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Piano Bar Schedule (updated)

mhurdle127

By mhurdle127,
in Holland America Line

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ger_77

ger_77

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We came off the Oosterdam on 24th May. There were always two pianist playing in the Billboard piano area. They did not take requests while we were present, but confess we weren't too impressed so were not there often.

 

They play set programs with titles like The 80's, Icons, British invasion, Hot Country, etc. It is not at all like the old piano bar.

 

We were on the Eurodam in February and found the same thing - the "duelling pianos" were less than stellar. They became very shrill while trying to sing louder than their pounding on the pianos. Remember the phrase "tickling the ivories"? Well, there certainly wasn't any tickling going on, it was a full-on assult of the keys. After a couple of tries, our group of 8 found other areas of entertainment for the duration of the 2 weeks onboard.

 

Smooth Sailing ! :) :) :)

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RuthC

RuthC

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We were on the Eurodam in February and found the same thing - the "duelling pianos" were less than stellar. They became very shrill while trying to sing louder than their pounding on the pianos. Remember the phrase "tickling the ivories"? Well, there certainly wasn't any tickling going on, it was a full-on assult of the keys. After a couple of tries, our group of 8 found other areas of entertainment for the duration of the 2 weeks onboard.

I'm incredibly saddened, but not at all surprised, to read this. HAL has been steadily moving away from the Piano Bar concept for several years now, and it seems they are finishing them off now at a rapid rate.

 

What used to be a fun, party place where guests could have a good time while getting to know each other every night has been replaced with just another entertainment venue where musicians of different abilities try to perform. There's nothing interactive about it at all.

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serendipity1499

serendipity1499

Posted
Posted (edited)
I'm incredibly saddened, but not at all surprised, to read this. HAL has been steadily moving away from the Piano Bar concept for several years now, and it seems they are finishing them off now at a rapid rate.

 

What used to be a fun, party place where guests could have a good time while getting to know each other every night has been replaced with just another entertainment venue where musicians of different abilities try to perform. There's nothing interactive about it at all.

 

Agree with you this is very sad.. My DH & I used to love the piano bar.. It was small enough for us to enjoy & get to know the other guests, was not so loud that it hurt your ears, & they played some old favorites of ours..

 

Wonder if HAL will still have the piano bar on our cruise on the Zuiderdam in Oct?

Edited by serendipity1499
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taxmantoo

taxmantoo

Posted
Posted
I'm incredibly saddened, but not at all surprised, to read this. HAL has been steadily moving away from the Piano Bar concept for several years now, and it seems they are finishing them off now at a rapid rate.

 

What used to be a fun, party place where guests could have a good time while getting to know each other every night has been replaced with just another entertainment venue where musicians of different abilities try to perform. There's nothing interactive about it at all.

 

The new set-up is definitely not what one would call a Piano Bar. Interaction with the piano player and other guests, an essential aspect of any Piano Bar, seems very difficult in the new style entertainment area. It is not very well suited for the "regulars" to meet every night around the piano to enjoy and sing-along with the likes of a Jimmy Maddox, Stryker, Diane Fast or others who I am sure we will never see playing dueling pianos.

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RuthC

RuthC

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The new set-up is definitely not what one would call a Piano Bar. Interaction with the piano player and other guests, an essential aspect of any Piano Bar, seems very difficult in the new style entertainment area.

Even Mix was a giant step away from the former Piano Bars on the S-class ships. I was pleased when I saw that there was seating around the piano, but soon realized the entire atmosphere of a piano bar was gone.

With the passageway going right through, all the nearby shops intruding on the music, and the glaring lights shining bright in the eyes of those seated around the piano---everything that made the Piano Bar special was gone.

 

Mix made the Piano Lounges on the R-class ships look better than they did in comparison.

 

I totally agree that there are some of the better musicians who would not be who they are if they are forced to play in the new set-up.

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pnkandpurple

pnkandpurple

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Was on the Eurodam in February 2016. Two pianos (never did find out who was playing) daily program never listed, they were a man and a woman. I didn't see any requests being taken. Didn't look like anyone was having a great time. It's in the same area as the casino and all open. They were very loud so they could be heard over the casino noise. Didn't ever sit down to listen as it was to loud for me. Just observed while walking

through the area to casino and elevator lobby. Also they were off for two nights without a replacement. Same thing with the BB king group. I overheard people in the elevator complain at 9pm that there was "nothing to do!"

I like piano bars! but it no longer is one! so I never even sat down in there. It's a shame they spend money on getting rid of the piano bar. I certainly won't be there for a few drinks!

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pnkandpurple

pnkandpurple

Posted
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Was on the Eurodam in February 2016. Two pianos (never did find out who was playing) daily program never listed, they were a man and a woman. I didn't see any requests being taken. Didn't look like anyone was having a great time. It's in the same area as the casino and all open. They were very loud so they could be heard over the casino noise. Didn't ever sit down to listen as it was to loud for me. Just observed while walking

through the area to casino and elevator lobby. Also they were off for two nights without a replacement. Same thing with the BB king group. I overheard people in the elevator complain at 9pm that there was "nothing to do!"

I like piano bars! but it no longer is one! so I never even sat down in there. It's a shame they spend money on getting rid of the piano bar. I certainly won't be there for a few drinks!

 

Who knows who will be the piano bar player on the Nieuw Amsterdam in October for the Panama canal cruise?

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SLOTheta "Live from...." Rare

SLOTheta

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Just got off the Eurodam and they had a guy and a girl that were doing a dueling piano gig. It was painful to listen. Most of the songs they had to read off iPads and they were off key. They did know a set of songs that they would play over you night. I gambled every night and had to block them out. Disappointing. I never caught their names

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

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  • 1 month later...
pnkandpurple

pnkandpurple

Posted
Posted (edited)
Does anyone know who will be playing in the piano bar on the Nieuw Amsterdam during October 2016 Panama canal cruise?

HAL got back to me after posting the question on their facebook page and it will be Damian Brell.

Edited by pnkandpurple
left out facebook page
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boze9999

boze9999

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Just got off the Eurodam and they had a guy and a girl that were doing a dueling piano gig. It was painful to listen. Most of the songs they had to read off iPads and they were off key. They did know a set of songs that they would play over you night. I gambled every night and had to block them out. Disappointing. I never caught their names

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

 

 

HAL's experiment with dual pianos is painful. Very few if any positive comments on any ship with a wide variety of piano players. Hoping they see the light and again start featuring the solo HAL piano bar players....

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