Overall Score

BERLITZ'S RATING
	Possible	Achieved
Ship	500	419
Accommodation	200	162
Food	400	270
Service	400	299
Entertainment	100	77
Cruise	400	310

How this score is created

Veendam is one of a series of four almost identical ships in the same series – the others being Maasdam, Statendam, and Ryndam. The exterior styling is rather angular (some would say boxy – the funnel certainly is), although it is softened and balanced somewhat by the fact that the hull is painted black. There is a full wrap-around teakwood promenade deck outdoors – excellent for strolling, and, thankfully, no sign of synthetic turf anywhere. The sunloungers one the exterior promenade deck are wood, and come with comfortable cushioned pads, while those at the swimming pool on Lido Deck are of white plastic.

In the interiors of this “S” -class ship, an asymmetrical layout helps to reduce bottlenecks and congestion. Most of the public rooms are concentrated on two decks, Promenade Deck, and Upper Promenade Deck, which creates a spacious feel to the ship’s interiors. In general, a restrained approach to interior styling is taken, using a mixture of contemporary materials combined with traditional woods and ceramics. There is, fortunately, little “glitz” anywhere.

What is outstanding is the array of artworks throughout the ship (costing about $2 million), assembled and nicely displayed to represent the fine Dutch heritage of Holland America Line and to present a balance between standard itineraries and onboard creature comforts. Also noticeable are the fine flower arrangements throughout the public areas and foyers – used to good effect to brighten up what to some is rather dull decor.

Atop the ship, with forward-facing views that wrap around the sides is the Crow’s Nest Lounge. By day it makes a fine observation lounge, with large ocean-view windows; by night it is a nightclub with extremely variable lighting.

A three-deck high atrium foyer is quite appealing, although its sculpted centerpiece makes it look a little crowded, and leaves little room in front of the purser’s office. A hydraulic magro­dome (glass) roof covers the reasonably sized swimming pool/whirl­pools and central Lido area (whose focal point is a large dolphin sculpture) so that this can be used in good or bad weather.

There is a large reference library, quite lovely and relaxing. The company keeps its ships very clean and tidy, and there is good passenger flow throughout.

Veendam is well-built, with fairly decent interior fit and finish. Holland America Line is constantly fine-tuning its performance and its regular passengers, almost all of whom are North American, find the company’s ships very comfortable and well-run. The company continues its strong maritime traditions, although the present food and service components still let the rest of the cruise experience down.

The service staff is Indonesian, and, although they are mostly quite charming, communication often proves frustrating, and service is spotty and inconsistent.

An escalator travels between two of the lower decks (one was originally planned to be the embarkation point), but it is almost pointless. The charge to use the washing machines and dryers in the self-service launderette is petty, particularly for suite occupants, who pay high prices for their cruises. The men’s urinals in public restrooms are unusually high.

Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2008