Holland America Line Veendam 7-Day Eastern Caribbean Cruise Review

Holland America’s Veendam is a mid-sized cruise ship that was built in 1996. It has a length of 781 feet (238 meters), a beam (width) of 105.8 feet (32.2 meters), and a draft (depth) of 26 feet (7.9 meters). The ship has a gross tonnage of approximately 55,451 tons and can accommodate up to 1,350 passengers and 545 crew members.

Veendam has 12 passenger decks, and its interior design is inspired by the elegance and style of the Art Nouveau era. The ship offers a range of amenities and facilities, including multiple dining options, lounges, bars, a library, a fitness center, a spa, and a swimming pool. There is also a show lounge, a casino, and a sports deck with a jogging track.

Veendam is equipped with modern navigation and safety systems, including an automatic identification system (AIS), a global positioning system (GPS), and a satellite-based communication system. The ship has also been designed to meet international safety standards, including the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).

Date: April 24 – 30, 2014

Veendam Leaves the Holland America Line Fleet

The Veendam was a popular cruise ship, but like many other ships in the industry, it was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in widespread cruise cancellations and financial losses. In July 2020, it was announced that the Veendam had been sold to an undisclosed buyer as part of the company’s restructuring plan to reduce its fleet size and focus on its core offerings.

While the sale of the Veendam was a difficult decision for Holland America Line, it was necessary to ensure the company’s long-term viability in the face of the pandemic. The cruise industry has been severely impacted by the global health crisis, with many ships forced to suspend operations and the demand for cruises dropping significantly. By reducing its fleet size and focusing on its most profitable routes and ships, Holland America Line hopes to weather the storm and emerge stronger in the future.

Itinerary:

Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades):  Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port, also known as Port Everglades, is one of the major cruise ports in the United States and is a popular port of embarkation for many cruise lines, including Holland America Line. Holland America Line is one of the world’s leading cruise lines and has been operating for over 145 years. The company has a long-standing relationship with the Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port, offering a wide range of itineraries that depart from the port and visit various destinations around the world.

Holland America Line operates several ships from the Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port, including the Nieuw Amsterdam, Eurodam, and Rotterdam. The port’s eight modern terminals provide ample space and services for Holland America’s ships and passengers, including check-in counters, baggage handling services, and a variety of retail and dining options.

The Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port’s convenient location and efficient services make it an ideal departure point for Holland America’s many itineraries. The company’s cruises from the port visit a variety of destinations, including the Caribbean, Panama Canal, South America, and Europe. Many of Holland America’s itineraries also include pre- or post-cruise stays in Fort Lauderdale, allowing passengers to explore the city and the surrounding area before or after their cruise.

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas:  Half Moon Cay is a private island in the Bahamas that is owned by the Holland America Group, which includes Holland America Line and Carnival Cruise Line. It is located about 100 miles southeast of Nassau and is known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and abundant wildlife.

The island was developed specifically for cruise ship passengers and is a popular port of call for Holland America Line and Carnival Cruise Line. The island features a wide range of activities and amenities, including water sports, nature walks, horseback riding and beach lounging. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of dining options and beach bars, as well as a shopping village with souvenirs and local crafts.

Half Moon Cay’s natural beauty and ecological diversity are also major attractions. The island has a designated bird sanctuary and features a variety of flora and fauna, including wild horses that roam freely. Visitors can take part in a number of eco-tours and nature walks, led by trained naturalists who provide insight into the island’s unique ecosystem.

Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos:  Grand Turk is an island in the Turks and Caicos Islands, a British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean. It is a popular destination for cruise ship passengers, with its turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and a wide variety of activities and attractions.

The island has a rich history and culture, with several historic sites and landmarks, including the Grand Turk Lighthouse, the Turks and Caicos National Museum, and the historic town of Cockburn Town, which is the capital of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Visitors can explore the island’s history and culture through various tours and activities, such as walking tours and museum visits.

In addition to its historical and cultural attractions, Grand Turk is also known for its beautiful beaches and clear waters, which offer excellent opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. The island is home to a coral reef system that is teeming with marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and stingrays. Visitors can take guided tours to explore the reef and its diverse ecosystem.

Grand Turk also has a variety of dining and shopping options, with local restaurants serving fresh seafood and other Caribbean specialties, and shops offering souvenirs and local crafts.

San Juan, Puerto Rico:  San Juan is the capital and largest city of Puerto Rico, a territory of the United States located in the Caribbean. It is a popular port of call for cruise ships, as well as a popular destination for tourists from around the world. The city is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning architecture.

One of the main attractions in San Juan is Old San Juan, a historic district that is home to several important landmarks, including El Morro and San Cristobal forts, which were built by the Spanish in the 16th century to protect the city from invaders. Old San Juan is also home to colorful colonial buildings, narrow streets, and a variety of shops and restaurants.

San Juan is also known for its beaches, which are some of the most beautiful in the Caribbean. Condado Beach, Isla Verde Beach, and Ocean Park Beach are among the most popular, offering white sand and turquoise waters. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and a variety of water sports, such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and surfing.

Saint Thomas, US Virgin Islands:  Saint Thomas is an island in the United States Virgin Islands, a territory of the United States located in the Caribbean. It is a popular port of call for cruise ships, as well as a popular destination for tourists from around the world. The island is known for its natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture.

One of the main attractions in Saint Thomas is its stunning beaches, which offer white sand and crystal-clear waters. Magens Bay Beach, Coki Point Beach, and Lindquist Beach are among the most popular, offering visitors opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and a variety of water sports, such as snorkeling, diving, and kayaking.

Saint Thomas is also known for its duty-free shopping, with a variety of stores and boutiques selling jewelry, watches, perfumes, and other luxury items. Visitors can take advantage of the island’s duty-free status to purchase items at lower prices than they would find elsewhere.

The island also has a rich history, with several important landmarks and historic sites. Charlotte Amalie, the capital of the United States Virgin Islands, is home to several historic buildings, including the 17th-century Fort Christian and Government House, the official residence of the governor of the Virgin Islands.

Holland America Veendam Accomodations

For this cruise, I booked a Lanai Stateroom, 317, on the Lower Promenade deck. These staterooms have a door that opens directly onto the ship’s teak promenade, allowing passengers to step outside and enjoy the fresh sea air and ocean views.

The Lanai Staterooms on the Veendam have a variety of amenities, including two lower beds that can be converted into a queen-size bed, a sitting area, a mini-fridge, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom with a shower. The staterooms also have a large sliding glass door that provides plenty of natural light and access to the teak promenade.

In addition to the amenities provided in the stateroom, passengers who book a Lanai Stateroom on the Veendam have exclusive access to the Lanai Deck, a private outdoor space that is reserved for the use of these staterooms. The Lanai Deck features comfortable lounge chairs and a private outdoor whirlpool spa, providing a relaxing and secluded oasis for passengers.

Personal Day-By-Day Noordam Cruise Review:

Photo Tour of the Veendam:

Welcome to my photo tour of the Veendam! Get ready to explore this beautiful vessel and all it has to offer through a series of stunning photographs. From the elegant dining rooms to the luxurious cabins and the endless entertainment options, you’ll see why the Veendam is a favorite among cruise enthusiasts. So sit back, relax, and let these photos take you on a virtual tour of the Veendam.