Newbie on Hal. many questions!!~

[S.S.Oceanlover]

How far in advance can you book excursions on HAL for the Zuiderdam? Is it possible to book them online?
How about those cabanas on Half Moon Cay? What comes with them and how much are they?
As you can tell I'm new to HAL. In the process of booking now so I have many questions.

Bill

[nita19482003]

I have been on 18 HAL crises. Yes, you can book shore excursions on line. Go Holland America . com, and follow the instructions for booked passenger or shore excursions. I believe you can book them no later than 10 days before sailing, and you will get your choices first before the other the passengers that book on board. The shore excursion site explains all that is needed, the prices, the activities, and the different times available. Have a wonderful trip, and I hope that you are as happy with HAL as I am.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Zuiderdam

Caribbean shore excursions can be booked strating 60 days from your cruise date up to the last 10 days.

For cabanas: call ship services at 1-800-541-1576 - any time to inquire about the price. There are 2 types - without butler service and with butler service (more expensive). You do not have to wait until the 60 day time frame to reserve a cabana - you can call today. Ship services can also tell you what all comes with the cabanas.

[General Max]

All you need is your booking number and last name on the HAL website.

Cheers

General Max

[K&RCurt]

The "Official" time frame for booking on line is from 60 day to 10 days before departure.

However, I was able to book some shore excursions for our upcoming Westerdam cruise more than 90 days out. Just keep going back to the site if something you want to book isn't originally listed as available, as ALL of the possible excursions don't necessarily show before the 60 days.

[S.S.Oceanlover]

Thank you so much everybody! Information is very much appreciated. :)

Bill

[The Talented Mr Limpit]

We called HAL Shore Excursions at 888-425-9376 to book our Cabana.
The agent told us they go quickly.
We got an "Orange" one. She explained that the color codes are by location.
Ours was 219 which accommodates 4, has a mini fridge with beverages (basic soft drinks & water I assume), chips and salsa, certificates for snorkel equipment, and if I understood her right, an Air Conditioner! She didn't mention Butler Service, but since it seats 4, I should have 3 Butlers working for me (don't tell the rest of my party I said that)!
If I am correct, the ship services number 800-541-1576 is for Stateroom Beverages and Gifts.

[S.S.Oceanlover]

Yes they do come with air conditioners. Sounds like something my BIL would as he hates the heat. lol

Below is a picture of the cabana that Ziggy posted on Webshots.
http://www.cruisingthecaribbeanprincess.com/cabana.jpg

Thanks
Bill

[CanadianMAG]

The cabanas seem like a lot of money, are they really worth it $219/each? There will be two of us?

[pingsplace]

The cabanas seem like a lot of money, are they really worth it $219/each? There will be two of us?
No, the $219 is not worth it unless you have no intentions of going in the water. Get the clamshell for $9.
I just sat between the clamshells and was very very comfortable. The sand was cold and it felt like a cool 26 degrees C or 75 degrees F in the shade.

[peaches from georgia]

No, the $219 is not worth it unless you have no intentions of going in the water. Get the clamshell for $9.
I just sat between the clamshells and was very very comfortable. The sand was cold and it felt like a cool 26 degrees C or 75 degrees F in the shade.
There is a huge difference in air and sand temps between December when you were at HMC and late May when CanadianMAG will be there. It gets HOT! :eek:

[The Talented Mr Limpit]

This family has a great site regarding their cabana.

http://www.elite.net/~thehalls/cabana.html

I think it will make a suitable base camp.
Only 9 more days until we're off!

[S.S.Oceanlover]

There is a huge difference in air and sand temps between December when you were at HMC and late May when CanadianMAG will be there. It gets HOT! :eek:

When we did Princess' private island last year in July the sand was nice and cool when we got there. By the time we left the island around 3pm the sand was so hot you couldn't walk on it in your barefeet.

Bill

[Orcrone]

When we did Princess' private island last year in July the sand was nice and cool when we got there. By the time we left the island around 3pm the sand was so hot you couldn't walk on it in your barefeet.

BillWe were at HMC on Nov. 1. Granted that's not the hottest part of the year. However, DW was amazed at how cool the sand stayed, even though we were there until well into the afternoon.

As to whether it's worth it. That depends on each individual. We got the clamshell for $9.00 and that was fine for us. However, others love it and would not consider going without it.