Good Ports Of Call And Scenic Cruising
Good Ports of Call and Scenic Cruising |
5 of 5 people found this review informative
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Reviewed By: Curtis, Dunfermline on 14th Jan 2010
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| Cruise Line: Holland America Cruises |
Times cruised before: 3-5 |
| Cruise Ship: MS Veendam |
Sailed:
December,
2009 |
| Destination:
South America
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Age: 46-55 |
| Cabin: Inside |
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This cruise did not get off to the best of starts as we were unable to embark until the early evening due to the delayed disembarkation of passengers from the previous voyage. We were directed to a "holding area" with minimal refreshments available (a few sandwiches,cakes and squash - no tea or coffee.)
I managed to "blag" my way on board amongst the first group to board as the ensuing chaos resulting from the delayed sailing resulted in them not checking whether people were holding the correct letters they were calling out to board. I did feel a little guilty but after waiting four hours I was ready for something to eat !!!
During the course of the voyage some passengers became ill which resulted in a few days of restrictive health measures such as staff having to serve everything (salt , pepper, bread rolls., coffee etc) to avoid passengers touching anything. Luckily after a few days things went back to normal. (I didn't see any passengers being buried at sea !! - they must have recovered.
One good thing (from my perspective) was that you could smoke in your cabin and in one part of The Crows Nest Bar - plus The Bar at the Retreat outside. The companies website was out of date as it indicated more indoor smoking venues. However at least a few places remained for myself and fellow addicts.
The Ship itself seemed in reasonable condition with nice public areas.
One strange thing was the lifeboat drill - we did not have to wear the jackets and there was no roll call to check whether you were actually at your muster station.
The Captain was Norwegian and most of the other officers European - the skipper actually did a question and answer session in one of the theatres which was not "stage managed".
The itinerary was very good both with regard to ports of call and the scenic cruising around Cape Horn , Beagle Channel etc and viewing the Chilean Fjords and Glaciers. We had a smooth rounding of the "Horn" by all accounts.
My favourite Ports were Buenos Aires and Port Stanley on The Falkland Islands (talk about two opposites) The Falkland Islands were very similar to The Hebrides and a bonus for me you could still smoke in the Pub !!! - I just loved the looks on the Americans faces when they clocked the ash trays !!
The passengers were mainly American with a few Brits. Canadians, Aussies and a good Dutch contingent (I'm biased as most of the Dutch were fellow smokers !!) Unfortunately the tempo onboard revolved along an American tangent - ie treat everyone as though they were five years old particularly with regard to port lectures and excursions. Quote from an American to one of The Falkland Islands Guides - "Why did the British invade The Falkland Islands" doh - The Guide an ex Royal Marine soon put Homer right on his limited knowledge of History.
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| Quality of Food |  |
| The food was ok but not up to the standard I have had on Cunard and Celebrity - I ate in the Rotterdam (Main restaurant), Lido(self service) , Italian, and The Pinnacle Grill (pay extra much better)The worst thing was the normal coffee which was like "bilge water". There were no free drinks available other than tea/coffee and iced tea - no squash or juices (except at breakfast) The Open Plan dining was good - go where you want when you want. | | Entertainment | |
| There was a good British Comedian ( went right over the Americans heads !!) and a few half decent warblers - nothing special. | | Shore Excursions | |
| The prices as ever were a total "rip off" compared to what could be sourced locally. I went on one in Buenos Aires revolving aound "Eva Peron" that was ok and also a trip to Otoway Bay Penguin Reserve in Chile that was ok. | | Staff |  |
| The Best Staff were the Cabin Stewards unobtrusive efficient service. The tipping system was good no messing about with envelopes just charged to your "slate" - and I believe could be adjusted if required. | | Children's Facilities | n/a |
| A bit old for these facilities - not many children onboard. | | Onboard Activities | |
| They had a few quizzes, library, films, talks etc | | Cabins | |
| I had an inside cabin which was for three people - I was on my own. I think two people just about but three - swinging cats comes to mind !! Well fitted out and an excellent bed. I was disappointed the TV was not interactive ie couldn't order room service , wine for dinner, check "slate" etc. Plenty of wardrobe and cupboard space. Bathroom fine. | | Overall Rating | |
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