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Holland America Line

MS Veendam

Your Rating:
Reviewed by:Robert Clement
# previous cruises: 8
Date of Trip: November 24, 2000
Itinerary: Caribbean - Southern

Our second Veendam cruise was even better than the first and we loved that one. The ship, itinerary and food, are great, but what really makes the difference is unbelievable service by the wonderful Indonesian and Philipino crew.

The Crow's Nest bar has spectacular views and the wait staff is outstanding. Just go once and they know your name, cabin and drink on your second visit. Diversity is the name of the game - from a lively sports bar or casino to an elegant, quiet library - there's something for everyone.

Food was exceptional. Service was impeccable. A special treat was dining with the first officer and his wife. A special five course menu was topped with a chocolate mouse served in a chocolate tulip surrounded by chocolate-framed raspberry and apricot "stained glass". The Lido buffet serves the same menu as the dining room - and the burger, taco, and pasta buffets were very good.

We were in a mini-suite with private verandah, very large with plenty of closet and drawer space for all the extra clothes we brought and didn't really need. The verandah looked twice the size of those on Princess and Norwegian ships dock next to us.

Entertainment was noticeably better on the cruise than our previous Veendam cruise in 1997. The two Las Vegas style shows were excellent on both, but the alternate nights' entertainers were excellent too this time.

With exception of Santo Domingo (so-so), the ports where outstanding: Barbados, Martinique, St. Martin, St. Thomas. Each had it's unique culture, shopping and sights. Although we did snorkel in Barbados and enjoyed the beach in St. Martin, it was hard to beat relaxing and taking in the views for our balcony.

This cruise still had the older Holland American crowd, but a noticeably larger number of young couples and many children were a surprise. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves as the cruise staff covers the gamut - for example in the late evening you can choose from Classical music by the ship's quartet, to singing with the pianist in an intimate bar, to a popular duo in another or Jazz/Rock in the Crow's Nest.