Veendam Review

4.0 / 5.0
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First Time with Holland America and Probably Wouldn't Go Again

Review for the Panama Canal & Central America Cruise on Veendam
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Lindylu929
6-10 Cruises • Age 70s

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Sail Date: Feb 2014

Our embarkation and departure were delayed due to an outbreak of the Noro Virus and the CDC made the ship remain in port until it could undergo a thorough cleaning and sanitization. This was certainly not the fault of Holland America and they did accomodate the waiting passengers with a free shuttle to a shopping and dining area in Fort Lauderdale while we were waiting.

Once on board the name of the game was "Wash Your Hands, Wash Your Hands, and Wash Them Again!" I have to say that kudos must be given to the crew who worked many, many extra hours to constantly clean every surface that was touched by anyone. Even the entertainers and casino dealers were given duties to monitor hand washing stations to ensure that everyone complied. Because of the red alert instituted by CDC the jacuzzis were empty, the library shelves locked down, magazines removed, and all self service in the buffet suspended. There was no salt, pepper, napkins, utensils, or centerpieces on any of the tables. This condition lasted for the first 8 days of the cruise. Once 48 hours passed with no new cases the conditions were down graded to "yellow alert" on Sunday of the second week. With the yellow alert there was some self service allowed, jacuzzis were filled but not heated, the library shelves were unlocked and magazines put back on the racks. This reprieve lasted until Friday when once again passengers got sick and we were put back into "red alert" status.

So while I readily acknowledge that these conditions were not the fault of Holland America or the staff on the Veendam they did affect our trip but are not the reasons we would probably not travel with them again.

Cabin Review

Cabin: Our cabin was fine and seemed a little larger than the cabin on some other cruise lines we have used. It was large enough for a night stand on each side of the bed and a sofa across from the desk/dressing table. There was ample drawer and closet space and the bathroom was a decent size. Our room was very noisy and anytime we were moving the room creaked and squeaked and at times it sounded as if we had been invaded by large animals scratching in the carpet and walls. The ship is older approaching 20 years so maybe that is just how an old ship sounds but I don't remember that much creaking and noise on other ships in which we have traveled.

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