A few weeks ago we had the opportunity to tour the Holland America Westerdam Cruise Ship while it was docked in Seattle getting ready to head to Alaska! This was our first time on a Holland America cruise ship but hopefully not our last.
Tour of the Holland America Westerdam
You all know we love cruising. We have been hooked on cruises since we took our first cruise in the Mediterranean for our honeymoon. Since then we have taken cruises in the Panama Canal, Baltic Sea, the Caribbean and Alaska. One of the things we love about cruising is you get to see so many places on one trip. When the email came in offering us a chance to tour the Westerdam we jumped at the chance.
We have heard so many great things about cruising with Holland America we couldn't wait to check out the ship. We drove over to Seattle for the night and spent some time with my parents before heading to the event. The event schedule included a tour of the ship, a mini-concert with the B.B. King All-Star Band from Memphis, and an amazing lunch on board.
It was an absolutely gorgeous day in Seattle as we boarded the Holland America Westerdam. Can I just admit that I had a few moments of thinking about stowing away on the ship and cruising to Alaska? It was so hard knowing that we would only be on board for a few hours.
The event kicked off in the B.B. King Blues Club! We had the opportunity to enjoy a mini-concert with the B.B. King All-Star Band and it was amazing. We were all rocking out in our seats and loving the great music.
Check out all of the amazing drink options in the B.B. King Blues Club! We had the opportunity to sample a couple of them and they were all delicious! Seriously oh so good!
After the amazing performance and a few words from Holland America's new president, we headed out to tour the ship.
I love this pool on the Lido deck. They can open or close the roof based on the current weather. This is perfect for Alaska where the sun may be out but the temperature is not that warm. How amazing would it be to soak in the hot tub looking out the windows at the glaciers going by? SIGN ME UP!
If the pool wasn't amazing enough check out the beer selection from Alaska Brewing Company! Holland America partners with local breweries and wineries to bring an amazing selection of beer and wine onboard.
Dive at the Terrace was inspired by Guy Fieri and offers great burgers and Nathan's Hot Dogs. You can custom order your burger, hot dog, or fries and you receive a pager that lets you know when it is ready. We had a hard time walking by and not sampling the cheese fries. WOW! They look amazing.
Check out the view of the space needle from one of the dining rooms! How perfect would it be to sit here as a family and watch the world go by? You could enjoy a nice cup of coffee or wine and watch the glaciers and look for humpback whales in Alaska!
The back deck was set up for the sail away party during our visit. Check out the amazing selection of wine you can enjoy during your cruise. Plus the seriously amazing view of Seattle! As we were leaving Mount Rainier made an appearance through the clouds and was truly spectacular. It doesn't get much better than sitting on the deck with a gorgeous glass of wine and looking at the Seattle skyline. I may be a bit biased from growing up in the area but trust me it is amazing!
Lunch was served in the gorgeous Vista dining room. We enjoyed a lovely lunch with an amazing view of Puget Sound.
Did you know that Holland America will offer 47 round trip cruises from Seattle to Alaska this year! The Holland America Westerdam requires over 23,000 eggs and 1,375 gallons of milk each week — all coming from local Washington farmers. In addition, local growers supply 147,550 pounds a week of fresh produce. We love that Holland America is based in Seattle and uses local Washington products!
Additional Cruise Resources
What not to pack on your cruise
Check out all of our Cruise Travel Guides
You might also like......
Ultimate Alaska Cruise Packing List!
Salzburg Walking Tour with Viking River Cruises
Wachau Valley Winery Tour and Tasting with Viking River Cruise
Bayahibe Beach Break Excursion - La Ramana Dominican Republic
Things to do in Grand Turk
Alaska Cruise Ports
Cruise Travel Safety Tips
Cruise Ship Dining Guide and Tips
Amazing Fruit Animals on the Golden Princess
An evening at the Red Dog Saloon, Juneau Alaska
Ronni
We're headed out on our 1st cruise this summer. We'll be spending 8 glorious days in the Eastern Mediterranean! I can't say 'super stoked' enough times to describe how I'm feeling!This look like an absolutely beautiful trip!
jared's mum
wow that was a very detailed tour of the ship it makes me want to take this cruise now! i have only been on a short cruise once and it is for official business and i would really love to take a leisure cruise with my boys one day soon!
Nolie
Oh man sign me up. GORGEOUS
Myrabev
Just looking at the food and I am ready to board that cruise like yesterday, what an awesome opportunity to be able to tour such a magnificent vessel.
Danielle
Wow! This cruise ship looks amazing. I've only been on one cruise before, but am looking forward to my next. I love that most everything is included.
Jennifer Sikora
Looks like you all had a great time! Those cheese fries are seriously calling my name. I am a huge fan of anything fries with cheese on top.
Sunny
I've always wanted to take a cruise to Alaska, and I'm pretty sure this has me convinced! It looks so pretty inside and I bet that food is delicious!
Debra
Alaska is a dream trip of mine! I love all that Holland American Westerdam offers - look at your photos! Okay, someone twist my arm and I'll head to Alaska! 🙂
Nicci
What a lovely cruise ship! I've never been on a cruise before, and those pictures inspire me to go. Hopefully some day I can travel like you.
Danielle H
What an amazing experience. I totally woulda find a hiding spot with you and cruised into the sunset!
kristin
Living on the west coast I totally want to do one of these cruises. Great coverage here, looks like a place I'd like to spend my vacation.
Tammilee
Kristin, We really want to do another Alaska cruise this year. The scenery is just so amazing. Such a benefit for living on the West Coast.
Becca Wilson
That food looks so good! It looks like a great place to have a good time and amazing food.
Nancy
Looks like a perfect vacation! OMG, good food, great views, nice digs--what more can you ask for?
susan
What an amazing place! My husband and I would love to take this trip one day... And the food looks amazing too, mmm....
Felissa
That's a really nice cake! I love all the different drinks offered!
Laura H
What a great experience. I have not been on a cruise but going this October. I love how stylish and elegant the Holland American Boat looks. The selection of food is amazing. Your photos are wonderful. I would love to to experience this face to face. 🙂
Shauna
Oh my goodness, how fabulous. Now this is one cruise I would love to go on. Thanks so much for sharing.
Marcie W.
We have cruised a few times in the past but never with Holland America. This ship is stunning and the food seems over the top good!
Tammilee
Marcie, Isn't cruising the best! We keep talking about how we need to get back on a ship and see more of the world.
Allie D.
This place looks awesome! I would love to go there to try out all the food and drinks!
Tammilee
Allie,
Oh my gosh so many food and drink options. I think you could try something new every meal and still not try it all.
Dawn
Now THAT'S a hotel! I'd love to chill out there for a solid week!
Tammilee
Dawn, that is exactly what I was thinking!
Amy
This place looks so amazing! I'd really love to visit and try those Nathan's Hot Dogs!
Tammilee
Amy, The hot dogs looked amazing. So many different varieties. I think you could have a different one every day of the cruise.
Robin (Masshole Mommy)
What an amazing experience. All that food looks amazing.
Tammilee
I don't think you would run out of food to try in a week on the ship. It all looked so good.