Cruise Talk: Holland America Changes

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Author

Topic: Holland America Changes

joe at travelpage
Administrator
Member # 622

posted 05-01-2000 10:18 PM

From tonight's Cruise News:

Warning: the following report contains information that may be considered shocking by Holland America Line veterans...

As we reported last month, Holland America's splashy marketing campaign designed to attract younger cruise passengers begins this week with naming of teen superstars Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen as "Teen Admirals" for Holland America 2000-2001. In their capacity as "Teen Admirals" the Olsen sisters will dedicate the company's newest ship, ms Zaandam, when it arrives in port for gala dedication ceremonies to be held Thursday, May 4 at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The dedication of the 1,440-passenger cruise ship is the first stage of a broader marketing alliance between Holland America Line and the Mary-Kate and Ashley brand, which will introduce Holland America's enormously successful cruise and travel services to Mary-Kate and Ashley's coveted family and teen market. Mary-Kate and Ashley already are planning and currently taking bookings on a cruise aboard the ms Maasdam on June 25 with family, fans and special activities to Scandinavia and Russia. They cruised to Alaska with Holland America last summer and plans are under way for a Caribbean cruise in 2001.

Onboard, the Zaandam's music-related decor is also geared towards a younger crowd. According to Holland America, the decor is "highlighted" with a collection of guitars signed by famous musicians including The Rolling Stones, Iggy Pop and David Bowie, and the former megarock band Queen, is featured throughout the Zaandam's public rooms. The Casino Bar showcases music memorabilia from jazz and blues to rock-and-roll and the classics, while the centerpiece of the Zaandam's grand atrium is a towering, 22-foot-high pipe organ. The 61,000-ton ship also features an expanded spa and fitness center, an Internet center, Crow's Nest disco, an alternative Marco Polo restaurant serving California style Italian cuisine, and a special Club HAL Skyroom with a butterfly motif.

Joe at TravelPage.com

Posts: 29976 | From: Great Falls, Virginia | Registered: A Long Time Ago! | IP: Logged

lapting
First Class Passenger
Member # 1159

posted 05-02-2000 02:03 AM

It means HAL will be 'Carnivalized'??

Posts: 35 | From: Hong kong | Registered: Mar 2000 | IP: Logged

LizB
First Class Passenger
Member # 1243

posted 05-02-2000 07:58 AM

Sorry to learn of these changes with HAL. Yes, it means HAL will be "Carnivalized" and instead of competing with Crystal, or a better product, will be competing with the mass market lines. I, for one, DO NOT believe this is the way to attract a younger crowd - it's one way though to deter HAL Alumni from sailing with the Line...the people who have kept the Line going thru the years. If Carnival wasn't so intent on building too many ships for each line it owns we wouldn't have some of the problems that are going to exist in the next few years.
HAL had a very good product so why not keep it that way. I believe at the present time HAL has more repeat passengers than any other Line -- upwards to 90% sometimes at the Repeaters Party.
Like to hear what Simpatico has to say -- also Terri and Green.

Posts: 133 | From: S.Dennis,MA, USA | Registered: Apr 2000 | IP: Logged

CTrail
First Class Passenger
Member # 64

posted 05-02-2000 08:44 AM

Perhaps if there are as you say 90% repeaters on the cruises then it is time for the line to try to attract new blood. Let's face it, the repeaters aren't getting any younger and therefore are going to diminish in numbers. What happens to HAL then if they don't start attracting a newer clientele.

HALwillsurvive

Posts: 332 | From: Kitchener, ON Canada | Registered: Apr 99 | IP: Logged

sympatico
First Class Passenger
Member # 797

posted 05-02-2000 09:20 AM

I agree with what LizB and CTrail both say - we all are getting older and they do have to attract a younger crowd, but the Olsen Twins - no thank you. This is Carnival stepping in again. Look what happened when they let Joe Farkas decorate 2 of the rooms on the Statendam. Alumni screamed bloody hell and the rooms had to be redone. HAL will find Alumni staying away from these ships like the Zaandam and even possibly going to another cruise line, like Crystal.

[This message has been edited by sympatico (edited 05-02-2000).]

Posts: 3305 | From: Toronto, Ont. Canada | Registered: Jul 99 | IP: Logged

gizmo
First Class Passenger
Member # 972

posted 05-02-2000 09:53 AM

I think HAL is attracting new blood. I consider my husband and myself "new blood". We are both 52 and do not want the "Party Time" themes of other cruise lines. We have "Been There , Done That"! We want to relax. I grew up with the Rolling Stones etc, but the Olsen sisters I do not need or want.

Posts: 686 | From: Kennesaw Ga. (origianlly from Philly) | Registered: Dec 1999 | IP: Logged

cruznut6
First Class Passenger
Member # 543

posted 05-02-2000 10:08 AM

If the average age of cruise passengers is 45 to 50 years, how does HAL make the "leap" to teenagers? Perhaps they think the parents will enjoy this dramatic change,
but as a HAL alumni, I won't use them again if that's their answer to filling ships.
Even Disney Cruise Lines has their ships set-up to offer different areas for the different age-groups. I just hope RCCL leaves Celebrity alone!

Concerned

Bob (cruznut6)

Posts: 161 | From: Mount Laurel, NJ, USA | Registered: Apr 99 | IP: Logged

geno-r
First Class Passenger
Member # 931

posted 05-02-2000 11:29 AM

Who the hell are the 'Olsen sisters" Weren't they the ones on 'Little House On the Parire" I know I didn't spell it right, but I'm in a hurry.

Posts: 549 | From: Mt. Pocono,Pa. Usa | Registered: Nov 1999 | IP: Logged

JDCasey
First Class Passenger
Member # 1065

posted 05-02-2000 01:26 PM

Geno-r,

The Olsen sisters were in the TV program 'Full House'. They are identical twins, who as toddlers play the single role of the youngest of three daughters of a widower. I have teenager daughters who were addicted to that program. As they grew, they started to take roles together that appeal to the bubblegum set. Now, I do believe they have a weekly show on one of the children's cable networks.

HAL may be trying to carve out a niche between Disney (the young family) and Carnival (the partying young adult)

Posts: 48 | From: New Jersey, USA | Registered: Feb 2000 | IP: Logged

geno-r
First Class Passenger
Member # 931

posted 05-02-2000 04:45 PM

Of course! Now I remember them. I knew I remembered them from some TV show. Mrs. Olsen was the one on Little House. Boy would hate to have a grouch like her at our table on a cruise LOL. So why the big fuss, the Olsen sisters seemed like a nice characters on that TV show. If I remember correctly which is always risky.

Posts: 549 | From: Mt. Pocono,Pa. Usa | Registered: Nov 1999 | IP: Logged

sympatico
First Class Passenger
Member # 797

posted 05-02-2000 05:31 PM

no,no.no, geno-r - Mrs. Olsen was on Little House on the Prarie - she had that brat of a daughter and the Olsen Twins were on Full House. Their name is Olsen. If they were on Little House on the Prarie they would be in their 30's. They are teeny boppers. As JDCasey, says, they are of the bubble gum set. I think they did a movie and a couple of movies for TV.

Posts: 3305 | From: Toronto, Ont. Canada | Registered: Jul 99 | IP: Logged

Chalk Dust
First Class Passenger
Member # 1272

posted 05-02-2000 06:12 PM

I agree with Gizmo. HAL is attracting new cruisers. My wife and I will be going on our first cruise on the Zaandam in August. We look forward to it. Actually, it makes little difference to me that the Olsen Twins will have been on board before us.

We chose HAL because we want to enjoy a good quality, relaxing, refreshing cruise. From what I have been able to pick up from reading this board, I expect that HAL will deliver what we want.

Posts: 47 | From: Flower Mound, Texas, U.S.A. | Registered: May 2000 | IP: Logged

Mercy
First Class Passenger
Member # 322

posted 05-02-2000 06:19 PM

I am STILL laughing

I wondered what all you Holland America loyalists, with one foot in the grave, you know , would say about this one? I think HAL should ask Royal Caribbean how their "new program" for attracting more teens is going, so far. Ask the crew that was on the New Years "Vision of the Seas" cruise, when they destroyed thousands of $$$$'s of valuable art work and threw deck chairs overboard and trashed cabins! If it makes anyone feel better. I saw an interview with the Olson twins last month. They have been cruising with their parents for years and are young Cruise O Holics, like us. They were thrilled to represent HAL, because that is their favorite line. Lets just hope HAL isn't "Carnivalized"

I'm still laughing about that line . Very Funny!

Posts: 697 | From: Stanwood, Wa. USA | Registered: Sep 99 | IP: Logged

starfish
First Class Passenger
Member # 986

posted 05-02-2000 06:45 PM

geno-r I'll be driving thru the pocono's this weekend,would you like me to drop off one of my daughters tape of the twins to help you out?

Posts: 225 | From: Dallas,PA | Registered: Jan 2000 | IP: Logged

gizmo
First Class Passenger
Member # 972

posted 05-02-2000 07:08 PM

Chalkboard,
I sure hope your cruise goes ok. I am booked on the Volendam for next Feb. and hope HAL does not go too far with the "Teen Queens" and turn this line into a teen hangout or kiddie city.
The marketing and advertising personal at HAL need their heads examined. Maybe they should read some of the posts on this site and others. I wonder how much insurance they have on all that art work?

Posts: 686 | From: Kennesaw Ga. (origianlly from Philly) | Registered: Dec 1999 | IP: Logged

sympatico
First Class Passenger
Member # 797

posted 05-02-2000 08:04 PM

Mercy - I am a HAL loyalist as our my friends who post here and not one of us has "one foot in the grave".
This from my soon to be 38 year old daughter "HAL doesn't attract old people, it attracts people who appreciate class and good service. I have not desire to go on a holiday to be surrounded by a bunch of screaming 12 year olds".

Posts: 3305 | From: Toronto, Ont. Canada | Registered: Jul 99 | IP: Logged

LizB
First Class Passenger
Member # 1243

posted 05-02-2000 08:13 PM

Thanks Sympatico! I don't have "one foot in the grave" either -- as you well know. I like a fun time but not a "rah-rah" time! Where did this "one foot in the grave" image come from anyway -- just because we are more conservative than the Carnival passengers.

Posts: 133 | From: S.Dennis,MA, USA | Registered: Apr 2000 | IP: Logged

Terri Lee
First Class Passenger
Member # 942

posted 05-02-2000 09:50 PM

I find it incredible that HAL would even entertain the idea of changing so radically.I guess it is all due to pressure from Carnival and just look at what is happening on their ships!

I chose to cruise with HAL because it is a "middle of the road" type of line...or at least it was.....If things change TOO much then they will lose me as a regular,3-times-a-year passenger. Sadly,I will have to change to another line such as Crystal Cruises.

I see the news item stated that the Olsen Twins were boarding the MAASDAM in June. I am sailing with the MAASDAM for 2 weeks,starting on Sunday,May 7,in the Mediterranean and French Riviera. Whilst I am on board,I will find out what changes are going to be made for the Olsen cruise,if any.I know a few of the staff on board,so I will be able to ask them.

I will report back with any news,when I return May 21.

Posts: 292 | From: Burlington Ontario Canada | Registered: Dec 1999 | IP: Logged

geno-r
First Class Passenger
Member # 931

posted 05-02-2000 09:54 PM

Hey starfish, You don't have to drop off a tape, but if you want to say hi stop at The Junction Ice Cream Store ( me and the mrs. own it) It's on Rt. 940 in Pocono Pines. It would be nice to meet you.

Gene

Posts: 549 | From: Mt. Pocono,Pa. Usa | Registered: Nov 1999 | IP: Logged

Mercy
First Class Passenger
Member # 322

posted 05-02-2000 10:57 PM

I guess I will have to explain my humor. I was being sarcastic. I don't think that you have one foot in the grave. I was referring to what CTrail said.

Posts: 697 | From: Stanwood, Wa. USA | Registered: Sep 99 | IP: Logged

sympatico
First Class Passenger
Member # 797

posted 05-03-2000 06:19 AM

Joe at Travel Page - do you have an e-mail address for HAL so that all HAL loyalists can send them these posts? I think they better smarten up. I for one will write to Kirk Lanterman although I don't think he really cares. They are going to be the laughing stock of the cruise industry. Wonder what "bright young kid" in the Merchandising Dept. thought this one up?

Posts: 3305 | From: Toronto, Ont. Canada | Registered: Jul 99 | IP: Logged

starfish
First Class Passenger
Member # 986

posted 05-05-2000 08:55 PM

geno-r We'll try to stop by on Sunday.I think you'll be pretty busy though,temps in the upper 80s.Don't work too hard.

Posts: 225 | From: Dallas,PA | Registered: Jan 2000 | IP: Logged

Barryboat
First Class Passenger
Member # 33

posted 05-08-2000 01:54 PM

Sympatico, Kirk Lanterman certainly does care a great deal, and I know this because I had the opportunity to sit and chat with him about some of the changes. He is very hesitant about the changes, HAL is just tweeking an already great product, into a more diverse product. But the changes are made with great thought. So far the changes were very subtle, and I think HAL still maintains it's classy, classic, quality image. Kirk is moving towards the future with care, because he knows that HAL owes a lot to it's loyal past passengers. Our times are changing, so HAL needs to evolve too in order to stay competative.

I truly think all of those who have posted on this sight slamming HAL for "Carnivalizing" should really step back, and realize that often times a little change is good. I can tell you first-hand, that regardless of the fact that the Olsen Twins christened the ship, HAL is NOT being "Carnivalized". HAL is being improved on a BIG scale and there are a few small indications that Carnival's design team was involved in some aspects of designing and building the newest HAL ship the Zaandam. I noticed that the Zaandam had the same plastic Cruise ship drink glasses as carnival, except with the HAL stuff printed on them. I went directly from the Zaandam to the new Carnival Triumph and there was a huge difference in the atmosphere between the two ships. Zaandam was very classy and there was a sense of personalized, more friendly service as oppossed to the Triumph which was a giant version of other carnival ships, being more splashy, flashy and with a more party atmosphere.

As they use to say in the Caribbean a lot, DON'T WORRY, BE HAPPY.....NO PROBLEM MON! HAL is still a great cruise line and will be even better yet with some minor tweeking here and there.

Posts: 1851 | From: Bloomington, Minnesota (Home to the Mall of America) | Registered: Mar 99 | IP: Logged

sympatico
First Class Passenger
Member # 797

posted 05-08-2000 05:10 PM

Thanks Barryboat - you have put my mind at ease.

Posts: 3305 | From: Toronto, Ont. Canada | Registered: Jul 99 | IP: Logged

Sadiesmom
Just Boarded
Member # 1303

posted 05-22-2000 02:44 PM

Sorry, Barryboat. I have personally seen the "Carnivalization" of HAL occurring gradually on my 8 cruises with them in a 10 year period from '89 to '99. As for writing to Mr. Lanterman, after my last 16-day cruise in '99, I wrote about the change in ambience when a large "affinity" group upsets the balance of a cruise...among other things that were not right on that cruise. I laughed hysterically at the response that offered me a two category upgrade on future cruises....when I had been bumped up NINE categories on the cruise that was a bummer. My cabin accommodations were not the problem. His staff apparently did not read my letter carefully to realize that although I have 20 more years of travel ahead of me, it most certainly won't be on HAL. Believe me, they aren't listening. The fact that Carnival will be offering alumni discounts on their ships across individual lines, e.g. a Carnival alum will be offered discounts on HAL, Winstar or Cunard, completely destroys any idea of brand separation.

Posts: 2 | From: N. Fort Myers, FL, USA | Registered: May 2000 | IP: Logged

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