I’m sure you all know the feeling you get when you’re reminded that vacation is almost over. With day six in the history books, there’s only one more day left to my latest adventure onboard Holland America Line’s ms Veendam.
The best part of the day? Being at sea of course!
I’d much rather be on a “cruise to nowhere” than one that stops at different ports. There’s just something so peaceful and serene about being out in the middle of nowhere with nothing to look at but miles and miles of blue ocean.
Of course, it’s always more fun to be at sea when the ship is pitching and rolling on top of an angry ocean, but we’ve had none of that at all. The ocean has been flat calm the entire trip, with the exception of our departure from Grand Turk when we outran a thunderstorm. My stateroom is smack dab at the bow of the ship and I’ve felt no motion at all this trip and often had to look outside to make sure we weren’t docked somewhere it was so smooth.
As I’m writing today’s entry, I’m sitting on the Promenade Deck as we make our way back to Fort Lauderdale, watching the flying fish leap out of the water and plunge back in. Earlier in the day, there were some dolphins swimming alongside that attracted a bit of attention as they did their dance for us onlookers.
Day six started off the usual way, breakfast followed by two miles around the Promenade followed by a lengthy stay at the aft Retreat where I secured a lounge chair, oiled up, and enjoyed the sun. With it being so hot and devoid of any breeze, there weren’t too many others braving the sunshine, and those of us who did, couldn’t take it for too long before we were searching for a small patch of shade.
Out at the pool area, for the entire trip, the retractable roof has been only opened partially. I’ve asked a couple of crew members why it hasn’t been opened the whole way and I’ve never been given the same answer. With it only being opened up part way, the entire Lido area which includes the pool, the Dive In, and the Lido Bar is pretty much a sauna. The only way I can describe how hot, humid and uncomfortable it is is to say, “go sit in a greenhouse for an hour or two and tell me how you feel.”
The only relief the people who sit up there get is to take a plunge in the pool or one of the hot tubs. Since I’m one of these people who think public pools are just a big bathtubs filled with human fluids, there’s no way I’m taking a dip. And don’t even get me started on the hot tubs. They’re just plain disgusting.
I mentioned yesterday that people have been complaining about this and that, complaints fueled by our delayed departure from Ft. Lauderdale. More complaints are being raised about food venues running out of ingredients. Today, Slice, the ship’s pizza venue ran out of black olives. Last night at dinner, I had to switch desserts because the oven used to bake the souffles broke. I find it hard to believe there isn’t some other oven that could be used in its place, but I just rolled with it.
When you put people in a situation where an event, such as the delayed departure, would fuel complaints, it seems that every other thing that goes wrong – no matter how small it will be – will result in calls for compensation. The biggest complaint I heard today was the lack of a steel drum band at the Lido Pool. Frankly, I’d rather listen to 36 cats in heat than a steel drum band, so I’m thankful for piped-in music.
As I mentioned in a previous post, to make up for the delay we were all given $50 in shipboard credit, a 15% credit based on the price paid for the trip that can be used on a future cruise, and three hours of free Mimosas and Bloody Mary’s on Day 2. For some, that wasn’t enough and I respect their opinion, but I’m not going to let my disdain for the lack of something more to ruin the rest of my week. But some have become so fixated on wanting additional compensation that they’re just plain miserable.
To each is own.
The evening was the second formal night of the cruise. Formal nights. Something left over from 1970s cruising that should be banished forever unless you’re crossing the Atlantic on the Queen Mary 2. Premium lines such as Regent and Crystal have adopted the country club casual dress code that applies all day, every day. More cruise lines need to do the same.
I always wear a jacket to dinner anyway but refuse to don a tuxedo, especially in the Caribbean where it’s far to hot to even consider it. So out of respect most people, and I say most, dress up but tuxedos and cocktail dresses are few and far between anymore.
Then there are the people who just don’t get the dress code at all. Being formal night, you do tend to see people dressed up more than on a casual night, but there are still those who feel that it’s acceptable to wander around the ship after 6pm in flip flops, shorts, a t-shirt, and a baseball cap.
As I sat down for dinner in the Pinnacle Grill, the ship’s steakhouse, I had a table with a birdseye view of the entrance. A young couple approached, she was dressed very nicely, but her companion had on a pair of jeans, flip-flops, and a beret. They were politely told that his attire was not acceptable and they were refused entry until he changed. Within a few minutes, they were back dressed more for the occasion.
A few moments later, another younger couple entered, again, she was dressed very nicely, but he was wearing sneakers, shorts, and yes, a hat. Guys, come on. What is it with hats? Good God, enough already, take the damn things off when you’re at dinner. They were also denied entry due to his choice of evening clothes, but they did not return. I assume they went to the Lido and had dinner at the buffet.
I’m happy to see the dress code is enforced in the dining venues, although I would like to see it enforced ship-wide after 6pm like it’s supposed to be. I still like that tradition of cruising, but can do without the tuxedos.
As I said, dinner was again in the Pinnacle Grill. While lobster is not on the menu, I had a craving for the cockroach of the sea and asked for a lobster tail and a filet mignon. My request has always been met on other Holland America Ships and without fail, the Veendam did not disappoint.
I started off with the steak tartare once again along with the tomato and basil salad and finished up with some passion fruit sorbet. The lobster tail was cooked perfectly and served with drawn butter and the filet was a perfect rare.
I passed on the entertainment of the evening which was an opera singer. Instead, I opted for a few more laps around the Promenade deck and called it an early night. The Internet has been even worse over the past 24 hours and I’ve found it pretty much next to impossible to connect, which has been very frustrating.
Once again today’s entry comes to you from the Promenade Deck after I just finished packing up. A few more things to do and one more entry will follow tomorrow where I’ll have my overall impressions of the cruise, the ship, and details on my next journey in June.
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.