InTheWASide

When I was aboard the Eurodam in August and September, I spoke with Mr. Kuppens about his new assignment. He indicated then that

after his vacation from the Eurodam, he would then begin this new assignment as Hotel Director for the newbuild. That did not happen. He returned to sea. And, now his near future will be the newbuild Hotel Director?

 

I wonder if this change of plans for him indicates a delay in the new ship's delivery.

 

Any word on the newbuild's take-out Captain?

No delay I've heard anything about. I know he was at sea for the holiday cruises and a couple charters in the spring time. Believe they specifically requested he be the HD for those sailings.

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I heard that Stan Kuppens has left the Eurodam, I assume to oversee the new build. Can anyone confirm? We will be on her in July.

Eurodam will be in good hands, but yes. Stan's near future consists of Seattle and Venice

The ship won't be smaller. It's either 2600 or 2660 at double occupancy... they've said both in the press releases. But the ship will be a major departure on the inside from what I've heard through some very reliable sources over there. What I've had shared with me though is still much too far out and I've had to promise to not talk details publicly but stateroom/entertainment and dining venues will be quite different from what has been standard and minimally adapted in all of HAL's current fleet (Prinsendam is the most different of present... gee I wonder why...:rolleyes:)

There will also be a theme that ties all areas together but again, not something I can share.

I wonder when this article was even written! It doesn't mention the fact that Prinsendam has a Canaletto! We were on board in 2011, and that was well before the redo that included enclosing the aft end of the Lido.

There are a couple major prinsendam returns. The big one redid all the suites and added the explorations cafe. The next big one added all the extra rooms in the back. Most recently added the wintergarden/Canaletto area

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They can certainly give it a shot. If it doesn't work it just means they'll have a couple forms to fill out at the pier. The same ones. Just handwritten or asked and manually typed by the pier agent. Not the end of the world. Just a couple extra minutes at the pier counter.

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From the HAL Blog:

http://www.hollandamericablog.com/2014/04/10/new-holland-america-line-uniforms-win-image-award/

I love the new looks, although for me personally the housekeeping uniform is just a touch too "pastel"

I think its been mentioned before on another thread but I gather she is going to Alaska for the summer of 2015 and then down to Australia until early 2016.

 

It may be HAL rotating the Vista ships to Europe to have the additional cabins and Cabanas added that they did to Noordam last year.

That's my guess as well. They did something similar in 2006(or 7)-2009 to extend the afts, increase the shopping, move the explorations cafe and add the screening room.

To add one additional thought, if it was a near identical or identical survey between the two brands (HAL and PCL) my GUESS is that the survey actually came from Starboard Cruise Services which handles all of the onboard shops on HAL's ships for sure and I believe Princess' as well.

Just an educated guess, but there would be no reason, even with the recent formation of "Holland America Group" where Stein Kruse is now the overseer of Princess as well, for them to want to have exactly identical strategies for any portion of the onboard experience.

No survey here.

 

What they are ostensibly proposing is all fine with me, because I am really good and experienced at ignoring what I don't like/want.

 

Not that I like the idea of HAL cluttering up the ship this way, but it will presumably bring in more revenue and that "should" translate into keeping HAL's cruise pricing the good value it is.

Couldn't have said it better myself... so I'll just quote and give props where due :)

If I had to guess I would imagine more will start coming out - deck plans, interior renderings and maybe even some itineraries starting toward the end of this summer. August or September most likely. I followed the last two VERY closely and it would be about on par with that. Of course with Statendam for sale I'm not sure if there's a possibility of waiting to know if they are recycling an existing name from the fleet or not. Even so though, Seattle has been MUCH quieter about this one than the last 2

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Which restaurants are complimentary, and which ones are for a fee?

Five of the 18 dining experiences will be offered to guests on a complimentary basis. Each restaurant will feature a unique menu, open seating, and no set dining times.

American Icon Grill, a take on the classic American road trip, pulling together best-loved regional favorites into one comfort-style menu,

Chic, where the height of contemporary cuisine is realized and the freshest ingredients, such as proteins that pack a punch and sauces made from scratch, are evolved for a modern palate,

Silk, a vibrant and exotic destination where the spices of the Far East bring new flavor to adventurous palates through a Pan-Asian menu,

The Grande, a luxuriant nod to a bygone era of classic European ocean liners when dining was a time honored ritual, featuring timeless dishes, and where every night is formal night,

Coastal Kitchen, a concept created exclusively for suite guests, fusing Mediterranean influences with the unmatched riches of California’s bountiful farmlands.

Known as “Next Level Dining Options,” guests can choose to dine in a number of premium restaurants.

Wonderland, an elaborate feast for the senses in a setting where Royal Caribbean chefs twist their culinary kaleidoscopes to invent a dreamscape of never-before-seen fare,

Jamie’s Italian, with a menu designed by award winning Jamie Oliver, Jamie’s will feature rustic Italian favorites, handmade using seasonal ingredients and Jamie’s tried-and-tested crowd pleasers,

Michael’s Genuine Pub, the first American gastropub at sea and the next evolution of Royal Caribbean’s relationship withJames Beard Award-winning chef Michael Schwartz, offering simply-prepared food and drinks made with quality ingredients from the best artisanal producers,

Devinly Decadence at Solarium Bistro, Royal Caribbean’s fittest dining destination, serving the foods you love all under five-hundred calories, designed by Devin Alexander, media personality, New York Times bestselling author and chef of highly-rated television show, “The Biggest Loser.”

Additionally, versions of Royal Caribbean favorites, such as Chops Grille steakhouse, Izumi Japanese Cuisine and Chef’s Table, will all return on the Quantum class with a revamped look and even more WOWs than before.

Guests can also enjoy a number of complimentary, laid back dining options.

Windjammer Marketplace, a Royal Caribbean dining mainstay gets a new twist on Quantum class as a global culinary pavilion that invites guests to explore the world, dish by dish through enticing food islands, interactive stations, made-to-order specialties, an on-site bakery and a 24-hour station called The Grill,

The Cafe @ Two70˚, a new gourmet marketplace serving savory hot-pressed sandwiches, salads made to order, handmade soups and more,

SeaPlex Dog House, the first food truck at sea offering gourmet hot dogs for all to enjoy in SeaPlex, the largest indoor active space at sea.

These venues join returning casual-feel favorites including Sorrento’s, Cafe Promenade and Johnny Rockets (cover charge applies).

I'm all for the ships going 2.0. I've been on Breeze and I loved it. But the huge delays were to say it's going 2.0 and the kid space will be Seuss themed? That's it? I guess I'm just surprised that the beards put john through all that hell and grief just to really make an announcement about the kids area onboard.

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What part of the country where you viewing this commercial from?

Seattle. It aired during the 11pm news but I heard it ran earlier in the day with Dancing with the Stars too

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Was the Prinsendam tour available to all or are you somehow or another "in the know" and if so you don't have to say HOW.

Just curious.

It's not on HAL's Twitter, Facebook or anywhere on YouTube yet but chances are if you watched ABC tonight you saw it OR if you DVR'd anything on ABC it's likely stored right now.

I thought it was pretty cool. Showed a lot of the best of the Signature Class but without focusing on it SO heavily it sets up an unrealistic expectation for the other 13 ships. I think it was very well done.

Anyone else see it?

Thanks as always for the wonderful reviews all through the Grand World Voyage. I've been looking for, but have not yet seen (maybe I missed or it hasn't happened yet?) the days when senior execs come onboard and do the Q&A's and maybe mention the future of HAL a little bit.

To me those are always some of the MOST interesting of your wonderful posts.

Has that taken place yet?

Have a great time Tom and Lisa and happy 60th bday to Tom! :D :D :D

Have a drink for me and Nick! We'll see you in September!!! :D :D :D

Is there a ship that sails to Sitka from Vancouver? Seems they all sail out of Seattle. Little hesitant to sail from SEATTLE bc of higher likely hood of rough seas

Seas are fine. And Sitka is amazing

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Our only HAL experience was the Nieuw Amaterdam and I am pretty sure it does not sail Alaska.

 

 

 

So, what is your favorite ship for this iteniary?

 

 

 

We like Hal, but would consider other options.

 

 

 

Thanks!

Westerdam. But bring Eurodam or Nieuw Amsterdam over and I'd sail either in a heartbeat

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Rumor is Zuiderdam.

Well yeah, so it can get the same extra rooms and cabana area as Noordam right? First the afts were all done one year apart from each other, and now they're working on the forward areas

I am thinking it may refer to alcohol or non alcohol beverage choice for those in suites.

I have a feeling you're right. Obviously there's an even better value in the alcoholic package but obviously that won't appeal to everyone

Our cabin.

 

 

 

Thanks for so many wonderful pics. The area I would love to see is the Cabana area they added (Retreat or Cabana Club... whichever they felt like naming it on this latest go around)

It's just such a shame that a ship that is only 8 years old can have a stateroom decor that is so horribly outdated looking. The Signature Class staterooms are beautiful... some new carpet and curtains would class the ship up immensely! Carnival's newest stateroom designs as well as those being put in by Royal Caribbean and NCL all look quite a bit nicer and note that none of those are Premium lines...

I usually use those S-S pill holders. I was told all medications have to be in the original containers. Is this true. I have a LOT of meds I take daily from blood pressure to thyroid. And in big containers. Anyone know the true policy?? I'd hate to have my S-S pill container confiscated. LOL

I highly recommend it. We always did that for my mom who was on 8-10 different meds. Take double the supply you need in the original bottles and then we took the rest in those bottles, put them in baggies with a slip of paper identifying which one it was. Come home and dump the baggies back in the right bottles

Really appreciate everyone's help on this! If anyone else would like to add their 2 cents (or more) feel free.

Of course after I get the feedback saying Silk Harvest really isn't worth the money, then I discover the Specialty Dining Packages. $85 for all 3 per person... so at that point Silk Harvest is $5...

But will I regret having one less day in Blu?