Do you like HAL's new ambient music?

[uncialman]

Do you like the new ambient Music on HAL?

It occurred to us on our last cruise aboard the Zuiderdam that there was a distinct, but sometimes over-looked change that had taken place aboard the Zuiderdam. On our previous HAL cruises while strolling the hallways during the days, eating in the lido or sitting by the pools during the afternoons, we had enjoyed a different ‘class’ of music. Loud and edgy rock played by the lido pool throughout the day and into the evening, pop/rock was a constant in the hallways surrounding the promenade and upper promenade areas around the Windstar Café and Pinnacle grill, and studio-54 type pre-show music (really loud (and I am a youngin'))in the Vista lounge. When all things are compared and contrasted, the music lent towards more of a Carnival ‘fun-ship’ atmosphere (although, honestly, I thought our cruises aboard the Paradise and Pride were more subdued ) than the romantic, classic HAL experience that we truly fell in love with.

Several influences must not be ignored when examining such a drastic change in style and ambiance as was the case aboard our cruise of the Zuiderdam. Firstly, it has been proven (Rollin McCraty, Ph.D., Bob Barrios-Choplin, Ph.D : The Effects of Different Types of Music on Mood, Tension, and Mental Clarity) that pop/rock and music significant increases were found in hostility, sadness, tension, and fatigue, and significant reductions were observed in caring, relaxation, mental clarity, and vigor. In contrast, after listening to classical, easy listening jazz or new age (music designed to have specific effects on the listener), significant increases in caring, relaxation, mental clarity, and vigor were measured: significant decreases were found in hostility, fatigue, sadness, and tension. So why would anyone choose to switch the music choice knowing these facts? Well, quite simply, economics. While pop/rock has a tremendous negative effect when used as ambient music, it has been seen and proven that the amount of alcohol that is being consumed with focus groups increases dramatically in studies. Not only this, but when music is louder, the level of volume in conversation must subsequently be raised as well.

Now, understandably, I don’t believe that you shouldn’t play pop/rock or whatever in the ship at all (During the evening hours in clubs or other areas of the ship would be fine in my opinion). In fact, there should be at least a couple of places on board where passengers should be able to party as legally hard as they would like without disturbing other passengers (and HAL will certainly need to continue building more “Northern Lights” type of clubs to accommodate those that desire that kind of experience). What we don’t want to see, however, is the wholesale change of the HAL product into a Carnival like experience with only a few quiet places to find respite. Case in point: my wife and I used to love to get a mocha and sit in the java café 30 minutes before a movie would start in the theatre. At the Windstar when you pay for your mocha, you have an area to sit in ( a nicely designed area) but have to deal with having Madonna, Pink, Michael Jackson and others accompany you. In other words, it just doesn’t feel like the classic ocean cruising experience that we loved. I would just pray that WLCL would still allow us to have a a choice as to what sort of cruise experience we can enjoy instead of leveling the playing field with all of her brands except those far out of 99% of the cruising public's income level.

Let me know your thoughts, even if you differ in opinion with me.
Thanks,

uncialman

[superstein61]

Uncialman - I will know better after I cruise on the Z at the end of the month. However, I must say offhand, I generally prefer rock music to classical or jazz - so I probably will enjoy the change.

And while your economic theory is an interesting one - I would also suggest that the Z's target market - a younger pax base in the Caribbean year round - is probably also a factor as the music they now play is more in tune with what the base would prefer

[ekerr19]

Having spent a week last summer on the Zui, I would have to say I agree with some of your observations. We found the music to definitely be "Pop" with a few modest "hip-hop" sounds (not the very hard-core, so I guess it would still be considered "pop"). No "rock" in the traditional sense as I would describe it.

One thing we noticed - it is VERY LOUD. Especially poolside, Lido Deck. Also, not always the most current "pop" tunes, but more the party-type, we heard Pink's "Get This Party Started" at least once a day. This is not my favorite type of music.

I enjoy listening to much of what my kids prefer - Offspring, Sublime, Blink182 - but not Aguilara, eminem, Justin Timberlake, Usher, etc., which was primarily the music played on the Zui.

While I can take in small doses, my DH (true "rock" fan) cannot. My parents most definitely would find it loathsome, especially the volume.

I do not understand why it has to be so loud. We also like classical music, especially enjoyed the Rosario Strings on other ships - but did not see them on the Zui. I think the only loud music played in the evenings should be in the Disco or late at night in the Crow's Nest. Dinner time should be reserved for relaxation.

[uncialman]

Great replies folks; this is exactly the kind of conversation I was hoping to spark.

I do hope as well that you can understand where I am coming from: I am in my mid-thirties and my wife and I cruise an awful lot nowadays. When we cruise, we would prefer to get away from the noise - especially the kind of noise that you refer to at poolside. It honestly was on par with what we were accustomed to on Carnival and RCI (although RCI gave you the option of their Solarium pool area that was like paradise on earth.

I don't have any problem with any sort of music and have eclectic tastes from Allman Brothers to Sting and The Black Crowes and so forth as far as music that I would listen to when I work-out or take a jog. But when it comes to relaxing in what is supposed to be a soothing, relaxing enviroment in a premium market, it just doesn't cut it for us. There is a sense that HAL is becoming just another contemporary cruise company. As you stated, the pre-fab music to me just doesn't suit HAL's image or the product ideal that many are seeking when they cruise HAL. In other word's, I EXPECT that kind of music poolside and in the hallways when I cruise Carnival, RCI and NCL; I don't expect the same when I choose HAL.

It would be the equivalent of having pop/rock being played loudly at Tavern on the Green or at Shula's(a high-class steak rest.) when your steak is being brought out to you by a waiter in a tux: it just doesn't fit. When you go to Chili's or Cody's or Applebees (which are all great) you expect it and it fits the atmosphere. Unfortunately, we noticed the same sort of thing on the Veendam as well, just not quite as loud as on the Zuiderdam. So, when strolling down the Upper Promenade and the strains of "I'm comin' out so you better get this party started" start wafting by the 18th Century Dutch masterpieces, it just doesn't fit. Not to mention, it will drive people away that really want that classic oceanliner experience. Celebrity has a certain ambiance that they maintain at all times, and it reflects in the way in which the passengers view their place on the voyage: a sophisticated, romantic atmosphere.

I pray that HAL will reconsider.

uncialman

[Jacqueline]

I think it all sounds fine for me.
I don't know how to quantify *loud*. My idea of loud, my husband's and my kids are all different.
I am all for more current sounds esp on these ships which are deliberately geared to a younger demographic.
BTW I have never been on NCL or Carnival and have no plans to sail with them in the future. I am more a Princess- Celebrity pax to date.
I will definitely feeback on this topic when we return from the Westerdam. Its an interesting observation !

[superstein61]

uncialman - I certainly understand where you are coming from. If the music was left up to me, it would be all Springsteen, all the time :) I would even put many of my 150+ Springsteen Bootlegs to use :)

That said - agin, its harder for me to comment until I experience it - but I think I would like party music by the pool. I can understand your comments about elsewhere on the ship - but I guess for me - on a Caribbean cruise - laying around the pool - I enjoy a more festive atmosphere. I can certainly see where some folks may prefer a laid back atmosphere though - so it would be nice to make the Lido pool the one with Party tunes and the aft pool the one for the book reading, relaxation crowd

[RevNeal]

I am looking forward to doing some research on this subject while on the Zaandam from September 25th - October 16th. :D I'll listen for the kind of ambient music being played on this R-class ship and I'll let you know what I hear. :D My suspicion is that it won't be quite the same as that heard on the Zuiderdam. My preference would be for classical and jazz, but I was a youth of the 1960/70s so ... well ... we'll see. :)

[ekerr19]

I like party music by the pool too. Just not blaringly loud, eek - especially Pink, over & over, yikes!

My favorite (caribbean cruises) are the live steel drums - definitely helps get one ready for the islands! They guys in the band are pretty good too! We usually buy them some beers (for their breaks) and tip them as well... they work pretty hard.

[ore-ee-gun]

I honestly cannot recall hearing any music aboard the Amsterdam, beyond the live music played in the lounges. The Explorer's Lounge was blissfully peaceful all day long.

[Tatka]

I love live Caribbean music by the pool...Puts me into a great mood.

Loved it on Century. One of the guys in the group was native from St.Lucia!

[Thoth]

All this has me concerned that HAL is selling out in order to attract what some pencil pusher thinks "young" people are all about.
Where is this trend going? Lewd comedians, nude sunbathing, wet T-shirt contest, Eminem, Marlyn Manson, drink to you drop contest, Spring Break at sea...and so on. Could those things be far behind?
There are many young adults who value elegant refinement and class and we book on HAL as opposed to a "fun" ship for those reasons.

[Tatka]

All this has me concerned that HAL is selling out in order to attract what some pencil pusher thinks "young" people are all about.
Where is this trend going? Lewd comedians, nude sunbathing, wet T-shirt contest, Eminem, Marlyn Manson, drink to you drop contest, Spring Break at sea...and so on. Could those things be far behind?
There are many young adults who value elegant refinement and class and we book on HAL as opposed to a "fun" ship for those reasons.
Agree.

But what is wrong with nude sunbathing? I don't do this but I also don't see how is it age-related? It's more European oriented thing. Saw many of them during my Iberostar (Spainish/German chain) vacations in DR.

Btw, Celebrity also has belly flop contests and still is a very classy line!

[KathyHKidd]

I just got online to ask if Princess still had obnoxious music, and the board directed me to this thread.

Why in the world do cruise lines think we need music everywhere we go? Caribbean music is fine at the pool, and music is fine in the lounges, but why in the world do we need music on the deck, where people are sleeping or reading?

Music should be unobtrusive so people can converse or read or do whatever they want without being forced to listen to music. And if people can't agree on the kind of music to play, wouldn't it better not to have music at all? If the Zuiderdam's policy is a HAL-wide thing, we're not going to be taking any more HAL vacations. Pity. HAL was our second-favorite line (after Celebrity).

KHK

[anngie]

Maybe HAL takes the suggestions from the exit forms seriously and passengers have requested the ambient music.
The last time we sailed Carnival was on the Glory April 2004. There was a variety of music in the lounges. I wish that HAL would do the same. Give cruisers a choice of different kinds in the lounges but keep the music beside the pool Caribbean. In the hallways and throughout the ship it should be low key.

[bryanwal]

On the Oosterdam last week the ambient music was "crooner" music - Sinatra, Harry Connick Jr., stuff by Rodgers & Hart, Berlin, Cole Porter, etc. I loved it (and I'm in my mid 40's)

[the2ofus]

I love the music that we found in the lounges and dining room on our cruises on Statendam, Maasdam, Noordam and Volendam. I like steel drum music by the pool on a Caribbean cruise. If some folks want louder music or rock in the Crow's Nest that's fine with me. I can listen for a while and then give my ear drums a rest by moving on to another venue. One of the reasons we love to cruise is the peace and quiet out on deck. We love to listen to the sound of the wind and waves.

BUT....the day HAL starts piping any kind of music into the hallways or on the lower prom deck.....that is the day I vote with my feet and head for a another cruise line. (Though it seems the choices will be limited.) I don't need someone else's choice of music to drown out my thoughts or the world around me.

We have been in port with NCL, Carnival and RCI ships and I have cringed at the amount of constant noise on those ships, both ambient music and constant announcements.

Recently there was a push from younger members of our local YMCA to have music piped into the locker rooms. It is already in all the exercise rooms. There was a lot of protest from members, who said they wanted peace and quiet while dressing. The management did NOT put music in the dressing rooms.

Time to let HAL know how we "traditional cruisers" feel on this issue!

[JoeCruisin]

Great topic to discuss. I always wonder if anyone realizes the impact of music, especially loud, on the overall atmosphere. Music is major part of my life and I love all kinds - as long as it's original as opposed the fabricated pop of today that is forced on America. I cannot stand it when you are at a place where you are expecting relaxation and peace but are instead accosted with loud music that is not of your preference. Personally, I am a major Pearl Jam fan and if I want to listen to that on a cruise I'll simply bring my mp3 player and headphones and listen to it by the pool or wherever. Any music played in the public areas should be either non-existant (what's wrong with the simple sound of the wind and sea?) or very subtle - maybe instrumentals of jazz, reggae, or calypso played at low volume for caribbean vacas. Anything else should be limited for special events - like an hour or 2 at a happy hour or something. If people want loud pumping dance tunes like Pink, B Spears, Aguilerra or whatever they can find it at the disco.

My favorite live music by the pool. A few years back on RCCL they had a band named Caribbean Breeze - all 5 members were from Granada - and they were amazing. But they only played for an hour in the late afternoon at a designated time. If you didn't like you could at least plan around it.

[momrox1]

I think for me the bottom line is about choice. My choice. I may be sitting by the pool listening to Bruuuuuce or Nirvana etc. but that is by choice. When I get sleepy and want to doze I can turn off my jukebox and nod off, but not always if it's to the strains (and it does indeed strain my ears) of Pink etc as background music. So ideally when I tire of my music I leave the headphones in and hope I can't hear the piped in music around me.
And I wholeheartedly agree with JoeCruisin about his choice of pool music. My son has a reggae band and I can take that music almost anytime, anyplace.
BTW, Superstein, someone just sent me a boot of my first Bruce show in Boston waybackwhen- he opened for Bonnie Raitt at Harvard Univ. and the cd is pure heaven. Also got a boot of his Fenway shows!! Yeeha!

[KathyHKidd]

JoeCruisin' and MomRox, the two of you have excellent points. People who want music all the time, everywhere, have the option of bringing their headsets. Those of us who want to listen to the sound of the wind and the waves should have that option too.

Now how do we go about telling the people who make the decisions? I mention the ambient music in every shipboard comment card I fill out, and nothing is ever done.

KHK

[momrox1]

Kathy
I don't know who we tell, but I guess a good start would be the comment cards that you mentioned. Better than nothing, though not by much from what you say. You would think someone in charge would pay attention to the consumer for a change. :(
Judy

[peaches from georgia]

On the Oosterdam last week the ambient music was "crooner" music - Sinatra, Harry Connick Jr. , stuff by Rodgers & Hart, Berlin, Cole Porter, etc. I loved it (and I'm in my mid 40's)

Now that's what I call music! :p

[Cruiseoften]

I just got online to ask if Princess still had obnoxious music, and the board directed me to this thread.

Why in the world do cruise lines think we need music everywhere we go? Caribbean music is fine at the pool, and music is fine in the lounges, but why in the world do we need music on the deck, where people are sleeping or reading?

Music should be unobtrusive so people can converse or read or do whatever they want without being forced to listen to music. And if people can't agree on the kind of music to play, wouldn't it better not to have music at all? If the Zuiderdam's policy is a HAL-wide thing, we're not going to be taking any more HAL vacations. Pity. HAL was our second-favorite line (after Celebrity).

KHK

KHK - I'm right on your wavelength! :)

We're bombarded by loud ????music??? - everywhere we go - elevators, restaurents, pubs, clothes shopping,grocerey stores etc.etc.etc. It's all too much! We have to shout to be heard. Blessed/cursed with excellent hearing, I'm tempted (almost obliged) to insert ear plugs. So many times now I've walked out of stores because, as the saying goes, "I couldn't hear myself think".

Around the pool, in the Java Cafe, anywhere around the ship, it is nice to have music - unobtrusive music!!!! Having a drink/coffee with a friend so that we can chat, I really don't wish to yell. Cranking up the volume for the cocktail hour is fine but I dislike having to yell at my table companions during dinner.

Guess it's different strokes for different folks. :rolleyes:

[uncialman]

I'm really glad that my original post generated so many intelligent, well-thought-out responses.

I would agree with the last two posters: I would rather have no music at all than to be exposed to canned pop music in all the public rooms. At the pools, why not just have the live calypso band play and keep it calm and quiet in the back? As was stated, people have I-pods and all sorts of other devices now that give them the ability to listen to whatever they want to.

Thanks for a positive thread.