A quick way to read this review:
Find the heading and skip to the bottom where you will find a letter grade for the service/experience on this Holland America Ship.
WHY THE WESTERDAM?
It appears that the Westerdam has gone through a recent upgrade. Our cabin was smaller than a hotel room, but since you don't spend much time there, that is hardly a problem. There were two single beds that the room stewards put together as a queen sized bed on the first night by request. The head has a toilet, bathtub, sink, and shower. There was a 3-shelved medicine cabinet for storage. The balcony was a bit bigger than I expected.
The suite includes 2 end tables with two drawers for storage, bed with able storage for suitcases below, love seat with small table, desk with small refrigerator and two more small shelves. One includes a hair dryer for your use. The room stewards automatically clean twice a day and replace towels during those two visits.
Holland America visits Haines in lieu of Skagway every other week. There are numerous museums, shops, and places of interest. You will be told that the bus pickups are every 15 minutes. Don't depend on it as the drivers don't seem to care for schedules as they chat with riders at the expense of those waiting along the route. This is a laid back town so don't be in a hurry. We waited for 45 minutes and gave up, walking back to the ship. It was a rare hot day so we didn't venture back into town after lunch.
Did have a sample at the local craft brewery, but the imperial stout surprisingly had no "nose" and the taste was unusually understated. It was probably the last of their supply as this type of craft beer is usually a winter offering. That said, they did themselves and their guests a disservice by pouring it. Next time, we'll take a shuttle to Skagway if Haines is on the docket.