Holland America Westerdam

Holland America’s third Vista class ship emerges on the water with innovative features and a Dutch heritage theme. Setting sail in 2004, the vessel making trips through the Panama Canal, the Caribbean, and Alaska operates with diesel power and an Azipod propulsion system. The design, as well, lets travelers into the beautiful surrounding with ocean views from most rooms and private verandahs. For this ship, Holland America aims for a Dutch in the New World arc between pre-Columbian artifacts to contemporary art, including pieces by Andy Warhol. In between, you’ll have the opportunity to see and explore many historic artifacts, antiques, and paintings of ships.

Features

The 1,914 passengers staying on the MS Westerdam have a choice of staterooms and accommodations. Standard options like the Interior, Ocean-View, and Verandah rooms let cruisers sleep in luxury on Euro-top mattresses and then wake up with a massaging showerhead. Salon-quality hairdryers, fresh fruit, and a television with DVD library enhance the experience on board. As the premium options, the Signature and Neptune Suites start with the basics and then add mini-bars, fresh flowers, custom stationery, one-touch phones, and access to the exclusive Neptune Lounge. Travelers, as well, have a choice about where they dine. For the traditional cruise experience, the Vista Dining Room serves a five-course continental meal, with vegetarian and low-carb options. Select from an extensive wine list to find the best pairing. Specialty options take staying on the MS Westerdam up to a new level. Taste delicious Italian meals at Canaletto, or have a fresh, cooked-to-order dish at the Lido Restaurant. The Pinnacle Grill presents a more elegant experience, with meats or seafood served on fine china with wine. For something more casual and a place to relax, there’s the Explorations Café. With a library and internet access, this spot’s designed for enjoying a cup of coffee as you start the day, or read and browse later on.

Activities

Depending upon the stage of your journey on the MS Westerdam, you may want to relax and freshen up in the Greenhouse Salon & Spa, or stimulate your mind, taste buds, and more senses with a demonstration at the Culinary Arts Center, where professional chefs put on presentations throughout your journey. Or as you take several vacation photos and videos, discover the best way to preserve them with a Digital Workshop class. There, Microsoft-certified professionals teach cruisers about taking quality photos and then later editing them and putting them into a scrapbook. Although Holland America is generally known for a more mature atmosphere, children still can find age-appropriate activities. Club HAL features such options for 3 to 12 year olds, while The Loft and The Oasis is built for those 13 to 17. Later in the day, watch a dazzling show at the Vista Show Lounge, where acrobats, vocalists, and comedy acts put on performances throughout your trip. Or there’s the Crow’s Nest, Holland America’s nightclub with a 270-degree view. When you want to see some of the world’s most stunning sights, do so on the MS Westerdam. After browsing through itineraries on Direct Line Cruises, schedule your trip today.