VMax1700

Also on Oosterdam since June, it has been called 'Rolling Stone Lounge'. There seems to be two 'Rolling Stone xxxx". On Pinnacles with BBK, it is called Rolling Stone Rock Room, whereas on ships without BBK it is labelled 'Rolling Stone Lounge'.

OK, I will start the ball rolling....... A few years ago on a cruise (Koningsdam I believe) there was a brand new BBK band whose first night coincided with our first night. They were dire. For the next few days they were in the BBK Club room every waking hour (when there was no other HAL event scheduled to use the stage). Sometimes they played 'live' and sometimes they played with headphones on. There was a guy at the mixing desk who was not crew. He would correct, coach, and cajole them until he got a good 'sound'. During the third nights performance, I saw the guy walking around the room to different locations and watching an listening all the time. Near the end of the third set, he was standing outside the sound booth and as I passed I just said to him "they are starting to sound together. Well done and thank you!" Next night he was eating in Lido and I again casually said "That must have been hard work, but so worth it" and we started a conversation. He was from BBK corporate and his job was to go from ship to ship to get the band together and set the sound levels. The crew member who operates the sound desk only moves the dials to predefined levels and has no influence on the sound. Neither is he authorised to raise or lower the sound levels nor change the balance between inputs. His sole purpose is to move the dials to the pre defined levels after some other use of the sound desk (e.g. Meet the Captain, Cooking demo, Lincoln Stage etc). So, in a nutshell, it is BBK corporate that set the levels.

The World and more. Thank you for planning to post a first timer's view on a World cruise. Really looking forward to reading how you plan and enjoy it.

Room service on your verandah!

Oh I do, I do! 😋

Yes it is an annual charter by the same company who run a couple of other music themed cruises, such as The Soul Train Cruise and The Flower Power Cruise. Their 2023 cruise departs on January 22nd also on Nieuw Amsterdam.

Ooh it looks dry and sad there. Defo would have required extra sauce! Thank you for your continued perseverance!

Sorry, didn't realise you were talking about 2024. There may be something similar in 2024 but the recently published itineraries for Europe 2024 are a mess on the website as itineraries listed are different to the names of the cruises and the publish voyage map.

How about these two cruises on Holland America: Nieuw Statendam Departs Civitavecchia (Rome) on 29th April 2023 and ends in Ijmuiden (Amsterdam) on 28th May. Or you could embark in Barcelona on 6th May.

You didn't like it, so you need to find another cruise line. We and many others love it. By definition, Rock music should be loud! Can you imagine the complaints if Jumpin' Jack Flash was performed pianissimo? 😉 There are plenty of other locations for a quiet drink and conversation even on the same deck without crossing the music walk. We love the Music Walk and now will probably only sail on Pinnacle class. But then we are the younger target market being in our early 70's 🤣

Here comes tonight's second Dam ship

Eurodam under way too?

Lot of people on the top decks

Eurodam and Rotterdam sending each other season's greetings?

Another ship's captain mentioned that 'the cruise ship was moving' . Maybe we are in luck?

I have never been on this cruise, but friends have been on it a few times. They said it was 'great craic' which means late nights and lots of after hours singing and other convivialities 🥂 The Irish party late! Do not expect the normal HAL passenger ages as this cruise attracts many younger cruisers including Irish exiles based in North America. Regarding the entertainment, I suggest you google some of the names or look for youtube uploads. If you are expecting something like the 'Chieftains' or similar, then it may well be (to quote yourself) 'a learning experience' 😉

Rotterdam confirmed for 3pm departure followed by Eurodam at 3.30pm

I know that this is not the main thrust of your thread, but I would point out that 'traditional' Irish music will be a minority on that cruise. It is more Irish style C&W performers with some more mainline than others. I understand that it tends to be a bit of a 'party cruise' and quite late nights. If you are expecting traditional style music, then I fear you may be disappointed.

I agree with you that it goes beyond typos, but what is the word to describe a website that basically gives the wrong information? I know the answer.............HAL 😉

Now that is proper bread pudding! 😋

I posted on the other thread but just a 'heads up' if you are booking to check the itinerary matches the map and the cruise title, as I have found quite a few typos! Different ports etc. Just like your Santa list - check it twice!

Lots of typos within the 2024 Europe itineraries. e.g. 14 day Best of Norway (Rotterdam May 2024) according to the itinerary MAP goes to Oslo only, and the rest of the itinerary map shows Scotland and Iceland. Only one Norwegian port. However the actual itinerary shows completely differently. e.g. 14 day Taste of Norway , Scotland and Scandinavia (Rotterdam August 2024) the itinerary MAP shows Tromso and Honningsvag, whereas the itinerary shows differently. So double check before you book!

I know I am in a minority, but to me, dancing is not entertainment, except for those doing the dancing. There, said it! I would not cross the street to watch dancing. I will go to flamenco, but to listen to the music and vocals, not watch the dancing.

Hi Jacqui, So happy to hear you are enjoying your cruise(s) on the K'Dam - the only HAL ship where I have found Bread Pudding available at Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 😁 (at Rise, the bakery, and not at the usual Sweet Spot, desert/ice cream location). I mention this just in case you would like to post a picture of Bread Pudding to keep the aficianados, like myself, happy 🙄 😉 Enjoy the holidays!

Always bring it to the servers attention and then as far up the seniority ladder as necessary. Would you not complain about bad food in a landside restaurant?