Veendam Alaska Questions

[fionan]

I am booked on Veendam for a September Alaska cruise. Some questions for you great guys on these boards...

I have a K inside cabin on the lower promenade deck - taking Ruth C's advice that it is steps away from the largest balcony on the ship. Is the Starboard side a smoking section, and does it get smoky in practice? I totally respect smokers' rights to smoke in their designated areas, am just wondering if I need to think about other viewing areas.

Where are the "best" public viewing areas? Are there decks that aren't obvious that have public access? Which ones are covered?

Are there public hot tubs in use on Alaska cruises?

Is the hydropool and thermal lounge package worth it on this ship? The Westerdam may have spoiled me. How many people fit in the hydropool? is there a steam room and sauna? Are they actually HOT or just warm?

Any other tips, or ship secrets that you could pass on?

Fiona

[pipedreams62]

I am booked on Veendam for a September Alaska cruise. Some questions for you great guys on these boards...

I have a K inside cabin on the lower promenade deck - taking Ruth C's advice that it is steps away from the largest balcony on the ship. Is the Starboard side a smoking section, and does it get smoky in practice? I totally respect smokers' rights to smoke in their designated areas, am just wondering if I need to think about other viewing areas.

Where are the "best" public viewing areas? Are there decks that aren't obvious that have public access? Which ones are covered?

Are there public hot tubs in use on Alaska cruises?

Is the hydropool and thermal lounge package worth it on this ship? The Westerdam may have spoiled me. How many people fit in the hydropool? is there a steam room and sauna? Are they actually HOT or just warm?

Any other tips, or ship secrets that you could pass on?

Fiona


We were on the Veendam in Alaska for two weeks last summer. I don't know about smoking sides? The bow is a great area to go out and see the sights.

The hydro pool is not the same as the one on the Westerdam. It's really only a jacuzzi that holds 4 people max. We still signed up for it though. The tile loungers are worth the price of admission.

If you're running on long tours all day maybe it won't benefit you using it?

have fun.

[RuthC]

I have a K inside cabin on the lower promenade deck - taking Ruth C's advice that it is steps away from the largest balcony on the ship. Is the Starboard side a smoking section, and does it get smoky in practice? I totally respect smokers' rights to smoke in their designated areas, am just wondering if I need to think about other viewing areas.
I can't recall that Lower Promenade has designated smoking sections. I do recall that there are no ash trays near the lounges, and that I've never had a problem from sidestream smoke out there. It's easy enough, if standing next to the rail by a smoker, to move a bit. Just switch places so you are upwind.
Where are the "best" public viewing areas? Are there decks that aren't obvious that have public access? Which ones are covered?
Try aft on Veranda Deck---there might be some room there. Also, forward Lido Deck---in front of the gym/spa area. There may also be forward observation on either Veranda or Navigation (I can't remember which).
There's also plenty of space, and ability to switch sides quickly, outside the Crows Nest. Or, you can access the roof of the Crow's Nest from there, too.
That's one great thing about the S- and R-class ships---there is plenty of deck space for everyone.
Are there public hot tubs in use on Alaska cruises?
Yes! Right by the Lido pool. It's a real kick to be in the hot tub, watching a hanging glacier out the window!

[O2B@C]

Smoke bothers me too, and I don't recall having any problem with it at all on our Veendam Alaska cruise last summer. When the ship is under way, there is always at least a bit of a breeze, so as Ruth said, you can escape smokers just by moving upwind of them.

Enjoy your trip!

[ideastoday]

We had no problems with smoke on Amsterdam last fall on lower promenade. Our cabin was on that deck and we were outdoors frequently, so we would've noticed smoke.

As for outdoor spots, head aft to the rear of the ship. As I remember the best spot is about one deck below lower promenade. You'll have almost a 180 degree view for whale watching, etc on the rear of the ship, and it was usually pretty deserted.

Good luck and have a great trip.

Greg

[scottjeanne]

You will be on the Veendam post retro fit. The "retreaat" area aft will have a whirlpool there.