Cruising in the Far East with HAL: Friendliest Dam Ships

Special by  Dennis Cox

ABOARD the WESTERDAM – The officers, staff and crew of all of the Holland America ships that I’ve been on take pride in claiming to be “the friendliest ship in the Holland America fleet.” Everyone working on board is expected to greet passengers with a hearty hello or good morning and in my opinion the cordiality is genuine in nearly all cases.

Over the course of this cruise I’ve put together a group portrait of the friendly and talented individuals aboard the Westerdam who make cruising with HAL a pleasure. Above, the leaders of the Westerdam, Captain Mark Rowden, center from UK, Staff Captain Samuel Hawkins, left from Australia, and Hotel Director Colin Jacob, right from Mauritius.

Photos © Dennis Cox / WorldViews, All Rights Reserved