Our February Noordam Cruise is Sold Out already!

[innlady1]

What can I say...we're about to close the inn for the season, we're down to few guests, and are in the middle of a brutal Nor'easter! :eek:

I'm bored and had time to check the HAL website and our cruise seems to be sold out, the 20 day Caribbean cruise starting on February 3. So I filled out the info at an online website requesting prices for this cruise, and just received an email that it is, indeed, "sold out."

Is that unusual? Seems so to me. I did notice a month or so ago that the price had increased somewhat since I booked.

[ekerr19]

Is it chartered?

[innlady1]

Is it chartered?

I hope not! We have quite a roll call going. The time frame is popular but I find it surprising that the 20 days segment is sold out.

Nothing listed on Rich's website for groups. On any Noordam cruise, for that matter. I'm not sure how to find out about charters. Guess I'll email our PCC first thing in the AM.

[CowPrincess]

There might be a large group that isn't a charter.

[twinkletoes4445]

I think it's just a popular cruise and it's just sold out early, but I could be wrong ... there could be a group on the sailing. The cruise we were on this past Jan/Feb sold out really early. I remember in March of 2008 the prices of the remaining cabins jumped in price (our cabin category went up $2,000). I don't recall there being any cabins available by May.

[Sage]

Well Sheila, I know why it sold out so quickly. The Super Bowl Beach Patrol is on board the first segment, and the Pink Flamingos are on the second segment. You are just one popular group.

[OVgirl]

We're on the Feb. 3 sailing and I noticed that the earlier cruise that we are also on, Jan.24 is also sold out. I hope that the only reason is the popularity of this itinerary.

[mamaofami]

Guess my decision has been made for me.

[Love the beach]

We were lucky to get one of the last few cabins for the Jan. 24th cruise. I know that this one could have been combined with either the cruise before (Jan. 14th) or the one after (Feb. 3rd) to make a 20 day cruise for just a few hundred $$ more. (I recently came across a HAL flyer from early spring offering "early advantage booking prices" and the 20 day cruise was only $400 more per person than the 10 day.) Perhaps this is why the "sell out". Had I known then that we were going to book this cruise, I certainly would have booked the 20 days!

[gebo]

So what happens to my guarantee SS cabin? Nowhere to go? :eek:

[CoolChile]

So what happens to my guarantee SS cabin? Nowhere to go? :eek:

You'll either be "there" in an SS or . . . hey! Is the penthouse booked? We may have to move our meet 'n' greet to your "suite." :D

[GmaPajama]

This morning, there are some cabins available for each of the 10 day segments that make up this 20 day cruise - even though the 20 day cruise itself shows sold out. When I booked my own cabin (a year in advance) we had to ask HAL to move the one I wanted from one inventory to another - it was available for each of the 10, but not for the 20. HAL was happy to do that. My point is ... I believe there are cabins to be found if one can work around HAL's system of cabin inventories. And, of course, some cabins always become available at final payment time - from those who meant to cancel but forgot till it nearly hit them in the pocketbook.

[innlady1]

I think it's just a popular cruise and it's just sold out early, but I could be wrong ... there could be a group on the sailing. The cruise we were on this past Jan/Feb sold out really early. I remember in March of 2008 the prices of the remaining cabins jumped in price (our cabin category went up $2,000). I don't recall there being any cabins available by May.

Hi Twinkletoes...I was on one segment with you last year....the "Good Nuts Cruise" on 1/23, then the one that followed on 2/2. I called our TA (a good friend of ours) and asked him to book the Good Nuts for us and it was sold out (I'm thinking it was in July). Someone on CC put me in touch with their TA who had blocked rooms (a bunch of Good Nuts went through her), and that's how we got on.

So I'm thinking this is just a really popular time frame...and a popular ship! ;)

[innlady1]

We were lucky to get one of the last few cabins for the Jan. 24th cruise. I know that this one could have been combined with either the cruise before (Jan. 14th) or the one after (Feb. 3rd) to make a 20 day cruise for just a few hundred $$ more. (I recently came across a HAL flyer from early spring offering "early advantage booking prices" and the 20 day cruise was only $400 more per person than the 10 day.) Perhaps this is why the "sell out". Had I known then that we were going to book this cruise, I certainly would have booked the 20 days!

Holy cow...I never saw that offer! What category for $400 more? :eek:

[Love the beach]

Holy cow...I never saw that offer! What category for $400 more? :eek:

This was from the 2010 Early Advantage brochure that came in the mail:

"Combine the Wayfarer and Seafarer Itineraries for a 20 day Collectors' Cruise from $1699". It lists all the Noordam cruises from Jan 14th thru May 4, 2010. Fares based on the Jan 14th cruise. Inside price was $999, Verandah was $1299. ( I had looked at it quickly---- -and now realize that the $1699 would have been for an Inside cabin and not the Verandah as I had first thought!) :( Sorry about that!

[m steve]

No one wants to be home in Feb. due to weather so it's the month a lot of people sail. Took the 20 day on Noordam last Nov. and really enjoyed the cruise and staff. I suggest you contact a large cruise online company as they may have a block of cabins reserved. The cruise line can't access those cabins for their bookings. There are a lot of them listed on this site.

[bloofer]

We're on the Feb. 3 sailing and I noticed that the earlier cruise that we are also on, Jan.24 is also sold out. I hope that the only reason is the popularity of this itinerary.

I happen to know that there is a group booked on the Jan 24 sailing of the Noordam. It comprises several Irish performers and bands, along with a legion of fans. Have no idea how many, whether dozens or hundreds.

[innlady1]

Guess my decision has been made for me.

Don't give up, Carol! My PCC called yesterday. She said the 2/3 portion is showing "sold out" but that she could wait list folks because there will be cancellations before final payment is due on 11/20. The second part of our b2b has room (2/13).

I'd be happy to give you her name. Personally, having heard several "horror stories" re on-line agencies, I've found it reassuring to deal directly with HAL in these economic times. Before HAL, she worked for one of the big agencies who books World Cruises.

[innlady1]

I happen to know that there is a group booked on the Jan 24 sailing of the Noordam. It comprises several Irish performers and bands, along with a legion of fans. Have no idea how many, whether dozens or hundreds.

I read that a while ago. Should be interesting. :rolleyes:

[m steve]

beer and boiled potatoes on that cruise.

[innlady1]

beer and boiled potatoes on that cruise.

Let's see....corned beef...to turn the leftovers into corned beef hash would do! ;)

[lettienets]

I happen to know that there is a group booked on the Jan 24 sailing of the Noordam. It comprises several Irish performers and bands, along with a legion of fans. Have no idea how many, whether dozens or hundreds.
That same group was on last year too for the first of the 10 day segments. I was also on b2b then the Good Nuts joined on for the second 10 day part. The Irish group sometimes performed in the mid pool area at night and the place was blocked off to others.

[innlady1]

That same group was on last year too for the first of the 10 day segments. I was also on b2b then the Good Nuts joined on for the second 10 day part. The Irish group sometimes performed in the mid pool area at night and the place was blocked off to others.

lettienets...have a fabulous time on your TA crossing! Bon Voyage...you've only a week to go!

[twinkletoes4445]

Hi Twinkletoes...I was on one segment with you last year....the "Good Nuts Cruise" on 1/23, then the one that followed on 2/2. I called our TA (a good friend of ours) and asked him to book the Good Nuts for us and it was sold out (I'm thinking it was in July). Someone on CC put me in touch with their TA who had blocked rooms (a bunch of Good Nuts went through her), and that's how we got on.

So I'm thinking this is just a really popular time frame...and a popular ship! ;)

Oh, that's right! I remember you came in late and were lucky enough to get a cabin. It is a popular cruise ... we loved the itinerary and the ship! :)

[fivechip]

We were also on that cruise b2b.We had a ss suite on the deck below the pool.They would preform at 11:00 at night around the pool and would start setting up chairs at 10:00 and putting the chairs away around 12:30.Very loud.Ships guest relations did not care.We are booked this year in a SA suite two decks down from the pool area.I would rather pay more ,for a nights sleep.I am not blaming the Group,I blame the ship.Good luck for those under the pool area

[CoolChile]

. . . We are booked this year in a SA suite two decks down from the pool area.I would rather pay more ,for a nights sleep.I am not blaming the Group,I blame the ship.Good luck for those under the pool area

I'm coordinating the meet 'n' greet for the Jan 24 Noordam sailing and it sounds like you're on it as the last half of your b2b. Hope you stop by and join the roll call. Wadyathink?

You don't even have to be Irish. ;)

[twinkletoes4445]

We were also on that cruise b2b.We had a ss suite on the deck below the pool.They would preform at 11:00 at night around the pool and would start setting up chairs at 10:00 and putting the chairs away around 12:30.Very loud.Ships guest relations did not care.We are booked this year in a SA suite two decks down from the pool area.I would rather pay more ,for a nights sleep.I am not blaming the Group,I blame the ship.Good luck for those under the pool area

Hi, Fivechip! It was nice meeting you both! I hope one day our paths cross again on another cruise. :)

On our first cruise, we were directly under a bar. Never again. We now put at least one floor of cabins above and below us on the ship.

[airlink diva]

I noticed that on my Maasdam 2007 cruise. That cruise sold out rather quickly. It so happen that we were cruising during the Easter holiday. It was a full ship with alot of families on board.
It just happens with some cruises book and sell faster than others. But I would really check back at final payment time. There are people who may change their mind and cancel.
I also can understand you taking a trip during that time of year. When I was at my brother home in Detriot in January, those three days of snow forced me to come home a book a cruise :D:D! If I live anywhere with snow in the winter, a cruise during that time would be a requirement!!

[innlady1]

Hi, Fivechip! It was nice meeting you both! I hope one day our paths cross again on another cruise. :)

On our first cruise, we were directly under a bar. Never again. We now put at least one floor of cabins above and below us on the ship.

Are you going on the Noordam again this winter, twinkletoes? Would love to meet up with you again!

[twinkletoes4445]

Are you going on the Noordam again this winter, twinkletoes? Would love to meet up with you again!

Wish we were, but we've got sick parents and can't leave town. If you remember, I almost didn't get on the ship on our last cruise. I received a call about my mom, but my daughter thought we'd be ok to go ahead and cruise. It's been a rough year here...


Enjoy your cruise! We loved the Noordam and the itinerary... :)

[Sage]

Twinkletoes,

I'm sorry to hear that your parents are not doing well. I do remember you saying they were not well on our last sailing together. I'm sorry that it has been a difficult year for you. I will keep them in my prayers.

[twinkletoes4445]

Twinkletoes,

I'm sorry to hear that your parents are not doing well. I do remember you saying they were not well on our last sailing together. I'm sorry that it has been a difficult year for you. I will keep them in my prayers.

Thanks, Sage. It has been a very difficult year. My MIL and mother were sick back during our cruise and now my FIL and mother are not doing well. We seem to be coming and going between hospitals and rehab centers. It's hard to keep up when they are hospitalized for months. But at least they are here and we are able to take care of things. I've seen so many people who don't seem to have any family around. You really need an advocate when you're in a situation like this. All my friends are in the same boat. We all have elderly parents who are having problems. So I do have a good support system here. :)


Hope you have fun on your upcoming cruise!! :)

[fivechip]

Hi everyone,Don and Rosemary from Boston.We are booked on the Noordam again in 2010.Jan 14 until Feb 3.I tried to e-mail coolchile,but it came back undelivered,so please sign us up for the meet and greet.It will be great to see everyone again and meet new freinds

[lettienets]

Are you going on the Noordam again this winter, twinkletoes? Would love to meet up with you again!
hi innlady1 Sheila. I see your winter cruise is booked up. I leave tomorrow for Rome and my TA, whoo hoo! I also booked a Panama Canal cruise west to east on the Carnival Elatiion from San Diego to Mobile Alabama, but may get off in Tampa (they said we could go home from there too)
Next Hal, Top of the World July 09. Still thinking about Bermuda to see all of you again! Looks like a big year for travel!

[innlady1]

hi innlady1 Sheila. I see your winter cruise is booked up. I leave tomorrow for Rome and my TA, whoo hoo! I also booked a Panama Canal cruise west to east on the Carnival Elatiion from San Diego to Mobile Alabama, but may get off in Tampa (they said we could go home from there too)
Next Hal, Top of the World July 09. Still thinking about Bermuda to see all of you again! Looks like a big year for travel!

Have a fabulous cruise, Loretta! I'll be thinking of you....... When's your Panama Canal cruise?

[CoolChile]

Hi everyone,Don and Rosemary from Boston.We are booked on the Noordam ... Jan 14 until Feb 3. I tried to e-mail coolchile,but it came back undelivered,so please sign us up for the meet and greet.

Rosemary, this thread is relating to the Feb 3rd sailing which innlady1 is on. I posted a response to you on the Jan 24 roll call which I'm coordinating the M&G for. I'm receiving emails from other roll callers with no problem so please check the E-address you're entering for me ... there's a mis-type in there somewhere. ;)