GENERAL COMMENTS |
- Signature of Excellence Improvement definitely modernized the
Veendam.
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- The Veendam's 2010 Bermuda Itinerary feature stops in two Bermuda
ports, allowing passengers to use the ship as a base to explore the
island. In addition, the ship docks at Front Street in Hamilton,
Bermuda allowing easy access to Bermuda's shops, attractions and
transportation hub.
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- The Veedam is an mid-sized ship carrying only 1,258 passengers
double occupancy. For passengers looking for a more intimate cruise
experience and wants to avoid a mega-ship the Veendam is a great
option.
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- The flow of the ship has been modified and improved as well. I can
remember visiting the ship in earlier days and remember the Public
Rooms being walled off. Now the ship has a much more open and spacious
feel with the removal of walls and large openings into lounges and
bars
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PUBLIC ROOMS |
- The latest refit has converted the Sports Bar into a new modern
and sleek Champagne, Martini and Spirits and Ale Bar. Sports
enthusiasts do not worry, the Sport Bar may be gone, but there is
still large screen TVs playing for favorite game. Another unique
feature of the this area included the coffee tables with built in
video games, powered by Microsoft. Just touch the Gel Screen surface
and you can play chess, checkers or other favorite games.
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- Explorations incorporates the library and internet center into
one large area. The Library has many oversized sofas and arm chairs
for relaxing while reading. The only negative aspect about this area
is the Yellow leather Sofa's that look like they should be replaced.
On outer fringe of the Library is the Explorer's Café which has
specialty coffees and cake.
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- The Showroom at Sea is the main showroom on board the Veendam.
This 2 level lounge features a Las Vegas feel with tables and chairs
located in front of the stage. Balcony seating is available on the
upper level of the show room. Viewing of the stage from the balcony is
best from the first few rows only, since the Balcony is not tiered
enough to provide those sitting in the back rows clears views of the
stage.
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- The Veendam's Atrium is a hub of the ship. This 3 level lobby is
open and refreshing, with its glass 3 story sculpture in the center.
Adjacent to the Atrium is the Art Gallery, where you can bid on your
favorite art piece; the Photo Gallery where you can purchase memory
photos of your vacation; The Ocean Bar - ideal for a before or after
dinner drinks; Reception Area - where cruise staff is eager to help.
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- Located high above the Veendam's bridge is the Crow's Nest Bar.
This lounge has wall of windows on three sides allowing passengers
great views of the sea or island scape. The room features a bar, dance
floor and table seating.
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- The Veendam offers a number of shops including an exclusive
jewelry shop, liquor store, souvenir shop and more. You will be sure
to find what you are looking for.
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- The Veendam has a large casino offering slot machines, table games
and other games of chance. The casino has a bar area and also a lounge
area.
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- The Veendam offers internet and computer training classes for
passengers in their PC Lab, The program is sponsored by Microsoft and
offers entry level training classes to passengers.
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- Passengers are also invited to attend cooking classes in the
Wajang Theatre / Cullinary Art Center. This area has auditorium style
eating around a stage with a fully functional kitchen. Here one of the
ship's chef will share a recipe secret.
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- The Explorer's Lounge, located just outside the Pinnacle Grill is
a great gathering place for passengers before or after an extra
special dinner.
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STATEROOMS |
- In General the Cabins on the Veendam seem compact. As part of the
Signature of Excellence, it appears that Holland America Opted for
move luxurious and larger beds, which reduced the amount of space to
move around within the Cabins.
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- The Cabins tend to be compact but functional. More than 2 people
in a cabin may be a little tight. The ship offers ample storage for
guests and the bathrooms are compact but yet large enough for everyday
use.
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- The Penthouse Apartment - Cabin 001 is quite spacious, with large
Veranda, compact kitchen, 2 baths, full sized dining room table to
seat 10, King Size bed, walk in closet and living area, is like being
on your own private yacht.
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- The color scheme of the Cabins on board the Veendam are some of
the most pleasing afloat. Although neutral in color, the accent
colors create a warm environment.
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- The Veendam is the first ship to feature new Lanai Cabins. These
Cabins have floor to ceiling glass door that opens directly onto the
ship's Lower Promenade deck. These Cabins are a category somewhere
between an outside cabin and balcony. Privacy can be an issue with
these Cabins since other vacations could be strolling by the glass
door.
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SPA / GYM AREAS |
- The Veendam has an extensive Spa area (the Greenhouse Spa and
Salon) incorporating various treatments and treatment rooms, hair
salon as well as relaxation areas. Spa treatments are available at an
additional charge.
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- Adjacent to the SPA is a substantial gym area, with various
exercise equipment and Free weights as well as a small area for
exercise classes.
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DINING ON BOARD |
- There are many options available for dinner, including traditional
2 seating dining with assigned tables and time (Early/Late Seating).
The upper level of the Rotterdam Dining Room is used for Holland
America's As You Wish Dining, which allows you to eat when you want
with who you want, but you need reservations each night. For those
wanting a more upscale dining experience there is the Pinnacle Grill
Specialty Restaurant for Steaks, Fish and other superior dining
experience. There is an additional surcharge for eating at the
Pinnacle Grill. Finally there is the less formal buffet dinner served
at the Lido Restaurant. For pools side dining during the day there is
the Terrace Grill for Burgers, fries, chicken and more.
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- The Main Dining Room on the Veendam is the Rotterdam Dining Room.
This two level dining room is very elegant with its grand double entry
staircase and dark maroon décor. Dinner is served in two seating. The
upper level is used for Holland America's As You Wish Dining, which
allows you to each when you want with who you want, but you need
reservations
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- Breakfast and Lunch are available in the dining room or the Lido
Restaurant. Pizza is also available at the Slice.
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- While on board we ate at the Pinnacle Grill for Lunch and found
the meal and service to be very good. The food was elegantly
presented, tasty and the selection, although limited offered something
for everyone.
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- The Buffet at the Lido Restaurant offers a wide selection of
entrees, salad bar, soups and more. There is something for everyone at
the buffet.
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- A new addition to The Retreat area is the upscale Pizzeria called
Slice in addition to a new bar.
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KIDS AND TEENS |
- For the 7 day Bermuda cruises the Veendam has a separate areas
designated just for kids.
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- Children are grouped by ages with age appropriate activities.
There are three groups with activities for 3-7 year old, 8-12 year old
and Teens.
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- The Veendam features its own Teens only Area called the Loft. This
teen only area has a waterfall, hammocks and other unique seating
making it a great place for teams to hang out.
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OUTDOOR AREAS |
- The main pool has a magnadome roof which allows swimming and
sunbathing in any type of weather. A nice touch on days where the
weather does not cooperate.
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- The Veendam has substantial areas for sunbathing including a large
area high above the bridge on the Sky Deck and a vast area hidden on
the bow of the ship on the Upper Promenade Deck.
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- Creation of a resort styled shallow aft pool area called "The
Retreat". The large walled off area, has lounge chairs placed in 6"
of water for guests to stay cool under the tropical sun.
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- A new addition is the giant LCD screen which allows guests the
opportunity to enjoy movies under the stars.
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- The Veendam offers a feature not always found on cruise ships of
today, The ship has a wrap around promenade which allow you to walk
entirely around the Lower Promenade Deck allowing you to get in you
exercise and enjoy the seascape. In addition this area is great to
just pull-up a lounge chair and read a booking while taking in the
beautiful ocean.
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- The Veendam offers a full basketball and tennis court for those
wishing to get in a quick game.
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- Adjacent to the pool area the Veendam features two hot tubs for
passenger enjoyment.
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- Basketball / tennis Courts are available if you want to get in a
quick game.
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PORTS OF CALL (FROM NY) |
- The Veedam call on two Bermuda ports - Hamilton - the center of
town and the quiet, quaint city of St. George.
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- The Veendam docks right at Front Street in Hamilton only feet away
from the shopping and main transportation hub.
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- When calling at St. George, the Veendam anchors just outside the
harbor entrance and passengers are tendered into the port area. The
Veendam is too large to dock at Peno Wharf and pass through the 220
feet entrance Channel. A 700 passenger tender is used so that the
Veendam's passenger do not have to wait to go ashore.
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