HAL to Disband HAL Dancers and Singers

[Hlitner]

Even though I’m a gen Xer, if they played zeppelin or Hendrix I’d be all for it

 

 

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I just had a very funny thought. Can you imagine the ole HAL Cats (no defunct) trying to play and sing Purple Haze! And if they had done it, there would have been a few long time HAL cruisers complaining to whoever would listen. But consider HAL's BB King concept (we are fans). I have spent many hours listening to two of those BB King groups and don't recall ever hearing more then 1 or 2 BB King songs. Donna Summer...yes..... Go figure.

 

Hank

[SetAnOpenCourse]

And why would you think they do not want CD's telling jokes, Senior Officers attending Meet and Greets, etc. And have you noticed how it is now rare to see Senior Officers hosting tables in the MDR...when that used to be a norm? Consider that a good joke for many would "offend" at least a few older HAL cruisers. or....A Senior Officer at a Meet and Greet might have to regularly fend-off a few chronic complainers who take advantage of the function to whine. And when Senior Officers host tables in the MDR.....there are always a few whiners who complain because they are not invited.

 

A few years ago we were on a HAL cruise when they had a special fun show with lots of percussion. Most enjoyed the show, many gave it a standing ovation and it was fun. But sure enough, a number of long time HAL cruisers complained because the show was "too loud" and did not have the usual "Broadway music." We have also seen recent posts where folks complained about the BB King shows being too loud. If a comedian on HAL tells some "off color jokes" there are always a few passengers who will complain. So HAL does not have adult comedy (it is a darn shame).

 

Sometimes we find ourselves feeling a little sorry for the cruise lines. No matter what they do or try there are those who whine. Try nothing new and they also whine. On HAL there are plenty of passengers who consider any music written after the 40s as being Offensive! And we have heard HAL bands that do not play much written after the 40s :).

 

Hank

 

I can imagine that some people might be scared away permanently by the “regular” complaining that you describe, but I think most wouldn’t be so delicate. They should see it as an opportunity to learn more about the passengers’ tastes.

[Btimmer]

On our recent 2 month Asia cruise, the CD regularly started his evening presentation either before or after the entertainment with a joke. And he dressed differently each night depending upon the formality of the evening.

 

 

Also, the Singers and Dancers not only did their entertainment thing, but they served in the muster drill as Communicators and they helped in the LIDO during the Neurovirus outbreak remediation actions (poured coffee, ensured handwashing occurred, etc.).

 

 

We're looking forward to the change in entertainment (and we have attended every cast show on every ship's sailing we've done - many multiple times) on the Maasdam on its first EXC voyage and we have many other days booked on it after that.

[rsldonk]

Sounds good. But I'm sure there is another more senior crowd that wouldn't like it so much. But that's ok, there are other lines that do target our generation and we have been finding ourselves drifting towards them.

 

 

 

And when all those are dead, HAL has no more paying customers.

 

 

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[bUU]

They should see it as an opportunity to learn more about the passengers’ tastes.

I think most people would be surprised, and a bit shocked, about how much the companies that serve us, including cruise lines, know about the tastes of the customers whose business they're pursuing. It is a pretty safe bet that the vast majority of complaints posted are complaints about changes that the cruise line made because of how much they know. The difference is that while they may know your tastes, they may also know that satisfying those tastes would represent more cost or opportunity than revenue. Service providers are not only learning about what their customers want but they're also learning how to strategically change what they offer to maximize profit, which is their actual goal.

 

And when all those are dead, HAL has no more paying customers.

Yes, of course, but it goes beyond that. Even when they're alive, there are things that customers want that are worth providing and things that customers want that are not worth providing - and that depends on how much extra money customers are willing to spend to get what they want.

 

That's why the quality of today's domestic airlines first class service resembles that of 1960's coach service: We consumers have rewarded the airlines for offering reduced quality at a lower price-point. Cruises are even worse, if you look at the numbers: They are less expensive now, adjusted for inflation, than they were when a lot of us started cruising.

[*Miss G*]

Cheesy is a good description. The performances are like watching the Lawrence Welk show.

 

Maybe not a good point of reference for a Gen-X'er. ;p

[bUU]

Cheesy is a good description. The performances are like watching the Lawrence Welk show.

Maybe not a good point of reference for a Gen-X'er. ;p

However, maybe it is a good point of reference for the source of the problem: A generational disagreement with regard to what entertainment would be worth the extra money it would cost. I wonder how many posters read that line and thought to themselves, "Gosh, the Lawrence Welk show aboard the ship would be great."

 

I know my father and my in-laws would have like that. My father is still alive, and although too old to travel now, I'm sure there are people his age who led a healthier life and still regularly travel and enjoy cruising. I envision a number of them cruise on this cruise line.

[RuthC]

And when all those are dead, HAL has no more paying customers.

What you're not factoring in to this statement is the fact that as people age, their needs, abilities, and tastes also change.

Just as you aren't interested in doing the same things as a young adult that you did as a child, nor as an older adult as a younger one, the future senior adults won't want the same things the alleged 'target passenger base' want now. They will grow into a different style of cruising.

HAL can appeal to senior cruisers and be successful for a long time by offering what they want now, while other prepare to take their place.

[MajMom96]

What you're not factoring in to this statement is the fact that as people age, their needs, abilities, and tastes also change.

 

 

 

Just as you aren't interested in doing the same things as a young adult that you did as a child, nor as an older adult as a younger one, the future senior adults won't want the same things the alleged 'target passenger base' want now. They will grow into a different style of cruising.

 

HAL can appeal to senior cruisers and be successful for a long time by offering what they want now, while other prepare to take their place.

 

 

 

Well said!

[Aquahound]

Not quite correct. HAL was unwilling to match the singers and dancers salaries paid by competing lines. Instead, they reduced the duties required of them. On other lines, singers and dancers often are assigned to assist other departments, like shops, photo, and Shorex. They even assist in the restaurants on busy nights on some lines.

 

Add me to the list of people who would like to know what cruise lines you're talking about. I cannot imagine the singers/dancer working in the restaurants.

[MobyandDick]

Special BackStage Tour and Meet the Performers & Back stage staff

May I takean opportunity to add more depth in to the current conversations as we were onthe Koningsdam from May 1 -12 and during the last sea day, an activity wasplanned to have a look back stage and to meet the performers and back stagestaff.

The 45minutes session was led by the cruise director Ben and all singers, dancers andback stage staff were personally introduced, Q&A were arranged and in smallgroups were taken behind the scenes.

If I rememberwell many questions were also asked about how shows would evolve and frommemory this is what I remember:

- RWSEntertainment Group (New York and London office) is hired to arrange productionshows, so HAL (as many other companies) outsource the entertainment (like Casinoor Spa services)

- RWSis in charge of scouting, hiring and training all performers for each show, soif performers would like to join any HAL ship, they need to audition to RWS (bysending in a recording is a modern means, also auditions are held around theworld to present oneself in person)

- Newshows are presented to the management of HAL and evaluated, possibly alteredbefore going live to the ship’s audience. This can be lengthy process as it wasof HAL and RWS to come up with the new stage, which is called “Key Hole” stageas there are only two small access points versus a traditional stage.

- Shipclasses may receive different style of shows: for example Koningsdam/Pinnacleclass ship has a different stage and requires a different show set up than sayNieuw Amsterdam or Volendam.

- Eachshow has a certain life time as a lot money (up to half a million US$ incl.royalties) is invested and probably runs for about 3 years and then will bereplaced by a new created show.

- Eachproduction receives a high controlled quality check and during its life of productionthis control will be maintained: staff divides responsibilities to keep thehigh standards up: quality of singing, acting, dancing, costumes, etc.

- Someof the performers were actually involved in working out the scripts of thedraft shows of this new Key Hole stage concept and turned it into the currentproduction. Possibly some of them will take the shows to the Nieuw Statendam.

- Atthe Koningsdam the entire stage area is wireless connected: not only the largeled screen but also other lights, sounds, effects and there are camerasdirected on the stage or behind stage, so that the show is performed toperfection and nothing goes unnoticed (see photo)

- Thetechnical crew kindly provided some insights by simply pushing buttons from onetablet, while he was sitting with us in the audience

- Thereare 2 dressing rooms: one for the women, the other for men and both are verywell organized, there is also a schedule per show which costumes are worn (seephoto)

 

Personally I can vow that a tremendous amount of energy, talent, money and time is spentto make our evenings more entertained. Therefore I cannot imagine that showsare being cut away by HAL. I agree that more HAL shows should be introduced duringone cruise and considering the costs of not only performers, but alsoproduction & royalties costs, is it up to HAL if they would like to invest?

[Wishing on a star]

Recently (don't know how long ago) HAL switched from a US/L.A. based company (Stiletto) that put together the shows, to a new company out of Europe. The brought all new shows, concepts and costumes. Auditions were conducted in Europe and, interestingly enough, when the eight cast members were introduced during the Backstage Tour, none were from the U.S. Now before you jump on me about employing U.S. entertainers (I have been involved in Theatre and production for over 40 years and support our talent) I have to say that to a person, the Pdam cast was of a much higher caliber.

....

There was no mention of elimination of the Hal Singers and Dancers in the future. The thought goes thru my mind, Why would HAL have gone to the expense to pay a new company to develop new shows if they were planning on phasing out the Cast shows at any time in the reasonable future? Just wondering.

 

So, assuming that the RWS Entertainment just mentioned is different than Stilleto, there are changes going on.

Maybe positive changes?

The fact that the one poster here seems to have a major background in entertainment, and seems to have spoken to people at length to gather the detailed info mention.. along with the mention of this backstage tour and RWS... This is what seems to make the most sense to me.

 

I have to say that if I am cruising for the entertainment and the over-all onboard experience, (which we would not be doing for a port intensive Med. cruise) I would not be cruising HAL.

High School club level performers and Lawrence Welk have absolutely NO appeal for us at all.

But, for now, I am looking at the more credible and on-topic posts here on this thread. And, from that I am hoping that there is a changeover going in. And, hoping for some improvement when it comes to this kind of entertainment.

[navybankerteacher]

On the Eurodam, in March, the female CD wore a very plain gray dress (always the same one) to introduce every show in the theater.

 

It was either Westerdam in February 2017 or Zuiderdam in September 2017 that had a female CD - I don't pay that much attention to CD's; but I am inclined to think I would recall if she "always wore" a "very plain gray dress" - so I do not think she did.

[rkacruiser]

MobyandDick,

 

Thanks for your detail information. I have also participated in Behind the Scenes Tours and what you stated reminds me of what I heard.

 

I also noted in your first posted photo that the CD was wearing a light gray suit.

 

(I wonder if anyone remembers the flashy, sequined gowns that former CD Susan Wood wore to at the start of an evening's performance.)

[Ken the cruiser]

It was either Westerdam in February 2017 or Zuiderdam in September 2017 that had a female CD - I don't pay that much attention to CD's; but I am inclined to think I would recall if she "always wore" a "very plain gray dress" - so I do not think she did.

I believe this change may have taken effect starting in 2018.

[taxmantoo]

It was either Westerdam in February 2017 or Zuiderdam in September 2017 that had a female CD - I don't pay that much attention to CD's; but I am inclined to think I would recall if she "always wore" a "very plain gray dress" - so I do not think she did.

 

I believe this change may have taken effect starting in 2018.

It did take effect in 2018. The Koningsdam CD in January wore a different dress every night, including ball gowns on gala nights, and the Eurodam CD in March wore the gray dress "uniform" every night. She looked more like a flight attendant than a ship's Cruise Director ;p

[oaktreerb]

Add me to the list of people who would like to know what cruise lines you're talking about. I cannot imagine the singers/dancer working in the restaurants.

 

The only time I have seen the singers and dancers working in the restaurants is when we were on a HAL ship where even the staff was ill with norovirus. Some of the still healthy singers and dancers were dishing out food in the Lido. I'm guessing that it could have been the old Statendam since that is the only time that I got sick.

[MisterBill99]

Special BackStage Tour and Meet the Performers & Back stage staff

May I takean opportunity to add more depth in to the current conversations as we were onthe Koningsdam from May 1 -12 and during the last sea day, an activity wasplanned to have a look back stage and to meet the performers and back stagestaff.

Was this tour free and open to the public? Or was it based on your Mariner level? I've done these on Royal and always find them enjoyable. On Oasis of the Seas, we had the Stage Manager give the tour because we were Diamond level members. Public tours were given by the cast.

[Btimmer]

Was this tour free and open to the public? Or was it based on your Mariner level? I've done these on Royal and always find them enjoyable. On Oasis of the Seas, we had the Stage Manager give the tour because we were Diamond level members. Public tours were given by the cast.

 

When they offer them, they are open to all guests. We've been to many of them on just about every HAL ship we've sailed on.

[MisterBill99]

When they offer them, they are open to all guests. We've been to many of them on just about every HAL ship we've sailed on.

Thanks. I'll keep an eye out for it when we're on Kdam in a couple of weeks. I didn't notice one on Eurodam last year, but it was only a 7 night cruise.

 

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[SetAnOpenCourse]

MobyandDick, thanks for the background info. Interesting!

 

IMHO, HAL would do well to keep basically the same type of performers, and periodically change whoevever oversees the productions.

[rkacruiser]

When they offer them, they are open to all guests. We've been to many of them on just about every HAL ship we've sailed on.

 

This is quite true. If you are interested in an in-depth behind the scenes tour with a small group of guests, look for the Behind the Scenes Tour if your ship offers it. Expensive, but if interested, so worth it!

[sppunk]

If you want to be cast member, RWS is holding two auditions in London in June for Holland America. ;)

 

https://www.rwsnyc.com/auditions/

[Cruising-along]

The only time I have seen the singers and dancers working in the restaurants is when we were on a HAL ship where even the staff was ill with norovirus. Some of the still healthy singers and dancers were dishing out food in the Lido. I'm guessing that it could have been the old Statendam since that is the only time that I got sick.

 

I have seen the singers and dancers working the buffet line too, on the Maasdam. The ship was under code red nearly the whole cruise.

[rkacruiser]

I have seen the singers and dancers working the buffet line too, on the Maasdam. The ship was under code red nearly the whole cruise.

 

Yes, that takes place on other ships as well. In a Code Red situation, it is "all hands on deck" because there will be crew who will be as ill as the guests.