, and QE2.

 

 

Good to hear you're enjoying your 1st HAL voyage. :)

[BrendiniOne]

Avril,

 

We cruised HAL a few years ago and there were "dam hats" for sale.

 

Brenda

[grenouille]

Radio- great reports, and awesome pics!! :D We'll be on the Westerdam in a month, and can't wait!!

 

I have a question about your arrival in Grand Cayman- Did the ship change its clocks to Central Time (ie- back one hour) since GC doesn't observe Daylight Savings Time? What time were you scheduled to arrive (7am Eastern, or 7am Central?)

 

Thanks!