HELP...Who has chartered the MAASDAM for 8-20-05 Canada/New England sailing??????????

[debjo]

I really need all the CCer's help on this one...
I have been trying to put together a cruise for my in-laws & family (mostly elder folks) and we had narrowed it down to the MAASDAM and RCI's ENCHANTMENT OF THE SEAS...with strong leanings towards the MAASDAM. We are working through a Cruise Planner along with researching the "net". Our Cruise Planner had pulled some pricing together for us and while we've been awaiting the final "family" approvals, she has emailed me that the MAASDAM won't work because it had been chartered and the reservation agent couldn't tell her to whom. :confused:

I just went into the Holland America site and tried to "book" this 8/20/05 sailing ourselves and what had many "openings" a couple days ago is now TOTALLY "CLOSED". :eek:

DOES ANYONE KNOW WHO HAS CHARTERED THIS ENTIRE SHIP? I'm hoping to find out so that we might be able to book through the chartering company if the MAASDAM ends up being the hands-down family choice. I guess I'm sounding pretty desperate here, but a lot of research has been going into this and I'd hate to have to share some disappointing news with "the family". :o

I'm hoping that someone out there might be able to shed some light onto this for me...is there any glimmer of hope left for obtaining a booking with the MAASDAM for 8/20/05??? :rolleyes:

Debjo (who should perhaps be "fired" from being the family cruise director)

[Lisa63]

Oh no... that's the day we were thinking of returning to Maasdam. :(

Nice to see you again, debjo. Maybe there's another date that can work for you and your family? (And maybe for us, too?)

[KCat]

I certainly understand your stress level, as I've been our families cruise guide as well. ;)

Have you tried calling HAL & asking them what is going on?

[kryos]

I just went into the Holland America site and tried to "book" this 8/20/05 sailing ourselves and what had many "openings" a couple days ago is now TOTALLY "CLOSED". :eek:

DOES ANYONE KNOW WHO HAS CHARTERED THIS ENTIRE SHIP? I'm hoping to find out so that we might be able to book through the chartering company if the MAASDAM ends up being the hands-down family choice. I guess I'm sounding pretty desperate here, but a lot of research has been going into this and I'd hate to have to share some disappointing news with "the family".
My money is on a Christian organization. Women of Faith have a conference on that same ship June 25 through July 2. Lots of Christian organizations host shipboard events and I could well imagine them having the interest to fill the entire ship.

I would just call HAL. See if the group that chartered will allow others to book through their travel agent. Hopefully, it won't be a private organization that will only take bookings from its own members. If that's the case ... and a company chartered the ship for a private sailing (God, I wish I worked for a company like that) ... then, sadly, your sunk (pardon the pun) ...

Blue skies ...

--rita

[janetjulie]

Debjo,

Try a google search. Go to www.google.com and type
Maasdam August 20, 2005. You will see several agencies listed. It looks like more than one may be holding group space.

Janet

[sail7seas]

IMO....

If I knew that a ship was mostly chartered by a large group, I would not want to sail on that cruise. When there is a huge group aboard, they take over everything and very often a lounge could be closed off to others not part of the group (Crowsnest); sections of the dining room or even a whole seating are closed to everyone else and other such limitations.

The few pax aboard who are not a part of the group are very much effected by the doings of the group.

I would try to pick another date.

[Esme]

Sail - agree with you 100%. There have been a lot of complaints by regular paxs regarding the Inspirational Group that took over the Oosterdam and other HAL ships a number of times this past year.

http://www.inspirationcruises.com/html/canada_new_england.html

Check out their website as it lists all the cruises they have planned. Gather it is best to stay away from the ship when this group is on, unless of course you want to join them.





Kyros - it is not the Christian Woman's group on the August cruise - they are slated for June 25-July 2, 2005 and then another group October 1-8, 2005.

Debjo - if there were cabins open a few days ago and then the sailing is now closed, it could be that some travel agency has booked off those cabins or again the ship has been chartered. I did look at that sailing and everything has been CLOSED.

I would suggest that you go to a travel agency and speak directly with them. They may be able to find out if the ship has been chartered - could also have been a glitch in HAL's web site. Try again.

[Krazy Kruizers]

I wish there was a way that we could find out if large groups are booked on various cruises.

We have been on ships when they took over the lounges.

Bad news.

[peaches from georgia]

The last thing you want to do is find out who has the Maasdam chartered and try to book space with them. Run as fast as you can to another cruise- same ship, different date or different ship, same date. You and your family should be so happy you found out about this charter before you booked. :eek:

[thulewx]

I just checked and the cruise I'm booked onto also has that inspiration bunch booked - wonder how many of them will be on. I have a VERY low tolerance level for so-called Christians who insist on imparting their frequently bigotted views on everyone within earshot.
Esme - what were the problems - do you remember or know where I could find out more? Would it help if I wore a star of David or something like that? I know when certain sects would try to come to my house to proselytize, I'd either tell them I'm Catholic or Druid - that usually shut them up and sent them running. :(

[tomc]

Oh, fecal matter. I'm on the June 25 Maasdam and really can't change. However, I'm pretty good at avoiding people and/or issues. I begrudge nobody their religious beliefs, or lack of same, and I only ask others quietly respect mine.

[peaches from georgia]

I don't think it's so much what the interest of the chartering group is in most cases, but the fact that there are so many of them and they take over lounges and just about every public area of the ship. Even if the venue is not closed to other pax, it might as well be when one large group monopolizes the facility.

Over a certain # in a large group I really think other pax who have booked should be informed and given the opportunity to cancel. Will never happen, but it is only fair.

[Esme]

Thulewx - I can't remember off hand, but I am sure I read about the problems encountered by a pax on this board and that may have been before a lot of the posts were deleted. Try doing a Search of Inspirational Cruises and see if you can find something. I do remember they took over the upper level of the dining room, theatre and other public areas of the ship.....I kind of think they even took over the Show Lounge and put on their own entertainment - if that's what you want to call it. :rolleyes:

You sound like me when the certain sects come to the door. Now I see 2 of them walking up the driveway or standing at my front door, I don't bother opening the door.

People are welcome to have their own beliefs but don't try to pawn them off on me :p .

Personally, I think HAL has a duty to advise paxs booking a cruise, if this group will be on board or if any very large group will be on board.

[HeatherInFlorida]

I couldn't agree more with all of you who do not recommend trying to book a commandeered ship!!! Woe is me ... bad idea!!! I won't go into details for fear of offending any one group, but we've been in this predicament and it doesn't matter what group it is because they pretty much stay with their own, but they do pretty much take over the ship.

I agree with Krazy that it would be great if we could know this in advance and be forewarned. But my guess would be that's the last thing the cruiseline wants you to know. Because if the cruise is booked by a "group" of only 1200, they still want to fill the remaining cabins! So if they can keep this info under their hats, they will!

[sail7seas]

THIS time, we got lucky. We disembark our b-to-b's on Maasdam on June 25. If we were to be aboard on June 25, I'd be changing our booking. (I would have that luxury [assuming availability] as we do not have to fly to get to the port.

[dakrewser]

There have been a lot of complaints by regular paxs regarding the Inspirational Group that took over the Oosterdam and other HAL ships a number of times this past year.

http://www.inspirationcruises.com/html/canada_new_england.html

Check out their website as it lists all the cruises they have planned. Gather it is best to stay away from the ship when this group is on, unless of course you want to join them.

Thanks Esme, I think. I checked and we will be joined by http://www.inspirationcruises.com/html/david_jeremiah.html on the O'dam 1/22/05 sailing. Ah well, forewarned is forearmed. I'll just wonder the halls saying "O'dam" a lot...:rolleyes:

-dave

[HeatherInFlorida]

Thanks Esme, I think. I checked and we will be joined by http://www.inspirationcruises.com/html/david_jeremiah.html on the O'dam 1/22/05 sailing. Ah well, forewarned is forearmed. I'll just wonder the halls saying "O'dam" a lot...:rolleyes:

-daveGood one, Dave!!! .... as always;)

But I have to say, The Harpist looks pretty darn good to me!!!:D

[tomc]

(e-mail just sent to Inspiration Cruises to see how big a group they expect. Might as well go right to the source.)

Hi Folks!

Looks as if we'll be sharing the same wonderful ship for the same wonderful itinerary June 25 - July 2. Been on the ship before and taken that cruise before; they're both just great, as is Holland America Line, my favorite.

Got one question: How many of you will be onboard with me and what effect will that have on our use of the common rooms?

Thanks for your reply and I'm sure your participants will have a lovely time in that beautiful part of the world.

[tomc]

We will be bringing a large group with us on the cruise. This will not
affect the ship programming at all. Our private meetings will take place in
the large show lounge during a time that it is not normally used for regular
passengers. All other common rooms will be available to our passengers as
well as the regular passengers on the ship.

You are right to say that the Maasdam is a wonderful ship and in our
opinion, Holland America is one of the best cruise lines around... And then
this itinerary is my absolute favorite. I'm sure you will have a wonderful
time and our group should not impact your cruise negatively in any way.

Sincerely,

Delinda Hernandez
Director of Operations

[Orcrone]

We will be bringing a large group with us on the cruise. This will not
affect the ship programming at all. Our private meetings will take place in
the large show lounge during a time that it is not normally used for regular
passengers. All other common rooms will be available to our passengers as
well as the regular passengers on the ship.

You are right to say that the Maasdam is a wonderful ship and in our
opinion, Holland America is one of the best cruise lines around... And then
this itinerary is my absolute favorite. I'm sure you will have a wonderful
time and our group should not impact your cruise negatively in any way.

Sincerely,

Delinda Hernandez
Director of OperationsTom,

That was a quick response. Thanks for taking the initiative. Just wondering how many people constitute a large group.

[tomc]

Dunno. For some outfits, 300 could be large; for others, it could be 1,000. Only God and Inspiration Cruises knows. heh heh heh

[thulewx]

I sent them a similar inquiry about 3 hours ago and haven't received any replies... different cruise/different time...

[kryos]

I just checked and the cruise I'm booked onto also has that inspiration bunch booked - wonder how many of them will be on. I have a VERY low tolerance level for so-called Christians who insist on imparting their frequently bigotted views on everyone within earshot.
(
Trust me ... they're aboard for fellowship and good bible teaching ... not to convert you. :) I doubt you'll have any problems with the group and may actually be glad it's a Christian group as opposed to some other one.

They are generally quiet and don't carouse. They are considerate of their fellow passengers, and usually exercise pretty good control of their kids.

You might actually enjoy your cruise more with them aboard.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[tomc]

They do change the atmosphere, especially outside the ship's stores. Here's my experience on a recent voyage:

1) Rosaries by the inch.
2) T-shirts with a world map saying, "Here's where I've been, but my next trip is to heaven."
3) Posters on sale: "How come everybody's religion is right and everybody else's is wrong?"
4) Another poster: "Will your Eternal Cruise be on the heavenly HAL or a hellish tramp steamer? You're making your booking now."

[dakrewser]

Tom -


I guess the "Going to HAL in a Handbasket" shirts were all gone when you got there...

:) -dave

[debjo]

For Everyone...
Wow, I guess I really opened up "Pandora's Box" on this one. I haven't yet been able to find out anything as to who had "chartered" the MAASDAM for 8/20/05. I do work through a cruise planner and she is the one that shared this sad news with me stating that she found out from HAL representative that it was chartered. She asked who the ship was chartered to and the HAL representative said that she couldn't release that information. That is why I came to the Cruise Critic group...thinking that someone out there might know.

The suggestion that was made about doing a "google" search for the ship and sailing date of 8/20/05 might turn up an agency that is booking the charter is a good one. I'll give that a try tonight. As far as our family finding another cruise and/or ship...that is tricky because we are limited to sailing round-trip out of Boston. This was the only sailing that the MAASDAM had "round-trip" from that port. The other ship we were considering is RCI's ENCHANTMENT OF THE SEAS...limited sailing dates as well (only in September). We've already sailed on NCL's NORWEGIAN MAJESTY and really wanted to try another ship and itinerary. The MAASDAM had risen to the top of the list because it was a ship that offered the best deal for the monies we would have spent and it was a ship that would have appealed to our "elder" family (one of whom is in a wheelchair). So if we are able to find out the "chartering" organization, we may still want to get involved. I don't think the "elder" family will be offended by a Christian religious group...there are some types of group "charters" that they probably would rather not be so willing to sharing a ship with. I guess we'll just have to see what information we can glean.

I really appreciate everyone's "two cents" on this one...it never fails.

Until later...
Debjo

[kruzkeen]

If it is a "private charter", I think that there is no chance of you getting on it. It will have been chartered by a big group or company for their employees or highly favored clients. Think banks, insurance companys, car agencys etc. Somebody at HAL might let you know who it is but I do not think it will do you any good.

However, if a large travel agency has chartered it, they will start advertising heavily in the Boston and New England area. Probably not until after Christmas will they really start with ads in the papers. It will have to be a company with deep pockets. You might consider asking national agencys with lots of branch offices. I don't think we are suppose to mention actual companys on this board but you know who I mean.

[chesterh]

Maasdam has been chartered by Garrison Keillor for the "Prarie Home Companion Cruise, 2005". Keillor and all of the regulars from his NPR radio program will be aboard, performing as an ensemble and individually. Prices are quite high, but it should be a blast. Details are available online at http://prairiehome.publicradio.org/features/cruise/

chesterh
(http://prairiehome.publicradio.org/features/cruise/)

[TedC]

That sure sounds like a fun cruise. We're due to get off the Maasdam 20 Aug., so I have several months to figure out how to stowaway.

[chesterh]

If anyone is entertaining thoughts of going on this cruise, it looks like it is going to sell out quickly -- remarkable given the fares.

In less than 24 hours since the cruise was announced, the following categories are gone: NN,N,MM,M,L,K,J,I,H,G,FF,F,BC and BB. That leaves cabins only in HH,E,DD,D,BC,B,A and S. The Penthouse Suite will be awarded as an upgrade in a lottery amongst all passengers registered before mid-February.

chesterh

[Mr. Boston]

Last evening I was listening to A Prairie Home Companion and I caught the tail end of a blurb advertising A Prairie Home Companion cruise leaving from Boston on August 20th. I believe Holland America was mentioned but I can't remember if the Maasdam was mentioned.

[chesterh]

I've started a thread for the Prairie Home Companion Cruise on the HAL roll call forum (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=86) -- on the chance that someone else out there is going. There must be, because all but 6 of the 22 categories are already sold out...

chesterh

[localady]

Can't imagine they sell much alcohol on Christian cruises:eek: !!!!!

Probably why they discontinued with soda cards!!;) :D

[tomc]

I dunno. I'm an RC --a Christian denomination-- and, while I personally don't drink alcohol (for personal and not religious reasons), I don't see any conflict with being in that persuasion and having a snort now and then. Or a few beers. If wine with meals was good enough for the Founder, well, by golly...

[localady]

I agree totally with you TomC.:cool:

I was being partially facetious, in response to the discontinuation of soda cards. If wine is good for consecration at mass, it's gotta be okay with dinner too. ;)

[Himself]

Tomc:

What group was selling rosaries? I have never seen a rosary on HAL except the one I carry and pray. I usually keep it in my pocket when I am praying it so that no passengers get spooked.

Himself

[tomc]

The "rosaries by the inch" was a joke on the "gold by the inch" they are always selling.

[CaptData]

Check out roll call board for Aug 20 cruise. The whole ship is charted by some entertainer/radio person. They are providing the entertainment ect. But anyone can book.

[tomc]

The whole ship is charted by some entertainer/radio person. Not me, I'm afraid. It's Garrison Keillor, host of public radio's hugely successful "A Prairie Home Companion." The whole cast will be there.

[Himself]

tomc:

You ARE an entertainer. I had forgotten about the gold by the inch. I am witty but not nearly as much so as is yourself. You have to hear me to catch the quick tongue. Doesn't come off that way on the boards. Bless you Tom, you liven up these boards and you do it in such a way that we all feel a little better for having read your posts.

I heard of a guy who went on a cruise once by himself. He just needed to be away and alone to get some work done he took with him. He got to his cabin and took a little nap. At the boat drill he learned he was on an all guy gay cruise and he was the only straight one on board.
Himself

[debjo]

For chesterh & Captdata...
Thank you so much for posting the information...actually I just found out about it doing a "google" search for the cruise. Once I learned that it was the Prairie Home Companion group, I was elated :D ...it would be a perfect cruise for my elder family (wasn't too sure about the $500 - $1000 more per person rates over what our Cruise Planner initially quoted us before finding out about the "charter"). Oh well, I just have to think that it just wasn't meant to be and there will be something better round-trip out of Boston for us. :rolleyes:

No use crying over spilled milk!
Debjo