Brand New for 2025 – Our HONEST Holland America Westerdam Review

At 82K gross tons, carrying just under 2,000 passengers, Holland America Westerdam offers a variety of itineraries in the Pacific. In the summer, the ship sails roundtrip from Seattle, exploring the Alaskan wilderness. Outside of the Alaska season, the ship repositions to the southern hemisphere, offering cruises from Sydney, Australia to Auckland, New Zealand and a variety of sailings in Asia in 2025-2026. Heidi and I just spent 14 nights Down Under on Westerdam and share everything you need to know from the dining to entertainment and onboard activities with our honest Holland America Westerdam review.

Holland America Westerdam Review

Casual Dining

Like the rest of the fleet, Holland America Westeram features several included dining spots.

The Lido Market is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Like other cruise ship buffets, this Deck 9 buffet features a variety of hot and cold items that are well organized into stations. In the Navigator app, guests can see the buffet menus for each day, which is a nice perk that most cruise lines do not offer.

While menu items did rotate at lunch and dinner, breakfast consisted of basically the same offerings each morning. Breakfast offered all of the classics, including two custom omelet stations, warm entrees, fresh fruit, pastries, and plenty of side dishes.

For lunch and dinner, there were several themed offerings. The Distant Lands Asian station boasted items like sushi, fried rice, noodles, and dishes like chicken teriyaki and sweet and sour pork. The Distant Lands pasta station included a made-to-order selection of different pastas and sauces. The Carving Station offered a variety of entrée selections as well. There were also other regional specialties like meat pies.

While the food variety was on par with our expectations, the food quality was a bit of a letdown. We aren’t sure if this was related to the sourcing of products in the region, but nothing we sampled lived up to our previous experiences on Holland America ships. In fact, the pizza was inedible.

Another casual option on Westerdam is the Dive In Burger stand. Here, guests can order signature burgers and dogs right in the app or at the walk-up window. While our selections were hit or miss during the cruise, the offerings were still better than most burgers on a cruise ship. Plus, Heidi appreciated the option of a grilled chicken sandwich!

Also next to the Lido Pool was a Taco stand. This self-service option was a regular stop for us to have a quick snack after a long day ashore.

Further, unlike almost all contemporary cruise lines, Holland America Line still features complimentary room service. Guests can order continental breakfast items AND hot breakfast at no additional charge. During the day, guests can also enjoy options like sandwiches and salads delivered to their staterooms for no cost.

Outdoor Decks

Many Holland America Line ships have a similar layout and design. So, if you have sailed on another vessel in the fleet, you will feel right at home on Westerdam.

Most of the outdoor spaces on Westerdam are located on Decks 9 and 10. While the weather was not as sunny as we had hoped during our cruise, we did spend a few afternoons enjoying these areas.

Midship on Deck 9 is the Lido Pool. This main pool features a retractable roof, making it a popular spot regardless of the weather outside.

Aft on the same deck is the Sea View Pool. On warm afternoons, getting a deck chair near the pool took some work. But, additional lounge chairs could be found aft on Deck 10 as well. This sundeck wrapped around most of the ship but did not have many loungers or chairs out during this voyage.

Additionally, guests will find the sports court aft on Deck 11. The popular activity here was pickleball, with several sessions everyday of the cruise. There were also other open play hours for games like basketball or soccer.

Deck 3 also has an outdoor promenade. With some loungers and shuffleboard, this partially enclosed promenade wrapped around the ship, making it great for walking and jogging as well as sightseeing.  

During our day of scenic cruising, the captain opened up the ship’s bow, as well as viewing platforms on Decks 5, 6, and 7. There is an outdoor viewing area forward of the gym on Deck 9 as well.

For those looking for more active pursuits, the ship’s fully equipped gym has cardio machines, free weights, and weight machines.  

For those looking to unwind, there is the Greenhouse Spa and Thermal Suite. Guests can book services like massages and facials or can opt for passes to the Thermal Suite, home to a hydro-pool, heated loungers, and other experiences.

Onboard Activities

The cruise director, Grant, and the rest of the activities team offered a variety of events to keep guests entertained between Westerdam’s many exciting ports of call. Of course, for this Holland America Westerdam review we attended several of these onboard activities.

On many mornings, guests could start their day with Coffee with Cruise Director Grant, featuring a Q&A with ship personnel, like the Captain. Throughout the day, there were trivia contests and cruiser competitions. These events were very well attended. Whether it was 70s music trivia or Disney music trivia, which we scored 20/20, there was something for everyone.

Popular game shows like Majority Rules or the Game of Love also occurred during the voyage. The Activities Manager, Jose, hosted game night most evenings as well. These entertaining events were mainly an excuse for Jose to get the crowd involved and laughing.

Further, Holland America Line’s popular cooking show occurred several times. Executive Chef, Darren, taught attending guests how to cook the cruise line’s popular dishes, like Coral Trout with Porcini and Bacon.

Up on Deck 10, the Art Studio was a popular place for guests to master new knitting skills, learn origami, or engage in adult coloring. The Crow’s Nest was also a hub of activity with various board games and puzzles for guests to use at their leisure.

In the main theater, Eli, the ship’s travel guide, hosted port talks and regional presentations. This native Kiwi’s talks were in-depth and not glorified shore excursion pitches. Those came after.

Additionally, during our scenic day cruising in Fiordland National Park, there was commentary and a talk by one of the national park’s representatives.

Cruise Director Grant hosted a couple signature Holland America shows as well. From the cruise line’s “Origin Story” to the behind-the-scenes look at ship life in “A City on the Sea”, these offerings should not be missed.

Not to mention, there’s also a library, casino, and shopping.

Like our experiences sailing on Holland America Line in Alaska, the cruise line’s focus on the destinations and cultural immersion sets it apart from others sailing in the region. It helped that Grant, Jose, and Eli were all upbeat and engaging, making all the onboard activities that much more fun.

Nightlife and Entertainment

Along with the aforementioned daily activities, there was a pretty standard lineup of evening entertainment.

In the main theater, there was either a signature show or a headliner act each night. Across the 14 nights, there were four production shows by the Step One Dance Company, with our favorite being Humanity. Combining digital effects with perfectly sophisticated dance moves, these shows are certainly worth attending.

While we do enjoy the Step One shows, they are a bit repetitive and do not feature any live music. Holland America Line did recently announce new production shows, but none were on this ship.

When the dance cast wasn’t performing, there were other acts including comedians and singers. Two comedians took to the stage on two occasions each. There were also three different musical acts, each quite different. Sarah C offered a pretty typical “Diva” show with music from the likes of Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, and Adele, among others.

There were also country music shows by Daniel Thompson. Not being a huge fan of country music, his “Icons: The Country Gentlemen” included more obscure numbers than we expected. Then, there was The Jason Singh Experience. He was perhaps the most surprising performance. His “Taxiride to the 90s” was right up our alley. With songs from Matchbox Twenty, Backstreet Boys, Oasis, and more, it might have been a bit too modern for many in the crowd. But, we were definitely fans.

Outside of the theater, there was live music in two signature Holland America venues— Billboard Onboard and the Rolling Stone Lounge. In Billboard Onboard, two resident pianists rotated through sets like “One Hit Wonders”, “Piano Greats”, “Love Songs”, and “All Requests”. In the Rolling Stone Lounge, a multi-talented band performed sets ranging from 80s rock to country, R&B, pop, and everything in between.

Additionally, guests looking for something more low-key, could unwind with live jazz music in the Ocean Bar.

While Holland America doesn’t have a glow party or silent disco like other cruise lines, there is one event that every Mariner attends— The Orange Party. This signature event features themed cocktails, live music, and specialized happenings. It’s definitely the most lively nightime event on the ship. So, be sure to pack your orange attire!

Bars and Lounges

While not as extensive as most mega-ships, Holland America Westerdam still features a number of bars with signature cocktails that are included in the line’s drink packages.

I appreciated the wide selection of regional beer and wines. We also made sure to sample at least one cocktail at each venue for this Holland America Westerdam review.

The venues with the most unique drinks are the Rolling Stone Lounge and Billboard Onboard. We couldn’t pass up themed “hits” like a Whiskey Smash or Tennessee Lemonade. The Ocean Bar also featured a smooth Smoked Cherry Old Fashioned. Guests can also get a pre-dinner or post-dinner drink at the Pinnacle Bar, where the Penicillin or an Espresso Martini were our go-tos.

Another bar with quite unique theming and décor is the Gallery Bar. We appreciated the modern art displays and elegant furniture in this quiet, almost hidden bar behind the casino.

Out on the pool deck, guests can grab a classic boat drink or frozen cocktail from either the Sea View Bar or the Lido Bar. Up on Deck 10, the Crow’s Nest was our go-to for daily coffee. Along with offering some great forward-facing views, this cafe also has a full bar for guests wanting something stiffer than a latte or cappuccino. Of note, this is the only place on Westerdam to grab specialty coffee as there is no Grand Dutch Cafe found on newer ships in the fleet.

The non-alcoholic Quench beverage package covers premium beverages like espresso-based coffee, mocktails, soda, and juices. However, guests looking to upgrade their experience should consider the line’s Have it All package. This bundle includes add-ons like the Signature Drink Package, specialty dining, WiFi, and more for a flat fee.

Main Dining Room

The two-story main dining room on Decks 2 and 3 of Holland America Westerdam serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

We had flexible dining for this cruise. On several nights, we had reservations for our group. On other nights, we entered the standby line for a party of two. We were sat within a few minutes on most nights, but we did wait close to 30 minutes on one occasion.

Breakfast was served daily from 7:30/8 AM to 9/9:30 AM, except when there was a special brunch from 10 AM to 12:30 PM. This Australian Brunch included a mix of sweet and savory items, like Macadamia Nut Brioche French Toast, a Bacon, Spinach and Mozzarella Frittata, and a Striploin Steak and Blue Cheese Sandwhich, among others.

On select sea days or early departure port days, the main dining room served lunch from 12 to 1 PM as well.

Each night, the main dining room serves a signature menu with “Port to Plate” selections from 5 to 9 PM. These locally inspired dishes feature regionally-sourced ingredients. These included items like the Chicken, Ham and Parmesan Croquette, Braised Lamb Shoulder, and Australian Flathead.

Some of my favorite dishes were the Prime Rib, Beef Pot Roast, and the Pork Chop. Heidi raved about several of the nightly plates of pasta, like the Bucatini Caponata and the Farfalle Boscaiola.

For dessert, you can’t go wrong with one of the featured crisps or the many various cheesecake selections. While there is also a cheese plate on the dessert menu, we suggest ordering it as a starter.

Overall, the food in the main dining room was on par with our previous experiences on Holland America Line ships. We had a different wait staff most nights, but service was consistent and friendly.

Specialty Restaurants

Holland America Westerdam has two specialty restaurant venues: Canaletto and Pinnacle Grill. However, there were “pop-ups” at the Pinnacle Grill for both Tamarind and Morimoto by Sea.

Of course, we made sure to sample all the specialty dining for this Holland America Westerdam review. And like our previous experiences, they did not disappoint.

On Deck 9, in the buffet, is the Italian restaurant Canaletto. We are happy to report that the cruise line’s newly enhanced menu delivered. Among some of our favorite starters were the Veal and Sage Meatballs, Burrata, and Antipasti Plate.

For entrees, the restaurant’s version of chicken parmesan received Heidi’s seal of approval. The Italian Sausage Paccheri was a hearty, flavorful meal with homemade pasta in rich marina sauce, as was the Casarecce Pesto Genovese. For dessert, the Baked Lemon Ricotta Cheesecake is by far the best dessert on the ship.

During the first half of the trip, the Pinnacle Grill on Deck 2 served its standard steakhouse menu. We carved into starters like the Jumbo Lump Crab Cake and the Clothesline Candied Bacon. For dinner, a well-seasoned filet mignon paired well with the decadent lobster mac and cheese. While this revamped menu no longer has a chicken entree, Heidi did enjoy the newly added Mafaldine, Marinated Grilled Eggplant, Burrata, and Chiles. And, no steakhouse meal would be complete without classics like a key lime pie or creme brulee.

During the second half of the trip, Pinnacle Grill turned into Tamarind. This Asian-inspired specialty restaurant is one of our favorites. It is hard to pick the best menu items because they are all fantastic. Whether it is the chicken stays, the Lobster and Shrimp Potstickers, or Chinese Five Spice Baby Back Ribs, each appetizer is tangy and delicious. For dinner entrees, you can’t go wrong with the spicy Thai Basil Szechuan Shrimp, Panag Red Curry Coconut Chicken, or the Wok-Seared Lobster. The latter may be my new favorite dish at this restaurant.

Finally, one night there was a Morimoto by Sea pop-up as well. This upscale, Asian-influenced seafood menu included options like Pork Gyoza Dumplings, a Sushi Plate, as well as entrees like Chicken Teriyaki and the award-winning Ishiyaki Buri Bop prepared table side. I also couldn’t pass up the Shrimp Three Ways and House Fried Rice. For dessert, you can’t miss the Dark Chocolate Sphere.

Stateroom

For this sailing, we stayed in a verandah stateroom on Deck 4, cabin 4173. This category VC stateroom was aft on the starboard side. According to the Holland America Line deck plans, the room measures approximately 212 square feet including the balcony.

Upon entering the room, the bathroom was on the right with a closet to the left. We would have appreciated a bit more storage space in the room, but we made do with the closest configuration of clothes bar with hangers and several shelves.

The bathroom was functional but not nearly as well appointed as the staterooms on the cruise line’s new Pinnacle Class ships. Showing signs of Westerdam’s age, the bathroom still featured the dreaded shower curtain.

Beyond the entrance, the queen bed was on the aft wall facing forward. Before the balcony was the seating area on the right and desk on the left. Our bed was comfortable with newer bedding and accents. The seating area consisted of a rather small loveseat, making it adequate for really just one individual. The desk too was rather small with limited storage.

These cozy accommodations included USB outlets on each side of the bed, as well as nightstands. However, the only other power outlets were on the desk. Charging all our devices each day while still leaving room to get ready and/or work on our laptops took some coordination.

Our verandah had plenty of space for the two loungers with ottomans and small table. Though, the outdoor furniture had seen better days.

Having just sailed on Celebrity Summit, which is of similar age, this cabin on Westerdam definitely fell short.

Still, with a port-intensive itinerary, the room was an adequate space to recharge before our next exciting port of call.

Recap of Our Holland America Westerdam Cruise Review

Similar to our previous experiences sailing with the cruise line, Holland America Westerdam delivered on several fronts. However, as a 20+ year old ship, Westerdam did show some signs of her age.

Considered a mid-sized ship, Westerdam boasts several dining options. With casual, complimentary options to a traditional main dining room and exceptional specialty dining, guests will never go hungry on Westerdam. With a focus on locally sourced ingredients along with regional food and beverages, we were able to savor our journey both on and off the ship.

The ship’s activities staff kept guests inspired and entertained from morning until night with organized activities and cultivated and insightful enrichment. This is one of the benefits of cruising on Holland America Westerdam or any ship in the fleet for that matter. The onboard crew did an excellent job of intertwining regional programming with typical cruise events and activities.

It is true that Westerdam did show some signs of wear, especially in our stateroom and some decor around the ship. However, most public areas did feel refreshed and modern. Westerdam is set to undergo a dry dock in early 2026, so hopefully, the areas that need a little TLC will be addressed during this time.

Odds are that guests who are looking to book a cruise on Holland America Westerdam are focused on the itinerary, but the ship shouldn’t be overlooked either. With the cruise line’s value pricing and upgrade options, Westerdam will certainly be a popular choice for many cruisers looking to enjoy leisurely travel to bucket list destinations.

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