Safe and Secure: HAL’s ms Westerdam Receives Coveted Health Rating

We often boast about the world-class service and luxury accommodations of Holland America Line. They are one of our most trusted travel partners, and always impress us with their commitment to making every cruise vacation the best it can be.

Our staff members are currently sailing on HAL's ms Westerdam on the In Touch Ministries/Gospel Music Celebration Alaska cruise with Dr. Charles Stanley. Our team just reported back to us that the captain made a big announcement to the entire ship. It turns out the ms Westerdam had just received one of the rarest and most highly coveted awards in the cruise industry: a 100% rating from the U.S. Department of Public Health (USDPH) and Centers for Disease Control.

This rating was given after the ms Westerdam’s semi-annual inspection, which reviews food and beverage service, housekeeping, water quality, medical facilities, and record-keeping throughout the ship. The USDPH has a reputation throughout the cruise industry for being very strict in its reviews. Ratings of 100% are few and far between.

We are thrilled for Holland America Line, and especially happy that this rating was awarded to a ship on which we often sail. The In Touch Ministries|Gospel Music Celebration cruise is our fourth this year on the Westerdam, and we have seven cruises scheduled on this ship for 2015.

When it comes to Christian travel, we always seek the very best for our passengers. This impressive designation confirms our belief that HAL is one of the best cruise lines available today—from service and accommodations to sanitation and safety.