Embarkation in Boston was easy even though there was another HAL ship (Maasdam) also embarking passengers and a RCI ship making a port visit, which severely taxes Boston's limited cruiseport. Luggage delivery was swift, room ready as I boarded at 1130. HAL now serves lunch in the DR for all pax on embarkation day - previously reserved for Mariners only.

Sometime since my last trip on Veendam, two additional 1/2 decks of cabins have been squeezed aboard which caused the deletion of the aft pool and its extensive sunning space, and consequent crowding in both the DR and the Theatre. Other than that all was HAL "same/same" as in the past. Beautiful flower arrangements, hot canapés in the bars, extensive room service options etc. As we departed Captain announced that ship had received 100% inspection score from CDC that day, and a 100% USCG inspection the previous week - so since these scores are hard to achieve, congratulations to Veendam's team.

All through the week aboard everything ran seemingly smoothly. Unfortunately about three days into the trip Norovirus raised its head - probably came aboard in a Canadian port - and so extensive sanitary precautions were put into place which somewhat restricted service in food area, e.g. using individual paper packets of salt/pepper, bread/butter being served buy waiters, removal of flower vases from DR tables, no self service in Lido at all etc. Much more work for crew, but little adverse impact on pax. Late in the week I found out that a special sanitation team would meet ship in Boston and after disembarking pax left, would do extensive sanitizing before next pax came aboard. Hope it works!!! I never saw any evidence of anyone being ill and I'm told that it only affected approx. 10 pax. Read more