This was my 7th Holland America cruise and probably the last. Holland America has become the Macy's of the cruise industry. They hope to attract Nordstrom clientelle while offering Penny's level service.

First, let's start with the itinerary. There are far too many sea days on this cruise, especially when you are stuck on an old ship with zero in the way of onboard activities (unless of course you want a foot-print analysis or teeth whitening). The time in each port is also VERY short, so you don't have time to see anything. Where the ports are, you have to travel between 1.5 and 2 hours each way to get to anything. The excursions are limited and the companies HAL uses for them are sub-par. In keeping with HAL's extreme cost cutting, the ship goes very slowly between each port which is why the time on shore is so short.

The Veendam is old and not well maintained. Parts of the ship were freezing while others were saunas. They never seemed to get the temperature controlled anywhere on the ship. The "Retreat Bar" on the lido deck does not appear to have been maintaned for several years and there is rust all over the swimming pool. Windows are not kept clean so views are diminished. Also, the key cards never worked for more than a day or two (no, I did not carry it near anything that would have demagnetized it - I made sure after the THIRD time). I had to have my card replaced 9 times. Read more