Volendam Review
Rating by category
Additional details
Although we have been on many cruises with other cruise lines, this was only our second on a Holland America ship. So mostly we are comparing the Volendam to the Zaandam. We always pick cruises by itinerary rather than any particular cruise line. We selected this cruise because it called in at 7 ports in Indonesia rather than wanting to see the Solar Eclipse. However many of the passengers on the second half of the cruise had booked solely to see the Eclipse.
Embarkation
We embarked in Singapore, this was properly the fastest and smoothest check in we have ever had, well done Singapore, they put other ports to shame.
Cabin Review
Verandah Suite
Avoid
Avoid at all costs, this Vista suite is over the show lounge, so there is no chance of having a quiet and peaceful lay down in the afternoons as they do the show rehearsals at that time and the noise level is horrific. On other ships we have had cabins over the show lounge but did not have a noise problem like this! The actual shows did not bother us as we always go to the late show. The worst noise appears to come from behind the dressing table and from behind the mini bar on the opposite wall; it could be possible that there are holes in the floor or partition walls to allow the electric cabling to pass through? Or is there a loudspeaker directly under this cabin? The volume is so high you can actually feel the floor vibrate. Also there was a strong smell of dampness out in the corridor. Would not stay in this cabin again even if it was on a free cruise. It might be a good idea to avoid all Vista suites over the show lounge? We made multiple complaints to the front desk but they said they could not move us as the ship was full for the first half of the cruise. However for the second half of the cruise we were able to move to cabin 6228 which was much better.
Port Reviews
Singapore
Excellent