Nieuw Statendam Changes

[MarkWiltonM]

I wonder why they moved both Billboard AND Lincoln Center. Perhaps the new use of the space will help explain this. Otherwise, I would rather they keep BB Kings in the Queen's Lounge to take advantage of all that great dance floor space.

 

When I was on Koningsdam in January, I was told they were moving BB King out of the Queen's Lounge on Nieuw Statendam because it was too loud for the shops opposite it. There have also been complaints about noise from the Queen's Lounge, which is two decks high including the balconies and I believe has staterooms above it (or so I was told; haven't checked the deck plans). Because Lincon Center Stage performs earlier than BB King, and is quieter, that would solve that problem as well. I was also told they would add another table to Sel de Mer and position the host stand outside the restaurant to make room for this. We will be on the Nieuw Statendam Jan. 20-30, 2019, cruising to the ABC islands (a/k/a Dutch Carribean). Looking forward to it!

[stickey_mouse]

When I was on Koningsdam in January, I was told they were moving BB King out of the Queen's Lounge on Nieuw Statendam because it was too loud for the shops opposite it. There have also been complaints about noise from the Queen's Lounge, which is two decks high including the balconies and I believe has staterooms above it (or so I was told; haven't checked the deck plans). Because Lincon Center Stage performs earlier than BB King, and is quieter, that would solve that problem as well. I was also told they would add another table to Sel de Mer and position the host stand outside the restaurant to make room for this. We will be on the Nieuw Statendam Jan. 20-30, 2019, cruising to the ABC islands (a/k/a Dutch Carribean). Looking forward to it!

Thanks for shedding some light on the situation!

[taxmantoo]

When I was on Koningsdam in January, I was told they were moving BB King out of the Queen's Lounge on Nieuw Statendam because it was too loud for the shops opposite it. There have also been complaints about noise from the Queen's Lounge, which is two decks high including the balconies and I believe has staterooms above it (or so I was told; haven't checked the deck plans). Because Lincoln Center Stage performs earlier than BB King, and is quieter, that would solve that problem as well.

And now they will have to deal with the complaints that noise from the shops and through traffic is interfering with the Lincoln Center Stage concerts. :rolleyes:

[3rdGenCunarder]

And now they will have to deal with the complaints that noise from the shops and through traffic is interfering with the Lincoln Center Stage concerts. :rolleyes:

 

There was traffic going past the old location, and they had to put out "shh! Concert in Progress" signs. And there won't be noise from the shops--hardly anyone is ever in there! I hope they make these changes when K'dam is in dry dock.

[Wishing on a star]

This still seems to be a work in progress...

I am a total newbie, but am sitting here comparing different deck plans.

The way it is currently showing, Billboard will be a much smaller space in the Ocean Bar location.

Will that space be adequate????

 

The biggest thing that strikes me is that I can not imagine ANY ship doing away with a bar, as it is a money-making venue.

 

I am thinking that Ocean Bar, will not disappear.

We might just have to wait to see what the newest version/creation might be.

[stickey_mouse]

This still seems to be a work in progress...

I am a total newbie, but am sitting here comparing different deck plans.

The way it is currently showing, Billboard will be a much smaller space in the Ocean Bar location.

Will that space be adequate????

 

The biggest thing that strikes me is that I can not imagine ANY ship doing away with a bar, as it is a money-making venue.

 

I am thinking that Ocean Bar, will not disappear.

We might just have to wait to see what the newest version/creation might be.

I would guess that Billboard will still have its own bar.

[taxmantoo]

I think the Billboard usually has its own bar.

You are absolutely right BUT ... if Billboard and its bar move to the Ocean Bar, there will be one less bar ;) It all depends on what will take up Billboard's previous location.

[stickey_mouse]

You are absolutely right BUT ... if Billboard and its bar move to the Ocean Bar, there will be one less bar ;) It all depends on what will take up Billboard's previous location.

Yes, that is what I meant. I would expect there to be a bar at both locations.

[Cruiser Bruiser]

You are absolutely right BUT ... if Billboard and its bar move to the Ocean Bar, there will be one less bar ;) It all depends on what will take up Billboard's previous location.

 

Yes, that is what I meant. I would expect there to be a bar at both locations.

 

There is a blank space on the port side opposite the BB King's Blues Club. I expect that will be a more quiet bar, as BB King's looks to be all-but enclosed. I hope the location will be something entirely new. HAL keeps promising innovations, but so far all we are seeing is a redeployment of already-known elements.

[stickey_mouse]

There is a blank space on the port side opposite the BB King's Blues Club. I expect that will be a more quiet bar, as BB King's looks to be all-but enclosed. I hope the location will be something entirely new. HAL keeps promising innovations, but so far all we are seeing is a redeployment of already-known elements.

I assume that on the K-dam, the Billboard bar was the popular place to get a drink before entering the World Stage? Or is there a bar also in the World Stage?

[3rdGenCunarder]

There is a blank space on the port side opposite the BB King's Blues Club. I expect that will be a more quiet bar, as BB King's looks to be all-but enclosed. I hope the location will be something entirely new. HAL keeps promising innovations, but so far all we are seeing is a redeployment of already-known elements.

 

Unless they redesign the area, BB King will not be enclosed. That was the problem with the music walk. Both Lincoln Center and Billboard are open to the walkway, so they couldn't perform at the same time.

 

I'm surprised they aren't putting BB King in the old Billboard area. It's a larger space than what was Lincoln Center. And then the smaller space could be the bar without entertainers. Given how loud BB King is, the former Lincoln Center area could be a great way to listen to BB King without being deafened.

 

 

 

I assume that on the K-dam, the Billboard bar was the popular place to get a drink before entering the World Stage? Or is there a bar also in the World Stage?

 

I don't recall seeing a bar in the World Stage, but there were bar servers circulating to bring drinks.

[stickey_mouse]

Wasn't there also an issue with cigarette smoke and noise from the casino leaking into the music walk? HAL, PLEASE just make the casino non-smoking

[Wishing on a star]

I am not seeing why they had to have that set-up between the Casino and Music Walk????Maybe they should do away with that completely.

And better ventilation and containment.

[stickey_mouse]

I am not seeing why they had to have that set-up between the Casino and Music Walk????Maybe they should do away with that completely.

And better ventilation and containment.

I've read in so many reviews that the staircase is beautiful, and I agree from the pictures I've seen. But if they can't contain the odor and casino noise from above, they will need to do something about it.

[rkacruiser]

All of this discussion increases my anticipation of being a guest on the the Nieuw Statendam's early January, 2019 Caribbean cruises. What will I experience? Another travel adventure, I think.

[stickey_mouse]

HAL posted a 'new' brochure for the N.S. on its travel agent website a few days ago. It basically uses pictures of the Koningsdam and does not indicate significant changes from the K-dam, other than the previously discussed changes to the deck plan. It also specifically references the harp sculpture in the atrium, so those hoping for something different there will be disappointed.

[stickey_mouse]

It also lists a sushi bar as a new dining venue. Did this already exist on the K-dam?

[stickey_mouse]

It also lists a sushi bar as a new dining venue. Did this already exist on the K-dam?

If not, I wonder if this is what will take over the former Billboard Onboard space. Personally, I hope not.

[Despegue]

Sushi bar will be part of Tamarind.

[stickey_mouse]

Sushi bar will be part of Tamarind.

Ah, that makes more sense. Thank you.

[Wishing on a star]

It is very obvious, and usually stated, may differ from images... Images from Koningsdam, etc...

Apparently they are not really putting any new info out there yet.

Even the basic deck plans seem to still be up in the air!

 

If the sculpture is the big one all up over the atrium, where the 'harp strings' could have the look of a 'cage'....

I would not be surprised if they did keep that.

 

Overall, until we see the actual finished ship, we don't know.

 

I am quite sure that many people love the look and feel of the K...

Many others might not.

Just for me, I can't be convinced that this is a really good decor and design, using nice materials, and color motifs.

Not when I compare this to other ships where the materials, use of space, marble tile, natural light and lighting, decor, etc... just simply, IMHO, are far better.

 

That does not take me a HATER.

Does not mean I should not consider sailing the new ship, if it meets our basic most important factors.

Newer clean ship and cabin, food, and a huge one, the itinerary.

 

And, yes, I will also admit that there are also a few other things that HAL might do better than the other options.

Such as bigger staterooms for the category, nice ample shower, different specialty dining, Music Walk, etc....

That is the way it goes.

[stickey_mouse]

Apparently they are not really putting any new info out there yet.

Even the basic deck plans seem to still be up in the air!

 

If the sculpture is the big one all up over the atrium, where the 'harp strings' could have the look of a 'cage'....

I would not be surprised if they did keep that.

Actually there is a newer, updated deck plan floating around, previously discussed in the past few days. The only real change is the swapping of Lincoln Center and BB Kings, and the placement of Billboard in the Ocean Bar. The only thing up in the air at this point, at least concerning public venues, is what they will do with the old Billboard space. And yes, the harp thing in the atrium is staying (for better or worse). It appears K-dam's little sister will be basically the same ship, with the above adjustments (as was expected). I'm sure she will have her own identity in décor/color scheme, but I'm sure she will follow the same design philosophy as the K-dam. I suppose the biggest question mark is the 'reimagined' cabins, but I also expect this is an inflated description and will incorporate only minor adjustments (toilet angle, for example).

[rkacruiser]

Based upon what I have read, changing the position of the toilet would not be a "minor adjustment" in my opinion

[stickey_mouse]

Based upon what I have read, changing the position of the toilet would not be a "minor adjustment" in my opinion

I'm saying the adjustment is minor, not its effect on the guests.

[stickey_mouse]

I just sat through a HAL webinar on the Nieuw Statendam. Basically, they affirmed that the Nieuw Statendam will be almost identical to the Koningsdam, with similar theming, staterooms, and public spaces. The atrium "harp" sculpture will also be on the N.S. It seems the only changes will be minor cosmetic/decor changes, the venue swaps on Deck 2, and the open air concept in Tamarind.