Any Veendam questions?

[sandiego1]

Just back from 7 day Western Carib cruise on Veendam. If anyone has specific questions about the ship or ports, please post here and I'll try to answer all of them.

[Juanita462]

Yes, please tell me about the food on the Veendam - we are sailing on her next month. Our last cruise was on the Statendam and the food was not very good and the service in the dining room was deplorable. We had one waiter taking care of 22 people and an assistant who was only there a quarter of the time so I don't blame them.

 

Also, did they have the "Dam Dollar" program in place? That was so much fun and really made the cruise for us. Also we made so many friends among the people who joined the program.

Thanks!

[Vaca2006]

I'm taking that cruise on April 8; it will be my first. What excursions did you take? Do you remember whether HAL offered excursions on board that weren't available on the web site?

 

The new Exploration Lounge Powered by NYT or whatever it's called, how was that? Does it stay open all night?

 

Did you happen to use the wireless internet?

 

Thanks for offering answers.

 

Lee

[david59]

I know that HAL does not offer the soda card in advance of embarkation. But do they offer it and any beer packages once you get aboard?Did you port at Costa Maya? If so did you take any excursions? I am interested because my DW and I have booked an independant Mayan Ruin excursion and I am worried about the timing after the Veendam docks.Hope you cruise was nice. This is our second HAL cruise and are so excited about it. Only 21 days!

[Wraith24]

Yes! we are leaving on March 18th and could you please give us some info on how the criuse went in general and about Costa Maya. Thanks

[flashdog_1]

What did you do in Guatemala?

[mhurdle127]

1. Name of captain

2. Name of cruise director

3. Entertainment groups (e.g. in Ocean Bar, Explorers Lounge, Piano Bar, etc)

4. Do they still do the Baked Alaska?

5. What order are the formal/semi-formal/casual nights?

 

Thanks!

[Darrell6t]

The Veendam has the Dam Dollars program, though I did not participate.

 

The food in the dining room was OK. Compared to the Prinsendam this summer, it was not as good. I did not order anything I would call bad, but several people sent their dinners back. One seafood pasta dish got very bad reviews at my table. The service, however, was excellent. Our waiter Ono and assistant Karna were excellent. My major complain was how dark it was in the center of the downstairs dining room, where we sat.

[Darrell6t]

1. James Russell-Dunford

2. Thom Faulkner

3. Joy in the Crow's Nest

Soko in the Ocean Bar

4. They still do the Backed Alaska parade

5. Formal nights were Monday and Thursday

[mhurdle127]

Thank you Darrel6t. I had heard that there was a Phillipine trio that played in the Ocean Bar lounge - seems they had a different name. Also do you know which night is the semi-formal night? According to the packet we just got, there are 2 formals, 1 semi-formal and 4 casuals.

[Darrell6t]

The band in the Ocean Bar was from Ukraine.

Many people at the first seating ignored the informal evening. I forget which night it was. Probably Wednesday.

[I Luv Crusin]

1) Did you do any of the cooking classes? If so, how and when did you sign up. How many were offered and what did they teach? What did they teach and was it still 29.00 per person.

 

2) Is there a laundry "package" for a fixed fee? On what day?

 

3) Did you eat in the Pinnacle? How was it?

 

4) Average age of passengers?

 

5) Were there any areas on the ship that were smoky?

 

6) How much is the internet and is there wi-fi?

 

Thanks!

 

Departing 4/1/06

[Darrell6t]

1. There were two classes offered, but I don't know anything else.

2. They had the deal of $12 for one filled bag. Don't know about any others. I never do any laundry on a 7-day cruise.

3. No. I generally do not enjoy the Pinnacle. The menu is too limited.

4. Maybe 55-60. We only had a handful of children, but we were told there were nearly 200 children on some weeks.

5. I never noticed much smoke anywhere, not even the casino.

6. The internet is too expensive for me. Don't remember the details.

[sandiego1]

OK here goes...

 

- food was good, not great. Presentation was excellent. Some of the desserts were truly beautiful. I even took a picture of 1 of them (white chocolate in the shape of a chef's hat w/ the name of the master chef on it and filled w/ choc mousse - yum!) Dinner portions in the dining room were modest. I thought that was good because I also enjoyed the multiple courses. Couldn't have done that if the main entree was huge. I was NEVER hungry. Lunch in the Lido didn't vary much. They always had an Asian stir fry (slight variation each day) and 2 or 3 different pasta/sauce. Got a little tiring at the end of the wk. Also had salad stuff, fruit, sandwiches, etc.

- our waiter and ass't waiter were ok. They did make a point of addressing us by our 1st names each night and they were friendly. However, I drink a lot of water (really no other beverages) and my pet peeve is an empty water glass. I had to ask a lot for a refill. If they had filled my glass more often I would have liked the service a bit more.

- Dam dollars - saw something about them in the daily program, but didn't follow it.

- I did notice that the Amatique Resort excursion in Guatemala was listed in the brochure, but couldn't buy it on-line, only on the ship. I didn't notice any other variations.

- I do believe the internet access is available all night, but am not 100% certain. It's not in a separate room so the room can't be closed off. But perhaps they do turn off the computers if no one is on duty.

- I only used the internet to print my in-laws boarding passes (Southwest so it's important to check in as early as possible). I didn't bring my laptop so didn't do any wireless connection.

- Don't know about soda/beer packages. Did bring a few bottles of wine on board. Brought 2 to dining room and paid the $15 corkage fee.

 

more to come...

[sandiego1]

- Costa Maya - we did the ATV excursion. It was fun, but very delayed. There were 2 other ships in port and 1 arrived late. So the tour before us didn't complete on time. Our tour was delayed nearly an hr. When we initially arrived on the pier to meet the tour, there was another couple waiting that told us that they were told it would be 20 minutes late. Walked around, came back and still no sign of the tour operator. Eventually some one showed up and said it would be another 15 minutes. At that point, 2 couples backed out. We decided that it was too late to switch to another excursion so we waited and waited in the hot sun w/ no place to sit. The tour eventually left and it was pretty good. They immediately offered us cold water/soda. After a very brief lesson on how to operate the ATVs, we were off. I think the description had something about jungle roads or something like that. We basically followed a partially paved/mostly dirt road that ran parallel to the beach. The ATVs were in ok shape – pretty bald tires but we weren’t off-roading at all. My rear hand brake was broken but the foot brake worked. Hey – it’s Mexico. After about 30-40 minutes, we took a brief break and the tour guide gave us a little speech about the area etc. He seemed to be quite knowledgeable and answered all of our questions. Then back on the ATV for another 30 minutes or so. We stopped at one of the beach shacks for water and sodas (unlimited soft drinks incl, booze was extra). We spent about 30 minutes relaxing in chairs along the beach and I took a brief dip. The water wasn’t very clean at this part of the beach, but was very warm. Back on the ATVs to zip back to port. The port itself has numerous shops, but there is nothing else in walking distance. My in-laws took a bus/taxi to the beach and spent the afternoon there enjoying the sun and surf.

- In Belize we did the Lost World Canopy Tour. It was AWESOME! The folks on the zip line tour were extremely safety conscious. You were always connected to 2 zip lines or the safety line. You were never unhooked from the traverse lines until your safety line was connected. I was apprehensive about doing it, but saw some young kids finishing their tour when we got there and some 65++ on our tour waiting to do it. If they could do it, so could I! There was a rock climber on our tour and he stated that the equipment they used was all top notch (hearsay, can’t confirm the validity of this statement since I’ve never done it before). This was the highlight of the entire cruise. Just an amazing experience!! 2 complaints – was told the bus ride to the site was 1.25 hrs, but was really over 2. So we spent a total of 4 hrs in a bus w/ mediocre air conditioning. 2nd complaint –no food offered! We had to be in the departure lounge at 9:30AM and didn’t return until 5:05. We got water and drinks, but not a morsel of food. 7.5 hrs w/o anything to eat is way too long. We were told that we couldn’t bring any non-packaged food off the ship. But we smuggled sandwiches (ordered from room service the night before, put into Ziplocs and stored in the refrig). I know it was wrong, but I knew it would be a long day and I’d be very cranky w/o food. I also took packages of crackers and 2 individual boxes of Cheerios from the Lido in the morning. After the tour, everyone was starving. I was such a hero to some of the folks sitting near me when I produced all the crackers, etc. and gave them out. I did, however, keep the Baby Ruth bar for myself. One guy joked that he was going to start the bidding at $50 for the bar! Met the Captain at a few receptions and we talked about our various experiences. He mentioned that he wants to do that tour and hadn’t met anyone that had done it so he was very interested in our experiences. He said it was “barbaric” for HAL not to offer food for that long a tour. So perhaps that will change. The tour operator was “Bak A Bush”. You might be able to book them independently. But since it was such a long day, I was concerned about any possible delays (read about a flat tire and a 3 hr delay for someone on this web site). So we decided it was worth a little extra $$ to book directly through HAL to ensure that if we were delayed we wouldn’t miss the ship.

- Guatemala – only got off the ship for about 10-15 minutes to wander through the shopping stands set up along the pier. It’s a very ugly working port. My in-laws went early and enjoyed some music and dancing exhibitions and seemed to enjoy themselves. Husband refused to leave the ship. We weren’t interested in any of the excursions offered. I think HAL should skip this uninteresting port. The best thing about it was that when we set sail, about 50 taxis lines up on the pier. There was music playing, dancing and lots of horn blowing, etc. Thought that was nice and took a few pics.

[sandiego1]

- Didn’t do any of the cooking classes (not my forte!) and didn’t investigate the cost.

- We were in a suite so were fortunate to have laundry service included. The bags were very, very small. We sent out laundry 3 times. Normal service was out by 9AM, back by 5PM the next day. Expedited service (for an addt’l fee) was out by 9AM, back by 5PM on the same day. I didn’t pay attention to the prices.

- Didn’t eat in the Pinnacle but did hear from other cruisers that it was very nice. Supposedly they have excellent cuts of beef, but I was happy w/ the quality in the main dining room. I would imagine that service was top notch there as the room is very small and they probably have a higher waiter to table ratio (assumption only!)

- The avg age was at least 65. My 62 yo MIL and 65 yo FIL commented that they felt like the young ones on the ship. We were in the Crow’s Nest during the 20s/30s get together. There were 6 at the table. We saw 3 toddlers, 1 pre-teen and 1 teen age girl during the entire week. I did hear that the previous week (President’s holiday) there were 150 kids on the ship. Again, just hearsay, can’t really confirm. The Crow’s Nest was usually pretty dead by 11PM when we got there (we had the late dinner seating). One night it was 4 of us. There were more waiters and bartenders than guests! That said, we had a very good time and good conversations w/ some of the older guests. But I do think it would have been a little more fun if there were other people our age on the ship (early 40s)

- I’m very intolerant of smoke. The casino is a disaster for me. I could barely walk by it w/o coughing. Didn’t see too many people smoking at the pool thank goodness. There were a few, but I was able to avoid them. Of course the restaurants and shows are smoke free. Since the Crow’s Nest was so deserted, we could easily avoid the 1 or 2 smokers up there. Some of the bars were more smoky than others. I was disappointed one afternoon. Wanted to lie out on our beautiful deck, but couldn’t because, gag!!, someone nearby was smoking a cigar! I don’t know which cabin it was coming from, but it was truly awful. Missed a nice sunset because I couldn’t go out there ;-(

- Internet costs – didn’t check it until the last night. Then they ran a special – 15 minutes for $8.25. Think 30 minutes was $15. Or you could pay $.70 per minute. We did the 15 minute package and probably should have paid by the minute instead since we only used a few printing the boarding passes for the in-laws. Believe they had larger minute packages available earlier in the week, but didn’t want to use my vacation time surfing the net or reading my work email!

Hopefully I answered all the questions. I’ll check again in a few days to see if there are any more.

[Serangel71]

We were on the Veendam over Christmas 2005.

 

Belize - did El Castillo - if you are physically challenged, do not go as you have to walk a steep incline to get to the ruins. I had to stop but then the ruins I did climb - 130 feet up & down. My tour mates helped me on the ruins as there was very little to hang onto and a nice drop if you miss stepped. Great lunch. Loved the whole day - I was the talk of the ship for bravery. (scared to death of heights & broken elbow). Digital camera was great.

 

Kids did the World Canopy tour - they loved it!!! Want me to go next time. Like when I lose 100#'s. :D Breaking news flash - fat woman found submerged in jungle floorbed when zip line snaps from the extreme pressure.

 

Guatemala -- do not take the ruin tour into the jungle unless you have long pants & deet. And then you might get eaten up. Passengers came back with welts. No thanks. We just did the little flea market walkaround. The vendors will bargain. I think I should have gone to the beach with the Mayan Jade exhibit, just to see it (if I could walk). The Mayan store had a table at the flea market but prices were high. I bought some loose round beads to make something &&&& sat in whirlpool nursing every sore & tired muscle in my body & my elbow. Couldn't decide if I needed several marqarita's or a king sized ibupropen - pill won out.

 

Costa Maya - took an all day tour & we were the last ones back. It was to Kohlinich(SIC) almost to Belize. A great deal of ruins & masks with not a lot of climbing. Interesting thing here is the preservation is natural, no concrete holding the rocks together. Do not plan on shopping cause everything was closed when we got back & no stops alone the way. Good sightseeing & the ruins were fabulous!!! Kids also loved it. Did get some great local food, local beer & fantastic margaritas.

 

Food - some good some okay -- never complained, Pinnacle was good, but then I get the filet mignon. What torques me off there is you only can get 1 entree. (My sons are 6'2" & 6'6") In the dining room, you can get as many as you want. Please note that on the first night out, the Pinnacle was only $10.00 per person. I love the creme brulee there, too.

 

And,the only place afloat - fresh squeezed oj. Yummy.

 

Average age - per my 70 yr old husband -- bunch of old geezers. Our kids - early 20's - didn't bother them or me.

 

Great, enjoyable cruise & my youngest son got engaged. Despite having money to shop & bringing it back - :D All in all, pretty wonderful experience.

[Serangel71]

Ps forgot -- We were in Costa Maya on Christmas Day and being a cruise port -- everything looked to be open. We were also the only ship in. Felt pretty good.

 

Would love to win the lotto & invest in that area. It is going to be huge in the near future.

[Bay2Beach]

Hi-

Are both upper and lower dining rooms equally as nice or would being on one or the other be better? I think I would prefer upstairs but 5:45 is alittle early and 8:00 is too late.

Also- we are debating between a window cabin on the Lower Promanade or a balcony. Naturally the price of the balcony is much higher so I'm not sure if it would be worth the extra $550. I realize people are walking past your window on the Lower Promanade and I guess it could be noisy at night? We will be going at Thanksgiving (probably more kids around).

Thanks for your help!

[Easternfront]

My Wife and I have been traveling on Holland America for many years and we always really enjoy our experience onboard, it is why we have been on over 52 Holland America Cruises. We just disembarked the ms Veendam's March 4th western Caribbean sailing. Overall we had a great time. Our Cabin boy Mifta was exemplary, as well as our wait staff in the dining room and the bar waitress Jennifer in the Ocean bar. Holland has done a remarkable job upgrading the Veendam with new carpets, linens, matrices, refurbishing the lido, and creating great spaces like the Explorations Cafe. The collection of books is unrivaled by any other line. These types of improvements show to me that Holland America really cares about its product and it has a vision of where it is trying to go.

What I don't seem to understand is after spending all of this money why would they put such an untalented, unpersonable, uneducated Hack as Thom Falukner as Cruise Director. My first experience with Thom (pronounced Tom, I did not misspell his name) or should I say lack of experience was at the Suit Welcome party where he breezed in stood in the corner and ate snacks. He would continually look at his watch and after about 5 minutes he bolted out as a fellow suit guest was coming up to start a conversation. At this point I didn't really know who this person was. My next experience with Thom was on the first sea day, where I seemed to always be hearing his voice on the PA system. I believe he made around 10 announcements that day. We travel on Holland America for the peace and quite that is usually provided, very few children, few announcements, no crazy loud activities. I thought I would go talk to Thom in the evening as most cruise directors would be walking around the ship and highly visible. I spoke to a young man who I thought was Thom, but it turned out to be his assistant Gary. For most of the cruise we NEVER saw Thom, we just heard all of his obnoxious PA announcements. That man really likes the sound of his own voice. For such a visible position we NEVER SAW HIM. We just came off the Amsterdam where John Chalenger was Cruise Director and you always saw John walking around talking to guests, in the day time, in the evening, all of the time.

The only time you saw Thom was when he was onstage during show time. He is horrible onstage. He doesn't seem to ever know what he is saying. He constantly stumbles over his words. He was unsure of simple facts such as if the ship would be anchored or docked the next day. He has no energy, no life, no charisma. He is extremely pompous and arrogant. I know Holland has catered to an older cliental, but we are not dead. He just sounds stupid and insulting onstage. He obviously doesn't know where he is, he obviously doesn't know the product of Holland America, and he obviously should not be onboard.

[CJC]

What is the dress code in the main dining room the first night since this is sail away night? Is it casual or informal. Do you have to wear slacks? I would hope it was informal.

[Darrell6t]

I would pick the Main Deck over the Lower Promenade. The rooms are a bit bigger and the price is a bit lower. And you don't have people parading past your window, unless you enjoy the people watching.

[RuthC]

What is the dress code in the main dining room the first night since this is sail away night? Is it casual or informal. Do you have to wear slacks? I would hope it was informal.

The first night of every cruise is casual as it's possible that there hasn't been time to unpack and dress---especially for first sitting passengers.

Now about that do you "have to wear slacks". :confused: Oh, I just got it---as opposed to shorts? Yes, slacks. Shorts wouldn't reach the level of casual.

[sandiego1]

-upper vs. lower dining room - We had the 8PM seating (upper). We also were lucky to be invited to a dinner w/ the Chief Officer which was at 8:30 on the lower. The lower section appeared to be a little darker but other than that, I really didn't notice a difference. I think it's darker because the center section is 2 stories up (large staircases on both sides of the opening). So the lighting is coming down from the top of the upper section. ALong the sides (under the 2nd floor) it was a bit brighter.

 

- Promenade - my in-laws had a Promenade cabin. The windows are tinted so you really can't see in during the day unless you stood right up against the window and looked it w/ you hands next to your eyes blocking the sunlight. If it was night and the lights were on in the cabin w/ the curtains open, you could probably see in (didn't test this w/ my in-laws cabin). As far as noise, you are not allowed to run on the Promenade, only walking is allowed. I don't think it would be any more noisy than our cabin. We were on the Navigation deck and could hear the chairs being moved around on the Lido deck. Very annoying. The in-laws room was very small. Think the balcony room would be more spacious, but didn't see one so really can't compare for certain. In-laws did mention that they had a weird feeling when they were in bed one night during some rough weather. For all of their other cruises, their bed was against a side wall (as was ours). In this cabin, it was on the outer wall. So inside of being rocked from side to side, they were rocked from head to toe. It wasn't bad, just strange for them.

 

- dress code on 1st night - is casual. There's only 1 informal night (can't remember which one it was). I would recommend wearing anything but jeans and shorts. That's a little too casual for the main dining room.

[Donna Kincaid]

I am considering booking a last minute cruise on the Veendam, and have never been on Holland America before. I know the ship is smaller than the others I have been on, but does that affect the movement of the ship? My traveling companion has never been cruising before, and I don't want her first cruise to be one that will make her sick. Thank you for your reply.