Holland America Line ms Veendam

Greenhouse Spa and Salon, Gym

The spa and salon on Veendam was managed by Steiner Leisure, a company that oversees a majority of spa facilities at sea. Located on Deck 11 forward, the Greenhouse Spa offered a variety of treatments during our cruise, at prices slightly higher than we find at most quality resorts. Treatments were discounted on port days, and other specials became available as the cruise went on, particularly for those booking multiple appointments.

The prices ranged from $129 for a 50-minute Full Body Massage to $259 for a 100-minute AromaSpa Seaweed Massage and Float. A couples or friends massage started at $269 for a 50-minute session. The 50-minute LaTherapie Hydralift Facial Facials was priced $119 with other facials somewhat higher. Manicure and pedicure services started at $45 and $65 respectively. The menu of services also included waxing, tooth whitening and acupuncture—all of which were heavily promoted with leaflets that arrived in our cabin daily.

Within the spa was the Greenhouse Retreat, a small facility within the spa that offered dry heat, steam and aromatherapy chambers, heated ceramic loungers and a body temperature mineral pool. A seven-day pass to use the Thermal Suite was $99 ($149 for couples), a fee that seemed excessive to us, but not to some who wanted this bit of semi-exclusivity to themselves.

A 15-percent gratuity was automatically added to the bill for all treatments.