Change of music venues - K-dam and N. Statendam

[CJcruzer]

I noticed the N. Statendam has some of the music venues switched around from the original K-dam.

 

It appears that billboard will be right across from Sel de Mer? that doesn't fare well for a nice relaxed dinner with friends and table conversation? As much as we enjoyed the piano players, it is fairly loud.

 

Also wondering if the new area for Lincoln Center will be "quiet" enough. I know there were glass doors which were closed when LC was playing, with "Quiet Please" signs. The area now designated looks so much more open - and has the shops across, which creates some foot traffic and chatter.

 

Any thoughts how this configuration should work better than the arrangement on the Koningsdam? I am leery about a music venue directly across from a specialty restaurant.

[CruiserBruce]

As N. Statendam won't launch until December...its going to be a while before we have any idea.

[catl331]

This was discussed a little here: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2538905 It seems the aim was to get Lincoln Center into a quieter place.

[CJcruzer]

This was discussed a little here: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2538905 It seems the aim was to get Lincoln Center into a quieter place.

 

thanks..... so that means it is wiser to put a "louder" venue such as Billboard close to dining? does not make sense to me.

[Krazy Kruizers]

I agree with you. I wouldn't like a loud music venue near where I am enjoying a lovely evening dinner.

I can remember a few years ago we attended the Cellar Master's dinner on the Westerdam which was held in the front part of the Pinnacle Grill. Above us was the LOUD HAL Cats whom screamed for 2 hours. There were 56 of us at the dinner and we could hardly hear the Cellar Master. He even went around to the tables trying to explain the various wines with the meal.

[Sir PMP]

I noticed the N. Statendam has some of the music venues switched around from the original K-dam.

 

It appears that billboard will be right across from Sel de Mer? that doesn't fare well for a nice relaxed dinner with friends and table conversation? As much as we enjoyed the piano players, it is fairly loud.

 

Also wondering if the new area for Lincoln Center will be "quiet" enough. I know there were glass doors which were closed when LC was playing, with "Quiet Please" signs. The area now designated looks so much more open - and has the shops across, which creates some foot traffic and chatter.

 

Any thoughts how this configuration should work better than the arrangement on the Koningsdam? I am leery about a music venue directly across from a specialty restaurant.

 

They both were so well 'designed' that they have to change the whole lay out of Billboard, Lincoln, Queens lounge and they probably have to do it again and again...

[kazu]

thanks..... so that means it is wiser to put a "louder" venue such as Billboard close to dining? does not make sense to me.

 

That doesn't make sense to me either ;)

 

thanks for the heads up on the layout changes.

[Daisyloo]

If I remember correctly, the Sel de Mer on the Koningsdam is all closed in. (windows and glass door) If they play music in the restaurant and have the doors closed, maybe the noise from Billboard wouldn't be a bother.

So maybe having the Billboard across wouldn't be so bad - they are not as loud as the BBKings.

[CJcruzer]

They both were so well 'designed' that they have to change the whole lay out of Billboard, Lincoln, Queens lounge and they probably have to do it again and again...

 

you got that right...... Lincoln center new site, which is the old BB Kings area, has/had a dance floor area (as of old design) and is 2-tiered, meaning more noise filtering through from upper and lower areas. I would think that makes it more difficult to keep it "quiet please".

[taxmantoo]

Unless they completely close the hallway to through traffic during Lincoln Center Stage shows, there is no way that venue will be quieter than where it was before. People would actually be walking only a few feet from the stage and the shop traffic would be very noisy. Additionally, any noise would also filter down from the open space above. I doubt very much that they will close down both hallways. We will have to wait and see but the only way to counter the noise would be to completely close-in what might just be one of the Koningsdam's nicest areas. That would be a very poor decision ...

[CJcruzer]

If I remember correctly, the Sel de Mer on the Koningsdam is all closed in. (windows and glass door) If they play music in the restaurant and have the doors closed, maybe the noise from Billboard wouldn't be a bother.

So maybe having the Billboard across wouldn't be so bad - they are not as loud as the BBKings.

 

The area dedicated to Sel de Mer is probably the smallest square footage of the major specialty dining areas. When we dined there, the doors were open, which made it feel "airier". Closing the doors and the fact that there are a lot of seafood items, which lends a "fishy" aroma in the air - to my mind would not be a good idea.

 

However, the powers that be will have to come up with the solutions, one way or another.

 

As much as I like Tamarind - I feel the eurodam and N. Ansterdam have a nicer location and ambiance, On the K-dam the tables are much closer to each other and the table we were led to with a view over the pool and hot tubs was really undesirable. I really do not feel fine dini g is enhanced by watching people sitting in a hot tub, Our party of 4 asked for another table. Next table was view of the railing outside. Needless to say I asked for a table with NO view.

[Aquahound]

I think both designs have serious flaws and I don't know which one is better. If I had any say in the matter, I would have moved LCS to the Crows Nest. I think that venue has the best atmosphere for that sort of evening entertainment.

[Himself]

I hope there is an improvement. The KDam was a very nosy sip.

[boze9999]

My obserrvations:

1. We dine in the Pinnacle and Set de mer very frequently and cannot imagine a high end dining experience with loud sing alongs, etc from piano bar right next door/across the hall! (And where's the pre-Pinnacle elegant cocktail lounge?)

2. We love dancing, mingling and engaging with everyone at the 2-tier BB King Lounge throughout the three hour evening! The new location looks like it is smaller than ever and will kill the huge dancing and listening crowds!

3. Having LCS take up the premier venue on the ship and then sunset so early that it becomes a wasted space just when the night gets lively is a misguided decision! I thought HAL was trying to cater a little bit more to younger and more active cruisers! What will happen the first time someone says "shhhhh" when guests are shopping or engaging in lively conversation in the hallway - I fear it will not be positive encounters. I agree with the previous poster....moving LCS to the now under-used Crows Nest in the evenings is a great idea!

 

I loved the Koningsdam. We're cruising on the inaugural sailing on the NS .... IMO with some apprehension due to the venue location changes HAL has implemented.

Edited September 6, 2018 by boze9999

[CJcruzer]

My obserrvations:

1. We dine in the Pinnacle and Set de mer very frequently and cannot imagine a high end dining experience with loud sing alongs, etc from piano bar right next door/across the hall! (And where's the pre-Pinnacle elegant cocktail lounge?)

2. We love dancing, mingling and engaging with everyone at the 2-tier BB King Lounge throughout the three hour evening! The new location looks like it is smaller than ever and will kill the huge dancing and listening crowds!

3. Having LCS take up the premier venue on the ship and then sunset so early that it becomes a wasted space just when the night gets lively is a misguided decision! I thought HAL was trying to cater a little bit more to younger and more active cruisers! What will happen the first time someone says "shhhhh" when guests are shopping or engaging in lively conversation in the hallway - I fear it will not be positive encounters. I agree with the previous poster....moving LCS to the now under-used Crows Nest in the evenings is a great idea!

 

I loved the Koningsdam. We're cruising on the inaugural sailing on the NS .... IMO with some apprehension due to the venue location changes HAL has implemented.

 

I hope you revisit this thread once you have returned home from the inaugural sailing on NS and give us your opinions. WE have "cruise friends" who will also be on this voyage, and hopefully they will share their insights.

 

I have a Fall 2019 cruise booked, specifically because I wanted to enjoy the venues offered on the NS, which we experienced recently on the K-dam.

[Wishing on a star]

They have completed sea trials, and the inaugural cruise is really almost 'weeks' away.

I would think that they would have some final plans and information out by now.

B.B.Kings is small, and smaller than Lincoln Center Stage.

On a port intensive European cruise, with the expected demographic, that might work.

But, this does seem like it would be a huge mistake.

If HAL wants to grow their customer base, you wouldn't know it, as they continue to plan as if all passengers are 70-80 plus.

 

It also is not showing what venue will be there in that unmarked are in the forward, port, section.

This is above the casino, and that open stairway is still shown.

 

Not good.....

[sppunk]

Sel de Mar is going to be about double the size on NS, so I believe they structurally can minimize noise bleed here. Billboard isn’t as loud as BB Kings imo by a long shot.

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

Thanks for the info

 

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