The summer cruising season is getting underway and what
better than to tour from Quebec City to Boston on a luxury liner like Holland
America’s MS Veendam? Pricing for the May 10 sailing is nearly half what it’ll
be a month later. You can save even more if you make it a 14 night round trip.
The Cruise
MS Veendam officially embarks from Quebec City, Quebec on
Saturday, May 10, 2014 but actually leaves port at 4pm on Sunday, May 11. This means
you can park you luggage on the ship and enjoy all this historic Canadian city
has to offer. Veendam arrives at Boston, Massachusetts at 7am on Saturday, May
17. Along the way, she makes four port calls.
After cruising up the St. Lawrence, the first stop is in the
Gulf of St. Lawrence and more specifically on the Northumberland Strait at
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. MS Veendam is docked at the PEI capital
from 8am until 5pm on Tuesday, May 13.
The following day, Veendam stops at another island. This
time, it’s Sydney, Nova Scotia on Cape Breton Island. She is docked here on
Wednesday, May 14 from 8am until 4pm. Next up is Halifax, Nova Scotia on
Thursday, May 15 from 8am until 5pm. The final port of call is Bar Harbor,
Maine on Friday, May 16 from 8am until 5pm.
If you opt for the 14 night return trip, MS Veendam turns
around and leaves Boston at 4pm on Saturday, May 17 and arrives back in Quebec
City on Friday, May 23. The return follows the same itinerary, just in reverse
and with slightly different times at port.
The Price
Right now, Holland America is offering Canadian residents a
special fare for this cruise, although it’s only about a dollar less than the
already spectacular flash special rate. An inside stateroom can be had for as
low as $398.44 per person, based on double occupancy. There is an additional
$212 in government fees and taxes added per person. This makes the total for
two for an inside stateroom as low as $1,220.88.
From there, the rates go up with the level of stateroom. An
ocean view cabin starts at $498.28 per person. A room with a balcony goes for
as low as $1,099 and a suite can be had for as low as $1,148.44 per person. The
same taxes and fees apply regardless of the level of stateroom.
For the 14 night itinerary, an inside stateroom goes for as
low as $748.70 per person. This equates to $2,203.74 for two when the $353.17
in taxes and fees are added in. An ocean view cabin starts at $918.10 per
person while a balcony stateroom starts at $2,148.60 per person and a suite
starts at $2,198.50 per person.
The Ship
MS Veendam was built by Fincantieri in Italy and has been in
service for Holland America Line since 1996. This is a small ship with a gross
tonnage of 57,093. Veendam is 219 metres or 719 feet in length and has ten
decks accessible to passengers. Capacity onboard is for 1,350 guests and 580
crew members.
On July 12, 2014, MS Veendam will leave Boston to cross the
Altantic Ocean. However, she will not stay long. Veendam returns to Boston to
restart the Quebec/New England cruises on August 16.
The Small Print
·Because of the nature of last minute deals, the pricing printed here is fleeting and could change at any time.
·Prices are in Canadian dollars.
·Most meals are included in a typical cruise price but DRINKS ARE NOT!
·Also not included are gratuities.
·Cruise pricing does not include air fare, ground transfers and hotel accommodations before and after the cruise.
