Zodiacs coming to Zaandam?

Hi all,

By happenstance I noticed that HAL is hiring an "Antarctica Expedition Team Member" (https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Holland-America-Line/jobs/Antarctica-Expedition-Team-Member-89384f812e4edde8).

In the job description it says "You’ll present informative and engaging EXC Talks ™ to audiences of up to 900 guests, provide unscripted narrations during scenic cruising, and accompany guests on Zodiac tours."

The only ship doing the Antarctica trips in the next two years is... the Zaandam. So, unless that vessel will be magically switched out for the Maasdam, I assume it will be getting zodiacs in the near future, as well.

Any of our experts have any insight?

Hi all,

 

By happenstance I noticed that HAL is hiring an "Antarctica Expedition Team Member" (https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Holland-America-Line/jobs/Antarctica-Expedition-Team-Member-89384f812e4edde8).

 

In the job description it says "You’ll present informative and engaging EXC Talks ™ to audiences of up to 900 guests, provide unscripted narrations during scenic cruising, and accompany guests on Zodiac tours."

 

The only ship doing the Antarctica trips in the next two years is... the Zaandam. So, unless that vessel will be magically switched out for the Maasdam, I assume it will be getting zodiacs in the near future, as well.

 

Any of our experts have any insight?

Only zodiacs on the Maasdam has currently been confirmed by HAL. Me thinks Seattle will wait and see how successful that program turns out to be (see Maasie current voyage to the South Pacific and onward) before considering expanding it to different ships incl. Zaandam

My guess is that they are starting the recruitment process now with an aim of sending the Maasdam to Antarctica for the winter 2020/21 season, which has not yet been published. They may want a 24+ month lead time to find the best candidate, work with government authorities to develop onboard programming, plan approved zodiac missions, etc. Offering actual landings in Antarctica is something that is highly regulated and it would take quite some time to ramp up, and you want someone with experience as part of the team from the beginning.

Something here doesn't sound quite right to me here. To the best of my knowledge the Antarctic treaty only allows tours off the ship to ships with a CAPACITY of under 400 guests.

Roy

Something here doesn't sound quite right to me here. To the best of my knowledge the Antarctic treaty only allows tours off the ship to ships with a CAPACITY of under 400 guests.

 

 

Roy

The limit is ships with more than 500 passengers on board, cannot land. The Maasdam could land passengers if the cruise was limited to 500 or less passengers. The limit is not by capacity, but actual number of passengers.

Considering that a 10 day cruise with landing in Antarctica runs at least $7000 per person on competing lines, and most much higher, HAL could limit the number of passengers to 500 and easily make more money per day than they make on normal cruises.

I read the HAL post about this Antarctic Expedition Team Member position.

A major guest benefit of a HAL Antarctic cruise is this Expedition Team. It's 3 members provide interesting power point presentations, scenic commentary in conjunction with the usual EXC staff member, and a display of charts, books, and even a replica camp of those explorers of the past.

The addition to the job description regarding the Zodiacs raises an eyebrow for me. As has been stated, I am not sure attempting to land guests on the Continent from any current HAL ship in service is permissible.

A major competitor of HAL has been successful in operating expedition type ships in a restricted island chain. I wonder: if HAL considering doing something like that in Antarctica?

When Orient Lines used the Marco Polo in Antarctica they half filled her. 400 rather than 800 passengers. I find it doubtful that HAL wpuld do this as they would lose 700 berths of onboard spending empty. Maybe there is a ship acquisition in the offing.

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It is possible that Carnival corp is considering adding a small ship to the HAL fleet that could offer expedition type cruises, or perhaps Carnival has worked behind the scenes to get an exception for the HAL brand (since HAL already sails to Antarctica, albeit w/o landings) provided that only a certain # of guests per day are permitted to land. As we have already heard the # of guests on Maasdam who could use the zodics is quite limited.

It will be interesting to see what, if anything, comes of this

Hi all,

 

By happenstance I noticed that HAL is hiring an "Antarctica Expedition Team Member" (https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Holland-America-Line/jobs/Antarctica-Expedition-Team-Member-89384f812e4edde8).

 

In the job description it says "You’ll present informative and engaging EXC Talks ™ to audiences of up to 900 guests, provide unscripted narrations during scenic cruising, and accompany guests on Zodiac tours."

 

The only ship doing the Antarctica trips in the next two years is... the Zaandam. So, unless that vessel will be magically switched out for the Maasdam, I assume it will be getting zodiacs in the near future, as well.

 

Any of our experts have any insight?

Wrong, the Volendam is doing South pole also in 2020, 77 days...

Something here doesn't sound quite right to me here. To the best of my knowledge the Antarctic treaty only allows tours off the ship to ships with a CAPACITY of under 400 guests.

 

 

Roy

Only 100 passengers at a time are allowed on shore in Antarctica and there are very specific anti contamination protocols for clothing, boots, etc. There has to be a dedicated area for these procedures on board. In addition, I dont think any of the HAL ships have ice rated hulls. The smaller the ship, the better the access for zodiac expeditions in Antarctica. For “luxury” expedition cruising, look at Ponant, Seabourn, and Silver Seas. They all have smaller expedition ships with ice rated hulls.

Wrong, the Volendam is doing South pole also in 2020, 77 days...

South Pole?

That would be quite a feat.

Roy

When Orient Lines used the Marco Polo in Antarctica they half filled her. 400 rather than 800 passengers. I find it doubtful that HAL wpuld do this as they would lose 700 berths of onboard spending empty. Maybe there is a ship acquisition in the offing.

 

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The most expensive berth on Maasdam on a normal cruise runs about $500 per person per day if you add in the average yield for on board spend of 25% that would indicate that max yield would be $625 per person per day. If you look at cruises that go to and land in Antarctica the cheapest absolute cheapest rate for an inside cabin is $700 per day per person (Hurtigruten). So if they cut the number of passengers down to 500 and only sell suites and verandas until the limit is filled. The Veranda rate of the competition is around $900 per day per passenger is ships that are pretty bare bones. Compared to a normal cruise will insides around $100 per person per day, Ocean view around $150 per person per day and Veranda around $200 per person per day. ($125, 187.5 and $250 if you include on board spend), they could easily sail with only 500 passengers (suites and verandas) and actually increase revenue based upon the competition.

Wrong, the Volendam is doing South pole also in 2020, 77 days...

But not landing, sail by only. Lots of big ships go and sail by. The difference is zodiac landings.

The 2020 GWV is scheduled to spend four days doing the "Antarctic Experience" on Amsterdam.

On the 2018 GWV, President Orlando Ashford said the Amsterdam might get zodiacs at some time. It was also mentioned in the Q&A session that followed that that new builds would be under 3000 passengers and "economics prohibits any new smaller ships".

South Pole?

That would be quite a feat.

 

Roy

With global warming whom some deny, who knows?

With global warming whom some deny, who knows?

Roald Amundsen did it in 1911 on the Fram

This question was asked of the InDepth coordinator today at a coffee chat on the Maasdam - he stated there were no plans for zodiacs on the Zaandam. I think these new programs suffer from confused terminology at this time. Hopefully this will mellow out a bit after these first few dry runs. EXC just got thrust upon us a year or so ago.

Then this additional EXC inDepth package never got sufficient distinction up front either but that will now dramatically change once other can report on the experience as well as HAL marketing having better answers in the future?

The expectation according to the coordinator is this Maasdam In Depth alternative will continue well into the future for a few years and plans for ports and itineraries are already underway. Will it find a permanent market niche - time will tell? We already signed up for another one to Alaska-Russian and Japan for next year.

He also explained how, when and why they will be used - a total of 8, with one more for back-up use only. Many areas do not allow Zodiacs which is why they will not be put into use until they leave French Polynesia - but will get used in Fiji.

OlsSalt,

Thank you for this information.

.........................................

 

He also explained how, when and why they will be used - a total of 8, with one more for back-up use only. Many areas do not allow Zodiacs which is why they will not be put into use until they leave French Polynesia - but will get used in Fiji.

And, apparently, the Spice Islands (the Maluku Islands/Moluccas) in Indonesia. Not sure if you will still be onboard Maasie for that

This question was asked of the InDepth coordinator today at a coffee chat on the Maasdam - he stated there were no plans for zodiacs on the Zaandam. I think these new programs suffer from confused terminology at this time. Hopefully this will mellow out a bit after these first few dry runs. EXC just got thrust upon us a year or so ago.

 

 

 

Then this additional EXC inDepth package never got sufficient distinction up front either but that will now dramatically change once other can report on the experience as well as HAL marketing having better answers in the future?

 

 

 

The expectation according to the coordinator is this Maasdam In Depth alternative will continue well into the future for a few years and plans for ports and itineraries are already underway. Will it find a permanent market niche - time will tell? We already signed up for another one to Alaska-Russian and Japan for next year.

 

 

 

He also explained how, when and why they will be used - a total of 8, with one more for back-up use only. Many areas do not allow Zodiacs which is why they will not be put into use until they leave French Polynesia - but will get used in Fiji.

So, you are on a ship doing the zodiac EXC landings? How is that going? How many people can they take per day and in which ports or islands?

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So, you are on a ship doing the zodiac EXC landings? How is that going? How many people can they take per day and in which ports or islands?

 

 

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Some of the Zodiacs are on board and more will be added after Callao, but they will not be used until this current Maasdam itinerary leaves its time in French Polynesia - numbers of passengers and prices not known at this time.

But assume will be like any other limited capacity shore excursion. One will need to sign up quickly if they want to participate in this option - but it will take probably some degree of mobility to get in and out. He did say some of them will be used just for viewing excursions, some for in-water experiences, and some for shore landings and hiking on land.

Still much to learn. However because they and out of commission LifeBoat #12 were on the forward deck, it was not open for the Panama Canal transit viewing.

Olssalt;

Different topic; same ship! Can you tell us what Maasie received in dry-dock as far as EXC stuff in her Crow's Nest? Did the former shorex office move there? Is the FCC (future cruise consultant) up there now? The EXC guide?

In addition, some (not yet all) of the bigger class of ships, while in dry-dock, received what's known as "Explorations Central” in their Crow's Nests with ‘the Hub’, ‘Destinations Display’, ‘VirtualBridge’, ‘Theater EXC’, ‘Journeys Ashore’ and ‘the Library’.

I'm sure Maasdam's Crow's Nest is not big enough for all that stuff so did she receive a smaller version?

Thanks and enjoy French Polynesia soon!

Olssalt;

Different topic; same ship! Can you tell us what Maasie received in dry-dock as far as EXC stuff in her Crow's Nest? Did the former shorex office move there? Is the FCC (future cruise consultant) up there now? The EXC guide?

In addition, some (not yet all) of the bigger class of ships, while in dry-dock, received what's known as "Explorations Central” in their Crow's Nests with ‘the Hub’, ‘Destinations Display’, ‘VirtualBridge’, ‘Theater EXC’, ‘Journeys Ashore’ and ‘the Library’.

I'm sure Maasdam's Crow's Nest is not big enough for all that stuff so did she receive a smaller version?

Thanks and enjoy French Polynesia soon!

Crows Nest refurbished decor-wise, but not remodeled as a EXC station.

The Wine Bar was converted to the EXC Center where the two guides hold office hours, but no interactive electronic tables like others have described on the other ships. Shorex booking is still in the same location by the Front Desk.

Library also refurbished decor but essentially unchanged floor plan. Librarian's desk taken out. Colors are lighter and more contemporary - very lovely look overall.

Future Cruise are in the same location - the central area between Explorer's Lounge and Explorations Cafe. No art auctions on this trip, but there still remains the alcove area by the old Wine Bar (now EXC Central) where some of their ware still hangs.

Biggest change in activity has been the no-smoking casino - virtually zero gamblers day or night, until a few nights ago when they did offer a smoking night- then most of the tables were full and a crowd was gathered back in the corner of the slots machines by the doors to the Library - playing the slot machines or not, they were smoking. The air was noticeably thick with smoke when you entered this area. Last night- no smoking and the numbers were again back to almost zero.

That is probably going to be a HAL management decision - if this activity plays a significant role in their over all bottom line on InDepth cruises. That was one activity that was eliminated on our prior " high enrichment" Voyages of Discovery cruises -they took out the casinos.

The casino space might serve better as an interactivity center, where the speakers could gather for more informal conversations. Will be interesting to see how these "InDepth" changes and ultimate passenger base pencil out. Do we spend more on excursions and less on onboard activities - bars, shopping and casino? I'll let Seattle worry about that and just hope this new InDepth offering works as well as we are currently enjoying it.

Crows Nest refurbished decor-wise, but not remodeled as a EXC station.

 

The Wine Bar was converted to the EXC Center where the two guides hold office hours, but no interactive electronic tables like others have described on the other ships. Shorex booking is still in the same location by the Front Desk.

 

Library also refurbished decor but essentially unchanged floor plan. Librarian's desk taken out. Colors are lighter and more contemporary - very lovely look overall.

 

Future Cruise are in the same location - the central area between Explorer's Lounge and Explorations Cafe. No art auctions on this trip, but there still remains the alcove area by the old Wine Bar (now EXC Central) where some of their ware still hangs.

 

Biggest change in activity has been the no-smoking casino - virtually zero gamblers day or night, until a few nights ago when they did offer a smoking night- then most of the tables were full and a crowd was gathered back in the corner of the slots machines by the doors to the Library - playing the slot machines or not, they were smoking. The air was noticeably thick with smoke when you entered this area. Last night- no smoking and the numbers were again back to almost zero.

 

That is probably going to be a HAL management decision - if this activity plays a significant role in their over all bottom line on InDepth cruises. That was one activity that was eliminated on our prior " high enrichment" Voyages of Discovery cruises -they took out the casinos.

 

The casino space might serve better as an interactivity center, where the speakers could gather for more informal conversations. Will be interesting to see how these "InDepth" changes and ultimate passenger base pencil out. Do we spend more on excursions and less on onboard activities - bars, shopping and casino? I'll let Seattle worry about that and just hope this new InDepth offering works as well as we are currently enjoying it.

Noticed that the new company logo has replaced the old one in the chimney.

Question, is there a change in location guide staff, or how they usually operate? Who is currently on boards as location Guide?

I have read about the intended changes in entertainment, but are the smaller daily items still present; things like team and pub trivia?

Crows Nest refurbished decor-wise, but not remodeled as a EXC station.

 

The Wine Bar was converted to the EXC Center where the two guides hold office hours, but no interactive electronic tables like others have described on the other ships. Shorex booking is still in the same location by the Front Desk.

 

Library also refurbished decor but essentially unchanged floor plan. Librarian's desk taken out. Colors are lighter and more contemporary - very lovely look overall.

 

Future Cruise are in the same location - the central area between Explorer's Lounge and Explorations Cafe. No art auctions on this trip, but there still remains the alcove area by the old Wine Bar (now EXC Central) where some of their ware still hangs.

 

Biggest change in activity has been the no-smoking casino - virtually zero gamblers day or night, until a few nights ago when they did offer a smoking night- then most of the tables were full and a crowd was gathered back in the corner of the slots machines by the doors to the Library - playing the slot machines or not, they were smoking. The air was noticeably thick with smoke when you entered this area. Last night- no smoking and the numbers were again back to almost zero.

 

That is probably going to be a HAL management decision - if this activity plays a significant role in their over all bottom line on InDepth cruises. That was one activity that was eliminated on our prior " high enrichment" Voyages of Discovery cruises -they took out the casinos.

 

The casino space might serve better as an interactivity center, where the speakers could gather for more informal conversations. Will be interesting to see how these "InDepth" changes and ultimate passenger base pencil out. Do we spend more on excursions and less on onboard activities - bars, shopping and casino? I'll let Seattle worry about that and just hope this new InDepth offering works as well as we are currently enjoying it.

Thanks for that info! A heads up: Watch out for Callao, Peru tomorrow! The area outside the port gates is pretty much a ghetto. Don't go wandering outside there please! Taxis to Lima can be had inside the gate via dispatcher (unless you're on a ship/private tour of course)