The Veendam places a high value on traditional themes and style, spotlighting the Dutch influence of the cruise line with its décor and ambiance. The ship began operation in 1996 and accommodates up to 1,266 guests. This is a popular cruise for all age groups and a varied demographic of nationalities. Cabins onboard the Veendam are decorated in restful peach and blue, with over 300 outside staterooms ranging in size from just under 200 square feet to almost 2,600 square feet. The public areas of the ship are also spacious and provide lovely décor, with a 2 million dollar art collection on display throughout the ship.

Dining options are the standard Holland America offerings; fine dining in the Rotterdam Dining Room, the casual Lido Restaurant, with its varied buffet style meals and an afternoon ice-cream station, or the reservations-only Pinnacle Grill, providing a high-class, intimate setting. Holland America is introducing a new dining program, titled “As You Wish”. The “As You Wish” program gives guests more flexibility with their dining options rather than the traditional seating plans. It is expected to be in place on the Veendam in the spring of 2008.

Passengers looking to be entertained will not be disappointed. The Veendam’s 600 seat Rubens Lounge puts on nightly shows that vary from Vegas-style productions to illusionists and variety acts. The Wajang Theater shows movies twice a day and the casino is always ready for some gambling fun. Daily workouts are easy to enjoy, with a well-designed fitness center, running track and the Greenhouse Spa for a sauna or massage. Families with children will appreciate the HAL kids program, which provides daily supervised activities for all age groups.

A list of Alaska cruise departures on the ms Veendam is shown below.

Cruise Ship: Cruise Line: Year Launched: Year Refurbished: Passengers (2 per cabin): Passengers Maximum: Crew: Gross Tonnage: Officer's Nationality: Crew Nationality: Passenger Decks: Total Staterooms: Suites: Balcony Staterooms: Other Outside Staterooms: Inside Staterooms:

ms Veendam Holland America Line 1996 2006 1258 1582 557 55,758 tons Dutch / British International 9 629 149 336 144