I have to keep reminding myself this isn’t Virgin

[CineGraphic]

I’m currently on Holland America’s Nieuw Statendam, thanks to a heavily discounted casino offer for a slot tournament. I simply could not turn down a 1 in 400 chance of winning $100K, and I’m really sorry that I’ve strayed.  
Virgin has really spoiled me with its excellent food and friendly service.

I can’t even get something as a simple as a lemonade brought to my table at the buffet before I’m done eating.

If I was paying full price, I’d be pissed. Maybe that explains the grumpiness Ive noticed from other guests.

 

 

[CineGraphic]

I’ve heard a lot of people being told, “we don’t have that”, or “we’re out of that”, and it’s for things like white bread and tomatoes at the sandwich station or horseradish sauce for the prime rib.

I feel sorry for the crew, as I’m hearing very little “thank yous” from the guests.

Some poor guy was about to lose his ____ because the stir fry station had no broccoli.
Food quality as been “meh” at best.

If last night’s crab cakes had any actual crab in it, this former Maryland lad couldn’t see or taste it.

[tampadee]

2 hours ago, CineGraphic said:

I’m currently on Holland America’s Nieuw Statendam, thanks to a heavily discounted casino offer for a slot tournament. I simply could not turn down a 1 in 400 chance of winning $100K, and I’m really sorry that I’ve strayed.  
Virgin has really spoiled me with its excellent food and friendly service.

I can’t even get something as a simple as a lemonade brought to my table at the buffet before I’m done eating.

If I was paying full price, I’d be pissed. Maybe that explains the grumpiness Ive noticed from other guests.

 

 

Have you seen any decent payouts on Virgin on the slots on Virgin?

[CineGraphic]

1 hour ago, tampadee said:

Have you seen any decent payouts on Virgin on the slots on Virgin?

Yes, although the casinos are smaller compared to other lines, and the smoking section is in a completely different room behind two sets of doors so the smoke doesn’t leech out.

[raphael360]

HAL is so very subpar IMHO. I’ve taken 3 or 4. 

[librarylady19]

Oh no, we are doing NS for a Baltics cruise in May, picked strictly for the amazing itinerary. I’ll keep my expectations down. We did Rotterdam earlier this year and thought food was good but service was so slooow.  

[CruisingWalter]

We're on MSC Seashore at the moment and we've noticed some things are going missing from the buffet each night. It's either suppliers are low or they're just all cutting back on the amount of product they used to order. It's the way of the cruise industry right now. HAL has been a great cruise line that we've sailed in the past and may be on a Panama Canal cruise in 2025. With such limited itineraries from VV, you either go on other cruise lines or you do the same old, same old every cruise. That would be too boring for me. I love VV and it's great to 'come home' to the cruise line, but there are way too many ships and itineraries out there I want to try. We just manage our expectations for each cruise and cruise line. 

 

That being said if any of y'all are going to be on the January 6 Scarlet Lady sailing, I'll see you onboard! 

[CineGraphic]

I am finally off the Nieuw Statendam, waiting to fly home. They’ve given me an offer for another free cruise, and I’ll have to take into account all of the nonsense I experienced and witnessed others going through before deciding what to do.

Yesterday I ordered a pizza and was told it would be ready in 15 minutes. After 30 minutes I checked and was told to wait until my buzzer buzzed….another 30 minutes went by and they finally checked and couldn’t find my order anywhere, but said they could make me another one in 30 minutes.  The food quality was simply not good. I’ve had better food at rest stops along the turnpike. I’ll have to learn to lower my expectations.

[CruisingWalter]

21 hours ago, CineGraphic said:

I am finally off the Nieuw Statendam, waiting to fly home. They’ve given me an offer for another free cruise, and I’ll have to take into account all of the nonsense I experienced and witnessed others going through before deciding what to do.

 

I know someone who was part of a large church group on that very sailing and said they all had a lovely time. Of course none of them have ever sailed VV, but all said they enjoyed the food throughout the ship and the service. I guess if you've never been on VV you don't know. I would have a hard time turning down a free cruise, perhaps book the Rotterdam when she's back in the Florida to see what the newest ship is all about. We're planning to sail her in 24 or 25 to see what she's all about and possibly join a Group on the Nieuw Amsterdam for a Ft. Lauderdale to San Diego Panama Canal crossing. It's all about managing expectations. I would never recommend anyone come off a VV cruise and directly onto an MSC cruise 10 days later like we did, but after that initial 'culture shock' we had a good time. Except the disembarkation that was an utter cluster, but we did come in 8 hours late and about 80% of the ship decided to go "Express Self-Disembark." 

[CineGraphic]

58 minutes ago, CruisingWalter said:

I know someone who was part of a large church group on that very sailing and said they all had a lovely time.

 

There was a live thread as well on the HAL forum, but I didn't see much of it "live' as I refused to pay $150 for 7 days of internet, but a few of the HAL loyalists on board were even complaining about the food & service in the Club Orange Dining Room, which is supposed to be a better dining experience.

 

Cruise vloggers Ben & David ended their most recent cruise review with this important reminder:

https://youtube.com/clip/Ugkxz9yxioGLwORBKmnrzvITIVfANdpYjioG?si=nw3pMz4wq6hq2bJn

 

[CruisingWalter]

5 hours ago, CineGraphic said:

Cruise vloggers Ben & David ended their most recent cruise review with this important reminder:

 

Oh man I'm looking forward to seeing them next month. They're coming back across the pond for the Icon of the Seas inaugural sailing. I was joking with them that i actually get to sail on her before they do! I don't think that's ever happened. I'm looking forward to another great meal with them and Stef. Might try to teach them how to make homemade pasta! 🙂 

Edited December 18, 2023 by CruisingWalter