We have recently returned from our Alaska - Inside Passage cruise on
the HAL MS Veendam
(May 31 - June 7, 2000). This was our second cruise with HAL and also
on the Veendam and
our experience with HAL was even better this time around. I was
somewhat disappointed with
our first HAL cruise, but this time we thoroughly enjoyed our experience
and wouldn't hesitate
to cruise HAL again, and hopefully again.
We booked a two-day pre-cruise option and arrived in Vancouver on Monday
afternoon. HAL
flew us from Tulsa to Vancouver with one stop over in Dallas. We flew
in one day early on our
prior cruise and I am sold on arriving at least a day early. This
removes all the concern about
delayed flights and missing the ship. We've heard too many stories
about this and the extra day
is worth the small cost. We would strongly recommend this to any
cruiser.
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The weather in Vancouver was overcast but pleasant temperature and we
spent the afternoon
walking through Gastown and China Town. We made the mistake of walking
from Gastown to
China Town. We would caution against this as it is a rough neighborhood
even though it is only
a couple of blocks. Take a taxi. Actually, we would pass on China Town
as it wasn't that
interesting and everything closed at 6:00 p.m. Gastown is nice with
lots of shops and restaurants
and it is very close to the hotels and cruise dock. HAL put us up at
the Waterfront Centre which
is a beautiful hotel located across the street from Canada Place where
the ships dock. We were
on the 23rd floor with a gorgeous view looking across the pier and water
to North Vancouver.
The cruise liners docked right below us. It was incredible to look down
and watch the ships
come and go. Perfect hotel in a great location. HAL did us right on
this part of the trip.
Tuesday morning the bus arrived to take us to Victoria, BC via the
ferry. This is a wonderful trip
but it makes for a long day, at least 12 - 13 hours. The ferry to
Victoria Island is nice and the
restaurant on board was excellent. As soon as we arrived on Victoria it
began to rain but they are
prepared at Buchart Gardens with handy umbrellas. Rain in Victoria is
not like rain in
Oklahoma. It is more like a soft drizzle than the blinding storms we
get here. An umbrella is
worthless in Oklahoma, but was all we needed to tour the gardens in
comfort. These gardens are
beautiful and should not be missed. The town of Victoria is also nice
and I only wish we could
of spent more time there. Beautiful town with lots to see and do. My
wife enjoyed the many
shops.
Wednesday morning we watched the Veendam come into port and this just
made us more
anxious to get on board and get going. We passed on the morning
Vancouver Bus Tour and
spent the morning just walking around downtown on our own. We showed up
at the terminal
about 12:30 and there were already several others checking in. They
were able to process us, but
we had to wait until about 2:00 before boarding the ship. by then the
terminal was full of
passengers waiting to board. All in all, it wasn't a bad embarkation
process and the HAL staff
were very friendly.
The Ship - the Veendam is a great ship and we prefer the mid-size ship
over the super cruisers.
Even with 1250 passengers, we seldom noticed any crowds and the public
rooms are very nice
and well maintained. We stayed in a Category B Mini-Suite, which was
excellent and well worth
the extra money. I know you're not in the room much, but when you are,
its nice to have that
view and to be able to relax on the verandah with your own privacy. Our
prior cruise on the
Veendam was on the Main Deck in an outside deluxe room and it was very
nice also, so I
wouldn't hesitate to go either way. Our Room Steward was very efficient
and HAL always does
a great job in servicing your room. My favorite feature on this ship is
the Steam Room and it is
used so little, that you feel like you have your own private club. My
friend and I got up early
each morning and did our 2 -3 miles, and then hit the steam and shower.
Very seldom was
anyone else using these facilities. Don't hesitate to cruise this
ship. The Veendam is the perfect
size and beautifully decorated.
My only complaint dealt with our dining schedule. We had asked for the
early seating and
thought we had it confirmed. Upon arrival, we learned we had the late
seating (8:00 p.m.), but
were told we could work it out with the maitre'd. Fat chance!! We sat
in a waiting room and
then were summoned in as though we were peasants presenting a plea to
royalty. Three staff
members seated behind a table, looked at me and asked: "Why do you want
to change your
seating?" When my plea was presented, we didn't even get an apology.
It was just: "Can't do it.
No way." "Next." I guess you had to be there, but my point is, these
guys need some training in
how to better handle this situation. We took it in stride and let it
go.
The entertainment was excellent and the cruise entertainers seemed well
rehearsed and talented.
The ship comedian/magician wasn't real strong, but we enjoyed the
impersonator very much.
The Cruise Director - Yvette ? was very nice, but Lauren Henry the
Social Director was
excellent. She is one of the nicest and most professional cruise staff
members we have
encountered.
Food on the Veendam ranges from good to excellent and service in the
dining room is great. We
continue to be a little unsatisfied with the service on the Lido Deck
buffet. The chefs could be
more friendly and the tables could be bused a little better. This is
not intended to be a major
criticism, just an observation. Burgers and pasta at the Lido Pool area
are great! We will pass on
the Midnight Chocolate Buffet next time though. It always looks better
than it tastes. We were
one of three finalists in the bingo game for a free cruise, but had to
settle for $100 in the tie
breaker. To be so close . . . .
I should mention that we got incredibly lucky with the weather on this
cruise. The first day out
was cool and overcast, but Juneau was sunny and warm. Same for Skagway
and Glacier Bay. It
rained a little on us in Ketchikan, but they get 12.5 feet of rain a
year, so we were happy it was
just a light off and on again drizzle. Most days were sunny and
beautiful. To be so lucky . . . .
Excursions:
Juneau - we learned on the Internet about Orca Enterprises and Capt.
Larry's Whale Watching
Excursion. He has a web page you can find on Yahoo. We took and chance
on him and by-
passed the cruise ship offerings. One of the smartest things we've ever
done. We strongly
recommend this excursion. Cost was about $100 per person and their
office is located just across
the street from the pier. Easy to get to. He has a great boat and took
us out to an area where we
watched a pod of 6 - 7 Orca and 3 Humpback whales. After watching
these, he took us to a
secluded area where at least 8 - 10 bald eagles came down to fish on
Herring. It was incredible.
Capt. Larry is a great guide and this is a trip that should not be
missed. We rate it a 10 out of 10
for value and quality. Afterwards you will still have plenty of time to
shop in Juneau which has a
nice pier front shopping area.
Skagway - here we booked the Scenic train ride through the cruise ship.
If you are interested in
this, book early or book in advance. This excursion sold out the first
day of the cruise. The train
loads right where the ship is docked so it is a very convenient tour. I
understand you can book on
your own and save a few dollars and the walk into town is only a short
distance. But in my
opinion, the convenience is worth the price. Our ride as an up and back
ride only and lasted
about 3 hours. It is beautiful scenery and well worth the trip, but
they do not let you off the train
at all. I understand that other passengers booked the train/bus
combination which takes you up a
little further on the train and you board buses for the ride back with
some stops along the way
(this trip is about 5 hours). This was good enough for us and we
recommend it to others. They
switch sides on the way back, so it doesn't really matter which side of
the train you ride on. If
you can stake out a spot on the outside deck, you will get some great
pictures. Be sure and share
the space. Back in town, we had lunch at a local restaurant and then
hiked the short distance to
the historic cemetery. This is a great walk, about 4 miles round trip,
and well worth it. Don't
miss the short trail above the cemetery to Reid Falls. What a beautiful
setting. Clear cold water
in a lush and cool setting. Great for pictures. You can climb up to
the first falls and stand behind
the water falls. You get a little wet, but it's a great way to cool
off. They said you can drink the
water, but its not a risk I was willing to take. Not on a cruise.
Skagway is a great town for
shopping. Lots of small stores, mostly located on one main street. You
should be able to get
wonderful pictures of the town from the deck of your ship. Beautiful
setting.
Ketchikan - we booked the Misty Fjords flight through the cruise line
and again were very happy
with the results. Even with the low clouds and drizzle, it was a
beautiful trip. Incredible scenery.
We landed on a small lake high up in the mountains surrounded by snow
and water falls.
Passengers are invited to stand out on the pontoon and take pictures.
At the lake we saw a black
bear and as we moved the plane closer he watched us carefully. We must
of gotten too close
because he eventually took off. We were grateful for the close
encounter from the relative safety
of the plane. Ketchikan is also a great place to shop. The pier front
shops are new and well
maintained. My wife bought a beautiful tanzanite pendant and we were
pleased with the price.
(One of her cruise experience necessities.) There is also a Cyber by
the Sea, cyber-cafe, in one
of the buildings close to the pier. Address is 5 Salmon Landing #217
(www.cyberbythesea.com).
They charge $6 minimum and $10 per hour for Internet access. Great
opportunity to check your
stocks, e-mails, etc. There may have been some in Juneau, but we didn't
see it. I'd be surprised
if there was one in Skagway. I can't wait until they have reasonably
priced Internet access on the
ship.
Disembarkation was painless. This is the worst part of cruising --
having to leave. We waited in
the showroom for our number to be called and quickly proceeded to the
gangplank, our bus and
on to the airport. Our flight was delayed an hour, but that is to be
expected. Got home at 10:00
p.m. and are still trying to adjust to the time change. Keep looking
for the next buffet, but there
is none.
If you read my opinion post on www.cruiseopinion.com from last year, you
would see that I had
not originally planned to cruise HAL again. In fact, I was looking for
a bargain on Princess or
Celebrity, when I found what was an unbeatable deal on the HAL Veendam
Mini-Suite. I'm glad
I did, because we enjoyed this cruise immensely and I am now a big fan
of HAL, particularly the
Veendam size ship. I apologize for complaining a little about the age
category of this ship in my
earlier opinion (we are in our 40's). The fact is, about 75% of the HAL
cruisers are in the 65+
range. But its also true that these are the best people to cruise
with. They are happy, they enjoy
having fun and there is no doubt, they truly are "the greatest
generation." If you're a young
couple or young family that is interested in a younger crowd, you might
want to pass on HAL.
But even young families will have a great time if you don't need a lot
of young peers around.
We took our teenage daughters on HAL last year and felt very comfortable
giving them the run of
the ship. I'm not sure I would feel as confident on another cruise
line. We still want to give
Princess and Celebrity a try, but HAL will stay high on the list for
future cruising. We would
like to cruise to Hawaii next.
