MS Veendam - Holland America Line

Overview

In 2010 the Veendam became the first regular cruise ship to visit Hamilton for several years. She returns again in 2012, offering cruises departing from New York and docking in Hamilton.

In the 2008 and 2009 seasons the big cruise lines dropped the capital as their regular port of call. They switched to Royal Naval Dockyard (Kings Wharf/Heritage Wharf) as today’s larger vessels are unable to navigate the narrow entrance to Hamilton Harbour.

Measuring only 719 feet, the Veendam is a premium cruise ship that can comfortably dock in Hamilton.

In early 2009 she received a massive upgrade under Holland America Line’s Signature of Excellence Programme. Upgrades included an entertainment space called Mix, new staterooms, the Showroom at Sea, and a new pool concept The Retreat.

Watch videos of Hamilton and St George in the player below. Use the navigation arrows to change videos.

Accommodation

All staterooms on the Veendam feature a flat screen TV, DVD player, and telephone.

Lanai Staterooms offer a private entrance straight onto the teak Lower Promenade Deck (Deck 6).

Spa Suites and Staterooms offer spa amenities including yoga mats, an iPod docking station, and counter-top water feature.

Dining

Holland America Line’s As You Wish Dining programme allows passengers to choose the dining option that suits them. For reservations in the main dining room, passengers can decide at the booking stage whether to pre-set seating or open seating.

Canaletto – Elegant Italian restaurant on Deck 11. Next to the Lido. Waiter service.
Explorations Café – Offers premium coffees and pastries. Located on Deck 8.
Lido Restaurant – Casual buffet restaurant on Deck 11, near the swimming pool. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Pinnacle Grill – Intimate restaurant specialising in steaks and seafood. Reservations required and cover charge applies.
Room Service – Available 24 hours a day.
Rotterdam Dining Room – 2-level main dining room (Decks 7 & 8). Most tables have excellent window views. Striking red and gold décor.
Slice – Upscale pizzeria at The Retreat.

Entertainment & Public Areas

Casino
Crow’s Nest - Lounge on Deck 12. Offer 270 degree views. Becomes a nightclub in the evening.
Explorer’s Lounge
Mix – Features 3 separate bars; Champagne, Martini, and Spirits & Ales. Situated on Deck 8 next to the casino.
Ocean Bar
Showroom at Sea – 2-tier theatre on Decks 7 & 8. Offers entertainment and shows every night.

Spa & Fitness

Basketball Court
Fitness Centre
Greenhouse Spa & Salon – Full-service spa and beauty salon.
Retreat, The – Resort-style pool area on Deck 11. Amenities include large area with lounge chairs in shallow water, 2 hot tubs, the Slice pizzeria, and a pool bar.
Tennis Court

Other

Art Gallery
Culinary Arts Centre – offers gourmet cooking lessons
Digital Workshop – offers classes in social networking, digital photography and moviemaking etc.
Photo Lab
Merabella – Luxury jewellery
Shopping Arcade
Shore Excursions

Kid Stuff

Club Hal – Supervised facility for children aged 3 – 12.
Loft and Oasis – Lounge and facilities for teens.

Reviews / Comments / Additional Information

Terry Coggins

We chose this cruise becasue of the destination, Bermuda. We were not disappointed. Bermuda is an incredibly beautiful island with the best beaches. Beware, however, the ship, the Veendam. We expected as is typical with Holland America ships for the rear deck to have a pool, as is listed in their brochure. We love to go for a COOL dip, every hour or so, after laying out in the hot sun. Cool pool NO. How about 3 HOT tubs. That's right. In their new Reatreat area they have removed the pool and put in 3 hot tubs!. The Retreat area also has a bar area which we typically enjoy in the late afternoon for the social atmosphere. Not so here. The bar stools were so uncomfortable and uninviting, few people used them. And whose idea was it to put in the pizza bar in an area typically designed for adults? Who loves pizza more than kids? That's who used it.
We paid $40 extra to enjoy their fine dining experience, Le Cirque. I ordered my favorite fish, sea bass. It arrived dry. I sent it back. Another arrived dry. I expected more from this supposed first class dining experience.

Toby johnston

Our room 115 on the Veendam smelled of sewer the entire time. We were not happy with Holland America cruise.

Judy & Millard Philips

Our cruise aboard the ms Veendam was enjoyable, except that the Rotterdam Dining Room (Balcony) was exceptionally cold. We could not enjoy our meal because of being so cold. Others complained also.
We enjoyed our "cocktail hour" in the Ocean Bar, especially our waitress, Vanessa, she was so nice, and wish her well on Holland America. I was wondering if there was any way we can contact her every so often, to see how she is doing.
One thing I thought was very expensive were the pictures, just one sheet was very overpriced.
The shows at night were the best I've ever seen, so professional.