(This review is intended for people who want information about the new features of this ship)
Stepping aboard the ms Veendam it feels like a classic Holland America Line ship. You are greeted with friendly smiles from the crew, dressed in stunning bellman-like outfits with little hats. You feel special and excited that you've finally arrived.
The Veendam went through a refurbishment in February 2009. My overall impression was, they did a great job because the ship looks beautiful. It looks like new.
The Retreat
Holland America Line calls this "a private resort-style pool experience offering sophisticated poolside amenities and service".
Located on Navigation Deck at the back of the ship is a brand new area. Instead of a swimming pool, there is a wading pool with deck chairs right in the water. The water is approximately 1 foot deep. This allows sun bathers to enjoy a little water on their feet and a great reflection for a golden brown tan.
All the deck chairs face a large outdoor movie screen, so there's no need to bring a magazine or book. Plus, there is food and drinks nearby if you get the munchies. On the port side of the ship you'll find a brand new pizzeria. On the starboard side a bar and where there aren't deck chairs you'll find outdoor tables and chairs for eating, drinking and chatting with friends.
Just inside on either side of the ship is the Lido Restaurant (buffet). This is my favourite new place on the ship and I think it'll be busy here all day long!
Mix
Holland America Line calls this "an innovative meeting place featuring three specialty venues: Champagne, for mid-day mimosas or anytime celebrations; Martinis, for Grey Goose cocktails and martini flights; and Spirits & Ales for microbrews, single malts and sports updates".
Located next to the casino and adjacent to the shops is the old casino bar and piano bar. Both of these areas where updated and look fabulous...it looks like a brand new area. The casino bar is now a mixture of sports bar and lounge. There are multiple tv's behind the bar and many of the tables in the lounge have tv screens. At the time I was there the tv screens at the tables showed the name of the lounge with funky colours around, but I assume these would also show a sports game. Right next door is the new martini bar with a great red/orange decor. It has comfortable looking seats with a modern feel. A great place to stop to have a drink and chat with friends (if you don’t want to watch the game).
Show Room At Sea
I noticed a nice improvement in Show Room At Sea (the main show lounge). The decor is nicer, the stage is larger, there's a bigger dance floor and not too many pillars (to block your view). I think this room will now be used more often and be more popular.
Staterooms
All the staterooms have been updated; new linens, colour scheme and carpeting. There are even some brand new stateroom categories. I viewed many staterooms while onboard and had a few thoughts I'd like to point out. The first, in my opinion, is to avoid Category BQ staterooms located forward on Verandah Deck 9. These staterooms are small and the verandah's barely hold a table and two chairs...it's tight. The glass door in these staterooms are not sliding, they open like a regular door so it makes getting in and out difficult. For the few extra dollars it costs to upgrade to Categories BB to A, I say spend it, as the staterooms and verandah's are larger.
Another new addition to this ship is the Category CA Lanai Staterooms, located on Lower Promenade Deck 6. These staterooms have an interesting concept; a sliding glass door that opens to the public Promenade. This is great for jumping out of bed and not missing a breaching whale or glaciers if cruising to Alaska or viewing the locks when cruising the Panama Canal. (I don't really see the need for this type of room on a Caribbean cruise). The glass door opens and closes by a button...so watch your fingers and toes because it closes quickly when pressed. There are chairs right outside the door for anyone to enjoy (they are not reserved for the occupants of the stateroom) so be aware. A nice feature is that the window and door are mirrored so no one can see in, even if the light is on.
The suites onboard are well-appointed and spacious. The real perk for suites is the Neptune Lounge, which feels like the den in your house...warm woods, tall arm chairs, coffee table books and a personal concierge.
Another note is the Oceanview Staterooms with porthole windows. There are two porthole windows in each stateroom. They are high in the stateroom, so allow you can look out but only when you're standing up. If you are sitting on the bed or in the chair you can't see out the portholes.
Overall I really liked the colour schemes and decor of the staterooms. They were modern and welcoming plus, all the amenities of a Holland America stateroom.
Directly across from these staterooms are some brand new Category IQ Inside Staterooms; 112, 108 and 102. I also recommend avoid these staterooms. The layout of the stateroom is poor and the worst part is that the door to the hallway opens right at the ends of the bed. So, don't open the door unless you want to put on a show.
Additional Comments
The kids areas on Decks 11 and 12 looks cramped. I know this ship doesn't get 200 kids on a cruise, but I can imagine during the holiday sailings these areas would be packed with kids. I wonder how good this area really is for the kids.
Ship Facts:
Overall I would recommend this cruise ship to adults and seniors.
Written By Denise Blackmore, MCC
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