More thoughts on April 25 Veendam to Bermuda

[emckeeve]

I haven't had a chance to read all the posts so far, so forgive me if there are some repeated observances. My husband and I are active 62 year olds who prefer smaller ship cruising - SeaDream, Regent, Oceania, Sea Cloud, etc. and this was our first mainstream cruise in 12 years. We were pleasantly surprised.

 

We treated ourselves to a Deluxe Verandah Suite - it's our 40th anniversary this year and we haven't been back to Bermuda since our honeymoon. The suite was wonderful . . . loved having the dressing area with another sink and also a comfy sitting area. No complaints except we weren't able to use the verandah except while docked in Hamilton. There was much to much wind and, when sailing, we got alot of spray from the bow (I'm guessing).

 

We had open dining and probably wouldn't do that again, because you have to get a reservation anyway for each day. We had made reservations for the Pinnacle Grill in advance. After the first night, we canceled the second night. The service was terrible, as has been noted in other posts. We did enjoy having breakfast there (a perk of the Deluxe Suites) but again, the service was very slow. We had 2 dinners at Canaletto (very good and very quiet) and three dinners in the main dining room. We said we would like to share a table, but we were given a table for 2 twice. The food throughout the ship was excellent.

 

We went to 2 1/2 shows. They were well done - very talented singers.

 

Didn't like the "covered" pool area (it always smelled damp) but thought the retreat was kind of neat until we sailed out of Hamilton, and the water started sloshing out and soaking anything on the floor.

 

Had two spa treatments. Both good.

 

We didn't book ship shore excursions except for golf, but I understand they sold out quickly.

 

Holland America DOES cater to an older crowd. I'm sure the summer months will bring a different demagraphic, but this cruise was filled with senior citizens.

 

The smoking policy was too lenient for my taste, but I only had to leave a certain area twice - once in the Crow's Nest and once at the retreat. I wasn't bothered by smoke on the balconies . . . just smelled a faint cigar once. I walked through the casino once by mistake. Lots of smoke there.

 

Loved getting the daily program before dinner.

 

There were several instances of misinformation, but that was forgiven being the first cruise.

 

Toilets in several suites didn't flush two mornings in a row. Minor inconvenience. Fixed quickly.

 

The Bermudians were VERY friendly and helpful. We were asked several times if they could help us find something. Cabbies were great. Bus and ferry transporation great too. Don't miss Horseshoe Bay.

 

We spent our honeymonn at Elbow beach 40 years ago and of course had to make a stop there. The hotel is closed at the moment. Kind of sad for us, but it was still a nice walk down memory lane.

 

St. George is worth the bus trip or ferry. A nice town. Walk past the unfinished church to the right and go see Tobacco Bay. On the way back to Hamilton, the bus made a stop at the Swizzle Inn, so we hopped off for lunch. Great Rum Swizzles and yummy paninis. If we weren't playing golf, we would definitely have bought a 3 day transporation pass.

 

Played golf at Mid Ocean (very expensive and worth every penny) and Port Royal. Whoever re-designed PR wasn't a golfer. Good shots were rewarded by rolling into a bunker nine times out of ten. Too gimmicky for us. But both courses had gorgeous views. Unfortunately, the winter weather conditions have kept them from green up as quickly as usual.

 

We went out to dinner at Beau Rivage during Harbor Nights but returned in time to walk around, hear the band and buy a few trinkets. It didn't seem like such a big deal, but maybe it will be more festive as the season gets started.

 

We enjoyed the ferry to the Dockyard. I'm glad we got to see that area. The NCL and Celebrity passengers definitely seemed like a younger crowd.

 

We enjoyed meeting GrammieK, doncarlos, fishbabe and cruisevictor. Thanks to fishbabe for organizing the cruise critic meet and greet.

 

That's about it. If you remember the Talbot Brothers . . . Bermuda's Still Paradise!

[GrammieK]

HI Liz and Steve,

Enjoyed meeting you, too. Maybe our travels will bring us together again sometime. Until then, enjoy life and those grandbabies!!

K

P.S. You guys don't look 62...I would guess we were the youngsters on the Veendam.

[Himself]

Thank you for a well balanced interesting report.

[modelman]

How did you like Beau Rivage? We have a fractional share at the Newstead, and I always like to hear opinions on the restaurant, whose view I just love.

 

[emckeeve]

Beau Rivage was beautiful with great food - watched the sunset from that exact spot. Wanted to go outside but the wind was howling that day.

[TPCRUISER2]

Thanks for the veendam review! And yes bermuda is beyond awesome! It is indeed a paradise! Can't wait to go back this fall on the veendam. I pray every time that the good lord lets me get to my favorite destination!

[dachengdao]

Thank you for your lovely review and it's so refreshing to hear long-term spouses returning to their honeymoon spot (congrats on the 40 years together!!!)

[Krazy Kruizers]

Thanks for taking the time to give us your report of the first Bermuda cruise.