What changes could make the Maasdam HAL's new "Elegant Explorer"

We will be on the Maasdam for 90 days next year to see if this new twist has substance.

We will be on the Maasdam for 90 days next year to see if this new twist has substance.

I would be most interested to hear your report.

I have always found you objective and trustworthy and would be most appreciative of your impressions if you have the time and inclination to do so. :D

Oceania seems to have gone for the former Renaissance ships in a big way and has spent considerable money on updating them, so I doubt they would be for sale.

 

Princess still has one -- perhaps there could be an inter-company transfer to HAL? Although Princess uses her for their world cruise (already sold out for 2019, btw...) I'm not 100% sure, but I think that another Renaissance ship is back with P&O again, after the "fathom" project.... That might be another source.

 

I'm not sure how committed Azamara is, but they have the final two and I'm not sure they'd be willing to part with them until and unless there is a replacement.

P&O Adonia has been sold to Azamara

Today I received an email from Cunard asking me to “Help us shape the 4th ship joining our fleet”. The survey was quite in-depth and took approximately 20 minutes. Even questions such as what lines would I NOT consider sailing and whether a Library was important to me. Now I am interested to see what they are building and where she’ll go.

 

Anyway, the new Enrichment, in depth zodiac tours and lecturers sound great but I think there is bound to be a lot of negative reviews.

 

The reason is that this is an approx 1,200 passenger ship and they have already stated that those excursions will be extremely limited, perhaps to 75-85 people per excursion. The advice given in the new mariner magazine is to “ book early”. They will be first come, first served.

 

Most people will be shut out of the tours and complain.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

I would definitely be concerned about this as well. Granted not all passengers will want (or can manage) these excursions, but it seems like they are setting themselves up for disappointments.

I would definitely be concerned about this as well. Granted not all passengers will want (or can manage) these excursions, but it seems like they are setting themselves up for disappointments.

+1

When reading some of the promotional material it seemed like some of the stops would be at very out of the way places. What are the other passengers supposed to do at these stops while the lucky few are off on the zodiacs?

"I'd recommend converting lanai cabins into special solo-priced cabins for solo passengers..." What? We all know that lines try to charge double for solo cruisers. Why would they change the pricing model for the Maasdam? It ought to be clear that cruise lines are not going to make a lot of concessions for solo travelers.

"Add outdoor cabanas." This benefits the handful of passengers who book them. The tent city degrades the cruise experience for all the rest of the cruisers.

"Turn connecting staterooms into two-room suites. Drop the passenger capacity down to 600-800." Raise the price to luxury cruise levels without giving the luxury cruise experience.

"Scrapping the entire ship in Karachi is not an option, for those just waiting to suggest that." Actually, scrapping the Maasdam is not only an option, it is a likelihood, although Maasdam may go through more names and owners before she is scrapped.

Ruth is right, there will not be another Elegant Explorer. HAL has made it clear that they are going bigger, not smaller. Personally, I think that the unique itineraries and emphasis on shore excursions make Maasdam the most exciting ship in HAL's fleet. Zodiacs? On HAL? Who'd have thought it?

The tent city degrades the cruise experience for all the rest of the cruisers.

 

How so?

In order to replace the Prinsendam, is there anything HAL could do to the Maasdam so it could become HAL's new "Elegant Explorer". It is already taking on some of the more exotic wandering itineraries as an InDepth cruise choice.

 

 

 

I'd recommend converting lanai cabins into special solo-priced cabins for solo passengers . Add outdoor cabanas. Don't take out the top forward deck open railings - no glass panels please. Break up the main dining room into separate specialty dining options. Turn connecting staterooms into two-room suites. Drop the passenger capacity down to 600-800.

 

 

 

What to do with the Loft and children's center space - turn them into adult art and crafts centers? What did P&O do to her sister ships (Statendam and Ryndam) when they put them into Australian service -seemed like they added a lot of interior drama.

 

 

 

Scrapping the entire ship in Karachi is not an option, for those just waiting to suggest that.

From what I’ve read over the years, it can’t be done. You’re comparing [emoji519] apples and [emoji521] oranges.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

How so?

The tent city takes formerly public space and makes it private. Most cruisers have less public space than before. I have the same gripe about lanai cabins.

I'm curious to see what they do with Club Hal during dry dock. Thought I read somewhere that they were getting rid of that on Maasdam. I like the ship well enough as she is, but hey, if we're dreaming in this thread, then I'd love to see the retail space reduced to one really good shop, get rid of the casino (my objection is not to gambling but to the smoke smell since the space is not fully enclosed; heck, go ahead and add a nice, totally enclosed and ventilated smoker's lounge, maybe where Club Hal is), and ditch any vestige of the art auctions. Also, do people really make purchases at the Mirabella store? On my ideal Maasdam, that can go too. The challenge would be that HAL would likely want to replace anything that comes out with something that generates revenue. If they would replace all of the perfumey, cubic zirconia-y retail space with products more in line with the new EXC In Depth enrichment areas, that might help. Or find ways to offer more upcharge shipboard experiences (I can't believe I just said that because I'd probably not like that) that perhaps utilize some of the lounge/theater spaces when not otherwise in use. Again, has to be relevant to the enrichment areas. Heck, if I'm really dreaming, I'd love for them to find a way to get a Tamarind restaurant on that ship. And a New York Pizza and Deli (the only advantage Veendam has over her sister IMO). And definitely do not put those plastic screens up on the sky deck; yes it blocks the wind, but I'd rather have the nice unobstructed, unfiltered view.

Just my musings; YMMV

I'm curious to see what they do with Club Hal during dry dock. Thought I read somewhere that they were getting rid of that on Maasdam. I like the ship well enough as she is, but hey, if we're dreaming in this thread, then I'd love to see the retail space reduced to one really good shop, get rid of the casino (my objection is not to gambling but to the smoke smell since the space is not fully enclosed; heck, go ahead and add a nice, totally enclosed and ventilated smoker's lounge, maybe where Club Hal is), and ditch any vestige of the art auctions. Also, do people really make purchases at the Mirabella store? On my ideal Maasdam, that can go too. The challenge would be that HAL would likely want to replace anything that comes out with something that generates revenue. If they would replace all of the perfumey, cubic zirconia-y retail space with products more in line with the new EXC In Depth enrichment areas, that might help. Or find ways to offer more upcharge shipboard experiences (I can't believe I just said that because I'd probably not like that) that perhaps utilize some of the lounge/theater spaces when not otherwise in use. Again, has to be relevant to the enrichment areas. Heck, if I'm really dreaming, I'd love for them to find a way to get a Tamarind restaurant on that ship. And a New York Pizza and Deli (the only advantage Veendam has over her sister IMO). And definitely do not put those plastic screens up on the sky deck; yes it blocks the wind, but I'd rather have the nice unobstructed, unfiltered view.

 

Just my musings; YMMV

Thank you for joining in the spirit of this imaginary exploration trying to morph some of what worked on the Prinsendam and see if it can be added to the Maasdam, as she reinvents herself for small ship adventure cruising.. Agree, taking out the casino, art auction and much of retail spaces would make sense to me too. Having more a really travel-oriented shop like a Magellens would work better than what they offer right now, which is not all that practical or even enticing.

I keep thinking special price solo inside cabins in those spaces would generate more income than what it appears to the casual observer they are making right now? I don't know, but I think special price solo cabins is an untapped market, particularly for these more adventuresome InDepth offerings. Like your idea of having a Tamarind too.

Rotating enrichment lectures on various topics instead of just one going on at one time - providing for follow-up personal seminar settings with the speakers would be welcome too.

Whatever they do, I hope thye do not disturb her art. The case by the upp er level of MDR containingt he Delft a nd silver pieces . I always enjoy looking at that stunning collection. beautiful pieces and Stephen Card's Maasdam painting int he companionway between Veranda and Navigation decks is fabulous.

I have not sailed on the Prinsendam, but, I have sailed on the Maasdam. Please leave her alone, and, while she has some problems, she is lovely just the way she is. I'm sure many will miss the Prinsendam, but reworking the Maasdam will not bring the Prinsendam back. I do not believe HAL is the least bit interested in small ships any longer. There are other lines that specialize in small ships, HAL (imo) is not interested in that market. Alas, the HAL of old is gone.

Agree, taking out the casino, art auction and much of retail spaces would make sense to me too. Having more a really travel-oriented shop like a Magellens would work better than what they offer right now, which is not all that practical or even enticing.

I agree with most of the sentiment - except for the casino; albeit small and often smoky, the windows do provide some light as well as ocean views, and there are still some of us who crave a little more excitement than listening to lectures...:)

One thing that I found puzzling after a recent cruise on the Maasdam was the dead space called an atrium in the middle of deck six. Other than one sea day when we were treated to dutch pea soup, the only other time the area was used was for embarkation/debarkation. The rest of the time the space was occupied by a lone (and lonely) sales representative sitting at one of two desks. Perhaps it could be adapted for lectures...

Maasdam is twenty-five years old. Any major changes will be done by her next owner.

I can only see HAL doing minor alterations to Masdam or Veendam. Old ships, been on the auction block for quite some time with no buyers. HAL is simply trying to suck out any revenue/profit they can before these end of life ships are withdrawn from the fleet.

The real question to ask is whether or not HAL is serious about competing in the high end small ship space? So far it has been about wringing as much revenue/profit/service out of the oldies with as little capital expenditure as possible. I don't think HAL is serious about this market and it seems to me that it is counter to their mass market strategy.

If I was a small ship/high end enthusiast I would not be looking to HAL to satisfy this. I would be looking at the players who are truly in this marketplace and whose corporate strategy and direction reflects this.

Our Elegant Explorer is one of a kind. I feel sad that not all who sailed her were able to feel the magic.

The Maasdam already has her own fan club. And she is poised to be the "Amazing Adventurer." I would not welcome changes that would double the passenger fare. She has her own unique potential.

Possibly the success of the coming "In Depth" cruises will determine the possibility of another future smaller HAL ship ?

Barbara

 

The real question to ask is whether or not HAL is serious about competing in the high end small ship space? So far it has been about wringing as much revenue/profit/service out of the oldies with as little capital expenditure as possible. I don't think HAL is serious about this market and it seems to me that it is counter to their mass market strategy.

 

If I was a small ship/high end enthusiast I would not be looking to HAL to satisfy this. I would be looking at the players who are truly in this marketplace and whose corporate strategy and direction reflects this.

That is a question for Carnival Corporation as a whole. With all the Companies they currently own, none are in that market. NCL just acquired Oceania which is in that niche and RCL has Azamara. Carnival has Seabourn but it is more high end in the class with Regent and Silversea so it would not be a good fit.

The Niche being ships in the 900 to 1400 passenger level. However Carnival has a number of second tier mass market level lines ie Princess and Holland America as well as others that relate better to foreign markets like P&O and Costa.

Rather than pay a premium to acquire a company with place in the next level up ie Oceania why Carnival does not just convert Holland America to that level seems like a no brainer.

All it would require is for Carnival to leave the 1,800 to 3,000 passenger ships to Princess and concentrate on the 1,200 to 1,400 passenger ships. HAL already has crews experienced in providing the service and attention to this market so there would not need to be a significant upgrade in quality control or management. Upgrades in Food and Entertainment might be needed but these are actually relatively low cost parts of the cost of running a cruise ship. And without needing to fill a ship with 3,000 passengers on each cruise it should be able to maintain at least a slightly higher price for sailing to cover those costs and the relatively higher per room amortization costs of the smaller ship.

It is not my Company but Carnival must not be seeing the market demand in cruising in the same way the NCL was when it bought Oceania.

The only way to replace Prinsendam would be a small new build her size.

JADE13,

We are sailing on the new EXC Oct 28, Polynesia Idyll. I am already disapointed, as I was entirely sold on using the zodiacs at each port for these wonderful adventures they advertised. NOT!! All I got was sorry for the inconvience from our TA from HAl. They will not begin using them she was told till Nov 11, our end date. Had I know this before we would have chose another line. They offered such a unique iteneriary and promoted their EXC prgm very well. They are not even offering excursions at every port. I was sold on the zodiacs getting up and personal to new locations in the Freench Polynesia, and totally planned on using HAl for each excursion. Now I am searching for private excursions on our role call.

:)

Or first time with Holland and we are in the Lanai, hope we like it!:):) I am over this now, just excited to be going here.

**************************************************************************************************

We have been on Maasdam multiple times and like the ship. Last trip we were dealing with Noro (not us, but the prior itinerary) so boarding was late and lunch was missed. Issue wasn’t the ship but it could have been hanready disapointeddled better. They didn’t even offer a complimentary drink which they could have done at dinner that evening.

 

Anyway, the new Enrichment, in depth zodiac tours and lecturers sound great but I think there is bound to be a lot of negative reviews.

 

The reason is that this is an approx 1,200 passenger ship and they have already stated that those excursions will be extremely limited, perhaps to 75-85 people per excursion. The advice given in the new mariner magazine is to “ book early”. They will be first come, first served.

 

Most people will be shut out of the tours and complain.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

JADE13,

 

 

 

We are sailing on the new EXC Oct 28, Polynesia Idyll. I am already disapointed, as I was entirely sold on using the zodiacs at each port for these wonderful adventures they advertised. NOT!! All I got was sorry for the inconvience from our TA from HAl. They will not begin using them she was told till Nov 11, our end date. Had I know this before we would have chose another line. They offered such a unique iteneriary and promoted their EXC prgm very well. They are not even offering excursions at every port. I was sold on the zodiacs getting up and personal to new locations in the Freench Polynesia, and totally planned on using HAl for each excursion. Now I am searching for private excursions on our role call.

 

[emoji4]

 

Or first time with Holland and we are in the Lanai, hope we like it!:):) I am over this now, just excited to be going here.

 

**************************************************************************************************

The Lanai cabins are nice. Small but nice.

Are you sure there are no zodiac excursions on your cruise? There is an entire article on this and the 14th and 28th dates are shown. Makes no sense.

Have you spoken to the shore excursion department? You can do that without going through your travel agent.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

One thing that I found puzzling after a recent cruise on the Maasdam was the dead space called an atrium in the middle of deck six. Other than one sea day when we were treated to dutch pea soup, the only other time the area was used was for embarkation/debarkation. The rest of the time the space was occupied by a lone (and lonely) sales representative sitting at one of two desks. Perhaps it could be adapted for lectures...

I was thinking about that space too. I saw some folks playing cards at one of the desks a couple times and someone reading in there once but otherwise totally empty space. Part of the issue I would guess is the proximity to passenger cabins so they probably can't really do much with it.

The Lanai cabins are nice. Small but nice.

 

Are you sure there are no zodiac excursions on your cruise? There is an entire article on this and the 14th and 28th dates are shown. Makes no sense.

 

Have you spoken to the shore excursion department? You can do that without going through your travel agent.

 

 

 

Jade 13,

I know it makes no sense , Yes the articles all speak of these great adventures, but no one is coming out and saying they are not happeneing, unless you call Hal. I called the Hal Excursion last week and she said she did not see any zodiacs in use till Nov 11. She said she seen new excursions to be loaded onto our itenary (still waiting) but not with zodiacs. She told me to go ahead and book private tours for the islands that Hal had no excursions. Go figure ! Open for any suggestion?

The Lanai cabins are nice. Small but nice.

 

Are you sure there are no zodiac excursions on your cruise? There is an entire article on this and the 14th and 28th dates are shown. Makes no sense.

 

Have you spoken to the shore excursion department? You can do that without going through your travel agent.

 

 

 

Jade 13,

I know it makes no sense , Yes the articles all speak of these great adventures, but no one is coming out and saying they are not happeneing, unless you call Hal. I called the Hal Excursion last week and she said she did not see any zodiacs in use till Nov 11. She said she seen new excursions to be loaded onto our itenary (still waiting) but not with zodiacs. She told me to go ahead and book private tours for the islands that Hal had no excursions. Go figure ! Open for any suggestion?

 

Have you joined the Roll Call for this cruise? - Good place to share what you are learning and hope someone else has more information. We know the Zodiacs have been installed but we also know they will not be available for our InDepth cruise either - the first one 34 days FLL-Papeete. We have some "scenic cruising" only islands (Pitcairn Is and Henderson Is) where using Zodiacs might be a better option too - if they could get us closer and/or land. Work in progress.