REVIEW MS VEENDAM Cruise Nov 16th thru Nov 23rd, Western Carribean

[JimVrhovac]

This review expression only Ruth and mine opinions. We hope that everyone enjoys it.

 

If you have any questions concerning this review please post them and we will try to reply to them.

 

REVIEW:

Veendam, Western Caribbean, November 16th, 2008 thru November 23rd, 2008

Master: Captain Albert Sohoonderbeek

Hotel Manager: Willem Van De Poll

Cruise Director: Christopher Butcher

 

EMBARKMENT:

Everything went like clockwork. When we arrived at the terminal we were given directions to the Ships Stores Delivery area and Jimmy (my son) took his pickup which was towing the U Haul trailer over to that area to wait for me. We dropped off our luggage and Ruth got out to wait for me while I got the supplies offloaded. We ran into MAMA LOU there. She is as lively and talkative as ever.

 

I returned to the Stores Delivery area and we downloaded all the supplies for Guatemala into two (2) luggage carriers for storage on the ship. They will keep everything there and offload them to the dock when we get to Guatemala. Captain Albert and Nellie (Chief Housekeeper) are the ones that set this up and it was really appreciated.

 

When I returned we were ushered through the Suite check in area and escorted to our room by one of the crew. It was everything that we have come to expect from Holland America and then some.

 

SUITE 023:

It was everything that we have come to expect. I noticed that in the dressing area they have a clear plastic container that has cotton balls and Q-tips stored in it. This is a nice touch for the passengers. I was told that these are only available in the suites.

 

CABIN STEWARTS:

They are working in teams of two people now. They have more rooms but they are in and out a lot faster. This is the old concept that one plus one equals three (1+1=3). When I talked with them about the new system they all had favorable comments about the new system. The senior staff explained to me that this team concept has been implemented ship wide and will be fleet wide in the future. Their work and attention to detail was what we have come to expect from HAL.

 

NEPTUNE LOUNGE:

Well stocked with everything that we have become accustomed to. They set up our dinner and Pinnacle Grill reservations for us. These are the people who take care of a lot of little things and make the price of a suite worthwhile. Eric and Mica (Michelle) staffed the Neptune Lounge and did a fantastic job for us.

 

CASINO:

Talked with some of the ships officers an there are no more smoke free nights in the Casino. There was a directive that came down from corporate headquarters concerning this subject.

 

SHOPS:

The price of cigarettes has gone through the ceiling. When we cruised in April 2008 the price of a 5 carton box was $80.00. Now it is priced at $118.00. We can purchase them cheaper in Orlando. Liquor prices are about the same as they have always been.

 

There was a nice selection of moderately price cruise wear and trinkets. It has remained as it has been for the past several years.

 

DINING:

We had meals in all three venues and were satisfied overall. We celebrated our 43rd Anniversary in the Pinnacle Grill with several of the senior staff and had a good time.

We are not fancy eaters but overall we found the quality good and the presentation great.

Room Service was used at least every day without problems.

 

POOL PARTY (9 pm Lido Deck):

We were advised that they have done away with the Dessert Extravaganza and replaced it with the Pool Party; one side of the Lido Deck was a dance floor with the HAL Cats was providing entertainment. The other side of the lido was set up with desserts and chocolate waterfalls. The desserts were more common and not as decorative and there were no exotically decorated cakes or pies. There were a variety of cupcakes and finger desserts but not many were being eaten. Most of the people attending the party were younger or middle aged and they seemed to be having a good time. Was it a good change???? I don’t know. Only time will tell.

 

VEENDAM CHARITY WORKS IN GUATEMALA:

Holland America Lines does not publicize the charity work that is being done by its ships and the crews on them. The Veendam has been very active in charity work for the past several years and deserves a lot of credit for its work.

 

The mattresses on all HAL ships are custom made to their specifications. The last time they were rotated (done every three years) they were donated to the charities on several islands. A lot of clothing is left on the ships by debarking passengers and the crew sorts out what is good, cleans it, and then packs it for delivery when they get into port. Members of the senior and junior staffs as well as the crew and some of the officer’s spouses are very active in these efforts and they will be sorely missed when the Veendam goes to South America next year. We can only hope that the Rotterdam takes up the slack when moves into Tampa.

 

Ruth and I brought along a U Haul trailer full of medical and school supplies and the crew has been fantastic with helping us. We received special permission to unload in the ship’s stores area the supplies were loaded into two (2) luggage carrier binds and stored on the ship until we get into port. The Purser took care of all the customs paperwork necessary to take the supplies into the country. They unloaded everything onto the docks and then loaded them into Gus’s boats for delivery to Livingston. Their assistance was greatly appreciated.

 

We have posted a separate “Open letter to CEO, Holland America Cruise Line” on the Cruise Critic Boards covering the assistance given to us by the MS Veendam Officers and Crew.

 

SUITE LUNCHEON:

They put on a nice spread and most of the senior and mid level staff was in attendance. It was like old home week as we have cruised with most of them several times over the years.

 

VIP PARTY:

The party was help in the crows nest and was well attended by the passengers and the senior staff.

 

MARINERS LUNCH:

All the medallion holders met in the Explorers Lounge prior to the luncheon for presentation of the new medallions. Ruth and I received our Gold Medallions from Captain Albert and Willem (Hotel Manager) and had a few drinks with everyone. We gave Willem and Captain Albert Bumble Bee slippers during the ceremony.

 

We then went into the dining room for lunch with all the Mariners. We like the new setup as it seems a lot more organized and does not take as long.

 

QUESTION & ANSWER SESSION:

On the last day of the cruise the senior staff invited 20 people (cabins) to attend a question and answer session to express the opinions of the cruise and ask the senior staff questions. The meeting was attended by the Hotel Manager, Guest Relations Manager, Cruise Director, and Director of Excursions Department. Ruth and I were invited to this meeting and only three ( 3 ) passengers showed up. If we as passengers do not express our opinions when given the chance how do we expect Holland America to listen to us?????

 

DEBARKMENT:

We received debarment documents the night before and they said that there would only be one announcement to start the process and then everyone is to follow the written instruction. Debarment started at 0800 and we left the ship at 0930 and there were no lines or confusion that we saw. It took us about 15 minutes to go through customs, pick up our luggage, and make our way to the curb. It was one of the best and most organized debarments we have been part of.

 

KEY WEST:

Key West is as flakey as ever. There are so many in this one port that it is worth getting off the ship to observe the residents of the town. We did visit our favorite glass blower in Malory Square and she is still there and doing a god business. Her pieces are of high quality workmanship and her prices are very competitive. She has been in business in the one spot for the last 15 years (to our knowledge).

 

BELIZE:

You have to tender into this port on high speed boats. We were called the day before to insure that Ruth would be able to walk down the ten steps to the tender platform. Belize has not changed in the past five years. The port was very active but the rest of the country was on a national holiday. They make some beautiful knives here with hand tooled sheaths here that are very unique. We picked up several of them to give away as letter openers and then returned to the ship.

 

GUATAMELA:

Everything went off without any major problems or delays. The supplies were offloaded from the MS Veendam and loaded onto Gus’s boats and delivered to the schools and medical clinic. We met a lot of the children and their smile’s made everything worthwhile. The started off with a mild drizzle but turned into a beautiful day.

 

COSTA MAYA:

Ruth stayed on the ship and I walked around the shops to see what was new. The second floor of the mall no longer exists. There were a lot of silver and arts and craft shops but not much new. The liquor store only carried Tequila.

 

OVERALL:

This cruise met all our expectations and we would highly recommend this crew and ship to anyone. The personality of the MS Veendam is the best in the HAL fleet, in our opinions.

 

 

NOTE:

We will be posting a copy of this review on Cruise Critic Boards.

 

 

Ruth & Jim Vrhovac

JVrhovac@AOL.com

[RuthC]

Thanks for the information, Jim. I'll be on the Veendam before I know it, and think I have the same itinerary (I can't keep track :rolleyes:).

I've read many recent reports of A/C problems on the ship. Did you notice any areas, or hear any reports of cabins, that were hot? I've been getting concerned about this.

[JimVrhovac]

We heard of no, none, nada problems from any of the passangers the whole cruise.

 

There were a few complaints because it was drizzling in the morning when we pulled into Guatemala.

 

Thought you would enjoy this cartoon.

 

Ruth & Jim

[RuthC]

Thanks for your observations re: the A/C. I hope it's cold enough for me when I'm aboard. I like my thermostat set to "meat locker".

And yes, I do like the cartoon! That saying is getting added to my siggy. :D

[Williebill]

Thanks for your review. It sounds as though you had a great time, I'm glad.

[510picker]

Excellent review, Jim. It was a pleasure meeting you. Sorry we didn't get to visit more, but I guess I was too busy relaxing :D

 

We experienced no problems with the a/c in our cabin either, but it also wasn't a hot trip. The weather was much cooler than normal, so I don't know if that would make a difference.

[Tampa Girl]

Jim, you mentioned the Rotterdam coming to Tampa. I thought it was going to be the Ryndam in 2009-2010. Has that changed?

 

Glad to hear the Veendam is as good as ever. We are looking forward to the December7th cruise - hopefully it will be in the process of being decorated for the holiday.

 

Virginia

[fireman845]

Jim,

 

My DW and I had planned on taking school supplies as well when we visit the Veendam in Jan, but Gus informed us that they will be on Holiday. So we have shifted gears and as we are both nurses we are taking medical supplies instead. Although we have not had the same luck as you have had with HAL, ares is not bad don't get me wrong just red tape. We are having all the supplies shipped to Tampa and HAL is storing it till we depart. Our trouble have come with the Guatamalain govenment getting permission to bring the supplies in. We are not bringing any prescription medications, just most Diabetes materials. If you could "throw me a bone" and possibly give a contact name and number or email I would surely appreciate it.

 

I have all these meters and supplies now I don't know what to do with them if I can't get them to the ship.:eek:

[JimVrhovac]

Tampa Girl:

We may have gotten the ship name wrong. It is either the Ryndam or the Rotterdam. Will know when we cruise on her.

 

Fireman845:

1. Make a rough inventory for each box. IE: Medical Supplies, School Supplies, Diabetic Supplies. (You do not have to list quantities of each item).

 

2. When you get on board find Nelly (Chief Housekeeper) and talk to her about storage and transportation out of your cabin and storage below during the cruise. She can also arrange to move the supplies off the ship and to Gus's boat.

 

3. Have the box inventory list ready for the Purser. He is the one that will handle everything with customs for you.

 

4. Contact Gus and make sure that he gives you a letter of receipt (on a letterhead) for the supplies. This has to be returned to the port customs people to verify that the supplies went to the people you said it was going to.

 

Feel free to contact me directly and I will give you my cell number so I can help you out.

 

As you can tell the Veendam is the one that does all the hard work when taking these supplies down there. Use them as they know the rules and how to do it without problems.

 

We would like to thank everyone for their comments about the thread.

 

Ruth & Jim

[fireman845]

Tampa Girl:

 

 

Fireman845:

1. Make a rough inventory for each box. IE: Medical Supplies, School Supplies, Diabetic Supplies. (You do not have to list quantities of each item).

 

2. When you get on board find Nelly (Chief Housekeeper) and talk to her about storage and transportation out of your cabin and storage below during the cruise. She can also arrange to move the supplies off the ship and to Gus's boat.

 

3. Have the box inventory list ready for the Purser. He is the one that will handle everything with customs for you.

 

4. Contact Gus and make sure that he gives you a letter of receipt (on a letterhead) for the supplies. This has to be returned to the port customs people to verify that the supplies went to the people you said it was going to.

 

Feel free to contact me directly and I will give you my cell number so I can help you out.

 

As you can tell the Veendam is the one that does all the hard work when taking these supplies down there. Use them as they know the rules and how to do it without problems.

 

We would like to thank everyone for their comments about the thread.

 

Ruth & Jim

 

 

Thanks Jim I will send you and email...

jim