nieuw amsterdam med cruise questions..new to HAL

[fancruise]

My husband and I (49,50) and another couple are looking at booking the Nieuw Amsterdam mediterranean cruise Aug 31 from Venice. They would like a balcony cabin and we want the best cheapist inside or window cabin. Any suggestions re. cabin selection and port or starboard? We have cruised RCCL x2 and Carnival X2 and Princess once. From reading the boards, I am really looking forward to trying HAL.

We have never cruised the med. before. From reading the boards, it sounds like Venice, Santorini, and the Amalfi coast are popular. We enjoy a mix of sight-seeing, beaches/water fun, and "adventures" Any thoughts on this cruises ports or other ideas or recommendations? We had also looked at RCI's Splendour of the Seas back to back Greek island tours which included leaving from Venice and stops in Croatia and Kusadasi.
Thanks for any help!

[fancruise]

bump

[Aunty Pat]

You’ll spend you day light hours docked in port on this so choosing port or starboard side when you book won’t make a difference, because there is no telling in advance which side of the ship will be towards the dock. With an outside cabin on the main deck there is a 50/50 chance you’ll be looking out at the side of the dock.

I’d suggest going for a “guarantee” category C outside cabin assignment and you just might get an upgrade to a veranda or go with an inside cabin “guarantee”.

Aunty Pat


Barefoot Windjammer - Phantom ‘81
K&D German Rhine Line ‘84
NCL - Norway ’85, Pride of America ’05, Southward ’87, Star ’97 & ‘05, Starward ’92, Sun ’02 & Windward ’93
RCC - Song of America ‘89
American Hawaiian - Independence ‘98
HAL - Volendam ’99, Noordam ’06, Oosterdam ’07 & ‘09, Statendam ’02 & ‘08, Prinsendam ’03 & ’06, & Zuiderdam ’04, ’06 & ’07, Westerdam ‘09
Carnival - Spirit ‘05
Celebrity – Summit ‘05
Cruise West - Yorktown Clipper ‘06
Princess - Golden Princess ‘07
A & K - East Queen ‘07
Cunard - QM2 ’08
Crystal – Serenity ‘09
Pending Cruises:
Oceania – Insignia, June 17, 2010

[fancruise]

Thank you for your advice. On HAL ships, how is the motion far forward or aft, as sometimes these are the guarantee cabins? I have never done a guarantee cabin. What experiences have you or others had?Thanks again!

[vinodoc]

For your friend who wants a balcony, I would suggest port side. As you sail out from Venice, St. Mark Square and more famous landmarks will be on the port side. You can just borrow your friend's balcony and enjoy waving goodbye to Venice.

For other ports... it does not matter.

Kevin

[fancruise]

good to know. thanks!