Panama Canal was Grand
Volendam Cruise Review to Panama Canal, Central America
Contributor Level:
Purser
Cruises: 4-6 cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 63
Review summary
Panama Canal is outstanding, considering it was finished in 1914 and using the original locks and 12 volt motors to open the locks. This is what made the trip worthwhile. Overall was a nice cruise, except the ship was cold and made some parts of the cruise a lot to be desired. The entertainment by the ship's singers and dancers was mediocre. The ships band was outstanding, especially the drummer. The excursions that we went on were very good. The room stewards were excellent. We were disappointed with the food in the dining room; the Lido Deck had better options and the food was hot when you got it. The dining staff tried their best.Embarkation
The embarkation went very smoothly. After checking into the cruise we had to wait about an hour till the ship was ready to be boarded.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
The dining room was chilly though out the cruise, you had to wear a jacket or sweater daily. The service was slow, yet the food and choices were good.
We did not partake in the specialty restaurants as most items were on the dining room menu.
The Lido deck offered the widest choice of food. The service of clearing off tables was slow, yet the food stations were very good.
Onboard Activities
We enjoy going to the thermal spa and the fitness center. The pools were nice, yet not many people used them. The hot pools were used a lot.
Entertainment
The ship's dancers were good, the singers left a lot to be desired. After the first ship show with the singers we did not brother to go. The entertainers that were brought on board at various ports were a step up but not to the standards of previous Holland America Cruises.
Children's Programs
No Children
Service and Staff
The room stewards were excellent. They would try to fulfill your every need.
The dining room waiters tried to provide good service yet appeared to have too many tables and guests to serve.
Ship Quality
The cleaning staff keep all areas of the ship in fantastic shape.
The ships design was very easy to get around and find on board activities.
Cabin / Stateroom
Our room was very comfortable. The room stewards did an excellent job of keeping the room clean.
Ship tip
Bring a warm jacket or sweater, the ship was rather cool through out the cruise.
Thumbs up
0
Ports of call
Enter Panama Canal At Cristobal
Entering the Canal was exciting to realize that the locks were finished in 1914 and still in use today.
Did a tour of the Starbucks coffee farm; had an excellent lunch and drive through the country side; visited the oxcart factory and town.
Signed up for the deep sea fishing; expensive boat ride. Did get to see a lot of the coast and was nice scenery.
Took the San Sebastian tour; got to see a lot of the country side; visited a tequila still; excellent lunch; the church at San Sebastian was nice and the family museum.
Disembarkation
Traveler Photos
