Veendam Review
Rating by category
Additional details
Let me say upfront, that this review is skewed towards the disabled and the problems we encountered would not affect most people. Overall it was a great cruise and the staff was fantastic. The good out weighed the bad, for both of us.
Embarkation was a disaster, although it was more a problem with the Black Falcon Terminal than with HAL. We had requested wheelchair assistance, but none were to be found. A HAL agent got us to the front of the check-in line and did everything she could, but DH still had to wait in a rather long line to board and walk halfway onto the ship before we spotted, and grabbed a wheelchair leaving the ship. Luckily DH can stand and walk, but with constant pain. We've had worse problems in airports. We're new to the disabled group and next time we'll have the scooter delivered to our hotel and avoid this issue. Live and learn!
The ship was beautiful and I was amazed at all the comfortable places to sit throughout the ship. Nothing was crowded although I can see why all the reserved deck chairs on the wrap around deck could be annoying. We didn't mind someone else using ours when we weren't and it wasn't an issue.... until we got to Bermuda.
Cabin Review
The cabin had tons of storage and the table was larger than the ones in the standard Lanai cabins and our steward was able to raise it to a comfortable dining height. When we ordered room service, I used the table and DH used the desk. The scooter could be parked next to the closets without blocking the door or the closets. At night we parked it close to the cabin door to keep the way to the bathroom completely clear. In an emergency our Lanai door was next to the life boat station. The sliding glass door out to the Lower Promanade deck (and our reserved deck chairs), was automatic. A button inside the cabin opened the door and a card waved at a sensor outside the cabin opened the door from the deck. We did ask the room steward to split the beds apart as the ramp to the lanai door would be a huge trip hazard for me. The only sounds we heard from inside the cabin was occasional faint voices from the hallway. We're both noise sensitive and this cabin was really quiet.
Port Reviews
Boston
This was the second time we've been to Boston without seeing anything. We flew in the day before but the logistics of handling our luggage (DH can't) and trying to sightsee made us decide that we'll plan a future vacation just to see Boston.
Hamilton
It was great to be able to walk off the ship and be right in town. We arrived too soon for Harbor Night in Hamilton, but were surprised to find they closed off the parking lot in front of the ship and did a "mini" version, with craft booths and Gumbay dancers. Since we were on the Starboard side our lanai gave DH a front row seat. Sidewalks were narrow and DH opted to go no father into town than the ferry dock. I walked to Fort Hamilton and BUEI. Neither would have been accessible in a scooter.