Panama Canal Transit
Veendam Cruise Review to Panama Canal, Central America
15 Night Panama Canal Eastbound (San Diego To Ft. Lauderdale)
Sail date: December 05, 2016
Ship: Veendam
Cabin type: Oceanview
Cabin number: 819
Traveled as: Couple
Reviewed: 7 years ago
Review summary
We had a thoroughly enjoyable trip. The ship was in fine shape and the crew went out of their way to see that we were comfortable and informed. Food in the Main Dining Room and the Lido Deck was quite good as was the service. We had three Gala Dining Nights (gentlemen wear jackets) with lobster, filet mignon and other top shelf choices. The two specialty restaurants offered interesting and delicious choices.
This is not a brand new mega cruise ship. Our cruise had about 1250 passengers. You will not find all the latest features and doodads. The ship is well maintained and was clean and functional. Most passengers had passed the half century mark and I don't think there was much to do for children (though I only so 3 or 4 kids / teenagers).
Entertainment included shows, movies and lounge performers. The shows were fun but don't expect Vegas extravaganzas. The movies were somewhat dated but followed a theme of the Panama Canal and the Christmas Season. We enjoyed the lounges (4) the most. They were intimate so you could interact with the performers and other shipmates. The lounges included a classical music salon; a Jazz band with dance floor; a piano bar with requests and guess that tune; and a lounge with a band that played 60's to 90's music with a dance floor.
The transit of the canal was interesting. It took 8-9 hours once we started. The ship provided a guest commentator on the top deck who explained over the PA system what was happening plus a history of the canal.
The ship had a spacious and well stocked library as well as internet (slooow) connections. There are several "at sea days" so if you don't bring your own books, you will appreciate the library offerings.
I thought embarkation and disembarkation were done very efficiently and smoothly.
We are cruise neophytes (this was our second cruise) so we do not have the experience / knowledge of the more frequent cruisers. We found everyone helpful and very pleasant. The cruise totally met our expectations and we would recommend it for anyone wanting to transit the Panama Canal.
Dennis and Bonnie Kelly
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Onboard Activities
Entertainment
Children's Programs
Service and Staff
Ship Quality
Cabin / Stateroom
Ports of call
Exit Panama Canal At Cristobal