Some people have inflated expectations, and (as a result) complain too much. We embarked in Sydney and stayed on the Volendam in Singapore for a second cruise in SE Asia. We liked the Volendam much. It is smaller than the Oosterdam (which we sampled in March 2015), easier to find your way around, and you don't feel feel (after walking stern to bow) that they should install travelators.
Our ...
Our cruise on the Volendam -- 22 November - 8 December 2014 -- from Sydney to Singapore was a serious disappointment on many levels.
First, there were many annoyances, such as the cruise director choosing to make some routine public address announcements during scheduled church services on Sunday morning. The itinerary skipped major ports, except for Darwin, and chose to stop at isolated ports ...
We have just returned from a 34 night Circumnavigation Cruise of Australia. We had a wonderful time after being a little unsure how we would survive a 34 night cruise.
Embarkation in Sydney went without a hitch and we were aboard within 25 minutes. This was at White Bay which is out of town and lack and form of public transport.
The public areas were well maintained and there was always a quite ...
We were a bit nervous about 32 days on a ship but we could not have been wrong. The Volendam crew made us feel welcome from first boarding in Sydney. We liked the idea of a smaller ship and the bonus we found out on the way was we got to sail through the Barrier Reef out of Cairns and also the smaller ports could take Volendam where alot of the larger ships cant get into these lovely smaller towns ...
Embarkation and disembarkion were very efficient, cases were delivered quickly.
Cabin: main deck 2666 outside in good position towards aft quiet.
When opening cabin door were surprised how dull the decor appeared, quite tired looking, the only colour's were in the 4 cushions, but was clean and tidy. The beds were very comfortable in twins giving a feeling of space. There is no fridge in cabin, ...
We arrived in Sydney on Oct 17 to acclimate ourselves to the time change. We stayed at the Bayswater Sydney in the Kings Cross area. What a find. Good rates and near the metro. Get a weekly pass from the Metro that is down the road from the hotel. It includes all trains, ferries, and buses in the city. $45 each and the best way to get around.
Our cruise left from the Overseas passenger terminal ...
I did a lot of research on Cruise Critic before our trip and found so many of the reviews helpful in planning our trip. I thought I'd return the favor for those yet to take this wonderful cruise. Although I booked the cruise as one 28 day itinerary, it was, in fact, two 14 day cruises, back to back. We were able tot stay in the same cabin during the entire trip.
The first 14 days went to ...
We stayed at the Suissotel in Sydney (arranged by Holland America, whose representatives met us at the airport, took us to the hotel, and transferred our luggage onto the Volendam the next day). Beautiful location, making the city easy to walk around and enjoy.
Check-in on Volendam was seamless. Melbourne was good for walking, Burnie for the animal preserve visit.
Luckily, the Tasman Sea ...
New Zealand Discovery 17-31 January 2012
The long flight
MSP-LAX 4 hrs., 3 hr. layover, LAX-SYD 15 hrs.
The new Delta "economy comfort" seating was worth the extra cost.
Dinner was actually v. good and movie selections were excellent.
Ambien helped provide 5-6 hrs. sleep. Not a bad flight at all.
LAX to SYD was actually more comfortable than MSP to LAX.
Sydney Pre-Cruise ...
Disability Matters:
We booked the cruise well in advance. Mum requires a walking frame to get around and a wheel chair for steep inclines and long distances. Because mum couldn't climb into a bath to shower, we opted for a disabled room. That was a good move on our part.
Embarkation: We caught a cab from our hotel to the dock. The staff were wonderful and directed us to where we needed to go. We ...