T+L Ship Review of Holland America Line Westerdam

When I began planning my sailing trip from Sydney, Australia to Auckland, New Zealand I was eager to explore a new part of the world. I had visions untouched landscapes bustling cityscapes, hopping Kangaroos & restful days on the sea.

Once I booked my flight, can I still board the plane? Holland America Line WesterdamSome of my family and friends wanted to know if I was really going to make this trip by myself. Was I really going to fly to the other side of the world by myself—and then spend two weeks on a cruise ship solo?

“Yes,” I replied enthusiastically. “I am.”

It was wonderful.

Holland America Line was a familiar company that I had traveled with before. Although I had never been on a cruise before, it was a great experience. Westerdam The pool, the restaurants, the fitness center, the entertainment venues and spa were all easily accessible. Built in 2004 and refurbished last in 2017, this vessel shows its age. I noticed some wear in my cabin and on the balcony as well as the rest of the ship. Westerdam It’s not clean and comfortable. The shower pressure in my room was much better than at home and the bed was very comfortable.

I was able to get settled in quickly, as we visited only two ports during the first seven days of our cruise: Melbourne and Hobart, both Australian cities. To keep my fitness routine going, I went to the gym the same days as I do at home. I went to the library and borrowed books. I opted to eat healthier lunch options and less of the buffet. The Dining Room was my choice for a few quick bites. I did, however, occasionally wander up to Lido Deck as a single person and sit with other cruisers.

As I shared travel stories with people from all over the world, I made many friends. In the second week we had been cruising through scenic areas like Milford Sound, and making stops almost every day in New Zealand cities. After a fellow passenger informed me of a fascinating excursion that she was going on in Tauranga I purchased a ticket. The day came and I met a former co-worker from over 20 years ago. It was a great experience. It is a good idea to use a bilingual translator It’s a small, but very interesting world.

The trip was also a revelation. I could wake up whenever I liked and go to sleep when I chose. I spent my days reading, exploring and taking cocktail classes, as well as working when necessary, thanks to the excellent Wi-Fi. While I enjoy traveling with my family and friends, my husband, I also enjoyed being alone.

This is my review of Holland America Line. WesterdamIt is possible to enjoy yourself onboard, regardless of whether you’re traveling alone, in a pair, or with your family.

The Staterooms

Westerdam There are five categories of staterooms and three different types of suites. The smallest rooms, the Inside cabins, are spacious and have plenty of storage, even though they lack windows. They start at a cozy size of 151 square feet. A room upgrade to Ocean View offers you not only more space but also a window overlooking the sea. Verandah rooms range from 212-359 square feet in size, and include an outdoor balcony as well as a seating area.

Signature Suites are 372-384 square feet and have a balcony. The premium Neptune Suites are 500-712 square feet and come with a dressing room, a whirlpool, a sitting space, and a sitting room.

Pinnacle Suites – measuring approximately 1,150 sq. ft., they feature a king bed, living and dining rooms, a dressing area, a balcony, a whirlpool bath, as well as guest powder rooms.

Restaurants and Bars

Dine on Westerdam It’s all about the choice. Lido Market has a variety of quick bites including a carvery with breadboard and salad bar. There is also a global cuisine selection, as well as dessert. In the Dining Room you can also order breakfast, lunch or dinner. Dive-In serves hotdogs and burgers for an early dinner and lunch at Dive-In. You can also order room service 24 hours a day.

Specialty restaurants are available in many different styles. WesterdamPinnacle Grill is a steakhouse style affair that offers prime steaks and seafood. Canaletto serves delicious Italian cuisine. Morimoto by Sea was the highlight of my cruise. This pop-up takes over Pinnacle Grill to serve dishes created by Morimoto. Holland America Line’s Fresh Fish Ambassador, chef Masaharu Morimoto.

A variety of dining choices are available. Westerdam The city has many bars and lounges where you can enjoy a drink. Rolling Stone Lounge and Billboard Onboard, which are more lively and have live music later in evening, offer a more energetic atmosphere. The Crow’s Nest Café on the Observation Deck is a terrific spot to start the morning with a specialty coffee—or to toast another sunset at sea.

Westerdam Sails

Westerdam Cruises range from 7 days to 42 days. The ship will spend the summer in Alaska before heading to Hawaii, Japan, China and the Philippines. It will then continue to Indonesia, Malaysia and Indonesia. The ship will be returning to Alaska next year, while another Holland America Line vessel, the NoordamI will be traveling around Australia and New Zealand on similar itineraries to mine. One trip that is worth noting is a two-week, 2026 journey in China and Japan Holland America Line has formed a partnership with History Channel.

Shore Excursions

Holland America Line has a wide range of shore excursions that are designed to appeal all kinds of people. Think active adventures, quieter experiences, wildlife encounters and behind-the-scenes tours. Activities that revolve around local food, etc. The list is endless. I was late in booking my own shore excursions—many were sold out—but I did manage to squeeze onto two. In Tasmania, a wildlife refuge allowed me to see a Tasmanian Devil, hand-feed some kangaroos and watch a wombat munch on carrots. I took a group of people on a bike ride around Marlborough in New Zealand. We sampled the wines and visited several wineries.

Amenities and Entertainment

In addition to the bars and restaurants highlighted above—and the Lido Pool—Westerdam There is a bingo hall, a trivia game, a library, and shops.

I spent a lot of time in the fitness center on my solo trip. I could have—and should have—tried my hand at pickleball, since Holland America Line exclusively partners with the Professional Pickleball Association to maintain its shipboard court and equipment. There’s also the delightful Greenhouse Spa & Salon, where I enjoyed a massage and facial treatment.

Offers for Families

There were about a dozen kids aboard my two-week cruise during the middle of school. Holland America Line offers a supervised children’s club with activities and entertainment suitable for kids aged 3-17.

Accessibility

Holland America Line is a company that says it’s “committed” to everyone. lots of accessibility information available online.

You can find out more about this by clicking here. WesterdamEach deck has an elevator. The accessible staterooms are equipped with wide interior and exterior doors; showers that do not have thresholds; grab-bars; and accessible seating and room controls.

Stateroom televisions feature closed captioning and telephones can be set to amplify sound.

Guests with low or no vision can request to be taken on a tour of the hotel. Westerdam On arrival. All guests with food allergies and dietary restrictions are also accommodated.