Koningsdam to feature Movies Under the Stars, per Captain Albert

[sppunk]

His blog today shows the new LED screen in the two-deck lido pool area and he talks about it.

 

It's absolutely hilarious how a captain in charge of safety's blog has revealed more about the ship in 2 weeks than HAL's marketing team has basically done in the past year.

 

They released on its blog a press release dated March 1, for crying out loud.

[Cruiser Bruiser]

Information about the movies has been available at the Koningsdam microsite. Here's the link:

 

http://koningsdam.hollandamerica.com/activity/lido-pool-1

 

"Swimming, sunning and lunch al fresco by day give way to the hum of moviegoers arriving for the evening’s show, projected on an expansive outdoor movie screen. Feature films play under a canopy of stars with complimentary snacks served chair-side and guests can also pick up a great dish from any of the adjacent casual dining venues."

[InTheWASide]

It's absolutely hilarious how a captain in charge of safety's blog has revealed more about the ship in 2 weeks than HAL's marketing team has basically done in the past year.

 

Right?! :)

[rkacruiser]

The Captain also stated that there would be 4 different food venues in that two deck Lido area. Unless I mis-understood what he wrote, he implied that all 4 would be on each level. That cannot be, I think.

 

It will be interesting to see how many HAL guests utilize this new feature.

 

Just don't get rid of the "free" popcorn!

Edited March 17, 2016 by rkacruiser

[HALrunner]

I wonder if they will borrow the MUTS title from PCL or come up with their own. I just hope random programing isn't showing all day like it is on PCL. Too much screen time!

 

Another small but exciting feature he mentioned was the "Sit and Be Fit" studio. I am keeping my fingers crossed that after years of me mentioning it on the surveys the yoga & Pilates classes will be out of the noisy gym.

[InTheWASide]

I thought it was odd he used that terminology. I can't imagine they'll share it between brands. It's totally different experiences and each brand does their own thing. There's even lists that Carnival Corp districutes to the various brands that say "these words and phrases are exclusive to ________, no other brand is to use them"

 

Examples that come to mind right away are the word Fun for Carnival, Escape and Escape COmpletely for Princess and so on.

 

Of course THAT list I saw was years ago when I was employed elsewhere... may have changed since

[sppunk]

The Captain also stated that there would be 4 different food venues in that two deck Lido area. Unless I mis-understood what he wrote, he implied that all 4 would be on each level. That cannot be, I think.

 

It will be interesting to see how many HAL guests utilize this new feature.

 

Just don't get rid of the "free" popcorn!

 

Pizzeria and Deli upstairs, Lido and Dive In downstairs. I think his phrasing was a little off, language differences probably.

 

Captain Albert is a tremendous asset. I hope to meet him one day.

[sail7seas]

I wonder if they plan to blast loud music from the MUTS all day at the pool.

We got so lucky it wasn't working when we were on Veendam. :) Who wants that noise all day?

[InTheWASide]

Pizzeria and Deli upstairs, Lido and Dive In downstairs. I think his phrasing was a little off, language differences probably.

 

Captain Albert is a tremendous asset. I hope to meet him one day.

 

Also the gelato venue... AND there's a bar on each level

[rkacruiser]

Also the gelato venue... AND there's a bar on each level

 

A bar on each level? No surprise there!

 

Just don't forget the popcorn!:D

[Lizzie68]

Pizzeria and Deli upstairs, Lido and Dive In downstairs. I think his phrasing was a little off, language differences probably.

 

Captain Albert is a tremendous asset. I hope to meet him one day.

 

I so agree, and I would absolutely love to meet him. I'm sure others have, but now in his guise as safety officer or commander or whatever his title is, I have found him so much more interesting than when he used to blog as a captain.

[jtl513]

I wonder if they will borrow the MUTS title from PCL or come up with their own.

If past history is any guide, it'll be SMUTS: Signature Movies Under The Stars ... or maybe not. :D :D

.

Edited March 18, 2016 by jtl513

[rkacruiser]

If past history is any guide, it'll be SMUTS: Signature Movies Under The Stars ... or maybe not. :D :D

.

 

SMUTS: That is funny!:D:D:D:D

[sppunk]

If past history is any guide, it'll be SMUTS: Signature Movies Under The Stars ... or maybe not. :D :D

.

 

Maybe they'll show Fifty Shades of Gray!

[whogo]

When Holland America needs to increase onboard revenue they can show commercials on the big screen.

[dcsam]

OMG! Another reason we won't be booking this ship, even though there are some wonderful itineraries. "Movies under the Stars"? Say it isn't so!!!! Just like Princess. Last time we cruised a Princess mega ship, the screen was on during the day - either playing loud music video or movie. Not exactly a relaxing area to be. I cruise for cruising - not to be entertained by technology, shows or casinos. Arg!!!!

[HALrunner]

I thought it was odd he used that terminology. I can't imagine they'll share it between brands. It's totally different experiences and each brand does their own thing. There's even lists that Carnival Corp districutes to the various brands that say "these words and phrases are exclusive to ________, no other brand is to use them"

 

Examples that come to mind right away are the word Fun for Carnival, Escape and Escape COmpletely for Princess and so on.

 

Of course THAT list I saw was years ago when I was employed elsewhere... may have changed since

 

I'm sure they won't actually share the name, and I do like the SMUTS suggestion, too! Last fall I did a HAL/PCL back to back and did a double take to see "Savor the Journey" on signage in the shops on PCL. Maybe the "Catchy Phrase Department" is job sharing;)

[KirkNC]

OMG! Another reason we won't be booking this ship, even though there are some wonderful itineraries. "Movies under the Stars"? Say it isn't so!!!! Just like Princess. Last time we cruised a Princess mega ship, the screen was on during the day - either playing loud music video or movie. Not exactly a relaxing area to be. I cruise for cruising - not to be entertained by technology, shows or casinos. Arg!!!!

 

I am with you!

[Drico]

I am with you!

Same here. Those big TV'S by the pool are horrendous and tacky. A cruise line trend I don't care for all at all.

[teamflames]

His blog today shows the new LED screen in the two-deck lido pool area and he talks about it.

 

It's absolutely hilarious how a captain in charge of safety's blog has revealed more about the ship in 2 weeks than HAL's marketing team has basically done in the past year.

 

They released on its blog a press release dated March 1, for crying out loud.

 

 

On the marketing front, I am with you 100%. The odd update video, a half decent webpage that hasn't been updated, no emails to those booked on cruises (actually just got one, 95 days to sail why not book a shore excursion?!)

This email is poor, there is nothing about koningsdam per se and the dining packages are more limited than what is offered on other ships.

I am so thankful for this blog and others on this board who help to generate some excitement (even my roll call is dead).

As for the screen, I will hold judgement, I don't like the sound of it but you never know until you experience it, could be good for at sea nights perhaps.

Love the sound of food and bars outside.

 

 

Sent from my iPod touch using Tapatalk

[Cruiser Bruiser]

On the marketing front, I am with you 100%. The odd update video, a half decent webpage that hasn't been updated, no emails to those booked on cruises (actually just got one, 95 days to sail why not book a shore excursion?!)

This email is poor, there is nothing about koningsdam per se and the dining packages are more limited than what is offered on other ships.

I am so thankful for this blog and others on this board who help to generate some excitement (even my roll call is dead).

As for the screen, I will hold judgement, I don't like the sound of it but you never know until you experience it, could be good for at sea nights perhaps.

Love the sound of food and bars outside.

 

 

Sent from my iPod touch using Tapatalk

 

The microsite has a couple dozen videos, scores of photos and a lot of text describing the ships new features. The information about the movies has been there for a couple months. As they say, you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink.

[teamflames]

The microsite has a couple dozen videos, scores of photos and a lot of text describing the ships new features. The information about the movies has been there for a couple months. As they say, you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink.

 

 

I have played with that site and it's pretty good, I would like them to update the photos as the ship comes together.

For someone about to cruise on K, I can't book the spa, I can't book the new restaurants, they have already changed what they did offer (cirque), dining packages are non existent, no emails with updates about what is happening with the ship, no emails about what entertainment will be onboard.

It's just not very good at building up the excitement levels (and I am excited hence I check in here everyday).

The captains blog is terrific, don't think I would have found it without this board.

 

I'm just saying Hal could have a lot more of my money by now if they just offered some things, as it stands I probably won't book anything until we are onboard and by then I might have changed my mind.

 

 

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[Cruiser Bruiser]

I get your concern, teamflames, 100% if I wasn't able to book onboard services and activities. If I was lucky enough to be booked on an upcoming sailing, I would be frustrated, too. As it is, I will have to wait until February to get my first glimpse. For whatever reason ( maybe I'm getting old 😏) I'm super excited about Koningsdam.

 

BTW, the movies are also featured on page 7 of the most recent Mariner magazine. I love that HAL actually mails a magazine to my home.

[sail7seas]

Do any of the mass market cruise lines send e-mails about what entertainment will be on for your cruise? Do they send notices of changes to restaurants?

 

I've sailed a number of lines and I never got anything like that. I certainly don't expect HAL to start sending such notifications. I've sailed HAL since before Statendam joined the fleet and haven't yet seen anything like that.

 

[teamflames]

Well there is an idea for a cruise line to differentiate itself and encourage pre cruise bookings!

I did just get an email about what to book before I sail but it is sooo bland it has actually discouraged me.

 

How hard would it be to send a group email.

 

Maybe it's time for some of these high paid executives to "try new things".

 

I know a lot of people on this forum get stuck complaining about things but cruising is fun and there would be little harm in actually allowing people to book things in advance or even just get them excited about upcoming cruise! May even help prevent people who cancel before final payment

 

 

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