Live from Nieuw Statendam Premier Voyage, December 2018

[kazu]

4 hours ago, scluvsrain said:

And here is a cod fish from the first night menu in the MDR. It, too, was delicious. 

 

Thanks for the food porn pics Sherita and the excellent art pictures.

 

Your photos are fabulous.  Not sure if the art is my cup of tea, but it's certainly interesting. 😉 

[ski ww]

Nice pictures of the Crows Nest. Not sure I'n a fan of the modern art, I too will miss the nautical themed art. 

[puppycanducruise]

Thanks again for doing this live report.

Love the pictures and comments about Canaletto - looking forward to trying it.

Keep up the good work.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Just got caught up.

 

Food looks interesting.

 

Not sure if I am enthused about the art work -- too modern for me.

 

Interesting conversation about the library books. 

[bleacher04]

5 hours ago, Vict0riann said:

Starters - the salami plate, carpaccio, and brodetto di pesce were great.  Plates are smaller than in the past and really just serve one,  soup is served individually.  (Minestrone is marked as vegetarian but is not as they use chicken stock.). Calamari was quite nice - almost better than S de M.

 

the brodetto di pesce was excellent.  I liked it better than the old suppe, I never ate the broth, it was too spicy for me, this is very nice and fishy,

 

The sauce on the carpaccio is less mustardy. I liked it, too.

 

 

Re: Canaletto starters, that's good news!  I liked the Zuppa de Pesce, but often found it way too salty.  And the carpaccio was often overwhelmed by the mustard sauce.

 

Question re: Canaletto mains:  Are they still meant for sharing?  In the photos some of the dishes looked like single-serving portions.

 

Thanks also for the tour info, Ann!

Paul

[0bnxshs]

7 hours ago, 1ANGELCAT said:

Yes , I saw them in the shop, not sure of price.

I saw Capt Albert in the lido this morning. He’s planning to do his lecture.

I asked about Capt Card artwork and sadly there is none.

Its not modern enough ☹️

I also saw the laundry charge for 126.00 and then a credit for it.

 

 

Concerning that laundry charge, I saw the same thing when on my Zaandam 40 night cruise in Sep/Oct/Nov of this year.  I also noticed that all the free wine tastings that I (4* Mariner) was invited to were also charged to my account.  Same thing with the discounts for Pinnacle and Canaletto.  A day or so later, refunds in the proper proportions.   Made me think they may be trying to document for their revenue purposes the amounts of money being spent by them on loyalty benefits.

[bleacher04]

7 hours ago, scluvsrain said:

And here’s some more art pics from the stairwells around the ship. I did some closeups of a couple of them so you can see the type of media used and a few are out of order - sorry!

 

Love it!

 

Or at least some of it...

 

[Vict0riann]

2 hours ago, bleacher04 said:

 

Re: Canaletto starters, that's good news!  I liked the Zuppa de Pesce, but often found it way too salty.  And the carpaccio was often overwhelmed by the mustard sauce.

 

Question re: Canaletto mains:  Are they still meant for sharing?  In the photos some of the dishes looked like single-serving portions.

 

Thanks also for the tour info, Ann!

Paul

 

Yes, most of the starters were fairly small, shareable between two, and the soup came in individual bowls, I suppose so they could apportion the seafood properly.  Even the main dishes seemed smaller than in the past, but there was still plenty of food!

[TiogaCruiser]

Are those the new plates for the MDR? To me, they look more like they belong in the Lido.

 

[Fouremco]

9 hours ago, scluvsrain said:

I checked this out and there is a walled area across the hallway from the men’s room that is marked Restricted Area. Right after that you step off the carpet and onto the Lido Bar area just past the sliding glass doors. On the left there is a soda machine and next to it a door marked pool equipment. 

Thank you so much for taking the time to take a look and to post your observations. Very much appreciated.👏

[frankc98376]

1 hour ago, Vict0riann said:

 

Yes, most of the starters were fairly small, shareable between two, and the soup came in individual bowls, I suppose so they could apportion the seafood properly.  Even the main dishes seemed smaller than in the past, but there was still plenty of food!

Thank you for taking us along with you!  I would pretty much guarantee that there are people in the Seattle office reading your thread and passing information to management and execs on board daily. I have had two HD's stop and thank me on board for live from threads I started. Since my email is on my signature and they have my picture-pretty easy to find me.  You food porn is making me drool 🙂

 

On a note from home (we are across the straight from you) it is warmer this morning- 39 f instead of 20 f.  At least no more worries about frozen pipes for the time being.

 

Looking forward to hearing more- thanks again!

[Krazy Kruizers]

3 hours ago, 0bnxshs said:

 

Concerning that laundry charge, I saw the same thing when on my Zaandam 40 night cruise in Sep/Oct/Nov of this year.  I also noticed that all the free wine tastings that I (4* Mariner) was invited to were also charged to my account.  Same thing with the discounts for Pinnacle and Canaletto.  A day or so later, refunds in the proper proportions.   Made me think they may be trying to document for their revenue purposes the amounts of money being spent by them on loyalty benefits.

 

You could be right as we have had the same thing happen on our last few cruises.

[bleacher04]

2 hours ago, Vict0riann said:

 

Yes, most of the starters were fairly small, shareable between two, and the soup came in individual bowls, I suppose so they could apportion the seafood properly.  Even the main dishes seemed smaller than in the past, but there was still plenty of food!

 

I've never worried about going hungry on a cruise ship... 

[firecrewcapt]

Been following and I love the 3D artwork really nice change and the coffee/alcohol bar combo is a nice surprise.

If I was on that cruise I sure would cut the cruise some slack on food, service and operations, first cruise there will be hiccups and the need to set up a routine with all areas, so I guess I just don't understand why people are so short and all they have to do is sit around and complain. Life is too short so enjoy the cruise and relax. Just my opinion.

[NRFBQN]

Must add my thanks to all who are posting their wonderful photos and commentary on the ship and the voyage.  It looks like a beautiful ship and just enough different from the Koningsdam to make it interesting.  We will be on the NS in January for 17 days and I am really looking forward to running around and seeing all of the new things.  And since Tamarind is my favorite of the HAL restaurants, that will be especially fun!  Again, many thanks for taking us all along on your trip!!

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

1 hour ago, firecrewcapt said:

Been following and I love the 3D artwork really nice change and the coffee/alcohol bar combo is a nice surprise.

If I was on that cruise I sure would cut the cruise some slack on food, service and operations, first cruise there will be hiccups and the need to set up a routine with all areas, so I guess I just don't understand why people are so short and all they have to do is sit around and complain. Life is too short so enjoy the cruise and relax. Just my opinion.

I agree with you. 

[Vict0riann]

2 hours ago, firecrewcapt said:

Been following and I love the 3D artwork really nice change and the coffee/alcohol bar combo is a nice surprise.

If I was on that cruise I sure would cut the cruise some slack on food, service and operations, first cruise there will be hiccups and the need to set up a routine with all areas, so I guess I just don't understand why people are so short and all they have to do is sit around and complain. Life is too short so enjoy the cruise and relax. Just my opinion.

 

I am very hurt.  I don’t know why you would say we have nothing to do but sit around and complain.  I may or may not come back.

[floridababa]

How is the internet? Slow?  

Where was the safety drill conducted?

 

 

[kazu]

2 hours ago, firecrewcapt said:

Been following and I love the 3D artwork really nice change and the coffee/alcohol bar combo is a nice surprise.

If I was on that cruise I sure would cut the cruise some slack on food, service and operations, first cruise there will be hiccups and the need to set up a routine with all areas, so I guess I just don't understand why people are so short and all they have to do is sit around and complain. Life is too short so enjoy the cruise and relax. Just my opinion.

 

 

WOW at our post 😞 😞 .   I have NOT seen Sherita and Ann complaining.  They are kind enough to spend their time and money sharing their experiences and tons of great photos with all of us and this is your appreciation?  

 

They are reporting facts.  Facts are not complaints.

 

LIve threads take time and effort - a lot.  Maybe rather than insinuate about complaints you should take a moment to say thank you for their hard work.

 

 

5 minutes ago, Vict0riann said:

 

I am very hurt.  I don’t know why you would say we have nothing to do but sit around and complain.  I may or may not come back.

 

I don't blame you for being upset.  That post was uncalled for and without foundation IMO.

 

I hope you do return Ann.  The majority of us have very much appreciated the work that you  have put into this LIVE thread as well as Sherita. ❤️ It's been an excellent read.

 

I think I can safely say that the post above does not reflect the opinion of most of us reading.

 

 

[cat shepard]

26 minutes ago, Vict0riann said:

 

I am very hurt.  I don’t know why you would say we have nothing to do but sit around and complain.  I may or may not come back.

Don’t be hurt.

 

Please Be happy that so many of us appreciate you, and your time effort in reporting your experiences and sharing pics. 

 

A fellow Ann.❤️

[Diamondbb]

I too am following this thread and find it to be very informative.  Really appreciate all the comments and pictures.  

 

I don't agree with the person who stated that you were complaining but rather suggesting improvements that can be made to make the trip more enjoyable for all.  When we go on a cruise we don't want to spend our time down at customer service to resolve something that is an easy fix if they would just take the time to resolve it at headquarters.  Especially if you are a loyal customer.

 

If I were on board I would buy you a drink!  Please do return Ann and enjoy the rest of your cruise.

[stickey_mouse]

34 minutes ago, Vict0riann said:

 

I am very hurt.  I don’t know why you would say we have nothing to do but sit around and complain.  I may or may not come back.

 

Please don't let one bad apple spoil the bunch. Most of us really appreciate what you're doing. 

[sevenseasnomad]

13 minutes ago, kazu said:

 

 

WOW at our post 😞 😞 .   I have NOT seen Sherita and Ann complaining.  They are kind enough to spend their time and money sharing their experiences and tons of great photos with all of us and this is your appreciation?  

 

They are reporting facts.  Facts are not complaints.

 

LIve threads take time and effort - a lot.  Maybe rather than insinuate about complaints you should take a moment to say thank you for their hard work.

 

 

 

I don't blame you for being upset.  That post was uncalled for and without foundation IMO.

 

I hope you do return Ann.  The majority of us have very much appreciated the work that you  have put into this LIVE thread as well as Sherita. ❤️ It's been an excellent read.

 

I think I can safely say that the post above does not reflect the opinion of most of us reading.

 

 

Please don't shut down because one person chooses to complain.  I agree with Kazu.  99.9% of us are enjoying the experience vicariously through your excellent photos and comments.  As a passenger who'll board N.S. on Dec. 23rd, I am finding your information helpful and exciting as I sit here recovering from surgery.  Yes, thank goodness, Dr. has approved me to go on the cruise, but your photos and posts mean I won't have to go scurrying around to look at everything new, since you've done such a good job of describing/publishing it for me and everyone else who's interested.  Your posts will allow me to focus on those areas that will be most enjoyable for me.  Thanks again for the excellent job and for taking time from your cruise experience to keep us informed.  Enjoy your time aboard this lovely new addition to HA's fleet.

[firecrewcapt]

Wow, there's a lot of assuming here. My comment wasn't directed at anyone, it was an opinion, let me say I really enjoy all the info/pics, we'll be on the ship in April for 21 days and will be better aware of the amenities/food/areas for following this thread. The whining and complaining happens on all threads/cruises. 

[freestyling]

I have been quietly following along and truly appreciate all the time/effort involved with posting thoughts, pictures and observations. Big THANKS to all