HAL"s Innovattive Lanai Staterooms Prove a Big Hit on ms Veendam(merger of 2 threads)

[eldercruser]

Just saw this re up coming drydocks.

June 29, 2009 5:43 PM ET

http://news.moneycentral.msn.com/inc/images/prov_pr.gif (http://news.moneycentral.msn.com/provider/provider.aspx?feed=PR)All PR Newswire news (http://news.moneycentral.msn.com/provider/provider.aspx?feed=PR)



SEATTLE, June 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Holland America Line's latest Signature of Excellence innovation has received rave reviews by guests on ms Veendam. Similar in size to the premium line's spacious outside-view staterooms, the new, unique lanai accommodations were recently added to the ship and feature large sliding glass doors with direct access to the Lower Promenade wrap-around teak walking deck. Lanai staterooms will be added to ms Rotterdam this year and three other ships by 2013.

"We are very pleased with the lanai staterooms and the enthusiastic response from our guests," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "They have a nice layout and direct deck access and enhanced views are a major benefit.


"On the Statendam-class ships we have fewer verandah options than on our Vista or Signature ships," added Meadows. "So lanai staterooms offer a great value with outside deck access."


The addition of 38 lanai staterooms on Veendam are a key feature in the latest round of Signature of Excellence enhancements at Holland America Line. Thirty-two new verandah staterooms also were built on the aft portion of the ship, along with eight new inside staterooms. All staterooms aboard Veendam received new decor, modern wall sconces, carpeting, drapes, pillows and bed runners and resurfaced desks and vanities. Bathrooms saw an "extreme" makeover with new vanities and cabinetry.


Each lanai stateroom also features reserved deck chairs outside sliding glass doors that have a one-way mirrored coating to ensure privacy.


A final stateroom enhancement was the creation of 15 spa staterooms -- 12 outside converted to verandah in drydock and three other inside -- featuring a variety of exclusive spa amenities. The rooms offer their own ambiance with a decor reflecting natural elements and soft earth-tones. A counter-top water feature in each stateroom provides a natural, ambient background sound and artwork reflects serene images in nature. Exclusive spa treatments and a spa room service menu are offered only in these staterooms.


Completion in Two Phases on Five Ships

Except for Veendam, completed at the end of April 2009, and Rotterdam, to be completed in December 2009, stateroom enhancements will be completed in two phases. First, in a series of drydocks in 2010 and 2011, Maasdam, Statendam and Ryndam will receive stateroom upgrades. The second series of drydocks in 2012 and 2013 will add lanai staterooms and new accommodations on the aft portion of the ships, as well as forward verandah and spa staterooms.


Veendam's capacity increased to 1,350 as a result of the stateroom additions. Guest capacity on Rotterdam will be 1,404. Capacity on Statendam, Maasdam and Ryndam will increase to 1,350 during future drydocks.


This next phase in the Signature of Excellence commitment brings the latest innovations at sea to Holland America Line's Statendam, Maasdam, Ryndam, Veendam and Rotterdam. Additional highlights include the resort pool feature called The Retreat, the Showroom at Sea and the new Mix, three specialty lounges midship. Completing projects will be the addition of Canaletto, Holland America Line's popular and complimentary casual Italian restaurant, introduced on ms Eurodam in summer 2008. Overall, Holland America Line has committed $525 million to its Signature of Excellence program that redefines premium cruising.


For additional information, consult a professional travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com (http://www.hollandamerica.com/).

[JimVrhovac]

It is really interesting that they never mentioned the RETREAT FIASCO. We were on the cruise from Ft Lauderdale to Vancouver.

Ruth & Jim

[eldercruser]

Thought you might enjoy this Jim!

[lovebug33]

I had one of those spa verandahs and LOVED it. However, if you don't want to be up going to the restroom all night, you have to unplug the water fountain thing :eek:!

[mudscraper]

I guess this means the Sitz Bath is still in the works for the other ships.


Rich

[bepsf]

"Rave Reviews"?

From whom - the hired help?
:rolleyes:

[takemewithyou]

I guess this means the Sitz Bath is still in the works for the other ships.


Rich

The Sitz bath?????? :eek: LOL - Now, that is FUNNY!!!!! :D:D

[Krazy Kruizers]

Holland America Line’s Innovative Lanai Staterooms Prove a Big Hit on ms Veendam




Seattle, June 29, 2009 – Holland America Line’s latest Signature of Excellence innovation has received rave reviews by guests on ms Veendam. Similar in size to the premium line’s spacious outside-view staterooms, the new, unique lanai accommodations were recently added to the ship and feature large sliding glass doors with direct access to the Lower Promenade wrap-around teak walking deck. Lanai staterooms will be added to ms Rotterdam this year and three other ships by 2013.

“We are very pleased with the lanai staterooms and the enthusiastic response from our guests,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. “They have a nice layout and direct deck access and enhanced views are a major benefit.
“On the Statendam-class ships we have fewer verandah options than on our Vista or Signature ships,” added Meadows. “So lanai staterooms offer a great value with outside deck access.”

The addition of 38 lanai staterooms on Veendam are a key feature in the latest round of Signature of Excellence enhancements at Holland America Line. Thirty-two new verandah staterooms also were built on the aft portion of the ship, along with eight new inside staterooms. All staterooms aboard Veendam received new décor, modern wall sconces, carpeting, drapes, pillows and bed runners and resurfaced desks and vanities. Bathrooms saw an “extreme” makeover with new vanities and cabinetry.

Each lanai stateroom also features reserved deck chairs outside sliding glass doors that have a one-way mirrored coating to ensure privacy.

A final stateroom enhancement was the creation of 15 spa staterooms — 12 outside converted to verandah in drydock and three other inside — featuring a variety of exclusive spa amenities. The rooms offer their own ambiance with a décor reflecting natural elements and soft earth-tones. A counter-top water feature in each stateroom provides a natural, ambient background sound and artwork reflects serene images in nature. Exclusive spa treatments and a spa room service menu are offered only in these staterooms.

Completion in Two Phases on Five Ships
Except for Veendam, completed at the end of April 2009, and Rotterdam, to be completed in December 2009, stateroom enhancements will be completed in two phases. First, in a series of drydocks in 2010 and 2011, Maasdam, Statendam and Ryndam will receive stateroom upgrades. The second series of drydocks in 2012 and 2013 will add lanai staterooms and new accommodations on the aft portion of the ships, as well as forward verandah and spa staterooms.

Veendam’s capacity increased to 1,350 as a result of the stateroom additions. Guest capacity on Rotterdam will be 1,404. Capacity on Statendam, Maasdam and Ryndam will increase to 1,350 during future drydocks.

This next phase in the Signature of Excellence commitment brings the latest innovations at sea to Holland America Line’s Statendam, Maasdam, Ryndam, Veendam and Rotterdam. Additional highlights include the resort pool feature called The Retreat, the Showroom at Sea and the new Mix, three specialty lounges midship. Completing projects will be the addition of Canaletto, Holland America Line’s popular and complimentary casual Italian restaurant, introduced on ms Eurodam in summer 2008. Overall, Holland America Line has committed $525 million to its Signature of Excellence program that redefines premium cruising.

For additional information, consult a professional travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com (http://www.hollandamerica.com/).

[kenevenpar]

I love internal press releases. No need to quote actual statistics, or who is providing "rave reviews".

I don't have a strong opinion regarding the Lanai staterooms; in theory they sound nice. Like others have posted, I am not sure that I like the new look of the Veendam's aft, but it would not keep me from sailing her.

KK, thanks for the post.

Ken

[vb,cruisers]

It will be interesting to see how these will REALLY work out. First thing, as soon as you turn on a light, and don't close your curtains there is no privacy in the cabins. Second, I would be willing to bet, there will be some problems over "reserved" deck chairs.

[fabby50]

We have one of the new spa verandah staterooms reserved for a cruise in October. I am really looking forward to seeing how it works out. I didn't realize that these originally were outside staterooms that verandahs were added to. I love the whole "spa thing" and may add a wellness package once I get my reservation number. It's a whole lot cheaper than taking a spa vacation on land!

Thanks for posting the article - I gleam little facts everytime someone posts about the new upgrades.

[RedmondCruiser]

Interesting that the retreat wading pool was briefly mentioned at the end. It would be nice if HAL would come out and state that the remaining three ships will not be ruined with the elimination of the aft pool.

The cheer leaders with the rave reviews are most likely the same people who came up with this lame idea and now must either keep cheer leading or admit that it was a big expensive mistake.

[mamaofami]

I guess this means the Sitz Bath is still in the works for the other ships.


Rich


Love it. The description, not the wading pool.

[kenevenpar]

"Rave Reviews"?

From whom - the hired help?
:rolleyes:

Right on! As I said on another thread, you have to love self proclaimed "rave reviews", although I am sure they have gotten a few, but as Brian said, "from whom", and how many. I guess that is what the marketing people get paid for!:rolleyes:

Ken

[Roz]

I've had a couple of outside cabins on the Lower Prom deck, so I'm rather intrigued by these Lanai cabins. It would allow me to book a balcony cabin of sorts, without paying the balcony price.

VB, the privacy issue with the cabins lights on and the curtains not drawn at night isn't new. That's the situation without the outside cabins being converted into Lanai-style rooms. I agree with you about the deck chairs - I wouldn't want to have to step out of my cabin onto the deck and have to go thru people sitting there, nor would I want people sitting there when I wanted to bring my morning coffee out onto the deck.

It will be interesting to see what happens, but I'd like to give them a try.

Roz

[mamaofami]

I have one of these lanai cabins booked for the Veendam. Wish some people who've had them would post their experiences. So far, I've only seen one person comment on them, unless I've missed it.

[bobpatj]

The Retreat a highlight? I'm shedding another tear for the Rotterdam! :(

[Jemima]

I'm most concerned about the increased passenger capacity. There was no mention of increased lido seating. The lido is already crowded at times.

[Mary Ellen]

We'd considered (very briefly) one of the lanai cabins for our return to Antarctica. That ended as soon as I read about the noise from the crew washing the deck every morning at 5:30. Not what I'd consider a "rave review".

Now that we're also hearing that the deck chairs outside the cabins on the LP are no longer available to all the passengers, but "reserved" for a few, I'm REALLY not happy with HAL for more erosion of public space. First the Lido cabanas, now this... :mad:

[Roz]

The crew washed the deck every morning (not always 5:30 am) before these rooms were converted into lanai cabins, so that's a non-starter as far as I'm concerned. I've stayed in one of those outside cabins, so I've had first hand experience.

Since the lanai cabins are the highest category of outside cabins without a private balcony, and passengers are paying more for them, why shouldn't they get a perk like a reserved deck chair?

Since I like outside cabins on the Lower Prom anyway, I'm not going to let the silly objections of posters on this board deter me from booking one and giving it a try. :D

Roz

[Mary Ellen]

The crew washed the deck every morning (not always 5:30 am) before these rooms were converted into lanai cabins, so that's a non-starter as far as I'm concerned. I've stayed in one of those outside cabins, so I've had first hand experience.From that I read, the water was also hitting the door/window. That would make a LOT of noise.

Far be it from me to dissuade anyone from booking one, our reasons for not doing so, are our reasons. Please don't insult us by calling them silly.

[RevNeal]

We'd considered (very briefly) one of the lanai cabins for our return to Antarctica. That ended as soon as I read about the noise from the crew washing the deck every morning at 5:30. Not what I'd consider a "rave review".

IF we're on a ship for our return to Antarctica that actually has Lanai Cabins, I might very well consider it, too. The location can't be beat ... the ability to step right outside and have easy access along the full length of the ship cannot be undervalued. However, the same can be said for cabins 6100 and 6102, all the way forward, on the Verandah Deck. If we're on an R-class ship for that cruise, I'm going to shoot for one of those ... though the pricing will probably be steep ... one cannot beat the location for incredible views.

[Roz]

Mary Ellen, I'm sorry you thought my post was insulting. I put an emoticon after it. If you don't want to book a lanai, that's fine. It means one more cabin available for me to pick from.

Roz

[Boytjie]

From that I read, the water was also hitting the door/window. That would make a LOT of noise.

The water would also be hitting the bulkheads and windows of all cabins on that deck. We had such a cabin on the Amsterdam and I don't recall them washing the decks down as early as 5:30 am; I notioced it maybe once or twice during our 7 day Alaska cruise. It did not make that much noise at all.

I won't call you silly! Personal preferences matter but I have to say I am a light sleeper and I was not bothered by noise in our cabin despite what I read about being under the galley and on the Promenade deck.

Ships have noises, and creaks and movement. :)

[lorekauf]

The water would also be hitting the bulkheads and windows of all cabins on that deck. We had such a cabin on the Amsterdam and I don't recall them washing the decks down as early as 5:30 am; :)
I can tell you that when I have had a room on the lower prom. they have washed down the decks at 5:30 or 6am. I'm a light sleeper and it does make a bit of noise.

[snallysmom]

I originally booked a lanai cabin for a Bermuda cruise. I was really looking forward to trying it but upgraded to a balcony to be nearer the friends who are traveling with us. They weren't willing to try sleeping through the early-morning deck washings. We're sound sleepers, so I think we'd be OK. I'm hoping there are lots of reviews posted about the lanai cabins, because I might want to book one in the future. I'm still wondering if I made a mistake in upgrading. I was a bit concerned about the reserved deck chairs. I've seen pictures of VERY small reserved signs on them and wondered if other cruisers would see them. I'm not sure I'd want to walk out of my room and find someone sitting so close to my room or have to ask them to move so I could use my reserved chair. But, I think I could cope with that and am waiting to hear from cruisers who have the rooms. I really am looking forward to another cruise in one if the reviews are good--but maybe not soooo good that I regret upgrading to a balcony:)

[lovebug33]

The signs on the deck chairs were incredibly tiny and I never would have noticed them if I wasn't looking for them! On an Alaska cruise, nobody was using them, but I could see this would be a major problem on a Caribbean or Mexican cruise.

[DFD1]

I thought running water was soothing....even running down your door or window!

Sleep on, child, sleep on......

[Loves to dance]

We'd considered (very briefly) one of the lanai cabins for our return to Antarctica. That ended as soon as I read about the noise from the crew washing the deck every morning at 5:30. Not what I'd consider a "rave review".

Now that we're also hearing that the deck chairs outside the cabins on the LP are no longer available to all the passengers, but "reserved" for a few, I'm REALLY not happy with HAL for more erosion of public space. First the Lido cabanas, now this... :mad:

I am one of the people who has stayed in a lanai cabin, and I did a review of the cabin a couple of weeks back. From my experience, I can speak to the deck washing noise and the deck chair situation...

I saw a review about the deck washing noises at 5:30 the week before we went, and I was really concerned because I am a VERY light sleeper. I believe that I heard the noise twice the whole week. The water was not blasted onto the glass, but rather run down it in a gentle stream. It was an oddly soothing sound, while I did not get back to sleep the first morning, that was more because I was too excited to see College Fjord and I actually wanted to be up on the deck ASAP. The 2nd morning, I heard it, rolled over and went back to sleep. My husband didn't hear it all week.

As for the deck chairs, yes, two are reserved for each lanai cabin, however there still are many deck chairs available on the lower promenade that are not reserved. Granted, most of them are towards the ends of the ship, where there are no lanai cabins. I, too, will be interested to see how HAL deals with the reserved deck chairs issue on warm climate sailings. I already saw some signs of conflict (mostly from our next door neighbors wanting to reserve our chairs for the use of their friends, who were in lanai cabins about 30 feet away.)

Personally, I loved the lanai cabin, and if one is available and I can afford it, I would happily book one again...

[Roz]

Loves to Dance,

Thanks for the great recommendation on the Lanai cabins.

Roz

[snallysmom]

I am one of the people who has stayed in a lanai cabin, and I did a review of the cabin a couple of weeks back. From my experience, I can speak to the deck washing noise and the deck chair situation...

I saw a review about the deck washing noises at 5:30 the week before we went, and I was really concerned because I am a VERY light sleeper. I believe that I heard the noise twice the whole week. The water was not blasted onto the glass, but rather run down it in a gentle stream. It was an oddly soothing sound, while I did not get back to sleep the first morning, that was more because I was too excited to see College Fjord and I actually wanted to be up on the deck ASAP. The 2nd morning, I heard it, rolled over and went back to sleep. My husband didn't hear it all week.

As for the deck chairs, yes, two are reserved for each lanai cabin, however there still are many deck chairs available on the lower promenade that are not reserved. Granted, most of them are towards the ends of the ship, where there are no lanai cabins. I, too, will be interested to see how HAL deals with the reserved deck chairs issue on warm climate sailings. I already saw some signs of conflict (mostly from our next door neighbors wanting to reserve our chairs for the use of their friends, who were in lanai cabins about 30 feet away.)

Personally, I loved the lanai cabin, and if one is available and I can afford it, I would happily book one again...

Thanks for the info. I think I'd love a lanai room. However, HAL is going to have to address the reserved chairs. I can't believe another couple in a lanai room would try to take your chairs. They, more than anyone, should know the chairs are reserved for the room. It will be interesting to see how the chair issue works out.

[mamaofami]

Lovestodance, thank you for posting that info. I too am a light sleeper and worried about the noise early in the am. You make me feel better about having a lanai cabin reserved. Very rude of your neighbors to try to take your deck chairs. They should have known better.

[Himself]

I am waiting for the reviews of the people who are now sailing on the Veendam and see how they rave about the New Veendam. That will mean more to me than propeganda out of the copoprate office.

[Himself]

I am glad you feel well enough to post. I found your remarks about the aft pool situation to be mose enlightening. Maybe on further enhancements they will pull the aft pool up to the lido deck and leave it in there.

[pms4104]

Sometimes there's a fine line between "rants" and "raves".

The release contains enough vagueries about the second drydock of the last 3 ships to be retrofitted ... that HAL has ample opportunity to dream up something even more dreadful than the aft poolette. Then again, if HAL gets more rants than raves, there's lots of time and opportunity to redesign that pool area to something more acceptable to the masses.

[pms4104]

I am waiting for the reviews of the people who are now sailing on the Veendam and see how they rave about the New Veendam. That will mean more to me than propeganda out of the copoprate office.
Rave ... or rant?

That's not propaganda in the news release ... it's the marketing gurus spinning the questionable.

[Taxguy77]

I had one of those spa verandahs and LOVED it. However, if you don't want to be up going to the restroom all night, you have to unplug the water fountain thing :eek:!

Unplug it?:confused::eek:
After all that planning, work and RAVe reviews?:confused::p

[Taxguy77]

SHIP IMPROVEMENTS!
I have noticed that ship "improvements" usually are revenue-enhancing. :p
The addition of staterooms without increasing the size of the dining facilities, or the conversion of someplace a few people liked into an extra charge dining venue (with no increase in kitchen size) , "premium coffee" bar or some such.

[Loves to dance]

Lovestodance, thank you for posting that info. I too am a light sleeper and worried about the noise early in the am. You make me feel better about having a lanai cabin reserved. Very rude of your neighbors to try to take your deck chairs. They should have known better.

You're welcome!

Yeah, it was pretty strange that the folks next door kept on "stealing" our chairs. At first I thought that they didn't know what the "rules" were until one day they found someone else in their deck chairs- they quickly told these other folks that the deck chairs "belonged" to the cabin. People can be pretty funny the way the rules don't apply to themselves, but they are quick to impose them on others.

[mamadot]

We had a lanai cabin on the Veendam in May. It was a nice view but the cabin seems much smaller than the other OV cabins on the LP. The arrangement of the bed is different and may affect the space. We had an OV on the last 14 days of our cruise and enjoyed it more. We were never distrubed by early noises in either cabin and do enjoy the LP deck. I could never see into the Lanai cabins during the day and some people would come to the cabin and adjust their make up as if it were just a mirror. Just get aboard!!

[Loves to dance]

I am waiting for the reviews of the people who are now sailing on the Veendam and see how they rave about the New Veendam. That will mean more to me than propeganda out of the copoprate office.

I was on the June 7th sailing, and I don't really have a rant or a rave. Somethings I loved- like the lanai cabin (even there, I could see some areas for improvement- like weather stripping on the sliding doors.) Other changes were very poorly done- like the Retreat. They insist on putting too much water into the pool, so it "sloshes" every time they make a course change. Eventually someone is going to slip and fall, trying to avoid the wave of water from the pool. Talk about a liability issue!

I really liked the Mix. For whatever reason, the last time we were on the Veendam, there were significant smoke issues in the piano bar. Was there smoking in the piano bar in Dec 06? I had thought that the smoke came from the casino, but this time smoke wasn't an issue over by the piano. In fact, smoke wasn't an issue in almost all of the Mix area. I don't know if they improved the ventilation, created a design where the partitions are much more effective, or what, but it really was a non-issue this time. (Boy, do I hope that this doesn't turn into a smoking thread now!)

I can't comment on the new aft cabins or the spa cabins, since I didn't experience them.

If they could nix the wading pool idea for the other ships, I personally think that people would be fairly happy with the results.

[bepsf]

I thought running water was soothing....even running down your door or window!

Ordinarily I would agree, but on my first cruise I awoke one morning to the steward hosing down our Deck 8 verandahs - where water really ought not be. The sound of water hitting the glass doors and window immediately brought images of "Poseidon Adventure" to my groggy half-awake mind...

...I jumped out of bed screaming! :eek::eek::eek:
I think I scared our poor steward as much as he scared me!
:o

[bepsf]

If they could nix the wading pool idea for the other ships, I personally think that people would be fairly happy with the results.

I agree w/ you - The entire Retreat concept seems rather contrived and pointless.

If they're not going to put a proper swimming pool back there, HAL could save some money and gain some useful deck space by simply plunking down a platform with 2-3 jacuzzis, lots of teak decking and calling it a day.

[bepsf]

SHIP IMPROVEMENTS!
I have noticed that ship "improvements" usually are revenue-enhancing. :p


It's not increasing much revenue when that ship's fares are cheaper than the pre-SOE 2.0 ships...

Seems like the line would make more money by leaving well enough alone...

[brucory]

We'd considered (very briefly) one of the lanai cabins for our return to Antarctica. That ended as soon as I read about the noise from the crew washing the deck every morning at 5:30. Not what I'd consider a "rave review".


Some threads moan about them not cleaning... Others moan about them when they actually clean...

They seem DAMmed either way!!!


:D:D:D

[lovebug33]

I agree with Loves to Dance about the Retreat area. It wasn't just poorly executed, it is dangerous. I wrote that on another thread that I saw people running trying to get away from the water, some people with canes and walkers attempting to get away fast, too. Somebody is going to get hurt. I still find it funny that people are getting all het up about the Veendam's new additions. I thought it was a great boat and a great experience (however, I have never been on another HAL ship). Besides the retreat area, I didn't see anything wrong with the ship. And, like I said before, I loved the spa room and would book another one in a minute.

[Vic The Parrot]

I'll have a lanai cabin on my May Bermuda cruise. It's a new concept, of course, but I'm going with an open mind.

Some stated it was worth it, and I'm sure it was. That's why it's important to see the "improvements" for myself before I pass judgement on what Seattle has done. Who knows ... I might even like the new and improved VEENDAM




;)