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ms Westerdam

Westerdam Overview

Westerdam The Vista-Class ms Westerdam joined the Holland America Line fleet in spring 2004. On board, guests enjoy a space-per-person ratio unsurpassed by any other ship in a fleet already known for spacious comfort. In addition, Westerdam has more of what guests desire: More staterooms with private verandahs. More dining choices including the reservations-only Pinnacle Grill experience, and the Lido Restaurant, a culinary courtyard. More ways to relax in The Greenhouse Spa and Salon.

Tour the Ship

The ms Westerdam sets a new standard for the future of cruising.

Vista Lounge

Vista Lounge
This elegant two-story dining room is Holland America's signature restaurant, with floor-to-ceiling windows on three sides of the room. New are two grand staircases on either side of the atrium.

Vista Dining Room

Vista Dining Room
Amid Rosenthal China place settings and starched linen, dine in the exotic Rotterdam Dining Room where the chef's imagination is given free rein. That's how temptations like spicy gazpacho, portabello mushroom pot pie, cherry-glazed duck breast and chocolate profiteroles make it from the kitchen to your table.

Thermal Suite

Thermal Suite
Paradigm shift: One minute the worries of the world are on your shoulders; the next minute you're basking amid the cool mosaic tile and warm, relaxing steam of the thermal suite; and the minute after that, total relaxation -- there's your paradigm shift!

Sports Bar

Sports Bar
Celebrate the highlights of your favorite sport at the casual and colorful Sports Bar. The Superbowl and selected other special sporting events are played right here, live via satellite.

Pinnacle Grill

Pinnacle Grill
Guests who dine at the intimate, reservations-only Pinnacle Grill enjoy a dining experience themed to reflect the Pacific Northwest. Candlelight and fine décor create a romantic ambiance that sets the stage for fresh Northwest dishes and select wines.

Piano Bar

Piano Bar
The sleek and futuristic Piano Bar is a study of form and function, texture and taste. Soak it all in as a talented musican nimbly tickles the ivories.

Ocean Bar

Ocean Bar
Warm wood tones and maritime motifs bring seasoned seafarers to the Ocean Bar. Rub shoulders with other "old salts" as you swap tales of journeys past.

Northern Lights Nightclub

Northern Lights Nightclub
Dance til the wee hours at the Northern Lights Nightclub -- complete with zany DJ, psychedelic era-inspired colors and smooth metallic surfaces.

Lido Pool

Lido Pool
Warm days with light, salty breezes are made for lounging poolside with an icy beverage in one hand and an epic novel in the other. Does this count as doing something or doing nothing? You'll soon know...

Gym Room

Gym Room
Work out on the high seas in a state-of-the-art gym complete with machines, free weights, cardio equipment and a personal training consultant. Afterwards, re-hydrate yourself at the juice bar. On offer are carrot, apple, pineapple or vegetable blends -- good-for-you nectar of the gods!

Explorer's Lounge

Explorer's Lounge
Club chairs in rose and taupe brocade, mood lighting and picture windows -- these are essential ingredients for the understated elegance of the Explorer's Lounge. This meeting place for friends old and new offers intimate seating for small gatherings.

Erasmus Library

Erasmus Library
Some of your best friends may be found in the Erasmus Library-Hemingway, Kipling, Thoreau. Settle into a plush chair to revel in two of life's finest luxuries: a great book, and time to read it.

Crow's Nest

Crow's Nest
The lively Crow's Nest offers a world-class view of the course ahead. A piano serenade, a lively conversation, a cocktail before dinner, a nightcap afterwards -- with these sweeping ocean vistas, you'll never forget you're at sea.

Casino

Casino
Zingy and thrilling, the Casino offers slots, blackjack, roulette and poker for your evening's entertainment. New to the lively pulse of casino action? Start with a workshop to familiarize yourself with the ins and outs, and the friendly staff will show you to the games when you're ready.

Atrium

Atrium
In 1609, the sailing vessel de Halve Maen(Half Moon) set sail from Amsterdam to New York. Henry Hudson was at the helm, and the ship belonged to the Dutch East India Company. In honor of the rich seafaring tradition that remains at the heart and soul of Holland America Line today, a Waterford Crystal sculpture of the Halve Maen adorns the ms Westerdam's colorful, welcoming atrium.
Westerdam
Ship Statistics
Year Built2004
Year Refurbished2005
Year Entered Present Fleet2004
Previous NameN/A
Country of RegistryNetherlands
Tonnage (GRT)82348
Passengers1,916
Max Passengers2695
Passenger Decks11
Number of Crew817
Officers NationalityDutch/European
Cruise Staff NationalityIndonesian/Filipino
Westerdam
Staterooms
Total Staterooms958
Suites with balcony0
Suites without a balcony0
Oceanview without a balcony0
Oceanview with balcony0
Accommodations inside28

Select a deck to view the deckplan.

Sports Deck

Sports Deck

The deck plans are color-coded by category of stateroom, and the category letter precedes the stateroom number in each room. All staterooms are equipped with television, telephone, and multi-channel music.

Important Note: Not all staterooms within each category have the same furniture configuration and/or facilities. Appropriate symbols with the rooms on the deck plans describe differences from the stateroom descriptions.

Stateroom Key

  • Penthouse Verandah Suite - PS
  • Penthouse Verandah Suite - PS
  • Penthouse Verandah Suite - PS
  • Penthouse Verandah Suite - PS
  • Penthouse Verandah Suite - PS
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Observation Deck

Observation Deck

The deck plans are color-coded by category of stateroom, and the category letter precedes the stateroom number in each room. All staterooms are equipped with television, telephone, and multi-channel music.

Important Note: Not all staterooms within each category have the same furniture configuration and/or facilities. Appropriate symbols with the rooms on the deck plans describe differences from the stateroom descriptions.

Stateroom Key

  • Penthouse Verandah Suite - PS
  • Penthouse Verandah Suite - PS
  • Penthouse Verandah Suite - PS
  • Penthouse Verandah Suite - PS
  • Penthouse Verandah Suite - PS
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Lido Deck

Lido Deck

The deck plans are color-coded by category of stateroom, and the category letter precedes the stateroom number in each room. All staterooms are equipped with television, telephone, and multi-channel music.

Important Note: Not all staterooms within each category have the same furniture configuration and/or facilities. Appropriate symbols with the rooms on the deck plans describe differences from the stateroom descriptions.

Stateroom Key

  • Penthouse Verandah Suite - PS
  • Penthouse Verandah Suite - PS
  • Penthouse Verandah Suite - PS
  • Penthouse Verandah Suite - PS
  • Penthouse Verandah Suite - PS
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Navigation Deck

Navigation Deck Navigation Deck

The deck plans are color-coded by category of stateroom, and the category letter precedes the stateroom number in each room. All staterooms are equipped with television, telephone, and multi-channel music.

Important Note: Not all staterooms within each category have the same furniture configuration and/or facilities. Appropriate symbols with the rooms on the deck plans describe differences from the stateroom descriptions.

Stateroom Key

  • Penthouse Verandah Suite - PS
  • Penthouse Verandah Suite - PS
  • Penthouse Verandah Suite - PS
  • Penthouse Verandah Suite - PS
  • Penthouse Verandah Suite - PS
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Rotterdam Deck

Rotterdam Deck Rotterdam Deck

The deck plans are color-coded by category of stateroom, and the category letter precedes the stateroom number in each room. All staterooms are equipped with television, telephone, and multi-channel music.

Important Note: Not all staterooms within each category have the same furniture configuration and/or facilities. Appropriate symbols with the rooms on the deck plans describe differences from the stateroom descriptions.

Stateroom Key

  • Penthouse Verandah Suite - PS
  • Penthouse Verandah Suite - PS
  • Penthouse Verandah Suite - PS
  • Penthouse Verandah Suite - PS
  • Penthouse Verandah Suite - PS
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Upper Verandah Deck

Upper Verandah Deck Upper Verandah Deck

The deck plans are color-coded by category of stateroom, and the category letter precedes the stateroom number in each room. All staterooms are equipped with television, telephone, and multi-channel music.

Important Note: Not all staterooms within each category have the same furniture configuration and/or facilities. Appropriate symbols with the rooms on the deck plans describe differences from the stateroom descriptions.

Stateroom Key

  • Penthouse Verandah Suite - PS
  • Penthouse Verandah Suite - PS
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  • Penthouse Verandah Suite - PS
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Verandah Deck

Verandah Deck Verandah Deck

The deck plans are color-coded by category of stateroom, and the category letter precedes the stateroom number in each room. All staterooms are equipped with television, telephone, and multi-channel music.

Important Note: Not all staterooms within each category have the same furniture configuration and/or facilities. Appropriate symbols with the rooms on the deck plans describe differences from the stateroom descriptions.

Stateroom Key

  • Penthouse Verandah Suite - PS
  • Penthouse Verandah Suite - PS
  • Penthouse Verandah Suite - PS
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  • Penthouse Verandah Suite - PS

Upper Promenade Deck

Upper Promenade Deck Upper Promenade Deck

The deck plans are color-coded by category of stateroom, and the category letter precedes the stateroom number in each room. All staterooms are equipped with television, telephone, and multi-channel music.

Important Note: Not all staterooms within each category have the same furniture configuration and/or facilities. Appropriate symbols with the rooms on the deck plans describe differences from the stateroom descriptions.

Stateroom Key

  • Penthouse Verandah Suite - PS
  • Penthouse Verandah Suite - PS
  • Penthouse Verandah Suite - PS
  • Penthouse Verandah Suite - PS
  • Penthouse Verandah Suite - PS
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Promenade Deck

Promenade Deck

The deck plans are color-coded by category of stateroom, and the category letter precedes the stateroom number in each room. All staterooms are equipped with television, telephone, and multi-channel music.

Important Note: Not all staterooms within each category have the same furniture configuration and/or facilities. Appropriate symbols with the rooms on the deck plans describe differences from the stateroom descriptions.

Stateroom Key

  • Penthouse Verandah Suite - PS
  • Penthouse Verandah Suite - PS
  • Penthouse Verandah Suite - PS
  • Penthouse Verandah Suite - PS
  • Penthouse Verandah Suite - PS
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  • Penthouse Verandah Suite - PS

Lower Promenade Deck

Lower Promenade Deck

The deck plans are color-coded by category of stateroom, and the category letter precedes the stateroom number in each room. All staterooms are equipped with television, telephone, and multi-channel music.

Important Note: Not all staterooms within each category have the same furniture configuration and/or facilities. Appropriate symbols with the rooms on the deck plans describe differences from the stateroom descriptions.

Stateroom Key

  • Penthouse Verandah Suite - PS
  • Penthouse Verandah Suite - PS
  • Penthouse Verandah Suite - PS
  • Penthouse Verandah Suite - PS
  • Penthouse Verandah Suite - PS
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  • Penthouse Verandah Suite - PS

Main Deck

Main Deck Main Deck

The deck plans are color-coded by category of stateroom, and the category letter precedes the stateroom number in each room. All staterooms are equipped with television, telephone, and multi-channel music.

Important Note: Not all staterooms within each category have the same furniture configuration and/or facilities. Appropriate symbols with the rooms on the deck plans describe differences from the stateroom descriptions.

Stateroom Key

  • Penthouse Verandah Suite - PS
  • Penthouse Verandah Suite - PS
  • Penthouse Verandah Suite - PS
  • Penthouse Verandah Suite - PS
  • Penthouse Verandah Suite - PS
  • Penthouse Verandah Suite - PS
  • Penthouse Verandah Suite - PS
  • Penthouse Verandah Suite - PS
  • Penthouse Verandah Suite - PS
  • Penthouse Verandah Suite - PS
  • Penthouse Verandah Suite - PS

Activities & Services

Activities & Services

  • GASP at hundred-mile views as you travel from deck to deck on two glass elevators on the outside of the ship.
  • STROLL the wide teak deck encircling the Upper Promenade. Classic deck chairs await, should you decide to pause for the sunset.
  • ROLL the dice in the casino. Blackjack, stud poker, draw poker, roulette and 107 slot machines are available.
  • FEAST on cuisine prepared by world-class chefs and served by Westerdam's thoughtfully attentive crew.
  • TOAST your travel companions and new friends in one of six lounges, bars and nightclubs.
  • SHOP boutiques and duty-free shops on the Promenade and Upper Promenade decks.

Click HERE for information about Holland America's "As You Wish" Dining.

Tipping PolicyAdditonal for all guests.
Onboard AmbianceElegant

PS - Penthouse Verandah Suite

Stateroom
Bedroom with 1 king-size bed, oversize whirlpool bath & shower & additional shower stall, living room, dining room, dressing room, private verandah with whirlpool, pantry, 1 sofa bed for 2 persons, microwave, refrigerator, guest toilet, private stereo system, floor-to-ceiling windows. Approx. 1318 sq. ft. with verandah.

SA - Deluxe Verandah Suite

Stateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 king-size bed, bathroom with dual sink vanity, full-size whirlpool bath & shower & additional shower stall, large sitting area, dressing room, private verandah,1 sofa bed for 2 persons, floor-to-ceiling windows. Approx. 510 sq. ft. with verandah.

SS - Superior Verandah Suite

Stateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bathroom with dual sink vanity, full-size whirlpool bath & shower & additional shower stall, large sitting area, dressing room, private verandah, 1 sofa bed for 1 person, floor-to-ceiling windows. Approx. 389 sq. ft. with verandah.

VA - Deluxe Verandah Outside Stateroom

Stateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bath & shower, sitting area, private verandah, floor-to-ceiling windows. Approx. 249 sq. ft.

VB - Deluxe Verandah Outside Stateroom

Stateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bath & shower, sitting area, private verandah, floor-to-ceiling windows. Approx. 249 sq. ft.

VC - Deluxe Verandah Outside Stateroom

Stateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bath & shower, sitting area, private verandah, floor-to-ceiling windows. Approx. 249 sq. ft.

VD - Deluxe Verandah Outside Stateroom

Stateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bath & shower, sitting area, private verandah, floor-to-ceiling windows. Approx. 249 sq. ft.

VE - Deluxe Verandah Outside Stateroom

Stateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bath & shower, sitting area, private verandah, floor-to-ceiling windows. Approx. 249 sq. ft.

C - Large Outside Stateroom

Stateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bathtub & shower. Approx. 185 sq. ft.

D - Large Outside Stateroom

Stateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bathtub & shower. Approx. 185 sq. ft.

F - Large Outside Stateroom

Stateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bathtub & shower. Approx. 185 sq. ft.

G - Large Outside Stateroom

Stateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bathtub & shower. Approx. 185 sq. ft. All G-category staterooms have a partial sea view.

H - Large Outside Stateroom

Stateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bathtub & shower. Approx. 185 sq. ft. All H-category staterooms have fully obstructed views.

I - Large or Standard Inside Stateroom

Stateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, shower. Approx. 183-207 sq. ft.

J - Large or Standard Inside Stateroom

Stateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, shower. Approx. 183-207 sq. ft.

K - Large or Standard Inside Stateroom

Stateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, shower. Approx. 183-207 sq. ft.

L - Large or Standard Inside Stateroom

Stateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, shower. Approx. 183-207 sq. ft.

M - Large or Standard Inside Stateroom

Stateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, shower. Approx. 183-207 sq. ft.

MM - Large or Standard Inside Stateroom

Stateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, shower. Approx. 183-207 sq. ft.

N - Large or Standard Inside Stateroom

Stateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, shower. Approx. 183-207 sq. ft.

NN - Large or Standard Inside Stateroom

Stateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, shower. Approx. 183-207 sq. ft.

VF - Deluxe Verandah Outside Stateroom

Stateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bath & shower, sitting area, private verandah, floor-to-ceiling windows. Approx. 249 sq. ft.

SB - Deluxe Verandah Suite

Stateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 king-size bed, bathroom with dual sink vanity, full-size whirlpool bath & shower & additional shower stall, large sitting area, dressing room, private verandah,1 sofa bed for 2 persons, floor-to-ceiling windows. Approx. 510 sq. ft. with verandah.

SC - Deluxe Verandah Suite

Stateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 king-size bed, bathroom with dual sink vanity, full-size whirlpool bath & shower & additional shower stall, large sitting area, dressing room, private verandah,1 sofa bed for 2 persons, floor-to-ceiling windows. Approx. 510 sq. ft. with verandah.

SY - Superior Verandah Suite

Stateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bathroom with dual sink vanity, full-size whirlpool bath & shower & additional shower stall, large sitting area, dressing room, private verandah, 1 sofa bed for 1 person, floor-to-ceiling windows. Approx. 389 sq. ft. with verandah.

SZ - Superior Verandah Suite

Stateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bathroom with dual sink vanity, full-size whirlpool bath & shower & additional shower stall, large sitting area, dressing room, private verandah, 1 sofa bed for 1 person, floor-to-ceiling windows. Approx. 389 sq. ft. with verandah.

VH - Deluxe Verandah Outside Stateroom

Stateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bath & shower, sitting area, private verandah, floor-to-ceiling windows. Approx. 249 sq. ft.

GG - Large Outside Stateroom

Stateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bathtub & shower. Approx. 185 sq. ft. All GG-category staterooms have fully obstructed views.

HH - Large Outside Stateroom

Stateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bathtub & shower. Approx. 185 sq. ft. All HH-category staterooms have fully obstructed views.

DD - Large Outside Stateroom

Stateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bathtub & shower. Approx. 185 sq. ft.

E - Large Outside Stateroom

Stateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bathtub & shower. Approx. 185 sq. ft.

Reviewer Ratings

5/5

Reviewer Scorecard

Staff Dining Entertainment Activities Cabins/Staterooms Itinerary/Ports Value

Wonderful Midsize Ship

South East Asia - 3/2013

The Amsterdam is the perfect ship for the World Voyage or segments of it. She carries just over 1200 passengers.

If you want a near perfect cruise this is the ship. With her itinerary, onboard activities, wonderful crew, staff and officers, not to mention the outstanding cuisine, the Amsterdam is top of the line.

Pros: Itinerary, cuisine, staff

Cons: None

Reviewer Recommended? y

Reviewer Ratings

5/5

Reviewer Scorecard

Staff Dining Entertainment Activities Cabins/Staterooms Itinerary/Ports Value

World Cruise Segment One - Ft Lauderdale- Auckland

Grand World Voyage - 1/2013

Once again I was extremely pleased to be on board the Amsterdam on World Cruise Segment. Our Cabin (2646) was wonderful,service as always is superb. Yes, the ship could probably use refurbishment in some areas, but that is not a real issue in my opinion. The level of service by all crew and officers make this ship a special one.

From the moment of check in at Ft Lauderdale pier, it was like a "High School reunion." So many familiar faces of both passengers and crew from last year. Made you feel WELCOME immediately. That feeling of "WELCOME HOME" prevailed throughout the voyage.
The Captain Jonathan Mercer and his wife Karen, were a major factor in everyone LOVING the voyage. He was always available and speaking and socializing with the guests. Dining room and service were outstanding and every special request (in reason of course) was honored if possible.
 

Pros: The service level and attentivness of the officers and ALL crew members cannot be matched anywhere in my opinion

Cons: I think that the entertainment on a World Voyage should be of a higher level (as is Cunard's entertainment), There were some definitely highlights, but was not overly impressed by the quality of most of the entertainment in the show room.Cruise director is WONDERFUL though and knows every passenger.

Reviewer Recommended? y

Reviewer Ratings

5/5

Reviewer Scorecard

Staff Dining Entertainment Activities Cabins/Staterooms Itinerary/Ports Value

A Most Enjoyable Cruise aboard Holland America's ms Noordam

Western Mediterranean - 9/2012

A great itinerary on a lovely ship with exemplary crew!

The epitome of "ship shape," the ms Noordam is the perfect size ship to cruise the Mediterranean. She's well maintained, her decor is subtly pleasing, and the staff and crew run like a well-oiled machine. Mid-size in comparison to many of the other ships sailing similar itineraries in the area, you don't get the feeling that the ports visited are overwhelmed by either the size of the ship or the number of passengers. As a smart, precautionary move against norovirus, the crew serves the guests in the buffet areas for the first 3 days, then allows them to serve themselves after. Additionally, crew is stationed at the entrances to the dining venues and gangways dispensing hand-sanitizers. The staff and crew truly make an effort to make guests feel welcomed in an unobtrusive fashion, always acknowledging you even in passing in the hallways, and always greeting guests to dining and entertainment venues and thanking them on the way out. Our waiters thoughtfully brought remedies and offered advice when a couple at our dinner table were seasick one evening. The staff's conscientiousness was particularly evident when one of our party suffered a medical emergency and had to be disembarked early off the ship; the staff readily made themselves available to assist the cabinmate who remained onboard. The dining room and the Lido Buffet offer very good menus, room service was prompt and efficient, but our favorite venue was the Pinnacle Grill specialty restaurant where we dined twice. The restaurant staff offered superb service and the menu choices were excellent. As specialty restaurants go, Pinnacle Grill is definitely a cut above those found on many other similarly-classed cruise lines. The Mediterranean itineraries are always very port intensive, and ours only had one sea day to enjoy the ship. We wished we had at least one more day, because we so enjoyed the planned activities (especially the daily trivia contests) and entertainment. Our cruise director was very entertaining and quickwitted. With so many different ports to enjoy, we appreciated the port talks and the excellent maps, but would've loved listening to a historian or someone offering more in-depth insights into some of the lesser-known ports (e.g. Tunis, Palma de Mallorca for us). Nevertheless, we chose and loved this itinerary as it was different from the usual Western Mediterranean ports. If you're looking for fresh bragging rights as far as ports visited, you cannot go wrong with Holland America's 10-night Mediterranean Enchantment!

Pros: Wrap-around teak decks, user-friendly ship layout, perfect size ship for the itinerary, excellent port maps, exceptionally friendly yet unobstrusive service, few overhead announcements.

Cons: Inadequate WIFI; fitness area should have longer hours; would love to see more in-depth port talks (beyond shore excursion descriptions) which could also be rerun on the ship's TV in our cabins.

Reviewer Recommended? y

Reviewer Ratings

5/5

Reviewer Scorecard

Staff Dining Entertainment Activities Cabins/Staterooms Itinerary/Ports Value

Fantastic Alaska on the Volendam

Alaska 7 night from Vancouver - 7/2012

It was a wonderful cruise. The weather was outstanding and the service on the ship could not have been better.

We were so fortunate to have a great day in Glacier Bay. I have been to Alaska 3 times. This cruise we saw the wonders of the Glaciers with beautiful sunshine. Hot soup on deck was a great bouus. The staff was there to meet our every need.

Pros: Wonderful staff.

Cons: Can't think of a thing.

Reviewer Recommended? y

Reviewer Ratings

3/5

Reviewer Scorecard

Staff Dining Entertainment Activities Cabins/Staterooms Itinerary/Ports Value

Holland America's Rotterdam Holiday Sailing roundtrip Hawaii

Hawaii - 1/2012

The Rotterdam has some very good attractions. This cruiseship offers a very solid Premium Cruise experience. 

My opinion of HAL's Rotterdam is that it offers a very solid premium cruise experience.

The positives: The public areas of the ship are very attractive. The bars and lounges offer very good lounge style entertainment. The staterooms are comfortable and have ample space. They are not luxurious but they are comfortable. The food in the dining room was good if you know how to order. Keep it simple and choose things that require braising or slow cooking.The wine offerings were good although expensive.

The negatives: The service is lax and random. Some of the crew tries hard but the service is very inconsistent and lacks management. They have good ideas but they are not implemented (managed) properly.  

Pros: Public areas, lounge entertainment, cabins, dining room

Cons: lacks management, random and inconsistent service.

Reviewer Recommended? y

Reviewer Ratings

5/5

Reviewer Scorecard

Staff Dining Entertainment Activities Cabins/Staterooms Itinerary/Ports Value

Christmas Cruise

Mexico - 12/2011

What a great way to spend the Holiday!

24Dec11 - Holland America "Oosterdam" 7day Mexico Cruise

The cruise departed out of San Diego for a 7 day Mexican Riviera Cruise.  The embarkation process was very organized and easy, we were onboard in no time.  Our cabins were ready as soon as we boarded.  We took a quick look around the ship and when we returned to our cabins our luggage had already arrived.  The ship was all decorated for Christmas and quite festive.  Even though the ship was 100% full, it didn't seem crowded.  We made a visit to the Spa and scheduled our spa treatments for the week right away.  The Spa is really nice and all of our treatments in the coming week were enjoyable.

The food in the Lido dining room, was only average, but the Dining Room was excellent.  The Pinnacle Grill was beyond excellent.  Also room service was very good. 

I was very impressed by the beds and the bedding in my cabin.  My bed was one of the most comfortable and cozy of any ship that I have ever sailed on, and I'm pretty picky about my bed.  Also my cabin was very quiet.

Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas were our port visits.  The weather this time of year is perfect, not too hot, and not humid at all, about 75 to 80 degrees. Coming and going from the ship in both ports were also very organized and easy. 

The Casino and the Bars were all hopping every night, so it was a very festive atmosphere.  But not so crowded that you couldn't find a place to sit and enjoy yourself.

Holland America really knows what they are doing.  Departing the ship was also a breeze.  They are just so organized about everything!

All in all, a Holiday cruise with friends or family is a great option if you want to travel that time of the year.  I would definitely go again!

 

 

Pros: Well run ship!

Cons: Lido Restaurant

Reviewer Recommended? y

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