Did they fix Nieuw Amsterdam's azipod or is she sailing with one operational?

[voyageur9]

HAL's lack of honesty reflects poorly on it. NA is operating in a degraded condition. It's legal but is operating with less capacity for speed and maneuverability. In an emergency, it would take longer to stop, be slower to avoid a collision. The degraded condition may pose only a minimal risk. But it does pose an additional risk, at least in the view of the USGS which requires that it be escorted by tugs entering and leaving a US port. That may not affect the decision to sail or not to sail for many/most customers but HAL does itself and its clients a disservice by being less than transparent about the condition of the vessel. One Apizoid may be all you need until it isn't. Just as a half-full tank of lubricating oil was all Viking Sky needed until it wasn't. When a ship is operated with less than the usual margins of safety -- even if within legal limits -- it behooves the company to tell paying passengers that they are getting less (in terms of safety) than usual.

[LocoLoco1]

It's moving and HAL is making money. Reducing power levels and /or thrust due to Azipod bearing issues or whatnot wouldn't concern me. Nonetheless, I always squirm when I see all those spare parts belowdecks. Azipods issues. Again. hmm.

[ann1bell]

Any updates on vibrations onboard caused by one azipod outage? I am sailing Feb. 1 and figure it will not be repaired before then. I have a midship signature suite and hope for no vibrations. 

[*Miss G*]

3 hours ago, HappyInVan said:

 

 

Though, NavArch did report that CS told him that the pod was fixed!

 

CS is notorious for getting things wrong.

[NavArch64]

2 hours ago, voyageur9 said:

HAL's lack of honesty reflects poorly on it. NA is operating in a degraded condition. It's legal but is operating with less capacity for speed and maneuverability. In an emergency, it would take longer to stop, be slower to avoid a collision. The degraded condition may pose only a minimal risk. But it does pose an additional risk, at least in the view of the USGS which requires that it be escorted by tugs entering and leaving a US port. That may not affect the decision to sail or not to sail for many/most customers but HAL does itself and its clients a disservice by being less than transparent about the condition of the vessel. One Apizoid may be all you need until it isn't. Just as a half-full tank of lubricating oil was all Viking Sky needed until it wasn't. When a ship is operated with less than the usual margins of safety -- even if within legal limits -- it behooves the company to tell paying passengers that they are getting less (in terms of safety) than usual.

Extremely well written … I agree completely. By the way, HAL's Ship Services group has just acknowledged the facts that we have known for many days now in an email to me. They will not discuss it with me, but they do now acknowledge it. A small step in the right direction.

[sambamama]

I sailed on the Eurodam this past spring on a 20 day Circle Hawaii cruise out of San Diego that finished in Vancouver. We sailed out with an azipod issue that got worse (fishing net wrapped around it.) We were not informed until much later, and we were never given all information. We lost our Mexico port, we had to sail back to San Diego early, and we sailed out of San Diego late so we did not get to go to Vancouver. They gave the 20 day cruisers the same compensation as the 16 and the 4 day cruisers. The azipod issue was handled extremely poorly, and we lost 2 full days of sea time. I understand about mechanical issues, but feel I have the right to be kept fully informed and to be fully compensated for what I lost. 

[NavArch64]

46 minutes ago, sambamama said:

I sailed on the Eurodam this past spring on a 20 day Circle Hawaii cruise out of San Diego that finished in Vancouver. We sailed out with an azipod issue that got worse (fishing net wrapped around it.) We were not informed until much later, and we were never given all information. We lost our Mexico port, we had to sail back to San Diego early, and we sailed out of San Diego late so we did not get to go to Vancouver. They gave the 20 day cruisers the same compensation as the 16 and the 4 day cruisers. The azipod issue was handled extremely poorly, and we lost 2 full days of sea time. I understand about mechanical issues, but feel I have the right to be kept fully informed and to be fully compensated for what I lost. 

Your last sentence summarizes so well how most of us who have commented on this thread feel about the manner in which HAL should deal with such matters. 

[NavArch64]

Nieuw Amsterdam departed Falmouth on schedule and is currently at 16.4 knots … her "standard" port azipod only speed.

[Crescent0]

I am on NA, and we were just escorted by tugs from Falmouth. They never told us about issues with the azipod, but I knew about it from this thread before I left. I was told by the staff that it will complete the next itinerary and then it will go into dry dock. 

[cccole]

This is probably going to be an unpopular post and I appreciate those of you who disagree with me to be kind.

 

There are so many passengers on the cuises with azipod problems that have planned these cruises for so long.  They are celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, the passing of a loved one, and just a nice vacation.  The fact that HAL chose not to cancel these cruises is probably welcomed by these passengers.  As much as some would like to crucify HAL for not being honest about azipod problems please remember the passengers that are enjoying the cruise they have planned for a long time.

 

I agree that HAL should be upfront re the azipod problems and what effect it will have on a cruise, but I, for one, would have been so disappointed if HAL cancelled my cruise unless absolutely necessary for the safety of the passengers.  

 

This, of course, is JMO.  cherie

[NavArch64]

10 minutes ago, cccole said:

This is probably going to be an unpopular post and I appreciate those of you who disagree with me to be kind.

 

There are so many passengers on the cuises with azipod problems that have planned these cruises for so long.  They are celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, the passing of a loved one, and just a nice vacation.  The fact that HAL chose not to cancel these cruises is probably welcomed by these passengers.  As much as some would like to crucify HAL for not being honest about azipod problems please remember the passengers that are enjoying the cruise they have planned for a long time.

 

I agree that HAL should be upfront re the azipod problems and what effect it will have on a cruise, but I, for one, would have been so disappointed if HAL cancelled my cruise unless absolutely necessary for the safety of the passengers.  

 

This, of course, is JMO.  cherie

You make an excellent point in a very well written post.

[iancal]

In general, companies and organizations that are not upfront, or in some cases honest, with their customers pay a price for it. 

 

No one likes to be deceived or feel that they have been deceived or purposely misled.    It pays to be honest and upfront.  Customers may not like the data but they will respect you for being honest. 

 

 Good reputations can take years  to develop but they can evaporate overnight.    Just look at what is happening to Boeing  as previously company  confidential data and emails  leak out to Congress and to the media.

 

Edited December 31, 2019 by iancal

[NavArch64]

10 minutes ago, iancal said:

In general, companies and organizations that are not upfront, or in some cases honest, with their customers pay a price for it. 

 

No one likes to be deceived or feel that they have been deceived or purposely misled.    It pays to be honest and upfront.  Customers may not like the data but they will respect you for being honest. 

 

 Good reputations can take years  to develop but they can evaporate overnight.    Just look at what is happening to Boeing  as previously company  confidential data and emails  leak out to Congress and to the media.

 

Another excellent, well written post. I am impressed with the points being made in a calm thoughtful manner.  I hope HAL is listening. 

[cccole]

14 minutes ago, NavArch64 said:

You make an excellent point in a very well written post.

Thank you.  You and chengkp75 have been helpful for those wanting to know what in the world is wrong.  Your expertise is very much appreciated.  I think it ridiculous, and will not, compare the Boeing 737 Max to the loss of an azipod on a HAL ship, but the apparent lack of forthcoming information to the passengers should be a problem for the HAL team.  Cherie    

[Motor City]

48 minutes ago, Crescent0 said:

I am on NA, and we were just escorted by tugs from Falmouth. They never told us about issues with the azipod, but I knew about it from this thread before I left. I was told by the staff that it will complete the next itinerary and then it will go into dry dock. 

 

Are your ports being cut short?

Has the schedule been altered?

[Fredric22]

1 hour ago, Crescent0 said:

I am on NA, and we were just escorted by tugs from Falmouth. They never told us about issues with the azipod, but I knew about it from this thread before I left. I was told by the staff that it will complete the next itinerary and then it will go into dry dock. 

 

Wouldn't this mean that the Jan 11th cruise on the NA is going to be canceled?  Has anyone heard anything about this yet? 

[Fredric22]

Sorry for the double post, but it looks like they are still selling cruises on the Jan 11th sailing of the NA.  I did notice yesterday, that the Jan 4/5 sailings of other HAL ships looked like they had been blocked out.  All categories were showing "sold out" which I think is a bit odd for a non-peak cruise on 4 ships.  But, if the Jan 4th cruise was getting canceled, I would imagine that they would have notified guests by now.  

[Crescent0]

So far, the only problem we had was arriving about 2.5 hours late yesterday in Half Moon Cay. Everything else has been fine. FYI, I am glad they didn't cancel the cruise, but I wish they were upfront about the azipod issue. 

Edited December 31, 2019 by Crescent0

[Crescent0]

10 minutes ago, Fredric22 said:

Sorry for the double post, but it looks like they are still selling cruises on the Jan 11th sailing of the NA.  I did notice yesterday, that the Jan 4/5 sailings of other HAL ships looked like they had been blocked out.  All categories were showing "sold out" which I think is a bit odd for a non-peak cruise on 4 ships.  But, if the Jan 4th cruise was getting canceled, I would imagine that they would have notified guests by now.  

You are making a good point, Fredric. I will ask again at the guest services. Hopefully, I will have an answer by tomorrow. 

[Motor City]

2 minutes ago, Crescent0 said:

3 minutes ago, Crescent0 said:

So far, the only problem we had was arriving about 2.5 hours late yesterday in Half Moon Cay. Everything else has been fine. FYI, I am glad they didn't cancel the cruise, but I wish they were upfront about it. 

 

that would mean that they would have to take ownership of why your port was cut short, due to their mechanical issue...instead they cover it up, save themselves a few $, and most are none the wiser. Good job HAL. 🙄

[cccole]

1 minute ago, Motor City said:

that would mean that they would have to take ownership of why your port was cut short, due to their mechanical issue...instead they cover it up, save themselves a few $, and most are none the wiser. Good job HAL. 🙄

Do you know that their port was "cut short" because of a mechanical issue?  What $ did they "save themselves?"  Often ships leave port late, what do you think the compensation should be if the port is "cut short?"  Is it possible that they stayed later at HMC?  Probably not, but I am guessing that a 2.5 hour delay as opposed to cancellation of the port was welcomed by the passengers.  JMO  Cherie

[TAD2005]

In the case of the Eurodam fishing net issue, yes, HAL should have been totally upfront about it.  But the fishing net getting snagged in the azipod prop was not HAL's fault.   So, other than the refund for any missed ports, why should the entire ship receive compensation ?

Possibly the reason HAL is so sensitive to releasing full info on any technical or operational issue is they clearly know that there are a few hundred passengers that will charge down to the customer service desk screaming for compensation.   If the soft-serve ice cream machine breaks, people want compensation.

[Motor City]

43 minutes ago, cccole said:

Do you know that their port was "cut short" because of a mechanical issue?  What $ did they "save themselves?"  Often ships leave port late, what do you think the compensation should be if the port is "cut short?"  Is it possible that they stayed later at HMC?  Probably not, but I am guessing that a 2.5 hour delay as opposed to cancellation of the port was welcomed by the passengers.  JMO  Cherie

I’d be one of those passengers that WOULD NOT be pleased that my ports are being missed, cut short, etc....especially as a result of a mechanical issue, that I was lead to believe was fixed, and subsequently covered up by removing monitors, and not being transparent about the situation...

but Then again I don’t pay for anything, and then consider myself lucky that I receive part of what I paid for...weather delays or issues out of HAL control is a separate issue.

JMO

Edited January 1, 2020 by Motor City

[cccole]

22 minutes ago, Motor City said:

I’d be one of those passengers that WOULD NOT be pleased that my ports are being missed, cut short, etc....especially as a result of a mechanical issue, that I was lead to believe was fixed, and subsequently covered up by removing monitors, and not being transparent about the situation...

but Then again I don’t pay for anything, and then consider myself lucky that I receive part of what I paid for...weather delays or delays out of HAL control is a separate issue.

JMO

Do you have facts to support your assumption that ports are being missed and cut short because of a mechanical issue?  The experts on this thread have indicated that the speed of the ship has not been significantly affected by the azipod.  Many times when there is an inconvenience to passengers the Captain makes an effort to make passengers happy.  I'm not saying that a glass of champagne is acceptable for a missed port, and as you, I would not be pleased to have my cruise altered.  And, if the cruise line knows ahead of time about the change and is not being forthcoming I would not be happy.  What do you want them to do?  What compensation would you want?  Yes, honesty from HAL is important but I don't hear anyone affected saying what they want HAL to do for not being honest about the azipod.   Cherie

 

Edited January 1, 2020 by cccole

[Motor City]

22 minutes ago, cccole said:

Do you have facts to support your assumption that ports are being missed and cut short because of a mechanical issue?  

 

Just people that are on these recent cruises, that have posted that they have had schedules altered, ports missed, etc etc...posted on this board and others.

 

but was I there,,,no. 🙄

However I’m scheduled to be this Saturday, so I’ll let you know!