Launched in 2004 and refurbished in 2017, MS Westerdam is a Vista-class vessel with Holland America Line. Westerdam has a gross tonnage of 82,348, 11 passenger decks and can carry 1,916 passengers and 817 crew. This is an ideal ship for families who are travelling with children as Club HAL offers activities, programs and facilities for younger passengers on board.

[fa type=”bed”] Accommodation

Westerdam has 958 staterooms, including Pinnacle Suites (1,150 square feet including balcony), Neptune Suites (500–712 square feet), Verandah Suites (372–384 square feet), Verandah cabins (212–359 square feet), Ocean-view cabins (174–180 square feet) and Interior cabins (151–233 square feet). Occupants of suites will have exclusive access to the Neptune Lounge and concierge services and priority embarkation and disembarkation. All cabins have Sealy Premium Euro-Top mattresses, bathrobes, massage showerheads, salon-quality hair dryers, toiletries from Elemis Aromapure, fresh fruit on request, flat-screen television, DVD player, ice service, shoeshine service and nightly turndown service.

[fa type=”cutlery”] Food

The main restaurant on board MS Westerdam is the Vista Dining Room, which is spread over two decks and serves breakfast (7am to 10am), lunch (noon-2.30pm) and dinner (5.45-6.15pm or 7.45-8.15pm). Other restaurants on board are the Pinnacle Grill, Le Cirque (fine dining), Canaletto (Italian), Lido Restaurant (buffet) and the Terrace Grill.

[fa type=”ticket”] Activities

The Greenhouse Spa is a two-deck health spa with unisex thermal suites and solarium hydrotherapy pools. A beauty parlor offers full range salon services including hairstyling, pedicures and manicures. There is a large gym, two pools, a golf simulator, volleyball court and a basketball court on board.

[fa type=”group”] Families

Young passengers have designated areas and activities to keep them entertained. KidZone has indoor and outdoor amenities. Children (five to 12 years) can participate in Club HAL activities. Teenager enjoy the WaveRunner dance floor with lighting effects and a great sound system. There is a large-screen television and computer games room.

Verdict

– Cruise Passenger

HA appears to be continually working on improvements to their cruises and it showed. Compared to a previous cruise on the Oosterdam, several new things were added. The Westerdam was the first ship with culinary demonstrations allied with America’s Test Kitchen. These were excellent and much better than demonstrations I have seen on earlier cruises. The stage in the theater is now equipped with large LED screens which made the floor shows much more visual and interesting. This ship has a chocolate bar which appeared to be lightly patronized. Ultimately, the Northern Lights disco needs to be removed as it is lightly used and a waste of space. I was told that there will be changes/renovations made to this ship next year. -socaliferic

– Cruise Critic

– Berlitz