Eurodam Is It Me?

[mariner]

Not getting a great vibe here.
I get there are rough point on a maiden voyage.
But HAL seems to be treating its loyal bunch like crap.
Just my ho.

[marle7]

I'll see how it plays out over the next 23 days, but so far, I'm not regretting switching my Eurodam cruise to the Westerdam!

[jtl513]

Given that 80% of the crew is experienced and it is so much like a Vista, I would have thought things would go much smoother ... :confused:

[Northshorecruisers]

I would have expected things to be better for the passengers. I was very disturbed at Rev Neil's experience over breakfast.
We will have to see what happens. Any inaugural sailing will have it's bumps. I hope they get things figured out and can return to the gracious service that we've come to expect from HAL.

[californiacruiseluvrs]

I am not surprised. It is a shame, but Holland America has gone down hill. It is sad that HAL was once a very luxurious and revered lined with a true level of quality and service which was unparalleled. The last few times I was on HAL it was clear that nobody who worked on board really gave a crap. Unfortunately, I have noticed this on most of the Carnival products - in my opinion keep in mind.

As far as mass market cruising goes RCCL and Celebrity products have really jumped far ahead of the Carnival products in mastering the "experience".

Just my 2 cents :)

[Krazy Kruizers]

Given that 80% of the crew is experienced and it is so much like a Vista, I would have thought things would go much smoother ... :confused:

I agree!!

[Krazy Kruizers]

I have read RevNeal's and Brian's report -- things just don't sound too good right now.

Certainly hope that things improve.

We were on the Inaugural cruise in 1998 for the Grand Princess and things went much better than what I read here for the Eurodam.

[DFD1]

It has been discussed here on other threads that the first few cruises on most new ships are a mixed bag at best. I'm sorry, but not surprised about the service lapses on Eurodam.

We have made it a practice over the years to give a ship a few weeks or a month or two before we sail on her.

We sail on Eurodam October 25, and we're very excited about it....and hope the kinks are worked out before that sailing.

I have to admit though, that I'm missing all the excitement that Greg and all the troops have enjoyed the last few days. Sounds like great fun.

[helenp2]

I am not surprised. It is a shame, but Holland America has gone down hill. It is sad that HAL was once a very luxurious and revered lined with a true level of quality and service which was unparalleled. The last few times I was on HAL it was clear that nobody who worked on board really gave a crap. Unfortunately, I have noticed this on most of the Carnival products - in my opinion keep in mind.

As far as mass market cruising goes RCCL and Celebrity products have really jumped far ahead of the Carnival products in mastering the "experience".

Just my 2 cents :)


I can't speak for all of the Carnival products, but having sailed RCCL (never again) and Celebrity a few times, in my opinion they don't even begin to compare to HAL. The service on HAL is just wonderful. Sure they have some problems once in a while, BUT.........when I am in HAL's dining room their servers never, ever have a problem communicating with each other. UNLIKE RCCL & Celebrity where we had a server from Romania and his assistant from Jamaica and neither one understood the other - very frustrating not just for the guests, but I'm sure for them as well.

It's not for nothing that HAL is known as "The Spotless Fleet". All of their ships are beautifully maintained by a truly caring staff. Unfortunately we found the housekeeping (especially on RCCL) to be lacking. From the first day on board when we went to the lido for lunch we saw problems that you just won't see on HAL's ships.

The cabins on HAL are very spacious with baths very well equipped. And, btw, that goes for everything from a SA down to an inside cabin. ALL of the bedding on HAL is by far superior to RCCL & Celebrity. We found the cabin on RCCL to be extremely small and Celebrity's not too much bigger.

So, IMO these two cruiselines are positively a step down from HAL. But to each his own. Maybe I am looking for more than a skating rink, rockwall, and grand promanade to share with 3000+ other passengers.

[mamaofami]

I think we need to give the Eurodam and its staff a bit of time. My bet is that by the time this cruise is over, our CCers will be reporting that things are going smoothly. The space in the Lido is a definite problem that can only be fixed by removing those cabanas, but time will have to be given for someone upstairs to see that that has to happen.

[Sir PMP]

Not getting a great vibe here.
I get there are rough point on a maiden voyage.
But HAL seems to be treating its loyal bunch like crap.
Just my ho.

Maybe this ship is doomed from the start, all existing ships in the HAL fleet are named after existing dams in The Netherlands, a 'Eurodam' does not exist in Holland.. Carnival should bring this ship back into their fleet and rename it or leave it and let just the 'Europeans' cruise on it, we are happy with the 4 sisters in the Vista class..

[Boytjie]

Maybe this ship is doomed from the start, all existing ships in the HAL fleet are named after existing dams in The Netherlands, a 'Eurodam' does not exist in Holland.. Carnival should bring this ship back into their fleet and rename it or leave it and let just the 'Europeans' cruise on it, we are happy with the 4 sisters in the Vista class..

Superstitious much? :rolleyes:

And just who are the 'we' that you claim to be the representative spokesperson for?

[Taxguy77]

Far from our experience on Celebrity. We had the best wait service we have ever had on land or sea! Maybe because the assistant Matre'd (sp) was the hardest working man on board.:) The room was always well done, and very clean.

[sail7seas]

I think the fact they entertained some 40,000 + guests during the Inauguration festivities is also a factor. There are still TA, travel writers and the like aboard and they are sometimes VERY demanding. That can take the energy away from the 'just regular' pax as hard as the crew tries to keep all happy.

We've seen some TA's with attitude who are outrageous over the max that well could be overwhelming the crew. We were the sad, unhappy recipients of mouthing off by 'entitled TA's' on more than one cruise. More than once we were told "We're the TA's, we'll take that elevator!!" Well excuse me....we're just the paying passengers and you will wait your turn!"

Wait until things settle down and the crew gets in their rythmn. No reason to think this crew will not be just as wonderful as HAL crews on all the ships. HAL is very good at 'whipping ships into shape' and I sincerely believe Eurodam will be no exception.

To my eyes, she looks gorgeous and we can't wait to sail her in March.
We have had a number of e-mails from Dutch friends/crew who were aboard for festivities and they are all raving how beautiful Eurodam is. They think her fabulous!

[Sir PMP]

Superstitious much? :rolleyes:

And just who are the 'we' that you claim to be the representative spokesperson for?

People that know the HAL from the old days with excellent service and less Carnival mentality!

[NancyIL]

I can't speak for all of the Carnival products, but having sailed RCCL (never again) and Celebrity a few times, in my opinion they don't even begin to compare to HAL. The service on HAL is just wonderful. Sure they have some problems once in a while, BUT.........when I am in HAL's dining room their servers never, ever have a problem communicating with each other. UNLIKE RCCL & Celebrity where we had a server from Romania and his assistant from Jamaica and neither one understood the other - very frustrating not just for the guests, but I'm sure for them as well.

It's not for nothing that HAL is known as "The Spotless Fleet". All of their ships are beautifully maintained by a truly caring staff. Unfortunately we found the housekeeping (especially on RCCL) to be lacking. From the first day on board when we went to the lido for lunch we saw problems that you just won't see on HAL's ships.

The cabins on HAL are very spacious with baths very well equipped. And, btw, that goes for everything from a SA down to an inside cabin. ALL of the bedding on HAL is by far superior to RCCL & Celebrity. We found the cabin on RCCL to be extremely small and Celebrity's not too much bigger.

So, IMO these two cruiselines are positively a step down from HAL. But to each his own. Maybe I am looking for more than a skating rink, rockwall, and grand promanade to share with 3000+ other passengers.

Well, Helen - my very first cruise was on the Zaandam in 2004, and it wasn't a great cruise. I had NO interest in trying another HAL ship after that. My next cruise was on Royal Caribbean and I loved it. While RCI cabins haven't magically increased in size, they do have new comfy bedding on all their ships.

I am giving HAL another chance in 3 weeks on the Veendam to Alaska due to its itinerary - in spite of my past mediocre HAL cruise.

[Opinions]

The cabins on HAL are very spacious with baths very well equipped. And, btw, that goes for everything from a SA down to an inside cabin.

Most of the inside cabins on the Vista class ships are very small...We had a Category J on the Zuiderdam and it certainly was not spacious...There are a few J and K's that are larger.The insides on the older ships are larger.

[sail7seas]

The category "SA" and "PS" are larger on other ships than the Vistas.....it isn't just Insides. ;) That said, those cabins are still very large and comfortable.

[Jade13]

As far as mass market cruising goes RCCL and Celebrity products have really jumped far ahead of the Carnival products in mastering the "experience".

Just my 2 cents :)

And mine was just the opposite, My Westerdam experience last year was just about perfect and Celebrity Century was not (but still a good value and very pretty ship). My Century review is posted on the CC review Section under February.

[Jade13]

I am giving HAL another chance in 3 weeks on the Veendam to Alaska due to its itinerary - in spite of my past mediocre HAL cruise.

I have been on the Veendam in Alaska and loved both the ship and itinerary. Have a wonderful time.

[innlady1]

I think the fact they entertained some 40,000 + guests during the Inauguration festivities is also a factor. There are still TA, travel writers and the like aboard and they are sometimes VERY demanding. That can take the energy away from the 'just regular' pax as hard as the crew tries to keep all happy.

We've seen some TA's with attitude who are outrageous over the max that well could be overwhelming the crew. We were the sad, unhappy recipients of mouthing off by 'entitled TA's' on more than one cruise. More than once we were told "We're the TA's, we'll take that elevator!!" Well excuse me....we're just the paying passengers and you will wait your turn!"

Wait until things settle down and the crew gets in their rythmn. No reason to think this crew will not be just as wonderful as HAL crews on all the ships. HAL is very good at 'whipping ships into shape' and I sincerely believe Eurodam will be no exception.

To my eyes, she looks gorgeous and we can't wait to sail her in March.

We have had a number of e-mails from Dutch friends/crew who were aboard for festivities and they are all raving how beautiful Eurodam is. They think her fabulous!


That's so true, sail. I'm not sure why, but it is. When I get a call here and someone announces they are a travel agent (i.e., I want special treatment...plus a discount), I do the :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: on this end of the phone! It doesn't cut any mustard with me...and they're not given

Having said that, personally, I don't think I'd enjoy a cruise overrun with travel agents. That's just my personal opinion.

TA's expect to be catered to, and I'm sure the crew is given the head's up by the powers that be to do just that.

[JLC@SD]

Here is what turns me off about these large ships.....imagine this place on Eurodam.........packed with people fighting over chairs.....

http://bp2.blogger.com/_kE65yMNuMlI/SGjLW1gVjSI/AAAAAAAADNI/0zl02BvZMLg/s320/euromidtopdeck1.jpg

[NancyIL]

I have been on the Veendam in Alaska and loved both the ship and itinerary. Have a wonderful time.

Thank you - I hope to have a great cruise.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

I for one think that rather than form an OPINION NOW we need to just sit back relax and see future reports. I joined CC in early 2003 a few months after the Zuiderdam came into the fleet and in my research to have the Zuiderdam be our first HAL ship I can remember reading numerous comments pretty much the same as what we are reading now except actually worse:eek: This board and the majority HAL cruisers posting around the time of her Inaugural thought and posted all kinds of dislike for the new Zuiderdam. So much so I came close to considering Celebrity but I stayed with my gut instinct to go with HAL and I am glad I did.

Of course there is going to be some kinks, this is a brand new crew that have never worked together, a brand new ship that I am sure many things are not positioned the same as the Vista ships were, I am sure the crew are tired from getting ready and not doing a normal routine. There are just so many new things that to expect perfection is just plain wrong.

Yes, there could be somethings that HAL finds do not fit and will make some changes. This first three days is basically a Dress Rehearsal and in the weeks to come the flow of things will run smoothly and I am sure reports that will come in will be the HAL we all know and love. :)

[KLLund]

Lisa that pretty much echos my thoughts.

We were on the 3rd cruise of the Oosterdam .. and people on the way to the ship were worried about all the negatives they had read .. but minds got changed pretty darn fast and it was wonderful.

The first impressions of a 3 day inaugural that is geared to TAs is not the time to judge. Anxiously awaiting next weeks reviews .. is suspect kinks will start to be worked out quite well.

We maybe not about the cabanas .. I just don't see there ever being agreement here .. but it will be interesting the first time someone that actually rents one posts about it.

[Cuttle]

I for one think that rather than form an OPINION NOW we need to just sit back relax and see future reports.

Yes, there could be somethings that HAL finds do not fit and will make some changes. This first three days is basically a Dress Rehearsal and in the weeks to come the flow of things will run smoothly and I am sure reports that will come in will be the HAL we all know and love. :)

Well said! I totally agree, it is a dress rehearsal. Give HAL a chance. There will be glitches that cannot be avoided. Most new endeavors, shows, resorts, etc. experience problems and you don't know about them. In this day and age, with the power of the internet, positive and negative comments, and photos, are round the world in a flash. A few years ago, when new ships came on line no one would have been aware of any problems and discussions such as on the message boards, would not have happened. Now we all know too much. Have patience!

[Spender Nui]

Although I agree the reports are far from glowing, it is the inaugural and they're always iffy. That said, I'm not encouraged by what I'm reading.

[mariner]

I just compare these reports with the NOORDAM's maiden voyage. Vastly different.

I also think it was a bit tacky for HAL to charge $100 for the christening only to get one glass of champange and the bum's rush out the door.

Also think it was not a good thing to make people who are paying for a 23-day cruise to stay ashore while the freeloaders (TA's) get a night aboard. The dollar isn't going far these days.

We did a junket on VEENDAM and the service was flawless. Just not getting that sense here.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

I just compare these reports with the NOORDAM's maiden voyage. Vastly different.



In my opinion the Noordam cannot be compared to the Eurodam. The Noordam was the 4th and last of the Vista Class ships and they pretty much had it down how they were going to be doing things. Now while YES I agree that the Eurodam is basically a Vista Class to some degree but she is a Signature Class and there are numerous difference. I would rather think it be more of a comparison to the Zuiderdam and even the Oosterdam when the first few weeks were NOT perfect.

ALso the Inaugural was done in the United States, not that it should make any difference but.... many of the plans for the Inaugural I am sure are made from Seattle and making them for New York was most likely a bit easier than the coordination of doing this from across the pond.

[mariner]

Lisa,

Keep making excuses all you want.

Fact is, Americans paid double to attend these festivites. They should have had their act together. They didn't.

Yeah, first ship in the class. Not like Carnival hasn't launch something bigger.

If it was your dollar, you'd be cranked.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

I am not arguing the fact that the ceremony was a bit over priced but it is what it is. For those that attended it was about having the opportunity to do this and most likely it was a once in a life time thing.

But with that being said my comments are not about the actual Christening which I did not assume your OP was either:confused:


I am just talking about the first three days and about some of the complaining.

[fcorey]

Lisa,

Keep making excuses all you want.

Fact is, Americans paid double to attend these festivites. They should have had their act together. They didn't.

Yeah, first ship in the class. Not like Carnival hasn't launch something bigger.

If it was your dollar, you'd be cranked.

I wouldnt expect the first month of sailings to be perfect. I am sure it takes a while to get a crew of that size online and working together well. Even if they have prior experience. There are just going to be some issues. I think Greg's (revneal) post about the crowded lido and such are cause for some concern. But I think its going to take some time to see how things will shake out. Maybe they will get better...
As for the cost of attending the ceremony/dedication etc, nobody was forced to attend, it wasnt a requirement to attend if you were on the 3 day preview.
The cost for Americans travelling abroad is high now. Our economy is taking a beating and the exchange rates are not in our favor, that isnt the cruise line's fault. I travel for work and even in South America it not as cheap as it used to be. Europe is just prohibitively expensive, cruising is one way to limit some of that cost, but its not what I would call a bargain.

[Chivalrygirl]

Whats all this talk of inaugral?? A ship taking its first voyage is its Maiden voyage, therefore this vessel is still but just a MAIDEN, give it a chance, people paid $100 by choice, no one forced them, did they?

[Boytjie]

Also think it was not a good thing to make people who are paying for a 23-day cruise to stay ashore while the freeloaders (TA's) get a night aboard. The dollar isn't going far these days.

The TAs will bring in money in the future, that's why they are treated well.

[kryos]

We will have to see what happens. Any inaugural sailing will have it's bumps. I hope they get things figured out and can return to the gracious service that we've come to expect from HAL.
I am hoping that these "bumps" are only due to an unusually large number of people being aboard for this sailing. Hopefully, once the Eurodam has been in service for a while, and the "novelty" has worn off, the ship won't be as crowded and these problems ... such as the one RevNeal had ... will be gone.

Oh, and it would be a good thing if the Lido cabanas blew out to sea one night as well. :)

Blue skies ...

--rita

[kryos]

As for the cost of attending the ceremony/dedication etc, nobody was forced to attend, it wasnt a requirement to attend if you were on the 3 day preview.

True, those who paid the $100 did so by choice.

But I still think it was awfully tacky of HAL to charge people who had already paid the big bucks to be on that three-day preview voyage. I think only those not sailing after the ceremony should have been charged if they wanted to attend ... not those who were gonna be onboard, in many cases not just for the three-day preview voyage, but for the one after that too ... making it what? A total of 23 days?

Tacky, tacky, tacky. :(

Blue skies ...

--rita

[kryos]

Also think it was not a good thing to make people who are paying for a 23-day cruise to stay ashore while the freeloaders (TA's) get a night aboard. The dollar isn't going far these days.

I agree, but unfortunately those TA's are HAL's lifeblood. HAL has to impress them with this new ship ... treat them like royalty (trust me, they didn't pay a nickle to attend those ceremonies), and give them a free night onboard so that they would be impressed by the ship and go home and sell it to their clients. Without those travel agents, HAL would be sunk ... literally.

And, it's not just travel agents ... but travel writers that were onboard as well. HAL needs those travel writers to go home and write pieces extolling the virtues of the Eurodam so that a buzz is created making people want to sail her.

Yes, it may not seem fair ... but there was a very good reason why paying passengers had to stay in land-based hotels for the night while the "freeloading," as you call them, TA's got a free night onboard. HAL's lifeblood is in the bookings those TA's will bring to the line for years to come. So, you'd better believe HAL is gonna take very, very good care of them.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[Rhea58]

I've been biting my tongue but can hold no longer as I follow all the
Eurodam's posts.

Firstly, color me cheap but I would never pay for an inaugural cruise
because inaugural is just that. New ship, new crew & a myriad of
kinks waiting to be ironed out. So for big bucks, unhappiness will ensue.

However, as a HAL fan & a career in marketing/PR, I am quite disturbed w/the $100 fee to attend said ceremonies. The cruisers (Rev Neal et al) that have been a long-time revenue stream should have been given a 'pass' to these ceremonies especially since they have forked over mega-bucks for these 23 days w/problems that will surely occur.

Charging extra to sit in hot sun w/1 brief libation in a ceremony not only poorly executed but also having poor performances is unacceptable.
One wonders how clueless management is since they had plenty of time
to coordinate this event.

As for comments re TA's, they are necessary to HAL's investment in the
Eurodam. Without positive hype, those cabins will remain empty.

Cabana's to add to that revenue stream was obviously a poor decision
& if "the exclusivity" of paying for such is Hal's thinking, they need to go
back to the drawing board.

[Rhea58]

I've been biting my tongue but can hold no longer as I follow all the
Eurodam's posts.

Firstly, color me cheap but I would never pay for an inaugural cruise
because inaugural is just that. New ship, new crew & a myriad of
kinks waiting to be ironed out. So for big bucks, unhappiness will ensue.

However, as a HAL fan & a career in marketing/PR, I am quite disturbed w/the $100 fee to attend said ceremonies. The cruisers (Rev Neal et al) that have been a long-time revenue stream should have been given a 'pass' to these ceremonies especially since they have forked over mega-bucks for these 23 days w/problems that will surely occur.

Charging extra to sit in hot sun w/1 brief libation in a ceremony not only poorly executed but also having poor performances is unacceptable.
One wonders how clueless management is since they had plenty of time
to coordinate this event.

As for comments re TA's, they are necessary to HAL's investment in the
Eurodam. Without positive hype, those cabins will remain empty.

Cabana's to add to that revenue stream was obviously a poor decision
& if "the exclusivity" of paying for such is Hal's thinking, they need to go
back to the drawing board.

[silvercruiser]

I was on the second 7-day sailing of the Zaandam back in '99 and I'd never do it again. The crew members were complaining about their jobs and each other in front of passengers. They were obviously an unhappy bunch. I don't mean the waitstaff or cabin attendents, but the so-called upper echelon. The hung around the Lido tables and complained all the time.

[silvercruiser]

After being a passenger on the Marco Polo for almosst 5 weeks back in '97 a group of TAs were brought onboard for three long days. I assumed they'd be interested in talking to real passengers to learn more about life on the ship, but no, they were too busy networking with each other and acting like big shots to speak to even one of us.

[sail7seas]

Every time we have been aboard when there is a sizeable group of TA's either visiting for lunch or sailing for a night or two, they have a superior attitude and push their way ahead of paying guests as though we are 'an impediment to their enjoyment'. SOME are so full of their own importance, it is quite ugly.

Certainly this is NOT true of all of them but unfortunatley MANY. Some are greedy and grabbing and demanding and rude. Again, NOT ALL but too many.

[Copper10-8]

Here's what we're experiencing on Eurodam:

New ship
New crew (not "worked in" yet)
Full load of pax (many of them first-time cruisers)
Lots of "extra's" (we've had lots of visitors/VIPs/TAs onboard in R'dam, Hamburg and today in Kobenhaven)
Lots of brass from Seattle present (adding extra presure on the crew)

This is a "shake down" cruise!!! Problems have and will continue to materialize until the bugs have been worked out! We all knew this when we signed on

Unpleasant sometimes? Yep, but you deal with it and move on! We're having a great time:)

[tsd1]

Thanks for your review Copper. So much has been posted by you, Rev. Neal and others that I can't remember where I read the comments about the seats in the main lounge. Is it true that they are narrow and the armrests are high? Can the armrests be flipped up to make the seats wider?
Sheila

[jtl513]

Here's what we're experiencing on Eurodam:

Thanks Copper! What's your general impression of the ship itself? Nicer/same/worse than what you expected from the pictures?

[innlady1]

Here's what we're experiencing on Eurodam:

New ship
New crew (not "worked in" yet)
Full load of pax (many of them first-time cruisers)
Lots of "extra's" (we've had lots of visitors/VIPs/TAs onboard in R'dam, Hamburg and today in Kobenhaven)
Lots of brass from Seattle present (adding extra presure on the crew)
This is a "shake down" cruise!!! Problems have and will continue to materialize until the bugs have been worked out! We all knew this when we signed on

Unpleasant sometimes? Yep, but you deal with it and move on! We're having a great time:)


I'm glad you have a positive attitude, Copper. You're a glass is half full kind of guy! Enjoy...and welcome to all of the CCer's joining you in Copenhagen today!

[Nutrioso]

"Doomed", Sir PMP?? My experience, over quite a few years of cruising on quite a few different lines, has been that a new ship takes several months to develop its product. Service, efficiency and the unique HAL cultural ambiance will be perfected over time. Give the Eurodam and her crew a couple of months. The traditional and expected HAL customer delivery system WILL BE THERE, given time. ---- Penny

[Sea King]

I get there are rough point on a maiden voyage.
But HAL seems to be treating its loyal bunch like crap.


wonder what department on Elliott Avenue handles "crap":eek:

don't necessarily agree with your "term" but certainly with your sentiments

this event was a far cry from the Christening of the Noordam in New York

the Eurodam event seemed to be "tilted" to Royalty first not loyalty), "high ranking guests", travel agents and finally on the bottom rung, the passengers

but, as long as the money comes in, nothing else will matter

wonder whether Stein and the Miami contingent will get it:rolleyes:

then again .. bookings are up so why should they care

[esther e]

Every time we have been aboard when there is a sizeable group of TA's either visiting for lunch or sailing for a night or two, they have a superior attitude and push their way ahead of paying guests as though we are 'an impediment to their enjoyment'. SOME are so full of their own importance, it is quite ugly.

Certainly this is NOT true of all of them but unfortunatley MANY. Some are greedy and grabbing and demanding and rude. Again, NOT ALL but too many.

Hmmm, I get satisfaction out of knowing I'm not working for a living and they are. ha, ha, ha!!!!!:p

[sail7seas]

Yes, that is true.

But they are there for free and we certainly are not! ;)

[innlady1]

Yes, that is true.

But they are there for free and we certainly are not! ;)



Question for you, sail. Do the TA's or travel writers wear name tags? I'm wondering if the crew knows who they are, therefore, preferential treatment?

[sail7seas]

If they are aboard for lunch and a tour on embarkation day or a port day, they wear a 'visitor pass' clipped to their clothing or purse. NOT all people wearing a Visitor's Pass are TA's though.
In the case of overnights, no.....they do not wear any ID.


Actually, it always was and I assume still is HAL's policy that TA's are not to do anything that could be construed as soliciting business from guests while they are aboard.

[esther e]

If they are aboard for lunch and a tour on embarkation day or a port day, they wear a 'visitor pass' clipped to their clothing or purse. NOT all people wearing a Visitor's Pass are TA's though.
In the case of overnights, no.....they do not wear any ID.


Actually, it always was and I assume still is HAL's policy that TA's are not to do anything that could be construed as soliciting business from guests while they are aboard.

Hee, hee, I assume they stay away from the cabanas, then? Ewww, that was nasty of me, wasn't it??? Sorry if I offended anyone, but I couldn't resist!!!:D

[sail7seas]

:) Didn't offend me any!!! But I'm not and never have been a TA. :D

[mariner]

When we were on the VEENDAM junket, we were the only 2 pax who weren't TAs.

Other than touring the ship and a few rah-rah seminars, they spent most of the time drinking the free booze. Have never since boarded a HAL ship and seen that much drinking or dancing in the Crow's.

Sea King, I believe that falls under Bill Prince's dept.

[calm_seas]

IMHO, the Noordam Inaugural (not counting embarkation Grrrr....), went better than the 3 day Prelude for Eurodam... But, as everyone has pointed out, give the ship a chance! I will do a comparison with Greg when I board for the 3 day NYC cruise on 8/27. (However, remember, embarkation in NYC cannot be compared with anywhere until they get the new piers finished:rolleyes:

[shipcafe]

I've been biting my tongue but can hold no longer as I follow all the
Eurodam's posts.

Firstly, color me cheap but I would never pay for an inaugural cruise
because inaugural is just that. New ship, new crew & a myriad of
kinks waiting to be ironed out. So for big bucks, unhappiness will ensue.

However, as a HAL fan & a career in marketing/PR, I am quite disturbed w/the $100 fee to attend said ceremonies. The cruisers (Rev Neal et al) that have been a long-time revenue stream should have been given a 'pass' to these ceremonies especially since they have forked over mega-bucks for these 23 days w/problems that will surely occur.

Charging extra to sit in hot sun w/1 brief libation in a ceremony not only poorly executed but also having poor performances is unacceptable.
One wonders how clueless management is since they had plenty of time
to coordinate this event.

As for comments re TA's, they are necessary to HAL's investment in the
Eurodam. Without positive hype, those cabins will remain empty.

Cabana's to add to that revenue stream was obviously a poor decision
& if "the exclusivity" of paying for such is Hal's thinking, they need to go
back to the drawing board.

As I've stated in another thread, I was in line at the Front Office today and one of the biggest gripes was that certain guests wanted to reserve certain cabanas for the 20 day sailing when they had already been booked and fully sold.

Given that this concept has been successful with Oceania, Princess, etc., and that they are fully booking on HAL, perhaps it just might suggest that it was not a complete waste of investment?

[shipcafe]

Here is what turns me off about these large ships.....imagine this place on Eurodam.........packed with people fighting over chairs.....

http://bp2.blogger.com/_kE65yMNuMlI/SGjLW1gVjSI/AAAAAAAADNI/0zl02BvZMLg/s320/euromidtopdeck1.jpg

Is that an art rendering?

I am aboard right now and have not seen such a "sea of chairs" while aboard thus far. The deck space is rather expansive.

[Taxguy77]

As I've stated in another thread, I was in line at the Front Office today and one of the biggest gripes was that certain guests wanted to reserve certain cabanas for the 20 day sailing when they had already been booked and fully sold.

Given that this concept has been successful with Oceania, Princess, etc., and that they are fully booking on HAL, perhaps it just might suggest that it was not a complete waste of investment?

Maybe not, the loss of just my wife and I won't hurt them.:(

[jtl513]

Given that this concept has been successful with Oceania, Princess, etc., and that they are fully booking on HAL, perhaps it just might suggest that it was not a complete waste of investment?But if the 8 Lido cabanas are rented out to produce income of $480/day and make 16 to 32 people happy, that means somewhere around 99% of the ship could be irritated about not being able to find a table to sit and eat. That doesn't sound like a smart trade-off to me.

[mamaofami]

Every time we have been aboard when there is a sizeable group of TA's either visiting for lunch or sailing for a night or two, they have a superior attitude and push their way ahead of paying guests as though we are 'an impediment to their enjoyment'. SOME are so full of their own importance, it is quite ugly.

Certainly this is NOT true of all of them but unfortunatley MANY. Some are greedy and grabbing and demanding and rude. Again, NOT ALL but too many.

Gee, I have visions of lots of Ta's on board for the three day cruise out of NYC. Sounds like that could cause a problem then too. Do they really get to sail for free? Or is it a greatly reduced rate? We had no trouble getting the Crow's nest for almost 90 of us for our Meet and Greet.

[jtl513]

Gee, I have visions of lots of Ta's on board for the three day cruise out of NYC. Sounds like that could cause a problem then too.Me too for Oct 15-18 out of FLL. Please post or email me after you get back. :) :)

[innlady1]

Gee, I have visions of lots of Ta's on board for the three day cruise out of NYC. Sounds like that could cause a problem then too. Do they really get to sail for free? Or is it a greatly reduced rate? We had no trouble getting the Crow's nest for almost 90 of us for our Meet and Greet.

I'm sure you'll have lots of TA's from the USA...and media and travel writers and assorted VIP's who didn't make it over to Europe for this Pre-Inaugural.

They don't pay, Carol. They're called FAM (familiarization) trips. We get calls here from the Chamber or from the New England Innkeeping associaton we belong to, every so often, to see if we'd be willing to put up a travel writer here, gratis, on a "FAM" trip. Very often, it seems they just want a free vacation.

It will be interesting to hear how it plays out on your 3 day cruise.

[kryos]

Gee, I have visions of lots of Ta's on board for the three day cruise out of NYC. Sounds like that could cause a problem then too. Do they really get to sail for free? Or is it a greatly reduced rate? We had no trouble getting the Crow's nest for almost 90 of us for our Meet and Greet.Usually TA's get to sail for free if they represent agencies that book a lot of business with the cruise line. Travel writers too are often invited to sail in order to facilitate their evaluations of a new ship or a ship fresh out of drydock or whatever, and those travel writers are generally ones that HAL has experience with and knows their writing is solid and their audience is a widespread one.

Believe me, for the most part, those are not "pleasure junkets" for the TA's or the travel writers. They had to do a lot of work to get there. In the case of the writer, he/she will do a lot of work both onboard (taking pictures and notes, talking to lots of people, conducting interviews, etc.), and even more when he/she gets home (writing up stories -- often multiple ones) about the sailing. The TA's too earned those trips by booking tons of business on HAL in the past. They will continue to earn those trips by going home and booking more and more business on HAL and especially on the Eurodam.

So, it's not all a walk in the park getting these "free" trips. In fact, it can frankly represent a heck of a lot of work ... almost to the point of making the overnight or couple of day junket not worth it. In other words, it might be better just to go ahead and pay for your cruise so that you can truly relax and enjoy it.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[kryos]

They don't pay, Carol. They're called FAM (familiarization) trips. We get calls here from the Chamber or from the New England Innkeeping associaton we belong to, every so often, to see if we'd be willing to put up a travel writer here, gratis, on a "FAM" trip. Very often, it seems they just want a free vacation.


In my humble opinion, I would have to say that if I were wearing your boots, I wouldn't let them off that easy. If I gave them a free room, they'd be taking a tour with me of all the inn's facilities, getting a lot of background information, maybe a tour of the local area so that they can see what's available, and other "familiarization" type activities. They wouldn't just be sitting in that room enjoying a vacation on my nickle. I'd want to know when the article about my inn was going to appear in the publication they represent, and if one didn't ... I'd be complaining to their editor.

I can't imagine taking advantage of a free cruise ... or even being allowed to take advantage of a free cruise by my editor, boss or whoever ... without having to produce something in return, because you know what they say ... and it's very true ... few things in life are truly "free."

Blue skies ...

--rita

[kryos]

Duplicate post. Sorry. :(

Blue skies ...

--rita

[mamaofami]

No way will I let anything, including TAs ruin my cruise. I already have a reservation at the Pinnacle, and will get one ASAP at Tamarind when we board. If it's crowded at the Lido, I'll hang out on my veranda, at the aft pool or on the Promenade deck. Hopefully, the shows will be extra speciall since they will want to impress the TAs. It is what it is , and I figured on that when we signed on. No matter how many TAs are on board, the ship can only hold so many people. What I never did consider is that since it's before school starts in NY, how many kids might be along for the ride.:eek:

On another thread, someone mentioned that one of them gets a table and the other gets the food at the Lido. That only works if there are more than one of you sailing together.

[innlady1]

In my humble opinion, I would have to say that if I were wearing your boots, I wouldn't let them off that easy. If I gave them a free room, they'd be taking a tour with me of all the inn's facilities, getting a lot of background information, maybe a tour of the local area so that they can see what's available, and other "familiarization" type activities. They wouldn't just be sitting in that room enjoying a vacation on my nickle. I'd want to know when the article about my inn was going to appear in the publication they represent, and if one didn't ... I'd be complaining to their editor.

I can't imagine taking advantage of a free cruise ... or even being allowed to take advantage of a free cruise by my editor, boss or whoever ... without having to produce something in return, because you know what they say ... and it's very true ... few things in life are truly "free."

Blue skies ...

--rita


Rita,

That's true. I have a friend here who is a travel agent (she owns her own agency and has developed a very successful business. I know that when she goes on these FAM trips, it's to learn as much as she can about the ship so that she can better inform her clients.

Here, usually the larger properties are asked to "donate" rooms for the FAM trips here, so it doesn't affect us much. In 15 years, I've only seen a handful of requests go out to the the smaller properties.

What's annoying to me are the TA's who call me directly and try to get a discount on a room because of their job...and always at a peak time.

[innlady1]

No way will I let anything, including TAs ruin my cruise. I already have a reservation at the Pinnacle, and will get one ASAP at Tamarind when we board. If it's crowded at the Lido, I'll hang out on my veranda, at the aft pool or on the Promenade deck. Hopefully, the shows will be extra speciall since they will want to impress the TAs. It is what it is , and I figured on that when we signed on. No matter how many TAs are on board, the ship can only hold so many people. What I never did consider is that since it's before school starts in NY, how many kids might be along for the ride.:eek:

On another thread, someone mentioned that one of them gets a table and the other gets the food at the Lido. That only works if there are more than one of you sailing together.


I'm sure you'll have a great time, Carol. . Especially on your aft verandah, watching the wake. What better way to spend Labor Day Weekend...wish we could do it, too.

Aha...this is my 3000th post...guess I'm now a Blue Ribbon Cruiser! :eek:

[mamaofami]

Aha...this is my 3000th post...guess I'm now a Blue Ribbon Cruiser! :eek:


Congratulations on 3000 posts, Sheila.:D

[sail7seas]

Congratulations on 3,000 posts, Sheila. I always enjoy your posts. Keep 'em coming. :)

[Theresa522]

No way will I let anything, including TAs ruin my cruise. I already have a reservation at the Pinnacle, and will get one ASAP at Tamarind when we board. If it's crowded at the Lido, I'll hang out on my veranda, at the aft pool or on the Promenade deck. Hopefully, the shows will be extra speciall since they will want to impress the TAs. It is what it is , and I figured on that when we signed on. No matter how many TAs are on board, the ship can only hold so many people. What I never did consider is that since it's before school starts in NY, how many kids might be along for the ride.:eek:

On another thread, someone mentioned that one of them gets a table and the other gets the food at the Lido. That only works if there are more than one of you sailing together.





Hi Carol.. Can you tell me what type of restaurant Tamarind is? We have a reseravation for the Pinnacle, but haven't heard of the other one.

Thanks
Theresa

[innlady1]

Congratulations on 3,000 posts, Sheila. I always enjoy your posts. Keep 'em coming. :)

Thanks, sail. I enjoy yours as well!

[jtl513]

Hi Carol.. Can you tell me what type of restaurant Tamarind is?
Pan-Asian. Dim-sum for lunch. Canaletto is Italian. You can read all about these on www.eurodamnews.com. Click on Food & Beverage under Archived by Category in the panel on the right. Keep choosing Next Page (tiny print in lower left corner) and on the 3rd or 4th page down you will find Tamarind menus. It sounds great to me! :D

mamaofami/Carol: I'm a bit concerned about how quickly the reservations fill for our 3-day in October, so I'm anxiously waiting to see how you fare! :)

[innlady1]

Pan-Asian. Dim-sum for lunch. Canletto is Italian. You can read all about these on www.eurodamnews.com (http://www.eurodamnews.com). Click on Food & Beverage under the Archived by Category in the panel on the right. Keep choosing Next Page (tiny print in lower left corner) and about 4 or 5 pages down you will find several pages of Tamarind menus. It sounds great to me! :D

I can't wait to try the Tamarind...of course, that's putting the horse before the cart...we need to book first! ;)

[Sayyadina]

Certainly this is NOT true of all of them but unfortunatley MANY. Some are greedy and grabbing and demanding and rude. Again, NOT ALL but too many.

What advice do you all have for handling rude TAs? Should a paying passenger get out of their way or back them down? :rolleyes:

[Sayyadina]

What I never did consider is that since it's before school starts in NY, how many kids might be along for the ride.:eek:

Oh, no....I hadn't thought of that, either...:(

[sail7seas]

What advice do you all have for handling rude TAs? Should a paying passenger get out of their way or back them down? :rolleyes:


I have every confidence you will find the appropriate way that works best for you. ;)

[Susie51]

I've been on vacation. Congratulations for your 3000 posts. Keep them coming!

[HALGirl]

But if the 8 Lido cabanas are rented out to produce income of $480/day and make 16 to 32 people happy, that means somewhere around 99% of the ship could be irritated about not being able to find a table to sit and eat. That doesn't sound like a smart trade-off to me.

I just arrived home from 13 wonderful days on the Eurodam. While it appears that some people do not like the Cabanas, they were not in my way and I never had a problem finding a table or chair. As a matter of fact there were more chairs and tables then ever. They had the Desert Extravaganza on the Lido by the pool and there was ample room for everyone to enjoy the beautiful deserts even with the cabanas there.

[maxxboy]

I just arrived home from 13 wonderful days on the Eurodam. While it appears that some people do not like the Cabanas, they were not in my way and I never had a problem finding a table or chair. As a matter of fact there were more chairs and tables then ever. They had the Desert Extravaganza on the Lido by the pool and there was ample room for everyone to enjoy the beautiful deserts even with the cabanas there.

That's good to hear. I had a feeling it wasn't as bad as some have said.