August 31, Boarding the Veendam

The passenger cruise terminal is located close to the Quebec's Lower Old City at the base of the stairs. There is complimentary wifi in the passenger terminal. I left my luggage with an attendant at the sidewalk where it was loaded onto racks that go onto the ship. After entering the terminal I had to fill out a medical questionnaire (cruise lines are very proactive about outbreaks of illnesses) after that I went through a security process similar to that of an airline and proceeded to check in. At check in the agent reviewed my preregistration and identification. They then took a photograph which is kept online for security and issued me a shipboard access card that is barcoded and has a magnetic strip. This card is used for getting on and off the ship, purchasing onboard services and as the key card for your cabin. The entire process of checking in took about 15 minutes on the outside. Our cabin is an outside large cabin that has a sitting area (sofa that converts to a double bed and an upper berth that pulls down). It has four large closets and an in room safe. The bathroom actually has a tub with shower. The first night's menu was nice (they post that evening's menu outside the door of the restaurant during the day. My highlight was Strawberries Balsamic as desert(strawberries served in a balsamic reduction with whipped cream).

Explore Lounge on the ms Veendam