What Do You Want to Know About Eurodam -- Cruise Critic Onboard June 27th

[editor@cruisecritic]

As excited as I am about the christening Tuesday (and it will be a busy, colorful day -- I'll report back), I'm really looking forward to the beginning of the ship's first cruise. Crew members seem to be ready, too; after a series of one day open house-type events, when, like yesterday, thousands descended to check out the ship (perhaps it only felt like thousands but I sure have never seen the Lido so packed), one told me he was longing to get back to normal. "I'm tired of moving deck chairs," he said, laughing.

 

One of the nicest -- not surprises, cause I almost expect this on a HAL cruise but you never know -- is that I've run into a number of crew members who see me, stop and, with a big smile, say welcome back. That is a quality that's priceless! I've seen others too where we look at each other and say "we've cruised together haven't we?" And there's a fun trip down memory lane trying to determine the ship and trip.

 

I was told last night that HAL pulled roughly 80 crew members from each of its ships to come work here (so that Eurodam is comprised of an experienced crew from the get-go); it hired an additional 1,000 more and spread those new folks out amongst the other vessels.

 

Can wait to read other threads (RevNeal and RuthC are two I have been following already) from fellow Eurodam travelers….

 

Carolyn

[editor@cruisecritic]

Dining at Pinnacle Grill last night with a bunch of colleagues -- and Stein Kruse, HAL's president -- was an interesting evening. No major revelations though a few minor ones. One of our dinner companions, a first time diner at the Pinnacle Grill (he's new to Holland America) was somewhat critical of the décor and the menu, noting it didn't really have a lot to do with its stated Northwest America culinary theme. Indeed, the food was pretty good but he made a point -- Colorado lamb chops, French onion soup. And so was the wine, presumably upgraded because it seems Kruse is an aficionado -- but we drank a Cloudy Bay sauvignon blanc (New Zealand) and a Caymus cabernet (Napa). Delicious, but my colleague had a point.

 

The décor too -- and this is actually no different than the Pinnacle style on the Vista class ships -- is a bit Euro-Dutch-on-steroids. Flashy.

 

Another dining companion marveled at the fantastic service we got and indeed, it was great. But, laughing, I chided him, saying, okay, you're at the President's table. It has to be good. Come back sans entourage and then judge! LOL.

 

I'm a big fan of the Pinnacle concept but must admit I prefer the translation on the fleet's Statendam class ships -- smaller, more intimate, more cleanly designed restaurants. But I'll go back (hopefully if I can back) on my own later in the trip and see if it's different, more Northwest in feel then.

 

Carolyn

[editor@cruisecritic]

Cabins

 

I think today is the last day cabins are open. I've got two requests -- the SS category suite from When Zuc and an inside along the lines of 8037 from Alonzo 14. This is your last chance! So fire away with requests and I'll try to provide more detailed-than-usual info on these…..

 

Carolyn

[editor@cruisecritic]

And this isn't really a quibble, it's a full fledged -- ugh. I'm settling into my cabin now, after two nights, and, as always, it hass become much more comfortable (and even seems to get larger) once I've unpacked and slept here. What I don't like is the lighting. It's awful, all these overheads, very flourescent like and cold, no dimmers. It's not that hard to scatter a few pretty table lamps about for mood and ambience. I don't know, I just would expect something a bit more sophisticated in that regard.

 

Kudos are due, however, to HAL for including bathrooms with tubs in all outdoor cabins, from those with windows upward. One of the mean little new trends in cruising lately -- among higher quality ships -- has been excessive stinginess in cruise bathrooms (ahem, Queen Victoria's are a disgrace). Here -- and they're all pretty much the same size at least until you get to suite level -- you don't have to step outside to either dry off -- or change your mind.

 

Carolyn

[editor@cruisecritic]

Now have three requests. Remember though can't promise specific rundowns of specific cabins. Can only get into the show cabins. But will try to see the categories you ask for.

 

Thanks.

 

Carolyn

 

 

Cabins

 

I think today is the last day cabins are open. I've got two requests -- the SS category suite from When Zuc and an inside along the lines of 8037 from Alonzo 14. This is your last chance! So fire away with requests and I'll try to provide more detailed-than-usual info on these…..

 

Carolyn

[hulamoon]

Hi Carolyn,

 

Maybe I missed it, but can you check the VT balcony? I am assuming it is the same room, but did they put stools our there or is it standing only?

 

Sharie

Thanks!

[editor@cruisecritic]

Stein Kruse mentioned this at dinner last night and it's kind of cool. Holland America's world cruise for 2010, which will take place aboard Amsterdam, will circumnavigate the globe, as usual. What's different is that the ship will head East instead of West. The reson for that? Because of timing -- world cruises on most lines tend to depart for three month journeys in mid-January -- most head to the South Pacific and must bypass ports in more northern climes. But by going East, by the time Amsterdam arrives in the Far East, for instance, it's already spring and so the ship will be able to make calls in China, Japan and Korea among other countries.

 

Carolyn

[dougnewmanatsea]

Hi Carolyn,

 

Glad to hear it is going well.

 

From the photos I've seen the ship looks like a nice evolution of the Vista-class ships, probably better decorated than any of those. I really like the new-look Crow's Nest and Tamarind/Silk Den... New spaces designed by Y&S and not VFD. I've never liked the Vistas wholeheartedly but I think this really looks rather nice.

 

But, with all the hype about the new cabin decor - and it does look nicer than the old - I am sorry to hear the cabins apparently still have the same crappy lighting they always did. :(

 

For me the big question about EURODAM is how she compares with QUEEN VICTORIA. This one will have to remain unanswered for a while longer, until I've been on EURODAM and hopefully had a more comprehensive look at VICTORIA (which was probably my shortest-ever ship visit, since I had to run off about a quarter of the way through), but it is interesting for me to think over the differences, since they're obviously related but also obviously different. As a ship design nut I'm fascinated by the way Cunard and HAL took the same basic starting point and developed it in two different directions.

 

Anyway, I'm looking forward to hearing more. I should read everyone else's threads, too, but haven't got the time or energy. I haven't spent much time on the boards in months and I feel like a total outsider - and the HAL board used to be one of mine! :o (If anyone remembers me, I'm not dead, just busy... ;) )

[altosax]

Stein Kruse mentioned this at dinner last night and it's kind of cool. Holland America's world cruise for 2010, which will take place aboard Amsterdam, will circumnavigate the globe, as usual. What's different is that the ship will head East instead of West. The reson for that? Because of timing -- world cruises on most lines tend to depart for three month journeys in mid-January -- most head to the South Pacific and must bypass ports in more northern climes. But by going East, by the time Amsterdam arrives in the Far East, for instance, it's already spring and so the ship will be able to make calls in China, Japan and Korea among other countries.

 

Carolyn

 

But lots of 23 hour days.

[professorhurst]

Is there a craps table in the casino on the Eurodam?

How do you reserve the cabanas poolside? Must it be done onboard or can it be done online before sailing?

[professorhurst]

Can you use your wireless laptop by the pool, too?

[oobbian]

I enjoy reading your insights about the ship and it only makes me more excited about my own trip in November. Can you check on the ocean view cabin please if you get an opportunity.

[RuthC]

Can wait to read other threads (RevNeal and RuthC are two I have been following already) from fellow Eurodam travelers….

Thank you for the kind words, Carolyn! I didn't know that you've followed my past exploits. Maybe I should have set the bar lower. ;)

And don't forget to read Brian's thoughts, too. His delightful personality comes through in his writing so loud and clear that you know you want to sit down and have a good time with him.

I also understand that Grumpy and Copper plan to do threads. And I think a few of the others from our roll-call were planning to post a few thoughts along the way.

[CinWin]

Carolyn,

After you discovered that drawers were underneath the bed, where can suitcases be stored? Thanks for answering all our questions. :)

Cindy

[editor@cruisecritic]

Yes, Daniel, that's exactly what he said! Lots of 23 hour days :)

 

Carolyn

 

But lots of 23 hour days.

[tsd1]

Can you tell us more about the Queen's Lounge? Does it have the "desks" like some other HAL ships do in their culinary arts area?

 

Also heard some disappointing news that the seats in the main lounge cannot be removed to make a dance floor like on the other vistas....true?:(

[editor@cruisecritic]

Hi, Cindy. The drawers are located at the bottom end of the bed and only take half the room -- so there was room for two suitcases. The nice thing about the beds is that they are a little higher than normal so my big suitcase slides in nicely (most of the time it winds up consuming an entire closet!

 

Carolyn

 

 

Carolyn,

After you discovered that drawers were underneath the bed, where can suitcases be stored? Thanks for answering all our questions. :)

Cindy

[jtl513]

Is there wireless service throughout the ship...including the statrooms?

Even if the wifi signal that you can pick up in your stateroom isn't strong enough to be usable, there is a 56 Kbps dial-up port. In most public areas the wifi signal is good on all the Vistas, so it should be the same on the Eurodam.

 

... for including bathrooms with tubs in all outdoor cabins,

Do those at least come with umbrellas in case of rain? :D :D

[editor@cruisecritic]

Hi, Susan, and thanks so much for the nice words!

 

The smoking -- oy -- maybe it's because I'm in Europe but...it's definitely allowed. I'll check on the casino but from what I've seen so far it's typically allowed on one side of the ship, sans dining rooms.

 

Stay tuned.

 

Carolyn

 

PJ - Thanks much for those AWESOME pix!

 

Carolyn - SO not trying to start a war-of-words here, just seeking info. But, what's the smoking policy onboard? Or rather, what are the non-smoking areas? Any chance the casino will have any non-smoking nights? Thanks much for finding out.

 

ps - Been reading you for a while. Missed you when you left the Washington Post Travel section. Was really happy that you wound up someplace else that I could read your good work. Keep it up. You sure you can't stay aboard in Copenhagen for the actual Inaugural cruise? :)

[nckvilledudes]

If possible could someone post a pic of an SS Suite and balcony. We are on the Eurodam November 8th. Thanks

 

Dan and Miguel

[whenzuc]

I read one of your comments about the ship being on steroids. Haven't been on the Westerdam in almost 2 years, but my first reactions of seeing pics of the public rooms are that they are a bit glitzier than the Westerdam that I remember. For some reason the Eurodam seems more like some of the "other" ships that I have been on.. I am on the Jan 3 sailing of the Eurodam. Carolyn, your gut reaction please. Thanks for all that you are doing. I await pics of the SSsuites. Hopefully, you were able to fit this task into your packed schedule!!!

[Boytjie]

At this webcam of the Eurodam in Rottterdam, it showed deck chairs on the deck aboove the Tamarind and Silk Den:

 

 

but no deck chairs above the Crow's Nest:

 

 

Can you confirm that? Thanks

[jtl513]

Did you notice that the HAL site countdown clock has been corrected? :) :)

[LAFFNVEGAS]

At this webcam of the Eurodam in Rottterdam, it showed deck chairs on the deck aboove the Tamarind and Silk Den:

 

[ATTACH]83390[/ATTACH]

 

but no deck chairs above the Crow's Nest:

 

[ATTACH]83391[/ATTACH]

 

Can you confirm that? Thanks

Peter, how did you capture those pictures? I love seeing the ship lit up, it looks so festive and inviting:D

[Boytjie]

Did you notice that the HAL site countdown clock has been corrected? :) :)

 

Yes, and the one on the webcast page is gone!