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Name: Candy and Jim Brock
Email: cbrock@g-net.net
Age: 50-55
Occupation: Finance
NumberOfCruises: 2
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Holland-Westerdam
SailingDate: 3/22/97
Itinerary: St. Martin/Maarten, St. John/Thomas, Nassau
FoodDiningRoom: 93
CruiseDirector: 95
CabinComfort: 99
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 98
FoodLidoDeck: 85
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 99
FoodMidnightBuffets: 95
CabinSteward: 99
ShoreExcVariety:
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService: 90
ShoreExcValue:
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 99
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService:
TenderService: 99
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 90
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 90
OverallPortsofCall: 95
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 85
CruiseActivities: 99
Casino: 95
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 99
EmbarkDisembark: 99
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 99
Stabilization: 99
ShopsOnBoard: 95
SpaceRatio: 99
OverallCruiseValue: 95
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 07 Aug 1997
Time: 17:14:36
Remote Name: 207.120.71.189
Remote User:
Comments
At the cruise terminal we were given a boarding number for what proved to be an extremely
well-organized boarding procedure. We boarded right on
time, and our luggage had already been delivered, so we unpacked right away and went
exploring. Our outside deluxe cabin, category CC, on the Lower
Promenade deck, amidships, was large and very comfortable. The two twin beds (up against
the walls with a small nightstand and window in between)
were curtained for privacy. The sofa, chair and coffee table made a nice sitting area, and
the mirror, dressing table, closets and drawers were very
generous. Luggage was stored under the beds. The bathroom was large enough for two :-) and
had plenty of space for personal accessories. Air
conditioning was ample and we could hear nothing from the hall or adjacent cabins. The
stabilizers made the entire trip smooth and comfortable. The
slightly perceptible motion was just enough to rock you to sleep at night
There were lots of deck chairs available in the sun and shade almost everywhere. The
Verandah pool was more a place for lounging, eating and visiting,
whereas the Lido pool was more for sunworshippers. Both pools were spacious and easy to
access
The Amsterdam Dining Room is spacious and attractive, offering a variety of seating
arrangements. A variety of menus was available; the food was superb
and the main seating service in the non-smoking section was excellent. Both the Verandah
and Lido Restaurants served meals cafeteria-style, which is not
as elegant as your classic buffets, but the variety and quality of the food makes up for
it. There is so much food on the buffet, that menus are available at
the end of the line, so you have a few minutes to decide while you’re waiting.
In the Admiral’s Lounge (showroom) seating is more than adequate, with a good view
for everyone, even in the Admiral’s Terrace (balcony). Here there
are a few obstructed views, but nothing bad. Overall, the entertainment was quite varied
and professional.
There was one shop for clothing and souvenirs, one for jewelry and perfumes/cosmetics and
a duty-free shop. All were adequately stocked and offered
good values.
The Casino had lots of slots and my favorite--a crap table--although there was only one
and it was crowded sometimes, but I loved it, and that’s what
counts.
The Shore Excursion Manager gave a talk the first day regarding available port activities.
There were 44 shore excursions on the list--plenty from which to
choose. We chose to go off on our own, hiring a van for the six of us so we could see only
those sights we wanted. American currency is welcome
everywhere. Take small bills and change.
Best Thing Right Off the Bat: Two full days at sea. ‘Nuff said.
St. Maarten/St. Martin: Nice little shopping area in Marigot on the French side. The
quality of the crafts here are the best of the trip. The nude beach was
no big deal.
St. John/St. Thomas: Unfortunately we missed the St. John tour, which ferries you over to
St. Thomas. From what I understand, this is a most beautifully
preserved island with much history. We enjoyed some of the best shopping in the Caribbean
in St. Thomas, and missed all the sights.
Nassau: Ran a little late getting into port, and only had a few hours ashore. If it had
not been Good Friday, we would have been able to do more
Ship Activities: Each day we received an extensive Daily Program listing all planned
activities, meals, movies, etc. This is most helpful when there is so much
to do! The Times Fax (from the pages of The New York Times) and CNN brought us up to date
on the real world. We had three whole days at sea with
plenty to do...or not. Production shows, bingo (although pricey), horse racing,
volleyball, ping pong, water games, newlywed game, ice sculpting demos,
golf or Ping-Pong tournaments, dance lessons, gambling, dancing, even daily AA meetings
are available to fill your time.
Staff: Our Cruise Director was perky and energetic--very knowledgeable, organized,
personable and accessible. Our cabin steward, was superb! He
brought us breakfast each morning, filled the ice bucket and kept our cabin neat and clean
all day. Room service requests were attended to immediately
and he treated us as if we were his only guests. Our waiter and his assistant, were
attentive and handled our special requests cheerfully.
Passengers: Average age looked to be about 45-50. There were 1,500 passengers, including
250 of the most well-behaved children I’ve seen on a
vacation at spring break.
Disembarkation: The very well organized colored tag system moves passengers in shifts to
avoid crowding.
This was our second cruise, with many more to come. We’re hooked. The most notable
feature was the cabin. It was much larger and better appointed
than some we looked into. In fact, the entire ship was more comfortable than we imagined.
As we consider it to be a great value, we will probably take the
Westerdam, but maybe a different itinerary.
Candy and Jim Brock mailto:cbrock@g-net.net
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