Nieuw Statendam vs Westerdam differences on beverage package

[bluesplayer]

I am currently on the Nieuw Statendam Quebec City to Ft. Lauderdale.  I sailed to Alaska on the Westerdam September 4-11, 2022.  I see someone started a “live from” on this sailing.  A big thank you!

  Some differences.  We had the beverage package on both ships.  Both had $11.00 drink maximum that was included.  On the Westerdam..  anything over 11.00 you pay just the difference..  that policy is listed on the menus.  They also give you a slip to sigh for each drink..  which includes a line for additional tips.

  On the Nieuw Statendam..  no signing for drinks   No slips requesting additional tips.. yet if you go over 11.00. You pay the full amount.

  Quite different policies.  If anyone has a question I can try to find information.

  The boarding process in Quebec City was a fiasco!!  Everyone went through the same lines.  Priority boarding used the same lines.  Conflicting instructions provided by the staff.  Total opposite of boarding in Seattle.  I understand these are not Holland America employees.  

[CruiserBruce]

Westerdam has been test driving the different drink policy. Discussed here from time to time. All the other ships in the fleet have the "pay the full price separately from drink plan" procedure.

[FlaMariner]

24 minutes ago, bluesplayer said:

If anyone has a question I can try to find information.

 

Enjoy the Nieuw Statendam......

 

If you go to Billboard Onboard, come back on here and tell me what you think of the dual....And if you liked them, find out if they will be onboard thru November....If you did not like them, just tell me they dis-embark first thing in Fort Lauderdale.  LOL.

 

Have fun!

[bluesplayer]

11 hours ago, FlaMariner said:

 

Enjoy the Nieuw Statendam......

 

If you go to Billboard Onboard, come back on here and tell me what you think of the dual....And if you liked them, find out if they will be onboard thru November....If you did not like them, just tell me they dis-embark first thing in Fort Lauderdale.  LOL.

 

Have fun!

Will report back.  Have not been to the Billboard so far.

[bluesplayer]

On 10/9/2022 at 4:41 PM, FlaMariner said:

 

Enjoy the Nieuw Statendam......

 

If you go to Billboard Onboard, come back on here and tell me what you think of the dual....And if you liked them, find out if they will be onboard thru November....If you did not like them, just tell me they dis-embark first thing in Fort Lauderdale.  LOL.

 

Have fun!

The billboard duo was the best I have heard on any cruise!!  They do an excellent job harmonizing.  The female singer has a wonderful voice and both play piano well.  I did not have a chance to find out how long they will be on board..  will continue to investigate..

[FlaMariner]

That's great to hear!!!!!

 

Thank you for taking the time to relay that info.....I hope they are onboard thru November!

 

 

[OVgirl]

We'll be on board in November too, so this is very timely information. Thank you.

[bluesplayer]

Music opinions are very subjective..  check in on the live thread from this voyage as well.  Last night Billboard was full!

[bluesplayer]

On 10/11/2022 at 10:24 PM, FlaMariner said:

That's great to hear!!!!!

 

Thank you for taking the time to relay that info.....I hope they are onboard thru November!

 

I spoke with the young lady doing trivia.  The duo just arrived this cruise and the normal length of stay is a 4 month contract.  Sounds they will be here in November.

[FlaMariner]

8 hours ago, bluesplayer said:

On 10/11/2022 at 9:24 PM, FlaMariner said:

That's great to hear!!!!!

 

Thank you for taking the time to relay that info.....I hope they are onboard thru November!

 

I spoke with the young lady doing trivia.  The duo just arrived this cruise and the normal length of stay is a 4 month contract.  Sounds they will be here in November.

 

YAHOO!

 

We so look forward to getting our seats around the piano and having a great evening at Billboard Onboard.....British Invasion and Country nights are our favorites....And of course, "all request" sets when everyone writes down American Pie and Sweet Caroline!

 

Fun times.

 

Thanks for asking about that!