Supplement to Travel Trade
October 2004

HAL’s Westerdam:

A Bold, Colorful Newcomer

By Marilyn Green

Holland America Line’s new Westerdam has Signature of Excellence written all over it. From the high Euro-Top mattresses to the additional dining options, from the new thermal suites and heated ceramic lounges in the spa, there is a very impressive new edge to the HAL product, and it is evident in the appearance of the bold, colorful Westerdam.

The company’s third Vista-class ship is more contemporary than most of HAL’s fleet, with color explosions in the public rooms, from bright yellow on the atrium bar’s stools to purple chairs in the piano bar.

One of the nicest features of the ship is the ability to go from one end to the other without having to go up or down a deck to get to the other side. Another is the early embarkation program that allows guests to board and have lunch as early as 11:30 a.m.

In general, dining options and their operation are better than in any previous Holland America ship. The two-level Vista Dining Room serves breakfast, lunch and a dinner menu with a choice of at least five entrees. Another Signature of Excellence change is the increased time slots for dining, with seatings offered at 5:15, 6:15, 8:00 and 8:30 p.m. Service was generally smooth and accommodating and the occasional theme was received well, particularly at the dinner when Dutch hats for men and women were placed at each seat.

The Lido Deck buffet works wonderfully, with the whole operation broken into a series of stations. Lines are much shorter than the norm, and passengers don’t have to wait for others to go through the whole selection when what they want is all at the end. Asian food, Italian selections, deli choices and salads are all separated, and there are hamburgers, hot dogs and often grill buffet selections outside by the pool.

At dinner the Lido strikes a balance between buffet and table service, with guests going through the line and choosing appetizers and desserts on their own. Entrée selections are chosen in line, then served to the passengers at their tables when cooked. After 11 p.m., the late night buffet takes over.

Many passengers participating in active shore excursions took advantage of the room service feature, allowing them to choose from the Vista Dining Room menu during scheduled dining periods. A good range of sandwiches, salads, snacks and desserts are available 24 hours and a full breakfast menu from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.

The alternate dining venue, the Pinnacle Grill, is truly superb, featuring seafood from the Pacific Northwest, fine steaks, rich and wonderful appetizers and desserts (don’t miss the Grand Marnier chocolate volcano cake), plus excellent wines. Even though it’s difficult, guests should save room for the side dishes, which are a meal in themselves. The food and drink is presented in Bulgari china and Riedel stemware on Frette linens. Many passengers who tried the restaurant quickly attempted to book additional nights, which became increasingly difficult as word got around. Reservations are required and there is a $20 per person charge.

The Greenhouse Spa has a very strong selection of treatments and facilities. After a workout, there’s nothing more pleasant than a relaxing stretch on a heated ceramic reclining lounge in front of a glass wall. A day rate allows use of the thermal suites with hydrotherapy pool, and treatment rooms include couples massage.

Fitness equipment includes Pilates, both mat and special reformer sessions with a trainer. Yoga, stretch and aerobic classes with small fees complement the Cybex weight training machines and treadmills, free weights and stair steppers, Pilates balls, etc.

Outdoors, the jogging track, basketball and volleyball courts provide other fitness options, and the two swimming pools saw heavy use.

The Westerdam’s golf simulator had passengers playing any of 22 courses, often in groups, or heading to private lessons at $45 for 30 minutes with the onboard golf pro.

The Internet café is spacious and exceptionally comfortable and has wireless hot spots for passengers bringing on computers with wireless capability.

Cutting edge technology is also found in the Vista Show Lounge, which has an elaborate, very large stage with movable sections for special effects and a movable pit for the orchestra. In the Northern Lights Disco, dancers and spectators gathered to enjoy the exciting lighting effects and huge sound system. Conversation and dance filled the Crow’s Nest each night as the resident DJ played requests.

Vista-class ships don’t have the traditional Wajang Theater, but they still offer movies with popcorn in the Queen’s Lounge daily, in addition to the movies offered in cabins. Cabaret performances, classical music and smaller shows are also held here. And the traditional crew show, where the talented staff presents music and dance from Indonesia and the Philippines, remains a passenger favorite.

Another ethnic music pleasure is the Hungarian band that plays evenings and for special occasions, like HAL’s signature formal tea. Their bravura had guests bouncing in their seats.

Families gravitated toward the Club HAL programs, with younger cruisers in the KidZone and teens heading for The Wave Runner area with designated computer game and video game room (adults must use the one outside Northern Lights), a large screen video area and teen dance floor.

The artwork on board draws from Holland’s and America’s shared history, from Henry Hudson’s 1609 journey up the Hudson River to art and antiques reflecting trends in Dutch art of the 17th and 18th century. There are Indian themes, as well, notably the gorgeous silver doors from a 17th century palace, and some lovely contemporary art, including animal sculptures and graphic works of 20th century architect Le Corbusier.

Some of the more stunning arts and crafts are for sale. The Amber Show, in which hundreds of pieces of fine amber jewelry were first displayed in the shop and then brought into a separate room for a massive sale, drew crowds of passengers throughout.

All staterooms on the Westerdam have direct-dial phones with voicemail, safes, dataports and a television with a selection of satellite channels and movies. All categories have the Signature of Excellence features including the thick Euro-Top mattresses, high-thread count bed linens, massage showerheads, robes, salon quality hair dryers and magnifying lighted makeup mirrors. In outside staterooms and up, bathtubs with showers are featured, and suites have whirlpools with an additional separate shower and a pair of sinks in suites, which also have DVD players. Eighty-five percent of all staterooms have ocean views and 67% of all staterooms have verandas..

The 1,313-square feet Penthouse Veranda Suites have a bedroom with a king-size bed, living room, dining room, dressing room, private veranda with whirlpool, pantry, sofabed, VCR, microwave, refrigerator, guest toilet, private stereo system and floor-to-ceiling windows.

The 516 square feet Deluxe Veranda Suites have two lower beds convertible to a king-size bed, a large sitting area, dressing room, private veranda, sofabed that sleeps two, VCR and floor-to-ceiling windows.

In a 384-square feet Superior Veranda Suite, the two lower beds convert to a queen-size bed and there is a sofabed for one, VCR and floor-to-ceiling windows. Deluxe Veranda Outside Staterooms (254-square feet) include two lower beds convertible to a queen-size bed, sitting area, private veranda and floor-to-ceiling windows.

At 194 square feet, Large Outside Staterooms include two lower beds convertible to a queen-size bed, plus bathtub and shower.

Deluxe Veranda and Penthouse Suite guests also have a private concierge lounge with refreshments, the Neptune Lounge.

One of the more beautiful moments during a European cruise this summer was the arrival of the ship in Rotterdam, long the home of Holland America and still deeply connected to the company. Crowds of people came to examine the newest ship during the daylong call. People in full traditional costume and performing groups surrounded the port area and hundreds of families lined the path of the Westerdam as she sailed away. More than the artwork, the personnel, special dishes and the written histories, the call in Rotterdam underlined the fact that Holland America is still very much a company of the Netherlands.