Complaint Review: Holland America's Veendam cruise ship

The Veendam cruise from Rio to Santiago in November/December, 2011,  was awful.

Boarding was delayed by the need to thoroughly inspect and clean the ship as a result of several dozen passengers' sickness. The cruise line never informed incoming passengers of this problem and I learned of it from a local reporter. We finally boarded in the late afternoon. 

The ship's cabins were clean. The staff was great. But air conditioning didn't function in some cabins and toilets leaked. I asked about problems and the customer relations director stated he didn't have to answer to me.  The shows were warmed over Lawrence Welk. Some passengers liked them. I found them boring.

The buffet was good, but tables were often left unclean, a problem if there is concern about health. Broken TV's in the gym were fixed after four days and worked thereafter.

I was to be upgraded to a larger room should a vacant one exist.  None did, I was told.  Later, another passenger was upgraded;  she was abrasive and so had her way.  Other passengers told me there were empty rooms available for upgrade.  I asked at the front desk and the supervisor there told me none were available.  

At 11:00 PM., my wife and I received a call that a room had been found.  We moved and it was a much nicer room. The ports were exciting and enjoyable. The staff, as I said, worked hard and were always cordial. Enjoy a trip, but choose carfully.  Veendam? Watch out!