Looks like HAL has a ship up for sale

[kazu]

Well if that is the case, and I don't doubt what you are saying, what is Oceania doing with all its smaller ships?

 

adding to it's fleet :)

 

Charging higher fares I think.:)

 

and better discounts if you book early. Perhaps that's why their best cabins are sold out early and wait listed.

 

Prices on O depend upon what category you book on HAL. For us, the price was very close (a bit less) than what we pay on Prinsendam. Certainly a bit more than an ocean view on HAL.

Edited January 3, 2015 by kazu

[sammiedawg]

Lets have some fun (at HALs expense). So perhaps one could say that HAL has old ships, with old designs, for old people, who do not contribute much to onboard revenue! In an era when many cruisers expect to be able to book nice veranda cabins at reasonable cost, HAL is operating some ships with very few non-suite veranda cabins. Take a look at the 3 new ships being built for the new Viking Ocean Cruise line. They are 930 passenger ships (a size that many HAL lovers would envy) with all cabins having a veranda. The price of their cruises, which includes excursions, wine-beer with lunch and dinner, no additional cost alternative restaurants, etc...are pretty competitive with HAL and actually cheaper then many HAL ships if one wants a veranda.

 

My prediction is that Viking will syphon-off a fair amount of HAL cruisers. One will have to wait and see how this new line rates with their passengers, but when we look at their overall package, ship size and itineraries it does appear to be a direct competitor to HAL with a far better price/value.

Hank

 

Viking prices give me sticker shock, even with all the included features. I will be interested in the reviews and whether prices come down. They do have the river cruise market to build on. We did the 14 day grand European on a new longship and felt they have a ways to go to improve their food variety and quantity. We met quite a few Oceania affectionados on board and we were all pining for Oceania food and service,

[Himself]

From the description of the ship I would say the MAASDAM is for sale. However the Atrium Picture was definitely the RYNDAM. Sad to see the S Ships going. The R class are "Stretch S Class" ships. I have always liked them. I would like to see them stay a bit longer. Our biggest ships are currently the Eurodam and the Nieuw Amsterdam. When I see them in port with either the Oasis of the Seas or the Allure of the Seas, our biggest ships look tiny next to them. I think the term "Mid-Size" has expanded over the last 20 years. I can remember when the four "S"" class ships were midsize but my how that has changed.

[sppunk]

All R class ships are actively for sake/exploring transferring. They will all be gone by the time the 2nd P-class ship sails.

[Himself]

All R class ships are actively for sake/exploring transferring. They will all be gone by the time the 2nd P-class ship sails.

 

When will that happen?

[sppunk]

When will that happen?

 

2018, likely early in the year.

[taxmantoo]

And did anyone see the mention of 12 pools -- another "error".

 

Never mind ...

[Lizzie68]

To help the error mongers read it correctly, this format may help. :rolleyes:

 

Technical specifications

Builder: FINCANTIERI, TRIESTE ITALY IMO number:

Year built: 1993

Speed: 20 knots

Flag: Netherlands

Length: 219 m

Draught: 7.7 m

Tonnage: 55819

Special features:

Passengers Capacity: 1266

Crew Capacity: 588

Passengers space ratio: 43,80

Passenger crew ratio: 2,15

Passenger decks: 10

Dining rooms: 1

Casino: Yes

Theater: Yes

Library: Yes

Spa: Yes

Fitness center: Yes

Lifts (elevators): 12

Pools: 2

Jacuzzis: 2

 

A valiant try, Mary Ellen - but evidently some people don't read all posts!:D

[sail7seas]

I know the Prinsendam had only a few years left.

 

For all aficionados of this ship make sure you let HAL know you want another one. And one that is not an imitation of the other HAL ships ;)

 

If HAL turns into nothing but the "K" ships, it will be a very sad day - that's just my opinion of course - I guess I will find out the alternatives when I sail on O for the first time in November.

 

Have you looked at Saga ships?

From all I've heard they beat Oceania considerably.

 

 

All R class ships are actively for sake/exploring transferring. They will all be gone by the time the 2nd P-class ship sails.

 

 

All the "S" and "R" ships are likely available for a decent offer.

 

I believe HAL is not only decreasing number of ships but also number of berths. I think they want to have less than 15 ship fleet and not so many cabins to sell.

 

Edited January 3, 2015 by sail7seas

[mancunian]

Sail - Saga ships are definitely not a patch on Oceania. We have been on Saga three times, (plus two trips on Spirit of Adventure - which was a different branch of Saga and we liked very much). We personally do not rate the classic Saga ships which we think are inferior to HAL never mind Oceania. They are very, very expensive. Some people over here rate them highly because they include your car to the dock if you live within a certain distance, insurance and gratuities. However, if you work out what those things cost separately you are still several hundred in pocket. They too have been cutting back on board.

 

I have put this in a previous post, but on a recent cruise we were on James Deering's table at the lunch, and he was talking very freely about HAL, and he said that all the R and S class ships were on the market but may prove difficult to sell. He said Volendam (which we were on) had about three years he estimated before it was sold. I did not ask but wondered why they were building the Lanai cabins the next week in Singapore. Surely they will not get their money back.

[Alphen]

2018, likely early in the year.

 

It has already been announced for late November 2018 on this board on http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2139378

[sppunk]

It has already been announced for late November 2018 on this board on http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2139378

 

D'oh that's right, late in the year. There are a few other ships launching earlier that I flipped the dates on.

[Topsham]

From the description of the ship I would say the MAASDAM is for sale. .

 

 

 

Read the description aTechnical specifications Builder: FINCANTIERI, TRIESTE ITALY IMO number: Year built: 1993 Speed: 20 knots Flag: Netherlands Length: 219 m Draught: 7.7 m Tonnage: 55819 Special features: Passengers Capacity: 1266 Crew Capacity: 588 Passengers space ratio: 43,80 Passenger crew ratio: 2,15 Passenger decks: 10 Dining rooms: 1 Casino: Yes Theater: Yes Library: Yes Spa: Yes Fitness center: Yes Lifts (elevators): 12 Pools: 2 Jacuzzis: 2

 

This cruise ship is the 5th in the company's long history to bear the name, and was the 1st of a new class of vessels when it was launched in 1993. Alternative dining venues? Updated spa amenities? Great amusement? Yes, on all counts. This cruise ship is a winner, really offering something for everyone.

gain....

 

 

 

1ST OF A NEW CLASS OF VESSELS WHEN LAUNCHED 1993 WAS:

 

STATENDAM

 

 

The other info... for number of decks, number of dining rooms... also correct.... depends on how you read it! ;)

[StormyWildcat]

Statendam is also the 5th ship to bear the name Statendam.

 

Also, in the advertisement it mentions comprehensive refurbishment in early 2010. It came out of dry dock on Mar 26, 2010. Search shows that is the Statendam.

 

Not sure why the ad is up since Statendam is being transferred.

 

In talking with Captain Ane Jan Smit, Master of the Maasdam, he says Maasdam will be around for a while longer despite rumors. That is HIS ship, *grin* Well, she is my ship, I just let him think it is his. :p Seriously, he knows me well and knows how much I love Maasdam. He has spent most of his 20 year career onboard the Maasdam, it really is his baby. I trust him.

[Typhoon1]

Well if that is the case, and I don't doubt what you are saying, what is Oceania doing with all its smaller ships?

 

Does Oceania plan to sink or swim years from now?

[Topsham]

[quote name='StormyWildcat']

Not sure why the ad is up since Statendam is being transferred.


[/FONT][/QUOTE]



Quite simple because the ship is up for sale.....has been for a while.

If someone wants to by it.... then HAL will pick MAASDAM or VEENDAM and transfer to P&O Australia.

[iancal]

I think Hal has an issue.

You cannot expect to offer seven day cruises to Alaska for $250 on Statendam and Zandam and $300 Caribbean cruises on Eurodam and still expect to be taken seriously by those in the higher end market who typically look at Oceania, Azamara, etc.

Sure HAL has Prinsendam. We have never been on it but we are not likely to even consider it. We think we would get better value by going with a truly upscale cruise line vs. a mass market line that happens to have one higher end cruise offering. It may not be correct but the at is how we look at it...and so do several TA's that we have spoken to. The ship may be full and making money today but what about in two years. Older ships age even faster as time passes and the cost of routine mice increases.

HAL need to grow up their sales and marketing direction and decide what they want to be. One thing is for sure, HAL is not everything to everybody and in the process they are loosing some of the 'everybodies' that might otherwise cruise on their ships. They are loosing us...fast.

[UPNYGuy]

[quote name='iancal']I think Hal has an issue.



You cannot expect to offer seven day cruises to Alaska for $250 on Statendam and Zandam and $300 Caribbean cruises on Eurodam and still expect to be taken seriously by those in the higher end market who typically look at Oceania, Azamara, etc.



Sure HAL has Prinsendam. We have never been on it but we are not likely to even consider it. We think we would get better value by going with a truly upscale cruise line vs. a mass market line that happens to have one higher end cruise offering. It may not be correct but the at is how we look at it...and so do several TA's that we have spoken to. The ship may be full and making money today but what about in two years. Older ships age even faster as time passes and the cost of routine mice increases.



HAL need to grow up their sales and marketing direction and decide what they want to be. One thing is for sure, HAL is not everything to everybody and in the process they are loosing some of the 'everybodies' that might otherwise cruise on their ships. They are loosing us...fast.[/QUOTE]


Exactly. This is the one of the reasons I have been stating that they need a "ship within a ship" for the suite guests. HAL has long lagged among suite offerings to the competition. Such a concept would likely be difficult to institute though.


Sent from my iPad using Forums

[sammiedawg]

[quote name='iancal']I think Hal has an issue.

You cannot expect to offer seven day cruises to Alaska for $250 on Statendam and Zandam and $300 Caribbean cruises on Eurodam and still expect to be taken seriously by those in the higher end market who typically look at Oceania, Azamara, etc.

Sure HAL has Prinsendam. We have never been on it but we are not likely to even consider it. We think we would get better value by going with a truly upscale cruise line vs. a mass market line that happens to have one higher end cruise offering. It may not be correct but the at is how we look at it...and so do several TA's that we have spoken to. The ship may be full and making money today but what about in two years. Older ships age even faster as time passes and the cost of routine mice increases.

HAL need to grow up their sales and marketing direction and decide what they want to be. One thing is for sure, HAL is not everything to everybody and in the process they are loosing some of the 'everybodies' that might otherwise cruise on their ships. They are loosing us...fast.[/QUOTE]

Excellent post and you are totally correct about the Prinsendam We paid a premium for a 14 day sailing in July but we did not see a value added component. We were very disappointed. It is standard Holland America food and menus which we all agree has lost its luster. Standard service on Prinsendam which is sorely lacking in key areas like the Lido. The ship is also pretty old in the tooth, the physical plant struggled. Ive been on premium cruise lines and stayed in luxury hotels, The Prinsendam is neither.

[iancal]

Yes. We usually skip formal night in the MDR.

Absolutely NO chance of us paying $300 plus per diem each only to have a dining choice of Lido or our cabin on those evenings. Not a snowballs chance in h!!! of that happening- on Prinsendam or any other ship that has the same food type/quality/offerings and hours of operation as the Lido. Nor do we particularly want to sail on a 'fixer upper'-character or no character.