ms Westerdam
Holland America Line International Excellence
Internationale Voortreffelijkheid -
Merito Internazionale
by Steve J. Garrod
Page 2 of 2
Promenade
Deck
The
Hudson, Half Moon, and Stuyvesant Rooms can be used as individual
meeting spaces or opened up to combine as one large area.
The Java
Corner provides a unique seating area just outside of the Half Moon,
Hudson, and Stuyvesant Rooms. Nearby is a graphical display board
to show where Westerdam currently is sailing in her itinerary.
The
Internet Center has evolved greatly in the Holland America Line as has
the demand for guests to stay in touch while aboard. Wireless 'hot
spots' are available throughout Westerdam for guests to remotely
use laptop computers.
The
Erasmus Library features a statue of Piet Heijn, the Dutch fleet admiral
who captured a whole Spanish fleet laden with silver and treasure from
the New World.
Treasures
can be found in even the most seemingly intricate areas of the Westerdam
such as this corridor joining the forward and aft public areas on
Promenade Deck.
The
shopping arcade aboard the Westerdam is understated while the
shops are closed. Upon the opening of the shops, however, this
area becomes much more open given the flow of shoppers.
The
Ocean Bar is another traditional favorite of past guests of Holland
America Line.
Seating
options are many given the Ocean Bar's design of wrapping around the
uppermost level of the Atrium. Many different moods are evoked
based upon the particular corner and color selection used.
On
Promenade Deck aft is the Photo Gallery where guests can preview photos
that they have had taken throughout their voyage.
Past
guests of Holland America Line have come to value the wrap around
outdoor promenade deck.
Teak
wooden decking is also an essential part of traditional cruising and the
Holland America Line shipboard experience.
Boats
lower precisely to where guests muster for lifeboat drill.
Various
Stateroom Accommodations
Large
Inside Stateroom.
Large
Outside Stateroom.
Penthouse
Verandah Suite.
Neptune
Lounge For the exclusive use of guests occupying suite categories 'S' and
'PS'.
Left :
Display located outside of PS 7045.
Center : Stateroom corridor. Westerdam features artwork on
the walls of stateroom corridors.
Right : Display located outside of PS 7046.
Lido
Deck
Observation
deck located forward and outside of the Greenhouse Spa Gymnasium.
The
Gymnasium is very well appointed for guests who wish to stay active
while at sea.
These
statues are located in the stairwell leading from Lido Deck forward up
to Observation Deck.
Left :
The reception area to the Greenhouse Spa.
Right : A partial view of the luxurious Thermal Suite.
The
Hydrotherapy Pool is lighted naturally from one deck above.
As
popular on other Holland America Line ships, the midships pool is fitted
with a sliding glass dome.
Sculptor
Susanna Holt chose Atlantic Spotted Dolphins to be featured poolside
because of their striking markings. These scarce marine mammals
are depicted moving through the waters around the Bahamas.
Left :
The Lido Bar located poolside.
Right : The Terrace Grill features dishes such as hot dogs, hamburgers,
and other casual favorites.
Bright,
colorful, and diverse works of art are featured throughout the Lido
Restaurant aboard the Westerdam.
There is also important work featured by artist Corneille in the Lido
Restaurant. He is recognize in Europe as having changed art in
their time.
Located
on Lido Deck aft is the Sea View Bar where guests can enjoy refreshing
drinks poolside.
The aft
pool and its vibrant colors, tiles, and structures are sure to be
popular for warm water cruising during the winter months.
A seal by ceramic artist Maggie Giles is featured on the aft pool deck.
Observation
Deck
Looking
down onto these statues that are located in the stairwell leading from
Lido Deck forward up to Observation Deck.
Artwork
located at the starboard side entrance to the Crow's Nest Lounge.
The Oak
Room, located on the starboard side entrance, is a smoking area in which
there is a faux fireplace.
Like
various other Holland America Line ships, Westerdam hosts smaller
divisions of the Crow's Nest.
The main
interior of the Crow's Nest Lounge is reminiscent of former Holland
America Line sisters starting with the ms Rotterdam.
Port
side also features a classy and intimate seating area by which guests
may enjoy excellence drinks and views alike.
Detailed,
etched elevator doors are a familiar sight that have been also seen on
sister ships Zuiderdam and Oosterdam.
The
outer decks traditionally host a number of options for staying fit and
enjoying the ocean air.
Left : Westerdam's
railings with beautiful Venice, Italy as a backdrop.
Right : Namesake benches have become a mandatory tradition aboard
Holland America Line ships.
Younger
guests on board Westerdam will be treated to the colorful and
modern facilities of the Wave Runner and Kid Zone.
Just adjacent to these facilities is the Game Room which guests of any
age just might enjoy.
Sports
Deck
Practice
volleyball and basketball courts are popular for almost any age bracket
Observation
Deck railings with beautiful Venice, Italy as a backdrop.
This
forward outdoor staircase leading from Observation Deck to Sports Deck
is just one of many examples of how Westerdam meets the needs of
the physically challenged.
The
uppermost and forward observation deck is typically popular for guest
wishing to view a port arrival and departure.
Closing
Images
Far Left
: A side profile of Westerdam as seen from a verandah of one of
the two Penthouse Suites.
Deck four forward provides access to the ship's bow for forward-looking
views.
Staircases
provide paintings of Dutch ships in the New World and elements from
around the year 1609 when Henry Hudson sailed up the Hudson River as far
as Albany.
Westerdam
as seen by night in the cruise passenger terminal in Venice,
Italy.
Perhaps
the only thing more beautiful than watching the Westerdam sailing
gracefully from port is having Venice, Italy as a sumptuous backdrop.
Your
webmaster Steve J. Garrod in Venice, Italy, with the Westerdam setting
sail just behind.