Veendam 14 day Alaska 6/13-27

[jer_l]

Here's the link for the review of my sailing:
http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=43769 (http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=43769).

[O2B@C]

Thanks for the link! Glad you had a good time, overall, despite the problems caused by the dreaded Noro.

[O2B@C]

I forgot in my earlier post to ask a few questions - just trying to confirm some info I got from one of the posters who was on the Veendam before you, on the same route. Not, of course, that I don't believe the prior info - I'm just trying to find out whether they're doing it the same way every time, or tweaking the schedule on different runs.

On the Northbound leg:

1. When were the formal nights? Previous poster said Saturday (day 2, sea day) and Wednesday (day 6, Sitka).

2. When was the Master Chef's Dinner? Previous poster said Sunday (day 3, Ketchikan).

3. When was the on-deck salmon barbeque, or great Alaskan cookout, or whatever they called it? Previous poster said Saturday (day 2, sea day), at lunchtime.

Thanks for any info you can provide on these questions!:)

[jer_l]

I forgot in my earlier post to ask a few questions - just trying to confirm some info I got from one of the posters who was on the Veendam before you, on the same route. Not, of course, that I don't believe the prior info - I'm just trying to find out whether they're doing it the same way every time, or tweaking the schedule on different runs.

On the Northbound leg:

1. When were the formal nights? Previous poster said Saturday (day 2, sea day) and Wednesday (day 6, Sitka).

2. When was the Master Chef's Dinner? Previous poster said Sunday (day 3, Ketchikan).

3. When was the on-deck salmon barbeque, or great Alaskan cookout, or whatever they called it? Previous poster said Saturday (day 2, sea day), at lunchtime.

Thanks for any info you can provide on these questions!:)

1. Yes, formal nights were on Saturday and Wednesday during our cruise also. I was pleased to see that most passengers dressed accordingly.

2. Master Chef's dinner was on Sunday. We ate at the Pinnacle Grill that evening, but still heard the music at times.

3. There was no Salmon Bake during our cruise. Perhaps it was to be later in the cruise, but was cancelled because of the Code Red sailing.

[O2B@C]

Thanks so much for the prompt response, jer_l!

1. Yes, formal nights were on Saturday and Wednesday during our cruise also. I was pleased to see that most passengers dressed accordingly....

Glad to hear it. We don't "do" formal nights (I would love to, but DH just won't:( ), but I appreciate and respect them. Now I know which nights we'll be eating in the Lido!:rolleyes:

... 2. Master Chef's dinner was on Sunday. We ate at the Pinnacle Grill that evening, but still heard the music at times....

We plan to do the same :D - that's why I asked - now I know what night to make that reservation for!

... 3. There was no Salmon Bake during our cruise. Perhaps it was to be later in the cruise, but was cancelled because of the Code Red sailing.

Sorry to hear it. This was the one issue where I had gotten different reports as to when it took place, so I was curious - not that it really matters all that much. No biggie - I'll ask again as the season progresses.

Thanks again!

[traveler1980]

Thank you for posting your review. I am glad the code red did not ruin your cruise. Sounds like HAL did what they could to make a bad situation at least a little better for everyone. We are on the Veendam at the end of July. Hopefully the issue will be gone then.

Could you tell me who the Cruise Director is on the Veendam? Did you enjoy the activities they had available on board? Did it seem to have plenty to do? Thanks!