First time cruiser--looking to book HAL

[LAX]

Hi, all:

Newbie here with lots of questions! Any suggestions/insights much appreciated! Well, let's fire away. First of all, I am looking to book a 10-Day Panama Canal/Carribean cruise on Zaandam in October, but I am not sure what type of cabin to book and what location. I think I want to try a verandah cabin because of the balcony, do you think it's worth the extra couple of hundreds? Do they include any extra amenities other than the additional balcony space? Also, is the front of the ship better or the rear? What is included in the cruise price, beside food and lodging? What are examples of stuff that costs extra onboard? Oh! I actually got a pretty good quote from CruiseVacationOutlet.com. Anyone with experience doing business with them? Are they reliable and honest? Thanks a ton and look forward to getting great advice from experienced cruisers on this board.

LAX

[RuthC]

Location on ship is usually prioritized: mid-ship, aft, forward. The motion of the ocean is minimized at the most-center part of the ship---front to back/side to side/up and down. There is some motion aft, but much less than forward.

It's possible to pay your fare and never spend another dime (except for the $10/person/day service charge) aboard the ship. :) But also, this is highly unlikely:rolleyes: . Room, food, entertainment, use of the gym is part of the package. You will pay extra for alcoholic and soft drinks, photos, shore excursions, spa and beauty salon services.

I've never booked a veranda cabin, but certainly it would be very nice on a Panama Canal (or any!) cruise. In the Canal it would give you the opportunity to view from your own spot, and still go back inside to cool off (you'll need to). Only you can decide if it's worth the extra $$$. Unless you're in an S- or PH-suite there are no extra perks to a veranda besides, well, the veranda itself!

I'd suggest you read, read, read everything you can on this board, and ask questions. You might also want to sit down with a good TA and discuss what you want out of a cruise---and a cruiseline.

Good luck.

[K&RCurt]

LAX:

Are you from LA or Philly? Or do you slit your time between the two? As you can see we are from Lansdale which is slightly North of Philly.

I can say that RuthC is correct in everything she said. I have one caveat for you........Once you take your fist cruise you will be hooked! We just got back two weeks ago from our first cruise and we are already booking another.

If you can afford the veranda cabin I would recomend it highly. We spent alot of time on our veranda watching the ocean sail by. It is just wonderful to be able to sit out in your robe with room service breakfast for a great start to your day!

[Shifra]

Hi....yes RuthC covered it all.....I just want to add if your budget can handle it I definately recommend a balcony cabin. Like K&RCurt said there is nothing like having your breakfast on your balcony. I use my balcony alot when I cruise. :)

Your decision should be based on what you want to do with your cruise experience. If I didn't use my balcony as much as I do then I could not justify paying the xtra $$. Quite a few cruisers don't spend much time in their cabins.

[LAX]

LAX:

Are you from LA or Philly? Or do you slit your time between the two? As you can see we are from Lansdale which is slightly North of Philly.

I can say that RuthC is correct in everything she said. I have one caveat for you........Once you take your fist cruise you will be hooked! We just got back two weeks ago from our first cruise and we are already booking another.

If you can afford the veranda cabin I would recomend it highly. We spent alot of time on our veranda watching the ocean sail by. It is just wonderful to be able to sit out in your robe with room service breakfast for a great start to your day!

K&RCurt--Lansdale is certainly not too far from where I am now. I spend most of my time in the Philly area now even though I always consider myself an Angelenos no matter where I relocate to. Besides, I try to spend as much time as I can find back in LA, so I always consider that "home."

Anyway, all valuable advice appreciated! Any other tips from other veteran cruisers? Thanks in advance.

LAX

[jhannah]

We have never cruised without a veranda, and I don't think we ever would. We thoroughly enjoy sitting out in privacy enjoying the passing scenery or ocean. We're not hermits, however, and do enjoy being out and about on the ship. But we do use our veranda, so it has always been worth it to us to have it.

[Without Tessa]

Both the cruises I have been on, we have had a balcony and I can't imagine not having one. We enjoy it SO much! I sometimes wake up and realize that DH has wandered out to the balcony to enjoy the fresh air, the sound of the ocean and the twinkling stars...it's great to see him so relaxed!

And breakfast out on the balcony is to die for! :D

[Krazy Kruizers]

There are several types of verandah cabins. What one are you considering? The perks between an "S" (Delux) differ from the others. Even the size of the verandah and the cabin itself differs.

[LAX]

There are several types of verandah cabins. What one are you considering? The perks between an "S" (Delux) differ from the others. Even the size of the verandah and the cabin itself differs.





I am only considering the regular verandah cabins (A or B). I am actually in the middle of deciding which category I should choose. The only downside with a category B cabin is that I won't get a pre-assignment. A few people have commented on the pros and cons of A vs B cabins, but with this being my first cruise, I am just not sure which way to go! I guess I will wait for more responses and then see what the "general consensus" is. Thanks.

LAX

[dakrewser]

The B verandahs are fine, go with the B guarantee and there's always the chance it will turn into an A. But even if it doesn't, you'll still have a great time.