Veendam Review

4.0 / 5.0
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Oh, the times they are a-changing

Review for Canada & New England Cruise on Veendam
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mseiferth
10+ Cruises • Age 80s

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Sail Date: Sep 2016
Cabin: Verandah Suite

We have been sailing on HAL since 1973, and we are used to the demographic which appeals to this line. Our fellow passengers are often retired and have great stories to tell about their lives. (I am 74 and my wife is 69.) While the older ships are showing their age, HAL maintains the staterooms and public rooms nicely. We are always impressed with "green" standards and the concern with the environment throughout the fleet. I have, however, noticed that since 1973, and to my great chagrin, that while the level of service has only mildly declined, the quality of the food is pedestrian at best. I know that the bottom line, as it were, dictates the ship's offerings, but serving hamburgers in the dining rooms and meat that is "choice" and not prime stands out as a slow slide to Carnival Fun Ships' level! The dining room is especially understaffed thus causing delays in service on most nights. Even the upscale restaurants, which a few years ago would have been the main dining room fare, are serving food that is not free. The service is a step above the dining room, but when the restaurant is crowded,, it too declines and does not meet expectations. There is relief from the dining rooms, of course, on the Lido deck, and the variety there, while eclectic, appeals to most refugees from the dining room!

I must admit that sailing in the 1950s through the 1970s offered a more European based menu along with classic American fare; however, currently on HAL, the quality of the offerings has indeed declined

The staterooms show signs of wear and there has been little or no attempt to thoroughly clean the carpets and the bathroom. I imagine that the company is waiting for an overall dry dock cleaning and restoration. This being said, however, does nothing to disparage the excellent service provided by the housekeeping staff. If we could rank the service with six stars, we would! The in-room breakfasts are delivered on time and are complete in terms of our requests.

Cabin Review

Verandah Suite

Cabin B

Adequate, but shows signs of wear and minimum upkeep.

Port Reviews

Montreal

Just had time for a walking tour independently. Certainly there should be more time in this place!

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