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.

Sports and Fitness

Overlooking the forward panorama, Veendam’s gym was accessed through the entrance to the spa. It was a well-maintained facility and much of the equipment appeared to be the latest generation of LifeFitness treadmills, bikes, etc. The gym was generally not crowded except early morning.

A solid roster of fitness classes were available, though some required an additional fee. Tai chi (twice daily), abs conditioning, pool aerobics, stretching exercises and dance classes were complimentary, most of them taught by the ship’s “Lifestylist” and announced in the daily Explorer newsletter; yoga, pilates and spinning classes were $12 per session. The Body Sculpt Boot Camp was priced $120 for four 30-minute circuit-based sessions.

Sports Deck

This deck extends the length of the ship and provides the bulk of the sports activities (other than the gym): a basketball court, tennis court and shuffleboard court. On our cruise this deck didn’t see a lot of action, but it was a good place for sunning.

Sports and Fitness

A couple basketball games were organized by the crew during our cruise.