Krazy Kruizers
Holland America Specialist
Check this out:
Crew Spotlight: Enhancing Embarkation: NEW Stateroom
Direct Service
When Holland America Line Hotel Manager Rene Tuinman, presented his staff aboard the ms Volendam with a challenge – How can we improve our guests' first cruise day? – they took him very seriously.
What they eventually uncovered has come to be known as Holland America Line's new Stateroom Direct Service. With new operational efficiencies, all Holland America Line ships will have guests' staterooms ready for them as early as 11:30am, allowing embarking guests to settle comfortably and quickly in their staterooms as soon as they board. As Tuinman explains, this was no small effort for the crew.
"We realized that we needed to adjust schedules, without asking staff to work longer hours," says Tuinman. "It became obvious that preparation and manpower were the keys."
"Staterooms could be stripped and cleaned very quickly if we had all supplies on hand and ready," says Tuinman. "Every staff member needed to be aware of our goal, and waste no time looking for or gathering supplies. Simply by doing that, we greatly streamlined our housekeeping functions."
"There was a period of trial and error, during which we made improvements, but it was a team effort all the way – and a great improvement in service and guest satisfaction."
"Now our guests really can begin their cruise as soon as they board," says Tuinman. "They settle comfortably into their staterooms leaving their carry-on luggage behind, move around an uncrowded ship and enjoy lunch in a relaxed atmosphere.
"Guests have been appreciative," adds Tuinman. "It's very gratifying to have found a way to enhance our guests first cruise day experience. It's unique to Holland America Line, and we're very proud and happy to offer it."
This new service will be available on all ships by the end of February.
Crew Spotlight: Enhancing Embarkation: NEW Stateroom
Direct Service
When Holland America Line Hotel Manager Rene Tuinman, presented his staff aboard the ms Volendam with a challenge – How can we improve our guests' first cruise day? – they took him very seriously.
What they eventually uncovered has come to be known as Holland America Line's new Stateroom Direct Service. With new operational efficiencies, all Holland America Line ships will have guests' staterooms ready for them as early as 11:30am, allowing embarking guests to settle comfortably and quickly in their staterooms as soon as they board. As Tuinman explains, this was no small effort for the crew.
"We realized that we needed to adjust schedules, without asking staff to work longer hours," says Tuinman. "It became obvious that preparation and manpower were the keys."
"Staterooms could be stripped and cleaned very quickly if we had all supplies on hand and ready," says Tuinman. "Every staff member needed to be aware of our goal, and waste no time looking for or gathering supplies. Simply by doing that, we greatly streamlined our housekeeping functions."
"There was a period of trial and error, during which we made improvements, but it was a team effort all the way – and a great improvement in service and guest satisfaction."
"Now our guests really can begin their cruise as soon as they board," says Tuinman. "They settle comfortably into their staterooms leaving their carry-on luggage behind, move around an uncrowded ship and enjoy lunch in a relaxed atmosphere.
"Guests have been appreciative," adds Tuinman. "It's very gratifying to have found a way to enhance our guests first cruise day experience. It's unique to Holland America Line, and we're very proud and happy to offer it."
This new service will be available on all ships by the end of February.
