This was our seventh cruise with HAL, second on the Veendam. Arrived at the terminal at 11am only to discover that the ship was delayed by some 7 hours because of dense fog. Did preliminary check-in and was given a $10.00 shipboard credit to cover lunch expense. Veendam arrived as per revised schedule at 12 noon. We were told to be back in the terminal by 3PM to get photo done and pick up room/boarding card. The process was a bit chaotic but amazingly they were able to turn the ship around in only 51/2 hours, anchors away at 5.45 sharp. More excitement the next morning, a passenger was determined to be unfit to travel by the ship's medical staff so we had to double back towards Key West to meet a Coastguard vessel and transfer the patient. The Captain advised us that with favorable winds and the flow of the Gulf Stream he would put the pedal to the metal and try to reach Half Moon Cay on schedule, which he did. HALFMOON CAY. This was our fourth visit, always amazed at the efficient way they transfer everything to shore and back. This a beautiful spot, lets hope it doesn't get spoiled with over development. ST.THOMAS. Only one other ship in port so getting around was a pleasure. Shopping is great here for the ladies, but the Island also has great scenery, took a short tour and a ride up the gondola. NEXT STOP ROSEAU. We love this place for it's unspoiled beauty and lovely people. Took the 4 hour tour of the interior, very interesting and great scenery. NEXT UP BARBADOS. There were 7 ships in port and way to many people. We have been there many times but not for about 8 years. What a disappointment, we hired our own car and driver and provided a list of places we wished to visit. Other than the Scottish Highland and East coast area, which are awe inspiring vistas, everywhere is being taken over with large condo developments, or as we saw down around the St. Lawrence Gap and Dover Beach area, places are sitting run-down and derelict waiting to make way for development. There was only a small strip of beach on the west coast road where the ocean was visible, the rest of the coast is hidden by multi-story condos. GRENADA. One of our favorites. First visit since they were devastated by the hurricane, still lots of evidence of that, it apparently will take 8 to 10 years to regrow the Nutmeg plantations, what used to be the main source of revenue, relying more on tourism now. ISLE DE MARGARITA. Not a "must see" place for us, had to tender to shore because another vessel apparently made an unscheduled stop there. Took a 5 hour tour which was a mistake. NEXT STOP BONAIRE. Love this place, snorkeling right off the beach must be the best in the Caribbean. Most of the island and the coast is a protected area, let's hope they keep it that way. ON TO ARUBA. Took a short sightseeing tour of the island, very scenic, especially the east coast ocean action. LAST STOP GRAND CAYMAN. Nothing much to see here except the beaches. Took the Stingray City trip for the second time, great experience, although the water was a little rough. Overall this was probably our best shipboard experience, 6 star service throughout the ship. The guest entertainers were first rate, although the cast female singers were not the best, their shows were very entertaining. The food was excellent at every meal, and the "Pinnacle" dinner (gift from HAL for VIP status) was superb. The "game shows" put on by the activities staff were a little flat and over the top. The British captain was very personable and kept us informed in language non sailors could understand. Only one negative comment,not about HAL, rather about those people who still refuse to use the hand sanitizers, that's the same people who handle the food in the Lido rather than use the tongs provided, smarten up people!!