A few weeks ago we had the chance to tour the Holland America Westerdam while it was docked in Seattle before setting sail for Alaska. It was our first time aboard a Holland America ship, and we came away impressed—definitely not our last cruise with them.
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Tour of the Holland America Westerdam
We love cruising. Our passion began with a Mediterranean cruise for our honeymoon and has since taken us through the Panama Canal, the Baltic Sea, the Caribbean, and Alaska. Cruises let you visit multiple destinations in one trip, and when we were invited to tour the Westerdam, we enthusiastically accepted.
We’d heard wonderful things about Holland America, so we drove to Seattle for an overnight visit with family before the event. The program included a guided ship tour, a mini-concert by the B.B. King All-Star Band from Memphis, and a delicious onboard lunch.
Seattle treated us to a beautiful day as we boarded the Westerdam. I admit I had fleeting thoughts about stowing away and sailing to Alaska—spending only a few hours on the ship made those daydreams all the more tempting.
The event began in the B.B. King Blues Club, where the All-Star Band delivered an energetic mini-concert. The atmosphere was lively and fun—we were all tapping our feet and enjoying the music.
The club boasts an impressive cocktail menu. We sampled a few drinks and found them thoughtfully crafted and tasty—perfect for an evening of live music.
After the performance and a brief introduction from Holland America’s new president, our guided tour of the ship began.
One standout feature is the Lido deck pool, which has a retractable roof. That flexibility is ideal for Alaskan itineraries—sunny skies paired with cool temperatures. I kept picturing soaking in a hot tub, watching glaciers drift by—what a view.
Holland America partners with local breweries and wineries, and during our visit we saw a selection from Alaska Brewing Company. It’s great to know the ship highlights regional producers and brings fresh local flavors onboard.
Dive at the Terrace, inspired by Guy Fieri, serves customizable burgers, Nathan’s hot dogs, and tempting sides. You place your order, receive a pager, and pick up your food when it’s ready. The cheese fries especially caught our attention—decadent and hard to resist.
Several dining rooms offer spectacular views. One overlooks the Seattle skyline and gives diners a wide panorama that would be lovely for morning coffee or an evening meal while watching the horizon for whales or glaciers on an Alaska voyage.
The back deck was arranged for a sail-away celebration, complete with a generous wine selection and an exceptional view of the city. As we departed, Mount Rainier appeared through the clouds—an unforgettable sight. For those who grew up in the area, that skyline never gets old, and sharing it with a glass of wine makes the moment special.
Lunch was served in the elegant Vista dining room, where we enjoyed a thoughtfully prepared meal with sweeping views of Puget Sound. The setting felt both refined and comfortable—perfect for a relaxed midday meal.
Holland America operates a robust Alaska program from Seattle. This year the Westerdam alone supports dozens of round-trip departures from the city. The ship’s provisioning highlights a commitment to local sourcing: each week it may use tens of thousands of eggs, hundreds of gallons of milk, and hundreds of thousands of pounds of fresh produce sourced from Washington farmers and growers. It’s reassuring to see a cruise line supporting regional suppliers and serving fresh ingredients.
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