What a delight and pleasure it was to return to Holland America. This was our first cruise on a "smaller" ship and we really enjoyed the Veendam tremendously. We've never had a cabin on a lower deck and we loved looking straight out at the water from our big picture window.

The cabin was large and clean and the bed was unbelievably comfortable. The bathroom was larger than any we've had on Princess and NCL, complete with a bathtub. Maryanto kept our cabin perfect and provided delightful towel animals nightly for us.

Dining and food was excellent everywhere except in the Pinnacle. We tried it twice. The service was not only poor but very slow. The food left much to be desired; in fact, the first time both entrees were inedible. Save the extra money, eat in the regular dining rooms. Food and service in the dining room was excellent and the Lido had everything and anything one could desire. In fact, at dinnertime they had tablecloths and candles on the tables. Room service was right on time and delicious with hot foods being hot and cold foods being cold. The cappuccino bar, with free cookies and coffee/tea, will soon be a thing of the past. That's sad because it's a welcoming place to visit and meet new people. Everyone who provided service did it efficiently and with a smile.........always wanting to know if there was anything else they could do for us. The positive attitudes caused us to believe they were there just for us and they were SO glad we were on their ship. Read more