Oak Room on Prinsendam

[Steirisch]

The HAL website seems woefully inadequate in their information about ships, so this board is a fabulous source of information not available elsewhere.

 

We're considering a booking on the Prinsendam. Just wondering what the

Oak Room is. Is it a smoking lounge?

 

This would be our first HAL experience. We usually sail with Crystal.

[kazu]

The HAL website seems woefully inadequate in their information about ships, so this board is a fabulous source of information not available elsewhere.

 

We're considering a booking on the Prinsendam. Just wondering what the

Oak Room is. Is it a smoking lounge?

 

This would be our first HAL experience. We usually sail with Crystal.

 

The Oak Room used to be a smoking room on the Prinsendam but it isn't any longer. It is a glorious room - huge leather couches and chairs and a fireplace if I recall correctly. It's a really nice spot to relax and read.:)

 

Absolutely exquisite and IMO no other ship has a room like this.

 

Despite all my great statements - I didn't spend much time there but I know other cc'ers did:D

 

sorry I should have added I haven't sailed Crystal but knowing it's a luxury line I hope you will not be disappointed.

 

Food on this ship was definitely a couple notches up from our other HAL cruises. The staff is impeccable.

 

Sailed this ship last year for the first time with great trepidation because of her age and mixed reviews and were in love within 20 minutes. It's a ship - like in the old days - we hope you like it too and welcome to the HAL board

Edited July 7, 2012 by kazu

[solocanadian]

The Oak Room used to be a smoking room on the Prinsendam but it isn't any longer. It is a glorious room - huge leather couches and chairs and a fireplace if I recall correctly. It's a really nice spot to relax and read.:)

 

Absolutely exquisite and IMO no other ship has a room like this.

 

Despite all my great statements - I didn't spend much time there but I know other cc'ers did:D

 

sorry I should have added I haven't sailed Crystal but knowing it's a luxury line I hope you will not be disappointed.

 

Food on this ship was definitely a couple notches up from our other HAL cruises. The staff is impeccable.

 

Sailed this ship last year for the first time with great trepidation because of her age and mixed reviews and were in love within 20 minutes. It's a ship - like in the old days - we hope you like it too and welcome to the HAL board

Kazu is right about the fireplace. When the ship was the Royal Viking Sun the fireplace worked but finally got shut down for safety reason. In Royal Viking time it was a place to enjoy a grreat cigar & nicely aged brandy. I haven't been on her since the HAL takeover.

[RuthC]

My recollection from my last cruise on the Prinsendam is that there is only one indoor smoking area. In the Crows Nest, starboard side, in the rear section, there was one (or maybe two) tables reserved for smokers.

There is only one entrance to the Crows Nest, port side, so there is no reason for anyone to go near the smoking section if they don't want to smoke.

(I don't know if there was smoking allowed in the Casino as I had no reason to go near there at night. I never saw anyone smoking in there in the daytime. )

The Oak Room on the Prinsendam has the same name as the smoking room on the Noordam. It could get quite confusing, and would make sense if someone thought the two rooms served the same purpose.

They don't.

[kazu]

Kazu is right about the fireplace. When the ship was the Royal Viking Sun the fireplace worked but finally got shut down for safety reason. In Royal Viking time it was a place to enjoy a grreat cigar & nicely aged brandy. I haven't been on her since the HAL takeover.

 

Hey Gail - come on and join us - it's still a very nice ship - I never sold an itinerary so fast to the DH - when I told him it was on the Prinsendam it was a done deal:D:D

[catl331]

See picture #10 (of 20) in this slideshow:

http://experience.hollandamerica.com/ships/prinsendam/PR_Slideshow/index.html

I don't see a sofa.

Edited July 7, 2012 by catl331

[kazu]

See picture #10 (of 20) in this slideshow:

http://experience.hollandamerica.com/ships/prinsendam/PR_Slideshow/index.html

I don't see a sofa.

 

sure you do = it's back is facing the picture:D:D Not going to swear on it - but pretty sure there were at least one if not two sofas in that room.

 

slide shows only show you a bit - on board is a whole different kettle of fish (couldn't resist):D:D

[RuthC]

I don't recall a sofa in there, Carol. It's much too small a room for that. However, there is one in the Explorations Cafe, which is just on the other side of one doorway.

It's a pass-through room between the Internet Center/Library and the Casino. The Explorations Cafe is to the side, heading toward the starboard passageway and Explorers Lounge.

[sail7seas]

My recollection from my last cruise on the Prinsendam is that there is only one indoor smoking area. In the Crows Nest, starboard side, in the rear section, there was one (or maybe two) tables reserved for smokers.

There is only one entrance to the Crows Nest, port side, so there is no reason for anyone to go near the smoking section if they don't want to smoke.

(I don't know if there was smoking allowed in the Casino as I had no reason to go near there at night. I never saw anyone smoking in there in the daytime. )

 

The Oak Room on the Prinsendam has the same name as the smoking room on the Noordam. It could get quite confusing, and would make sense if someone thought the two rooms served the same purpose.

They don't.

 

 

Do they still permit smoking in Noordam's Oak Room?

 

None of the other Vista or Signature Class ships have an Oak Room...... only Noordam.

 

[RuthC]

Do they still permit smoking in Noordam's Oak Room?

Smoking was permitted on Noordam's Oak Room the last time I was on it, but that's been a few years now.

However, I have not read anything on this forum to indicate that has changed, and I am sure it would have been posted.

 

It was a shame that the Oak Room was removed from the other Vista ships. It's an enclosed room, with separate exit to outdoors, where smokers can go and be separated from non-smokers.

[sail7seas]

Noordam is the only Vista/Signature that does not have Exploration Cafe next to Crows Nest. That allows for Oak Room to remain where they needed that space on the other ships.

 

One of the things that makes Noordam so special IMO

I love her Explorations Cafe..... it's beautiful.

 

[kazu]

I don't recall a sofa in there, Carol. It's much too small a room for that. However, there is one in the Explorations Cafe, which is just on the other side of one doorway.

 

It's a pass-through room between the Internet Center/Library and the Casino. The Explorations Cafe is to the side, heading toward the starboard passageway and Explorers Lounge.

 

Thanks Ruth - I may have been thinking of the one in the Explorations - my bad:o Sad when the memory gives out!

Edited July 7, 2012 by kazu

[IRL_Joanie]

I don't recall a sofa in there, Carol. It's much too small a room for that. However, there is one in the Explorations Cafe, which is just on the other side of one doorway.

 

It's a pass-through room between the Internet Center/Library and the Casino. The Explorations Cafe is to the side, heading toward the starboard passageway and Explorers Lounge.

 

There be Sofas:)

 

Jacqui took this and sent it to me:)

 

 

 

If the images do not show, try this link to the CC Photo Gallery, where I just uploade 2 of the Oak Room on Prinsendam that Jacqui Sent me:

 

http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/data/520/sm-6_kazu-171.jpg

 

and here http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/data/520/sm-6_kazu-172.jpg

 

 

Joanie

Edited July 7, 2012 by IRL_Joanie

[kazu]

There be Sofas:)

 

Jacqui took this and sent it to me:)

 

 

 

Joanie

 

actually Joanie - i forgot about the pics:o For anyone interested in the Prinsendam I did send Joanie some pics of rooms and the art on the elegant explorer. I actually don't see a sofa here but my eyes are probably fading as badly as my memory;)

[IRL_Joanie]

actually Joanie - i forgot about the pics:o For anyone interested in the Prinsendam I did send Joanie some pics of rooms and the art on the elegant explorer. I actually don't see a sofa here but my eyes are probably fading as badly as my memory;)

 

Try this link to the CC Photo Gallery, where I just uploaded 2 of the Oak Room on Prinsendam that Jacqui Sent me (they are small, have no idea why CC is doing this to me, but, I did what I could...):

 

http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/data/...6_kazu-171.jpg

 

and here http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/data/...6_kazu-172.jpg

 

 

Joanie

[rafinmd]

The HAL website seems woefully inadequate in their information about ships, so this board is a fabulous source of information not available elsewhere.

 

We're considering a booking on the Prinsendam. Just wondering what the

Oak Room is. Is it a smoking lounge?

 

This would be our first HAL experience. We usually sail with Crystal.

 

I think I saw a flaw in HAL's deck plan. There seems to be a solid wall between the Oak Room and the Explorations Cafe (which also serves as the library and internet center) but they're connected by a wide double door and are pretty close to a single room. IIRC, the desk shown in kazu's photo 171 is usually used by the "port guide". Unlike some other cruise lines, HAL's port guides are independent and generally unbiased and will be a great source of information.

 

Coming from Crystal I think you will be quite happy with the Elegant Explorer. The main thing you will miss will be Crystal's enrichment programs but the ship and the service on it will be excellent. I rate Crystal as 5*+ and Prinsensam as 5*. You will have some moments of nostalgia and longing if the entertainers play "What a Wonderful World" but you will be enjoying yourself too much to linger with them.

 

Roy

[RuthC]

There be Sofas:)

 

 

 

http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/data/520/sm-6_kazu-171.jpg

 

and here http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/data/520/sm-6_kazu-172.jpg

Joanie, I got the usual "forbidden" on your first two links. The second two links show chairs, not sofas.

The chairs, and sofas in the adjacent Explorations Cafe are the same style, color, and upholstery.

[ginger and professor]

I don't believe that smoking is still permitted in the Oak Room on the Noordam. I do remember enjoying the entire ceremony when it was. The attendant would take and snip the end of your cigar. He would then light a small cedar shingle which he would provide for your lighting the cigar. The cedar was used so that there would be no trace of sulfur as from a normal match. It certainly was a touch of the refined olden times. The thick leather chairs and fine brandies only served to enhance the entire experience.

[RuthC]

Ah! Memories of the Smoking Room on the old ss Rotterdam. I used to pass through there on the way to the Tropic Bar. It certainly looked to be a gentile affair.

If you are correct, and the Noordam Oak Room is no longer a smoking room, that would be a shame.

Smokers want a place to go where they won't intrude on non-smokers. Non-smokers want to be free from inhaling smoke and the odor of smoke. It would seem that the Oak Room served both groups well.

Edited July 7, 2012 by RuthC

[IRL_Joanie]

I don't believe that smoking is still permitted in the Oak Room on the Noordam. I do remember enjoying the entire ceremony when it was. The attendant would take and snip the end of your cigar. He would then light a small cedar shingle which he would provide for your lighting the cigar. The cedar was used so that there would be no trace of sulfur as from a normal match. It certainly was a touch of the refined olden times. The thick leather chairs and fine brandies only served to enhance the entire experience.

 

It was allowed in March this year on Noordam as I smoked there once... Not a pleasant experience (cigar smoke wise). There was a gentleman there smoking his cigar and he motioned for me to come in out of the rain behind the Crow's Nest. When I went in there were ash trays and nice comfy furniture. Really nice atmosphere and ambiance, just to heavy on cigar smoke. I immediately went back to my e-cigs:)

 

Joanie

Edited July 7, 2012 by IRL_Joanie

[solocanadian]

It was allowed in March this year on Noordam as I smoked there once... Not a pleasant experience (cigar smoke wise). There was a gentleman there smoking his cigar and he motioned for me to come in out of the rain behind the Crow's Nest. When I went in there were ash trays and nice comfy furniture. Really nice atmosphere and ambiance, just to heavy on cigar smoke. I immediately went back to my e-cigs:)

 

Joanie

Still on your e-cigs Joanie? I haven't had a smoke since end of February. :)

[solocanadian]

Hey Gail - come on and join us - it's still a very nice ship - I never sold an itinerary so fast to the DH - when I told him it was on the Prinsendam it was a done deal:D:D

Jacqui, I wish!!! I'd need more than a money tree since I travel solo. Not too sure I could really enjoy the Prinsendam without my dearly departed DH & single sitting dining. We had such a wonderful time on that ship in Cabin AA124.:)

[solocanadian]

Ah! Memories of the Smoking Room on the old ss Rotterdam. I used to pass through there on the way to the Tropic Bar. It certainly looked to be a gentile affair.

 

If you are correct, and the Noordam Oak Room is no longer a smoking room, that would be a shame.

Smokers want a place to go where they won't intrude on non-smokers. Non-smokers want to be free from inhaling smoke and the odor of smoke. It would seem that the Oak Room served both groups well.

How well I remember that. Enjoy many a smoke there. Wasn't the Tropic Bar fun with old Frank? as you say, Ah Memories! :)

[kazu]

Jacqui, I wish!!! I'd need more than a money tree since I travel solo. Not too sure I could really enjoy the Prinsendam without my dearly departed DH & single sitting dining. We had such a wonderful time on that ship in Cabin AA124.:)

 

Hey Gail - the one nice thing about the Prinsendam is it does have some solo cabins:):) as I understand.

 

I can certainly understand where you are coming from - the memories would probably be too much:(

 

Smooth seas and following winds wherever you sail:)

[kazu]

The HAL website seems woefully inadequate in their information about ships, so this board is a fabulous source of information not available elsewhere.

 

We're considering a booking on the Prinsendam. Just wondering what the

Oak Room is. Is it a smoking lounge?

 

This would be our first HAL experience. We usually sail with Crystal.

 

I can certainly understand you asking (getting back on topic). This room was a huge mystery to me before I sailed. Roy is right - the two rooms are 'connected' to a certain degree but the Oak Room is still the Oak Room.

 

It's very nice - elegant just like the ship. If you have any other questions on this ship, please fire away and assuming our memories hold:o we'll do our best to answer.:)