The Holland America Veendam is a popular floating resort. The waters are crowded with sea-worthy vessels, so to make planning easier, we've done all the prep work for a cruise vacation. As part of a Huffington Post Travel series on cruise ships, here is a tip sheet offering all the key information one could ever need to know about the Holland America Veendam.
Destination
The
spends the summer sailing a route from New York to Bermuda. In the fall, the ship heads south and cruises through the Panama Canal and around South America for the winter. In the fall of 2012, the ship will add limited cruising to New England and Canada, including voyages through the St. Lawrence Seaway.
Passenger Ship
The Holland America Veendam is a Statendam-class cruise ship. This midsize luxury cruiser offers traditional cruising with updated amenities. In recent years the ship has added additional youth facilities to entice families.
Special Features
offers programs for children from 3 to 13, including a special "tween" game lounge, while The Loft and The Oasis are reserved for 14- to 17-year-old travelers on the Holland America Veendam. The
offers classes and demonstrations on everything from mixing the perfect cocktail to book signings with celebrity chefs. The Lido deck offers pools and hot tubs.
Accommodations
The
offers five different types of staterooms. Interior and ocean-view staterooms are similar in layout, with separate seating and sleeping areas. Lanai staterooms have sliding glass doors that open onto a common promenade. Veranda staterooms, suites and penthouses all have private balconies.
Cost
The varied cruise schedule for the Holland America Veendam means a wide range of cruise passage. A seven-day cruise to
from New York can cost as little as $649 per person for an inside stateroom, and $2,899 per person for a deluxe penthouse suite. However, a 21-day cruise to the
costs $3,799 per person for an inside cabin, and $12,999 per person for a suite.
Excursions
One Holland America Veendam passenger recommended the trip to
. The tour included a visit to penguin habitats, where the little creatures walk right up to the viewing area to get a good look at the people. The tour also included a trip around the city. The passenger encouraged people to dress warmly since the area is very cold, even in the Southern Hemisphere summer.
Dining Experience
The
dining room is the Holland America Veendam's main dining room. This restaurant has two levels; one is reserved for assigned seating while the other is set aside for the ship's
flexible dining program. The Pinnacle Grill is the ship's premium restaurant and serves steak, seafood and pasta.
Maiden Voyage
The Holland America Veendam was launched
, and is the last of the Statendam-class ships. The ship went into
in 2009. Lanai staterooms and other technical upgrades were added to the ship at that time.
In The News
The
reported a minor outbreak of gastroenteritis on the ship in 2006.
WATCH:
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Ship tour of the Holland America Veendam.
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