Nieuw Statendam is doing a great job.

[crystalspin]

40 minutes ago, Oceansaway17 said:

I thought music walk is going away or was it just one thing.

Just the contract with Lincoln Center Stage went away -- meaning no classical music until they figure out a substitute (see @mahi mahi's post just above).

[albingirl]

We've sailed several times on this ship and absolutely loved it.  Been in different category cabins, too, but my absolute favorite was in a quiet cabin on deck one, oceanview.  I liked it better than the verandah cabins since it is so quiet without slamming balcony doors.  I like a quiet cup of coffee in the morning, and don't wish to hear my neighbor's conversations.  Club Orange is awesome too.....it's all shiny and new and all good.  Been on many traditional and older ships, but there is something about the NS. The staff is always excellent, as well.

 

[Oceansaway17]

5 minutes ago, crystalspin said:

Just the contract with Lincoln Center Stage went away -- meaning no classical music until they figure out a substitute (see @mahi mahi's post just above).

that is a shame.  I mean some folks like GOOD MUSIC.   Oh well.

[Mary229]

1 hour ago, albingirl said:

We've sailed several times on this ship and absolutely loved it.  Been in different category cabins, too, but my absolute favorite was in a quiet cabin on deck one, oceanview.  I liked it better than the verandah cabins since it is so quiet without slamming balcony doors.  I like a quiet cup of coffee in the morning, and don't wish to hear my neighbor's conversations.  Club Orange is awesome too.....it's all shiny and new and all good.  Been on many traditional and older ships, but there is something about the NS. The staff is always excellent, as well.

 

I have converted too.  We are sailing the Rotterdam next year on deck one.  I still like my high deck cabins but sea level up is pretty grand also. The DH never uses the verandah so I am done with them. 

[VMax1700]

2 hours ago, mahi mahi said:

We were told by Clare that HAL is bringing back some classical music starting this month

Looking at Navigator for our cruise which starts on Wednesday, there is 1 evening on the Main Stage for Linclon Center Stage 2 slots 7.30 pm and 9.30pm.

There also appears to be 2 nights when the star of the Main Stage is Nada DarkLights. (Incase someone may think that this is a Lady GaGa impersonator, it is my subtle way of saying that there is nothing listed! Nothing but darkness.

[loveapug]

@Gail & Marty sailing away Thank you for your post. We join you in a little more than 2 weeks for our first back to back cruise on the NS. This great report helps build our excitement for this trip!  I encourage you to keep the comments coming.

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

6 hours ago, loveapug said:

@Gail & Marty sailing away Thank you for your post. We join you in a little more than 2 weeks for our first back to back cruise on the NS. This great report helps build our excitement for this trip!  I encourage you to keep the comments coming.

There was a orange party last night and a large pub crawl. 

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

9 hours ago, VMax1700 said:

Looking at Navigator for our cruise which starts on Wednesday, there is 1 evening on the Main Stage for Linclon Center Stage 2 slots 7.30 pm and 9.30pm.

There also appears to be 2 nights when the star of the Main Stage is Nada DarkLights. (Incase someone may think that this is a Lady GaGa impersonator, it is my subtle way of saying that there is nothing listed! Nothing but darkness.

Something is happening every night on this ship 

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

12 hours ago, Oceansaway17 said:

oh nice to hear this.  I thought music walk is going away or was it just one thing.

 

I will be on NS next June from Copenhagen doing Norway and Iceland.   

Music Walk is here and even better. 

[Fred321]

Any music available other than rock or blues and the screaming piano duets? Jazz trio, classical,  quiet cocktail piano?

[RuthC]

46 minutes ago, Fred321 said:

Any music available other than rock or blues and the screaming piano duets? Jazz trio, classical,  quiet cocktail piano?

Sadly, when I was on the Nieuw Statendam there wasn't much. The classical group from Lincoln Center is gone. Rolling Stone and BB King were far too loud, and Billboard Onboard is a crap shoot. All of these groups play sets and take frequent breaks. 
There is no Piano Bar, or anything close to it in atmosphere. The Ocean Bar did have a combo that wasn't bad. 

[Mary229]

46 minutes ago, RuthC said:

Sadly, when I was on the Nieuw Statendam there wasn't much. The classical group from Lincoln Center is gone. Rolling Stone and BB King were far too loud, and Billboard Onboard is a crap shoot. All of these groups play sets and take frequent breaks. 
There is no Piano Bar, or anything close to it in atmosphere. The Ocean Bar did have a combo that wasn't bad. 

The house band on my last few cruises was the highlight.  They were so much better than the branded talent.  I think those brand companies are not offering the quality of talent that HAL is finding elsewhere.

[taxmantoo]

15 hours ago, Gail & Marty sailing away said:

Music Walk is here and even better. 

Would appreciate it if you could get the names of the Billboard Onboard musicians. 

[CNSJ]

A pianist in the area of Ocean Bar or Pinnacle Bar is nice to enjoy with your before dinner drink.  I hope that fits into the new mix.

 

[Suncitycruiser1925]

How is the Rock Room Band?  The one we saw at the end of February on NS was outstanding.   

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

7 hours ago, taxmantoo said:

Would appreciate it if you could get the names of the Billboard Onboard musicians. 

KJ.  And Michael 

[Nodakboiler]

KG and Michelle in Billboard and the Rock band is a band from England who are very good 

[I like vacation]

Check in was well organized and very quick this morning.  

[Mary229]

3 hours ago, I like vacation said:

Check in was well organized and very quick this morning.  

Bon voyage 

[Laminator]

@Gail & Marty sailing away I am hearing during the upcoming NS dry dock that the casino is being expanded. I am also hearing they are eliminating the staircase during the dry dock. I believe the info about the casino being expanded. I am not so sure I believe that the staircase is being eliminated. Ayy chance you could check into that for me? TIA!

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

27 minutes ago, Laminator said:

@Gail & Marty sailing away I am hearing during the upcoming NS dry dock that the casino is being expanded. I am also hearing they are eliminating the staircase during the dry dock. I believe the info about the casino being expanded. I am not so sure I believe that the staircase is being eliminated. Ayy chance you could check into that for me? TIA!

I will ask. 

[Laminator]

29 minutes ago, Gail & Marty sailing away said:

I will ask. 

Thank You Sir!

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

FYI the N. S. Is doing Mariner's Recognition on the first Sea day of each leg/cruise at 10:15am. 

That time might conflict with Meet and Greet. 

[cruzingnut]

On 8/9/2023 at 12:05 PM, Laminator said:

@Gail & Marty sailing away I am hearing during the upcoming NS dry dock that the casino is being expanded. I am also hearing they are eliminating the staircase during the dry dock. I believe the info about the casino being expanded. I am not so sure I believe that the staircase is being eliminated. Ayy chance you could check into that for me? TIA!

 

I wonder if they are thinking of closing this up?  The smoke from the casino drifts down to the next deck and can be pretty unpleasant.  Would probably be an expensive proposition though.

 

Linda R.

PS:, Marty, how many blankets have you crocheted so far?  😎

 

 

[Nancy&Frank]

On 8/7/2023 at 8:01 AM, Gail & Marty sailing away said:

We are on the Nieuw Statendam , which is a full ship. Staff is friendly, We had dinner last night in Canaletto which was excellent.

Music Walk is hopping every evening.

I am impressed. 

Glad to hear this, we will be on her in February.  Anything in particular a must see or a must do ?