Cruised Nieuw Amsterdam in February

[1aCruise4wks]

We did the 14-day East/West Caribbean Cruise on the Nieuw Amsterdam. I felt like I was witnessing the demise of a once-great cruise line. Before all you HAL-lovers start flaming me, let me say that I, too, have been a HAL lover. I'm a 4-star mariner and have cruised over 300 days on Holland America. But, as much as I like HAL, I must admit that I was disappointed in this cruise. There was very little entertainment on this ship. There was no entertainment in the Crow's Nest either before or after dinner. What used to be called the Nieuw Amsterdam Orchestra consisted of five musicians and was called, "The Band". They provided the entertainment in the Ocean Bar before dinner on most nights. I say "most nights" because any evening where "The Band" was part of the show in the theater, they couldn't play before dinner in the Ocean Bar. So, on those evenings, there was no entertainment before dinner in the Ocean Bar. There was never any entertainment in the Ocean Bar after dinner. The same sort of thing happened to the Adagio Strings - althought the "strings" consisted on one violinist and one pianist. But, again, on show nights, the violinist had to play in the show and wasn't available to play in the Explorers Lounge. After dinner, the only entertainment was the show (if they had one), the Adagio Strings in the Explorer's Lounge, the piano player in the Piano Bar, or a blues band in the BB King Blues Club. After a few evenings, the blues club got old. On some days, a steel pan player performed an hour or so by the Lido pool but not every day.

 

The bar service was also disappointing. It took a long time to get waited on and then it took another lengthy period for the bartender to make the drink. It seemed that they just didn't have enough staff. One night, we sat down in the Ocean Bar before dinner for a drink. There appeared to be only one waitress in the bar and she was walking around messing with the curtains and clearing empty glasses. She seemed to be ignoring us. A Bar Supervisor walked into the bar, came to our table, and noticed that we didn't have a drink. He asked us if we had been waited on - we replied that we hadn't. He looked around then walked away and began talking to a couple at a different table - we still had no drink! On the first sail-away day out of Ft Lauderdale, we were on the back deck at the rail and ordered a sail-away drink. The waitress took my card and went to get our order. Sail-away was over and we still didn't get our drink. A couple next to us were in the same situation. So, we had to stand there in the same place so that the waitress could find us when, if ever, she returned. About 5 or 10 minutes after the Sail-away Party had wrapped up, the waitress finally showed up with our drinks - and our room cards.

 

The one thing I always liked about HAL was the personalized service that their staff delivered - this was not evident in the bars or open decks. The servers were not friendly or personable. I would get a beer or two in the Sports Bar every night from the bartender. Every night, he acted like I was disturbing him and every night I had to ask him for a glass with my beer.

 

On the positive side, the Dining Room service was excellent! And, the food in the MDR was very good. My only complaint about the MDR was the menu on the 7th night and the 14th night of the cruise. It was some sort of "International Menu" and there were four sections that supposedly represented different parts of the world. The choices were very odd - both my wife and I had difficulty finding something worth ordering. On most nights there were several menu items that were always available (e.g., French Onion Soup, Caesar Salad, Chicken Breast, NY Strip Steak, etc.) but these items were not available on the night of the International Menu.

 

In the Lido Restaurant, you had to fetch your own coffee and juice, even the refills. As is typical on HAL, there were a lot of elderly cruisers. In the past, elderly people who had difficulty getting around were always helped by the staff to get their coffee, juice, and breakfast choices. That was not the case on this ship. Everyone had to fend for themselves. One poor old guy was trying to find a table navigating through the Lido with his breakfast on his walker. He was really struggling. Finally, two other passengers took pity on him and helped him carry his breakfast to a table - passengers helped him, not ship staff.

 

I didn't bother buying a future cruise credit as I usually do because I'm not sure if I'll be sailing HAL again.

 

Have others seen a decline in HAL?

[Baby sitter grandma]

We too were on a b2b Niew Amsterdam January 2015. we too did not buy a future cruise cedit like we usually do. We too are 3 star Mariners...almost 4 star. We found service as you described it on your cruise. We waited for service many times. We did receive great service in the MDR. The Pinnacle service seemed disorganized and our reservations were changed one of the days because of a booking error on the evening we were to dine there. We were in a Neptune suite and our room stewards were ok but seemed to be always in a rush and behind time. We were very disappointed that no entertainment in the Crows Nest later in the evening.

[rbp3072]

Sorry to hear about both accounts. I'm still wrapping up my B2B, and still taking notes on all of my good and 'bad' experiences. My two previous cruises, I have emailed HAL a summary in bulletpoint format listing good, neutral, & poor observations. I figure that is one if the best ways to let it work it's way through the system for any improvements or areas they would like looked into, without the ship keeping it, well, 'on the ship'. Hopefully you both did something similar - after all, if HAL doesn't know they're not meeting your expectations, they can't be expected to try and address them.

 

I can say that with the exception of a few minor annoyances, we've had a great time. Though, in my vast previous experience with HAL, (haha), I do notice a different atmosphere on board versus my previous two cruises with them. Certainly no where near enough for me to go elsewhere, but it's there. Perhaps there are a lot of crew nearing the completion of their contracts, and are simply tired...

[rkacruiser]

Do you remember the names of the Hotel Director and Bar Manager?

[Himself]

Adagio, one violin and one piano, replaced the "Adagio Strings" almost two years ago. Yes, I preferred the strings to the current set up as I am not that fond of the piano. However I was on the Nieuw Amsterdam and found Adagio to be quite good. I was glad to go into the Crow's Next and find it a bit quiet. I never go into the Ocean Bar and so I cannot comment.

[2ptu/000]

We had a similar bar experience on the Eurodam. It was such a struggle to get a drink.

[PathfinderEss]

None of this sounds to encouraging. I have to agree with you all about the entertainment at night in the bars, pretty much down to none and nile, especially in the Crows Nest one of our favorite places to spend time in the evenings. Maybe they need to stop giving away cabins to keep the ship full and charge the prices that will keep them afloat. They certainly are not cheap on the Neptune Suites at almost 1000.00 a day, except for those who play the up sale game.

[sail7seas]

While it is sad to read about disappointing experiences you encountered aboard, I very much appreciate your taking the time to share your comments with us.

 

I'm sorry your cruise was not all you hoped it would be.

 

[cruz chic]

I hate when you practically have to beg to get a drink. Luckily I didn't find it that way on my NA cruise but it was that way on the Westy last April. I find in the lido when it's not busy they would stand talking rather than getting people drinks. On princess they are ready to get you drinks (water, lemonaid etc) within seconds of sitting down.

[boze9999]

We also are just off the NA and I would echo the comments regarding a challenge to get bar service. On a typical HAL cruise, a guest has unlimited opportunities to purchase drinks at the Lido pool area and the rear pool area (sometimes to the point of incessant offerings). More often than not on our March sailing, guests had to walk up to the bar in order to get a beverage. Another complaint heard frequently was the lack of open beverage bars during the day. Prior to 5 PM, the only bars open were on the Lido deck and in the sports bar. And yes, hopefully HAL will listen to everyone on CC and bring back more (and better) entertainment throughout the ship, throughout the day and evening!

[sail7seas]

We also are just off the NA and I would echo the comments regarding a challenge to get bar service. On a typical HAL cruise, a guest has unlimited opportunities to purchase drinks at the Lido pool area and the rear pool area (sometimes to the point of incessant offerings). More often than not on our March sailing, guests had to walk up to the bar in order to get a beverage. Another complaint heard frequently was the lack of open beverage bars during the day. Prior to 5 PM, the only bars open were on the Lido deck and in the sports bar. And yes, hopefully HAL will listen to everyone on CC and bring back more (and better) entertainment throughout the ship, throughout the day and evening!

 

Ocean Bar wasn't open? That is usually the bar open prior to 5 PM.

 

[POA1]

Wow. That's quite a change from November and December. The Crow's Nest was open every afternoon, as was the Ocean Bar, aft pool bar, casino bar, and Lido pool bar.

 

As I mentioned in my live from, we had truly outstanding bar service. (I think we have a special glow that bartenders and beverage wait staff find welcoming and comforting.) :)

Edited March 14, 2015 by POA1

[2ptu/000]

We had the E 4 drink cards. I wonder if this had something to do with the poor service. Maybe a lot of people had these cards and with more people drinking they were just overwhelmed. Maybe, once they recognize you as a holder of the card, they serve you slower. That would save them money and it is all about the $.

[dmcfad2]

It is very interesting to read your comments. We just got off the Zuiderdam and we found everything you are saying to be true; both the good and the bad. I could have written your post! The other thing that has changed is there was no adult pool. It used to be that the Seaview pool was adults only. We are 4 star Mariners. I love HAL, but find these cutbacks distressing. I really miss the guitar player in the Crows Nest.

[crystalspin]

Did not see these situations on the Zaandam in Nov-Dec. There were multiple entertainment venues most of the time (we are not nightowls but did enjoy Adagio as long as they played multiple nights). Always got drinks relatively quickly. Staff was friendly. Often if not always they would come by and offer to get beverages in the Lido at breakfast. I loved that cruise on that ship!

 

Well, we sail on the N.A. in 23 days, on a 26-day TA+Med, so I will see for myself!

Edited March 17, 2015 by crystalspin

[Lindagop]

We will be cruising on the Westerdam 28th March. After cruising with many other lines and this being our first HAL experience, also learning after making our reservation that there will be a very large group on board (postings on cruise critic) I am almost regretting our decision when reading a large amount of the reviews and comments regarding passenger experiences. I always count the days prior to cruising with joy, but am Truely a little anxious regarding this one. Hopefully it will be good.

[80sGirl]

We will be cruising on the Westerdam 28th March. After cruising with many other lines and this being our first HAL experience, also learning after making our reservation that there will be a very large group on board (postings on cruise critic) I am almost regretting our decision when reading a large amount of the reviews and comments regarding passenger experiences. I always count the days prior to cruising with joy, but am Truely a little anxious regarding this one. Hopefully it will be good.

 

That's where I'm at too Linda. This is our first HAL experience (on NA) and we're booked on a 24-day Mediterranean this June which is costing us dearly. I was stoked but now am quite nervous. On the bright side, perhaps we (DH and I anyway) can look at the slow drinks service as a budget-friendly downside? I mean, if it takes half the night to get one drink, we won't have time to spend that much on seconds or thirds ... :)

Edited March 17, 2015 by 80sGirl

[Alcarondas]

We will be cruising on the Westerdam 28th March. After cruising with many other lines and this being our first HAL experience, also learning after making our reservation that there will be a very large group on board (postings on cruise critic) I am almost regretting our decision when reading a large amount of the reviews and comments regarding passenger experiences. I always count the days prior to cruising with joy, but am Truely a little anxious regarding this one. Hopefully it will be good.

 

That's where I'm at too Linda. This is our first HAL experience (on NA) and we're booked on a 24-day Mediterranean this June which is costing us dearly. I was stoked but now am quite nervous. On the bright side, perhaps we (DH and I anyway) can look at the slow drinks service as a budget-friendly downside? I mean, if it takes half the night to get one drink, we won't have time to spend that much on seconds or thirds ... :)

 

Cruise Critic is obviously useful for getting first-hand information from experienced (in general or with a specific line) travellers. But another more subtle benefit is that it serves as a bit of an expectations-check. Of course everyone wants to have a perfect experience every time, but, flawed mortals that we all are, consistent perfection is impossible. Sometimes we run afoul of our own imperfections and those of others around us.

 

Despite a somewhat lengthy history of very positive cruise experiences on HAL, I find that too much exposure to CC just ahead of a cruise can leave me dreading what I will find when I actually get on board. However, this just leaves me even more pleasantly surprised when I'm living the experience myself instead of reading someone eles's thoughts.

 

Everyone's cruise is unique. 2,000 people on a given ship on a given week can have 2,000 different experiences. The overwhelming majority will probably be positive, or at least tolerable. A few people will get pulled into a vortex of bad luck and improbable coincidences and circumstances that will leave them angry and frustrated... and eager to vent.

 

I guess what I'm trying to say is what I always say: Don't let someone else set the bar for your own enjoyment. Live it yourself, and then, when all is said and done and you're back home again, judge for yourself how it was.

 

To the OP, I thought your review was balanced and dispassionate, and a fair recitation of your perceptions of this particular trip. It's unfortunate that your expectations were not met this time around, but anyone can have a bad experience on any ship of any line. I think we've seen enough recent positive reviews from other CC'ers (including my own) to conclude that while there are some recurring issues and annoyances, it's far from being the "end of the Line" (pun intended ;) ).

[carlmm]

I returned from two weeks on the Nieuw Amsterdam a couple of days ago.

Unfortunately I must second the OP's statement about the entertainment. Pre-dinner live music was ok most nights with Adagio (also only two musicians) and the band. Yet, the nights when the band was taken away to play in the show room were even the formal nights. - Maybe especially on formal nights, dressed formally, some people would enjoy to dance? No chance.

Even the violinist from Adagio was sometimes taken away.

 

Yet worst was the later evening entertainment. No live music in the crows nest. A sing along pianist favoured by his singing fans, but no bar where one could seat relaxed, listen to some nice music and talk to friends. No band playing dance music after dinner. An almost empty Norther Lights with almost no seats and a not very welcoming atmosphere. ......

 

There were many nice points about the cruise but the lack of any reasonable evening live music venues made the evenings very short.

[madera1]

We just got off the NA on Sunday. We too noticed the lack of any late night entertainment in the Crows Nest. We did enjoy the B B King Blues group and some in the audience did dance. A few nights they had shows start at 10:30 or 10:45. We had good bar experience but only had 1-2 a day usually up in Crows Nest or at the BB King venue. The bartender in Crows Nest remembered my husband's desired drink throughout the week and always brought us extra nuts. Jimmy Maddox often would play to about 11. We went into Northern Lights only once and saw 4 people just talking.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[0bnxshs]

Thanks for your observations. It's sad to hear of your displeasure.

 

On another note, I've read here on CC that late evening entertainment in the Crow's Nest on NA and Eurodam has been curtailed due to complaints from the cabins beneath.

[rbp3072]

I was surprised that there was so little activity in Northern Lights last week on the NA. That was the second week of our B2B, and there was a noticeable increase in 'younger' passengers on board during Spring Break compared to the previous. I went down several times around 1130-1145, and as others have stated there were only 3-4 folks there.

 

(Though in the grand scheme of things, I would much rather have that, than be on a ship that is rocking until 4am each night. I don't mind the sidewalks being rolled up at night, just wish they would do it a tad later.).

[1aCruise4wks]

Hotel Director was Don Habets; Beverage Manager was Andrew Gabrielse.

[cormike1]

We were on the Eastern/Western B2B in Feb. and it was our first HAL cruise. We compared it to our Princess cruises. All 5 of us really enjoyed it and would definitely cruise HAL again. Now of course we cannot compare it to previous HAL cruises. We found the service excellent in the MDR. We were anytime but had 2 great waiters and location the first night so we asked if we could have that table for the next 2 weeks at 7:30pm. Aside from the first 2 nights that people were seated there, the rest of the cruise they sat us at that table. We even got a card in our room each day stating the time and table # for us. We met for drinks every evening before dinner in the Ocean bar and the waiters/waitresses knew our orders within a couple of days. They were always walking around, cleaning up, taking orders. The explorers Lounge had the pianist every night and the violinist most nights also. Not my type of music but it was packed every night! The Queen's Lounge with the B.B. King band was loud and had the place rocking. People were dancing and you could not get a seat once they started. Jimmy the Piano Man was okay....never did get a seat in the Piano Bar but could hear him. He had a huge following. We spent our free time up by the "Adult" pool and at no time was there any kids swimming in it. The waiters up there were very attentive. So that just goes to show you that everyone has different opinions and please go and keep an open mind. We have had a wonderful time on a Carnival Cruise and would definitely look at them again. It is what you make of your vacation yourself!