Holland America Line ms Veendam

Introduction

First going to sea in 1996, the ms Veendam is the youngest of Holland America’s four-vessel S class of ships. But it has a few features that distinguish it from sisters Statendam, Maasdam and Ryndam. Instead of Holland America’s usual Sea View Pool on the aft Lido Deck, Veendam has The Retreat, an outdoor movie screen with a pair of small wading pools (one deck up); in place of the swimming pool are 31 additional cabins. And Veendam is one of just three Holland America ships with Lanai category accommodations, cabins that open directly onto the (shared) Promenade.

Veendam has a fairly diverse sailing schedule: The ship spends most of the summer and fall in New England and Canada, with winters alternating between itineraries around South America’s Cape Horn and into Antarctica with voyages to Hawaii and along Mexico’s Pacific coast.

Little did we know that, shortly after our voyage, Veendam was going to get slammed by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention with a rare “unsatisfactory” rating following an inspection. To hear about our experience aboard Veendam, read on.