debmkay Posted October 17, 2006 #1 Share Posted October 17, 2006 Just booked the 10 day sailing on the Volendam for the Nov 13th sailing. We have only been on the Zandaam and was very pleased, we are booked on a guarantee verandah, was wondering if anyone has sailed her recently and what did they think? Any info would be appreciated! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randyk47 Posted October 17, 2006 #2 Share Posted October 17, 2006 Not sure about your definition of "recently" but we were on the Volendam earlier this year after her upgrades. Up until that cruise we'd always been really fond of the Ryndam as we honeymooned on her. Our new favorite is the Volendam....wonderful, wonderful ship with a great crew. :) We wanted very much to go back to her this coming Winter but got too good of a fare for a 14-day on the Veendam so we'll catch the Volendam some other time but we will definitely sail on her again if at all possible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billathome Posted October 17, 2006 #3 Share Posted October 17, 2006 We sailed the Volendam in Feb. 06 and had a wonderful time. Dominica was our favorite stop. We are partial to the under-developed islands. Jolly Pirates Sail on Aruba was very nice, too. There were only about 15 people on board. Two dives, one in a cove where we saw an octopus, and a hugh school of fish that you could swim in and not see the end or beginning! Then a nice picnic lunch. Finally, a deep water snorkel off a sunken ship, with loads of fish to view. All the drinks you want. The service on board was perfect, of course, it is afterall, HAL. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackneto Posted October 17, 2006 #4 Share Posted October 17, 2006 I'm sure they've fixed the toilet problem we and other pax had on the 9/20 - 27 Alaskan cruise . the people we talked to had cabins on 7 and 6. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roz Posted October 17, 2006 #5 Share Posted October 17, 2006 Debmkay, Come on over to the Roll Call Board. We have a roll call going for the Nov. 13 Volendam sailing. Like you, I've been on the Zaandam and am looking forward to the Volendam. I thought the decor on the Zaandam was a bit on the quirky side; loved the size of the ship. Roz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
debmkay Posted October 17, 2006 Author #6 Share Posted October 17, 2006 Can someone tell me about the upgrades Please!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randyk47 Posted October 17, 2006 #7 Share Posted October 17, 2006 The upgrades were the standard package of changes made to HAL ships under the Signature of Excellence program. Unless you were really familar with a ship, or HAL ships in general, a newcomer wouldn't notice the difference. (That to us actually speaks to how well and seamlessly they made the changes so that they fit the ship.) The ones we really appreciated were the upgraded beds and bedding in the cabins. They'd also done the Culinary Arts Center which we enjoyed a lot. Of course throughout the ship there was lots of new carpet, wall finishes, furniture, etc., that you could tell were new but no necessarily different from what you'd expect on HAL. There is actually quite a list of changes and I've only listed the ones that really stuck out for us. Others may have equally enjoyed other changes like the Explorations Cafe or Club HAL. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
debmkay Posted October 17, 2006 Author #8 Share Posted October 17, 2006 Hey Roz! I've already been over to the roll call, thanks Randy for the info! I'm just so excited, we have never booked a cruise this close to sailing before, usually its 9 mos out and the wait is forever! So the next 3 weeks will be all planning for me. I just love to plan for a cruise! Hope to see everyone there, is there going to be a meet and greet? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kamloops50 Posted October 24, 2006 #9 Share Posted October 24, 2006 Just came off the Volendam (Oct 14/06) had a ball :) on the ship. Being our first cruise we ,everything was what expected and more. The toilet problem this isn't fully resolved onboard. we had a problem and is was repaired within 36 hrs. heard others had unresovled problems but not a blockage or other worst problems. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thomasale Posted October 24, 2006 #10 Share Posted October 24, 2006 I am going to be posting a full review shortly. We also just got off the 10/14 sailing. We had a GREAT time. We did have several issues that I will go into in my review...including, you guessed it, toilet issues. That did not stop us from enjoying ourselves and the itinerary is fantastic. We are primarily Celebrity cruisers and this cruise did not displace our number one choice in cruise lines...more when I can afford more time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mafig Posted October 24, 2006 #11 Share Posted October 24, 2006 Tom, Glad you had a great time. We are on Volendam 11/3. Could you please tell me exactly what "toilet issues" you had? Not flushing, or worse?:eek: Like to hear about the rest of the cruise too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RuthC Posted October 24, 2006 #12 Share Posted October 24, 2006 I was first on the Volendam in July and thought her a lovely ship. It was the first time I had been on a HAL ship with a "theme" and found I liked it. The theme is flowers, and in addition to the usual fresh flowers everywhere there were also beautiful interpretations of artificial flowers as art. It was also the first time I had been on a HAL ship with the extention of the Greenhouse Spa---and thought it an ugly sight from the Crow's Nest. I also just returned from my first Zaandam cruise---a very similar ship. If you liked the Zaandam there is no reason you won't like the Volendam. They (along with the Amsterdam and Rotterdam) are essentially the same size and layout. The decor and service are customary HAL. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elmorejj Posted October 24, 2006 #13 Share Posted October 24, 2006 Can anyone who has just returned, let us know who the entertainment is in the various lounges.........jean:cool: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thomasale Posted October 24, 2006 #14 Share Posted October 24, 2006 Classical stringed trio outstanding as for the rest bring your Ipod... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mafig Posted October 24, 2006 #15 Share Posted October 24, 2006 Could you address the "toilet issues."? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Enchanted Posted October 24, 2006 #16 Share Posted October 24, 2006 We sailed the Volendam in Feb. 06 and had a wonderful time. Dominica was our favorite stop. We are partial to the under-developed islands. . We were also on the Volendam feb this year. I thought Dominica was horrible. Just shows different strokes for different folks.. We always thought we were partial to the under developed islands as well but as picturesque as dominica is from the ship it was absolutely filthy on land. there was garbage everywhere, no garbage cans. We weren't even there 10 mins before a local kid kicked a bottle at my head... hmmmm, perhaps that has something to do with my dislike. I have to admit though, other than the bottle kicker and his friends (and the police officer standing there who found it amusing as hell), i found the locals very friendly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scott in maine Posted October 25, 2006 #17 Share Posted October 25, 2006 We were also on the Volendam feb this year. I thought Dominica was horrible. Just shows different strokes for different folks.. We always thought we were partial to the under developed islands as well but as picturesque as dominica is from the ship it was absolutely filthy on land. there was garbage everywhere, no garbage cans. Wow. I find the above comment to be the absolute opposite of our experience there. We were just there last week on a Volendam sailing and we would all agree (group of 6) that Dominica was likely our most favorite port of call. We had Beno as a tour guide for the day and had never seen a Caribbean island so unspolied as this. It was as if we'd entered the movie Jurassic Park for the day. The stunning Trafalgar Falls and the Emerald Pool were dazzling and the Champagne Reef was perhaps the best snorkeling we've encountered in our lives. We spend a VERY full day touring all over this island and after nearly 8 hours of aggressive sightseeing and fruit eating and snorkeling and swimming and shopping, I cannot recall seeing even one piece of trash or any signs of unclean public surroundings. The public and government operated Botanical Gardens were pristinely kept, if not terribly exciting. The school children were all dressed in pressed whites and we saw them marching on the school greens in preparation for upcoming parades celebrating the island's independence. In short, I suppose if one had no plans on Dominica and simply exited the ship and saw just the first 2 blocks near the ship pier, one might have a less than ideal view of this incredible island -- but isn't that true of almost every port in the world? From where I'm sitting, Dominica is one of the best remaining ports in the Caribbean. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wskon Posted October 25, 2006 #18 Share Posted October 25, 2006 Wow. I find the above comment to be the absolute opposite of our experience there. We were just there last week on a Volendam sailing and we would all agree (group of 6) that Dominica was likely our most favorite port of call. We had Beno as a tour guide for the day and had never seen a Caribbean island so unspolied as this. It was as if we'd entered the movie Jurassic Park for the day. The stunning Trafalgar Falls and the Emerald Pool were dazzling and the Champagne Reef was perhaps the best snorkeling we've encountered in our lives. We spend a VERY full day touring all over this island and after nearly 8 hours of aggressive sightseeing and fruit eating and snorkeling and swimming and shopping, I cannot recall seeing even one piece of trash or any signs of unclean public surroundings. The public and government operated Botanical Gardens were pristinely kept, if not terribly exciting. The school children were all dressed in pressed whites and we saw them marching on the school greens in preparation for upcoming parades celebrating the island's independence. In short, I suppose if one had no plans on Dominica and simply exited the ship and saw just the first 2 blocks near the ship pier, one might have a less than ideal view of this incredible island -- but isn't that true of almost every port in the world? From where I'm sitting, Dominica is one of the best remaining ports in the Caribbean. Thanks for your post. I have heard so many good things previously about Dominica. I also have Beno booked for November 23rd cruise and was really getting excited about. You have made me even more excited.. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Enchanted Posted October 25, 2006 #19 Share Posted October 25, 2006 Scott in Maine, Thanks for the insight, obviously i missed a lot. We couldn't venture too far b/c my father was ill. We spent a few hours wandering around town but didn't do any excursions. If we're ever there again i'll give it another go and venture off into the rainforest. The garbage though (in town) really was the worst i've seen in any port. Is it possible we were docked at another part of the island?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FLACRUISER99 Posted October 25, 2006 #20 Share Posted October 25, 2006 Could you address the "toilet issues."?Just back from 10/14/06 trip. Our toilet had a strong mold or mildew smell as soon as you opened the lid. Was cleaned twice with bleach by our room steward but smell did not go away. IMO it must of had mold or mildew in the inside of it . FYI room 3322. Did not have any flushing problems. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scott in maine Posted October 25, 2006 #21 Share Posted October 25, 2006 Is it possible we were docked at another part of the island?? quite possible, indeed. The ship pier can only accomodate ONE cruise ship, so if another is in town, it must use the old industrial pier just off the Colgate Palmolive plant's backyard. I didn't see that pier since there was no reason for me to be near it, but we did see the general industrial area where it was located when our guide pointed it out. As is the case with all industrial areas, I'm certain it's not pristine and inviting...... kind of like flying into Newark Airport and venturing out a few blocks in all directions and thinking that the whole of New York City was a dump. I really encourage everyone with a stop on Dominica to arrange a guided tour either in advance or on the pier with one of the many dozens of capable driver guides on the day of arrival. It is a special place that you'll miss if you hang close to the pier. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JABTPS Posted October 25, 2006 #22 Share Posted October 25, 2006 Hi Everyone, We also just got off the Volendam 2 days ago and had a very nice cruise. We also met up with many of the people on the CC roll call (Hey Scott!!) first, we did experience a toilet problem, but was corrected in a very short time (last day at sea). I would advise to flush frequently. Otherwise, no other issues. I saw on a pinnacle Grill list that several cabins had problems with AC in the rooms and were getting comps for the cover charge. Entertainment was good, but not great. The Voledam Dancers show is high school level and would advise to just see once and judge yourself, otherwise, the Comedian- Jason Chase was great, Peter Pappas-piano entertainer was excellent, and the ventrilaquist/comedian?? was good. Bands on board ranged from Classical trio, the Mix- little more rock, but was least favorite. Ave in the piano bar was very good, and our favorite was in the Ocean Bar-Crossover, the best! Food in the Dining room was on average very good. A nice selection, but sometimes lukewarm when served. I would advise to speak up if not satisfied. They do make efforts to get it right. Nice variety of Fish (Halibit, Trout, Grouper, Talipia, Salmon,Mahi Mahi) We were not impressed with the Pinnacle Grill for the $30 charge per person. Steak was only average and service did not meet our expectations. Very limited menu on Steaks-3, lamb, chicken, and a fish. Islands review: Loved Caracao- in our opinion the best- nice flavor of Europe, Aurba- least favorite, Dominica- It is a poor island, but the people were very friendly. Watch out for the tubing trip. People on it said it was a little like bumper pool. You bounce off a lot of rocks, so just beware. Most of our trips we waited til on the island and found a tour to take, it will save you some money compared to what the ship charges. We did take the Atlantis sub ride and would definitely recommend it. Just get off the ship and book on shore. The ship only offers one trip and they take about 4 during the day. We had our early morning one canceled by the ship and rescheduled at 11:00am, which kind of shot the rest of the day. The early one was only 1/2 filled when they got off and we boarded. Our trip was very warm and humid. Aruba was 90 F and 80% humidity and the rest only varied slightly. If you have more questions, just post here and I'll try to answer and best I can. Jack Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wskon Posted October 25, 2006 #23 Share Posted October 25, 2006 Jack - why did you not like Aruba. I have been there seceral times for vacation as well as off a cruise ship. It has always been my favorite Island.. Just curious. Thanks, Sandy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happy cruzer Posted October 25, 2006 #24 Share Posted October 25, 2006 Thanks for the updates. Regarding the music, do any of those groups play latin or jazz music? We love to listen to jazz and to dance to latin music. Also all the cruises for November are booked, did the ship seem crowded? were there lines for the buffet or for getting off/on the ship? Thanks for all the info. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scott in maine Posted October 25, 2006 #25 Share Posted October 25, 2006 Thanks for the updates. Regarding the music, do any of those groups play latin or jazz music? We love to listen to jazz and to dance to latin music. Also all the cruises for November are booked, did the ship seem crowded? were there lines for the buffet or for getting off/on the ship? Thanks for all the info. HC -- no Latin or Jazz music to speak of. Certainly no Latin music by any definition and no jazz (unless you consider soft lounge music jazz). The Volendam did not seem crowded to us with two exceptions: - the aft pool on sea days and - the lido Buffet on embarkation and disembarkation days. (Talk about mayhem.) The check in process in Ft Lauderdale seemed unnecessarily cumbersome and slow. We were there quite early (11:30am) and still dealt with a long and slow moving line. It took them 5 to 7 minutes to process each cabin, which was the longest we'd ever seen on any line. Perhaps we can chalk it up to the first Volendam sailing for the fall season in the Caribbean. Not a good way to kick off a vacation, however. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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