The Snootiest Ship in the DAM fleet!!

[IRL_Joanie]

Just so there is no misunderstanding, the letter you received is given to all passengers who miss the pre-sail life boat drill; such as late arriving passengers who board after the drill.

 

Since the Costa Concordia, life boat drill attendance requirements have become even more strict. The Staff Captain was doing his job, and should be thanked for his concern. Safety First !

 

Believe me I agree 100% with you!!

 

My point is that they did not do what they should have done for me as a Handicapped person with extreme mobility issues.

 

They let me down and did not do their part to guarantee my safety by getting me to the make up drill. What would have happened to me in the case of a REAL emergency???

 

When I attempted via the Neptune Lounge to arrange a meeting with my Life Boat Captain to make arrangements to get to the drill on sail away drill I was told I did not need to attend and had been excused. This was not the case apparently and the right hand did not communicate with the left hand:(

 

Joanie

[BellBoys]

Sorry to hear about the lifeboat drill situation. We were on the same cruise and did not experience any issues with our Aft Suite 4176 air conditioning. The temperature was always cool and we felt less vibration in the back of the ship than we did in the same room on the Eurodam. In fact anything to do with our room and our attendants was far better on the N. Amsterdam than on the Eurodam.

 

We felt that the staff was very warm and friendly but the service lacked polish and follow through on many occasions. It wasn't terrible it was just not in synch.

 

Sounds like the Westerdam was a perfect cruise for you and we look forward to joining the ship in Alaska this summer.

[SeaBands]

and our kids joined us for the last 7. We had adjoining aft cabins. We are booking the entire family for next Nov. and we have the aft corner AC and he VA adjoining for 4 of us. The rest are around the ship. We liked the AC frviously but look forward to the corner cabin, although it might be a bit smaller.Booking on deck 7. We can have ever yone meet in our cabin for drinks and canapes each night . I guess that the Neptune will deliver 2 trays if we request them.

[localady]

Sorry for your experience on the Nieuw Amsterdam but I have to disagree that it is a Snotty Ship.

DH were on the ship for 30+ days this last October and November and found the Nieuw Amsterdam to be a very friendly ship. Out Hotel Director was Mario Van Bellengham (sp?), and we found him and his staff to be very accommodating. Our dining staff was very prompt through the entire cruise and we even elected to have a portion of our cruise to be non-fixed as we wanted more flexiblity. Tamarind staff shined, they came up to me on the ship when they were working in other places to say hello and greet me by name frequently!

I do have to say, that I think that being a 4 star Mariner probably did have a bit to do with our experience. We were in a regular veranda cabin so had no contact with the Neptune staff. We were contacted by the front office on more than one occasion to make sure we were being well taken care of during the 37 days onboard. (A back to back to back)

We did find that crew appears to have been cut to the absolute core and I"d speculate that might have played a part in your experience.

[SwissMyst]

and our kids joined us for the last 7. We had adjoining aft cabins. We are booking the entire family for next Nov. and we have the aft corner AC and he VA adjoining for 4 of us. The rest are around the ship. We liked the AC frviously but look forward to the corner cabin, although it might be a bit smaller.Booking on deck 7. We can have ever yone meet in our cabin for drinks and canapes each night . I guess that the Neptune will deliver 2 trays if we request them.

 

We found the appetizer trays the Neptune delivered were way more than anyone could eat. One was more than enough for four people, and they will be very happy to comply for what ever you think suits your needs best - both hot and cold appetizers were sent.

[solocanadian]

Joanie, so sorry you had such a problem with the Safety Drill. I brought up the subject on CC while you were away because I can no longer stand for such a long time, especially when everyone is kept waiting for those who choose not to show up. Copper 10-8 gave me excellent advice which I have printed off and will take on my cruises next year in the event someone challenges me. Get well soon and keep giving up those smokes. It's almost 10 months for me and I only miss it during stressful situations.:)

[cruz chic]

Sorry for your experience on the Nieuw Amsterdam but I have to disagree that it is a Snotty Ship.

DH were on the ship for 30+ days this last October and November and found the Nieuw Amsterdam to be a very friendly ship. Out Hotel Director was Mario Van Bellengham (sp?), and we found him and his staff to be very accommodating. Our dining staff was very prompt through the entire cruise and we even elected to have a portion of our cruise to be non-fixed as we wanted more flexiblity. Tamarind staff shined, they came up to me on the ship when they were working in other places to say hello and greet me by name frequently!

I do have to say, that I think that being a 4 star Mariner probably did have a bit to do with our experience. We were in a regular veranda cabin so had no contact with the Neptune staff. We were contacted by the front office on more than one occasion to make sure we were being well taken care of during the 37 days onboard. (A back to back to back)

We did find that crew appears to have been cut to the absolute core and I"d speculate that might have played a part in your experience.

Good to hear your experience was positive. Mine was very nice in February but it was much different in Nov-Dec. Keep in mind that staff does change.

[localady]

Good to hear your experience was positive. Mine was very nice in February but it was much different in Nov-Dec. Keep in mind that staff does change.

 

You bet it does! There were many staff and entertainer changes made after the TA from Europe. Overall, I found the crew on the ship to be generally friendly but overworked, especially on the TA when we had Noro and prep for the US inspection in Ft. Lauderdale as they had not been in the US for 6 months.

I am really sorry for Joanie's experience, it is unfortunate that folks can have such different experiences on the same ship. :(

[sail7seas]

Thanks for sharing your cruise with us, DW and I are doing a B-2-B on the Nieuw Amsterdam in Oct/Nov.

 

 

Just so you can plan appropriately........

 

Unlike the not so distant past, you will need to attend both life boat drills. For a while, b-to'b'ers only had to attend the first week but not now.

 

[sail7seas]

I do not know who the Captain was. And do not know who the Hot Ma was for Nieuw Amsterdam. I can tell you it was Ron Botnbal for the Westerdam, an old friend

 

 

 

Judy are you talking about Captain Turner? I Liked him

 

Joanie

 

The point of my question is I don't know who was your Captain on Nieuw Amsterdam.

That is why I am asking.

 

 

We were aboard Westerdam for the two weeks before you came so Yes, I know Ron Botenbal was Hotel Manager on Westerdam. What a delightful, able, very friendly gentleman.

 

He actually was very gracious and hosted a table at Mariners Lunch both weeks and we were honored to be seated at his table both weeks. A FABULOUS Hotel Manager, IMO.

 

Doesn't your End of Cruise "Who's Aboard" that we get the last night give Captain and Hotel Manager's names? It always does. Any invitations would have included the names?

 

Maybe someone else reading this thread knows?

Thanks if you can answer.

 

 

 

[cruz chic]

 

The point of my question is I don't know who was your Captain on Nieuw Amsterdam.

That is why I am asking.

 

 

We were aboard Westerdam for the two weeks before you came so Yes, I know Ron Botenbal was Hotel Manager on Westerdam. What a delightful, able, very friendly gentleman.

 

He actually was very gracious and hosted a table at Mariners Lunch both weeks and we were honored to be seated at his table both weeks. A FABULOUS Hotel Manager, IMO.

 

Doesn't your End of Cruise "Who's Aboard" that we get the last night give Captain and Hotel Manager's names? It always does. Any invitations would have included the names?

 

Maybe someone else reading this thread knows?

Thanks if you can answer.

See post 18. I answered your question there.

[sail7seas]

Thanks, Lorekauf.

I totally missed your post. :o

 

[travelnnana]

We were on the NieuwAmsterdam from Oct 3rd to Nov 11th - Vincent Smit was the captain and he was anything but snooty - he was great! kept us informed about everything - the ony complaint we had was that no staff attended the Meets and Greets - I have not had time to do a review - after Christmas

[cruz chic]

We were on the NieuwAmsterdam from Oct 3rd to Nov 11th - Vincent Smit was the captain and he was anything but snooty - he was great! kept us informed about everything - the ony complaint we had was that no staff attended the Meets and Greets - I have not had time to do a review - after Christmas

Keeping you informed = not snooty? Isn't that his job? I met him a couple times, I wouldn't call him overly friendly.

[cruz chic]

Thanks, Lorekauf.

I totally missed your post. :o

 

No problem. You are welcome.

[Minoushka]

The snootiest iMO is on Celebrity ....everyone appeared entitled ...from pax to crew ..upper echelon .Needless to say I was not impressed ...yet om

N QM2not snotty at all ...actuallyvery nice ...go figure

that is why Celebrity will not see me again anytime soon ......

 

michele

[boaterette]

If you don't mind my asking where did you rent a wheelchair or scooter from for your precruise stay? And did your rental car accomadate it? I am trying to figure out how my sil can travel as we will be flying in? And who did you rent the scooter from for the ship? Thank you.

[TwinAnchors]

The snootiest iMO is on Celebrity ....everyone appeared entitled ...from pax to crew ..upper echelon .Needless to say I was not impressed ...yet om

N QM2not snotty at all ...actuallyvery nice ...go figure

that is why Celebrity will not see me again anytime soon ......

 

michele

 

We totally agree with your comments about Celebrity.Once was enough!!!

[SwissMyst]

We totally agree with your comments about Celebrity.Once was enough!!!

 

On another brand ship we found a wary, mutual disregard all across the ship. Which was okay, really. We are not party-hearty people ourselves. Crew was more obsequious than friendly. Passengers wanted to be more looked at, than approached. Each ship or brand does seem to have its own unique vibes.

[Boytjie]

Almost a year ago we were on the Nieuw Amsterdam... with Boozie. I can't see how any cruise with Boozie onboard could be snooty! :D Maybe Boozie left? :(

[IRL_Joanie]

If you don't mind my asking where did you rent a wheelchair or scooter from for your precruise stay? And did your rental car accomadate it? I am trying to figure out how my sil can travel as we will be flying in? And who did you rent the scooter from for the ship? Thank you.

 

I have no problem with anyone asking me anything:)

 

I did not have the scooter dropped at our hotel for these

last 2 cruises 25 November 2012 on Nieuw Amsterdam and 2 December 2012 Westerdam. Instead I called Special Needs at Sea and arranged the scooter rental with them. Special Needs at Sea is one of only 2 Scooter/Wheelchair/Oxygen rental companies allowed on the cruise ships. You can check out more info about them here: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1260062 The info is current, though the date of my original post is August 2010.

 

I Almost always have the scooter arranged for me to pick it up at the Kiosk near the entrance to the terminal. Only twice have I had it delivered to a hotel in Ft Lauderdale and that was a pain in the behind!! Once we were able to get another nearby hotel in the Choice Hotel Chain to pick us up with their handicapped bus and the second time we had to call for a Handicapped taxi............NEVER AGAIN!!! When in Ft Lauderdale now, I use my Walker/Rollator at the hotel and wait till I get to the terminal to pick up the scooter.

 

This last cruise I drove the scooter across the street from Pier 25 (or was it 26, I forget) to Pier 21 and the Westerdam, THAT was EASY!! I had arranged with Special Needs at Sea beforehand for this and when our cruise on Westerdam was over dropped it off at the kiosk at terminal 21.

 

Now for Vancouver and our Alaska cruises, since our hotel is right across the street, I do have it delivered to our hotel and I just drive it across the street to the terminal:) Easy as thawing a frozen pie!!

 

ETA: Peter, Boozie was not in the Crows Nest on this NA cruise, at least not when we had our M&G. I cannot remember his name, but the one we had was the Sports/Casino Bar Tender on our last cruise on Zuiderdam in September 2011. A joy then and now:)

 

Joanie

[sail7seas]

Joanie......

 

Did you do a review of your recent Westerdam cruise? If so, I missed it.

Could you point me to it?

Thanks.

 

[Himself]

I do not know who the Captain was. And do not know who the Hot Ma was for Nieuw Amsterdam. I can tell you it was Ron Botnbal for the Westerdam, an old friend:)

 

Judy are you talking about Captain Turner? I Liked him:)

 

Joanie

 

 

 

I think Captain Turner--a fine man, indeed--is Master of the Zuiderdam!

[xitappers2bx]

Believe me I agree 100% with you!!

 

My point is that they did not do what they should have done for me as a Handicapped person with extreme mobility issues.

 

They let me down and did not do their part to guarantee my safety by getting me to the make up drill. What would have happened to me in the case of a REAL emergency???

 

When I attempted via the Neptune Lounge to arrange a meeting with my Life Boat Captain to make arrangements to get to the drill on sail away drill I was told I did not need to attend and had been excused. This was not the case apparently and the right hand did not communicate with the left hand:(

 

Joanie

 

 

this seems to have greatly upset you. perhaps you should write a letter to those at HAL explaining what happened, and what steps you would have liked to have had occur and that you would be willing to speak on the phone with those who are in charge of designing the procedures for those in wheelchairs or with other mobility issues.

 

with that said, while this was clearly upsetting, you seem to be a well-traveled cruiser, you should have known, especially considering the disaster on Concordia, that you would be forced to attend the drill, even if the (obviously) uninformed person you had spoken with. when you boarded, or even before you boarded, you should have contacted the special requests/special needs department (i dont know its exact name on HAL) and had them make away the proper personnel and then once onboard contacted that person to ensure that you could attend the drill.

 

and i don't mean this as an attack, i have a severely disabled brother, and took care of my grandmother who was in a wheelchair for several years, i understand the difficulty, i also wouldn't put either of them in a situation where heaven forbid there was an emergency i wouldn't be able to help them. if that means sailing only on ships that you know you can easily access the outer areas where the drills are held, then that's probably best. unfortunately, Concordia taught many lessons, including you can't rely on staff to help you in a true emergency. you have to put yourself in a position to be able to help yourself.

[ariawoman]

Almost a year ago we were on the Nieuw Amsterdam... with Boozie. I can't see how any cruise with Boozie onboard could be snooty! :D Maybe Boozie left? :(

 

HAHAHA Boozie!

 

I was up in the internet area of the NA back in October 2010 and he was on board. They were playing with this voice recorder thing on an iphone or something that would play your voice back all weird and i remember him because he said "boozie boozie boozie!!!!" and then played it back a million times cracking up.

 

He had a GREAT time where ever he was!