A Floating Retirement Home!

Veendam Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 40

Overall rating:

3 out of 5
Verified Review
Veendam

7 Night Western Caribbean (Tampa Roundtrip)

Sail date: March 25, 2006

Ship: Veendam

Cabin type: Oceanview

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 18 years ago

Review summary

The ship's planners did an outstanding job of carving out a beautiful environment into every square inch. The library had the most current selections and the coffee bar was as good as any Starbucks. The food was good, even gourmet, but by the end of the cruise, I was craving KFC and Mickey D's. The pizza, burgers, and other "kid food" were not as good as other ships. The pillowtop mattress and high thread count linens were a great touch. We were warned that a higher percentage of seniors traveled with H.A., but were surprised at how much time the staff had to spend dealing with wheelchairs and walkers. That was probably our main issue. Otherwise, not bad, but if you are under 50 and need a morale boost, stay off Holland America!

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5
Gourmet overkill! How's about some Southern cuisine, more pizza (24-hours), etc. I asked for Tobasco sauce for my eggs at breakfast and they had to search the kitchen.

Entertainment

3 out of 5
Rather sedate.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
Very busy, however with the geriatric passengers.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
Ship was beautiful, and speaking of cleanliness, the Captain advised on the first day of the cruise that there would be no viruses on his ship! There were hand-sanitizer dispensers everywhere!

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
Our stateroom window overlooked the Promenade deck and we discovered the one-way glass. You see out but the morning joggers can see you! Hee Hee!

Ports of call

Key West, Florida

5 out of 5
It was cold in Key West. Take a sweater.
Don't Miss: Hemmingway's house and 6-toed cats.

Santo Tomas De Castilla, Guatemala

5 out of 5
The people were wonderful. We did the rainforest hike. Great! Don't let the working port fool you. Get out there!
Don't Miss: Rainforest.

Costa Maya (Mahahual), Mexico

5 out of 5
Get a massage under a palm tree in the breeze on the beach! Great Mexican lunch served on a table set about a foot into the calm water on the beach! Didn't get any better.
Don't Miss: The beach!

Belize City, Belize

1 out of 5
Rough weather that day caused havoc with many planned activities. Don't go outside the tourist "zone"!
Don't Miss: The sight of the ship after getting soaked in a minor hurricane!

Pros: After many years of cruising with one cruise line, we decided, as Emeril would say, to "take it up a notch" and sail with Holland America. From the teakwood deck chairs and huge library, to the exceptional fitness center and movie theater, the ship was magnificent. Service was better, also.

Cons: The average passenger's age was probably 70. I was surprised at the number of wheelchairs and powered scooters. Being in the retirement facility business, I thought I was back at work!

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