VEENDAM, Feb. 5th “HELL” week

[sail7seas]

ekerr.....

 

 

Every time I read that expression, I keep thinking he's telling us we are suicidal or should be. :eek: Didn't Jim Jones poison his community by putting something deadly in their Kool Aid??? :(

[ekerr19]

ekerr.....

 

 

Every time I read that expression, I keep thinking he's telling us we are suicidal or should be. :eek: Didn't Jim Jones poison his community by putting something deadly in their Kool Aid??? :(

 

Sail -

 

LOL! That's what I was thinking too, but couldn't quite make the connection between that and the HAL boards... :eek:

 

I guess we're all just crazy for liking HAL... if that's the case, I guess I'm a HAL Kool Aid lover (although I never touch that stuff, yuk!)

[Orcrone]

I also didn't understand the HAL Kool-Aid lover comment. Personally, I prefer the iced tea.;)

[gaylenhazel]

To address the security. Of course they had it. Of course we went through it! It was "before" you boarded! No way did we get on before we were allowed. Can you do that? There were about 40 people in the security line before us. They went on the ship. Yes, we saw a photographer. They were also outside the ship on the gangway.

 

One great thing on the Veendam was the heated pool. Although it was closed at 7 p.m. each night. On the 6th day I was sitting there and saw a child in a diaper in the pool. Here we have Norwalk and a Mom has her 2 year old in the pool with a diaper on. The rule board clearly states not to do this. I watched as 2 waitress's patted her on the head and ohh and ahhed over her. She was on the side of the pool then. No one said anything to the Mom about her being in the pool. I watched for about 30 minutes then mentioned it to a staff member. He told me he was "food staff". I would have to find a "pool" staff if I wished to express my concern. I never got in the pool again. Ick.

 

To be fair... we liked the casino, the Pinnacle, and the comfy beds. Not all the cruise was a loss. We were just very unhappy with the staff.

 

We were in cabin 175 on the 9th floor. Wow it was hot! I see someone on a previous post was in 168. Was your room hot? Did you have Heru as your steward?

[ekerr19]

I think the comment about Security was referring to the man who takes your ID card and scans it, showing that you are onboard... that is usually the area where the staff are waiting to welcome the pax.

 

We always get asked the kids ages by the Club HAL staff and we get an offer to be escorted to the Lido or cabin, depending on which cabin we've booked.

[Ziggy7]

Well I for one drink Crystal Lite and if you think HAL is the only cruiseline with problems on board, perhaps you should cruise other lines. I could tell you some big problems on the Royal Caribbean line but I wont. It is not fun paying alot of money and having alot of problems, we made the best out of our cruise and complained to the cruiselines, not on a message board because we know not everyone on board had the same problems as we did on Royal Caribbean. So why not complain to HAL and let them know about your disgruntlement, nothing will change if you dont report it to headquarters :)

[schack2]

To address the security. Of course they had it. Of course we went through it! It was "before" you boarded! No way did we get on before we were allowed. Can you do that? There were about 40 people in the security line before us. They went on the ship. Yes, we saw a photographer. They were also outside the ship on the gangway.

 

One great thing on the Veendam was the heated pool. Although it was closed at 7 p.m. each night. On the 6th day I was sitting there and saw a child in a diaper in the pool. Here we have Norwalk and a Mom has her 2 year old in the pool with a diaper on. The rule board clearly states not to do this. I watched as 2 waitress's patted her on the head and ohh and ahhed over her. She was on the side of the pool then. No one said anything to the Mom about her being in the pool. I watched for about 30 minutes then mentioned it to a staff member. He told me he was "food staff". I would have to find a "pool" staff if I wished to express my concern. I never got in the pool again. Ick.

 

To be fair... we liked the casino, the Pinnacle, and the comfy beds. Not all the cruise was a loss. We were just very unhappy with the staff.

 

We were in cabin 175 on the 9th floor. Wow it was hot! I see someone on a previous post was in 168. Was your room hot? Did you have Heru as your steward?

 

We were in Cabin 169 down the hall from 175 and No it was cold in our room. Heru was our steward and he was fantastic to us. Honored every request and kept the cabin spotless. We even tipped him extra for the special service.

[obriendan]

Unfortunately, I think it a reference to the very sad mass suicide that Jim Jones promoted in Jonestown when the cult members were talked into drinking cyanide laced Kool Aid. Oops, didn't see the earlier post!

[bookworm0911]

'Kool Aid Drinkers' of course refers to cult behavior or believing and defending something no matter that common sense or fact says otherwise. It's a very common expression since Jim Jones, though doesn't really mean suicide anymore.

 

Dictionary definition:

 

drink the Kool-Aid v. To become a firm believer in something; to accept an argument or philosophy wholeheartedly or blindly.

[RichardK]

'Kool Aid Drinkers' of course refers to cult behavior or believing and defending something no matter that common sense or fact says otherwise. It's a very common expression since Jim Jones, though doesn't really mean suicide anymore.

 

Dictionary definition:

 

drink the Kool-Aid v. To become a firm believer in something; to accept an argument or philosophy wholeheartedly or blindly.

 

 

You mean, like some very, very loyal HAL followers believing that HAL can't do anything but "crap ice cream"?

[Quo Vadis?]

We were on the Veendam while it was in the news... Jan 15..to the 29th.

 

Despite the Norwalk, despite an overworked staff, despite rainy weather, despite an engine problem, missed ports etc.. we enjoyed the Veendam and will be sailing her again in November. The corridor outside our cabin got noisy at times but the beds were so comfortable, the cabin larger than on comparable ships (never been in a suite) that we were pleased with the ship.

 

We have cruised more with Celebrity than HAL, but I don't think that there is any other ship in her size and age that would give a better cruise. The ship was clean, a little worn, but a visual delight no matter where you looked. We went from the Veendam to the Zenith and can compare the two... but both are miles ahead of the experience that the Sun Princess provided in October..

 

I just mentioned the three lines with ships available in the same price/age category.

 

There are individual problems on every cruise and I can find fault on every cruise I've taken... but I'd rather be on any one of them while complaining than at home dreaming of the sea....

[bookworm0911]

You mean, like some very, very loyal HAL followers believing that HAL can't do anything but "crap ice cream"?

LOL. I was simply providing the definition as the poster who initially used the term meant it. Several posters didn't get the connection to HAL loyalists. I made no commentary on its validity. :eek:

[heyabbott]

You mean, like some very, very loyal HAL followers believing that HAL can't do anything but "crap ice cream"?

 

bingo

[xpcdoojk]

ekerr.....

 

 

Every time I read that expression, I keep thinking he's telling us we are suicidal or should be. :eek: Didn't Jim Jones poison his community by putting something deadly in their Kool Aid??? :(

 

I think the group that went to join the comet a few years ago, drank grape koolaid when they committed suicide, too.

 

When someone calls you a koolaid drinker they mean to imply that you are a brainwashed fool, and would do anything that HAL would ask of you, including killing yourself. It really is a pathetic point. I have been accused of being a koolaid drinker for HAL and I have not yet been on my first HAL cruise. I have been on several lines and they have all been great. Some better than others, but I have yet to be on a bad cruise, and I think so many people need to trash your choices, and the hubbub and attention that gains them. Most of the people who post negative reviews, like referring to it as the cruise from H*ll, have unrealistic expectations or lack the ability to handle a problem in a mature manner. IE they go ballistic on the crew and then wonder why the crew doesn't respond the way the want or they simply fail to seek resolution because they don't handle negative interactions well. JMHO.

 

jc

[Webguy]

We were on the Veendam this past week as well. We have cruised with HAL before and noted that several things had changed since the last time we cruised with them.

 

The coke card mentioned before was a nightmare. Everytime one asked a "wine" waiter it was as if they didn't really want to get it for you.

 

When we boarded (S class) we also did not see any personnel except for photographers. We went up to the Lido to eat and spend time. We boarded early as well.

 

Service in the dining room was not up to standard while the Pinnacle was exceptional.

 

We knew when booking the cruise that it stopped in Guatamala. What we did not know was that there were State Department travel advisories recommending one didn't go there. Wonder why HAL still does.

 

We will not go another HAL again as well.

[dakrewser]

We were on the Veendam this past week as well. We have cruised with HAL before and noted that several things had changed since the last time we cruised with them.

 

How long ago was that?

 

The coke card mentioned before was a nightmare. Everytime one asked a "wine" waiter it was as if they didn't really want to get it for you.

But did they get it? Did you mention this to anyone in a supervisory capacity? If so, what was their response?

 

 

When we boarded (S class) we also did not see any personnel except for photographers. We went up to the Lido to eat and spend time. We boarded early as well.

 

Are you saying that you did not need to "card in" (as you do after returning to the shp in port) at the top of the gangway??

 

Service in the dining room was not up to standard while the Pinnacle was exceptional.

 

Which seating, what size table and any specifics of the changes?

 

We knew when booking the cruise that it stopped in Guatamala. What we did not know was that there were State Department travel advisories recommending one didn't go there. Wonder why HAL still does.

Cruise ships stop lots of places that the state dept. has warnings about. I think for State it's like those disclaimers vendors put on their products - e.g., use at your own risk!:rolleyes:

 

We will not go another HAL again as well.

 

Who will you choose instead?

[Pudgesmom]

gaylenhazel,

 

Thank you for posting your opinions on your recent cruise, and also thank you for coming back to clarify some questions and points of interest.

 

My opinion is that many of the experienced HAL cruisers here have cruised so many times that they forget how much they instinctively know. While they provide excellent information for pre-cruiser questions, they tend to be a little arrogant with after-the-fact complaints. In their defense, you did title your thread "the cruise from Hell," and only later did we find out that there were a few things that you did like about your cruise. Remember, its difficult to read someone's "tone" even with the little smiles (or frowns) :p

 

Anyway, thanks again for taking the time to post your review.

 

Beth

[adamsmark]

After reading this thread (and others) I can't imagine why anyone would bother to post a review on this message board with any negatives in it. Who needs every sentence parsed, the 3rd degree over every statement even mildly critical, much less be called a liar in so many words for a major complaint. Who needs this? Kool Aid Drinkers indeed. :(

[jhannah]

I believe Beth made the point well. The title of the thread appeared to be more serious than the reported issues. I have experienced some negatives while on HAL cruises (and others as well) and have freely reported them. Inconveniences and maintenance issues are going to happen. But these things, in my experience at least, don't make for a cruise from hell. Maybe my expectations aren't high enough ... but I've never had a bad cruise experience regardless of the areas of service that came up short.

[Webguy]

How long ago was that?

 

Probably about 8 years ago.

 

But did they get it? Did you mention this to anyone in a supervisory capacity? If so, what was their response?

 

I do not think they did and yes I did mention it.

 

 

Are you saying that you did not need to "card in" (as you do after returning to the shp in port) at the top of the gangway??

 

No, I didn't. One needed to card in and out.

 

 

Which seating, what size table and any specifics of the changes?

1st 8 at the table. Just the kind o service we remember.

 

 

Who will you choose instead?

 

Don't know yet. We will do some research.

[cruzingqueen]

I'm glad you asked because I've been on just as many "dam" cruises as you and I've never had kool-aid on HAL. (Maybe 1 or 2 other beverages, but definitely no kool-aid). Please explain someone....

[sail7seas]

You may wish to reread this thread.

 

 

The Kool-Aid reference has been explained in great detail herein.

[oliviaonthe beach]

I am fairly new to the board but I am pretty sure the koolaid drinker comments refer to the loyalty of HAL people to the line; so much so they would drink the "koolaid" which in actuality is poison: remember Jim Jones!

Am I correct and if so what is the prize?????

[heyabbott]

I am fairly new to the board but I am pretty sure the koolaid drinker comments refer to the loyalty of HAL people to the line; so much so they would drink the "koolaid" which in actuality is poison: remember Jim Jones!

Am I correct and if so what is the prize?????

 

You are right, but the winner posted a couple of hours ago.

 

As someone who is booked on their 1st sea cruise on HAL in 33 days, or so, it better be like Disney meets Caligula.

bookworm0911'Kool Aid Drinkers' of course refers to cult behavior or believing and defending something no matter that common sense or fact says otherwise. It's a very common expression since Jim Jones, though doesn't really mean suicide anymore.

 

Dictionary definition:

 

drink the Kool-Aid v. To become a firm believer in something; to accept an argument or philosophy wholeheartedly or blindly.

[Peggy Tuten]

I enjoyed the 5 Feb cruise very much and found the Veendam to be beautiful. There were a few glitches, but nothing serious. Boarding was a bit of a problem. There were 4 of us in a deluxe suite. I dropped the other 3 off and returned our car to the airport. When I arrived back and checked in I was told I could board immediately. Not so for the other 3. They were given a number and had to wait about 45 minutes. Cabins weren't ready until about 2, but we had no problems finding the Lido deck. We also encountered some problems in our suite, but not as serious. Obviously there was a leak and part of the carpet was damp and smelled. There was also a terrible odor on the veranduh mid-week. We reported to Janet, our concierge and all was taken care of. Cabin staff and dining room staff were all very friendly and patient given the precautions taken for the Norwalk. Food was very good, but I wouldn't call it terrific. Embarkation was a breeze.

 

As for excursions, 2 of us did the cave tubing in Belize - great fun.

 

We did the Rio Dulce by land in Guatemala. Enjoyed very much, but would have appreciated more detailed information. There is a two hour stop at a resort hotel. Very lovely, but 1/2 hour would have been enough for some of our party. There was an optional boat excursion ($ 10) that went up to a Spanish Fort. I did it and enjoyed very much, but the boats were very difficult for many less agile passengers to get into. Guatemala was really beautiful.

 

We did the Tulum tour in Cozemel. Beautiful site, but the tour guide had us stop at a rest (gift shop) stop along the way that ate into our time. At the site, he had a photographer lined up to take photos, and at the end, pitched us the Mayan calendar. Spent way too much time trying to sell us stuff with the result that we weren't able to see all of the site before they closed at 5.

 

I don't cruise much and this was my first Holland America cruise. It probably wouldn't be my first choice for another cruise. I did a Princess cruise two years ago and thought the entertainment was better and there was more diversity in ages. Other than that, not much difference except for the size of the ship.

 

But, I've been reading this board since I booked this cruise and I REALLY appreciate all of the advice given.