There are many things to love about cruising, but the first is the warm welcome you receive even before stepping aboard. At White Bay Cruise Terminal, passengers were spilling in. A group of 20 Jamaicans was colourfully clad in their country's colours; others were also colour-coordinated, but one thing that united everyone was the smile on everyone's face.
This summer Holland America's Westerdam has been based in the Antipodes, cruising between Australia and New Zealand. The route is a winning formula, combining two countries, and mixing big cites with smaller towns.
The Vista class Westerdam was launched in 2003 and refitted in 2017. Despite its size; 936 feet, 82,500 gross tonnes, it's relatively easy to navigate our way around. There's a nucleus of restaurants and bars including the Dining Room, the signature Pinnacle Grill and the Gallery Bar. There's no shortage of music venues either. Recently Post-modern Jukebox has been playing in the Theatre. Billboard on Board hosts Dueling Pianos, the Lincoln Centre Stage boasts many fine performers, as does The Rolling Stones lounge, and then there's the B.B. King's Blues Club. There's an art gallery, a casino, a gym, an exploration centre and even a Microsoft Digital Workshop. A bonus is the retractable cover over the swimming pool. No reason not to do those laps. There are plenty of venues to keep the 1964 passengers entertained.
However, it's the Gallery Bar (pic above) where our group come to rest, as we attend a Mixology class. Our Mixologist lists her tools of trade: Boston shakers, jiggers, muddlers, a Hawthorne strainer and a tulip strainer. It is Holland America after all! Then the fun really begins as she shakes and stirs, jiggles, muddles and pours an array of tasty cocktails. The 'Melbourne Sour' was memorable, the perfect drink when the Swans win the AFL grand final.
Holland America's Westerdam prides itself on being a 'destination' ship. However, the journey is pretty fine too.
Report by Ros Freeman for Traveloscopy.com
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