Why the hatred for "O"

just read the book club thread stating that oh book club and I can't believe how many people are angered by this. It's like everything else on a Holland ship if you don't like it don't participate and don't buy the book. If you don't like BBC don't go to the shows that feature BBC footage.

I was actually on an Oprah cruise by chance, and it did not change anything other that giving people some more lectures during the day to attend (which everyone is always complaining in lacking anyway) I attended one speaker and she was really good and didn' attend any other ones.

If you didn't like Oprah themes on the cruise you were in no way affected other than the free book they put on your bed which you could throw out.

just read the book club thread stating that oh book club and I can't believe how many people are angered by this. It's like everything else on a Holland ship if you don't like it don't participate and don't buy the book. If you don't like BBC don't go to the shows that feature BBC footage.

 

I was actually on an Oprah cruise by chance, and it did not change anything other that giving people some more lectures during the day to attend (which everyone is always complaining in lacking anyway) I attended one speaker and she was really good and didn' attend any other ones.

 

If you didn't like Oprah themes on the cruise you were in no way affected other than the free book they put on your bed which you could throw out.

Totally agree with you on this. There are so many things to do and experience on a cruise. My like is not your like, thank goodness. It's just a suggestion not mandatory.

I don't even want to wade into that thread. I did on the deleted one and the level of vitriol was quite disturbing. If I like the book selection, I will take it out from the library and maybe even participate in the discussion. Or not!

just read the book club thread stating that oh book club and I can't believe how many people are angered by this. It's like everything else on a Holland ship if you don't like it don't participate and don't buy the book. If you don't like BBC don't go to the shows that feature BBC footage.

 

I was actually on an Oprah cruise by chance, and it did not change anything other that giving people some more lectures during the day to attend (which everyone is always complaining in lacking anyway) I attended one speaker and she was really good and didn' attend any other ones.

 

If you didn't like Oprah themes on the cruise you were in no way affected other than the free book they put on your bed which you could throw out.

Seems reasonable to me.

Dan

Yeah, I’m missing something here as well.

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If this were a Trump Hotels branded ship, would you ask the same question? No personal celebrity branding, okay?

I don't think the issue is Oprah herself. From what I have gathered it is the "celebrity" fascination.

Many of us don't want to add to that. Simple.

On some ships shops are limited and I DO resent a shop that is all about 'O" and not HAL.

But that's just me. For the record, I admire her and her success. I am just not going to book a cruise because she or any other celebrity is on board ;)

First hearing about this - what's the program?

just read the book club thread stating that oh book club and I can't believe how many people are angered by this. It's like everything else on a Holland ship if you don't like it don't participate and don't buy the book. If you don't like BBC don't go to the shows that feature BBC footage.

I don’t think it is as much an issue with Oprah, the BBC, etc. (at least for most people), as it is with what they are taking away. With the O Book club, it appears they are taking away the libraries. With the BBC films, they are taking away a live show or some other form of entertainment in the main theater. Both of these could have easily been added without removing anything.

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I have never heard or seen any hatred for the O programme. Its there and I ignore it, along with art sales, acupuncture and other things.

If others enjoy O, that's fine.

sandra

I don’t think it is as much an issue with Oprah, the BBC, etc. (at least for most people), as it is with what they are taking away. With the O Book club, it appears they are taking away the libraries.

 

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According to HAL's own report, there is no connection between the library changes (which started with the launch of the Koningsdam, let us remember....) and the O book club.

Personally I don't look at this as a "celebrity" versus a "non-celebrity" issue, but rather how much of an impact it is likely to have on my onboard enjoyment.

I'd imagine for many folks (myself included) the so-called "art auctions" aboard ship are more of an irritant than any book club could possibly be. In fact, given the number of complaints over the years, the Hal Cats were probably more of an assault on the senses. :')

As to the few cruises that are actually Oprah-themed, they would be equivalent in my eyes to any large group sailing -- not very desireable probably, but easily avoided.

But frankly all the snark about it here is getting really old.... HAL will either deem it a good deal and continue or deem it a bad deal and stop.

Jenp123: I think I read most of the thread you're referring to, but I don't understand your reason for starting this new thread - I'm sure the posts that contributed to your impression were full of reasons why.

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Jenp123: I think I read most of the thread you're referring to, but I don't understand your reason for starting this new thread - I'm sure the posts that contributed to your impression were full of reasons why.

🤔

I was kind of wondering the same thing.

Celebrity branding - pros and cons: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celebrity_branding

A good read - what is the connection between billionaire Oprah Winfrey who is best known for private jet travel and sumptuous homes scattered around the world, and a mid-market, utilitarian cruise line?

We have a restaurant in town where Ms Winfrey has one of her many residential estates, who claims they make Oprah's favorite meatballs - the restaurant has been working that Oprah connection for years. And it does generate curiosity.

just read the book club thread stating that oh book club and I can't believe how many people are angered by this. It's like everything else on a Holland ship if you don't like it don't participate and don't buy the book. If you don't like BBC don't go to the shows that feature BBC footage.

 

I was actually on an Oprah cruise by chance, and it did not change anything other that giving people some more lectures during the day to attend (which everyone is always complaining in lacking anyway) I attended one speaker and she was really good and didn' attend any other ones.

 

If you didn't like Oprah themes on the cruise you were in no way affected other than the free book they put on your bed which you could throw out.

I'm not saying anything new to add to what others have already said, but I would like to contribute my two cents, anyway ;). I don't understand the "O" vitriol, either. To me, it's like the casino, the Elemis spa, the Park West art auctions, the America's Test Kitchen, the celebrity chef culinary council, the James Suckling wine curation, the Rijksmuseum art displays, the BB King club, or any other activity/offering on a HAL ship. If I'm interested, I'll participate, if not, it does not affect me at all. Nobody is forcing me into any activity that I don't want to be involved in. The arrangement with Oprah will last exactly as long as it is profitable for both parties, HAL and Oprah, Inc.

Celebrity branding - pros and cons: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celebrity_branding

A good read - what is the connection between billionaire Oprah Winfrey who is best known for private jet travel and sumptuous homes scattered around the world, and a mid-market, utilitarian cruise line?

 

We have a restaurant in town where Ms Winfrey has one of her many residential estates, who claims they make Oprah's favorite meatballs - the restaurant has been working that Oprah connection for years. And it does generate curiosity.

I think Oprah is best known for her weekday talk show. She's demonstrated that you can come from nothing and build a successful business empire and brand.

Roz

I'm not saying anything new to add what others have already said, but I would like to contribute my two cents, anyway ;). I don't understand the "O" vitriol, either. To me, it's like the casino, the Elemis spa, the Park West art auctions, the America's Test Kitchen, the celebrity chef culinary council, the James Suckling wine curation, the Rijksmuseum art displays, the BB King club, or any other activity/offering on a HAL ship. If I'm interested, I'll participate, if not, it does not affect me at all. Nobody is forcing me into any activity that I don't want to be involved in. The arrangement with Oprah will last exactly as long as it is profitable for both parties, HAL and Oprah, Inc.

Park Wests, Elemis, ATK, Rijksmuseum are not personalities that come with built-in political baggage. Nor can one avoid the Oprah saturation that has now been built into the ship's infrastructure. It will also take money to remove the permanent branding that is now part of the ship decor, as well as trip over the yoga mats rolled out at the Lido for the morning Oprah meditation events poolside.

I think Oprah is best known for her weekday talk show. She's demonstrated that you can come from nothing and build a successful business empire and brand.

 

Roz

Remind me how that is supposed to market a travel industry cruise line? Only 17% of the top 1% US wealth is inherited. The rest are all rags to riches stories. Is she now selling on-board business courses?

What is it about the daytime TV crowd that makes them potential cruisers on HAL ships - someone in HAL management obviously must know this is a great untapped economic force. I don't watch daytime TV so I don't know what other cruise lines already buy advertising on these shows.

I think Rick Steve's would have been a better fit for HAL He is already known for seeking value-based travel opportunities, global exploration and has a popular book devoted solely to cruise ship travel.

Park Wests, Elemis, ATK, Rijksmuseum are not personalities that come with built-in political baggage. Nor can one avoid the Oprah saturation that has now been built into the ship's infrastructure. It will also take money to remove the permanent branding that is now part of the ship decor, as well as trip over the yoga mats rolled out at the Lido for the morning Oprah meditation events poolside.

I'm sure that my own political views are not at all aligned with Oprah's, for what that's worth. But I don't mind that there are Oprah-inspired activities on board for those who might be interested in her programs. I just don't care enough, I guess. Laissez-faire, and all that. Of course, we haven't had television reception at home for about 28 years (voluntarily), so that may account for my indifference, lol.:D

Remind me how that is supposed to market a travel industry cruise line? Only 17% of the top 1% US wealth is inherited. The rest are all rags to riches stories. Is she now selling on-board business courses?

 

What is it about the daytime TV crowd that makes them potential cruisers on HAL ships - someone in HAL management obviously must know this is a great untapped economic force. I don't watch daytime TV so I don't know what other cruise lines already buy advertising on these shows.

 

I think Rick Steve's would have been a better fit for HAL He is already known for seeking value-based travel opportunities, global exploration and has a popular book devoted solely to cruise ship travel.

Hospitality and travel industry marketing is not my area of expertise, so I can't respond to your questions.

Roz

Here is Oprah's best travel marketing niche, in her own words for the Wall Street Journal - private jets:

https://blogs.wsj.com/wealth/2009/05/11/oprah-its-great-to-have-a-private-jet/

But my "other car" is a Holland America slow boat to Alaska and getting in line with 2000 other passengers ....??? C'mon.

I reject the cult of the celebrity.

So HAL joining with O is of no interest to me. I would evaluate if there were negative impacts to me of this HAL association - if yes, I would decide if I wish to purchase HAL product.

Seems a bit of an odd association given the past clientele of HAL.

Smells a little bit desperate - hope it does not become a trend.

Seriously, Oprah did not write the novels she recommends. I like to read travel books, travel novels, travel reports, anything with cultural insight into the countries we visit, written by authors living in the destination countries etc. So if someone recommends such a book, I would be happy and even go to the discussion.

I'm not saying anything new to add to what others have already said, but I would like to contribute my two cents, anyway ;). I don't understand the "O" vitriol, either. To me, it's like the casino, the Elemis spa, the Park West art auctions, the America's Test Kitchen, the celebrity chef culinary council, the James Suckling wine curation, the Rijksmuseum art displays, the BB King club, or any other activity/offering on a HAL ship. If I'm interested, I'll participate, if not, it does not affect me at all. Nobody is forcing me into any activity that I don't want to be involved in. The arrangement with Oprah will last exactly as long as it is profitable for both parties, HAL and Oprah, Inc.

Very well said. I really don't understand the hatred and it is hatred. You can sense the anger in their posts. Disturbing behavior, that's for sure. I've read a few of the books that have been Book Club selections, some are my taste, some are not, no biggy. If it sounds decent and I was on the sailing, I'd probably participate.

Here is Oprah's best travel marketing niche, in her own words for the Wall Street Journal - private jets:

https://blogs.wsj.com/wealth/2009/05/11/oprah-its-great-to-have-a-private-jet/

 

But my "other car" is a Holland America slow boat to Alaska and getting in line with 2000 other passengers ....??? C'mon.

And the reason she would ener this alliance with HAL? I doubrt any of ust hink she neeeds money from us cruisers........ ;) How many billions are enough billions? I have yet to figure out what HAL gets out of this, let alone Mam, "O"