Veendam to alaska

[hcopperhead]

Boarded in Vancouver and experienced the easiest boarding ever. 15 minutes from checking in luggage, through customs, boarding and in our cabin. 15 minutes later our luggage arrived. Although most things aboard were fine it is obvious that Veendam needs some work. One of the four forward elevators was permanently disabled and a second one was out of order several times during the 14 day back to back cruise (Vancouver to Seward and back). Also we had a problem with our toilet that was quickly resolved but we heard several other complaints where the problem was not fixed for days. We enjoyed open seating and meeting different people but we waited for food 30 minutes one nite and almost an hour after ordering a second nite. Both nites the food was cold. All other aspects of the cruise were great -- in general good food , service and ambience. Ports of call, Haines was a surprise -- must see the HAMMER museum. Yes I said hammer. Really liked Sitka and the Archangel Dancers and the Raptor Center. Whitehorse Train ride from Skagway fantastic. Ended the cruise by staying several days in Victoria which we loved. Buchart Gardens was spectacular.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Welcome Home.

So glad that you had a wonderful Alaskan cruise.

You did many of the tours we have done in Alaska.

Haines -- the first we were there we did the "quick" tour of town as we were taken to the salmon bake and then we saw the Tlinkets show.

[traveler1980]

What dates were you on the Veendam? We are getting on in Vancouver on the 25th. Do you know if there were mixology classes available? Cooking classes? Did you participate in either of these? Also, was there still concern over noro or has that been down to normal levels now? Sorry to hear about the few snafus on the cruise. Thanks for your report!

[O2B@C]

I'm very glad to hear that you had a good cruise despite the glitches.

I've been asking a few questions of all returning Veendam cruisers - hope you won't mind participating in my "poll"! :D All my questions are with regard to the NORTHbound portion of your cruise, only.

First: Which nights were the formal nights?

Second: Which night was the Master Chef's Dinner?

Third: Was there an on-deck salmon bake or BBQ, and if so, which day?

Like traveler1980, I would also be very grateful for an update on the noro situation.

Thanks so much for whatever info you can provide!

[bobnpaml]

O2B@C
We were on this 14 day cruise and hope I can answer a few of your questions:

1. Formal nights North bound- Cruising inside passage-
about 15% tuxes- 75% suits, 5% should not have
been allowed (but was) seated Second formal night-
Sitka Southbound--Hubbard Glacier and Juneau

2. Master Chief--N/B, Ketchikan. S/B,Sitka. Not up to
the other dinners in the main dinner room. ** Note:
most nights the Lido served the same dinner choices
as the main dinning room.

3. Salmon Bake. I don't remember having one. That
said. neither of us really like salmon so we would not
paid much attention. They do have Salmon every
night in main dining. I will check over our daily
programs and see if I can find out for you.

4. Update on NOVO. We did not board until 3:00pm on
the 27th, as Hal had a crew onboard completely
cleaning the ship. We were each given a onboard
credit for our lunch expenses in Vancouver and Hal
also had buses for anyone that wanted to take a tour
of Vancouver, free. Even with this delay the check-in
process went very smooth. Really our easiest in 5
cruises.

traveler 1980---first day at sea--bartending class, afternoon $10.00 2nd day-mixology also $10.00

The ship was in very good order. If you are a nit-picker, you will find things that are wrong or in need of repair. there was nothing that would spoil your cruise. There were more children than I thought would be on the cruise. On our North bound portion of the cruise I did have a problem, but only with the parent who allowed their children the free reign of the ship (with out the parents supervision) The Southbound was much better.

I hope this answers your questions. I will try to answer any more that come to mind. Pam

[O2B@C]

Thank you, Pam! Hope you enjoyed your cruise as much as I hope to enjoy mine on the same route (NB only) in August! :D

[bobnpaml]

On the NOVO virus. After cleaning the ship in Vancouver and the first 2 days of cruise on code red. (No self serve items in buffet) We did not have (per captain) a single case of NOVO either N/B or S/B. When you're on your cruise just be sure to use the Perell before and after you eat, bathroom visits, shop visits, shore excursions, and any other time you think of it and WASH YOUR HANDS often and there will be a greatly reduced chance of getting the virus. Small price to pay for a healthy cruise. Pam