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»	Cruise Talk » Cruise Ships » Holland America - Veendam

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Author

Topic: Holland America - Veendam

Lineka
Just Boarded
Member # 279

posted 09-07-1999 09:52 PM

We received a brochure from Swain World Cruises featuring a cruise to the western Caribbean with Christopher Lowell. Sounds good, but the write up for this ship was HORRIBLE! Can anyone share thier experiances with this ship and if you have taken other cruises before. We took a wonderful cruise 5 years ago and enjoyed it so much, food was great, sights wonderful, etc. I'd hate to "blow" good money on a lousy ship!

Posts: 2 | Registered: Sep 99

Kas
First Class Passenger
Member # 250

posted 09-08-1999 11:47 PM

This is a wonderful ship and I have travelled on her many times. I have no idea why anyone would write a horrible report on it. It is exactly the same as the Statendam, Ryndam and Maasdam and HAL is ranked very high. I would not hesitate to go back on any of these ships.
P.S. read Malcolm's comments in this same site on "Which Will It Be" That should help you.

[This message has been edited by Kas (edited 09-08-99).]

Posts: 35 | Registered: Aug 99

scotto
First Class Passenger
Member # 766

posted 09-11-1999 12:07 AM

i'm going on the Veendam for the first time in a few months, with a very special, high-quality group of people aboard, and I can't imagine that the celebrity name behind this particular theme-type cruise would book a lousy ship. I doubt that it's a bad ship. everything i've read is to the contrary. do some more research.......of course, there's nothing like being there yourself, and i shall find out soon.

Posts: 28 | From: florida | Registered: Mar 99

Green
First Class Passenger
Member # 171

posted 09-11-1999 01:26 PM

Lineka - don't know where you found the HORRIBLE write up of the Veendam - must have been written by very pickey people who spent an entire week looking for something to complain about.
The Veendam is a beautiful ship. We were on her last November and found absolutely nothing to complain about. Holland America Line lives up to its reputation - we've sailed on all the other 'dam' ships too and believe me, you'll not be 'blowing' good money.

Posts: 2913 | From: Markham, Ontario, Canada | Registered: Jul 99

Lineka
Just Boarded
Member # 279

posted 09-13-1999 09:06 PM

Thanks Green. You may want to check out this web site from this very site. http://www.travelpage.com/cruise/ships/ha_veen.htm
It was written by Christopher E. Smith, Travel Page, Assoc. Cruise Director. I would think someone who puts on a web page like this then say the horrible things they did about this ship may (?) know what they like in a cruise ship. But that was a few days ago that I pulled his review down and today it does have a note that the food and service has gotten better and a new review will be posted soon. I do think you are right though - if a celebrity will be hosted they surely would not put on a lousy spread. Thanks for helping us to make up our minds!

Posts: 2 | Registered: Sep 99

cruznut6
First Class Passenger
Member # 543

posted 09-15-1999 06:12 PM

Lineka,
We were on the Veendam in Dec. 98 and found her to be a wonderful ship. Food, service and entertainment were all excellent.
Holland America Line has been providing first class cruises for over 125 years, so I think they have plenty of experience in what it takes to keep passengers happy and want to return. Worry-not and have a wonderful time!

Posts: 161 | From: Mount Laurel, NJ, USA | Registered: Apr 99

Green
First Class Passenger
Member # 171

posted 09-15-1999 06:47 PM

Hi Lineka - pulled up that review - he sure had a chip on his shoulder.

A revision IS L-O-N-G, very long, OVERDUE!

In November it was interesting to talk with many of the waiters, bar tenders etc. - without exception they were quite delighted with the British Captain and Officers on board and declared the Veendam a 'happy ship'.

Have a great trip- hope you will post your comments.

[This message has been edited by Green (edited 09-15-99).]

Posts: 2913 | From: Markham, Ontario, Canada | Registered: Jul 99

Crooza
First Class Passenger
Member # 92

posted 09-16-1999 07:21 PM

Lineka:

I would be very surprised if you are disappointed with this ship. We took the seven-day Western Caribbean last year and in a word, had a ball! The ship is very elegant and we're sure you will come back feeling quite spoiled. I suppose there will always be a few unhappy passengers due to one reason or another. Most of the reviews we read prior to our cruise on the Veendam were all complimentary to the ship and staff. Perhaps you can look at a few more - - they may help in making your final decision. Good luck!

Posts: 32 | From: MA | Registered: Sep 99

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