InTheWASide
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Posts posted by InTheWASide
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On 12/24/2018 at 4:27 PM, Cruisin_from_Tampa said:
I’m on Koningsdam now, sitting outside Club Orange. It is situated on Deck 2, just aft of mid-ship at what I suspect used to be the Culinary Arts Center (now notably absent from the deck plans and any activities). There is no menu posted outside, so I can’t comment on that. Looking through the glass, I count 19 tables. The food on the tables looks comparable to what you find in the specialty restaurants. Even if there is no upcharge to eat there (unlikely), $50 per day is more than you would spend at any of the specialty restaurants if you ate in them every night, and the other perks don’t seem to make up the difference.
There is a open kitchen (logical as I suspect this was Culinary Arts Center), but they aren’t using it. I will stop by during the day and update this if the venue is being used for anything else during the day, but it isn’t on the deck plans as anything else.
The venue looks a little better on Koningsdam.
- The abstract graphic for the windows instead of huge forks and spoons.
- The chairs are a white leather and very comfortable (numerous tables and chairs right outside that corridor)
The thing we couldn't justify was the price. Especially when the beverage package is almost exactly the same price. Pretty clear which gets you a bigger benefit.
I think they could really have something here if they used the open kitchen (Dinner at the CAC did this and it was great) and didn't just echo the MDR food. Tossing in an extra choice or two isn't enough to justify it. However take it the route that Celebrity did with Blu which has a focus on fresher, lighter (not to be confused with diet), less sauce-laden foods... AND having the advantage of cooked to order right there in front of you... THAT could be enough to justify it... or at least get it a lot closer to being justifiable.
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Love that this thread is still alive and kicking.
I've tried communicating it a couple times before without success so I'll try again...
The folks that are on here that add material into HAL Facts... anything they would like to take from my photos here and place on there, by all means feel free!
To those sailing soon, have an incredible time! I'll be back on the ship on 12/10
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On 10/23/2018 at 12:38 PM, RuthC said:
Since you have already been to both Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier, I definitely recommend taking a cruise that includes Tracy Arm instead.
Now understand the focus is much, much different. Glacier Bay and Hubbard are impressive because of their glaciers, and the scenery is marvelous. Tracy Arm is an experience in scenery, and there is a glacier at the end.
Well said. Having been there 5 times I absolutely agree. Back when I was a travel agent I would tell people "If Alaska is a one and done destination - Glacier Bay. If you'll likely go every so often, pick a different one each time."
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Apparently there is some sort of announcement on 9/13 that is entertainment related.
Might be connected
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I've been on Solstice and Koningsdam. Koningsdam doesn't have massive 5-10 deck high spaces like Solstice does, but otherwise they are very similar in feel when onboard. Have a great time!
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It would have to be a couple/few charters to take out everything from July 2 to Aug 7.
Every summer for as long as I can remember there have been a couple insurance companies that have done 2, 3, 4 charters in a row for their employees. Don't recall which company though.
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There are adding a sushi restaurant on N. Statesman that is not on KDam. Otherwise same restaurants.
All that is, is seating at the sushi counter inside Tamarind. They've just branded that portion a little different.
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Koningsdam also has the America's Test Kitchen. When we were on in May, it was $15 per person. I hope they keep that format on the NS. I'd rather eat there than the Pinnacle Grill.
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I'm curious to see what is done with this space since the original concept didn't really take off the way they hoped.
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That is a possibility that itineraries are still be changed since the Prinsendam leaves the fleet the first of July.
Either that or possible charter
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InTheWASide - I Have been awaiting photos of Amsterdam post-refurb and started a thread asking for such a few weeks ago. A HUGE HUGE HUGE thanks to you for posting these. She appears to be in fine shape and the new decor is sensitive to her original design, whilst keeping her fresh!
Glad you liked them! I had searched for and couldn't find your original post as I couldn't remember who posted it, but figured it would be easily discovered if I made a new thread
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Think I saw someone asking recently about how Amsterdam looks these days. Here’s a few pictures. First, just check this out. Total night and day. Love the new look.
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If this cruise sold out in one day, strictly because of Oprah/Gayle, these pax will be celebrity seekers, they are not HALs base.
The overwhelming majority will never return to HAL because they’re more the Carnival audience.
“This cruise sounds amazing!” Who said that? Sounds like a nightmare to me.
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Interesting that you change and assume facts to suit your narrative...
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It is not bias, It is personal opinion. Yes, we are voting with our feet and are off to another cruise line next year. And it is not just the "O" thing which in fact is only a minor visual annoyance onboard. It is the overall direction and disconnect we now feel with Holland America Lines onboard and Holland America Lines in Seattle. They have always been free to take this cruise line any way that works best for them.
Total side topic, but interesting that a 5 Star Mariner is calling the company Holland America Lines when that has never been the name of the company. Seems like there's been a disconnect between you and the brand for longer than you may realize. :confused::confused:
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Thank you for confirming your bias and answering your own rhetorical question asked to me. It does get a little frustrating, though, when a vocal minority insists on imposing its negativity onto this particular topic. Clearly this marketing relationship between HAL and Oprah is working for both parties. I, for one, see it as a positive. As the airlines say, "we recognize that you have a choice..." Perhaps HAL is no longer yours.
*standing ovation*
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Why are you reading that into this statement? She is no more or less acceptable than any other self-promotional self-created billionaire ...or the Olsen Twins. Ship "godmothers" are a curious sea lore. The only remaining intrigue will be the official photo - the airbrushed, bewigged smiling one or the grim, hair pulled back, real one..
Comments like this and you wonder why others may be reading something more into what you say?
Wow...
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I received a pamphlet of photos and info re: NIeuw Statendam this week. the ship looks like it will be beautiful :)
Neptune Suite is quite different than what we are accustomed to. If the photo is really representative
Different how? Posting a picture of what you have would be great. Attached are the rendering and photo of the Neptunes as they were drafted and posted for Koningsdam
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THERE! The app hadn’t updated yet so it wouldn’t let me attach images. This is from the previous week
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Posted online yesterday.
Apparently it won’t let me upload pictures in the app right now... [emoji22]
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What am I missing here?
Because something has been stated on a forum NOT UNLIKE THIS ONE, suddenly it is gospel?
According to the Norsk Skipsfarts ForumHolland America Line selger "Prinsendam" til Phoenix Reisen ... -
skipsfarts-forum.net, May, 2018
Holland America Line har visstnok solgt "Prinsendam" til Phoenix Reisen
Google translate Norwegian English
Holland America Line has apparently sold "Prinsendam" to Phoenix Reisen
Google translate / Norwegian - Dutch
Holland America Line heeft naar verluid de Prinsendam verkocht aan Phoenix Reisen.
Phoenix Reisen https://www.phoenixreisen.com/
ms Prinsendam (2002), ex Seabourn Sun (1999), Royal Viking Sun (1988)
Holland America Line - www.hollandamerica.com a unit of http://www.carnivalcorp.com/
Attached(1): Prinsendam off Brest, France, 17 May 2018. Photo credit: Michel Floch.
Attached(2)(3): Phoenix Reisen
Attached(4): Norsk Skipsfarts Forum
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Curious, if you don't mind answering OP... what do you need a dictionary for while on a cruise?
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Not totally thrilled that they turned the Gallery Bar into a game room... but I know it's still been a bit of an uphill battle trying to utilize that space. If this is what gets more people in there then I suppose it's worth it.
HAL flights to Europe only $130.pp less than airline?
in Holland America Line
Posted
I think I'm misunderstanding your post... I must be...
HAL is offering airfare that is $130 less per person than what the airlines themselves offer and you're saying it doesn't sound like big savings or a big deal...
If I can get airfare for $270 less for the 2 of us than I could get by going straight to the source, hell yeah I'm gonna be happy about it!