Volendam of Holland America was in the Vancouver port on a turnaround day. She would cruise to Alaska later that day. Holland of America lines provide cruises for seniors. Vancouver is one of the major hubs for a cruise to Alaska. However, Vancouver does not offer as many cruise lines as the Florida ports. Nevertheless, it is another option from Seattle for travelers who wish to cruise to Alaska.
At this moment, the Vancouver weather was gloomy, cold and rainy. I was sure it was not a typical day in Vancouver. Although the state can be rainy, it is known for beautiful weather. I stepped from the harbor ramp on to the Volendam of Holland America. Though the weather was ugly outside. I entered a new world of beauty, peace, splendor and warmth. As a result, the ship would be under my scrutiny for the next several hours. I would examine the Volendam of Holland America cruise ship before her return cruise to Alaska.
The major reason for my ship visit was to inspect the Volendam. As a matter of fact, it was part of my continued training as an Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC). What is more, it is one of the perks of being a member of Cruise Line International Agency (CLIA). To clarify, my purpose was to familiarize myself with the cruise products I sell. I was part of a group of approximately 50 cruise professionals visiting the ship that day. There is no doubt, that my firsthand knowledge about the cruise product will help me. I can recommend and match clients to the right ships in the future.
Facts of Volendam of Holland America
The MS Volendam of Holland America cruise to Alaska from Vancouver. All the cruise lines cater to different sectors of the population. Although, the Holland America line cater for cruises for seniors. As a result, there are activities for seniors like cooking classes. In addition, there are also activities for kids ages 3 to 17 years. They can take part in the kids’ club.
The Volendam is the sister ship to the Zaadam. In fact, it is considered a mid-size ship in the “R Class” of ships. So too, are the other ships in that same class, namely the Rotterdam and Amsterdam. The ship theme is flowers and fresh displays. It has an abundance of both items. In addition, it also contains high quality paintings such as an oil picture of the city of Utrecht. What is more, the Netherlands picture was painted in 1842. There was also contemporary art. Most of all, there were a series of photographs of great music legends like Dizzy Gillespie and BB King.
Some basic facts about the ship.
Number of staterooms: 1,432
Number of passenger decks: 10
Year built: 1999
Number of crew 647
Year last refurbish: 2017
Ship Amenities
The Volendam of Holland America has all the basic amenities for cruises for seniors. It also includes several bells and whistles. For instance, bars/lounges, library, internet center, Casino, disco/nightclub, video games/arcade and card room. There are also age specific activities for children and teens. Equally important is baby seating programs. Most of all, there are facilities for the physically challenged. To clarify, they include close caption TV. Also available are accessible public areas and visual assistance for visually impaired. I must also mention braille signage and accessible tendering among other things. Lastly, there is also a fitness center, full-service spa, beauty salon, outdoor pools and an outdoor sports area.
Volendam of America Rooms
My first area of interest was the Penthouse Veranda suite. It is on deck Number 7 or the Navigation deck. The suite was spacious and appeared more like a residential apartment than a cruise ship stateroom. This luxurious suite is1,126 sq. ft. I discovered an ambiance of refined beauty containing one king size bed and a sofa bed for two persons. It also contained an oversized whirlpool (by cruise ship standards). A bath and shower, living room, dining room, private veranda, pantry, mini bar, refrigerator, guest toilet and floor to ceiling windows. The accommodation is ideal for cruises for seniors.
That deck also has other suites of lesser quality like the Deluxe Verandah and Verandah suites. The Neptune lounge is in proximity. It is for the exclusive use of persons in the penthouse and deluxe veranda suites. The appeal of the Volendam is the rooms. They are larger than the average rooms in the Holland of America fleet.
Following that was a stop to see a standard ocean view state room. It is on deck 3 on the Lower Promenade Deck. It was noted that the room appeared to be bigger than the average stateroom on a cruise ship. The room is about 197 sq. ft. It contained two beds that could convert into one queen bed. Also, bathtub and shower, and potholes instead of windows. It was amazingly comfortable accommodations for a cruise ship. I had seen the top of the line and the average stateroom of the Volendam of Holland America.
The day came to a climax with lunch for the entire group in the Lower Rotterdam dining room on deck four. The lunch was great, and everyone ate to their hearts content. I took the opportunity to discuss with my colleagues what stood out during the tour. It was generally held that the Volendam of Holland America was very well maintained. I left the ship with a positive impression of the Volendam of Holland America cruise line.
Without a doubt, the ship crew did their utmost best to entertain us during the limited time provided. It is important to note that the ship was being cleaned and resupplied for a return cruise to Alaska that evening. Everyone was busy but took time off from their busy schedule. They answered all our questions and concerns.
Contact Tropical Destination Vacations to assist with your cruise to Alaska. Your dream vacation on the Volendam of Holland of America for cruises for seniors.