Volendam Review
Rating by category
Additional details
We enjoyed our two-week cruise from Singapore to Myanmar and return aboard the Volendam. As first-time cruisers we found the relatively small ship very comfortable. HAL upgraded our cabin from oceanview to a Lanai cabin on the lower promenade deck. We liked the panoramic views from the sliding glass door and the reserved deck chairs right outside the cabin were a bonus. We worried that the passersby doing their walking rounds on the deck would make us uncomfortable, but found the mirrored sliding glass door provided complete privacy.
Food throughout was excellent, whether in the main dining room or on the Lido deck. Paying the extra charge for the Canaletto restaurant one evening was worth it with a different menu and wine selection and great service. Entertainment was spotty (we know HAL isn't known for its entertainment). Two nights they brought aboard local dancers from Malaysia and Myanmar and the shows were superb. Otherwise the Volendam dancers and singers were mediocre (the women were much better than the two male leads) but nevertheless not a bad way to pass the time, and their production "Droom" was a definite step up with beautiful costumes, music and dance.
We found a favourite bar for pre-dinner drinks and after a couple of days the staff knew by memory what drinks we wanted and which snacks to deliver. HAL shore excursions were well organized and we felt were worth the high cost. We'd sail on the Volendam again on an Asian route.
Cabin Review
Lanai Ocean-View Stateroom
Comfortable. In very good condition. Shower only, but it was modern and spacious. Lots of closet space. Large flat screen TV on wall directly opposite bed. Room safe operated by sliding a credit or bank card which was convenient. Sitting area had love seat and adjustable coffee table but not a separate chair, only a stool. Would have preferred a chair, but the stool had extra storage and could be slid easily away under the desk. A/C and ventilation were top quality. Quiet. Easily adjusted. Great for sleeping. These cabins have sliding glass doors directly out to the promenade deck. They are mirrored on the outside so there is virtually complete privacy even at night when the lights are on in the cabin. Each Lanai cabin has two deck chairs reserved for the occupants, which is mostly honoured by other passengers. We found a towel thrown on the deck chairs kept them open at all times. Occasionally there can be some noise on the promenade deck, especially in the evenings if a few people gather at nearby cabins for pre- or post-dinner chatting. But people tended to dissipate quickly and noise was never an issue.
Port Reviews
Singapore
Embarkation process was well organized.