Erica@cruisecritic Posted June 2, 2009 Author #76 Share Posted June 2, 2009 I spent an hour up on deck enjoying the scenic cruising around Jane Island and the beautiful weather. It's well into the 70s today and many guests were lounging around the Retreat in their bathing suits. The forested coastline and islands on either side of the ship look close enough to touch. The captain has announced whale and eagle sightings, but I haven't managed to be in the right place at the right time. If you're keen on spotting wildlife, you might prefer to sit up front in the Crow's Nest because you'll have the same view as the captain. At 3 p.m., I went to the Dutch Royal Tea. The Dutch part didn't really factor and I was expecting the usual British-style tea with tiered trays of finger sandwiches and petit fours, and scones with clotted cream. On Holland America, tea is served buffet-style (is that Dutch?) and includes a variety of desserts, including cheesecake and almond cakes, as well as scones (but no cream). The tea was a little disappointing as it's the same bag tea you get in the Lido Restaurant, and instead of getting your own pot of hot water, a waiter comes around and fills up just your cup. And to answer Tsorensen55, today's tea did not feature a string quartet or any kind of music at all. Tea did seem popular with a long line to get into the dining room. And it was the perfect excuse to sit and watch the beautiful scenery go by for yet another half hour. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erica@cruisecritic Posted June 2, 2009 Author #77 Share Posted June 2, 2009 Fabby50, here's the lowdown on spa amenities. All spa staterooms come with priority spa bookings on embarkation day, spa concierge service, in-cabin Elemis amenities (though all staterooms have those), fruit tray on embarkation day, turn-down gift each evening, enhanced mini bar setup (I'm guessing that refers to the Vitamin Water), organic bathrobes and slippers, a "distinctive shower head" (I don't think I looked too closely at that one), wooden bathmat, iPod docking station, water feature, yoga mat, pedometer and fitness DVD. In addition, spa cabin guests can book Spa Stateroom Rituals, which are exclusive to these passengers. Spa rituals include the Elemis Cooling Hot Stone Body & Facial, Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial, Facial Rejuvenation with Acupuncture, Elemis Pro-Collagen Grooming Treatment with Shave (for men) and more. The spa breakfast menu is a healthier take on the typical room service menu. For example, the cereal selection only contains healthy cereals (no Frosted Flakes), egg selections are made with egg beaters or egg whites, breakfast meats include turkey bacon and sausage, and fresh fruit smoothies are included in the juice selection. No other spa menu was mentioned. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovebug33 Posted June 2, 2009 #78 Share Posted June 2, 2009 Egg white omelettes in the spa room? We are having one of those and I am allergic to egg yolks! Yeah! Sorry, just had to share my excitement because I will get to eat an omelette! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DizzyDallasDi Posted June 2, 2009 #79 Share Posted June 2, 2009 In addition, spa cabin guests can book Spa Stateroom Rituals, which are exclusive to these passengers. Spa rituals include the Elemis Cooling Hot Stone Body & Facial, Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial, Facial Rejuvenation with Acupuncture, Elemis Pro-Collagen Grooming Treatment with Shave (for men) and more. Hi Erica - I'm guessing they don't offer a similar grooming treatment with waxing for women. :D Sorry...I couldn't help myself. Diane Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tee_harbor Posted June 2, 2009 #80 Share Posted June 2, 2009 I'm a bit worried for you, Erica, as it's supposed to be in the high 80's here in Juneau by Friday. If your room's hot now...and I doubt you'd want to keep your slider open all day with the whole ship walking past! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KathyPet Posted June 2, 2009 #81 Share Posted June 2, 2009 Erica, Can you tell me which nights are the formal nights?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fabby50 Posted June 2, 2009 #82 Share Posted June 2, 2009 Thank you SO MUCH for the spa suite information! It's been like pulling teeth to get any information from HAL about it. I am really enjoying your thread - we haven't cruised on HAL in a few years and you are getting me all excited! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilrr Posted June 2, 2009 #83 Share Posted June 2, 2009 Erica - Thank you for posting some wonderful information. We are on the B2B June 14-28 and after hearing all of the horror stories of that first/second cruise, your review was refreshing. My Partner was close to calling our TA to change ships -- but I was optimistic about HAL getting the problems straightened out. Thank you for all of your postings... Keep the good news coming...:) Neilrr Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erica@cruisecritic Posted June 2, 2009 Author #84 Share Posted June 2, 2009 The Pinnacle Grill is Holland America's alternative dining venue with a steakhouse and Pacific Northwest seafood theme. It also has a $20 per person surcharge. From my last HAL cruise, I remembered it as being the best meal on the ship and looked forward to going back. As tonight is formal night, I donned my cocktail dress and headed upstairs for dinner (stopping first to post on the boards -- I was definitely the best dressed in the Internet cafe!). The first thing I noted is that the décor is subtle, almost to the point of boring, with lots of brown wood and brown chairs. I remember the same restaurant on Westerdam having a very modern décor and in a more open and airy setting. But perhaps the space on Veendam is plain to highlight the two main attractions of the evening -- the food and the beautiful views still gliding past the restaurant windows. It's definitely hard to concentrate on dinner conversation when every so often you catch sight of another gorgeous mountain peak with a waterfall peaking out from a forest of pine trees. Our waiter wheeled over a showcase of uncooked meat in order to introduce us to our future meals. I don't really eat meat, but I still enjoyed the show as she presented two sizes of filet mignon and a really gigantic steak that encompassed two cuts of meat. Sadly, there was no salmon swimming about, but I confidently ordered the dish sight unseen. The food, as I had remembered, was wonderful. I had the Caesar salad and the salmon, and on day two, the fish is still delicious and flavorful. You also get your pick of as many side dishes as you'd like. I went for the tasty mushrooms, asparagus (no warning about the cream sauce on top, which I scraped off) and mashed potatoes. The dish that got the best reviews at the table was not a steak but the lobster macaroni and cheese (flagged as the chef's favorite). The joke of the evening was why waiters on cruise ships always ask you if you want fresh pepper on every dish you order -- including chilled fruit soups. Does anyone know? True to form, the waiters did offer us fresh pepper for every course but dessert. The mashed potatoes actually needed it, but by then the waiter was gone. Oh well, there's more pepper on the table. And I can't forget dessert. How great is a restaurant that offers both chocolate soufflé and a Chocolate Volcano dessert?! I went for the volcano and was not disappointed with the gooey, warm, melt-in-your-mouth, uber-chocolaty dish. My only regret is that I did not have enough willpower to keep from eating the entire thing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erica@cruisecritic Posted June 2, 2009 Author #85 Share Posted June 2, 2009 It's 8:30 a.m. Alaska time and I'm off to explore Ketchikan. Back onboard, I'm testing out the spa (blissful massage) and its Thermal Suite. I'll report back this afternoon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruisinsmoothly Posted June 2, 2009 #86 Share Posted June 2, 2009 Cruisinsmoothly, there is not a Let It Ride table in the casino so your gambling budget is safe! So there is BJ, Roulette and craps. If you have a chance, could you report back what my other options will be to donate to the Veendam table games? I am just thinking of how much I have saved already by not having LIR to donate to. Thanks for all the great info on the Veendam. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MightyQuinn Posted June 2, 2009 #87 Share Posted June 2, 2009 That's ironic, WestCan, because our room is HOT. I've got the A/C turned to its coldest setting and it's still really warm in there. The temperature started evening out at night, so I wonder if it's the sun streaming into our floor-to-ceiling windows. Maybe as we head north, it will become more comfortable in there...Erica - I'm interested in any info about the AC. Is your cabin comfortable yet? Are other folks having issues? Apparently the Veendam has been plagued with AC problems (too hot or too cold never just right) & there were hopes that they'd be fixed in the recent drydock. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loves to dance Posted June 2, 2009 #88 Share Posted June 2, 2009 It's 8:30 a.m. Alaska time and I'm off to explore Ketchikan. Back onboard, I'm testing out the spa (blissful massage) and its Thermal Suite. I'll report back this afternoon. Please do let us know about the Thermal Suite! I am debating on a pass... :D Does everything actually work in it? What are the views like from the suite? How crowded is it? Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lardor Posted June 2, 2009 #89 Share Posted June 2, 2009 Erica - I'm interested in any info about the AC. Is your cabin comfortable yet? Are other folks having issues? Apparently the Veendam has been plagued with AC problems (too hot or too cold never just right) & there were hopes that they'd be fixed in the recent drydock. See my message #73...I wrote customer service before it went into dry dock about replacing, not fixing the A/C...(we had a bad experience on our Amazon trip last year with the A/C...or rather lack of A/C)... their answer was to ignore my question and proceeded to tell me all about the great "improvements" they were going to make....It really is cheaper for them to give an OBC to us complainers than it is to spend the money to replace it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sillyjilly Posted June 2, 2009 #90 Share Posted June 2, 2009 The AC thing has me worried. I suffer from severe hot flashes. I hope I get one of those cold cabins, or I'll be sleeping at the pool.:eek: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MightyQuinn Posted June 2, 2009 #91 Share Posted June 2, 2009 See my message #73...I wrote customer service before it went into dry dock about replacing, not fixing the A/C...(we had a bad experience on our Amazon trip last year with the A/C...or rather lack of A/C)... their answer was to ignore my question and proceeded to tell me all about the great "improvements" they were going to make....It really is cheaper for them to give an OBC to us complainers than it is to spend the money to replace it!Yes I know the Veendam had huge AC issues in the past (I read several accounts of the ill-fated Amazon voyage) so I'm curious to know if they have been resolved in drydock. It will be good to get some current first-hand feedback from Erica. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EbayCruiser Posted June 2, 2009 #92 Share Posted June 2, 2009 Erica, I have enjoyed your posts!! Any info on the new Stern/Aft Balconies. Would love to see a pic of the rear of the ship (balcony). Vickie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erica@cruisecritic Posted June 2, 2009 Author #93 Share Posted June 2, 2009 Erica, Can you tell me which nights are the formal nights?? Yes, they're the first and second sea days on this trip (Monday and Friday). And people really dress up -- I saw lots of long gowns, tuxedos and even a kilt! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erica@cruisecritic Posted June 2, 2009 Author #94 Share Posted June 2, 2009 Erica, I have enjoyed your posts!! Any info on the new Stern/Aft Balconies. Would love to see a pic of the rear of the ship (balcony). Vickie I took a photo today and will try to post it later tonight. We didn't get to visit one of those cabins on our embarkation day tour, but I'll see if there's any way I can get a look. As you'll see from the photo later, it's pretty obvious where the cabins were added as they interrupt the line of the aft of the ship. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erica@cruisecritic Posted June 2, 2009 Author #95 Share Posted June 2, 2009 I keep hearing these rumors that Ketchikan is the rainiest city in Alaska but every time I've been (twice, both in late May/early June), it's been sunny. Today temperatures were in the high 70s, and the green trees and snowy mountains cut a nice contrast against the bright blue skies. I didn't have much of a plan, other than to wander around Ketchikan. But when I got off the ship, plenty of tour operators were waiting, eager to offer a more structured day. From Misty Fjords float plane rides to "duck tours" and zip-line adventures, pretty much any activity you desired could be booked at the port. Outside the tourist information center (a green building right on the waterfront), I was told that I could get on the 9 a.m. float plane tour (sold on our ship for $253) for $200. Inside was comparable to the Grand Bazaar in Turkey with tour sellers on either side of the corridor trying to interest visitors in their wares. One float plane operator, noting my height, called out "Hey, I'm 6'3"!" and to my response of "I'm married," the operator across the way called out, "I'm married, too, so come check out my float plane tour!" I can't guarantee that this desperation for customers is always the case, but if you're coming to Alaska soon, you can very easily book several Ketchikan tours in port and pay less than on the ship. I would recommend debarking early to make sure you get your pick of tours and departure times. I declined the tour offers, settling instead on cheaper entertainment. I walked the few blocks from the port to Creek Street, a boardwalk lined with wooden buildings, all perched on pilings above Ketchikan Creek. The buildings house many shops selling jewelry, T-shirts, wooden salad tongs in the shape of bear claws, homemade soap and other souvenirs. However, the must-see stop is Dolly's House, and it's well worth the $5 admission charge. The house was owned by Dolly Arthur, a local prostitute, and now showcases her belongings including an antique kitchen with cookbooks from the early to mid 20th century, her secret stashes of illegal alcohol, and her shower curtain, which she decorated with French silk condoms arranged to look like flowers. Today five bucks gets you a tour -- back then it bought you a shot of bootleg booze and a visit to Dolly's bedroom. After that I simply walked around, up to City Park, down along the Waterfront Promenade and through the downtown shops. It was such a beautiful day that it simply felt good to stretch my legs and feel the sun on my arms. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HinesL Posted June 2, 2009 #96 Share Posted June 2, 2009 Erica, I have enjoyed your posts!! Any info on the new Stern/Aft Balconies. Would love to see a pic of the rear of the ship (balcony). Vickie Hello Erica I have the same request about the stern or aft cabins. We are booked into 223 in August and understand it is new cabin. Any info would be wonderful. :o Elaine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erica@cruisecritic Posted June 2, 2009 Author #97 Share Posted June 2, 2009 Yes I know the Veendam had huge AC issues in the past (I read several accounts of the ill-fated Amazon voyage) so I'm curious to know if they have been resolved in drydock. It will be good to get some current first-hand feedback from Erica. Thanks! So the first two days our cabin was really warm. I set something to the cabin steward and today it's really chilly in there. I turned the A/C down -- we'll see if I can get it to even out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosieo Posted June 2, 2009 #98 Share Posted June 2, 2009 Yes, they're the first and second sea days on this trip (Monday and Friday). And people really dress up -- I saw lots of long gowns, tuxedos and even a kilt! On the non-formal nights how are people dressing? I have heard on other cruise lines people are even coming to dinner in nicer jeans. Is this the case on the Veendam? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mary Ellen Posted June 2, 2009 #99 Share Posted June 2, 2009 So the first two days our cabin was really warm. I set something to the cabin steward and today it's really chilly in there. I turned the A/C down -- we'll see if I can get it to even out.Part of the problem could be due to other passengers along your A/C line leaving their verandah/lanai door open, despite signs not to do so (as they want to hear the sea, get fresh air, whatever...). They could even be on another deck. The A/C shuts down on the line when this happens. As my mom always said, 'we don't want chill/heat the great outdoors'. Now, they have closed their door - and your A/C is set on full-blast. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tommygirl1 Posted June 3, 2009 #100 Share Posted June 3, 2009 Tsorensen55, the specialty coffees and teas at Explorations are an additional expense. Here's the photo I took of the price list. Iced drinks range from $1.60 - $2.85. You can also buy specialty waters and sodas, iced chai lattes and something called a Creamice. Erica, I am enjoying your posts. My mother and I will be on the Veendam in August. My mother will be 80 this year. She is very excited about the trip. I know that she will want to get on the ship as soon as possible. What time does embarkation start and do people line up ahead of time? I am a cofee lover but I drink decaf. I drink it for the taste instead of the caffeine. Can the specialty coffees be made with decaf? Thanks for all the great info. Have a great trip! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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