I have a big issue with Holland America Veendam! I can't be the only one, though from the staff and hotel manager on the Veendam...you'd think I was the only one!!
I am aghast that there is no non-smoking policy enforce for the year 2010 on the Holland America Veendam. Embarcation was smooth sailing... and we were allowed into our rooms right away - very different than the other cruise lines we've been on that need the extra time to clean the rooms between those leaving and those coming.
Well... as soon as we entered our cabin (553) Main Deck forward on the starboard side.... the intense smell of a cigarette ashtray was apparent. I could feel my sinuses inflaming as we entered and put down our small carry on luggage. The Indonesian staff was in the hallways and very friendly. Immediately, I called to the front desk to request a different room... as there was no way in hell.. I was going to be able to survive or enjoy my trip in this stench of a room. Dustin, the manager over the stateroom crew quipped that there were no other rooms available and that they would bring down an ozone matching immediately and have in place for an hour. We agreed and went to the top deck to check out the sites. We returned to the room and hour and 15 minutes later. No one had been in the room and the room still smelled awful. The young stateroom attended came by and let us know that the woman who was in our room, heavily smoked the whole trip and he spoke with her about her smoking.