What HAL Ships have completed their Standard of Excellence upgrades?

[bepsf]

I understand that most ships now have Pinnacle Grilles and Neptune Lounges (not the Noordam, of course...) - but which ships have the upgraded beds, sheets and duvets in all staterooms?

[Krazy Kruizers]

NONE

Hal started with the PS and S categories and started working down through the various categories on all the ships. As a result - no ship has gone through the complete change. The complete change on all HAL ships is SUPPOSED to be done by 2006.

[sail7seas]

As KK says....None.


In addition to everything else, there is steel work that must be done to ships to put in the therapy pools etc

[Krazy Kruizers]

Does anyone think those therapy pools are worth the money???

Will HAL got back all the money they have spent on those pools??

Would you spend the money on those pools??

[localady]

I had used the thassolassy (sp?) pool on the Millinnieum before there was a charge (it was one of the inaugural cruises). I enjoyed the pool but not enough to pay for it. Actually I might splurge one sea day and use it depending on the itinerary. It might be nice in Alaska or the Baltic, less so in the Carribean. It will be interesting to see the pool and their fee are received by HAL pax. Does anyone know what will be removed to make way for this pool on the S class ships?:cool:

[sail7seas]

JMHO........But, you'll never catch me in it/nor DH.


It holds absolutely to appeal for me. We walked by and looked at the pool on Zuiderdam and were not tempted in the least.

[HeatherInFlorida]

There is no charge for the T-pool on the Millenium. I went in it once and wondered why. I definitely would not pay for it! Like so many other things, it's a gimmick.

[jame]

Are the Thelasso therepy pools just big hot tubs? What is the appeal?

[lipoppop]

On my June cruise on the Westerdam I passed the pool at least four times a day and only once did I see anybody in the therapy pool. Granted some of the times were on the way to breakfast in the Lido but only once is quite an understatement on its desirability. Maybe it was the cost- I think $15 a day.

It took up a lot of room that I think could have been used for something that appealed to more cruisers. :cool:

[localady]

Lipoppop-

I suspect on these therapy pools it's a case of "keeping up with the Jones". With other premium lines offering this, it seems to me that possibly HAL was doing exactly that when planning this addition. I wonder where on the "S" ships they plan to place them, I can't think of much room up on the Lido deck for one.:confused: :cool:

[RevNeal]

KK and S7S, the question was not so much about the steel work to be done in the SoE program but the stateroom and bed upgrades. Which ships are those completed on? Y'all said none, but I've heard that they are completed on at least two ships. Specifically, I had understood that the Westerdam entered service with them in-place and, about a month or so ago I read that the stateroom upgrades -- new beds, sheets, mirrors, robes, etc. -- had all been completed on the Zaandam during her wetdock just prior to the Alaska season. Have you heard differently?

[robertmartha]

Keep in mind now that Club Hal facilities are also being expanded on all their ships. As for the T pools - I guess my wife and I are in the minority.....the one on the Zuiderdam was wonderful along with the steam rooms, heated stone lounges overlooking the sea and scented showers...what a wonderful escape for a few hours. I know we would not sail on a ship without those upgrades now!!!! That's fine that they are under-utilized...no crowds is fine with us!

[jazzsea]

I believe that Veendam has also upgraded all cabin amenities.

As for the therapy pool.... I loved it on Oosterdam.

[Orcrone]

Can anyone tell me exactly what this therapy pool is, and what makes it different from a hot tub?:confused:

[peaches from georgia]

Most of the questions about the T-Pool and other Water Therapies are answered right on the HAL website:

Thalassotherapy Pool
The bubbling ocean water is rich with trace elements and vitamins, helping to re-mineralize the body. Gently heated to body temperature, the pool embraces the body with warmth, soothing sore joints, alleviating arthritic pain and offering wonderful relief for sports injuries. Nurture your sensory experience and be sure to enjoy a dip before your scheduled spa packages or therapies.

We didn't try it on the Oosterdam, but definetely will on our next cruise and am glad the other ships will have T-pools. I could use it today- my arthritis is really acting up! :(

[Orcrone]

Most of the questions about the T-Pool and other Water Therapies are answered right on the HAL website:

Thalassotherapy Pool
The bubbling ocean water is rich with trace elements and vitamins, helping to re-mineralize the body. Gently heated to body temperature, the pool embraces the body with warmth, soothing sore joints, alleviating arthritic pain and offering wonderful relief for sports injuries. Nurture your sensory experience and be sure to enjoy a dip before your scheduled spa packages or therapies.

We didn't try it on the Oosterdam, but definetely will on our next cruise and am glad the other ships will have T-pools. I could use it today- my arthritis is really acting up! :(Peaches, thanks for the info. I certainly hope that the therapy helps with your arthritis. DW's aunt has had rheumatoid arthritis since she was 30, and she's in real bad shape now, so I know how bad it can be.

[Orcrone]

Thalassotherapy Pool
The bubbling ocean water is rich with trace elements and vitamins, helping to re-mineralize the body.How do you know whether your body has been de-mineralized?:D :)

[shipcafe]

The Ryndam will be the first ship in the fleet to have ALL of the SOE elements complete and in place. That will take place during her October drydock.

I will be sailing on her 12-4-04 so I'm looking forward to seeing it all in place and providing the photos!

Steve
www.shipcafe.net

[RevNeal]

Steve,

Do you happen to know if the stateroom upgrades -- beds and sheets, in particular -- are completed on the Zaandam and the Veendam? Thanks!

[HeatherInFlorida]

Most of the questions about the T-Pool and other Water Therapies are answered right on the HAL website:

Thalassotherapy Pool
The bubbling ocean water is rich with trace elements and vitamins, helping to re-mineralize the body. Gently heated to body temperature, the pool embraces the body with warmth, soothing sore joints, alleviating arthritic pain and offering wonderful relief for sports injuries. Nurture your sensory experience and be sure to enjoy a dip before your scheduled spa packages or therapies.

;) You can get a marvelously similar effect by walking directly into the Caribbean. It's bubbling (sometimes), has been gently heated by the warm Caribbean sun, embraces the body and all the other good stuff described. Plus the eye envelops the colors of turquoise, greens and blues of the sea while it takes in the indigo dome of the sky above.

Mmmmmmm.....I'm there.....:)

[RevNeal]

Can anyone tell me exactly what this therapy pool is, and what makes it different from a hot tub?

I had always just assumed that the difference between a hot tup and a therapy pool was that, in the therapy pool one slips into the hot, bubbling water and a scantily clad psychiatrist comes along and asks you about traumatic events in your childhood. :D ;)

[RevNeal]

How do you know whether your body has been de-mineralized?

If an EEEEEVIL corporation starts trying to strip-mine you, you'll know you're not yet de-mineralized. :D ;)

[jhannah]

How do you know whether your body has been de-mineralized?:D :)Your teeth start falling out!

[elmorejj]

Greg, when we were on the Zaandam, everything was in place except the new hairdryers and new linens and towels. They are probably there by now. I didn`t like the new ice buckets at all....so small and hardly hold any ice. The beds are wonderful.....jean :cool:

[bepsf]

Hmmm...

Thassilotherapy = Salt Water Jacuzzi = $15/day Gimmic
I'd rather take a bubble bath in my jacuzzi tub in the suite...

Does anyone know if Amsterdam has any of the upgrades?

[LAFFNVEGAS]

The Ryndam will be the first ship in the fleet to have ALL of the SOE elements complete and in place. That will take place during her October drydock.

I will be sailing on her 12-4-04 so I'm looking forward to seeing it all in place and providing the photos!

Steve
www.shipcafe.net (http://www.shipcafe.net)
Steve, Thanks for the info, This is exciting since we sail on her November 13th. Looking forward especially since this will be our first suite.:D

[robertmartha]

Steve

Look forward to your posting when you return. Curious as to how the T-pools will be incorporated onto the s class ships as well as the just announced upgraded club hal areas. With these enhancements my wife and I and our two girls will be thrilled!!!!!!

Bob

[mrswynn]

I contacted HA and was told that the Volendam has been upgraded as far as the staterooms are concerned. They responded very quickly. Why not go onto their web site and ask about your particular ship? Looking forward to ten days 11/6 and those wonderful new beds!

[richkat]

Steve,

Do you happen to know if the stateroom upgrades -- beds and sheets, in particular -- are completed on the Zaandam and the Veendam? Thanks!

How about the Zuiderdam? :)

Thanks,
R&K

[jdrblue]

As noted by others the Westerdam has all of the upgrades. The linens and bedding are very nice touches. I suspect the T-pool is part of the general trend in the hospitality industry. All of the leading resorts are featuring elaborate new spas. The QM2 has a Canyon Ranch Spa. I also noticed very little use of the T-pool on the Westerdam.

[drk]

We have used the T-pools on 2 Celebrity ships because they were no charge. It's enjoyable but I wouldn't pay extra for it...at least not more than a couple bucks a shot. My question is...on the vista class ships do you also have to pay to use the sauna? I would really miss that treat on our December Zuiderdam sailing.

[xpcdoojk]

Regarding the T pools on Celebrity, and my personal experience. I am not a big lay by the pool kind of guy, but I have spent more time in the T pool on the Millenium than all other pools on all other cruises added up. On the Mille it is in a great solarium room and the pool is very refreshing. It is not very deep and it is a great little wave pool. I wouldn't pay to play in it, but I did enjoy it.

Is there a way that we can post on a thread what categories on what ships have been converted as of this time, and then update it as things change. I know that I am looking forward to improved bedding on our upcoming cruise!

jc

[Leslieswiger]

Hello Brian,

Peter and I will be doing the Amsterdam from Valparaiso - Seattle on April 5,05. We are in a category A Verandah Suite. HAL told us that the "SOE" has been done only for the following category: PS, S and A. HAL also said that by April, more should have been done. Trust that I have been of some help. Leslie:)