Veendam - What's it like?

[soupbones wife]

10th time cruisers, first time on HAL. Cruising Alaska on July 18th with a balcony suite. What can you tell us? There are 8 of us sailing. We have been fans of Celebrity and RCCL. Thanks!

[RuthC]

I can tell you that Alaska is spectacular. I can also tell you that HAL is a traditional, subdued, line. There are fresh flowers and artwork. There is a quiet atmosphere and supurb service.

Could you be more specific in what you'd like to know about?

[NancyIL]

We're on the July 25th northbound Veendam, and the cruise you're on has gone down in price - at least for some cabins. Please recheck your price with your travel agency - in case there has been a price reduction.

[Two if by Sea]

10th time cruisers, first time on HAL. Cruising Alaska on July 18th with a balcony suite. What can you tell us? There are 8 of us sailing.

It's going to be very crowded with 8 people, even in a balcony suite. :D

[cferro514]

Can you have eight people in a balcony suite?

[Two if by Sea]

Can you have eight people in a balcony suite?

(No, of course not. I'm assuming they've really booked at least two cabins, if not three or four.)

[Toad]

Veendam is one of my favorites, small intimate and charming.

[O2B@C]

You may wish to read some of the reviews of Veendam in the Member Reviews section on Cruise Critic; the recent thread on this forum entitled "A HAL guide for first time cruisers (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=762200)"; and the information on HAL's website about Veendam, Alaska, and HAL cruises generally. These materials will answer many of your questions. Then, if there's something specific you still need to know, you can come back here and someone will be happy to help you. But without knowing what information you want, it's hard to answer an open-ended question.

Enjoy your cruise!

[soupbones wife]

The eight of us do have 4 cabins...