It Could Have Been So Much Better!
It could have been so much better! |
4 of 4 people found this review informative
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Reviewed By: WEBB, RADSTOCK on 18th Mar 2010
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| Cruise Line: Holland America Cruises |
Times cruised before: 3-5 |
| Cruise Ship: MS Veendam |
Sailed:
February,
2010 |
| Destination:
South America
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Age: 65+ |
| Cabin: Suite |
Occasion: Getting to a destination |
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This was our first cruise with HAL, the itinerary being the main reason for our choice and over the years having good reports of their ships from friends.
Check in at Valparaiso was handled efficiently and we were directed to where we boarded the ship. We had booked a deluxe veranda suite and expected to be shown where to go as has happened on other cruise lines, the elevators were pointed out and we were told Deck 10, organisation was non-existant with passengers riding up and down and no one taking responsibility for directions. A minor irritation but not a good start.
Suite 015 was as we had hoped and our two stewards were there to welcome us, immediately having to fix wardrobe doors which would not close!
We had chosen early dining which at 5.45pm was rather early but in reviews I had read that with open dining it could be a bit of a lottery getting a table. We missed our early dining time on two occasions and on going to the Rotterdam restaurant were given a table with a wait of no more than 5 minutes. The service in the Rotterdam was rather disappointing, the waiter on our table of 6 making no effort to find out or remember our names. The wine waiter was very experienced which was quite obvious and when we commented on the lack of professionalism of the other restaurant staff he said many were on their first contract. We felt many were being trained and this reflected throughout all the restaurants. Due to the fact that we had booked a deluxe veranda suite we had the use of The Neptune lounge on Deck 10, this was an excellent facility as were able to get breakfast and tea and coffee throughout the day, the concierge and all staff were extremely helpful and constantly smiling which was a delight.
The average age of passengers was well over 60 and many complained to each other about the loud, obtrusive pop music which was constantly played in the Lido. On days at sea passengers wished to sit and read or play cards and if you wished to sit in the Lido there was no escape, asking for the noise to be turned down brought no response.
On returning to the ship after a trip ashore we were looking forward to relaxing on our balcony with a drink and lunch, next thing we knew the windows above us were being washed, not just washed but sprayed, all furniture was soaked. I appreciate that windows have to be washed but surely a warning could have been given, a bottle of wine arrived with apologies which points to someone having fouled up.
The weather was superb and the scenery fabulous, The Avenue of the Glaciers, Cape Horn, The Falkland Islands all providing marvellous memories.
After The Falklands we had two days at sea before reaching Montevideo, mosquitoes and heat. This was where we found out that the air conditioning was totally ineffective, it remained so for the rest of the cruise another five days with the temperature rising. A fan was supplied which did help, especially when it was standing on top of the dressing table, and, oh yes, another bottle of wine!!
What we saw of the entertainment didn't impress but other passengers thought it was good so maybe we were being a little over critical.
All in all we had a really fabulous holiday, and now 4 days later the 'niggles' are beginning to fade. Unfortunately they will colour our decision on whether or no to ever book another cruise with Holland America.
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| Quality of Food |  |
| Food in Rotterdam and Canelleto restaurants was very good. The Lido very much like a cafeteria. | | Entertainment | n/a |
| | Shore Excursions |  |
| Excursion to Peurto Montt was very good with knowledgeable guide. Falkland Islands tour in double decker bus very informative. Five and a half tour from Ushaia by boat to see the penguins disappointing as journey took two and half hours each way. | | Staff | |
| Several members of staff were good but none outstanding. | | Children's Facilities | n/a |
| | Onboard Activities |  |
| We wished to play friendly rubber bridge and were told this would be arranged if enough players turned up, we had enough for two tables but were banished from the card room to the Crows Nest which was totally unsatisfactory and unsuitable. | | Cabins | |
| The Deluxe Veranda Suite certainly came up to expectations and the Neptune lounge added to comfort. This is the one reason I would consider booking again with HAL | | Overall Rating | |
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