Dam...

        I have added another 'dam' to my sea voyages as I was on the Statendam as a kid and now have added the Westerdam. What are these 'dams? Well, they must have to something to do with Holland, right? You know Amsterdam, Rotterdam... 

        The ms Westerdam was Holland America's luxury floating hotel for our weeklong Alaskan excursion. It's passenger capacity was just shy of 2,000 with over half of those guests registered with the International Master Gardener Conference aboard. (The crew numbered a bit over 800.) The gross tonnage over 82 tons included our heavy suitcase...OK time for a luggage story...

We opted not to take our large backpacks due to limited plane change time. I knew I couldn't run fast enough after waiting for the backpacks and then sprinting the entire length of the airport like who know who... (That OJ Simpson ad reference dates me) Opting to take an oversized suitcase for both of us since I didn't realize 10lbs over the 50 lb limit would cost an additional $125. EEGADS! Fortunately I had stuck a smaller empty suitcase in the car just in case it would be cheaper to check 2 bags versus the one big one. So I divided the contents and paid the $25 for an extra bag.)

OK on with the boat ...  “The ms Westerdam is the third in Holland America Line's series of Vista-class ships with the latest industry and environmental technologies such as a diesel-electric power plant for optimal energy efficiency and an Azipod propulsion system. Most of her staterooms have ocean views and many have private verandahs.

On board amenities included a Fitness Center, Spa, Movie Theater, Casino, Showroom and 3 Pools. We experienced most of these and each became experiences ... 

My favorites include when congested Natureman decided to use the Spa not realizing this was a 'special' service hence coming with an add'l cost. He had tried his key to no avail and someone came along and offered their key to let him in. So he enjoyed the therapeutic waters until confronted as to how he entered wo paying. When he heard the 2 spa attendants discussing him, he decided it was time to high tail it out of there... LOL  

Another favorite on board experience was the ship's aft hot tub from where we enjoyed its warmth while viewing the glaciers. Super scenic and memorable! 

Not a bad view for a hot tub, eh?

The ship's beautiful furnishings included an art collection of Dutch heritage in the New World with historic Dutch ships, a huge Indian silver-overlaid wood palace doorway, a bone tobacco pipe carved in the shape of a woman's head to a collection of 5,000-year-old pre-Columbian carved limestone figures from Ecuador. Contemporary pieces included an original Andy Warhol and sculptures by Sedona artist Susanna Holt.”

Personally I liked the brass features, brass hand railings,statues, fish shaped bar stools and doors shined at all hours by a very hard working staff. 

Elevator doors

Bar Stools

As we became acquainted with our lodging we had favorite spots besides the observation decks. Every day we spent time in the ship's beautiful library with it's bow window views admiring sightings of wildlife including whales and sea lions in addition to the beautiful scenery and sunrises/sunsets. It was obvious it was going to be a spectacular adventure experiencing Alaska. Stay tuned.