DW and I are a couple in our mid-50's. We have previously cruised before, with 4 cruises on RCCL, 2 cruises with NCL and 1 cruise with HAL. Last year we cruised to Bermuda on the Veendam and enjoyed it very much, so much that we decided to go again. DW likes the convenience of leaving from Manhattan, not far from our home in New Jersey. In addition she likes the fact that the Veendam docks right in downtown Hamilton with its beautiful Front Street and its easy access to transportation.

The Veendam is a traditional cruise ship. Unlike the larger RCI Serenade of the Seas (90,000 GRT, 2100 guests)and the RCI Explorer of the Seas (138,00 GRT, 3100 guests) the Veendam ( 60,000 GRT, 1300 guests)gives the feeling that you are almost on your own private cruise ship. There are sacrifices which come with its smaller size. The RCI ships are more majestic, with soaring Centrums, and Explorer has the Promenade, a central mall-walkway which among other things offers snacks almost 24 hours a day. The Windjammer Cafes on these ships have large seating areas and islands of food serving areas. The theaters on these ships allow production numbers of 15-18 entertainers on the stage at once.

The Veendam provides a different experience, with high quality food in its Lido Cafe and shows geared to having 5-7 entertainers in the theater, all of whom boast professional experience with other major groups. The highlight show was the "Encore" show, in which the 4 piece Adagio Strings Quartet combines with the ship's band to accompany a male tenor and a female soprano to provide beautiful entertainment. Read more