The Veendam cruise from Rio to Santiago in November/December, 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!
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