Goodbye to the Westerdam

Mermaid · #1 (**permalink**) March 12th, 2002, 06:58 AM

"TOT ZIENS! That's Dutch for so long, farewell and goodbye -- in any language an appropriate send-off for the Westerdam, which left the HAL fleet for sister line Costa Cruises March 10. The Westerdam began life at sea as the former Home Lines' Homeric in 1986 and entered service with HAL in 1988. The Westerdam's final cruise under the HAL flag was an eight-day eastern Caribbean
jaunt -- its 643rd voyage for the line. The 1,494-passenger ship, to be renamed the CostaEuropa after what is being termed by Costa a "modest refurbishment," will debut in its new persona April 27 in Europe on a 12-day Greek Isles cruise."

pamda · #2 (**permalink**) March 12th, 2002, 07:51 AM

Now that's a "loaded" photo ... We've sailed Westerdam and I used to have clients in the WTC. All gone, now.

CruiseAholic · #3 (**permalink**) March 12th, 2002, 07:57 AM

Great photo ! Sailed on the Westerdam and absolutely loved her.

#4 (**permalink**) March 12th, 2002, 10:08 AM

Sounds like Costa is doing minor refurbishments or maybe a few cosmetic changes before she gets the yellow funnel. I hope they don't ruin a great liner.( it will never have the same class of service as she had in her previous lives at Home Lines, and Holland America.)

sail7seas · #5 (**permalink**) March 12th, 2002, 10:57 AM

Wishing her many more "happy landings".

#6 (**permalink**) March 12th, 2002, 12:23 PM

We sailed on her second sailing as the Homeric. Went through a tropical depression on our way to Bermuda. Chuck and I were among the few who survived without turning green. It was probably my favorite cruise ever. Never could bring myself to sail on her after the stretch job. At least she's going back to the Italians.