Explorations Central

The intro on the video is ironic considering that they have just dropped all ports in Turkey.

 

It's too bad they aren't taking over the Casino space. One of our favorite "explorations" activities is to sit in the quiet of the Crows Nest and watch the world go by. But promoting shore excursions more heavily probably wouldn't offset the loss of gambling profits.

It's all about customer base of TODAY. I heard that some new cruises are being launched in the Asian market and they will include larger casino spaces, vip casino Mah Jong parlors (think Poker rooms) and serious reduction of the sunbathing/swimming pool area plus and a new ballroom with room for a 5 person band/DJ. Why? The Asian middle class is traveling and they don't seek out the things the western traveler enjoys.

So how many of these posts are by people who have actually been there done that?

Very good point!;p

I find myself in agreement with this comment, somewhat surprisingly.

 

I have been doing a bit of "researching" for my own purposes and what I think I have learned is that these good people in their "20's-40's" are more interested in the "destination" experiences that they may have than in their "cruising" experiences. If so, HAL's EXC plans are not off the mark, but are attempting to meet the travel desires of this group of potential travelers.

 

A radical change of purpose of the Crow's Nest, however, will alienate those of us who have some HAL history. Somehow, a balance between the "well-loved" and the "new" needs to be found. If the initial reports on this Message Board about the Westerdam's conversion is any indication, that balance has not been achieved as of yet.

 

Of course, this is just my opinion based upon what little I know.

You're making some excellent points here

Very good point!;p

and yet i don't see anyone saying they have actually been there LOL

so much speculation

I'm on the Westerdam right now and Exploration Central is okay but does not have Happy Hour anymore, just in Oceans Bar and Billboard. It's just not the same...it a waste of a really nice spot. It's pretty empty up there for the most part. All the renovations are very nice tho!

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and yet i don't see anyone saying they have actually been there LOL

 

so much speculation

I'm on the Westerdam right now and Exploration Central is okay but does not have Happy Hour anymore, just in Oceans Bar and Billboard. It's just not the same...it a waste of a really nice spot. It's pretty empty up there for the most part. All the renovations are very nice tho!

 

 

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I got off Westerdam on the 20th, and I would agree with mexylopez. The area looks nice but not welcoming. I rarely saw anyone in there. It also seems that they have given over the area to the Explorations Team (Shore Excursion Staff) and no one else can use it.

On the other hand, the bartending staff I talked to don't like it either!

Thanks for you observations -- Nice to hear from some one whose actually been there - I'll be on her in Feb and interested in all the new features.

On the other hand, the bartending staff I talked to don't like it either!

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On the other hand, the bartending staff I talked to don't like it either!

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No, they are sure un happy with the changes plus you can imagine the wages they are losing by not selling any drinks..

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No, they are sure un happy with the changes plus you can imagine the wages they are losing by not selling any drinks..

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Another Grand Idea that is not so "Grand" in its execution?

I think I do understand HAL's management's understanding the traveling interests of a new generation of cruisers and trying to accommodate those interests in the EXC concept. Tweaking is needed, I think, of how and where on a vessel to do this. But, when I next sail the Westerdam, my opinion may change.

While I think that this "destinations" motivation is laudable and I may also decide I like it, my major complaint about this new project is the venue that HAL has decided to utilize - the Crows Nest. The CN has been one of the, if not the, most popular spot on the ship. I really wonder if HAL could not have used another venue, even the theater, instead of the Crows Nest. Or perhaps have limited the hours during the day during which this project consumes the Crows Nest. Or, perhaps it is limited to certain hours. Does anyone know?

 

Oh, another objection, HAL's condescending attitude, expressed by who-ever-he-is during the video, that we NEED to to be educated in order to be better global citizens. That should not be the concern of the cruise industry.

This made me think of such "education" where I work which has me wondering if there's a sort of movement among the corner office set to lift us, the unwashed masses, out of our ignorance and selfish mindsets. I may be exaggerating, and maybe all-in-all it would be for the good, but I also find it tiresome.

By the way, I did notice this is a revived thread.

This made me think of such "education" where I work which has me wondering if there's a sort of movement among the corner office set to lift us, the unwashed masses, out of our ignorance and selfish mindsets. I may be exaggerating, and maybe all-in-all it would be for the good, but I also find it tiresome.

 

By the way, I did notice this is a revived thread.

Agree. The "we know what is good for you" is both tiresome and insulting. (Particularly when it involves taking away the Crows Nest Bar!)

I was on the Westerdam in August and hated the new EXC. The sofas are leather and straight backed, quite uncomfortable. The "coffee bar" is now included in the "alcohol bar". There is no library as you know it. Just a small grouping of artsy type books for the Intellectuals they are seeking for this cruise line. I can't tell you how many people mentioned not being able to find a book to read. The corner that used to be the Captain's corner is a group of chairs facing a screen, and that is where we had to hold our meet and greet. Everyone was tripping over each other trying to move around the room to visit. You can bet I let them have it when I filled out my post-cruise survey!