beachbunny6

11 minutes ago, boscobeans said:

I would really like to know WHO in their right mind did even the slightest bit of research into any of the myriad list of problems that so many people have noted just from seeing photos not to mention those who have experienced these aspects of the ship.  

 

It's like they sat around in a board room, came up with designs and ideas which they sent off to the shipyard with final approval before even studying a computer draft of the finished design.

 

And/or before actually asking real cruisers' opinions.  I think there would have been a lot of passengers who would catch these things even before they became reality.  We are not all so unaware of this sort of problem, even if all of us would not have caught all of them.  Even one passenger noting one problem would at least have given a heads-up to the designers, who admittedly had possibly never cruised before.  How could they even begin to guess at these kind of things then?  I hope that X is paying attention to these reviews, and that it is still early enough to correct some of the problems for Apex, in order to avoid repeating them.  If not, they will certainly lose some of us, their most loyal cruisers, from their new E-Class ships.  One and done is not a good thing from a corporate standpoint.  

Bon Voyage!

~Barbara~

On 1/1/2019 at 8:43 AM, boscobeans said:

 

Nothing like having someone touch me or my food after they have been on their HANDS and knees rolling around on the floor.

I noticed that, also.  It made my skin crawl and my stomach lurch!  The performers are barefoot (and some of the passengers may be, too) and they are touching the carpet and then touching the serving trays, plates, tables and passengers?  What are they thinking?  That is so unsanitary, gross and disgusting in so many ways and on so many levels.  It is a Norovirus outbreak in the making, and I don't know how they will stop it once it begins, because those performers are not staying in Eden with their activities.  How about those pillows they reportedly touched and tossed about in Cafe Al Bacio?    Did any of the pillows accidentally hit the floor?  More contamination.  Now they are clearly transferring pathogens to objects that guests touch regularly.  This is not acceptable!

Before anyone jumps on me for saying all this, please remember these are my opinions on the subject.  I am entitled to them and, no, I will not cancel my highly anticipated cruise on Edge because of them.  I will, however, try to maintain a higher level of awareness regarding the touching of anything in the public spaces on this ship and continue my normally elevated level of hand sanitation practices and hope for the best.

Great review!  Thanks very much for posting all that great information!  I was on the NS 4-day which ended when you boarded on the 23rd and enjoyed it very much, except for the smoking in the casino issue, as you mentioned.  I will be on the Edge on January 20th, and hope that I enjoy it, too.  If not, I will be going back to S-Class and M-Class and continue to love them and the HAL experiences, too.

Bon Voyage to all!

~Barbara~

2 hours ago, mcrcruiser said:

Why are there soooo many posts about a Celebrity vessel on this Holland america board ? Seems to me that this could go on  almost indefinitely . Hasn't enough been said ??    Imo we should  focus on issues we care about for the HAL fleet 

Well, perhaps because it is titled, "Celebrity Edge- Major Ship Envy!"?  I believe we ARE focusing on issues we care about for the HAL fleet.  Every time someone books a new cruise, they compare ships, cruise lines and experiences.  This thread is one of the best to help them choose between HAL's and Celebrity's new offerings.  It has some good information about the differences in these two new ships, and has been very interesting so far.  I think as long as we all remain respectful of each other's opinions, this can remain a valuable discussion, with new input as others experience both of these beautiful vessels and can compare them.

HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone and safe travels!

Bon Voyage!

~Barbara~

1 hour ago, Stateroom_Sailor said:

 

On the flip side, if this venue succeeds, maybe X could create a ship called the Celebrity Eden, where the entire ship looks like a surreal garden / jungle, and all the service staff are in character.

Puh-leeeze - DON'T give them any ideas!

On 12/26/2018 at 6:53 PM, hcat said:

Okay so no burning and no smoke..that's safer...just a scented mister.

Modern Luxury!

But nonetheless annoying to those with sensitivities or allergies, I think.

One final comment regarding my recent voyage - here is the absolutely AWESOME view from the top level of the Midport Parking Garage in Port Everglades on December 23rd.  I cannot think of a more wonderful view, unless of course, one could get a professional photo of it!  The two newest, magnificent Ladies of the Sea!  It just doesn't get any better than this IMHO!

I have just returned from the 4-day sailing of HAL's Nieuw Statendam, and it is, indeed, a beautiful ship.  It has some interesting changes, and some of these are entertainment venues and performances.  I did not have to go to B.B.King's or Rolling Stone Rock Room, because there is a circular stairway between the deck they are on and the casino.  So, the performances were pretty much hearable as I played casino games.  Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed them.  I did not, however, attend a show in the main theater, because the descriptions just did not pique my interest.  There was nothing that resembled a production show listed.  I can see dancers and musicians on my TV at home.  If I am on a ship, I would love to see something new and amazing, or at least very interesting.

The absolute best difference I can see between the Nieuw Statendam and the Edge is that HAL still has some wonderful veranda furniture!  Yes, folks, there is still some reclinable, comfortable furniture with foot rests/stools out there! And, although it looks to be larger, I do not believe that this chair would take up any more space than the low-backed, rounded ones on the Edge, especially since the footrest is separate and slides easily under the seat for storage when not in use.  Here is a photo of the one on my veranda:

And before anyone jumps on me regarding this, yes, I did have an accessible stateroom, which by the way, was AMAZING!  However, I did have the opportunity to view two other staterooms, one of which was a regular veranda, and the furniture was identical to mine, so the accessible part did not affect the available furniture.  I will say that the small table out there is quite small, so might make dining a bit more difficult, as on Edge, but there is a nice, square table inside the staterooms which can be used and is a bit larger.  It is not solid on all 4 sides, just 2, and is not as heavy as it looks to be, so it is moveable outside onto the veranda if needed.  And, it has that small indentation in the center to keep things from sliding off it.

One last thing is the availability of plugs in the stateroom, which has been an ongoing discussion about Edge.  

Starting from left to right, there is one that has both US outlet and a USB port on the wall next to the bed, on both sides.  This should make it very easy for those traveling with CPAP machines.  Also, you can plug your phone in to charge and have it right next to you during the night for use as an alarm clock.  (I do not know if you can use the ship's phone for a wake-up call.  I did not try it - didn't need it)  Moving to the right, behind that orange folder standing on the desk is another US+USB plug, which you can see peeking out.  Next to that is another.  Toward the right side of the desk is another one, with a European outlet and a US one.  So, that makes FIVE outlets on that wall, three over the desk, and NO box to have to fit your charger into!  (Yes, I do realize that this desk was wider than the normal staterooms', but even if you have the narrower version, you have the same number of outlets.) 

And, while I am mentioning the stateroom, the drawers are soft closing!  And plentiful.  Storage was simply not an issue.  And, there is a floor to ceiling mirror on the wall to the side of the bathroom door in addition to that large one over the desktop and another in the bathroom over the sink.   And a handheld makeup mirror in the top desk drawer where the hair dryer is stored (both in nice cloth HAL bags).

The food was delicious, the service exemplary, and the voyage completely enjoyable.  Even though the ship was completely booked, it did not seem overly crowded.  Having three sets of elevators really helps, too.  I hope some day X realizes that.  It makes it much easier to get around without overly long distances to, and waits for, an elevator.  I know there are three stairways on Edge, but with a scooter, those are not of any use to me.

I am sailing on the January 20th voyage of Edge and looking forward to it very much.  I am sure that she has some wonderful attributes, too.  She is just different from what HAL Mariners are used to, and that is not necessarily bad, just different.

I don't think that fans of either ship should have "Major Ship Envy."  There are enough wonderful things about each of them for everyone.  Please keep in mind that these are my own opinions, and as such, you don't have to agree with them.  That's OK.  We all have our personal likes and dislikes.

1 hour ago, hcat said:

Hope we can just pop in and out...without creatures or  scented air pollution

 

We only plan to use it for a drink  before heading to dinner in BLU..It looks like the closest  location...

Sounds to me like it would be worth an extra-length walk to just avoid it completely.  It's really too bad.  Eden was one of the most highly anticipated venues and now sounds like the stuff nightmares are made of, especially for those with anxieties or allergies.  

4 hours ago, canadian-nurse said:

 

Oh gees. That sounds yucky!! I’ll have to look at alternatives!!! Thanks for the heads up!

There are two off-site parking areas near the port with shuttles to the ships and back.  Both have fences and gates and security.  They have availability to store larger vehicles.  They are Park 'N Fly and Park'N Go.  You can reserve online.  

Also, I believe there is a surface lot to the west of the Midport Garage, between Terminals 19 and 18.  Perhaps you can check with the port to see if there are any size restrictions there.  It is not too far from the terminals.  

Nieuw Statendam was, indeed, at Terminal 26.  However, HAL also uses Terminals 21 and 19, too.    Just before you travel, you can check which terminal you will be boarding at on the port website.  Go to http://www.porteverglades.net and choose Cruising in the orange bar at the top.  Then go down to Ship Schedule and click on it.  It will open the grid which shows all the ships for 7 days at a time.  If you need to find out more than 7 days in advance, at the top right of that grid is a box that says Query.  Fill in the date and the ship name, and find it that way.  Just understand that you cannot do it 2-3 weeks before, because the info is not there that far in advance.  

There's also parking information about the port on that same site.

Hope this helps.

Bon Voyage!

~Barbara~

14 minutes ago, deeva211 said:

I was there between 10am and 3pm.  They would hang out for a while and then move on.  I just ignored them and read my book.  They were quiet although there were a couple of times when they went running through.

All it will take will be one time when they go running through Cafe al Baccio, and a passenger stands up with a cup of hot beverage in their hand, and gets run into.  Maybe then X will keep them confined to Eden.  

53 minutes ago, cruisestitch said:

Sadly, the ship does have areas wheelchairs can’t get to, and it lacks entry-assist setups in the pools, too.

Now THAT is a huge problem!  I didn't think X was willing to alienate those needing assistive devices, but I guess they just don't care.  That is very sad.

19 minutes ago, Btimmer said:

We just happened to be in the Crow's Nest for a presentation when the Captain announced the sailby of the Prinsendam, and the Koningsdam appeared unannounced and on a collision course until it made a sharp starboard turn to pass by our port side.  The Prinsendam was the first HAL ship we sailed on in 2013 after coming back to cruising in 2012.  We also sailed the last voyage of the old Statendam Seattle to Singapore.  Later we sailed on the Christening Cruise of the Koningsdam and now we have completed the Premiere voyage on the Nieuw Statendam.  I think I know what we will be doing in a couple years when the 3rd Pinnacle Class ship is launched. . .

That was obviously set up specifically for you and Angela, Tim!  I am glad you were in a place to see it well and enjoy it.  Maybe you need to let them know after you book the Premiere Voyage on the 3rd PC, so that they can organize another fabulous display for you (even though the Prinsendam will be missing, of course)!  

~Barbara~

Thanks too, Tim, for your Blog and the wonderful commentary and photos you shared with all of us.  It was an honor to meet you in person, also.  

I wish you and Angela a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy, Prosperous and Voyage-Filled New Year!

~Barbara~

On 12/20/2018 at 4:35 PM, Btimmer said:

Within a matter of a few minutes ago, we crossed paths with the Prinsendam and the Koningsdam.  SUPER Cool!!  Close encounters of the HAL kind.

Thanks for posting this, Tim!  I never saw the Prinsendam, but I did catch the Koningsdam for a really short time!  The blowing of the ship's horns in salute was amazing!  I wish we had been told it was going to happen so we could have been on deck or at least on balcony to witness it in person.    That is one of those Once in a Lifetime occasions.

Welcome to Ft. Lauderdale, everyone!  I watched her sail in, and she is magnificent, even in the dark!  

Safe travels to you all and Bon Voyage to the lucky ones who are staying onboard!  See you VERY soon!

~Barbara~

Ann, Sherita, Tim, and everyone else on the Nieuw Statendam, THANK YOU! for sharing this wonderful voyage with all of us.  Thank you for sharing your thoughts, photos, information and especially for taking all the time you have spent to post it all here on CC so we all could enjoy your cruise, too.  I know it takes a lot of work and effort, and I want you all to know it is appreciated.  

To those of you returning home from Ft. Lauderdale, have a safe journey.  To those staying onboard, I look forward to meeting you in person.

I wish everyone a Happy Holiday Season, and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year, full of Peace, Joy and Love.

Bon Voyage!

~Barbara~

Ann, thank you very much for posting the drinks menu!  That is, indeed very helpful to those of us who enjoy an adult beverage now and then.... 

Enjoy your day tomorrow and safe journey home!

~Barbara~

15 minutes ago, hcat said:

I was able  to open it.. usually I  can' t

 

Maybe it's the new EDGE water!..

Their parents must be proud! But probably glad X is footing the bill for room  and board.. One wonders why the guests are still standing there..must be a  very boring cruise!

 

Do any shareholders care how much X is paying for this banal silliness?? 

 

 Please bring back the Celebrity Singers and Dancers..who at least had talent and worked hard!

Now THAT is really creepy... almost more than the Haunted Forest and the Faceless People, which are pretty darn creepy.  I am telling you right here and now, and you can take this to the bank, as they say, that the first Edenist who touches me will NOT be happy with the consequences.  I may be old and short, but I can react pretty well if I need to, and this would certainly be a need-to occurrence!  I agree that they should just stay in Eden, and I will stay out of there, if that is what it will take to stay away from them.  They look like destitute, homeless, grungy people and however much X paid for what laughingly are being touted as "costumes" is WAY too much.  And then they walk around like they are high on some mind-altering substance?  Give me a break!  This is NOT classy.  It is pathetic.

11 hours ago, AmazedByCruising said:

 

On the left: a combo of egg yolk, alcohol, sugar and milk, called Advocaat ("lawyer", the name is a mystery). On the right, I guess whipped cream. Besides my grandma in the eighties I'm not sure I've ever seen someone have it.

 

I object to the glass. It should be much smaller, filled to the max, with whipped cream on top. You're supposed to eat this with a little spoon.  

 

1 hour ago, Vict0riann said:

 

It is a Dutch liqueur which is beaten up with egg and comes in a little glass with a pot of whipped cream on the side.  It’s like an alcoholic pudding. It is yummy!

Thank you both!  Only one more question - is the egg cooked?  Otherwise, it sounds wonderful!  

And, thank you, Ann, for posting the daily schedule.  The Grand Dutch Cafe opens an hour earlier than the Explorations Cafe, but doesn't have the same specialty coffees or any food.  So, that leaves a big decision to be made:  wait for the extra hour, or don't get the coffee I really want.  So, maybe go to the Lido Market, get a pastry or something, go back to GDC and get a Latte, then go to the EC for my fancy coffee choice of the day. (Yes, that is a First World Problem, henceforth known as FWP, I know)  By that time, I will need the extra caffeine because I will be tired from going up and down, fore and aft.  

Oops!  Sorry!  Just saw Ann's Answer above about the croissants.

Sorry to bother you all, but does the Dutch Cafe have the specialty coffees that that Explorations Cafe does?  I mean the 'fancy' ones such as caramel macchiato, etc., not just espresso and cappuccino.  Have to plan ahead for my first morning coffee run.    Or did you say the Dutch Cafe isn't open early in the morning?  Sorry, but I have read so many posts, my eyes are crossing.  

54 minutes ago, Vict0riann said:

Actually, we did see a large bird today and some flying fish - and the bird caught a fish!  We were very pleased for it.  

48 minutes ago, Btimmer said:

A few days ago, my wife saw two dolphins.

Wildlife abounds!  How can anyone want more?  

38 minutes ago, Vict0riann said:

Then we went to the Dutch Cafe for Advocaat.😁

 

What is that? It looks really yummy!

4 minutes ago, NCnurse said:

We have ventured into the casino a couple of times, but I admit the smoke bothered me.  In fact, the area the have designated “smoking” has some of my favorite slots.

I have found that to be true every time I was on a HAL ship with smoking allowed in the casino.  As far as I am concerned, if they are going to allow smoking, I will just have to stay out of there.  Why can't they have a completely separate casino room with a better air filtration system for the smokers?  That would solve everyone's problem with it, and no one would have to "do without."

Having non-smoking evenings is useless, because in an area with carpeting, draperies and upholstered chairs, the smoke smell has gotten into the fabrics and just because no one is actively smoking in there, it will still smell of smoke.  I agree with GeorgiaPeach51... I will just stay out of the casino and save a LOT of money!   But also miss a lot of fun.  

Very nice souvenir plate!  That's a keeper!