Vunderful Veendam

[wbrumel]

Just returning from a 7 day Bermuda cruise aboard the Veendam out of NYC which departed May 29th and this experienced cruiser had not a single complaint. The ship, small by today’s standards, is beautifully maintained by a happy, courteous and efficient crew. It hardly looks its age (with the exception of some exterior leaks and rust spots). The interior showed no signs of age, however, nor does she seem in any way outdated. Overall, she was comfortable and convenient and I would not hesitate to return to sail aboard her again. Never waited on any long lines for anything and was always able to get a seat wherever we wanted to be.

Embarkation was a breeze. We used a car service to drop us off at the pier a little after noon and we were in our cabins less than 30 minutes later. Luggage arrived promptly.

Frankly, we experienced none of the issues often cited on this board: our air conditioning (aft facing cabin cat A, 076) worked efficiently. Although our bathroom sink gurgled, it did not affect its operation and we did not hear it from without. We experienced no overhead noise from the lido deck above. In fact, the only thing interfering with our perfectly wonderful balcony time (the verandah of this cabin is twice the size of others... we had our steward add another lounger ... basically making our own retreat), was the cigar smoker next door. We had to force ourselves to leave the verandah... it was just so relaxing to hear the sounds of the sea as we made a wake.

Of course, our experience was tempered by the absolutely glorious weather and seas we had ... barely felt the ship moving and a high around 80 and sunny each day. Perfect. We skipped St George and docked in Hamilton the entire time, which suited us just fine. HAL gave us free vouchers for ferry/bus service. Never used it as we spent our days at Chaplin Bay and The Swizzle. Don’t miss either.

Internet service was slow and expensive. Hint: log on either early in the morning or late (after 10) at night and the access speed is significantly faster; it’s obviously affected by volume.

The dinners, I thought were excellent (had fixed late seating with a table for 4 with our “kids”, also with an aft view); the service was very good, esp from Neil, our sommelier. Never ate dinner anywhere but MDR bec we were so satisfied with the food/service/table there.

Overall, a great week aboard a wonderful ship. So sorry to see it come to an end.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Glad you had a wonderful time and the ship is in great shape.

That was nice that HAL gave you all free vouchers for the buses/ferry.

[Alzarine]

Great to read of your terrific week on the Veendam.

 

Hope ours is as "Vunderful" on a mid July sailing. :) Thanks for taking the time to let us know how much you enjoyed it.

[catl331]

Thanks for the review ... we can't wait for our turn. :)

 

We skipped St George and docked in Hamilton the entire time, which suited us just fine.

Did they give you a reason for this? Was it too bad wind/water conditions to tender, or was there another reason? Thanks.

[Rosethorn40]

So nice to read a positive review about this cruise. It's high on mine and DH To Do list, and I was beginning to wonder if anyone had something good to say. :)

[schoolinmy3]

Thanks for the positive comments! Getting on tomorrow and can't wait! Introducing two sets of friends to HAL and cruising so I am hoping this week's cruise is as fantastic as yours apparently was. In any case we'll have fun.:D

My son (age 18) and his friends are looking forward to scuba diving with Jessie James and my daughter (age 11) and I are going horseback riding on the beach. Although that is her idea, not mine but it should be fun. Thinking positive here.;)

Diane

[kazu]

Thanks for your interesting review. Nice that you got a lounger;)

 

Great to hear that everything was vonderful:D

[Himself]

The VEENDAM is the newest of the S Class ships and came on line in 1996. I sailed her in the late 1990s and early 2000's and always found her as you describe. I am glad you enjoyed her.

 

A little background. HAL was to have three "S" class ships. The Statendam came on line in early 1993 and the Maasdam came on later that year. The Ryndam came on line in 1994 and those three ships went over so well that HAL built a fouth one the VEENDAM which came on line in June or July of 1996. They were followed by the four R Class which came on line between 1997 and 2000. Beginning in 2003 they started with the four Vista Class ships and then the two Signature Class ships.

 

Himself

[Guest LoveMyBoxer]

So nice to read a positive review about this cruise. It's high on mine and DH To Do list, and I was beginning to wonder if anyone had something good to say. :)

 

We sailed last year and had a great review. So much so, that we are doing the cruise again the same week in the same cabin! Veendam is a great "old" ship and I wish we had more like her sailing!

[erewhon]

wbrumel,

 

Thank you for the positive report of your cruise.

[3rdGenCunarder]

Thanks for the positive comments! Getting on tomorrow and can't wait! Introducing two sets of friends to HAL and cruising so I am hoping this week's cruise is as fantastic as yours apparently was. In any case we'll have fun.:D

My son (age 18) and his friends are looking forward to scuba diving with Jessie James and my daughter (age 11) and I are going horseback riding on the beach. Although that is her idea, not mine but it should be fun. Thinking positive here.;)

Diane

 

I assume you're riding with Spicelands? You'll be fine, even if you're not an experienced rider. They are very safety conscious, and their horses are good. I've done the early morning beach ride twice. Still have the t-shirt!

[earlbird]

It is great to hear a positive review about the Veendam. We will be sailing on June 19, and we were starting to get concerned about the reviews of this ship.

We have been aboard the Noordam twice and the Maasdam once, and are looking forward to Bermuda on the Veendam.

[schoolinmy3]

I assume you're riding with Spicelands? You'll be fine, even if you're not an experienced rider. They are very safety conscious, and their horses are good. I've done the early morning beach ride twice. Still have the t-shirt!

 

Yes, we booked with Spicelands. They are sending a taxi out at 6:15 a.m. to meet us at the Veendam on wednesday so we can have the early morning beach ride. DD is too excited to sleep! We have a short flight in the morning so we will be aboard by noon.

Diane

[Beamer40]

Thanks for your great replay. We just booked the July 31 Veendam cruise and I am wondering what service you used from the NYairport to the port and what the cost would be? We are flying into Laguardia. I understand HAL has transfers and didn't know how taxis or other transportation compared?

 

Also could you tell me what experiences you had at Chaplin Bay and the Swizzle. We have done longer cruises to Europe but have never been to Bermuda.

 

Thanks for you help.

[sevenseasnomad]

Thanks for the "vunderful" review. Isn't it the "pits" having to return to reality? We're looking forward to our Veendam cruise in July and hope everything goes as well as on your cruise. Second time for us to Bermuda. Our first was fabulous. We're hoping to top it with Holland America. Have not been disappointed in either their service or their ships, so it's looking good.

[catl331]

... what service you used from the NYairport to the port and what the cost would be? We are flying into Laguardia. I understand HAL has transfers and didn't know how taxis or other transportation compared?

HAL transfers are $34 per adult, $24 per child. A taxi for two will run about $30 plus tip. You can also pre-book group vans for about $13>14 pp. They make many stops, and unless you are lucky enough to be one of the first off they take far longer than a taxi.

[wbrumel]

Beamer 40, my car service took me from central NJ, so sorry but I can't help altho I see others had the info you needed.

 

AND... as if this perfect cruise couldn't get better, I was dealt four 5's at Carib poker in the casino tonight and won $700!! Paid off our onboard account and going home with $$. Life is good on the Veendam. So sorry to be getting off tomorrow morning. PS: they told us that since there are so many ships in port tomorrow, we will be arriving extra early and everyone will be off no later than 9:15.