Sugarplums and Noordam Dreams Dance In My Head

[HeatherInFlorida]

Many of you know our joyous thread about our hopes of sailing on the Noordam's maiden voyage has been moved to the roll call boards and no one sees it anymore. I asked Walt to please return it here since it's really not a roll call thread. I've not heard from him which is odd because he usually responds one way or another.

I know Laffnvegas, EKerr, Ruth and probably Sail and Brian want to keep sharing the hope of living the dream as well as any information we may receive about it. So I'm trying again without dates and such so maybe it flies under the radar;) . Since it's been so long, here's the link to the former thread to refresh your memories:)

Cruise Critic Message Boards - New Noordam - Feb. 22, 2006 - There is already NEW info on the New Noordam! (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=105544)

[bookworm0911]

Many of you know our joyous thread about our hopes of sailing on the Noordam's maiden voyage has been moved to the roll call boards and no one sees it anymore. I asked Walt to please return it here since it's really not a roll call thread. I've not heard from him which is odd because he usually responds one way or another.

I know Laffnvegas, EKerr, Ruth and probably Sail and Brian want to keep sharing the hope of living the dream as well as any information we may receive about it. So I'm trying again without dates and such so maybe it flies under the radar;) . Since it's been so long, here's the link to the former thread to refresh your memories:)

Cruise Critic Message Boards - New Noordam - Feb. 22, 2006 - There is already NEW info on the New Noordam! (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=105544)Actually it really is a Roll Call thread. Wasn't the thread all about who wants to go on that maiden Noordam cruise? When time comes for booking I'm sure there will be more interest in participating in this thread. We are thinking of booking it also. :D

[LAFFNVEGAS]

What a great title:D I doubt he will move this thread. I will be anxious to hear any definite dates and holding out for one that is the middle of a month. I am pretty sure I can get around being gone for a 10 day cruise. This would actually be perfect. Here's why, Our first HAL cruise was on the Zuriderdam in her Inaugural Year, then our second cruise was on the Oosterdam in her Inaugural Year, next was Ryndam just after completing SOE, next comes Westerdam still in the Inauguaral year and on this cruise we will recieve our 25 day pin:) next come the Maasdam which gets us to 35 days, then back to the Oosterdam which gives us 42. Hopefully the next cruise will then be the Noordam if we only do a 7 day cruise that puts us at 49 days not enough to get our 50 day pin:( but if we did a 10 day which would be perfect we would recieve our 50 day giving us 52 days and completing the circle of having gone on all 4 of the Vista Class ships in their Inauguaral Year and getting 50 days on HAL:p

[ekerr19]

Well, I still don't see how it can be considered a Roll Call thread when the date or itnerary isn't really set yet. It has changed three times that I know of!

Heather - thanks for starting this new thread - we needed it! Maybe if we avoid mentioning specific dates and see what happens.

I am already for this one. :)

In fact, it will be on my Christmas "Wish List" for 2005!

[bepsf]

I also heard more about the tentative schedule for Noordam.

My understanding is that after it's inaugural Caribbean season that it would return to Europe and spend the summer there...

Either way, the schedule should be out after the first of the year - I'm like a little kid who can't sleep waiting for Santa Claus...

[saltydog28]

ekerr & bepsf
Where do you get your information from? I am interested in this cruise and I have a feeling it might sell-out quickly. I've asked my TA about it and he said 'after the first of the year.' I went with my daughter (who is planning her wedding) to a TA, and she had no idea what I was talking about.-maybe her mind was still focused on my daughter.
Is there a website or a publication that will give me this info?
Thanks in advance,
Pat.

[ekerr19]

I get my info from my TA in Seattle. If you email me, I can give you further information about the TA and why they may have the information a bit earlier than other agencies...

lskerr@comcast.net

[RuthC]

I've been thinking about cutting back on the length of my cruises after next year's trans-Atlantic. I've also pretty much decided to go back to Alaska in '06---very possibly north/south back-to-backs.
So, taking a 10 or 11-day Caribbean out of NYC in the winter would fit nicely with both ideas.

Even though I've never been attracted to the Vista-class ships---way too large, no self-service laundry---the thought of sailing a maiden voyage is very attractive. Add the idea that NYC as the port and I'm starting to see those same visions.

(And no, this is not a roll-call thread. It's a recruitment thread!:D )

[ekerr19]

(And no, this is not a roll-call thread. It's a recruitment thread!:D )

Ruth-

I LOVE IT... :D

[bepsf]

Salty--

I got my info from a pal who works for HAL (My HAL Pal :D) in Seattle.

Wish I could find out more, but he's on a cruise right now...
;)

[HeatherInFlorida]

Actually it really is a Roll Call thread. Wasn't the thread all about who wants to go on that maiden Noordam cruise? When time comes for booking I'm sure there will be more interest in participating in this thread. We are thinking of booking it also. :D
Well, I don't really think of it as a roll call thread because we have no date and we have no bookings. A roll call is for people who have booked a specific date on a specific cruise. We have neither:D . When we have a date and we start booking, then we'll go to the roll call! Sound good? Meantime, we're just "chatting";) .

Lisa, glad you like the title. I had to rack my brain for that one;) !!

Ruth, we'll talk more about this in January, but it's definitely on my thought burner!:)

Now where is Sail?????!!!!

[dougnewmanatsea]

Many of you know our joyous thread about our hopes of sailing on the Noordam's maiden voyage has been moved to the roll call boards and no one sees it anymore. I asked Walt to please return it here since it's really not a roll call thread. I've not heard from him which is odd because he usually responds one way or another.Walt hasn't replied because he's away and without web access at the moment ;) .

Walt's view was that as these threads are about a specific, upcoming cruise - even if the dates aren't set and bookings haven't been taken - they do belong on the Roll Call board. I agree with him on this. While there may be no dates, no itinerary, and no bookings yet, the purpose of this thread is still the same as a roll call - to discuss a specific future cruise with (in this case, potential) future shipmates - therefore, it goes on the Roll Call board.

I do apologise if you feel that your threads are being moved to where nobody will see it, however the Roll Call forum is the proper place for these discussions.

If you wish to open a thread about the new NOORDAM herself, or any other more general topic (not about a specific cruise) on the main board you are welcome to do so.

Thanks for your cooperation.

[HeatherInFlorida]

I am very upset and I just don't agree. There is no cruise, there is no date and there are no bookings. No one will look for this on the Roll Call board because no one has booked the cruise.

People don't go to the Roll Calls until they book a cruise. So how are we to discuss it?

[ekerr19]

I have to agree with Heather - nobody looks here until it's booked...:confused: and we can't even book it yet!

In fact, since the change on the boards, the Roll Calls are not nearly as active as they used to be. Some posters have complained about not being able to find the link to change over - it used to be right at the top of the page and you could go back and forth.... oh well

Regardless, we are discussing other aspects of the New Noordam - from her itinerary and schedule and what we like to see.. hmmm, guess I'm just confused.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

I totally agree with Heather. Unless you are already booked one does not go to the Roll Call Board. I certainly don't go to the Roll Call Board to see if anyone as started a Roll Call then choose that cruise. I don't go to the Roll Call board till I am booked and paid my deposit. All we were doing was talking about the excitment of "when" the new Noordam would have her first sailing. We certainly were not starting a "Roll Call of who is sailing on this cruise"

If it always has to be in the "Roll Call Board" how are we to talk to everyone in the regular HAL board about when HAL does publish info about the first sailing?

[HeatherInFlorida]

Doug and Walt were kind enough to let us return this thread to the main boards so I'm bumping it off the 2nd page. Since we have so little info on this cruise, it's a good way for us to keep informed on the latest information!

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Yeah!!!!! Glad to see we have the thread back. Now if we could start getting more info about dates and booking;) I am still crossing my fingers and toes for a date that is different and will work in my work schedule.

[ekerr19]

It's BACKKKKK!

Now who else has this on their Christmas "Wish List" for 2005?

[HeatherInFlorida]

Yes, it's baaaaack, .... thank me very much;) . I'm thinking verrrrrry seriously about doing this without my DH (:eek: ) and clearly what Heather wants Heather gets:o . I'm KIDDING!!!!!:D

[rkacruiser]

The Noordam is on my Christmas Wish list for 2005, too! I think it will be interesting to see just where the Maiden Voyage will be. So many rumors; one poster, Esme, I believe, said that it would be a Venice to Athens cruise in February, 2006. Actually, I will be disappointed if the Maiden Voyage is not a trans-Atlantic. I was looking forward to a winter-time visit to Venice and a long cruise to somewhere in North America. I thought that the voyage might end at Port Canaveral, since the Zaandam seems to be moving out of that port. (I can't imagine Holland America giving up a berthing place at that port and figured the Zaandam's move might be to make room for the Noordam.)

Like kids at Christmas, we will just have to wait and see!

[ekerr19]

Oh Heather - you are killing me! Yes, I do thank you very much! You really went to bat for us and I appreciate it!

DH has the same philosophy - it is far better for Laura to have what she wants - everyone is happier that way! HAA HAA, Joking! :eek:

[FlorenceItaly]

Please keep me posted. I have nothing on the calendar for 2006 yet, and would love to cruise with other CC'ers.

Marie

[LAFFNVEGAS]

DH has the same philosophy - it is far better for Laura to have what she wants - everyone is happier that way! HAA HAA, Joking! :eek:
If you would ask Tom my DH he would say that is the key to a Long Happy Marrige:D and the words "Yes Dear" But trust me it doens't hurt to keep him happy also. As long as we can see a cruise in the near future we are BOTH Happy:p

[HeatherInFlorida]

The Noordam is on my Christmas Wish list for 2005, too! I think it will be interesting to see just where the Maiden Voyage will be. So many rumors; one poster, Esme, I believe, said that it would be a Venice to Athens cruise in February, 2006. Actually, I will be disappointed if the Maiden Voyage is not a trans-Atlantic. I was looking forward to a winter-time visit to Venice and a long cruise to somewhere in North America. I thought that the voyage might end at Port Canaveral, since the Zaandam seems to be moving out of that port. (I can't imagine Holland America giving up a berthing place at that port and figured the Zaandam's move might be to make room for the Noordam.)

Like kids at Christmas, we will just have to wait and see!rka, if you click on the link in my first post which will take you to EKerr's first thread about all this, you'll see the info she had received about the maiden voyage. Her thread is now on the Roll Call board. We finally convinced Doug and Walt to at least move this one back over here so we can get fresh info as it happens.

So, everyone, as you learn stuff ... don't forget to let us know!!! But deep down this is EKerr's party and she's the Captain of the ship!:D

[Travelbug 2]

You may be interested in this. I received the message below as a result of my recent e mail enquiry to HAL -----


Thank you for your recent correspondence with Holland America Line. We sincerely apologize that recent modifications to our website have resulted in an unexpected delay to our e-mail response system. This did not allow us the opportunity to reply to your message prior to now. We appreciate your patience and apologize again for the delay.

Yes, Noordam is scheduled to join our fleet in mid-2006. The 2006 product is currently not available for new reservations at this time. We suggest to check back Mar/Apr 2005 for further updates. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Please let us know if we can be of additional assistance to you. We are confident our "Tradition of Excellence" will have surpassed your expectations.

------At least they were kind enough to reply. Sounds like she will be booked up very fast once the reservation info' is available.

Stay tuned -------Happy cruising.

[bepsf]

You may be interested in this. I received the message below as a result of my recent e mail enquiry to HAL -----


Thank you for your recent correspondence with Holland America Line. We sincerely apologize that recent modifications to our website have resulted in an unexpected delay to our e-mail response system. This did not allow us the opportunity to reply to your message prior to now. We appreciate your patience and apologize again for the delay.

Yes, Noordam is scheduled to join our fleet in mid-2006. The 2006 product is currently not available for new reservations at this time. We suggest to check back Mar/Apr 2005 for further updates. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Please let us know if we can be of additional assistance to you. We are confident our "Tradition of Excellence" will have surpassed your expectations.

------At least they were kind enough to reply. Sounds like she will be booked up very fast once the reservation info' is available.

Stay tuned -------Happy cruising.

Hmmm - I guess misinformation is better than no information at all...
:cool:

[dakrewser]

If you would ask Tom my DH he would say that is the key to a Long Happy Marrige:D and the words "Yes Dear" But trust me it doens't hurt to keep him happy also. As long as we can see a cruise in the near future we are BOTH Happy:p
No, it's those three little words, uttered over and over again, that keeps peace in a marriage -


I'm sorry, dear

:rolleyes: -dave

[HeatherInFlorida]

Ah, Dave ...... that only works if it's heartfelt;) .

Now why is HAL saying the Noordam will join them in "mid 2006" if EKerr was told the maiden voyage will be at the end of February. No way that is considered "mid".

Hey! Maybe I won't have to freeze my buns off after all:D !

[ekerr19]

Well, I think gizmo also received the same recent info that I did. Looks like she will be available for booking on 12/20/04? it can't be 12/20/05 - so I'm assuming it's 2004.

I think HAL has contracted out much of it's customer service to third party providers. My niece works for a company that handles customer service calls for Amex and Ford Motors (recall division) and several others. These people (CSRs) are just in one big call center answering phones and handling customer inquiry. She says that while the company tries to train each individual that handles specific calls, say for Amex - they have alot of turnover and they get alot of complaints that the CSR doesn't know what they are talking about.

SO, to make my long winded point - I don't trust any CSR anymore. It's a shame you can't get info "directly from the horses mouth" but the reality is that you can't. It is alot cheaper for the company to out source this function anymore.

I trust my TA - I will ask her about the 12/20/04 date.

For those of you who may have tried or have emailed me the past few days - my email is down again! I called to find out the problem, but got a CSR who didn't know what she talking about - I'll give it another day. :)

[LAFFNVEGAS]

From the other thread it sounds like it is getting more official with actual date.
I just got off the phone with my TA who has it on her calender to call HAL the morning of the 20th. I will not be in town ( I will be traveling to Phoenix the weekend of the 18th, 19th and 20th) Oh my will I be able to handle not being on the CC Boards:eek:

We planning to book a suite for the March 15th cruise.

[HeatherInFlorida]

As I said on the other thread, if they'd just left things alone with EKerr's thread, it would have been nice. Maybe we should just forget my Sugarplum thread and go on over to Gizmo's thread. Makes me sad ... I loved this title:(

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Heather, I really like this title since it is " Tis the Season" I think we need to keep it going:D

[ekerr19]

Let's keep it! I like it too.... We are looking at cabins SS8099 or S7051 if the Noordam is configured like the Westerdam!

I love the fact that they have quad balcony cabins besides Suites... we cannot justify paying for all four of us in a Suite... :(

[HeatherInFlorida]

I think 7051 looks nice for you. Go for that one;)

[ekerr19]

We had 7053 on the Zui and it was a tiddlebit too close to the Concierge entrance... we heard the pax outside our door all the time.

I think I like 7051 too! :D

[ekerr19]

Hey - the gang's all here! Hi everyone! :D

[dakrewser]

I think HAL has contracted out much of it's customer service to third party providers.
I don't think so, after all they just purchased a new call center in North Dakota.

-dave

[ekerr19]

I don't think so, after all they just purchased a new call center in North Dakota.

-dave

Yes, and they are hiring locals to staff it... let's see, last I checked HAL's office was in Seattle. ;)

[LAFFNVEGAS]

I think 7051 looks nice for you. Go for that one;)
Would you believe we have 7051 for our upcoming Westerdam in March:D
I didn't think about it but should tell my TA to get us 7051 again.

We are still waiting for the Suite to open up for the Maasdam in July we have B137 but have now decided we want a S but all balcony and S's show closed I personally think in January or February they will open up more. I think they wait till they have a good size wait list then open it up so that you are willing to pay more to get it. We have a S5187 for the Oosterdam in October but that sure is a long way from the Neptune Lounge. At least I will get my exercise:D We wanted to try an Aft cabin just once.

Laura, I think you should go for 7051, then you can take care of it for us:)

[ekerr19]

Laura, I think you should go for 7051, then you can take care of it for us:)
We are definitely considering it - you had it on Westerdam, was it too close to the Concierge entrance??? We were in 7053 on the Zui and found it very close, we could always hear people chatting outside our door...

If we end up booking it, we will leave it in excellent condition for you ... :D

[thulewx]

Just got an email from my T/A and she said no bookings yet - HAL said to try back later - maybe March 05? :(

[RuthC]

Thanks for the update, Phil. I hadn't had a chance to get to the HAL website today. Now I don't have to! Good thing; I need the time for other things!

[bepsf]

I checked this am...

Although I guess I shouldn't expect a schedule posted for a ship that they've barely begun building, I would think that HAL would have a schedule out for the rest of the line - esp. considering that Carnival and Princess are taking reservations for 2006 & even Carnival corporate says that trends are for passengers to book cruises farther in advance...

[thulewx]

Just got another email from T/A - said they start booking tomorrow!!! :D

[HeatherInFlorida]

Oh wow!!! Wonder if there will be something on their website. Have to look first thing!!! Just in time for Christmas:)

[ekerr19]

Oh wow!!! Wonder if there will be something on their website. Have to look first thing!!! Just in time for Christmas:)
Well, my TA is on vacation - I emailed the contact she told me to and low and behold still waiting - the contact turned my request over to someone else within the agency and - nothing... not a thing... not exactly what I expect from my TA....

[bepsf]

No updates on the website either...

Sigh...

[ekerr19]

I just got a call (finally) from the guy filling in for my TA - he said he called HAL and was told March 2005 - but I think someone (Thulwx?) posted yesterday that he heard the same thing initally - then it changed to today...

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Hi Everyone, Was I missed?, I went out of town to Phoenix for 3 days now trying to get caught up on the boards. Well, my TA just called me and after several attempts was finally directed to someone who just sort of knew a little bit about the Noordam. It seems that they may have jumped the gun a little bit about stating they could start to make reservations on the 20th of December. It seems they cannot offically take reservations yet but can take your name and category you are requesting down and place you where they want to when it does become available. Then something about it was a direct booking thru HAL but once it was officially opened the booking would transfer back to my TA. It seems that they may not know for sure yet when the first sailing will be. It is possible it could be delayed. My TA said it sounded like they would know more after the first of the year, she is to check back with them around the 4 or 5th of January. She asked if I wanted on the waiting list and I told her just to wait till it was actually available since they cannot even quote a price. I most likely will so a Suite but if the prices are really high may drop down to a SS.

[thulewx]

Another email from T/A today...
Now delayed again for a couple days according to HAL... :(
Patience - harrrumph! :mad:

[ekerr19]

errrrrgh! :mad: I hate all this conflicting info! I am going to call HAL reservations myself and see what they say.

Lisa- Your TA seems to be on top of it - I wish mine weren't on vacation.

[bepsf]

Just read something about how RCCL is accepting bookings for its new Ultra-Voyager ship - would be nice if HAL did the same for Noordam:

(From Cruiseblogger.com)


Tuesday, December 21
From the loyalty has its rewards department: Royal Caribbean's past passengers (Crown & Anchor Society members) will have first crack at booking space on the new "Ultra Voyager" class ship, Freedom of the Seas which is scheduled to enter service in April of 2006. The line will begin accepting bookings from C&A members on February 28, 2005. Inventory will then be opened to the general public about two weeks later. During the "members only" booking period, reservations will only be accepted through Royal Caribbean's Loyalty Center and through travel agents, and passengers must have a Crown & Anchor number. The space will not be opened for sale in the line's computer system accessible to travel agents or on the line's website until approximately mid-March.

[bepsf]

Just called HAL reservations & spoke w/ a very nice lady named Annie.

She confirmed with her manager that we should try calling back after the first of the year - they would be more likely to have pricing, etc. by then. She also confirmed that they are not taking names or holding a waiting list for booking the maiden voyage at this time.

[ekerr19]

Brian-

Thanks for the info - I was holding w/HAL reservations and got another call, so I hung up. I'm frustrated that the news release indicates 12/20/04. My TA told me not to get my hopes up - she thought it would be closer to March, but she didn't have anything concrete, so I didn't post it at the time.

I guess we continue to wait... please make sure to post if you hear ANYTHING at all! :)

[HeatherInFlorida]

All of you are doing such a good job of handling all of the details on this that I've decided to just sit back and wait until I hear the word "GO" ;)

Have to say I can't believe all the conflicting reports each one of you gets even when speaking directly with HAL. No wonder the TA's don't know what to say!!!

[thulewx]

See other thread - I'm booked onto the Maiden!! Also - I started an official thread on the ROLL CALL board since it's official now....
Brian - I got the PH!!! You're welcome to share - I may need the help paying for it!! Geez - this one's FULL FARE PLUSSSS!!!! :eek:

[seawyllow]

[FONT=Arial][COLOR=Blue]
Hi Everyone,
I just got off the phone with HAL and got group space for the Noordam for FEB 22 from NY. 24 cabins in 6 different categories but it is a little pricey, but at least no airfare for me from Jersey! And 6 gap points which means choices from dinner in the Pinnacle Grill, wine in the staterooms, soda package, photo, equiptment at half moon cay, or others to choose from!

I can't wait, we are taking 2 cabins for ourselves! :D

Chris

[ekerr19]

Chris-

Our TA gave me horrible quotes yesterday... it is very pricey! Only 30% discount... we are waiting for another quote on a different voyage. :)

[seawyllow]

Chris-

Our TA gave me horrible quotes yesterday... it is very pricey! Only 30% discount... we are waiting for another quote on a different voyage. :)

Which cat are you looking for? We got about 40% off the pub rates.

[HeatherInFlorida]

It's too rich for my blood so you're all on your own! But I hope you all have a fantastic journey and come back and tell us all about it.

I'll catch it after they work out all the kinks.;)

[ekerr19]

Which cat are you looking for? We got about 40% off the pub rates.

Ours is cat SS... but she wasn't 100% positive on the discount yet - it's still VERY high for a 10-day.

Heather-

It's looking a little rich for me too! I could go to Tahiti (and I'd much rather!) for those prices! :eek:

[seawyllow]

Hey Guys,

My cat is SS also, and we got them for $2549 each, down from the pub of $4179 each. 3rd and 4th is $580 each so I'm glad I have a year to pay it off :rolleyes:

Chris

[ekerr19]

Chris-

Your TA has gotten you a better deal than ours quoted us! :eek:

I'd take it too. We are still waiting for the final numbers...

[HeatherInFlorida]

Heather-

It's looking a little rich for me too! I could go to Tahiti (and I'd much rather!) for those prices! :eek:
Exactly ... and on a ship without kinks;) .

Bear in mind that seawyllow is getting a rate based on booking 24 cabins. That does make quite a difference in the discount.

[seawyllow]

Exactly ... and on a ship without kinks;) .

Bear in mind that seawyllow is getting a rate based on booking 24 cabins. That does make quite a difference in the discount.

Hi HeatherinFlorida,
This is true, but the rate remains the same even if I only get 5 cabins to commit ;)

chris

[HeatherInFlorida]

Chris, that's great. But 5 cabins is considered a group just the same. You would get a better rate than someone booking on their own. Maybe everyone on these boards who wants to go should get together as a group and book it. Still too rich for my blood:o

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Well, I am waiting for my TA to get me a price she said she is still having with HAL that no one seems to know anything yet. We have it some what set in our minds that it would be very expensive. I figured if we could get a S for no more than $3200 per person we would do it or a SS for $2500 per person. My guess is that the prices will go down but I would at least like to pick out my cabin in the very beginning. We at least would have a whole year to save till the final payment. But then I have two more this year to pay final payments on:eek: Just paid the March one a couple of weeks ago.

[seawyllow]

Chris, that's great. But 5 cabins is considered a group just the same. You would get a better rate than someone booking on their own. Maybe everyone on these boards who wants to go should get together as a group and book it. Still too rich for my blood:o

Hi Heather,

I am an agent, that is the reason I get the good rates and know the inside scoop. We are booked on the inagural sailing ourselves, so I hope to see some of you there.

Chris

[bepsf]

Quoted from Expedia.com:

Balcony(VH) rates from 2933.77 pp double occupancy, includes all port
charges and taxes.

Suite (SS) from $4463.77 pp double occupancy, includes all port charges and taxes.

S Suites from $5753.77 pp double occupancy, includes all port charges and taxes.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Quoted from Expedia.com:

Balcony(VH) rates from 2933.77 pp double occupancy, includes all port
charges and taxes.

Suite (SS) from $4463.77 pp double occupancy, includes all port charges and taxes.

S Suites from $5753.77 pp double occupancy, includes all port charges and taxes.



:eek: :eek: OH MY!!! Unless the prices drop I may not be booking this cruise for March 15 2006. My TA still has not heard from HAL on any definite booking.:eek: :eek:

[ekerr19]

Lisa-

That is what we have gotten so far too. We were holding an SS cabin, for all four of us, the cost was over $10,000! Our TA says that discounts have not been put into place for most agencies for this cruise yet, thus the high price. Interestingly, the 3rd/4th person is only about $580... we have passed at this point. We will have to see if the price comes down - it is way too expensive to justify.

Also, the catagories are undergoing changes, they have different classifications for Suites now, like SA, SB, SC, etc... I'd like to see the deck plans.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Laura, at those prices I doubt seriously that this ship will book quickly. That really surprises me about the breakdown of the "S" suites. I am guess that those closer to the Neptune Lounge are the SA, then those that are on the lower level near the elevators are SC and maybe the aft ones are SB. Gee, this is still a Vista Class ship:confused: , a lot more cabins the prices should be less than the S Class. THe Oosterdam and Wessterdam were not that expensive for their first fiew cruises. I definitely will be waiting for prices to drop, my guess is we too will end up with a SS unless they make some huge changes in prices.

[HeatherInFlorida]

I wonder if they're just seeing what the traffic will bear, so to speak. They may want to see how much they can book at those prices and go from there. My feeling is that with the increase in prices overall in the cruise industry in the coming years, the lines will probably "float" ;) higher prices early on and check the response. It will be interesting to see it play out.

[bepsf]

I agree - these prices are CRAZY

At this point, I'll wait for another opportunity...

[seawyllow]

I just wanted to let everyone know a few things-

1. Group pricing is available and bookings are being accepted, TA's who say they are not getting prices or info are not talking to the correct people.

2. Expedia is publishing the listed brochure prices and not group pricing yet.

3. SS cabins on Deck 8 (Navigation deck) are under the Lido pool and Lido restaurant. There are also SS cabins available on deck 6 (Upper Verandah Deck) which would be much quieter. Cat S is on deck 7 (Rotterdam) as well as the penthouse suites.

4. Prices we got-

Cat SS- $2549.00 plus port and tax of $284.77 = $2833.77 per person
Cat VA- $1959.00 plus P&T = $2243.77 per person
Cat VD- $1749.00 plus P&T = $2033.77
Cat D- $1499.00 plus P&T = $1783.77
Cat J- $ 1184.00 plus P&T = $1468.77

3rd and 4th is $580.00 plus p&t = $864.77

Most of the balcony cabins do not take a 4th person, but a lot of the insides and outside cabins do.

If you have any questions, email me privately at seawyllow@msn.com and I will answer anything I can.

Good luck,
Chris