Discover Holland America MS Veendam Cruise Experience

The Holland America MS Veendam cruise experience is truly one of a kind. With its spacious staterooms, you'll feel right at home on this mid-size ship.

The MS Veendam features a variety of dining options, including the elegant Pinnacle Grill and the casual Lido Marketplace. You can also enjoy the ship's many amenities, such as the Greenhouse Spa and the Crow's Nest lounge.

One of the standout features of the MS Veendam is its enrichment program, which offers a range of lectures, workshops, and classes on topics like history, art, and cooking. Whether you're a foodie or a history buff, there's something for everyone.

The ship's small size allows for a more intimate and personalized experience, with a crew-to-passenger ratio that's unmatched by larger ships. This means you'll get the attention you deserve, whether you're looking for a romantic dinner or a relaxing spa treatment.

You have a range of cabin options to choose from on the Holland America ms Veendam. Some cabins sleep up to 4 people.

The ship has a variety of cabin classes, with 28 cabins measuring 374 sqft (35 m) and having a balcony of 189 sqft (18 m). There are also 307 cabins that are slightly smaller, measuring 197 sqft (19 m).

If you're looking for a more luxurious experience, you can opt for a Large Ocean view Stateroom, which includes a Signature Mariner’s Dream bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses and premium massage shower heads. The view is partially obstructed, but it's still a great option for those who want to wake up to the sound of the ocean.

The Partial Sea View option is a great choice for those who want to wake up to the sound of the ocean without breaking the bank. These staterooms feature a partial sea view.

You'll have the flexibility to choose between two lower beds that can be converted into one queen-size bed, featuring our signature Mariner's Dream bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses.

The Veendam ship offers a variety of cabin classes, and you can download the ship layout to see the specifications of each.

You can choose from different cabin sizes, with some cabins sleeping up to 4 people. Some cabins have a spacious 374 sqft (35 m) interior, while others have a cozy 197 sqft (19 m) interior.

If you're looking for a cabin with a balcony, you'll be pleased to know that some cabins have a generous 189 sqft (18 m) balcony area.

There are many cabin options available, with up to 307 cabins to choose from.

The ms Veendam's nightlife options were somewhat limited, with several lounges on deck 8 offering live music that didn't change throughout the cruise.

The Crow's Nest on the 12th floor was a popular spot for evening entertainment, featuring a band, a DJ, and even line-dancing classes.

If you're looking for a more lively atmosphere, the Crow's Nest is your best bet, although it's not a traditional dance club.

Holland America Dining is a culinary experience you won't want to miss. Rotterdam Dining Room offers a five-course menu with a variety of options, including continental cuisine, vegetarian, and low-carb choices.

You'll find a more upscale experience at Pinnacle Grill, where reservations are required and premium cuts of Double R Ranch Beef are featured. Seafood dishes and select wines are also a highlight.

For a taste of Italy, head to Canaletto Restaurant, your go-to spot for an intimate Italian dinner. The relaxed atmosphere of Lido Restaurant is perfect for all three meals, with a variety of fresh, cooked-to-order specialties.

The nightlife on the ms Veendam was surprisingly limited, considering its smaller size.

There were several lounges on deck 8 with live music, but the offerings didn't change throughout the cruise.

The music wasn't particularly impressive, so we didn't spend too much time in these lounges.

However, the Crow's Nest on the 12th floor was a different story.

This was the closest thing to a dance club on the ship, and it offered a range of activities, including live bands, DJs, and even line-dancing classes.

The line-dancing classes were a highlight, and we had a blast attending them.

Unfortunately, there wasn't a dedicated dance venue, and we were disappointed that there wasn't a karaoke night.

Additional reading: Hamburg America Line

The MS Veendam is a ship that truly has something for everyone. On board, you'll find a Culinary Arts Center that offers interactive gourmet cooking lessons taught by Holland America Line's own Master Chefs.

The ship also features a unique meeting place called Mix, which has three specialty venues: Champagne for mid-day mimosas or celebrations, Martinis for Grey Goose cocktails and martini flights, and Spirits & Ales for microbrews and sports updates.

The Crow's Nest offers breathtaking 270° views during the day, and transforms into a hip nightclub each evening.

The Veendam's Culinary Arts Center is a state-of-the-art demonstration kitchen where you can learn gourmet cooking lessons from Holland America Line's Master Chefs or culinary guests.

This ship has a unique meeting place called Mix, which features three specialty venues: Champagne for mid-day mimosas or celebrations, Martinis for Grey Goose cocktails and martini flights, and Spirits & Ales for microbrews and sports updates.

The Crow's Nest offers breathtaking 270° views during the day and transforms into a hip nightclub in the evenings.

If you're traveling with kids, they'll love the Club HAL, which offers supervised and age-appropriate activities for kids ages 3-12.

Some staterooms on the Veendam have a private entrance onto the Promenade Deck, perfect for those who want to step out into the fresh air at any time.

Spa staterooms are conveniently located near the luxurious Greenhouse Spa and Salon, offering special spa amenities to help you unwind during your voyage.

The Verandah Spa staterooms on this ship are a treat. They feature floor-to-ceiling windows that let in plenty of natural light.

Each Verandah Spa stateroom has a private verandah, perfect for taking in the views or enjoying some fresh air. These staterooms are designed to be light-infused, which is a nice touch.

The beds in these staterooms are super comfortable, with two lower beds that can be converted into one queen-size bed. The Signature Mariner’s Dream bed has plush Euro-Top mattresses, which I'm sure you'll appreciate after a long day of exploring.

A premium massage shower head is also included in these staterooms, which is a nice way to unwind after a shower.

The Veendam deck plan is a great way to visualize the layout of the ship.

The Veendam is one of the smaller cruise ships out there, but it's still a big ship, especially for a first-time family cruise.

You'll find guest amenities on floors 4 through 12, with staterooms on floors 4, 5, 6, 9, and 10.

The ship has a walking track on deck 6, but some rooms on this deck have a strange "balcony" design where the balcony is actually part of the walking deck.

Deck 7 is where you'll find the stage, main dining room, America's Test Kitchen, photo gallery, small theater, and guest services.

This deck is a great place to explore and find some of the ship's main attractions.

The main dining room is located on deck 8, along with the second level of the stage, several bars, the casino, shops, Explorations Cafe, and Pinnacle Grill.

You'll also find the buffet restaurant on this deck, which is a great place to grab a meal.

Deck 11 is where we spent most of our time, and it's home to the spa, fitness center, pool, game area, buffet restaurant, Dive-In, Canelletto, pizzeria, and adults-only pool deck called The Retreat.

This deck is a great place to relax and have some fun in the sun.

Lastly, deck 12 is where you'll find the Club HAL kids club, Crow's Nest bar, and sports deck.

Each cabin on the Holland America ms Veendam features a Signature Mariner's Dream bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses.

You'll also find premium massage shower heads in your cabin, perfect for relaxing after a long day of exploring.

Some cabins, like the Standard Interior Spa Stateroom, come equipped with yoga mats and an iPod docking station.

In addition to these amenities, many cabins offer a host of other perks, including an array of modern amenities and a porthole in the Large Ocean view Stateroom (Porthole View).

Large Interior staterooms are a great option for those who want a comfortable and relaxing space. Some of these cabins sleep up to 4 people.

You'll find 307 of these cabins on board, each with a cabin size of 197 sqft (19 m). The balcony is not included in this measurement, but the cabin itself is a decent size.

One of the perks of these staterooms is the signature Mariner's Dream bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, which I'm sure you'll appreciate after a long day of exploring.

Large Ocean View staterooms offer a comfortable and relaxing experience. These staterooms include two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed.

The beds feature our Signature Mariner’s Dream bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses for a great night's sleep.

The staterooms also come with premium massage shower heads for a rejuvenating shower experience.

The configuration of staterooms may vary from the images shown, so be sure to check the actual layout when booking.

Some Large Ocean View staterooms offer a fully obstructed view, while others provide a more expansive ocean view.

In some cases, a porthole is included, offering a unique perspective on the ocean.

The Lanai staterooms offer a comfortable retreat with sliding glass doors that open onto the Promenade deck, providing a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.

These staterooms feature two lower beds that can be converted into one queen-size bed, perfect for couples or solo travelers. The Signature Mariner's Dream bed is a highlight of this stateroom, with plush Euro-Top mattresses ensuring a restful night's sleep.

A premium massage shower head is also included, making this stateroom a true oasis. The configuration of staterooms may vary from the images shown, so be sure to check with the cruise line for the most up-to-date information.

In the Standard Interior Spa staterooms, you'll find yoga mats and an iPod docking station to help you unwind.

These staterooms offer access to spa treatments from the Greenhouse Spa & Salon, so you can indulge in some pampering during your stay.

You'll sleep comfortably on our Signature Mariner's Dream bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses.

A host of amenities, including premium massage shower heads, are featured in these comfortable staterooms.

The configuration of staterooms may vary from the images shown, so be sure to check the details before booking.

Some cabins sleep up to 4 people.

Cabins can range in size from 197 sqft to 374 sqft, depending on the type.

You'll find 28 cabins with a spacious balcony of 189 sqft, perfect for taking in the views.

In fact, some cabins have a balcony that's almost as large as a small room.

The configuration of staterooms may vary, so be sure to check the details.

Standard Interior Spa Staterooms come with amenities like yoga mats and an iPod docking station.

These staterooms also offer access to spa treatments from the Greenhouse Spa & Salon.

You'll enjoy a comfortable stay in these staterooms, with a queen-size bed and premium massage shower heads.

Large Interior Staterooms are similarly equipped, with a Mariner’s Dream bed and a host of amenities.

These staterooms are perfect for those who want to relax in style.

Large Ocean view Staterooms offer a more expansive experience, with an ocean view and a queen-size bed.

You'll also find premium massage shower heads and a host of amenities in these staterooms.

Some of these staterooms have a fully obstructed view, while others have a porthole or an expansive ocean view.

The ms Veendam ship is one of Holland America's smaller vessels, but it packs a big punch when it comes to comfort and value.

We recently sailed on the ms Veendam and were impressed by its spacious staterooms. Our room, stateroom 720 on Deck 4, was an oceanview room that measured between 174 – 255 square feet, making it feel very spacious for the four of us.

The room had a king bed, a couch that flipped into a twin bed, and a twin bunk that pulled down from the ceiling, providing plenty of sleeping options. We also appreciated the TV with a DVD player, six drawers, a safe, two large closets, and a bathroom with a small tub.

On a cruise, you'll find plenty of activities to keep you entertained. The Lido Deck is a great place to start, with a swimming pool, two hot tubs, and an adult-only area called "The Retreat".

You can also spend time playing games like ping-pong, connect four, and chess. The Momma To Go family spent many hours playing these games on the Lido Deck.

The sports deck above the pool has a basketball/soccer court and a pickle ball court. The kids loved playing up here and it was easy to send them off to play with their friends.

If you're looking for a more relaxed activity, take a walk on the sixth floor walking track. The author of the article did this every day, and it's a great way to get some exercise while taking in the views.

In the evenings, you can try your luck at the casino or grab a snack at the café, which offers complimentary snacks.

Cruising small can be a fantastic experience, especially for families. The ms Veendam, a smaller ship, had about 1000 passengers on board during our spring break cruise.

The smaller size of the ship made it easy for kids to navigate and find their way around. We had two kids, aged 6 and 9, who could confidently go to the sports deck or the Exploration Café with their friends and find their way back to the Lido Deck.

Embarkation and debarkation were super easy, thanks to the efficient organization by Holland America and the smaller size of the ship. We experienced much shorter lines compared to other cruises.

One of the biggest benefits of cruising small is the lack of lines and waiting. We rarely had to wait for the elevator, even when going between Deck 4 and Deck 11. The buffet also didn't have long lines, except for the first day's lunch.

Getting chairs by the pool was never a problem, unlike on other cruises where you'd need to set an alarm to secure a spot.

Holland America's ms Veendam ship is one of their smaller vessels, making it a great option for those who prefer a more intimate cruise experience.

We recently booked a 7-night cruise on this ship and had a wonderful time. The ms Veendam deck plan is available online for you to check out if you're interested.

The staterooms on this ship are spacious and comfortable, with oceanview rooms ranging from 174 to 255 square feet. We stayed in stateroom 720 on Deck 4 and found it to be very spacious for our family of four.

The room had a king bed that could be separated into two twins, a couch that flipped into a twin bed, and a twin bunk that pulled down from the ceiling. It's worth noting that the room category we booked was well worth the price we paid.

We paid less than $2200 for four people, which we felt was an excellent value for the amenities and accommodations we received. The room also had a TV with a DVD player, six drawers, a safe, two large closets, and a bathroom with a small tub.

Renting DVDs from the front desk was a convenient option for us, and we enjoyed having the extra space to relax and unwind during our cruise.

The Holland America MS Veendam is a large ship with impressive stats. It was built in 1996.

The ship's size is substantial, measuring 719 feet in length and 101 feet in beam. This makes it a comfortable vessel for passengers, with plenty of space to roam.

One of the most notable features of the Veendam is its speed, reaching up to 20.0 knots. This allows it to travel efficiently across the ocean.

The ship has a total of 675 cabins, which can accommodate up to 1,620 passengers. This means that the space ratio is a respectable 35, providing a decent amount of room for each passenger.

Here's a breakdown of the ship's stats:

The ship has a crew of 588 people, who work hard to ensure that passengers have a comfortable and enjoyable experience.