Nieuw Statendam September 17th - 24th Boston to Montreal LIVE Thread

[Florida_gal_50]

5 hours ago, mfanderso said:

Last month when we were on the Nieuw Statendam, we asked for Bread Pudding where they served the ice cream.  They looked at us like they had no idea what we were even talking about.  As we were walking off, another passenger pointed us to the other side where they served the bread and that was where it was behind the counter.

That is amazing to me that they don’t know where food they have everyday is.  I could see it if you asked your room steward where it was.  Thanks to those that pointed out the correct location for the bread pudding. 

[mfanderso]

6 minutes ago, Florida_gal_50 said:

That is amazing to me that they don’t know where food they have everyday is.  I could see it if you asked your room steward where it was.  Thanks to those that pointed out the correct location for the bread pudding. 

Don't even get me started on that.  I like to have salads and went to the salad station.  They had a list of salads you could order or you could go down the line and tell them what you wanted on your salad.  I decided to order one off the list -- easy enough.  No, not really.  I ordered a Chop Chop and NOT ONE person knew what it was or how to make it.  I finally refused to go through it again and sent my husband and he went through the same thing.  One night while dining, Pedro, I don't know his title but he was over all the dining on the ship, stopped to talk to us.  We told him the story about the salad.  I told him if they didn't know how to make them to take the list down.  He said he would rather train them.  Seemed pretty late by then.  It was towards the end of our 24 day cruise.  He said that people were having to work in areas they weren't familiar with and he would talk to them.  I have no idea if I was on the ship today and ordered a Chop Chop salad if they would know what I was talking about.

[Florida_gal_50]

5 minutes ago, mfanderso said:

Don't even get me started on that.  I like to have salads and went to the salad station.  They had a list of salads you could order or you could go down the line and tell them what you wanted on your salad.  I decided to order one off the list -- easy enough.  No, not really.  I ordered a Chop Chop and NOT ONE person knew what it was or how to make it.  I finally refused to go through it again and sent my husband and he went through the same thing.  One night while dining, Pedro, I don't know his title but he was over all the dining on the ship, stopped to talk to us.  We told him the story about the salad.  I told him if they didn't know how to make them to take the list down.  He said he would rather train them.  Seemed pretty late by then.  It was towards the end of our 24 day cruise.  He said that people were having to work in areas they weren't familiar with and he would talk to them.  I have no idea if I was on the ship today and ordered a Chop Chop salad if they would know what I was talking about.

It’s my recollection that that salad has been on the list for a long time too so you think they would know.  I almost always get Caesar so I’ve never had to deal with that.  That said I usually ask for it on what we call field greens where I live, but I point to it.  They do always try to put chicken in it which I don’t want.

[HUNKY]

"I ordered a Chop Chop and NOT ONE person knew what it was or how to make it."

 

Thankfully, the items in the salad are listed on the board - so you can have it customized!

 

As a steakhouse waiter, it reminds me of my guests who order a Caesar salad with RANCH dressing.  🙄

[Oceansaway17]

On 9/18/2022 at 4:01 PM, sergel02 said:

Well as live as it can be with this internet. 
 

 

Itinerary: Boston - Bar Harbor - Halifax - Sydney - Prince Edward Island - Sea Day - Overnight in Quebec

I waved to your ship in Boston.  I was on the Adventure of the Seas.  Was glad for the nice weather in Boston as well as Bar Harbor on the 19th.   

 

I am doing the Rotterdam next year. I have been sailing a lot of RCI but look forward to getting on another DAM ship in 2023.

[rkacruiser]

54 minutes ago, HUNKY said:

"I ordered a Chop Chop and NOT ONE person knew what it was or how to make it."

 

We continue to deal with newbie crew members who have not been trained as well as many others have been.  HAL is not the only company dealing with this issue.  Read some of the posts on the Silverseas and Seabourn Boards.  

[ontheweb]

On 9/20/2022 at 2:15 PM, sergel02 said:

Will say that while optional but recommended for guests all staff are masking. 
 

Another change, but they only do turn-down service and clean your room once a day. You can put the sign outside your door for any extra cleaning though. Not sure if it’s health reasons or staffing issues. Our steward was super helpful.
 

Day 4 - Sydney - 1100 - 1800

 

- We got to see the Giant Fiddle!

 

- The excursions were booked but they have taxi tours where you get a private tour with the cab driver. We did the city tour for $125 and it was 1.5 hours and really nice. 
 

- We at at The Governor’s Pub nearby. It was okay, not really worth the price IMO, but I do recommend trying some of the local places out since there are so many near the port. 
 

 

We did the excursion with the Giant Fiddle on a Boston to Montreal cruise on HAL in 2018. It was a wonderful, very enjoyable show. I would recommend it.

[ontheweb]

On 9/20/2022 at 2:15 PM, sergel02 said:

Will say that while optional but recommended for guests all staff are masking. 
 

Another change, but they only do turn-down service and clean your room once a day. You can put the sign outside your door for any extra cleaning though. Not sure if it’s health reasons or staffing issues. Our steward was super helpful.
 

Day 4 - Sydney - 1100 - 1800

 

- We got to see the Giant Fiddle!

 

- The excursions were booked but they have taxi tours where you get a private tour with the cab driver. We did the city tour for $125 and it was 1.5 hours and really nice. 
 

- We at at The Governor’s Pub nearby. It was okay, not really worth the price IMO, but I do recommend trying some of the local places out since there are so many near the port. 
 

 

We did the excursion with the Giant Fiddle on a Boston to Montreal cruise on HAL in 2018. It was a wonderful, very enjoyable show. I would recommend it.

[sergel02]

So about the bread pudding. I knew it was on the breadboard side because that’s where it was on the Koningsdam. It’s just I swear they had it during dinner sometimes on that cruise but this one they only had it during lunch, but also we only had lunch like twice at the lido. Not a huge deal, just something I noticed. 

 

23 hours ago, mfanderso said:

Don't even get me started on that.  I like to have salads and went to the salad station.  They had a list of salads you could order or you could go down the line and tell them what you wanted on your salad.  I decided to order one off the list -- easy enough.  No, not really.  I ordered a Chop Chop and NOT ONE person knew what it was or how to make it.  I finally refused to go through it again and sent my husband and he went through the same thing.  One night while dining, Pedro, I don't know his title but he was over all the dining on the ship, stopped to talk to us.  We told him the story about the salad.  I told him if they didn't know how to make them to take the list down.  He said he would rather train them.  Seemed pretty late by then.  It was towards the end of our 24 day cruise.  He said that people were having to work in areas they weren't familiar with and he would talk to them.  I have no idea if I was on the ship today and ordered a Chop Chop salad if they would know what I was talking about.

 

This happened to me with an Asian Salad, though a bit different. I ordered off the menu and the sever had to ask his partner, and she knew while preparing her salad. He did end up adding oranges which wasn’t on the menu but I took it. The ingredients are on the guest side but maybe having it on the crew side would help too. 
 

That said, I do agree with Pedro in that is better to train and educate crew who didn’t know about the dishes more and how to prepare them rather than just taking it off the menu completely, especially for a salad. 

[VMax1700]

10 hours ago, sergel02 said:

that’s where it was on the Koningsdam. It’s just I swear they had it during dinner

Pre Covid, on Koningsdam they had Bread Pudding available at breakfast and dinner as well as lunch times.  Me and Wellington (server) got to know each other very well! 🤫

[sergel02]

Okay, time for the final trip update. We're home safe, rested, and packing for another trip we had planned last minute before some credit expires. Traveling is tough work lol

 

Quebec

 

I don't have much specifically to say (though I'm open to questions) except that it's one of the best cities I visited. It really is like a slice of France and Europe in North America. Everything is in French, but everyone we met spoke some English. Everyone was also kind and helpful too.

 

We visited the famous Fairmont Le Château Frontenac up on the hill in Old Quebec I think and it was well worth it. We took the hop on hop off which wasn't all that great (should have booked a ship excursion maybe for that port) but there is a funicular nearby which will take you up, though it's a bit of a walk to get there from either port. The hotel has a Starbucks in it and many shops and restaurants nearby. The lobby is the only part open to the public, but there is a museum underground you can visit which was great to see. Plus our trip had a HAL rep to help people out in the lobby. 

 

Definitely would like to visit again, and I'm happy for the overnight the ship did.

 

The Cruise Overall

 

It was a memorable cruise for sure, and probably in my top 3 favorite cruises. It was our first time visiting the New England area and Eastern Canada. I was really thankful, because Hurricane Fiona seemed to cause a lot of damage in many of the ports we visited like Halifax, Sydney, and Prince Edward island. I'm happy I got to see them and try some local places. Also it seems The Canadian Red Cross is taking donations for the Hurricane damage for anyone willing to donate there to help out.

 

It was our first time going on the same class of ships, but the ship was really nice and we were busy so we didn't mind. I got a veggie burger at Dive In and I still need to go back to try a hot dog. And maybe we'll try a different specialty restaurant. 

 

Okay the big elephant in the room  for anyone on this cruise that I haven't mentioned...was certainly the embarkation. Been on 12 cruises and this was by far the worst embarkation I've ever had. I've been on HAL before so it makes me think it's more the Boston Port. Not sure how it's been for those getting on in Quebec. If you had VeriFly it was kind of quick. but otherwise you had to wait around 2 hours to fully get in. There were no areas by your boarding group number so everyone was just in 1 line for security and then for check-in. They are aware it was bad but not sure what the problem was.

 

The 2nd issue were charges onboard. Definitely check your statement! My parents ordered a water package on the first day, yet never received it. I got mine which I ordered the first day too though, so it was weird. We kept calling but it never arrived. They still got charged for it but that was fixed easily by Guest Relations, who said a lot of people were having issues. We ordered the water package every cruise since we don't drink much otherwise, and this was the first time we just didn't get it. Not a huge deal, but it was something we'll remember.

 

Still though it was a great cruise and I'm happy we went. HAL is becoming one of our favorite lines, which is a bit ironic because a year ago we would have thought HAL was "too old" for us.

 

Feedback to Holland America

 

I think HAL's strength is their more classic cruise experience with an emphasis on enrichment like education, music, and ports, at a reasonable price. 

 

Some things I think they do better than most lines I've been on and areas they can improve:

 

- The service is great. The staff seem super friendly, and less stressed than on other lines. Our room attendants Hari and Gus were so nice and friendly, and always asked us what we needed.

 

- The Lido is probably one of the best at sea for us. The variety is the strongest factor. The main dining room food wasn't as good as the Lido, nor as good as the main dining room food on Disney or new Celebrity ships, but better than most other ships I've been on.

 

- The Crow's Nest was nice overall. A lot of the screens and cool tech weren't actually working so I didn't spend as much time there as I wanted. Apparently on the Rotterdam the area Port side is a game room rather than presentation room which is better for the space I feel. I love observation lounges on ships, and so many ships are getting rid of them so I'm happy HAL and new ships like NCL's Prima have them.

 

- I like the World Stage as a venue. The screens are a great addition. I think the shows could be better though, and I really missed the BBC Earth video. I'd like to see more of those kinds of videos throughout the day, maybe even 1 or 2 days only if that's all they can do.

 

- I LOVED the EXC Talks. I love when ships emphasize the ports they are visiting, and help guests learn more about the areas so we are a bit less ignorant of the history and culture. Kind of wish they put them on their official HAL channel on YouTube, it would teach a lot and be good promo for the company. 

 

- I like the music walk overall and emphasis on music...but I do think the layout of the venues could be better. I think having them right under the casino isn't the best, and since they rarely have Billboard on Board and Rolling Stone Rock room going the same time because they'd just singing over each other due to proximity, maybe combining them into one large venue kind of like how they do with Lincoln Center Stage and BB King's would be good. I do like that LCS and BB King's span 2 decks, so it's nice to pass by and watch a bit if I don't want to sit down. The music usually is not my taste but I do like the musicians having actual venues to play at, and being incorporated in the stage shows.

 

- Wish there was a Port to Table cooking demonstration.

 

- Really enjoyed the more modern décor and art. It wasn't as nice as how some Viking ships or the Prima look, but still nice. 

 

- This is for any future ships they may build, but the layout of public spaces could be better. There was some crowding, and it's weird having to walk through the casino with smoke to get to the theater, or walking past people eating in chairs in the Dutch Café to get to the dining room. The passenger-to-space ratio is lower on this compared to their older ships, and I feel for a premium line, a ratio of 40+ is needed to help feel premium. 

 

- I hope they add a garden to their ships. There were more plants, but an actual garden would be cool. My mom specifically looks at ships with greenery to choose to go on. Luckily more ships are adding them.

 

- The space aft on the ship, above the outside pool. Sunset Bar I think? It was so empty it makes me wonder what the purpose of it is.

 

- Speaking of pools I love that the main pool is covered.

 

- I enjoyed their approach to health and safety. They are big on it still, and recommend masks, but I liked that they made everyone feel welcome and nobody felt out of place to mask or not.

 

- Internet could be better. Hope that improves, and it will with tech.

 

- I know it's not a family-focused line, but I do wish there were more activities for families to do. My family travels together, but the music of the music walk isn't our style so there's not as much to do at night outside of watching a show/movie or playing on my Switch. Like, I don't think HAL is ever going to add a Galaxy Pavilion but having a few more family-friendly activities would be cool. You'd think something like a golf simulator would appeal to many people going on HAL too. They don't need rock climbing walls, or go karts, but an area that has activities indoors other than the Crow's Nest would be nice.

 

- Not sure if it's something about who HAL attracts but we met so many friendly people on the ship! Lots of great conversations.

 

HAL had some stereotypes we believed before we sailed with them last December, and there might be some truth to some of those. But HAL is honestly a great line for anyone of any age who wants maybe a little more subdued experience but still wants great food, service, enrichment, and nice ports. It's perfect for introverts like me, and there is a market out there for people who want a more classic but still fun and enriching cruise.

 

I'm not sure when my next cruise will be, or when I'll go on Holland again, but I'll be following news about HAL closely. For anyone who read all this, thanks for following along!

[rkacruiser]

36 minutes ago, sergel02 said:

But HAL is honestly a great line for anyone of any age who wants maybe a little more subdued experience but still wants great food, service, enrichment, and nice ports.

 

My opinion of the summary of your cruise?  Superb!  Thank you very much for your reports!  

[northernphoenix]

On 9/26/2022 at 7:39 PM, sergel02 said:

Okay, time for the final trip update. We're home safe, rested, and packing for another trip we had planned last minute before some credit expires. Traveling is tough work lol

 

Quebec

 

I don't have much specifically to say (though I'm open to questions) except that it's one of the best cities I visited. It really is like a slice of France and Europe in North America. Everything is in French, but everyone we met spoke some English. Everyone was also kind and helpful too.

 

We visited the famous Fairmont Le Château Frontenac up on the hill in Old Quebec I think and it was well worth it. We took the hop on hop off which wasn't all that great (should have booked a ship excursion maybe for that port) but there is a funicular nearby which will take you up, though it's a bit of a walk to get there from either port. The hotel has a Starbucks in it and many shops and restaurants nearby. The lobby is the only part open to the public, but there is a museum underground you can visit which was great to see. Plus our trip had a HAL rep to help people out in the lobby. 

 

Definitely would like to visit again, and I'm happy for the overnight the ship did.

 

The Cruise Overall

 

It was a memorable cruise for sure, and probably in my top 3 favorite cruises. It was our first time visiting the New England area and Eastern Canada. I was really thankful, because Hurricane Fiona seemed to cause a lot of damage in many of the ports we visited like Halifax, Sydney, and Prince Edward island. I'm happy I got to see them and try some local places. Also it seems The Canadian Red Cross is taking donations for the Hurricane damage for anyone willing to donate there to help out.

 

It was our first time going on the same class of ships, but the ship was really nice and we were busy so we didn't mind. I got a veggie burger at Dive In and I still need to go back to try a hot dog. And maybe we'll try a different specialty restaurant. 

 

Okay the big elephant in the room  for anyone on this cruise that I haven't mentioned...was certainly the embarkation. Been on 12 cruises and this was by far the worst embarkation I've ever had. I've been on HAL before so it makes me think it's more the Boston Port. Not sure how it's been for those getting on in Quebec. If you had VeriFly it was kind of quick. but otherwise you had to wait around 2 hours to fully get in. There were no areas by your boarding group number so everyone was just in 1 line for security and then for check-in. They are aware it was bad but not sure what the problem was.

 

The 2nd issue were charges onboard. Definitely check your statement! My parents ordered a water package on the first day, yet never received it. I got mine which I ordered the first day too though, so it was weird. We kept calling but it never arrived. They still got charged for it but that was fixed easily by Guest Relations, who said a lot of people were having issues. We ordered the water package every cruise since we don't drink much otherwise, and this was the first time we just didn't get it. Not a huge deal, but it was something we'll remember.

 

Still though it was a great cruise and I'm happy we went. HAL is becoming one of our favorite lines, which is a bit ironic because a year ago we would have thought HAL was "too old" for us.

 

Feedback to Holland America

 

I think HAL's strength is their more classic cruise experience with an emphasis on enrichment like education, music, and ports, at a reasonable price. 

 

Some things I think they do better than most lines I've been on and areas they can improve:

 

- The service is great. The staff seem super friendly, and less stressed than on other lines. Our room attendants Hari and Gus were so nice and friendly, and always asked us what we needed.

 

- The Lido is probably one of the best at sea for us. The variety is the strongest factor. The main dining room food wasn't as good as the Lido, nor as good as the main dining room food on Disney or new Celebrity ships, but better than most other ships I've been on.

 

- The Crow's Nest was nice overall. A lot of the screens and cool tech weren't actually working so I didn't spend as much time there as I wanted. Apparently on the Rotterdam the area Port side is a game room rather than presentation room which is better for the space I feel. I love observation lounges on ships, and so many ships are getting rid of them so I'm happy HAL and new ships like NCL's Prima have them.

 

- I like the World Stage as a venue. The screens are a great addition. I think the shows could be better though, and I really missed the BBC Earth video. I'd like to see more of those kinds of videos throughout the day, maybe even 1 or 2 days only if that's all they can do.

 

- I LOVED the EXC Talks. I love when ships emphasize the ports they are visiting, and help guests learn more about the areas so we are a bit less ignorant of the history and culture. Kind of wish they put them on their official HAL channel on YouTube, it would teach a lot and be good promo for the company. 

 

- I like the music walk overall and emphasis on music...but I do think the layout of the venues could be better. I think having them right under the casino isn't the best, and since they rarely have Billboard on Board and Rolling Stone Rock room going the same time because they'd just singing over each other due to proximity, maybe combining them into one large venue kind of like how they do with Lincoln Center Stage and BB King's would be good. I do like that LCS and BB King's span 2 decks, so it's nice to pass by and watch a bit if I don't want to sit down. The music usually is not my taste but I do like the musicians having actual venues to play at, and being incorporated in the stage shows.

 

- Wish there was a Port to Table cooking demonstration.

 

- Really enjoyed the more modern décor and art. It wasn't as nice as how some Viking ships or the Prima look, but still nice. 

 

- This is for any future ships they may build, but the layout of public spaces could be better. There was some crowding, and it's weird having to walk through the casino with smoke to get to the theater, or walking past people eating in chairs in the Dutch Café to get to the dining room. The passenger-to-space ratio is lower on this compared to their older ships, and I feel for a premium line, a ratio of 40+ is needed to help feel premium. 

 

- I hope they add a garden to their ships. There were more plants, but an actual garden would be cool. My mom specifically looks at ships with greenery to choose to go on. Luckily more ships are adding them.

 

- The space aft on the ship, above the outside pool. Sunset Bar I think? It was so empty it makes me wonder what the purpose of it is.

 

- Speaking of pools I love that the main pool is covered.

 

- I enjoyed their approach to health and safety. They are big on it still, and recommend masks, but I liked that they made everyone feel welcome and nobody felt out of place to mask or not.

 

- Internet could be better. Hope that improves, and it will with tech.

 

- I know it's not a family-focused line, but I do wish there were more activities for families to do. My family travels together, but the music of the music walk isn't our style so there's not as much to do at night outside of watching a show/movie or playing on my Switch. Like, I don't think HAL is ever going to add a Galaxy Pavilion but having a few more family-friendly activities would be cool. You'd think something like a golf simulator would appeal to many people going on HAL too. They don't need rock climbing walls, or go karts, but an area that has activities indoors other than the Crow's Nest would be nice.

 

- Not sure if it's something about who HAL attracts but we met so many friendly people on the ship! Lots of great conversations.

 

HAL had some stereotypes we believed before we sailed with them last December, and there might be some truth to some of those. But HAL is honestly a great line for anyone of any age who wants maybe a little more subdued experience but still wants great food, service, enrichment, and nice ports. It's perfect for introverts like me, and there is a market out there for people who want a more classic but still fun and enriching cruise.

 

I'm not sure when my next cruise will be, or when I'll go on Holland again, but I'll be following news about HAL closely. For anyone who read all this, thanks for following along!

I will reinforce the Boston disembarkation experience ( in our personal Sept.17.22 HAL Nieu Statendam experience) that the port of Boston has been a heart attack about to happen.  We witnessed an elderly lady at the stage of physical collapse attempting to find her way to a safe space.  Your comments do reinforce our experience with HAL post-covid.  Cruise experience will of course be a reflection of our return to post-Covid life ; but we will certainly cruise HAL, once again.