How do you know if a ship is going to dry dock?

[karensj]

Someone mentioned that the Zaandam is going to have a major refit in the beginning of 2005. How do you find out that information? How long will it be out of service? Thanks

Karen

[Krazy Kruizers]

:)

Someone posted a list of the dry docks and wet docks several months ago. I have no idea who posted it or where the poster got their information from as those threads are lost.

The Zaandam will be in dry dock from Jan 8 - 22, 2005.

:)

[sail7seas]

She will be getting "Signature of Excellence" upgrades....including steel.

The new spa pool will be built etc

[localady]

Ryndam will be in dry dock for 3 weeks this fall in Victoria BC after her Alaska cruises. I am not sure of the retrofits specifically, but I would assume some would be upgrades like the hydropool. I am a bit concerned about this new Sidewalk Cafe that is advertised as an upgrade for the S-class ship, will this mean we will lose the non-cost aspect of the Java Bar??? :eek: I for one certainly hope not!:cool:

[RevNeal]

She will be getting "Signature of Excellence" upgrades.

I thought the Zaandam had already received several of her SoE upgrades -- the non structural ones -- at her last wetdock, 04/17/04 to 04/21/04. Her scheduled drydock, 1/8-22/05, should include the spa, the Neptune Lounge, etc.

[Krazy Kruizers]

:)

New Side Walk Cafe. Since theVista class ships have the Windstar Cafe and they charge a small fee for a coffee, one can assume that the Java Cafe's on the S class ships will be replaced with the Side Walk Cafes and they will also charge a small fee for their coffees.

:)

[localady]

Yes it seems that all those "little extras" that set HAL apart from the other cruise lines are going away. Nickel and diming is going to be the new mode of operation.:( It really is a darned shame. I noticed with interest that more and more of the little extras are being replaced in their 2005 glossy ad brochures with "new bedding". Gone too is afternoon tea in the Suites.


That is not saying that the cruise on the Ryndam wasn't fabulous, it was!!!!:D
One of the big things that made it fabulous is that I could get a caffee latte (coffee and milk, super heated) for free almost anytime I wanted.......:cool: That is a "little extra" that will be missed by this Mariner.:rolleyes:

[elmorejj]

Greg, you are correct, most of the SOE things were put in place prior to our repo cruise. The Neptune, and hydro pool will be in place after the dry dock in Jan. Enjoy the new mattresses, they are really thick, if you are short, your feet will dangle if you sit on the side of the bed :D !!!......jean

[Krazy Kruizers]

:) localady

No more tea for suites in the afternoon?

When was this perk dropped? We were able to place an order for afternoon tea through our concierge on the Maasdam in May.

OH dumb me - I guess they want us to use the coffee and tea machines in the Neptune Lounge and take it all back to my suite.

:D

[localady]

Yes I agree the Neptune is lovely, but I have to tell you it was quite a little extra to have afternoon tea with the wonderful finger sandwiches and sweets, all presented on Silver Service on your balcony. Wow did that make you feel "special"! :D I can't confirm that "perk" is gone from the HAL Ships, though it appears to be gone from their glossy ads.

Both moves seem to be more of the "cut the overhead and maximize the cruisers spending on the ship" philosophy, as does the "hydropool upgrade" which is another charge item for the customer and profit item for HAL.....I guess that is the economics of cruising today many would tell you.:rolleyes:

[Leslieswiger]

Does anyone have any knowledge when the Amsterdam will be going into dry dock?:confused: And info on her SOE. Thanks

[Krazy Kruizers]

:) Amsterdam

She is scheduled for dry dock from September 20 - October 6 in 2005. That is a long time from now.

The signature of excellence is going to take a longer time to complete than HAL had planned on. Originally it was to be done on all ships by the spring of 2005. Now it won't be completed until late in 2006. HAL is starting at the top cabin categories and working down.

:)

[lipoppop]

:) Amsterdam

She is scheduled for dry dock from September 20 - October 6 in 2005. That is a long time from now.

The signature of excellence is going to take a longer time to complete than HAL had planned on. Originally it was to be done on all ships by the spring of 2005. Now it won't be completed until late in 2006. HAL is starting at the top cabin categories and working down.

:)



Krazy Kruisers, where did you get the info on the Amsterdam's dry dock? I can't find that kind of information on HAL's web site.

The Amsterdam is due to sail from Seattle on Oct 6, 2005 for a 62 day Pacific rim cruise. Hope there are no delays as I expect to board her in Singapore.

[elmorejj]

Even before dry dock, a lot of ships will be getting their SOE up grades. The Zaandam doesn`t go into dry dock until Jan 05 but most of the new things were in place after its wet dock in April 04. It only remains for the Neptune lounge and hydro pool to be added, and an extension of the casino if they are doing that....jean

[kruzkeen]

Even without a Neptune Lounge does the Zaandam have a concierge for suite passengers?

[cruisemate]

There is no separate Concierge available until the Neptune Longe arrives, until that time then all enquiries/ requests are made at the Front Desk or through the Guest Relations manager,there is always someone willing to help you.

[lknick]

SOE includes two types of changes. The first is the replacement and upgrading of selected items such as matresses, mirrors etc. These may be done while the ship is operating or at wet dock. There is also routine maintenance such as replacement of carpet, painting etc. These are usually done at wet dock and usually don't take a long period of time [usually 1 week].

Then there are the changes involving structual changes, ie 'adding steel.' or hull maintenance. These require the removal of the ship from the water, ie dry docking. [Usually 2 or more weeks]

A call to ship's services will provide a schedule.

[Melianne]

Regarding the new mattresses, are they only in the suites or were they placed in all cabins - including inside??

Thanks again. (Still dreaming about "Name that Tune" in the lounge during 12/11 cruise - 'still hope you'll be there, too!!)

[elmorejj]

Melianne, yes the new mattresses were in all cabins as far as I could tell and from conversations with an officer. Hope to see you in the piano lounge. Wish I knew who was playing in there......jean

[jan7487]

Anyone know the last time this ship was in either? Or when it is due for either?
Thanks for any input.
Janet

[Sandiz]

Was on the Zaandam in Feb 04 and Neptune Lounge and conciere were both in place and it is a great perk for the S suites. The Euro top mattresses by Sealy were quite comfortable. We also had high tea in our suite and I sure hope we don't loose this little extra. If the keep dropping off the extra's then why go for the s suite at all. I'm going on the OOsterdam next April and I hope it is as nice.