Volendam : Really That Bad ?

[mightycruisequeen]

We've been on Volendam several times, most recently over Easter 2023 & we really love the ship.  We've had minor issues on some of the sailings, but nothing to deter us from wanting to come back.  We've ALWAYS found the service and food to be very good to crazy-good, and feeling of spaciousness on that ship is wonderful.  

I think that reviews are helpful, but some can be so nit-picky, I just take them with a grain of sea salt.

[terrydtx]

Many of the negative Volendam reviews I have seen concerned the MDR food and lack of specialty choices. On the K'Dam last month I thought the food in the MDR and Club Orange ran circles around our recent Celebrity experiences.  The specialty choices aren't much different than the Vista ships. The only thing we will miss on the Volendam is Billboard Onboard.

[Kc52]

We are currently on the Volendam and have been here since Nov. 22. We realize that it is one of HAL's older ships and our expectations are adjusted for that. We are very pleased with our Dolphin Deck (deck 1) room with a refurbished bathroom (walk in shower), larger TV and six floor to ceiling closets. The Crow's Nest just finished its refurbishment, and some of the lounges on floor 5 (The Mix) have also been upgraded. The food has been superb, hot, tasty and very well presented. The Main Dining room serves smaller portions which we appreciate. We are at a table for 2, requested main meals only and have received very quick service each evening (we set some expectations with our servers early in the cruise). We have had no AC issues in our room but some of the other floors "run cooler". Starlink has kept us connected with our Internet banking and email - fast and no interruptions. There is a classical music team in the Explorations Lounge and the Library area has new books, with a large selection of books guests have donated. As always, the housekeeping and dining service is excellent. Officers have requested feedback from guests which will help to continue service excellence. We are walkers and appreciate the 360 promenade deck (it is lined with some lanai rooms). Our laundry is sent out every other day (morning) and has been returned the following day. The on board maintenance staff have just refinished all of the doors leading to the promenade deck and have completed painting the outside of the ship (navy blue section) during our cruise. If we looked for problems I'm sure we would find some. But we are on vacation from cold, winter weather and appreciate the service, itinerary and warm weather. 

[Nickelpenny]

I just returned on Volendam from an 18 day R/T Hawaii. I have absolutely zero complaints. Food excellent, service excellent, Accommodations excellent. I did have a service problem with the Morimoto lobster but they went overboard in rectifying it. 

Edited December 22, 2023 by Nickelpenny

[ottahand7]

We spent 81 days on her last December 27 through March 18, 2023.  We had no complaints.  We had a Vista Suite for the main voyage and a Dolphin deck cabin for week one on a casino offer.  All were quiet, our VS was very near the elevator.   We had no problem with the AC, other than it was a bit cold for me so I bundled up.  We had the variation of 100 degree days in Buenos Aires to the cold of the Antarctic.   Our food was marvelous, we had a wonderful Spanish chef.   We ate lunch in the Lido frequently and it was great for the most part though sometimes they would have to food out sitting for 30 minutes before opening, especially bad with french fries and pizza.   Some of the roasted meats they had in the Lido were wonderful.  I would definitely cruise on her again.   

[Dancing Shoes]

Can't wait to sail on her again.  Last time was 2018 and looking forward to 2024.  Almost booked the same cabin but wanted port this time.  We always stay in an OV midship.  

[HappyInVan]

On 12/21/2023 at 2:09 PM, jc foster said:

 Has anyone here sailed this ship recently and if so whats your opinion?  Thanks

 

Sailed her in August to Alaska. The interior was in good shape. New upholstery. There were the European touches of elegance. Unfortunately, to my eyes, the interior decor lacked coherence. Looked like several rounds of refurbishment that didn't match.

 

Food and service was okay. Entertainment was humdrum after my 4 HAL cruises in the last year.

 

I was in Vista suite 6123. The room was okay, though the bathroom had not been modernized. No problems with AC or plumbing. I was very annoyed by the creaking roof panels when we entered open waters north of Vancouver Island.

 

Summary: Liked the ship. Spacious. Many seats scattered about the ship. Unfortunately, the ship is showing its age.

 

This is Capt Ryan Whittaker...

 

 

Edited December 29, 2023 by HappyInVan

[OlsSalt]

I always find  reports HAL  ships are less than immediately up to date and trendy, comforting. HAL is saving me money. I like that.

 

Fed, bed and time to be well-read., without going into the red That is what earns my HAL loyalty 

[cuagrad90]

I just watched a YouTube video done by a guy who was on the Volendam 4 months ago. The ship looked beautiful. I can't wait to see it with my own eyes in May.