Veendam vs Rotterdam

M

MARKandROGER

Guest
Hi everyone,

Playing with the idea of booking a cruise with the Veendam through the Panama Canel from Vancouver to Tampa. This cruise leaves late September from Vancouver. I am considering booking this prior to our completion of our New York to Montreal voyage in May.

I could use some wisdom.

Is the Veendam as nice as the Rotterdam? Advantages/Disadvantages?

Is the trip from Vancouver to Tampa in late September early October a good month to travel because it is smooth sailing or is it stormy, rocky etc.... (don't forget I am sensitive to motion sickness, so smooth sailing is the criteria).

Thanks for the comments
Mark
:)



Post Edited (03-30-03 20:40)
 
T

tomc

Guest
Rotter is bigger and newer than Veen. I actually can't tell any of them apart, except for the atrium sculpture. IIRC, the Veen has a bit stack of green plastic bricks that goes up for two or three decks. It looks better than my description reads.
 
S

ShipMaven

Guest
Mark,

If you're thinking of the Penthouse Suite again, it's the same on Veendam as it is on Rotterdam - only decor is different. However, the Veendam has not yet been fitted with a Neptune (Concierge) Lounge nor does it have a Pinnacle Grill as yet - these are due to be added to Veendam and Maasdam during their next drydock. Not sure when that's scheduled.

I NEVER recommend a repositioning cruise through the Canal to my Clients in August/September/October. While chances are that you'll have nice weather, you're at the height of hurricane season in the Eastern Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean--in other words, in every area of the cruise. If you're prone to seasickness, please forget about it. You and Roger would be FAR better off doing such a repositioning cruise in the Spring.

:USA :UK :AUSTRALIA :USA
 
S

sage

Guest
Mark,

I agree with ShipMaven that the crossing would be more enjoyable in the Spring then the Fall months. It could be a perfectly calm year, but then again it could be very rough, and you wouldn't want to be seasick on such a wonderful voyage. We sailed on the Veendam, and we really loved the ship. It is very similare, a bit smaller, and doesn't have the midship elevators or a Neptune Lounge. If the PS is closed, try one of the S categories. They are beautiful, and they have wonderful service as well. Of course we will be horribly spoiled by the PS, but I think that you could manage, especially if the prices were right. The Veendam's staff and crew were incredible, and I think that you would have a great time. Okay, now you realize that not only do you sail before me, but you have another fabulous cruise lined up. Alright, now I'm jealous, but happy for you.
 
M

MARKandROGER

Guest
THANK YOU ShipMaven and Sage,

I did not know it was Hurricane season in August/September/October.
But that is what I needed to know.

That cruise is off, and we will look at springtime instead.

:)
Mark
 
P

peaches

Guest
Since you haven't cruised before you might want to think about holding off on booking another cruise until you have taken the Rotterdam. Hard as it is to believe some people end up not liking to cruise. Presuming you will love it though, there will be things that you least expect that you will like or dislike about any particular cruise line and/or ship. A little experience will help you make a better decision on what you want for your 2nd cruise. There is no rush- from your R'dam cruise to spring 2004 is almost a year and believe me your desired accomodations will not be totally booked for next spring on whatever cruise/ship you decide on.
 
T

tomc

Guest
For motion sickness: Lots of people wear those little patches. There is also some sort of bracelet thingy that, apparently, dispenses stuff thru your skin. If you post to the main C@ board, or the "Ask a cruise question" part of the CC board, someone can tell you about it -- they swear by the bracelets.

If you are a newbie on these boards:

Cruise Critic main board
<http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?q=Y&a=frm&s=927093444&f=538097554>



Post Edited (03-31-03 14:06)
 
S

sail7seas

Guest
Maasdam is scheduled for drydock in September and hopefully will be getting a Neptune Lounge and Pinnacle. Don't know when Veendam's next drydock is.

Veendam is a beautiful ship and we've had some wondeful cruises on her.

We have cruised the Caribbean many, many times during hurricane season (which officially is June to November----a full six months of the year ) and have never YET had a weather problem. We realize it CAN happen but the odds are way in favor of no problem. We don't care if the ship diverts to other ports; we don't care if the ship stops at any ports at all, and can easily roll with an itinerary change. If you would be upset by the ship going in another direction or substituting ports.....you probably should eliminate the Caribbean. But we hate to avoid that glorious region for half of every year.
 
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