Name: Paul Crowley
Email: BCEagle78@AOL.COM
Age: 42
Occupation: Technical Support Managaer
NumberOfCruises: 1
TravelAgent: Yes
Ship: Holland-Veendam
SailingDate: 3/15/98
Itinerary: Eastern Carribean
FoodDiningRoom: 90
CruiseDirector: 90
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff:
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck: 85
DiningRoomService: 90
CabinQuietness: 70
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 90
ShoreExcVariety: 80
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService: 85
ShoreExcValue: 70
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 90
PrivateIsland: 95
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 80
TenderService: 80
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 90
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 90
OverallPortsofCall: 80
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 80
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino: 90
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 99
EmbarkDisembark: 99
DiscoNightclubs: 90
DeckSpace: 90
Stabilization: 70
ShopsOnBoard:
SpaceRatio: 90
OverallCruiseValue: 99
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 30 Mar 1998
Time: 21:57:37
Remote Name: 152.163.205.87
Remote User:

Comments

This was our first cruise. We did read all of the other opinions in this web site so we had some idea of what to expect.
Our first experience dealing with Holland America took place 2 week prior to our departure. We were originally booked
on the Westerdam for a March 7 departure. Our travel agent called to say that the ship was overbooked and Holland
America asked if we would consider an alternate sailing date. This would move us from the Westerdam to the Veendam.
In return they promised to refund 75% of our fare (not including port charges) and they double upgraded us from the B
deck to the Lower Promenade. We agreed since the net would be cheaper than a weekend in a local motel... We felt
great already about Holland America and we hadn't even left our house.

Anyway, here is what we found while on the cruise:

Embarkation was smooth and very professional. Our luggage arrived at our cabin before we did. There was ice and
everything was in order. We arrived 2 hours before the recommended embarkation time but were pleased to find that
the Lido Restaurant was open since we did not stop for lunch before boarding the ship.

We started exploring and found the ship to be clean and well organized. We sat down near the Lido pool and started
enjoying the pre-departure music from the steel drum band.

Our 5pm departure came and went and finally at 10pm, the ship left the dock. There was a problem with one of the life
boats which had been partially deployed as part of the life-boat drill. This already meant that we would be late for our
first port of call, St. Kitts.

For me, the best part of the cruise was that first couple of days where we were at sea and there was nothing that we had
to do. It was relaxing knowing that we were out of range of my pager and cell phone.

We enjoyed the variety and quality of the food served both in the Lido Restaurant (cafeteria) and in the formal dining
room. Some have said it was bland but I thought it was quite good. The variety was there and you could get just about
anything you wanted, even if it was not on the menu.

A couple of problems that we encountered during the first couple of days included (1) we quickly found out that the steel
drum band that played at various times and locations on the ship apparently only knew about 10 songs. (If I ever hear
'Yellow Bird' again, it will be too soon!!!). (2) There always seemed to be a lack of available deck chairs by the pool.
There were lots of chairs with nobody in them but it seems that everyone kept a book or small bag on the chair which
was a quiet way of saying that the chair was taken. It was frustrating to see empty seats left by inconsiderate absentee
sunbathers. (3) The first couple of days at sea were moderately rough. Some folks were sea-sick. This never bothered
me. I did wonder if the stabilizing feature of the ship was working. (4) They didn't seem to be able to get the
temperature right in the hot-tub/Jacuzzi which was adjacent to the Lido pool. It was always too hot. Each day I saw
somebody from the ship's maintenance crew there looking at it but it never got fixed. I still went in but it was not what I
was hoping for.

The destinations were: St. Kitts, St. Thomas and Half Moon Cay. I still don't know why St. Kitts is a desired location to visit.
It was depressingly poor with lots of chickens walking the streets. We also saw some monkeys which are supposedly
more numerous than the people. If we did not visit St. Kitts, it would not have made a big difference. St. Thomas was
more interesting, especially if you wanted to do shopping. We took a tour which offered some spectacular views of the
area. It was very enjoyable. The last destination was a private island owned by Holland America. It was a couple of
buildings and a beach. You were taken to the beach from the ship in the lifeboats. There was snorkeling, parasailing, a
banana boat ride or just sunbathing. They brought food and drink from the ship so you would not be hungry or thirsty.
Be aware that the drinks suddenly become 20% more expensive if purchased on the island.

The nightly entertainment in the main showroom was very good in terms of variety and quality. Each night there was
something different. One night a comedienne, next a magician (he was very good), next a pianist (I really enjoyed that).
They also had a resident dance group who were enjoyable, even if their singing voices were mediocre.

My wife played bingo daily. This was quite expensive but the prize money was proportional. The bingo jackpot on the last
night was just under $3,000. She also played the slot machines. She just about broke even although we didn't see too
many folks winning. We also played blackjack. All tables had a $5.00 minimum except for one that was set up to play
'Face-up' Blackjack. That had a $3.00 minimum. This was a variation where both of the dealer's cards are shown face up
but the dealer wins in case of a tie. It was fun and easy, even for the novice blackjack player.

Overall, this was one of the best vacations that I can remember. We will go on more cruises and Holland America will be
at the top of our list.

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