Please tell me more about the Prinsendam

[highland cruiser]

:)I have been following all these post closely as we are booked on the Prinsemdam on Sept. 7th. We basically cruise HAL but never have been on the Prinsendam.

We chose this cruise because of the itinerary, timing, and ship. After reading all these comments, it only makes me more ready and excited to sail on the Prinsendam.

 

We have booked a guarantee E category outside cabin. Usually book verandahs on other HAL ships but with this cruise being so port intensive, we opted for an Ocean view. Also, want to use our $$ for tours, etc. (Actually one of our best cruises was in an inside cabin to New England and Canada on the Maasdam). We have been very fortunate on our HAL cruises to get an upgrade! In the past we have been upgraded even from a guarantee verandah to a Neptune.

 

So in my mind, should I contact my TA and ask that we keep our E oceanview and not ask for an upgrade to a higher category unless it is above a AB? That may not even be a reasonable request!! A higher ocean view would be ok, but I have read about the problems with the AB verandahs and that makes me a bit nervous. Not sure how all the upgrades work...and even if we will be offered an upgrade to a verandah. But will be happy with an ocean view on the Prinsendam E or above.

 

Does this make sense???

 

Thanks for putting up with my crazy question.

 

Mary :)

[kazu]

:)I have been following all these post closely as we are booked on the Prinsemdam on Sept. 7th. We basically cruise HAL but never have been on the Prinsendam.

We chose this cruise because of the itinerary, timing, and ship. After reading all these comments, it only makes me more ready and excited to sail on the Prinsendam.

 

We have booked a guarantee E category outside cabin. Usually book verandahs on other HAL ships but with this cruise being so port intensive, we opted for an Ocean view. Also, want to use our $$ for tours, etc. (Actually one of our best cruises was in an inside cabin to New England and Canada on the Maasdam). We have been very fortunate on our HAL cruises to get an upgrade! In the past we have been upgraded even from a guarantee verandah to a Neptune.

 

So in my mind, should I contact my TA and ask that we keep our E oceanview and not ask for an upgrade to a higher category unless it is above a AB? That may not even be a reasonable request!! A higher ocean view would be ok, but I have read about the problems with the AB verandahs and that makes me a bit nervous. Not sure how all the upgrades work...and even if we will be offered an upgrade to a verandah. But will be happy with an ocean view on the Prinsendam E or above.

 

Does this make sense???

 

Thanks for putting up with my crazy question.

 

Mary :)

 

If you have category E booked, then IMO I don't think there is a high risk of being upgraded all the way to AB so I wouldn't be too concerned.

 

I believe you can only mark your cabin 'do not upgrade' or permit upgrades - you can't say only up to 'x' cabin. If you mark it do not upgrade you risk not getting that verandah, although, in all honesty there is a lot of public space on this ship IMO.

 

There were few upgrades on our last cruise as the ship was sold out ;)

 

I would be tempted to leave things as they are, but that's just me.

[jtl513]

...and even if we will be offered an upgrade to a verandah.

On the P'dam I'd say the chance of a free or cheap upgrade to a verandah are slim to nil. On our T-A we had a chance to upgrade from OV to a balcony GTY (probably an AB) but it was for more money than I wanted to pay. I offered less, but it was refused.

 

On the cruise there were about 100 empty balcony cabins (according to our steward) while our Main deck was full. Apparently they would prefer to sail with empty balcony cabins than dilute their price too much.

Edited March 18, 2014 by jtl513

[LindaM]

:)I have been following all these post closely as we are booked on the Prinsemdam on Sept. 7th. We basically cruise HAL but never have been on the Prinsendam.

We chose this cruise because of the itinerary, timing, and ship. After reading all these comments, it only makes me more ready and excited to sail on the Prinsendam.

 

We have booked a guarantee E category outside cabin. Usually book verandahs on other HAL ships but with this cruise being so port intensive, we opted for an Ocean view. Also, want to use our $$ for tours, etc. (Actually one of our best cruises was in an inside cabin to New England and Canada on the Maasdam). We have been very fortunate on our HAL cruises to get an upgrade! In the past we have been upgraded even from a guarantee verandah to a Neptune.

 

So in my mind, should I contact my TA and ask that we keep our E oceanview and not ask for an upgrade to a higher category unless it is above a AB? That may not even be a reasonable request!! A higher ocean view would be ok, but I have read about the problems with the AB verandahs and that makes me a bit nervous. Not sure how all the upgrades work...and even if we will be offered an upgrade to a verandah. But will be happy with an ocean view on the Prinsendam E or above.

 

Does this make sense???

 

Thanks for putting up with my crazy question.

 

Mary :)

 

I think the OV cabins on Prinsendam are a pretty good bargain. We took your itinerary in Sept. We were offered an upgrade last minute to a verandah cabin. The cost was still pretty expensive, so we decided against it. The other offers were for those undesirable verandahs at the back of level 8. I wasn't sure if the location would be noisy as it was above the casino---although it always seems pretty quiet in there! HAL doesn't seem to offer inexpensive upgrades lately, so don't hold your breath. We have stayed 3 times on Dolphin deck---category E. You could get a cabin near the back where there is a constant vibration/hum from the stack. I am sensitive to noise, so we always book a particular cabin. I don't think you will be upgraded to a better category unless they cannot get people to pay for a better cabin on Prinsendam. You will like the OV---it is the same size as the verandah we are paying big bucks for. And, you will have a nice window with a couch adjacent to it.

 

Looking at our final payment for our fairly small verandah on Prinsendam, factoring in excursions, tips and drinks, I think we may be looking at Regent again. The price seems to be VERY close. Except that I LOVE Prinsendam.

[highland cruiser]

Thank you for all your answers to my cabin question.

 

I agree with you all that the chance of an upgrade to a verandah is slim to none but just needed to hear it from those of you that have sailed on the Prinsendam. Noise and motion on a ship don't bother us so we will be happy with just being able to be on the ship.

 

Also we are very happy with the price of our category E cabin and like I said, this is a very port intensive cruise.

 

We do enjoy our sail aways on outside decks so that will be our plan. :)

Mary

[madera1]

Great discussion and it is timely as we too will be sailing on the Prisendam for the first time in September. Is there anything else unique or "secret" that we should know about this ship?

[gymswim]

Be aware of the mold problem in some PRINSENDAM cabins. We have been aboard for a month doing the Grand Voyage from Barcelona to Rome. We started having respiratory problems a few days after we boarded. We noticed a faint odor and traced it to the area behind the wooden nightstand adjacent to the bathroom. We pulled the furniture away from the wall and found mold in abundance. The cabin stewards tried without success to clean it over the next two days. We both had increasing breathing problems. Finally, we went to the desk and insisted we be moved to another cabin that same day. Fortunately there were other cabins available.

I have read other posts mentioning mold problems aboard the PRINSENDAM. She is is fantastic ship and I would sail on her again, but next time I will closely inspect the cabin before accepting it. I suggest others do the same, especially if you have asthma or any respiratory issues.

 

 

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[casamariposa]

I sailed my first cruise on the Prinsendam over this past holiday season. Now I'm hooked! One thing I absolutely loved was the fact that I could get an outside cabin with a walk-in shower. I have a bad back and climbing into a bathtub with high sides is difficult for me. I have sailed almost 150 days on the Maasdam and love that ship, too. But I wish when they do a "refit" of the Maasdam that they convert some outside cabins to "walk-in shower" (other than the cabins for the handicapped). And, yes. the staff on the Prinsendam is exceptional.

[sunsetbeachgal]

Be aware of the mold problem in some PRINSENDAM cabins. We have been aboard for a month doing the Grand Voyage from Barcelona to Rome. We started having respiratory problems a few days after we boarded. We noticed a faint odor and traced it to the area behind the wooden nightstand adjacent to the bathroom. We pulled the furniture away from the wall and found mold in abundance. The cabin stewards tried without success to clean it over the next two days. We both had increasing breathing problems. Finally, we went to the desk and insisted we be moved to another cabin that same day. Fortunately there were other cabins available.

I have read other posts mentioning mold problems aboard the PRINSENDAM. She is is fantastic ship and I would sail on her again, but next time I will closely inspect the cabin before accepting it. I suggest others do the same, especially if you have asthma or any respiratory issues.

 

 

 

 

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Wow...thanks for the heads up. I hope you feel better now that you are in a different cabin.

 

May I ask you one more question, since you said you embarked in Barcelona. Did the Prinsendam dock at the older docks closer to marina/.las Ramblas and downtown, or were you at the newer docks that are further out? This question has come up on our roll call and any help you can give is appreciated!

 

Thanks again!

Edited May 5, 2014 by sunsetbeachgal

[rafinmd]

Great discussion and it is timely as we too will be sailing on the Prisendam for the first time in September. Is there anything else unique or "secret" that we should know about this ship?

 

A couple of little things.

1. The Prinsendam's bow is truly a working area, and I don't think pax are ever allowed out there. Instead there are "porches" on several decks accessed from the front section of the Promenade deck, great places for scenic viewing.

2. The Prinsendam has open bridge wings. My favorite sailaway spot is on the top deck all the way forward where you can watch as the Captain take the ship away from the pier and also see them putting their finger on the button to blow the horn.

 

Roy

[rochelle_s]

Be aware of the mold problem in some PRINSENDAM cabins. We have been aboard for a month doing the Grand Voyage from Barcelona to Rome. We started having respiratory problems a few days after we boarded. We noticed a faint odor and traced it to the area behind the wooden nightstand adjacent to the bathroom. We pulled the furniture away from the wall and found mold in abundance. The cabin stewards tried without success to clean it over the next two days. We both had increasing breathing problems. Finally, we went to the desk and insisted we be moved to another cabin that same day. Fortunately there were other cabins available.

I have read other posts mentioning mold problems aboard the PRINSENDAM. She is is fantastic ship and I would sail on her again, but next time I will closely inspect the cabin before accepting it. I suggest others do the same, especially if you have asthma or any respiratory issues.

 

 

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Can you tell us the your original cabin number with the mold issues?

 

 

Thank you

 

 

Rochelle

[jtl513]

May I ask you one more question, since you said you embarked in Barcelona. Did the Prinsendam dock at the older docks closer to marina/.las Ramblas and downtown, or were you at the newer docks that are further out?

You weren't asking me, but: last May we boarded the P'dam at Quay Adossat Terminal B ... or maybe it was C. :)

http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/transport/barcelona-cruise-port.html

[sunsetbeachgal]

You weren't asking me, but: last May we boarded the P'dam at Quay Adossat Terminal B ... or maybe it was C. :)

http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/transport/barcelona-cruise-port.html

 

Was hoping for the World Trade Center terminals...but thanks..and the attached port map is very nice!

[pearliemae]

"Was hoping for the World Trade Center terminals..."

 

 

 

The ship can dock at the WTC, we were docked there once when Pdam was the Seabourn Sun. That was nice, it was just a few minutes walk to the bottom of Las Ramblas

Our other Barcelona dockings on the Prinsendam were at various places on Quay Adoss, but never the site nearest the bridge. The port offers a continuous transfer service that drops you off about a block from the Columbus monument, quick ride. Beware of pickpockets around the boarding area.

[kazu]

"Was hoping for the World Trade Center terminals..."

 

 

 

The ship can dock at the WTC, we were docked there once when Pdam was the Seabourn Sun. That was nice, it was just a few minutes walk to the bottom of Las Ramblas

Our other Barcelona dockings on the Prinsendam were at various places on Quay Adoss, but never the site nearest the bridge. The port offers a continuous transfer service that drops you off about a block from the Columbus monument, quick ride. Beware of pickpockets around the boarding area.

 

it's very easy to get to the bottom of Las Ramblas. We had a free shuttle in Barcelona with the Prinsendam :)

 

we have also been at WTC - it's no biggie either way.

 

Barcelona is a great city - enjoy:D

[gymswim]

453 on deck 5, midship mold in cabin on PRINSENDAM . Our neighbor said subsequent to our moving out, the Hotel was aware of the problem before we boarded. They saw blowers being used in the cabin before it was occupied by us.

 

 

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[rochelle_s]

453 on deck 5, midship mold in cabin on PRINSENDAM . Our neighbor said subsequent to our moving out, the Hotel was aware of the problem before we boarded. They saw blowers being used in the cabin before it was occupied by us.

 

 

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Thanks for the heads up..gratefully that is not my cabin but I will have my eyes out for any issues.

 

Rochelle

[rochelle_s]

Just a couple of last minute questions;

 

1. Is there a proper hair dryer in the cabin for someone with long hair?
   
2. Do they still provide conditioner? On the website it only states shampoo.
   
3. As there is no thermal suite are the steam room and saunas open to everyone? Are these unisex or his and hers?
   
4. How do you access the seaview pool area? Must you go through the spa/fitness area?
   
5. Is there an art tour on the ships similar to others in the fleet?
   

 

Thanks for any input you can provide.

 

 

Rochelle

[rafinmd]

Sorry, but I can only answer one of your questions, access to the Seaview pool.

 

If you go through the spa, it is just through a corridor with fitness center and therapy rooms running off the side. You don't actually go through any active facilities, it's more like walking through a corrodor with cabins.

 

There's also an exterior stairway from the aft of deck by cabin AB218 on the port side. You can also access the same stairway from the Lower Promenade Deck.

 

Roy

[rochelle_s]

Sorry, but I can only answer one of your questions, access to the Seaview pool.

 

If you go through the spa, it is just through a corridor with fitness center and therapy rooms running off the side. You don't actually go through any active facilities, it's more like walking through a corrodor with cabins.

 

There's also an exterior stairway from the aft of deck by cabin AB218 on the port side. You can also access the same stairway from the Lower Promenade Deck.

 

Roy

 

Thanks Roy,

 

Looking at the deck plan it is a little difficult to tell. I did see the outside stairs but seeing as our cabin is right there on deck 9 it is nice to know it is just a hop skip and jump and we can be right by the pool. Fingers crossed it is a nice quiet area.:)

 

Rochelle

[jtl513]

Do they still provide conditioner? On the website it only states shampoo.

There's 3 dispensers:

 

Edited May 6, 2014 by jtl513

[LindaM]

There is a hairdryer in the desk---top right drawer. My hair is below shoulder length/collar bone and I use the hair dryer. It's fine.

[rochelle_s]

Thanks for the responses jtl and Linda...two less things I have to pack. :)

 

 

Rochelle

[kazu]

Just a couple of last minute questions;

 

1. Is there a proper hair dryer in the cabin for someone with long hair?
   
2. Do they still provide conditioner? On the website it only states shampoo.
   
3. As there is no thermal suite are the steam room and saunas open to everyone? Are these unisex or his and hers?
   
4. How do you access the seaview pool area? Must you go through the spa/fitness area?
   
5. Is there an art tour on the ships similar to others in the fleet?
   

 

Thanks for any input you can provide.

 

 

Rochelle

 

Indeed there is an art tour. Highly recommended. You can download it off the HAL site to your ipod or get the Ipods on board with the tour on it.

[GACRUISER456]

We are considering this ship for next year and have a few questions.

 

1) On a 14 night cruise, how many formal nights will there be? On those nights, is the buffet open if we choose not to bring formal attire?

 

2) Is there a sauna in the locker room free of charge?

 

Thanks!

 

 

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