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Prinsendam or Veendam South America


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As we have only sailed the Noordam and Koningsdam would like to hear from the experts on the differences between the Veendam and Prinsendam. We are looking at the itineraries from South America back to Florida through the Amazon. The Veendam leaves from Rio which is our preference and is a shorter cruise. Our understanding is the Prinsendam is a better ship and there is a very good rate on the inside cabins at the moment, also our friend will be working on the Prinsendam. The problem with the P is it leaves from BA and we would have to get there from Rio and it would mean less time on land in Brazil. We are in our early 40’s and like a few drinks and a fun time, what will the crowds be like on these longer ships? The prices are good and we could then take a TA to Europe afterwards, the alternative is to spend a bit more and try an Azamara cruise direct from Rio to Europe. Appreciate any thoughts as concerned by the recent reviews of the Veendam.

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We have not cruised on the Noordam, but did cruise on the Prinsendam and really loved the ship. The other thing to look at for comparison is price & itinerary. We loved the Amazon portion of the cruise. What ever you decide enjoy.

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My choice would be the Prinsendam, although I would go on either ship (but in fact I will be on the Prinsendam).  You might see if you would be allowed to board the Prinsendam in Rio, and at least a couple of years ago Emerates had a Dubai-Rio-BA flight that was a very nice and decently priced way to get to BA.

 

Roy

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I would also choose the Prinsendam.

One of the reasons for this is that you will be doing a lot of scenic cruising, especially on the Amazon. The Prinsendam has a lovely aft pool area where there is a lot of great seating and viewing. The Veendam, on the other hand, has destroyed the aft viewing area. There is a large 'mountain' of hot tubs blocking the view from the inner portion, and cut down on the seating/standing area.

Another reason is the higher level of service on the Prinsendam. Being a smaller ship, the staff and crew gets to know you better. They remember your drink preference, and whatever problems (and solutions) have been brought to their attention.

Have a wonderful time.

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The rest of the passengers on a long Holland America may well average 75 years old. I doubt that many fellow passengers will be in the their forties. There will be people who enjoy a few drinks, but do not expect a late night fun crowd.

 

The land travel in Brazil would have to be mighty special for me to choose a shorter cruise on the Veendam over a longer, cheaper cruise on the Prinsendam. I've sailed both ships twice. In addition to the ridiculous aft pools, the Veendam has a lack of unreserved deck chairs on the promenade deck. A disadvantage to the Prinsendam is that the beds in interior cabins are in an L configuration, no queen bed layout is possible.

 

I would love to hear what your decision is and to hear your experiences aboard.

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4 hours ago, whogo said:

A disadvantage to the Prinsendam is that the beds in interior cabins are in an L configuration, no queen bed layout is possible.

Not all of them! The insides in the area aft of the aft elevator on the same deck as the Explorer's Lounge and Casino are very large, with a couch and large bed.
I have not stayed in one, but did visit one on my last cruise (in September). I was in awe, compared to the size of my inside, and am sorry I will never get a chance to try one.

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We were on Veendam 49 nights last year.  I wouldn't go on her again if I had another choice.  And it's not the pools, it's the elevators that don't work and can't be fixed,no parts...  And if the Prinsendam is the other choice, I'd make that work.  m--   

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45 minutes ago, RuthC said:

Not all of them! The insides in the area aft of the aft elevator on the same deck as the Explorer's Lounge and Casino are very large, with a couch and large bed.
I have not stayed in one, but did visit one on my last cruise (in September). I was in awe, compared to the size of my inside, and am sorry I will never get a chance to try one.

 

Agree.  Our friends had an absolutely awesome inside size wise.

It was an old signature suite moved when they added in the aft.

It was huge.  

 

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I know many cruisers LOVE the Prinsendam...it IS a Small ship!

We sailed on the Prinsendam for the 2017 Grand So. America/Antartica.  Personally I did not like the ship....too small, layout of the ship  and everything was quiet by 10pm.  We are under 65 and enjoy socializing. 

Enjoy your travels!

 

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