Veendam vs Ryndam

[zachnlucy]

We're looking at both of those ships for a northbound Alaska cruise next summer. Prices are the same, itinerary is the same. Which is the better ship and why?

[cactuslady]

In my couple-of-years-old experience, the ships are practically identical. Difference would depend on what personnel happen to be aboard at any particular time. Since everyone rotates around occasionally, it's hard to predict.

[localady]

The ships are sister ships and are nearly identical. I do know that the Ryndam is undergoing her Signature of Excellence Upgrades in October. I do not know when the Veendam is to receive them. Others can speak to the 2 ships, We have not yet sailed on the Veendam but are booked to do so next year. We sailed on the Ryndam this last month in Alaska and loved it! I think you will like both ships.:cool:

[RuthC]

Six 'a one; half 'a dozen of the other. Other than decor the ships are identical in size, lay-out, ambiance.

Choose based on sailing date/day of the week.

[Sandiz]

I have been on both and they have the same layout but we found many little differences. In short, Neptune was nicer, we thought the food was better, casino seemed to pay off more often and the bedding and towels androbes in the suites sure were nicer. We like both and would go on both again. Sandiz:rolleyes:

[Randyk47]

Haven't been on the Veendam but the Lady Ryn is by far our favorite ship. The two cruises on her were absolutely wonderful. We would sail the Ryndam over any other HAL ship right now. It would be great to be on her after she comes out of a little TLC.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

I am so glad to hear all the raves for the Ryndam. We are really looking forward to cruising on her in November after her Dry Dock for the New and Improved Ryndam:)

[sail7seas]

We have cruised both multiple times.....as stated, they are sisters to eachother and to "MY" Maasdam as well as Statendam.

We are booked on Veendam for January but would sail either at any time.
They are both great ships IMO

[zachnlucy]

Thank you all for your replies. Now I'm looking at the Sun Princess also ... price is about $400 pp less, and they all look like they hug the coastline which is important to us.

[kruzkeen]

they all look like they hug the coastline which is important to us.

This is an important factor. The ships that depart Vancouver have a prettier view of mountains, little islands and lots of trees on the first day at sea. They sail between Vancouver Island and the main coast of British Columbia. It is also a very smooth sail.

Ships that depart Seattle sail on the west side of Vancouver Island and are on the open ocean for the first day.

To your original question: I agree that the differences between Veendam and Ryndam are with the interior decorations. I think that Veendam has a more elegant atrium with a green glass spiral, while the Ryndam has a massive fountain that sits on a tomb like structure.

[Krazy Kruizers]

We have cruised several times on the Ryndam - loved her.

Since the Veendam is her sister ship we look forward to our cruise on her in the fall of 2005.

[Himself]

I like both ships. One of the Big diffences is the Atrium of the Ryndam has a beutiful fountain, while the Veendam has a "Jacob's ladder" as its artwork piece. HAL originally planned three ships but the STATENDAM, MAASSM AND RYNDAM were so successful and well recieved that HAL had another one built called the VEENDAM. She is the newest of the "S" class ships.

Himself

[Tempdragon]

We sailed on the Ryndam last November to Mexico. The service was excellent and the ship was clean. The food was very good. I have not sailed on the other ship, so I couldn't comment.:)

[grandma bev]

I am so glad to hear all the raves for the Ryndam. We are really looking forward to cruising on her in November after her Dry Dock for the New and Improved Ryndam:)
L.V. Don't forget to post a review when you return. We'll be on her Christmas cruise and will be most interested.
Bev

[LEtue]

zachnlucy,

I am also trying to decide between HAL and Princess for Alaska next year. If you decide to put together a group cruise please let me know.

Linda
mgobluee2@aol.com