Review: Volendam, April 9-19 2005 Eastern Caribbean

April 8, 2005

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We flew in to Ft. Lauderdale April 8. DW was up all night packing. I was smart, packed a bit earlier. Still, I only got about 2.5 hours sleep. Think I got up at about 2AM. Arrived at the airport at 3:30AM. Unfortunately, the airport counter for Continential is not open until 4:30AM. Why did I rush in the first place? Arrrgghhh. Since I am waiting, I went and got myself a muffin.

Flew in to Houston, with a small breakfast cereal meal on board. Since I sit by the window, I always look out at the luggage handlers. I saw these people drop them, throw them. Hmm, not good. I saw this poor luggage spill its contents all over. Well, we had to hurry and get off the plane, as we have to catch connecting flight to Ft. Lauderdale. They played Electra movie, no meal, just drinks.

Yahooo, landed in Ft. Lauderdale at about 5PM. Not really in the mood to celebrate, as we're tired and hungry. Saw more luggages got thrown around. Yes, I am getting to something later about luggage(my luggage). Pick up luggages and met with HAL representive. Got on shuttle bus. It drove around and loop the airport, cause they couldn't find some passengers. Think they said they told to goto the wrong place. Anyhow, about 1.5 hour later, we were at the Westin. This is part of the HAL cruise package we purchased from our travel agent.

After check in at the Westin. We didn't feel like going out for dinner, so we had buffet dinner at the Westin. After dinner, back to our room. I finally had the chance to look at my luggage. There was a few scratches. Wait, there was two small holes at the bottom of my luggage, a dent, and a crack at the side near the bottom. My luggage is a hard case, so crack is understandable. But two small holes? What they do, use drills? Arrggghh. No problem, I read the list things to bring on the CC forum. Duck Tape is one of them. So, I tape the cracks and holes. As good as new... Time to sleep...

April 9, 2005

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Beautiful day, got up at around 11:00AM. No time for breakfast. Pack and get ready to wait for the shuttle to pier. When we got the pier, there no long line up, so we got on board in about 30 minutes. Since this is after 1PM, our cabin was ready, we put down our carry on and went up to Lido for lunch.

After lunch, walked around the ship a bit. Stop by the Pinnacle Grill to make reservation for dinner that night. All booked up. I guess we will have to goto dinning room. Next stop was the shopping area. DW was happy to see the 75% off for "Caribbean" items. She bought so much stuff, we made three trips there, cause once we dropped the stuff off, she think of something else to buy.

The emergency drill was ok. I saw a few people didn't know how to put on the lifejackets. We crowded around deck 3, and I waved at the boats below. After that, we were on our way out to sea. Yahooooo. Okay, we're not the first one out, think there was four cruise ahead of us, at least that's what I saw in the picture I taken. Still, we were ahead of Zuiderdam, as it was following behind us. Wanted to goto Crow's Nest and meet up with CC members, but DW wants a bit of time to ourselves. She wanted low profile, cause it's our honeymoon trip.

Oh boy, our dinner is at 8:30PM. Talk about hungry. We sat with our friends(M & J), Ted & Linda from Toronto area, Martha & her sister from FL. After dinner, we went for a walk at Deck 3. It was dark out, saw a cruise ship aft portside of us, probably Zuiderdam following us still.

After our walk, stop by Fran Theatre for the last 20 minutes of the show. I got a few laughs out of it. Back to cabin, sleeping...

Thanks for posting your wonderful review. Anxious to hear more! :)

Good start - keep it coming!

April 10, 2005

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Up and running at 6:30AM. Made it to Lido for breakfast by 7:00AM. Out of the window, we can see we are docked at Nassau. During our breakfast, we were treated to the view of Majesty of the Sea, coming in slowing to dock, next to us.

While having breakfast, we discuss things over with our friends, M & J. They wanted to walk around and do a bit of shopping. I convinced DW to go over Atlantis Resort(we can see the resort from the ship, just across the harbour). So, we'll be meeting them back at the ship for lunch. We only get to spent half day here, have to be back by 12:00PM

Walked off the ship, at the Festival Place, we asked the info guy about water taxi to Atlantis. He said it won't be running until 9 or something. We asked for a taxi to Atlantis Resort. This is when couple taxi drivers fought over us. One of the won, we were told to wait. After a few minutes, we got nine people. The taxi driver hook us out to the street and loaded up in a van. We were there in about 10 minutes.

We walked around the compound/resort with another couple in the van with us. They're from Texas, I think. They're from the Majesty of the Sea. Anyhow, they're nice couple. We hung out with them. The husband, Ed, is recovering from cancer, we hope he's doing alright. Don't worry, be happy...

By about 11:00AM, we'd taken a few pictures. Ready to go back to ship, don't want to miss the ship on the first port. The lady taxi driver in front didn't want to take us back, because there were only two of us. I guess gas was expensive, they wanted to load up the van with a group. Anyhow, we asked, until we got a taxi going back to the pier. This taxi guy, he is a happy guy. Talks alot, said he is 79(I am some what worry, but he drives fine). Got 14 children, forgot how many grand children. He's motto is "Don't worry, be happy... and move to the island". We were charged $5pp for the ride back. I guess $4pp if you're in a group.

Back on ship, met up with M & J for lunch at the dinning room(one and only time we had lunch here). Today is Captain's Reception. We got dress up for it at 7PM. Took some pix and one with the Captain(Didn't turn out that well, DW said I didn't smile enough).

8:30PM we were ready for dinner at the dinning room. On the menu, it was Rack of Lamb, Alaska King Crab Leg. Service was a bit slow, but we didn't mind. Just chatted until our food arrives.

After dinner, we're off to deck 3 for our walk. Then stop by the casino, where DW tried out her luck. Let's just say she didn't win anything. Well, no problem, we went and catch the last half of the movie "Meet the Fockers", to lighten up things a bit.

When we were back to our cabin, there was a message. It turns out someone dialed the wrong cabin. Ohhhh, there were 40 some old messages from Sept 2004 to April 9, 2005. I guess people don't erase their messages. No problem, I erased them all. What a day, lights out. Good night....

Back at work, a few things need much attention. May not able to continue with details later.

April 11, 2005

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Sea day. DW woke up early and went for breakfast with our friends, M & J. I was a bit tired, didn't want to get up, yet. At home, I normally don't have breakfast, so I snoozed more. DW came back and woke me up, so we can meet up with M & J at 9:30AM, for tennis at Deck 9.

The tennis court is a smaller version, and the bounce is not like the regular court. Oh well, it was just for fun. 10:30AM, went down to Deck 4 for the kitchen tour. Afterward, we stop by the Wajang Theatre to watch the King Crab Cake demo. This was done by the Pinniacle Grill. Chef Rob, just got back from vacation. This is his third year on board. He was friendly and answers many questions.

After lunch at Lido, we watched a bit of news on TV. DW fell asleep on the sofa. I went out for a walk and stop by the library. Wanted to borrow the book by Dan Brown, "The da vinci code". It was out or they don't have it. I got the other book, "Angels and Demons".

DW overslept on the sofa. Missed her Dutch High Tea. Of course, she somehow ended up blame me for not waking her up in time. :-( The rest of the day went by and I don't remember much. We did our regular walk around deck 3, after dinner. Good thing we had the walk. Everything is back to normal for DW and I...

The tennis court is a smaller version, and the bounce is not like the regular court. Oh well, it was just for fun.

Does that mean you didn't win? :rolleyes:

Forget work! We want more details! :)

Shopping area with 75% off - before the ship left Ft Lauderdale??

We were on the Volendam in March and that didn't take place on either of our cruises.

Hi KK,

Well, the sale is just timing. Volendam is going to reposition itself to Alaska after our cruise. So, that explains why they want to rid of all the "Caribbean" items. Normally, St. Martin has all the good deals, but this sale is not to be missed. :-)

I read with interest your review on the Volendam.Along with some good friends we are considering this ship for a Carb.trip in Feb.If you could answer just a couple of questions for us. Was the food in the Lido Deck similar to the way things were set up on the Osterdam?????Different stations for each type of food. Example,Sandwiches,salads,rather than having just one long line ??

Any thoughts on cabin selection??We think might boook oceanview and the other couple get a suite.Quite a difference from balcony to oceanview and yet balcony to suite is the same!!!

Looking forward to suggestions and any other thoughts you have.

The board is locking up and slow today...

April 12, 2005

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St. Thomas, our 1st real port stop for the whole day. So excited... Up and running to get breakfast at Lido. This morning we are docked at Crown Bay, right beside Zuiderdam. Looks like Zuiderdam catch up with us or us with it. After a brief visit to US Customs(it is required regardless of you get off the ship or not).

After a short taxi ride to downtown, I can feel the hot and humid air getting to me. There are five cruise ship docked for the day, the narrow streets were busy at about 8:30AM. Everywhere we go, outside the shops or on the streets, we were asked if we need a taxi or tour. Just say "no".

Walk up the "99 steps", and tour around the Blackbeard castle. Back down and did more shopping. Since it was "tropical" theme night, I bought myself a tropical t-shirt for $12(everyone asking for $15). DW had to paid the asking price for her stuff, since she don't know how to bargain.

On the way back, we took a taxi van. The taxi driver was complainting about the trucks that got converted to taxi with capacity for 18 people. He said "those people took all the business with one load".

Volendam was the first to be sailing off. I was able to take couple good pix of the other cruise ship following us. The sailaway party is at the Lido Pool area. I got a quick bite. The ribs are good. Drink special was the Pina Colada in real Coconut shell, $9.95, unlimited refills. Bring it on! After a long walking day in the sun, I think I had about 5 of them.

Maybe it was the drinks. I was a bit slow in going the cabin and grab my camera, I missed the sunset. DW told me she saw the sunset all taken place in about 1.5 minutes. Okay, I will catch my sunet another day. So, I promised DW a sunset photo shot another day.

When it was dark. The ship stopped. I went to deck 3 to see what's happening. There was another cruise ship, starboard side. I can't tell in the dark, but it looks like another "dam ship". It's not the Zuiderdam, we docked beside them in Crown Bay. I watched one emergency lifeboat from each ship met up. Saw them swap people, then drove each other's lifeboat back. Someshow, we had their lifeboat, and they had ours. How that happened, I don't know.

Dinner was good as usual. Walked around deck 3. Don't think the walking is help much vs the amount of food we eat. DW said she feel the "weight gain". But the food is so good, we refused to stop eating...

I should say that we're happy with our cabin Steward, Tony. He cleans up the place twice each day. First time, when we're having lunch or off port. Second time when we're having dinner. Never saw him in there, so he's that efficient. When I wanted my shoe shined. He came back with it done, in half an hour.

Ok... time to post it...

Keep it coming Gunzee. I was on the same trip as you and we really had a great time. Sorry you didn't make the CC get together. Looking forward to reliving our trip through your report. Gayle

The food in Lido should be the similar in other dam ships, because the menu is prepared by master chefs in Seattle HQ. Yes, they have the salad bar, sandwich/wrap station, ice cream, desert area, waffle, omelette, etc. So, not one long line.

If it is up to me all the times, I would like the suite. Extra room and service make a difference. I don't see any difference in Oceanview vs Inside Cabin(really, how often do I used/opened the window?) I am not that picky, I am fine with inside cabins. Cabins you get more incentive to get out of the cabin and be active and join the programs they have on the ship.

I read with interest your review on the Volendam.Along with some good friends we are considering this ship for a Carb.trip in Feb.If you could answer just a couple of questions for us. Was the food in the Lido Deck similar to the way things were set up on the Osterdam?????Different stations for each type of food. Example,Sandwiches,salads,rather than having just one long line ??

Any thoughts on cabin selection??We think might boook oceanview and the other couple get a suite.Quite a difference from balcony to oceanview and yet balcony to suite is the same!!!

Looking forward to suggestions and any other thoughts you have.

Hmmm, age problem? Can't seems to remember all the details after more than a week...

Arpil 13, 2005

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My goodness. I am on holidays, but for the last few days I am up and having breakfast by about 7AM. Don't feel like a holiday until you sleep in, one of the things I like when I have time off. I'll talk to DW and see if we can sleep in tomorrow.

Today we are at Philipsburg, St. Maarten. When we sit down for breakfast at Lido, we see Volendam is one of four cruise ship at the pier. There was another cruise ship came in later and anchored out. One good thing, the passengers on that cruise ship didn't have to pay the $5 water taxi to downtown area. They were tendered to the downtown dock.

We like St. Maarten much better than St. Thomas. The prices are better compare to St. Thomas. For example, I bought a similar t-shirt for $6, compare to $12 at St. Thomas. The Heineken beer and water are $1 each. Oh god, same price. What am I going to choose? Heineken of course! After a bit of drinking, we both had goto washroom. The closest washroom I see charge 50 cents. There goes $1. That $1 could have been another Heineken for me. Hehe. FYI, there is a free public washroom behind the church.

Came back to ship unload the stuff we bought. Lunched at Lido, then back to more shopping. This time, we ran into a bit of "trouble". We were buying local rum at this store, think it is called "Caribbean Paradise" or something, they didn't have the flavor my DW wanted. So the saleperson, told us to wait in the corner. Then about 6 minutes later, I saw him came back with two bottle in a shopping bag. I didn't think much of it. I paid $16 a bottle. Out of the store, I told DW, she said "The guy quoted me $14." Then I told her about the guy coming back with the bottle in a shopping bag. Hmm, they didn't have the rum, so they go out and buy from a shop across the street, then sold it to us? I didn't care, but DW don't like to be rip off, in such a way. She went across the street and looked at the price. Sure enough, it was $13 there. Holy smoke. DW is mad, she dashed back to "Caribbean Paradise" and tried to return the rums we bought. My lord, they don't have return policy. Ok. DW didn't like the way they do business, so we didn't buy anything after that.

Time to relax and get over this single incident. We walked around the beach area. The waves were gentle. The sand was ok to walk on bare foot. I love walking on fine beach sand. Half Moon Cay is best. Wish I can haul the sand home.

By about 5PM, we were back on ship. Our rum didn't get confiscated at the ship security checkpoint. Our friends M & J said their alcohol was taken away. Haha, I laughed at them. :-) Volendam set sail for Roseau, Dominica at about 6PM. Sunset was at 6:28PM. As I promised DW, we hook a few sunset pix in the background. It wasn't that great, as it was a cloudy.

After dinner, our friends M & J decided to join us for the walk around deck 3. We decided to play cards afterward. "Big 2" was the card game. I am happy to report that I was the winner that night. DW didn't win a single game. She vowed that it will happen, next time or soon... Everyone was tired by about midnight, so we were off to a good night sleep. Yep, we're going to sleep in.... Yahoooo....

My mistake, in my last post I meant "FYI, there is a free public washroom behind the court house".

I went on this same cruise in November and my sister and her DH were on this voyage.

Thanks for taking the time to tell us about your adventures. I am glad that you could decide between the $1 water and the $1 Heinekens.

Keep it coming... I can't wait to hear about Barbados!

We are waiting...

April 14, 2005

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Sleeping in this morning. We needed the extra snooze, cause we are a bit tired from all the previous port activities. Our friends, M & J were the energetic young couple, they were off to their snorkel trip. I wish my body were in better shape... Maybe I can go back to sleep and dream about my Rambo body.

We took our time getting up and had a long lunch at Lido. Out of the windows, I can see a good part of Roseau, Dominica. In the distance you can see the deep tropical rain forests and mountains. The mood at the pier is much more relaxing, because Volendam is the only ship here today. Imagine that, we had the whole place to ourselves. The streets look pretty quiet, big contrast comparing to St. Thomas and St. Maarten. I guess we missed the morning "rush". M & J told us later, that when they walk off the pier, the taxi mobs were working hard on them. Now, it's lunch time I am sure all the taxi driver and tour guide are long gone from the pier.

Our first stop on Roseau is their Information Centre. Above the Info Centre is their museum. I think it is probably size of my house, so I don't know what they have in there because I didn't check it out. When I asked for a map at the Info Centre, they said they don't have any to give out. Maybe this place is small, they can give you direction verbally. With my memory and sense of direction, good luck.

We walked around the streets close to dock. In the line of sight, we visited couple churches. Then went in to couple "supermarket" and see what they sell. I ran out of mouth wash. The price of mouth wash is like $8. How these people afford them? I certainly won't pay for it, myself. We didn't purchase anything from Roseau, probably because we didn't see anything new or interesting.

The sailaway party is at Lido aft pool. The wind was very strong. The beach chairs were blown over. The party was cut short. However, I still took a couple pictures of the scenic island. The sunset picture also didn't do so well, as it was windy. My tripod got blown over. :-(

Captain Pieter Visser is a very nice gentleman. He almost makes daily announcements. I saw him a few times at Lido for a quick bite. He's on holidays after the end of this cruise. On this voyage, his wife is with him.

We are in the bottom half of our cruise. Everything turned out nicely. We're relaxing, eating well, shopping a bit, enjoying everything. Regardless of I said and written down, we are having a wonderful time, so far.

Regarding mouthwash, could it have been priced in Eastern Caribbean dollars? They are 2.6 to the us $ or close to that. Also STM liquor prices. There is a lot of variation from store to store on Front St. I do a casual tour and then buy just before going back to the ship to buy at the best price and have the shortest carrying experience.

I've taken into account 2.5 US$ conversion rate. The bottle is not big, not the 1L, maybe 355mL.

As for alcohol prices, don't matter what they asked for at St. Maarten, still one of the cheapest compare to other ports we stopped on this trip.

Regarding mouthwash, could it have been priced in Eastern Caribbean dollars? They are 2.6 to the us $ or close to that. Also STM liquor prices. There is a lot of variation from store to store on Front St. I do a casual tour and then buy just before going back to the ship to buy at the best price and have the shortest carrying experience.

April 15, 2005

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As usual, Volendam docked at Barbados while we were still asleep. When we went up to Lido for breakfast, I saw lots and lots of the huge ship containers. I guess we docked a few block from the pier terminal. It looks like there are five ships at the docks, including a smaller cruise ship.

DW has made a few friends with the Lido crew. Most of the times, these people would say "Hi" or chit chat a bit with her. When I am there by myself, they would ask where she is? Friendly bunch.

M & J were scheduled to meet up with J's cousin, who lives in Barbados, at about 11:00AM. So, we stay with them and talk over a long breakfast. By the time we get off the ship, it was close to 11AM. There was a free shuttle bus running to take Volendam passenger to the pier terminal.

Wow, the weather was at least 32 C or 90 F. There was no air condition. By the time we were in the pier terminal, DW feel tired and "heat sick". She had to sat down and get a bit of rest. I went around the shops inside. By the time DW got better, I feel tired and "heat sick". So, my turn to sit down and get a bit of rest. DW's turn to shop a bit.

We had to be back on the ship at 4:30PM. Since we're not feeling well, we decided not to venture out to downtown. Our adventure at Barbados is limited to the pier terminal, :-(

Coming back to the ship, my pack of Heineken beer was "confiscated" by the ship security. M & J came back at about 4:15PM, they said they were in traffic and got worried that they might missed the ship. But they got a good laugh when I told them about my beer. Hehe, what comes around, goes around. I laugh at them a few days ago, now it is their turn.

Volendam was second ship to be out, leaving after a Costa ship. The Sail Away party featuring spicy chicken and island spiced Romelade, all cooled down by a Barbados Pirate Punch.

After dinner, we didn't had time for our walk around deck 3. Instead, we went to the magic show, "The Diamonds", in Fran Hals Lounge. It lasted less than an hour. Not bad. Next up, the Indonesian Crew show. The drink special was Rasayang for $2.50. The show was interesting. These work like 10 hours a day, how they got the time to practice for the show is beyond me. There are some good talents in the crew.

April 16, 2005

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Sea day. We're on our way to Half Moon Cay. Nice day to relax and read a book. After lunch, we read a bit more. In the afternoon, they were having the Royal Dutch Tea. Since we missed the Dutch High Tea a few days ago, I made sure we didn't missed this one.

There was a thread talked about how to get to the bow of the ship. There is a door at deck 3, which leads to the weather sealed door. The label on the wall said open this door. Well, I tried as hard as I can, I just can't get the hatch to open.

Around 5PM, we went up to Lido for a bite. I got myself some Bread Pudding. The sauce is vanilla. On this board, there were talks about the bread pudding, so kind of late for me to remember, but not too late.

Tonight is the final formal night. We dressed up early. Found the ship photographers and got our group pictures with M & J. DW has picked out about dozen pictures so far.

Dinner time. We had escargot for appetitzer. Lobster tail is the main dish. Don't see people ordering anything else. Our server, Karna, is very nice fellow. Without asking, he already got us extras, so in the end, I had six lobster tails. The dessert was Baked Alaska. DW is already thinking how we going to adjust to our own cooking, when we are back home.

I have no major complaints about the food served on the Volendam. The first serving of lobster tail, the rice is uncooked, hard. The subsequent serving, the rice is very good, soft and cooked. As well, the soups in Lido, we found a bit salty. We like the soups. DW added water in the soups to dilute it. Anyhow, taste is subjective, it wasn't salty for M & J.

We finished the night by playing cards in Lido. The bartender stop by and watched we play a bit. He helped DW a bit, so she won her first game, ever in "Big 2". Help or no help, DW is happy that she finally won a game.

Gunzee,

Thanks for taking the time to give us such a complete review of your experience on the Volendam. My wife Debbi and I enjoyed your review of your adventures. It brought back memories of our voyage on the Volendam in Nov 2004.

It's a joy to read your review. Don't forget to tell us how HMC was. Inquiring minds want to know!!!!!! :D

We were on this sailing which was our first time on the Volendam but our 12th on HAL. I have to say that although I like all the HAL ships, the Volendam is now our favorite. The food was the best, the service was the best, everything was perfect. I was particularly pleased that the flaming desserts were still served in the dining room and not the Explorer's Lounge like most of the other ships.

Hi KAKCruiser,

I agree, everything in Volendam is running like a well lubricated machinary. Everyone got their job/routine down to an exact science.

We had the flaming peach dessert, the first day it was available. I remembered it, because we sat a few meters from the flaming dessert station in the main dinning room area. Our dinning room supervisor set the alcohol on fire. The flames shot up about two feet. This caused a few people around the area jumped, including DW.