I am not a usual contributor to review forums but I am struggling to reconcile the wonderful cruise just experienced on Volendam with these recent negative reviews on Cruise Critic. A strong influence on the enjoyment of any cruise will be the availability, cheerfulness and helpfulness of the ship’s crew and on Volendam from Vancouver to Sydney I thought it was outstanding.
The embarkation at ...
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 ...
Our third cruise on the Volendam during past six years.Chose the transpacific repositioning cruise to visit LA, Hawaii and Pago Pago for the first time.
We had no problem with the age of the ship and the condition of it. Very clean and well presented.....and the flower arrangements!!!!
Amazing that given the problem on the Alaskan cruise prior to this cruise that for 24 nights the problem didnot ...
Due to recent orthopaedic surgery I could not fly long distances so had to change our planned Alaska followed by Eastern Canada cruises to something closer to home. We were delighted to be able to embark at our home port. This is the first time this has happened to our knowledge. A 1 Hour suburban train ride versus 14 hour flight! Unfortunately the Port staff were not familiar with HALs usual ...
Since the moment we stepped on the boat, we were treated like royalty. The stateroom attendants, waitstaff, bartenders and even managers knew us by name. Every step we took we had a welcoming smile, good day mam/sir, and may I assist you. We could not be more happy.
The food was incredible. Lots of options for a variety of eaters (vegan/vegetarian/gluten free/ even low sodium).
The staff kept us ...
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 ...