Oasis Cruise & Travel Stories  

Ms Westerdam

Our ship was the Holland America Ms Westerdam which at that time was just over a year old (inaugural sailing was April, 2004). We all had outside verandah rooms, which were comfortable, and it was nice to be able to step outside when we were coming into and leaving ports.

We had several adjoining rooms, which had a common door in the middle, which is great if you have little ones along so they can sleep while grandma and grandpa can still chat or watch TV next door if they are babysitting while Mom and Dad explore the ship. Also great if you have some early risers and some who like to sleep in.

Dining

Dining choices – were varied everything from formal dining room with several choices, to all day buffets with sandwiches, pizza, pasta, fruit, breakfast items etc., to concession type with hot dogs, tacos etc. by the pools, the ultra formal dining room which took reservations (huge 22 oz steaks and great crème brulee).

Of course there is also room service. Sometimes there were themed dinners like BBQ by the Pool etc. For those looking for healthy choices you could easily do this too.

Shore Excursions

Shore Excursions – These excursions vary from port to port and are usually listed on your cruise lines web page so you can see what is available in advance. They range from easy going activities to extreme adventure. These tours can give you easy access to sights you might have trouble getting to in a short time at the destination.

You can usually book these advance so you are guaranteed a spot. If these are popular excursions, you may not be able to book at the last minute.

Remember if you go it alone and take the local transportation or book your own tour when you get to the destination it is your responsibility to get back to the ship on time! Make sure you read your daily ship itinerary carefully before you head out, to find out when you need to be back on board!

Internet

Our webmaster came along on this cruise and as he has several online stores, he just can't live without an internet connection. He brought his own laptop and ordered a 400 minute package for the 2 cruises. If the cruises are back to back, they will run the package for both cruises. He had no problem emailing, surfing the web or connecting to his servers using Remote Desktop.

If you don't bring your laptop, the ship has public computers and printers in the Internet Cafe.

Eastern Caribbean Cruise
FROM: Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
TO: Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
SAILING DATE: December 4, 2005
SHIP: ms Westerdam

Cat VD balcony stateroom   C$789.44
Port charges & govt fees      C$245.64

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See also: ms Westerdam