Veendam Review
Rating by category
Additional details
Veendam
1.) The Captain may not take you to all of the ports on the itinerary. Our second stop in Cuba (the main reason for the cruise), Cienfuegos, was cancelled. A $50.00 per passenger shipboard credit was the purported compensation for the port cancellation. So many passengers complained that the Captain opened the Lido bar for 2.5 hours of free cocktails. There was no additional compensation for passengers that purchased a beverage package either before or during the cruise. Free cocktails means absolutely nothing to those who have already paid good money up front for a signature or elite beverage package. We were given a case number by our fabulous Neptune Lounge concierge. Case #364388. Waiting to hear back from corporate.
2.) The hot tub in the Greenhouse spa was either luke warm or not functioning for the entire cruise. Really annoying to buy a greenhouse pass and not be able to use/enjoy the hot tub at all.
Cabin Review
Neptune Deluxe Verandah Suite
Cabin size is adequate. Bedding and mattress is very good. Really in need of a facelift. If it wasn't for the fabulous cabin stewards, I would have been disappointed. You can see why HAL is trying to sell this vessel. No takers apparently.
Port Reviews
Ocho Rios
We docked at the gypsum loading pier which is a long way from the commercial cruise ship pier and not nearly as nice.
Grand Cayman (Georgetown)
The whole island is fabulous. Stayed there more than a dozen times. Favorite spot: Ritz Carlton on seven mile beach. Take a taxi and go there for lunch. Spend the afternoon on their beach. Stayed at this hotel many times and have visited when in port. Excellence personified.
Havana
You can truly see for yourself what socialism has done to this beautiful island nation. It's a travesty.
Havana
Over the top atmosphere, entertainment and cocktails. Not to be missed. Pay up for the premium seating, worth every dime!
Key West
Met a friend for cocktails. Been there many times.
Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades)
Fort Lauderdale is fabulous!!!!!
Half Moon Cay
It's HALs private island. Been there many times. Nice beach but did not tender in because the Captain hired huge tenders to ferry passengers back and forth instead of using the lifeboats as tenders. I watched how long people were waiting for the tender to fill before departing and also watched how many people they crammed into the first few tenders. It did not look appealing nor like any fun to get there.