Veendam Review
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Doing some research BEFORE booking our passage, Cruise Critic rated HAL Veendam with 4 stars out of 5 stars. Pretty good odds, I thought, but my expectations were still rather low. Past cruises produced some pros and cons that I was willing to put up with. I didn't think this one would be any different - especially in today's cost-cutting economy. Much to my surprise, I was so pleased with the Veendam cruise that it even prompted me to write a favorable review.
To start, the food on board the ship was very good! Choices were the Rotterdam dining room, Canaletto Italian restaurant, The Pinnacle Grill and, of course, the Lido Buffet. The Pinnacle Grill is their top-of-the-line steak/seafood restaurant that has a $20. pp up-charge. Well worth the extra money with superior service, food selection/quality and atmosphere. The Rotterdam dining room also had a very good selection on the menu and all of it was presented well with a close-to-excellent quality. Even the Lido Buffet offered a wide variety of food that was well presented, good tasting and served to you. For a buffet, it was a step above the rest. The biggest surprise was the Italian restaurant, Canaletto. There is no up-charge here but if there was, we would have paid it. You start out with an antipasto of grilled vegetables, Italian meats and fresh mozzarella. That is served while you are looking over your menu. Italian bread, focotta bread and rolls are served next along with a bottle of extra-virgin olive oil and a bottle of balsamic vinegar for dipping. You are given a 4-course meal that included appetizer, soup or salad, an entree and dessert. And, as most cruise ships, if you ask for a repeat course, they bring it to you! When coffee and dessert are served, the last surprise is a mound of cotton candy on your table. Yes, cotton candy! Don't know the reason or custom but it is cute, none the less.
Next was the great service. In ALL of the restaurants, lounges and public areas, everyone was exceptionally nice! It was almost like they were happy to be working! Go figure! Every waiter/waitress had a smile, some asked your name and were even very happy to help you. We choose the open seating and made RSVP each evening to requested a table for 2. You can chose any option you like. We also ate in a different restaurant every night so we never had the same waiter twice. Every new face we met each day (breakfast, lunch, dinner) was polite, respectful and very nice!
Cabin Review
Large Ocean-View Stateroom
For 2 adults, our cabin had enough space. Plenty of drawer and closet space. We had a queen bed, 3-seat sofa, 1 chair and small table for 2. The chair & table did get in the way but you needed it if you had a meal in your cabin. The bathroom was roomer than I have experienced. Tub w/shower and enough floor space to move around without hitting the toilet or sink. A good size for a cruise ship bathroom. We had a large window that was located close to street level, on the port side, so we did have a fair amount of noise and light from the outside. We didn't hear much hallway noise but that may be because the occupants were not in their room very often. When they all gathered in the hallway, outside their doors, they came in loud and clear as if they were in our room. The cabin was very clean, no stains on the rugs or bedding although it could have smelled a little fresher. The steward sprayed some air freshener but that only lasted a few days.