Eurodam Negative Comments

[RevNeal]

Greg--

 

I have to say that I agree with you - but up to a point.

 

Yes, I believe that the Silk Den and Tamarind are exceptional additions - However I also noticed that they also eliminated the Wok in favor of moving the taco bar indoors to make room for the Lido cabanas and seating, so no stir-fry for lunch - which for me having a wheat sensitivity eliminated my preferred lunch choices.

 

My objective was to provide a collection of positives, rather than negatives. I'd compiled a list of negatives, and so I thought it only fitting to provide a list of positives ... particularly given that such was what was requested.'

 

A few notes on your list:

 

Adding asian offerings and a stir-fry Wok area back in the Lido is a simple thing to do, and one which they KNOW they need to do (based upon conversations I had with the Food officer durning the July 15-25th cruise). I would be surprised if that doesn't happen sooner rather than later.

 

In the Northern Lights I would prefer the seating as found on the Vistas, but it wasn't as much of a problem as I feared it would be. But, then, I didn't spent that much time sitting in the Northern Lights. I preferred to dance or to stand near the bar and watch.

 

I would prefer they relocate the Movie Theater, do away with the Marabella shop, and put the Explorations Cafe down where it belongs (as on the Noordam). However, that's not going to happen, so the theater is a nice addition there.

 

Regarding the Showlounge ... well ... I'm over 6 feet tall, so ...... :) And, some who are as short (or shorter) than you liked it. ;)

 

My remark on the ship's handling in High Seas is partly based upon what I was told by the Captain and by what I was told by other staff who were aboard for the transition from the Med to England (Nathan, Nick, Mario, Mark). She handled well in the high seas, though even then the seas were not that "high." And, I've been on Vistas in VERY high seas (as have you) ... they handle well on big swells in the Atlantic.

[Mary Ellen]

After all the so called 'good talk' of Rev and Brian and others, the underlying truth remains.. the ship is a disaster

As one who has actually sailed on the E'dam (for 23 days), she is NOT a disaster. Just because she isn't a ship that fits our particular needs does not mean that she won't suit the needs of others. I'm not arrogant enough to feel that every HAL ship needs to designed/decorated just to suit us. Am I glad that we sailed on her? Yes. Am I willing to say that we will NEVER sail on her again? No.

 

To add to Greg's positives:

 

We liked the size of our bed. I don't know if it was a King, like we have at home, but it seemed much closer to that size than a Queen-size.

 

Two electrical outlets in the vanity area.

 

Even though Greg covered this, I've got to mention we LOVE Tamarind and the Silk Den.

[cr1]

After all the so called 'good talk' of Rev and Brian and others, the underlying truth remains.. the ship is a disaster

 

Everyone is entitled to their opinions, both good, bad and in between. That being said, IMO this thread is getting off topic. The OP is well aware of the negative comments and is simply asking for positives (which it appears there are some).

 

As a person who will be sailing HAL for the first time, on Eurodam next summer, I haven't been scared off by the negatives, but certainly appreciate and thank those who are able to see the glass as half full and are willing to speak up and share those experiences with others. If anyone has had a negative experience, one that ruined their cruise and produced a trip they would not wish to repeat, there are plenty of other threads to chime in on.

[RevNeal]

Everyone is entitled to their opinions, both good, bad and in between. That being said, IMO this thread is getting off topic. The OP is well aware of the negative comments and is simply asking for positives (which it appears there are some).

 

As a person who will be sailing HAL for the first time, on Eurodam next summer, I haven't been scared off by the negatives, but certainly appreciate and thank those who are able to see the glass as half full and are willing to speak up and share those experiences with others. If anyone has had a negative experience, one that ruined their cruise and produced a trip they would not wish to repeat, there are plenty of other threads to chime in on.

 

Agreed completely. I posted my list of positives in an attempt to provide as comprehensive of collection as I could. I'd given my negatives, all in one place, elsewhere ... honesty and fairness requires that i give my positives the same attention. Hence, my reason for posting on this thread. Sadly, some people seem to want to dwell on the negative; even those who've not been aboard her! That I simply don't understand.

[cr1]

RevNeal, I want to let you know that I really appreciated both your lists. I read your list of negatives, with interest, days ago. Those comments, along with others, did produce some second thoughts about booking our cruise. Then I read your list of positives, along with the other early posts on the this thread and realized that there is plenty to appreciate as well. We decided to book our Eurodam cruise and are really looking forward to experiencing HAL, well aware that there will be good and bad points (as in life). We will roll with the bad and relish the good, it's all a matter of perspective.

 

Thank you so much for taking the time to honestly share your experiences!

[RuthC]

After all the so called 'good talk' of Rev and Brian and others, the underlying truth remains.. the ship is a disaster

I find it interesting that the only person to call the E-dam a "disaster" (repeatedly, at that) is someone who hasn't sailed her. :rolleyes:

Those of us who have sailed the E-dam, even those of us who were not wowed by her, haven't called her anything close to "disaster".

As on any ship, there was the good and the bad.

[RevNeal]

I find it interesting that the only person to call the E-dam a "disaster" (repeatedly, at that) is someone who hasn't sailed her. :rolleyes:

Those of us who have sailed the E-dam, even those of us who were not wowed by her, haven't called her anything close to "disaster".

As on any ship, there was the good and the bad.

 

Absolutely correct, dear Ruth. I must admit, however, that I am the source of Sir PMP's now-tired refrain. I used the word disaster ... as in "a disaster waiting to happen" ... regarding the now-imfamous step in the Lido (the one that gave us both a fun "trip.") He has taken that one reference and has expanded it to apply to the entire ship, in all of its aspects, despite my repeatedly-stated fact that such was neither my intention then nor my opinion of the ship, now. Is that step a disaster waiting to happen? For some people, yes. You and I managed to make the "trip" without hurting ourselves. One woman we saw was black and blue up one side of her face from having tripped, fallen, and banged her face on the side of a chair. One person twisted his ankle tripping on that step. Someday, unless they fix it, someone is going to trip and break a bone. That WILL be a "disaster" for them and their cruise. :(

 

Likewise, the brats running around on our sailing were a "disaster in the making." We both know why (even if some want to argue that they were just innocent little darlings, misunderstood and maligned by their fellow, impatient, "child hating" fellow passengers).

 

FOR THE RECORD:

 

The Eurodam is NOT a disaster.

There are things about her I don't like.

There are things about her that could be disasterous for someone.

There are things about her I like.

I will cherish many wonderful memories from my 23 days aboard her.

Some people will LOVE her and cruise on her many times.

I might cruise on her, again, someday ... once she's had a full shake down, if I had friends aboard I want to see, if the ship is going someplace I want to go, etc.

 

So ... the Eurodam is NOT a disaster.

 

Is that clear, Sir PMP?

[Susie51]

OP, thank you for requesting positive things about Eurodam. RevNeal especially gave a detailed account and many others came up with m things they like.

 

Have a wonderful cruise.

[james j feller]

SIR PMP,

 

I never said the EURODAM was a disaster, like REV. NEAL said it has good points and bad points and i hope everyone goes on it one time to see for themselves.

 

JIM

[RevNeal]

Thank you, James. Well put.

[Sir PMP]

Maybe you ought to find out for yourself:rolleyes:

 

No, not on this one!

[Sir PMP]

I find it interesting that the only person to call the E-dam a "disaster" (repeatedly, at that) is someone who hasn't sailed her. :rolleyes:

 

Those of us who have sailed the E-dam, even those of us who were not wowed by her, haven't called her anything close to "disaster".

As on any ship, there was the good and the bad.

 

In one of the Rev's live comments on board the 'Euro' Dam, he even mentioned the word 'disaster'..

[RevNeal]

In one of the Rev's live comments on board the 'Euro' Dam, he even mentioned the word 'disaster'..

 

Yes, I did. However, see my above remark. You are taking my statement out of context and applying it to the whole ship. Please stop doing this.

[Sir PMP]

Everyone is entitled to their opinions, both good, bad and in between. That being said, IMO this thread is getting off topic. The OP is well aware of the negative comments and is simply asking for positives (which it appears there are some).

 

As a person who will be sailing HAL for the first time, on Eurodam next summer, I haven't been scared off by the negatives, but certainly appreciate and thank those who are able to see the glass as half full and are willing to speak up and share those experiences with others. If anyone has had a negative experience, one that ruined their cruise and produced a trip they would not wish to repeat, there are plenty of other threads to chime in on.

 

Yes, let's get back on topic: The 'Euro' Dam is not a 'disaster', it is a 'dream' come through....

[GeriatricNurse]

OP, thank you for requesting positive things about Eurodam. RevNeal especially gave a detailed account and many others came up with m things they like.

 

Have a wonderful cruise.

 

Hi Susie51::)

Thank you very much.

We are looking forward to our upcoming cruise on the Eurodam!

[nevis92]

I'll try to keep this short........I like HAL because of the abundance of space aboard her ships and the relaxing pace. Because the cruise line needs to make a buck, they cannot build new ships like the S and R series because they simply are not profitable enough. Our experience on the Caribbean Princess this year convinced me that big ships with lots of people cannot possibly offer the same level of service that a ship with fewer passengers can, no matter how hard they try.

 

The experience aboard an S or R series ship is something we should all take advantage of while it is still available. Before too long, personalized service and wide-open space will be a thing of the past. The Eurodam is the future of premium cruising on HAL. If someone wants a small ship experience, the only place to find it will be aboard the luxury lines for FAR more money.

 

Take advantage of the dying breed of ship and cruise an S/R series ship. Save the Vista/Signature cruises for a few years down the road when there will be no better option for the money. For now, the best value for the money will be a Veendam cruise this March for us instead of Eurodam.

[Sir PMP]

I'll try to keep this short........I like HAL because of the abundance of space aboard her ships and the relaxing pace. Because the cruise line needs to make a buck, they cannot build new ships like the S and R series because they simply are not profitable enough. Our experience on the Caribbean Princess this year convinced me that big ships with lots of people cannot possibly offer the same level of service that a ship with fewer passengers can, no matter how hard they try.

 

The experience aboard an S or R series ship is something we should all take advantage of while it is still available. Before too long, personalized service and wide-open space will be a thing of the past. The Eurodam is the future of premium cruising on HAL. If someone wants a small ship experience, the only place to find it will be aboard the luxury lines for FAR more money.

 

Take advantage of the dying breed of ship and cruise an S/R series ship. Save the Vista/Signature cruises for a few years down the road when there will be no better option for the money. For now, the best value for the money will be a Veendam cruise this March for us instead of Eurodam.

 

This is absolutely nonsence, who is the customer?

[Growler]

Here's a list of ships under constriction for all major cruise lines......

 

Sir PMP, do you still think every CFO of each of these cruise lines has it wrong, or is it possible that 'large ship' cruising is going to be the norm? (30 of 35 ships listed here are larger than Eurodam.......)

AIDA Cruises

AIDAbella sister ship (2,030 - April 2009) Meyer Werft

New 71,000-ton ship (2,174 - April 2010) Meyer Werft

New 71,000-ton ship (2,174 - April 2011) Meyer Werft

New 71,000-ton ship (2,174 - May 2012) Meyer Werft

 

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Solstice (2,850 - November 2008) Meyer Werft

Celebrity Equinox (2,850 - Summer 2009) Meyer Werft

Celebrity Eclipse (2,850 - Summer 2010) Meyer Werft

Fourth Solstice-class ship (2,850 - Fall 2011) Meyer Werft

Fifth Solstice-class ship (2,850 - Fall 2012) Meyer Werft (Letter of intent)

 

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Dream (3,608 - October 2009) Fincantieri

Carnival Magic (3,652 - June 2011) Fincantieri

 

Costa Crociere

Costa Pacifica (3,004 - Summer 2009) Fincantieri Sestri Ponente yard

Costa Luminosa (2,260 - April 2009) Fincantieri Marghera shipyard

Costa Deliziosa (2,260 - March 2010) Fincantieri Marghera shipyard

Unnamed Concordia-Class Ship (3,012 double occupancy - 2011) Fincantieri's Marghera shipyard

Unnamed Concordia-Class Ship (3,012 double occupancy - 2012) Fincantieri's Marghera shipyard

 

Cunard Line

Queen Elizabeth (2,092 - Autumn 2010) Fincantieri Monfalcone shippyard

 

Disney Cruise Lines

New class vessel (1,250 staterooms - 2011) Meyer Werft

New class vessel (1,250 staterooms - 2012) Meyer Werft

 

Holland America Line

Eurodam Sister ship (2,100 - Fall 2010) Fincantieri

 

MSC Crociere - Mediterranean Shipping Cruises

MSC Fantasia (3887 - June 2008) Chantiers de l'Atlantique

MSC Splendida (3887 - March 2009) Chantiers de l'Atlantique

MSC Magnifica (1,275 cabins - 2010) Chantiers de l'Atlantique (She is the fourth "Musica" class Panamax ship)

 

Norwegian Cruise Line

Unnamed ship (4,200 - 2009) Aker Yards in Saint Nazaire

Unnamed ship (4,200 - 2010) Aker Yards in Saint Nazaire (The option for a third sister ship for delivery in the first quarter of 2011 was abandoned in September 2007)

 

Oceania Cruises

Marina (1,260 - September 2010) Fincantieri Sestri Ponente

New class ship (1,260 - July 2011) Fincantieri Sestri Ponente

(There is an option for a third ship to be delivered in May 2012. The option expires on Sept. 30, 2009)

 

 

P&O Cruises

Unnamed vessel (3,076 - Spring 20010 ) Fincantieri Monfalcone Shipyard (Letter of Intent)

 

Princess Cruises

Ruby Princess (3,100 - November 2008) Fincantieri

 

Royal Caribbean International

Oasis of the Seas (5,400 - Autumn 2009) Aker Yards

Allure of the Seas (5,400 - August 2010) Aker Yards

Fourth Freedom class ship (3,600 - Late 2011) Aker Yards (Letter of intent)

 

Seabourn Cruise Line / The Yachts of Seabourn

Seabourn Odyssey (450 - June 2009) T. Mariotti Shipyard - Genoa, Italy

Unnamed ship (225 cabins / 450 pax - Summer 2010) T. Mariotti Shipyard - Genoa, Italy

Unnamed ship (225 cabins / 450 pax - Summer 2011) T. Mariotti Shipyard - Genoa, Italy

[bucktoo]

Some observations:

Ship is beautiful but we still prefer smaller, especially the Prisendam.

Service was great, never had to wait in Lido for lunch and plenty of seats.

Our concierge made all dinner arrangements, thankfully, and we will go back to traditional on next 2 trips. The Tamarind is marvelous, went there 2 nights. Canaletto was very good also. A little disappointed in Pinnacle. Not as friendly as other ships and wine by the glass very high. Used wine card in all the other venues. Ate in DR only 4 nights, the food was good but still prefer having the same table and servers. AYWD is not a good choice for us.

They did a good job with shore excursions. The only bad day was Newcastle where if you didn't have an excursion you had to take a bus and the Metro to get to town. Nothing at all in the dock area.

Our main problem was the delivery of luggage to Copenhagen airport. Pouring rain and luggage was soaked, not to mention my poor husband trying to find ours, all scattered about.

Only made it to a couple of shows because of our dinner reservations. Casino had better odds than other ships but the new method of no cash payoffs until you check out with the window using your room card takes some getting used to.

All in all we enjoyed the trip and saw some wonderful places. Kirkwall was a highlite as was Edinburgh and in Norway the trip from Vik to Flam.

[kryos]

I must say that I am surprised that there aren't a few "pre" cruises that are run without passengers to allow the crew a sail or two to become accustomed to the ship. Perhaps there are and we do not know about them, but if this were the case I would imagine that some of the service issues would have been ironed out prior to passengers embarking on the ship.

From what I understand, there will be ONE "shake-down" cruise and that's about it. They will invite employees to sail on it and it's purpose will generally be to get the boat where it needs to be for the first "live" cruise. While on the shake-down cruise, the employees will help to test the various systems -- how long does it take to get a room service order, get wine in the dining room, get a drink in the bar. They will turn on and off all the lights, flush the toilets at the same time as everyone else in their corridor ... that sort of thing.

 

But several "pre-cruises?" LOL ... you've gotta be kidding. HAL just paid mega-millions for that ship. They want to get that money coming back in ASAP. They'll work out the kinks as they develop ... on actual cruises.

 

Blue skies ...

 

--rita