Great Cruise on the Volendam

[days628]

We just returned from Fort Lauderdale and am getting ready to return to the cold light of the "real" world.

 

We cruised for 10 Days on the Volendam, March 13th to March 23. We visited 5 ports of call and enjoyed 5 sea days. There were 2 Formal nights, 1 Formal/Informal night, 2 Informal nights and 5 casual nights.

 

Embarkation was easy and not painful at all. We found all of the HAL personnel to be friendly and informative. We check in at 12:15 and we were in the Lido looking for a table at 1:00. The Lido was very crowded and the lines moved very slowly but I will tell you why: The ship had just been completely sanitized because the previous cruise had several reported cases of Norvo Virus. Therefore nothing was self serve, everything had to be served to you as you walked along the cafeteria style venue, even iced tea, sugar, salt and pepper packets. The food was good but because of the slow moving line the temperature of the lunch selections suffered. But we were happy to be on the ship and basked in the joy of getting away!

 

Our cabin was on the Dolphin Deck,1829, yes, way down on the bottom but just a few feet from the forward elevator, this made disembarking for shore excursions a simple procedure. I prefer a oceanview lower deck becuse it is usually quiet and there is less movement. The cabin itself was sparkling clean and we found that we had more than enough room for all of the clothes (too many) and toiletries. Our cabin steward's name was Iden and he is a wonderful young man that was always smiling and gracious.

 

I should mention that the Jacuzzi/Hot tubs were closed because of the previous cruise health issues and nothing returned to self service for the first 5 days. On the 6th day everything returned to normal. Purell hand sanitizer machines are located all over the ship, including the entrance to all dining areas.

 

Our dining room assignment was table 136 at 8:30 p.m. which was our choice. We were seated at a table for 8 but we only had two other couples at our table, a very gracious older couple celebrating their 55th HAL Cruise and two very nice men from Vancouver. We prefer the late seating because it is easier to get to know your waitstaff. Our main waiter was Hendro and his second was DaDang, both of which could not have done more to make our dining a wonderful experience each and every night. The service was personable and professional. We were never rushed and we always seemed to linger over coffee and converse with our two waiters, it makes for a very warm and friendly atmosphere.

 

The food was wonderful and the selections, each night, made deciding difficult. Everything offered made your taste buds start tingling. My husband, Mr. meat and potato's was in heaven. He declared the Prime Rib the best he had ever tasted and coming from a mid-westerner that is high praise indeed. I will save you all the torture of describing each meal, suffice it to say that we savored each and every bite, from appetizers to dessert, for ten nights. Our wine steward, Boni, was very knowledgeable and considerate of my price range when making suggestions.

 

We had one breakfast and one lunch in the dining room. Both meals were adequate and the service was a bit rushed. We had room service deliver breakfast on 5 mornings and went to the Lido the other 4. Lunch at the Lido was very slow for the first 5 days because of the serving policy mentioned above. Room service is very prompt and the food is hot when it is delivered in the morning.

 

Activites on Board are varied and there is always something available. You can just sit and read a book or you can get involved everyday with different activities. We went to Bingo and Trivia every Sea Day. Our little Cruise Critic group even won on four different occasions! We enjoyed the Casino even though we did not win often. The Casino Bar Tender, Roland, is a very nice your man from the Phillipines. We spent a lot of evenings after dinner in the Crow's Nest Bar, Karoke one night and line dancing another. Lots of dancing! George the bartender is a really fun guy!

 

Bring a light jacket or sweater, it can get very chilly in some of the bar area's around the ship.

 

The ship rocked us to sleep, gently, each night and the new style mattress is wonderful. I have a painful hip and it was very soothing each night.

 

Our Ports Of Call were Aruba, Curacao, Dominica, St. Thomas, USVI and Half Moon Cay. All of the Ports were fun and each one unique in it's own right. If you have any questions regarding thes Ports I will be happy to help answer any questions if I can. We booked three Shore Excursions on Line and we were very happy with all three.

 

Aruba-- Catamaran and Snorkeling

Curacao--Bus to a Private Beach Resort (Blue Moon Bay)

St. Thomas -- Minis Boats to a Hidden Beach (A great time)

 

Half Moon Cay is so beautiful and the water is incredible. As you waded in you could see the Angel fish swim by your feet!

 

All in All it was a wonderful cruise and I would be happy to sail on the Volendam anytime. I do smoke and I found the smoking area's of the ship to be adequate and accomodating. We met some very nice people aboard and made a lot of new aquaintances.

 

Just smile, it is a great icebreaker and conveys the same sentiment in any language.

 

Days628

[Sage]

Thank you so much for your review of the Volendam. We get our turn in April, and I can't wait. Did they have any other beverages beside coffee at the new coffee bar? Thanks again for the great review.

[elmorejj]

Thanks for the nice review of a great ship. Hadn`t heard about Noro on the Vol. though. Hope it was cleared up quickly.......jean:cool:

[boxer2]

We are looking forward to our cruise in Dec. on the Volendam. Have read so many positive reviews about this ship. Did you book your tours thru HAL?

[days628]

The "coffee bar" has a large menu to choose from, however most of it is coffee related, cappuccino's, flavored coffee selections etc.

 

We booked our excursions on the HAL website. We prefer to book directly with the cruise line because we feel safe. The cruise line will not leave you if you are on one of their excursions. We did have a few questions prior to sailing about the mini boats in St. Thomas, HAL's customer service number was very helpful.

 

We did find that there were less expensive venues available independently but we chose to use HAL's designated excursions.

 

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

 

Days628 at Yahoo.com

[Maryandi]

Hi Days, thanks for posting this review. I hope you don't mind me posting a few thoughts, too.

We were on the same cruise and part of the CC winning trivia team :p .

 

Before boarding we were given a letter from the Capt. informing us of the Noro- outbreak, there was an offer of a full refund and assistance in changing travel plans. Don't know if anyone needed to do that. Slow buffet lines were the only holdup because of the Noro and that was only half of the cruise.

 

We had been on the Volendam 3 years before and noticed that some areas were remodeled - Explorers, Library and Lido. Whereas, there were some areas that were overdo, our cabin even had a crack in the wall.

 

We were under the galley and it was noisy until about 11pm and another CCer was above the Dining room and that was noisy, too.

 

Overall, we had a great time and met some great people:)

 

Days - Tell Rocky, the candyman - Hello.

 

MaryAnn

[Logoladytcs]

Thanx so much for your reviews - we are leaving April 2nd for the Panama Canal on the Volendam- whoopee!

 

Anything that we should be on the lookout for?

 

Barbara

[mim100]

Hi Days..thanks for the review...we're on the Panama cruise next April and will be stopping at Oranjestad, Aruba....can you tell us something about your day there? did you like it? would you go again? what would you do differently?

p.s. welcome back to the real world :)

[AlexandNessa]

Hi, we were on the VODM 3/3 - 3/13, so it was our cruise that was the "culprit." On day 7 or 8 or so, we received notice that there were 2 people who got aboard with the flu. The following night, we got notice that some pax and crew were suffering with GI issues. Although it was well < 1% of the pax/crew who were sick, HAL was extra diligent in issuing the "code red." (I want to say that it was 0.06% of the pax/crew who were sick -- we talked to several crew/staff, and I believe this was the number they were told.)

 

We had been told that your entire cruise would remain in "code red," so glad to hear that was lifted after 5 days. Glad you enjoyed your cruise. :)

[days628]

Aruba is a very nice country. However the streets are a bit congested. We were amazed at the courtesy shown by the Arubian drivers when crossing a street. There are very few traffic lights and drivers will actually stop and allow you to cross. Being from the Chicago area I found this courtesy to be amazing, I did not have to run across a street!

 

We did a Catamaran/Snorkel/Beach excursion. The water is a little cold but you adjust. The snorkel was fun and the water was clear but the water at the beach was cloudy. It was a public beach that was used by both resort people and cruise people. It was a bit crowded but still was a very nice area.

 

We were in Aruba until 10:00 p.m., so we changed clothes and walked into town, about a 15 minute leisurely stroll. There are a lot of street vendors along the way. We walked to the Crystal Casino, it was clean and we felt very comfortable there. Won a few dollars (American dollars) and had a nice time.

 

If you are looking for a inexpensive internet cafe, there is one on a side street that charges $5.00 for an hour. It is across from a enclosed mall that has a shop that sells soda (Pepsi). Next time we would do a countryside tour or spend time at one of the many, many resorts on the island.

 

Our biggest disappointment was Carlos & Charlies. It was nothing like the one in Cozumel. It is dirty, it smells really bad and it looks at a decaying building across the street. We had one drink, took a picture and left!

 

We enjoyed Aruba but I have to admit that Curacao was our favorite port. Check out the Ports of Call board for all sorts of information before you go, I found that to be very helpful.

 

Hope this helps!

 

Days628

[mim100]

Thanks, Days, for all the great info...will check out those boards as well...cheers

[Bodger]

If you are looking for a inexpensive internet cafe, there is one on a side street that charges $5.00 for an hour. It is across from a enclosed mall that has a shop that sells soda (Pepsi). Next time we would do a countryside tour or spend time at one of the many, many resorts on the island.

Days628

 

 

Hi Days and all:

 

It sure was nice to meet with you and Rocky, Mary Ann and all the rest, and we did win more trivia than anyone else!

 

Is this the internet place you referred to? I didn't go in but was curious as to what Internet ice cream was.:D

 

We had a good time and I was glad that HAL implemented the health controls they did. For the first time in years I didn't get a 'ship's cold'.

 

I was disapointed in two things. First, even though we booked ten months in advance HAL arbitrarily changed our dining time from 5:45 to 6:15PM. We had a good table location by the starboard window and the time difference wasn't a big deal, but I was irked that they would make this change with no explanation.

 

The second issue was more serious. We were located on the Aft Verandah deck above the dining room. I chose the location as I expected it would be quiet. Hah! After HAL spent millions of dollars on SOE they saved a few bucks on sound insulation between the dining room and the cabins above. Many folks in the aft cabins on both sides were upset about the noise. It started some days around 6AM and woke us up at 1AM one morning. There was no excuse for this in my view. Their only solution was to call Guest Services and complain, then they would turn it down/off. It is hard to imagine that this is not a perennial problem that HAL chooses to ignore.

 

The ship was otherwise quite enjoyable. Our ten year old niece loved Club HAL. An indication of the lack of communication from Seattle to the ships was that when we boarded about 1:00, the Club HAL person said Seattle told them there would be one child in the 8-12 age group and she already had twenty and people were still boarding!

 

In Aruba we did a last minute tour with a driver named Rocky for $15 per person. It was quite good. In Curacao we enjoyed the dolphin encounter, and we also did the similar stingray swim at HMC. The rainforest canopy tram in Dominica was amazing. We also did the jewelry store tour in St. Thomas.

 

I would go again on this cruise in a minute, but I would look for a different cabin location.

 

Bodger

[RlrCstr]

We cruised for 10 Days on the Volendam. We visited 5 ports of call and enjoyed 5 sea days. Our Ports Of Call were Aruba, Curacao, Dominica, St. Thomas, USVI and Half Moon Cay. Days628

 

I was on the VLdam in February on this same itinerary.

As I already have other cruises booked, I cannot repeat this one soon, but I plan to next year. Loved the ship and the islands.

 

Did the river-tubing in Dominica. The most fun of anything like that I have ever done.

Did the Aqua-trax on HMC. Very fun, and will do it again.

 

A great ship and will be happy to cruise on her again.

[dtiger]

Thanks for the informative review as I'll be boarding the Volendam a week from today.

[Maggiedp]

We are going on the Volendam in Dec. This will be the first time we have every been on a Holland American Ship. I have heard that it is a step above the Carnival Cruise Line. How formal were the formal nights. I have read some reviews where they say you stay in your formal wear all night not just for dinner? Also I was told that they serve hordevoures in the lounges, is that true? What were the shows like etc. I like to know what to expect. I can't imagine every being on a cruise that wasn't great. Even a Bad day at sea is better then a day on land. Thanks for sharing with us.

[Maryandi]

Maggie, yes, everything you read about and wonder about is a yes! except you can take off the formal wear when you put on the PJ's :D , no need to wear them all night !!

 

Some shows are better than others depending on your taste but , trust me, you will hear no rap music:p .

 

Have fun, MaryAnn, too

[SANDY BEACH]

It's so nice to see the great Volendam reviews. Can't wait until November when we will sail her. Very much looking forward to a smaller ship and my first 10 day cruise. Glad you had a great time.

[Himself]

The VOLENDAM is a great ship. I am glad you enjoyed your cruise on this fine ship. Thanks for writing such a great review on this fine vessel.

[RlrCstr]

We are going on the Volendam in Dec. This will be the first time we have every been on a Holland American Ship. I have heard that it is a step above the Carnival Cruise Line.

 

I would say it is a very big step above.

 

How formal were the formal nights. I have read some reviews where they say you stay in your formal wear all night not just for dinner?

 

Many of those in the later dinner seatings stayed dressed to go to the lounges, bars, or the casino.

Some from the earlier seating stayed in formal dress, some changed.

I wore a white dinner jacket and saw at least one other man in one, and several men in tuxedos, others in dark suits.

 

Also I was told that they serve horsdevoures in the lounges, is that true?

Yes. After 5pm.

 

I didn't go to any of the shows on my VLdam cruise last month, so can't tell you about that.

[doone]

Welcome back to reality. I am so glad you enjoyed the Volendam, we had a spectacular cruise with my entire family last month. We're all still talking about what a great time we had, as it sounds you will be doing as well.

[Sammy1]

Hi Days628,

 

We're also booked on this cruise in December. Can you tell us about your experience at the private beach resort in Curacao. How was the beach, the food, the amenities, etc. Did you get to do anything else in Curacao after or before this excursion?

 

Thanks,

 

Sam

[EngineerDel]

We are new to this board. It was really good to read your review on the beautiful Volendam. We have enjoyed 8 cruises all together and the Volendam was our fourth with HAL. WE sailed on the Volendam last November just before she was referbished. and absolutely LOVED it. She is now our favorite. We really think the VOL is the best kept secrete in the cruise industry. In fact, we have already booked her again for December 13, 2006 with two of our best friends and can't wait. We wrote a long review of our cruise on the Cruise Critic Reviews so if you want to read it we think you will enjoy it. Its under Delbert Parrish.

Again, thanks for your very nice review. It brought back beautiful memories.

[days628]

Hey Sammy1,

 

In Curacao we took the open air Beach Express to a private resort, we booked this on HAL's website. I believe it was called Blue Moon. We spent about 2 hours on the beach, there is a lot of foilage and palm trees for shade. There are plenty of beach lounge chairs and you can see and hear the birds. Wear water shoes, the beach is mostly coral and sand. One drink token, for a soft drink, is included and they have a really cute thatched hut bar set back a little way from the beach. You can get drinks and beer for what I thought was a nominal fee. They also have a swimming pool if you want to get away from the salt water. There are showers and bathrooms nearby.

 

We got back to the ship and ate lunch, then showered and headed on foot into town. We were in Curacao until 10:00 p.m. The walk is not too long, you just follow the yellow brick wall along the shoreline. We stopped in one casino but it was small and we just did not find it appealing. Then we took the ferry across into the main shopping area. I was looking for something special for my Mother in Law and found a beautiful set of hand cut and sewn placemats that we uniquely Curacao. Look for Mr. Tablecloth, 4 placemats, 2 long table runners and a windchime cost me about $16.00 U.S. my best bargain of the entire cruise!

 

We stopped and had a sandwich at Iguana Joes, right on the waterway that the ferry crosses. Under umbrella's drinking a tropical concoction was just the right thing to do. We also found our way to an internet cafe that was part of an outside garden restaurant. It was $2. for a half hour. It was very safe and comfortable.

 

People are very kind and friendly, just smile and know that you are welcomed. I enjoyed Curacao very much and would go back there in a heartbeat, there is so much I missed seeing.

 

days628

[Sammy1]

Hey days628,

 

Thanks for the great report on Curacao. We were last there about twenty years ago and have fond memories of the colourful buildings along the canal. We do want to try the beach this time - thanks for the advice about wearing water shoes.

 

What can you tell us about your excursion to Hidden Beach in St. Thomas - sounds very interesting!

 

Sam

[days628]

Mini Boats and Hidden Beaches in St Thomas as outlined under shore excursions on HAL's website was great fun! We are not petite people but we are under the 600lb weight limit for this adventure. 2 people to a boat.

 

You board a bus at the dock, the bus ride is an adventure in it's self! At the marina (not the most attractive, but they do have bathrooms) you are given a watercraft, think of a rubber raft but much stronger, with a 35 hp engine. Instuctions are given on the operation of your boat. The craft has a regular type steering wheel so it is easy to manuver and still see all the wonderful scenery. It is about a 40 minute ride to Christmas Island. The boats are anchored together out about 25 yards from the beach. Snorkelling equipment is available and you can swim to the beach (everyone must wear a life vest). Once again, be aware that it is a rocky beach, wear water shoes if you are going there.The boat ride is really great, bouncing along the wave! We had a great time. After you return to the marina you are given rum punch.

 

It was the most expensive excursion we did on this cruise but we both felt it was worth the cash!

 

We were docked at Havesight so after we changed clothes we had plenty of time to do some shopping.

 

Hope this helps!

 

Days628 at yahoo.com