Picking the Best Cabins on the Veendam

A deck-by-deck analysis of the Veendam's best and worst cabins.

Looking for the best cabins on the Veendam? Want to find the cabin with a little larger balcony than most? And what about staying away from undesirable cabins on the Veendam? How do you avoid the worst cabins on the Veendam?

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Veendam Best & Worst Staterooms: Summary

Best Cabins onboard the Veendam: staterooms on Deck 10 -- the Navigation Deck. Deck 5 also has very nice staterooms.

Cabins to be wary of onboard the Veendam: staterooms on Deck 9 -Verandah Deck.

Deck-by-Deck Breakdown of the Best and Worst Cabins onboard the Veendam

Deck 4 -- A Deck

Cabins on Deck 4 of the Veendam have cabins above them -- this means that they are typically quieter compared to cabins beneath the disco or sunbathing areas (the noise of moving deck chairs late at night / early in the AM).

• On Deck 4, cabins FF834-F848 (in the stern / rear of the Veendam) may notice a bit of propeller vibration.
• Cabins G704, G706, G709, and G711 are wheelchair accessible on the Veendam's Deck 4.
• Forward on A Deck of the Veendam, cabins H700, H701, H702, H707, G704, and G709 are more spacious than standard.

Related: Veendam A Deck Deck Plan (clickable deck layout to view individual cabin pictures and amenity lists)

Deck 5 -- Main Deck

Deck 5 of the Veendam is going to be relatively quiet because the decks just above and beneath are also cabin decks.

• Forward cabin L500 is quite spacious on the Veendam's Deck 5!
• Inside cabins L658 and L657 are next to elevators and may be noisier than other cabins on the Main Deck of the Veendam.

Related: Veendam Main Deck Deck Plan (clickable deck layout to view individual cabin pictures and amenity lists)

Deck 6 -- Lower Promenade

Deck 6 on the Veendam is right beneath several major public areas on the ship, such as the main dining rooms and the stage. However, given the operating hours of the venues, these are times when most people are out of their cabins so this shouldn't present a concern.

• Cabins CA331, CA333, C390, and C397 are wheelchair accessible on the Veendam's Lower Promenade Deck.
• Aft on Deck 6 of the Veendam, D420, D418, D419, and D421 are larger and have great ocean views.
• CA category cabins on the Veendam's Deck 6 feature Lanai Staterooms which include sliding glass doors opening on to the Lower Promenade walk around.

Related: Veendam Lower Promenade Deck Deck Plan (clickable deck layout to view individual cabin pictures and amenity lists)

Deck 9 -- Verandah Deck

***CruiseAdvice.org Warning***

Some cabins on this deck with potential problems

Along the entire Verandah Deck, be aware that the main drag of the Veendam is right beneath your feet -- including some areas that stay fairly noisy into the wee hours. This includes the Stage, Bars, Shops, Casino, and aft main dining room.

• Arguably, any cabin numbers from the middle of the ship to the aft of the ship (cabins B144-BA210) might have significant noise coming from the late night action below. While we are not shunning this deck, some of the worst cabins on the Veendam are on Verandah Deck! If you are light sleeper, you may prefer a cabin elsewhere on the ship, or bring earplugs. You may also consider investing in a wave machine (a sound device available at a specialty retailer like Brookstone -- produces pleasant sounds that can wipe out the unpleasant sounds).
• On the Holland America ms Veendam, Spa staterooms and suites are to be had forward on Deck 9. These are exterior cabins BQ100-CQ116 Port side, interior cabins IQ102, IQI108 and IQ112, and exterior cabins BQ101-BQ111 Starboard. Spa staterooms and suites feature spa amenities, which include an iPod docking station, an in-room countertop water feature, and yoga mats. Exclusive spa treatments are also available.
• If booking a Spa stateroom or suite on Verandah Deck, ask in advance about the smoking policy on the Veendam. Spa cabins are relatively new to Holland America, and it will be to your advantage to know of any changes in their general policy before booking Spa grade accommodations.
• Of the Verandah category cabins in the rear of the Veendam on Deck 9, A223-A232 are larger with over-sized verandahs, and have the highly sought after rear-facing views (where you typically don't have to worry about the balcony being too windy).

Related: Veendam Verandah Deck Deck Plan (clickable deck layout to view individual cabin pictures and amenity lists)

Deck 10 -- Navigation Deck

***CruiseAdvice.org Favorite Deck ***
Highly rated by our cruise experts!

The Navigation deck is without question the high-rent district of the ship. This is where all the suites and penthouse category cabins are located. Navigation Deck is directly below Lido Deck, however. Given that this is where the high-dollar cabins are, this is also where the best cabin stewards are usually assigned. So, if your budget only affords you an inside cabin, reserving one right across from a penthouse might be a very wise investment! Some of thre best cabins on the Veendam are on Navigation Deck!

• Among the Verandah category cabins on the Veendam's Deck 10, A082-A095 aft of the ship are larger, have slighly larger balconies, and have the highly sought-after rear-facing views (where you typically don't have to worry about the balcony being too windy). However, these aft cabins are beneath The Retreat on Lido Deck. There could be noise early in the morning when staff are cleaning this area.
• Cabins located midship on the Veendam's Navigation Deck (including S018-S045, A032-A037 Port side, and A047-A065 Starboard) may sustain noises from the Lido activities including the pool area, especially when staff are moving deck chairs for cleaning during off hours.
• Inside cabin I029 shares wall space with Neptune Lounge and is likely to be noisier than other accommodations to be had on Deck 10 of the Veendam.
• Interior cabins I029, I031, I037, and I039 are located in the posh neighborhood on the Veendam's Deck 10, and are nearby outstanding service.

Related: Veendam Navigation Deck Deck Plan (clickable deck layout to view individual cabin pictures and amenity lists)