eldercruser Posted June 29, 2009 #1 Share Posted June 29, 2009 Just saw this re up coming drydocks. June 29, 2009 5:43 PM ET All PR Newswire news SEATTLE, June 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Holland America Line's latest Signature of Excellence innovation has received rave reviews by guests on ms Veendam. Similar in size to the premium line's spacious outside-view staterooms, the new, unique lanai accommodations were recently added to the ship and feature large sliding glass doors with direct access to the Lower Promenade wrap-around teak walking deck. Lanai staterooms will be added to ms Rotterdam this year and three other ships by 2013. "We are very pleased with the lanai staterooms and the enthusiastic response from our guests," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "They have a nice layout and direct deck access and enhanced views are a major benefit. "On the Statendam-class ships we have fewer verandah options than on our Vista or Signature ships," added Meadows. "So lanai staterooms offer a great value with outside deck access." The addition of 38 lanai staterooms on Veendam are a key feature in the latest round of Signature of Excellence enhancements at Holland America Line. Thirty-two new verandah staterooms also were built on the aft portion of the ship, along with eight new inside staterooms. All staterooms aboard Veendam received new decor, modern wall sconces, carpeting, drapes, pillows and bed runners and resurfaced desks and vanities. Bathrooms saw an "extreme" makeover with new vanities and cabinetry. Each lanai stateroom also features reserved deck chairs outside sliding glass doors that have a one-way mirrored coating to ensure privacy. A final stateroom enhancement was the creation of 15 spa staterooms -- 12 outside converted to verandah in drydock and three other inside -- featuring a variety of exclusive spa amenities. The rooms offer their own ambiance with a decor reflecting natural elements and soft earth-tones. A counter-top water feature in each stateroom provides a natural, ambient background sound and artwork reflects serene images in nature. Exclusive spa treatments and a spa room service menu are offered only in these staterooms. Completion in Two Phases on Five Ships Except for Veendam, completed at the end of April 2009, and Rotterdam, to be completed in December 2009, stateroom enhancements will be completed in two phases. First, in a series of drydocks in 2010 and 2011, Maasdam, Statendam and Ryndam will receive stateroom upgrades. The second series of drydocks in 2012 and 2013 will add lanai staterooms and new accommodations on the aft portion of the ships, as well as forward verandah and spa staterooms. Veendam's capacity increased to 1,350 as a result of the stateroom additions. Guest capacity on Rotterdam will be 1,404. Capacity on Statendam, Maasdam and Ryndam will increase to 1,350 during future drydocks. This next phase in the Signature of Excellence commitment brings the latest innovations at sea to Holland America Line's Statendam, Maasdam, Ryndam, Veendam and Rotterdam. Additional highlights include the resort pool feature called The Retreat, the Showroom at Sea and the new Mix, three specialty lounges midship. Completing projects will be the addition of Canaletto, Holland America Line's popular and complimentary casual Italian restaurant, introduced on ms Eurodam in summer 2008. Overall, Holland America Line has committed $525 million to its Signature of Excellence program that redefines premium cruising. For additional information, consult a professional travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimVrhovac Posted June 29, 2009 #2 Share Posted June 29, 2009 It is really interesting that they never mentioned the RETREAT FIASCO. We were on the cruise from Ft Lauderdale to Vancouver. Ruth & Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eldercruser Posted June 29, 2009 Author #3 Share Posted June 29, 2009 Thought you might enjoy this Jim! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovebug33 Posted June 30, 2009 #4 Share Posted June 30, 2009 I had one of those spa verandahs and LOVED it. However, if you don't want to be up going to the restroom all night, you have to unplug the water fountain thing :eek:! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mudscraper Posted June 30, 2009 #5 Share Posted June 30, 2009 I guess this means the Sitz Bath is still in the works for the other ships. Rich Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bepsf Posted June 30, 2009 #6 Share Posted June 30, 2009 "Rave Reviews"? From whom - the hired help? :rolleyes: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
takemewithyou Posted June 30, 2009 #7 Share Posted June 30, 2009 I guess this means the Sitz Bath is still in the works for the other ships. Rich The Sitz bath?????? :eek: LOL - Now, that is FUNNY!!!!! :D:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krazy Kruizers Posted June 30, 2009 #8 Share Posted June 30, 2009 Holland America Line’s Innovative Lanai Staterooms Prove a Big Hit on ms Veendam Seattle, June 29, 2009 – Holland America Line’s latest Signature of Excellence innovation has received rave reviews by guests on ms Veendam. Similar in size to the premium line’s spacious outside-view staterooms, the new, unique lanai accommodations were recently added to the ship and feature large sliding glass doors with direct access to the Lower Promenade wrap-around teak walking deck. Lanai staterooms will be added to ms Rotterdam this year and three other ships by 2013. “We are very pleased with the lanai staterooms and the enthusiastic response from our guests,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. “They have a nice layout and direct deck access and enhanced views are a major benefit. “On the Statendam-class ships we have fewer verandah options than on our Vista or Signature ships,” added Meadows. “So lanai staterooms offer a great value with outside deck access.” The addition of 38 lanai staterooms on Veendam are a key feature in the latest round of Signature of Excellence enhancements at Holland America Line. Thirty-two new verandah staterooms also were built on the aft portion of the ship, along with eight new inside staterooms. All staterooms aboard Veendam received new décor, modern wall sconces, carpeting, drapes, pillows and bed runners and resurfaced desks and vanities. Bathrooms saw an “extreme” makeover with new vanities and cabinetry. Each lanai stateroom also features reserved deck chairs outside sliding glass doors that have a one-way mirrored coating to ensure privacy. A final stateroom enhancement was the creation of 15 spa staterooms — 12 outside converted to verandah in drydock and three other inside — featuring a variety of exclusive spa amenities. The rooms offer their own ambiance with a décor reflecting natural elements and soft earth-tones. A counter-top water feature in each stateroom provides a natural, ambient background sound and artwork reflects serene images in nature. Exclusive spa treatments and a spa room service menu are offered only in these staterooms. Completion in Two Phases on Five Ships Except for Veendam, completed at the end of April 2009, and Rotterdam, to be completed in December 2009, stateroom enhancements will be completed in two phases. First, in a series of drydocks in 2010 and 2011, Maasdam, Statendam and Ryndam will receive stateroom upgrades. The second series of drydocks in 2012 and 2013 will add lanai staterooms and new accommodations on the aft portion of the ships, as well as forward verandah and spa staterooms. Veendam’s capacity increased to 1,350 as a result of the stateroom additions. Guest capacity on Rotterdam will be 1,404. Capacity on Statendam, Maasdam and Ryndam will increase to 1,350 during future drydocks. This next phase in the Signature of Excellence commitment brings the latest innovations at sea to Holland America Line’s Statendam, Maasdam, Ryndam, Veendam and Rotterdam. Additional highlights include the resort pool feature called The Retreat, the Showroom at Sea and the new Mix, three specialty lounges midship. Completing projects will be the addition of Canaletto, Holland America Line’s popular and complimentary casual Italian restaurant, introduced on ms Eurodam in summer 2008. Overall, Holland America Line has committed $525 million to its Signature of Excellence program that redefines premium cruising. For additional information, consult a professional travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kenevenpar Posted June 30, 2009 #9 Share Posted June 30, 2009 I love internal press releases. No need to quote actual statistics, or who is providing "rave reviews". I don't have a strong opinion regarding the Lanai staterooms; in theory they sound nice. Like others have posted, I am not sure that I like the new look of the Veendam's aft, but it would not keep me from sailing her. KK, thanks for the post. Ken Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cle1 Posted June 30, 2009 #10 Share Posted June 30, 2009 It will be interesting to see how these will REALLY work out. First thing, as soon as you turn on a light, and don't close your curtains there is no privacy in the cabins. Second, I would be willing to bet, there will be some problems over "reserved" deck chairs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fabby50 Posted June 30, 2009 #11 Share Posted June 30, 2009 We have one of the new spa verandah staterooms reserved for a cruise in October. I am really looking forward to seeing how it works out. I didn't realize that these originally were outside staterooms that verandahs were added to. I love the whole "spa thing" and may add a wellness package once I get my reservation number. It's a whole lot cheaper than taking a spa vacation on land! Thanks for posting the article - I gleam little facts everytime someone posts about the new upgrades. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedmondCruiser Posted June 30, 2009 #12 Share Posted June 30, 2009 Interesting that the retreat wading pool was briefly mentioned at the end. It would be nice if HAL would come out and state that the remaining three ships will not be ruined with the elimination of the aft pool. The cheer leaders with the rave reviews are most likely the same people who came up with this lame idea and now must either keep cheer leading or admit that it was a big expensive mistake. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamaofami Posted June 30, 2009 #13 Share Posted June 30, 2009 I guess this means the Sitz Bath is still in the works for the other ships. Rich Love it. The description, not the wading pool. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kenevenpar Posted June 30, 2009 #14 Share Posted June 30, 2009 "Rave Reviews"? From whom - the hired help? :rolleyes: Right on! As I said on another thread, you have to love self proclaimed "rave reviews", although I am sure they have gotten a few, but as Brian said, "from whom", and how many. I guess that is what the marketing people get paid for!:rolleyes: Ken Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Roz Posted June 30, 2009 #15 Share Posted June 30, 2009 I've had a couple of outside cabins on the Lower Prom deck, so I'm rather intrigued by these Lanai cabins. It would allow me to book a balcony cabin of sorts, without paying the balcony price. VB, the privacy issue with the cabins lights on and the curtains not drawn at night isn't new. That's the situation without the outside cabins being converted into Lanai-style rooms. I agree with you about the deck chairs - I wouldn't want to have to step out of my cabin onto the deck and have to go thru people sitting there, nor would I want people sitting there when I wanted to bring my morning coffee out onto the deck. It will be interesting to see what happens, but I'd like to give them a try. Roz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamaofami Posted June 30, 2009 #16 Share Posted June 30, 2009 I have one of these lanai cabins booked for the Veendam. Wish some people who've had them would post their experiences. So far, I've only seen one person comment on them, unless I've missed it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobpatj Posted June 30, 2009 #17 Share Posted June 30, 2009 The Retreat a highlight? I'm shedding another tear for the Rotterdam! :( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jemima Posted June 30, 2009 #18 Share Posted June 30, 2009 I'm most concerned about the increased passenger capacity. There was no mention of increased lido seating. The lido is already crowded at times. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mary Ellen Posted June 30, 2009 #19 Share Posted June 30, 2009 We'd considered (very briefly) one of the lanai cabins for our return to Antarctica. That ended as soon as I read about the noise from the crew washing the deck every morning at 5:30. Not what I'd consider a "rave review". Now that we're also hearing that the deck chairs outside the cabins on the LP are no longer available to all the passengers, but "reserved" for a few, I'm REALLY not happy with HAL for more erosion of public space. First the Lido cabanas, now this... :mad: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Roz Posted June 30, 2009 #20 Share Posted June 30, 2009 The crew washed the deck every morning (not always 5:30 am) before these rooms were converted into lanai cabins, so that's a non-starter as far as I'm concerned. I've stayed in one of those outside cabins, so I've had first hand experience. Since the lanai cabins are the highest category of outside cabins without a private balcony, and passengers are paying more for them, why shouldn't they get a perk like a reserved deck chair? Since I like outside cabins on the Lower Prom anyway, I'm not going to let the silly objections of posters on this board deter me from booking one and giving it a try. :D Roz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mary Ellen Posted June 30, 2009 #21 Share Posted June 30, 2009 The crew washed the deck every morning (not always 5:30 am) before these rooms were converted into lanai cabins, so that's a non-starter as far as I'm concerned. I've stayed in one of those outside cabins, so I've had first hand experience. From that I read, the water was also hitting the door/window. That would make a LOT of noise. Far be it from me to dissuade anyone from booking one, our reasons for not doing so, are our reasons. Please don't insult us by calling them silly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RevNeal Posted June 30, 2009 #22 Share Posted June 30, 2009 We'd considered (very briefly) one of the lanai cabins for our return to Antarctica. That ended as soon as I read about the noise from the crew washing the deck every morning at 5:30. Not what I'd consider a "rave review". IF we're on a ship for our return to Antarctica that actually has Lanai Cabins, I might very well consider it, too. The location can't be beat ... the ability to step right outside and have easy access along the full length of the ship cannot be undervalued. However, the same can be said for cabins 6100 and 6102, all the way forward, on the Verandah Deck. If we're on an R-class ship for that cruise, I'm going to shoot for one of those ... though the pricing will probably be steep ... one cannot beat the location for incredible views. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Roz Posted June 30, 2009 #23 Share Posted June 30, 2009 Mary Ellen, I'm sorry you thought my post was insulting. I put an emoticon after it. If you don't want to book a lanai, that's fine. It means one more cabin available for me to pick from. Roz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boytjie Posted June 30, 2009 #24 Share Posted June 30, 2009 From that I read, the water was also hitting the door/window. That would make a LOT of noise. The water would also be hitting the bulkheads and windows of all cabins on that deck. We had such a cabin on the Amsterdam and I don't recall them washing the decks down as early as 5:30 am; I notioced it maybe once or twice during our 7 day Alaska cruise. It did not make that much noise at all. I won't call you silly! Personal preferences matter but I have to say I am a light sleeper and I was not bothered by noise in our cabin despite what I read about being under the galley and on the Promenade deck. Ships have noises, and creaks and movement. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruz chic Posted June 30, 2009 #25 Share Posted June 30, 2009 The water would also be hitting the bulkheads and windows of all cabins on that deck. We had such a cabin on the Amsterdam and I don't recall them washing the decks down as early as 5:30 am; :) I can tell you that when I have had a room on the lower prom. they have washed down the decks at 5:30 or 6am. I'm a light sleeper and it does make a bit of noise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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