Volendam Review
4.0 / 5.0
Volendam - Comfortable ship, great size - Kudos to HAL for new Ports
Review for Asia Cruise on Volendam
NWKay
10+ Cruises • Age 80s
Rating by category
Cabin
Value for Money
Embarkation
Dining
Public Rooms
Entertainment
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Additional details
Sail Date: Mar 2017
Husband and I had never been to Japan or Taiwan or Korea. 42 days should give us an opportunity to check these countries off our list. We did not plan any days before or after cruise. This makes our third trip on the Volendam and it has been updated somewhat since our last visit. We liked the fact the sea days were interspersed with port days.
Stellar talent on this trip: Master Kam for his numerous talks on Japan-Hong Kong, China and the different dynasties, Buddha followers. Excellent. Sea days he led Qi Chi meditation and Tai Chi. Jeremy for this port talks one of the most knowledgeable we have heard and his co-hort Oliver for his talks on culture, etc. Singers: Austin, Jenny, Nick and Corrina and all the dancers were among the best of any troupe we have seen on any cruise. May they remain together for many cruises. The other entertainment was somewhat below average, but with the talent of the HAL cast didn't mind.
Food was better on this trip than I remember from the last Volendam trip. I always tried to eat in the Rotterdam dining room because I don't like the combat aspect of the Lido. Also, all of the chairs are "butt sprung" in Lido and are very uncomfortable.
Cabin Review
Cabin Port Hole
We were in Cabin 1810 port hole across from medical in front of the ship. Advantages - quiet and not too much traffic in the halls. Front of the ship - short walk to front elevator and disembarkation is usually in the front. Disadvantage - it is right after the bump in the walkway. Also, when wavy - it is where they hit, but I would pick this cabin again.
Port Reviews
Taipei (Keelung)
Took train into Tapei to meet relatives. Easy transit, except hubby with rollator had a challenge with elevated walkways over roads in Keelung. Trains were easy to navigate (once we got on). People were very helpful. Dumplings were the best.
Hong Kong
We took the Hop on - Hop off tour. Star cruise, etc. We didn't get off the buses as we had been there before to see Stanley Market and ride the cog railroad. Hubby had rollator so sometimes it is easier to just enjoy the scenery.
Seoul (Incheon)
Took the shuttle into the market. Excellent internet. Market was interesting.
Kagoshima
Took the Black Sands Bath excursion. Very interesting - I enjoyed.
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