Overall Score
| BERLITZ'S RATING |
| |
Possible |
Achieved |
| |
| Ship |
500 |
430 |
| Accommodation |
200 |
163 |
| Food |
400 |
283 |
| Service |
400 |
279 |
| Entertainment |
100 |
77 |
| Cruise |
400 |
313 |
| |
Westerdam is another in the series of Vista-class ships (sister ships: Eurodam, Oosterdam, Noordam and Zuiderdam), designed to appeal to younger, active vacationers. Westerdam has two funnels, placed close together, one in front of the other, the result of the slightly unusual machinery configuration. The ship has, in effect, two engine rooms – one with three diesels, and one with two diesels and a gas turbine. Podded propulsion (see page 29 for explanation) is provided, powered by a diesel-electric system, plus a small gas turbine located in the funnel for the reduction of emissions.
There’s a complete walk-around exterior teak promenade deck, and teak “steamer” style sunloungers are provided. A jogging track is located around the mast and the forward third of the ship. Exterior glass elevators, mounted midships on both port and starboard sides, provide ocean views. There are two centrally located swimming pools outdoors, and one can be used in inclement weather due to its retractable sliding glass roof. Two whirlpool tubs, adjacent to the swimming pools, are abridged by a bar. Another smaller pool is available for children; it incorporates a winding water slide that spans two decks in height. There is an additional whirlpool tub outdoors.
You enter the ship through an intimate lobby that spans three decks, and is topped by a beautiful, rotating, Waterford crystal globe of the world. The interior decor is interesting; the ceilings are particularly noticeable in the public rooms. In terms of overall decor, the colours are muted, warm. Maintaining its traditions, Holland America Line provides a large collection of artwork, including Dutch exploration, maritime history and art. The focal point of the ship is its soothing midnight blue atrium lobby (like a hotel lobby), containing a glass replica of a sailing ship.
There are two whole entertainment/public room decks. The most dramatic room is the showlounge, spanning four decks in the forward section.
Other facilities include a winding shopping street with several boutique stores and logo shops, an internet center, a fine library, card room, an art gallery, photo gallery, and several small meeting rooms. The casino is large (one has to walk through it to get from the restaurant to the show lounge on one of the entertainments decks), and has the usual gaming tables and slot machines.
There’s a basketball court, volleyball court, and golf simulator. Club HAL’s KidZone is dedicated to kids’ facilities and extensive programming for different age groups (5–17), with one counselor for every 30 children. An Explorations Café was added to the Crow’s Nest (a HAL trademark observation lounge atop ship) in a 2007 refit.
With this large resort ship, Holland America Line tries hard to be all things to all people, although this reviewer is not convinced that the formula works well for the many loyal repeat passengers used to the smaller ships. However, this vessel does offer a range of public rooms that have a reasonably intimate feel to them and the overall feel of the ship (relative to its size) and its eclectic decor is quite homely and comforting.
The information desk in the lobby is small and somewhat removed from the main passenger flow on the two decks above it. Many pillars obstruct the passenger flow and lines of sight throughout the ship.
There are no self-service launderettes (something families with children might miss – although special laundry packages are available).
Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2010.
Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2008
