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Name: John DeBlasio
Email: jdeblasio@gcit.org
Age: 55
Occupation: Computer Network Tech.
NumberOfCruises: 3
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Holland-Veendam
SailingDate: August 10 ,1998
Itinerary: New England - Canada
FoodDiningRoom: 90
CruiseDirector: 68
CabinComfort: 90
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 75
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck: 93
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 95
FoodMidnightBuffets: 88
CabinSteward: 85
ShoreExcVariety: 90
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService:
ShoreExcValue: 90
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 93
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 75
LoungeService: 95
TenderService: 90
GoodForSeniors: 90
BeautySalonStaff: 90
EntertainmentLounges: 80
WheelchairAccess: 80
ExerciseFacilities: 85
EntertShowLounge: 70
OverallPortsofCall: 88
BeautySalon: 90
EntertainmentPoolside: 70
CruiseActivities: 75
Casino: 90
AirSeaProgram: 90
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 85
DiscoNightclubs: 80
DeckSpace: 90
Stabilization: 85
ShopsOnBoard: 85
SpaceRatio: 90
OverallCruiseValue: 93
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 27 Aug 1998
Time: 08:56:40
Remote Name: 209.66.18.100
Remote User:
Comments
Comments: This was our second Holland America Cruise and my first
on Veendam. The embarkation process in New York was smooth and
uneventful. We
were escorted to our cabin (outside A deck) which was clean,
roomy and comfortable. We then went and enjoyed a lunch buffet on
the Lido Deck. The
ship is beautiful and nicely decorated. Everything is spotless.
Public spaces never seem to be crowded and attentive help is
always nearby. The cabins
are roomy and well lit with plenty of room for clothes and
luggage, even for our 10-day trip. TV in the room shows movies
CNN and ship's info. Meals in
the main dining room were wonderful. I had heard that the food
was bland and unappealing. We did not find that to be the case.
We found a
well-rounded menu with tasty and well presented portions. The
only minor complaint is that the food did not really reflect our
itinerary (New England -
Canada). Food in the Lido buffet was also very good with a good
variety, and they managed to keep hot foods hot & cold foods
cold. Hamburger & Taco
bars were also well done. In summary the overall food was good to
excellent. Our ports of call were Newport RI (anchor), Boston,
Bar Harbor (anchor),
Halifax NS, Sydney NS, Quebec City and Montreal. Tender service
was smooth and quick. Tours were well done and reasonable. Sydney
Nova Scotia has
mostly scenery to offer but the locals are very proud of their
town. It was like stepping back in time 40 years! The whole town,
it seemed, turned out to
greet us and also to say goodbye. Quebec City is gorgeous and
lots to do. Again, all in all an A+. There are several lounges on
the ship but we spent
most time in the Crows Nest. It is on the highest deck forward
with windows all around. The view, the service and the people
were great. The waiters Leo,
Richard and Rosa treated us like family. Again, all in all an A+.
The entertainment was not up to par with the rest of the trip.
The Veendam Cast was
mediocre at best. The specialty acts were spotty. We were not
impressed. The cruise director showed up and was visible at the
shows and special events
but was MIA the rest of the time. She had the personality of a
slug. HAL has made a lot of noise about how they have improved
their shows, we think they
went the wrong way. Lounge entertainment was pretty good. The
clientele was definitely 55+ for the most part. There were
probably only about 9 or 10
families with younger people on the cruise. The ship has a Club
HAL program for the kids and it appeared to work well. The age
was not a problem for us,
but if you are looking for a cruise with lots of partygoers do
not do this one. The only other down side was that a group of
about 400 had booked this
cruise. They were a religious group. They reserved public rooms
at prime times. I do not think this is fair to the other guests.
In summary, we loved the
ship, the crew and the itinerary. Everything met or surpassed our
expectations. We would absolutely do it again.
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