Date for HAL CC Cruise

[localady]

If we were to have a HAL CC cruise, when would you be available, and where would you like to cruise??????

There has been talk of a possible HAL CC group cruise and we'd like to make as many CC'ers as possible happy so we could get a large turnout.:D
So, when are you available and where would you like to sail??????

[ekerr19]

I don't really care where we sail, as long as it's not Alaska. Probably the Caribbean would work best for us. I don't care what time of year, we'd try to go with or without the kids.

I know when we were talking about the new Noordam - many people thought March/April was good, just not over Spring Break.

I think we need to get this ball rolling too! Looking at some of the pricing for the remainder of 2005 - it doesn't seem like 2006 is going to be any kind of bargain.

[sail7seas]

I agree that we would not wish to book a cruise to Alaska. Just about anytime would be okay for us as long as we had a fair amount of notice. We are booked for b-to-b's in June and are pretty open after that.

Booking the new Noordam would be wonderful. We'd be interested ....all things being equal.

[ekerr19]

Sail -

I see you have your HAL signature back - I assume you must have come across Brian's post. I'm glad you saw it. :) It's nice to see the Logo back on the boards.

[jhannah]

I think the new Noordam would be great!

[localady]

It sounds great!!

Where does the Noordam sail from and when would be the best time to sail the Carribean??? We have never tried a Vista ship and would love doing this. :cool: I am not interested in being a Group Cruise leader but if someone is, it appears they will get a free trip. Speak up if you are interested in being the Group leader please!

[ekerr19]

It sounds great!!

Where does the Noordam sail from and when would be the best time to sail the Carribean??? We have never tried a Vista ship and would love doing this. :cool: I am not interested in being a Group Cruise leader but if someone is, it appears they will get a free trip. Speak up if you are interested in being the Group leader please!

Localady -

I think the Noordam will be sailing from NYC, RT Caribbean. Not sure though. I think Vic the Parrot has some information on it.

Are you sure you don't want to be the group leader???

[anley]

The new Noordam will be sailling round trip from New York 10 and 11 day

Caribbean . Maiden Voyage is Feb 22,2006.

It would be great if we could get a group of ccrs together for this one.

I,m sure I can get my DW to go because we won't have to fly .

Stan Pappadavespappa

[Ziggy7]

Caribbean or Mexico for us, 14 day is the longest we could go for, May or June is good for us, can possibly make it other times with ample notice! Possibly willing to chair if we get committee members to help :)

[localady]

Caribbean or Mexico for us, 14 day is the longest we could go for, May or June is good for us, can possibly make it other times with ample notice! Possibly willing to chair if we get committee members to help :)

Ziggy-
I would be happy to be a member the committee, just don't want to have to be the "Chair". I suspect there are others that would be happy to assist too!!:D

[torpeedo]

We are thinking of booking a HAL cruise end of 2006. Considering the Volendam 10 day cruise. Not sure if CC'ers would be interested in 10 days but fares should be low beginning of Dec. We are booked already on the Liberty in Feb and the Jewel of the Seas CC group cruise in April. The pocket book can maybe :o stand one more but it would need to be a great deal. Would love the Noordam but not the NYC route. So we are possibly open to a HAL cc cruise if it's later in 2006..

[HeatherInFlorida]

Since we'll be on a 14 night in October 2005 we wouldn't want to cruise again until October/November of 2006. Possibly we could do a 1 week in the Spring of 2006, but not a 10-14 day. Just wouldn't work for us. Besides, I'd have to talk DH into this idea:rolleyes: .

Definitely not Alaska though ... Caribbean would be best for us.

If it worked out that we could go then I'd be happy to help on the committee, but not if it's a time we can't go. I think that makes sense:o ?

Sail, so glad to see the HAL logo back in your signature. It looks better than before ... perhaps it's not so large?

[Oceanwench]

I'd love to go, but we can only sail out of Port Everglades or another close-by Florida port. DH can't fly and take along his power chair, etc. :(

But just think: If the group sailed out of FLL, people could spend the night before the trip up in the West Palm Beach area.
I have 2 guest rooms!

And Heather could make her dessert extravaganza.

What about a night before party?!!! :)

[Aussie Gal]

We would love to meet up with everyone but as we will have already been away for 6 weeks cruising in South America in Jan/Feb 2006 and we are also going to do the Zeendam 34 day from Vancouver to Tampa in September/October 2006, I am afraid that 2006 is out of the question for us. We have never been to the Caribbean so it would have been something new to do as well as have a fun time with all the C.C's on this board.

Jennie

[cruznon]

Oh, I'd love to do this, but being a teacher, my times "off" might not coincide with times others may wish to sail. If it "lines up" I'd come. Mexico or Caribbean.
Presidents' week in Feb. or November (around Thanksgiving) would work for us.

[localady]

Maybe a late March or Early April 2006 on the Westerdam????....7 day East or West Caribbean. It's 7 days, out of Florida which would work for many of our CC Cruisers. As it's a Vista Ship there are staterooms in every price range!!:cool:

[sail7seas]

Thanks, Heather and ekerr, for noticing about my gif. I'm happy it's back and really appreciate Brian's finding it for me and telling me how to put it back into my signture.

Actually, I like this one even better than the one I was using in the past.


Thank you, again, Brian. You Rock!!! :)

[sail7seas]

It appears that most of us think a Caribbean cruise would work well, we will have to investigate early spring and late fall 2006 as there are no HAL ships in the Caribbean for summer 2006. (I'm still pouting over that!! :( :(

[sail7seas]

Maybe a late March or Early April 2006 on the Westerdam????....7 day East or West Caribbean. It's 7 days, out of Florida which would work for many of our CC Cruisers. As it's a Vista Ship there are staterooms in every price range!!:cool:

I think that could work for us. I need to check with DH, of course, but it 'has promise'.

[HeatherInFlorida]

Guess what!!! I actually mentioned this idea to DH at dinner tonight and he didn't rule it out!!! I almost got the feeling he thought it might be fun:D .

The Caribbean would be great for this sort of cruise. The prices are very good in late Oct./early Nov. But I'd be open to the idea of early Spring.

Let's see the response we get over the next few days.

Sail, I think what I like is that it's blue:D . Feels like the "old Sail" is back in town.;)

[sail7seas]

Thanks, Heather.


I really like the blue better, also. And the double oval outline.
I didn't realize how much I missed having it. ;)

[Oceanwench]

Late spring or late fall would work for us, as would a Vista class ship [more accessible rooms.]
DH has decided we will cruise twice a year, and we have no plans yet for 2006!

What a great idea!

[mechcc]

Sounds like lots of fun. Late fall out of Florida works best for us but might be able to work in the Nordam maiden voyage also.

[ekerr19]

We could easily do a 7-day out of FLL in the Spring 2006 - the Westerdam sounds great to me.

Localady, do you know what is involved with being the CC group leader? Perhaps with a bit more information, we may have some folks who want to "step up", so to speak - I can already think of a few... ;)

[localady]

We could easily do a 7-day out of FLL in the Spring 2006 - the Westerdam sounds great to me.

Localady, do you know what is involved with being the CC group leader? Perhaps with a bit more information, we may have some folks who want to "step up", so to speak - I can already think of a few... ;)

Thanks to Trubey for the following information:

Become a Cruise Critic Group Leader

How would you like to gather a group of your fellow Cruise Critic members and do the thing we all love best…take a cruise? It's easy to start planning and promoting your own Cruise Critic group cruise. Just follow the instructions and advice we provide below and you'll be sailing away with a few (or a few hundred) of your fellow Cruise Critic friends! We'll even make it easy to find your group onboard by giving the group a special discount on all Cruise Critic gear. And, you can earn yourself a free cruise by becoming a group leader! Just follow our ten easy steps below to get started.

1. Pick a Ship and Itinerary
See how many people are interested in joining you by posting on our Group Cruise Board (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=24) and on the specific cruise line forum (official cruises only).

Hint: New ships tend to attract the most takers.

2. Select a Month to Travel
Once you have a ship and itinerary selected and an initial group that's interested, attempt to select a month that all can agree to travel.

Hint: The best group deals are offered in May, June, September, October and early November.

3. Contact our Cruise Critic Community Manager
Once you have an idea of how large your group will be initially and the month and ship of sailing, contact Laura (groups@cruisecritic.com) and let her know that you are interested in leading a new Cruise Critic group cruise. She will explain the process to you and will contact three Preferred Cruise Agencies to obtain your official quote. After you receive your proposal, and checking with your initial group members, it is full speed ahead! Our Community Manager will create a web page for your group as well as designate your own message board forum in our community.

Hint: Being flexible in sailing date may mean a better price and more amenities!

4. Contact Your Preferred Cruise Agent
Contact your personal cruise specialist at the Preferred Cruise Agency provided to you to introduce yourself as the official Group Leader. At this time your personal cruise specialist can offer additional advice, information and expertise on your choice of cruise.

5. Promote Your Group Cruise
Once you have a Cruise Critic group started, we will create a special page for your group cruise listing all of the information about the cruise including prices and booking information and a message board within our Cruise Community just for your group but open for all to see how much fun you are planning! This is the perfect place to talk about the cruise and get to know each other before sailing, make onboard plans to meet (wearing your Cruise Critic gear of course!), and keep your group informed of important details like deposit and final payment information.

Hint: We'll help you link your message board in your Cruise Critic Member signature, a great way to promote your Cruise Critic Group Cruise. If you create your own Cruise Critic Group Cruise Web site, you can also link that in your Cruise Critic member signature.

6. Remind Group Members to Send in Deposits
Once you have decided to reserve a new group, the Preferred Cruise Agency will make the initial deposit required to hold the allotted cabins. Full deposits for each cabin booked need to be made no later than five months prior to sailing. At that point any cabins which do not have deposits on them will be released. After these cabins are released you may have difficulty obtaining additional cabins if others want to join your group, so remind members to send their deposits in. In some categories availability may be limited, plus, on some cruises all group members will receive additional perks if a certain number of cabins are booked in the group. Encourage your group members to send in their deposits as soon as they have decided to cruise with the group.

Hint: If prices for Cruise Critic sailings come down after booking the group, the Preferred Cruise Agency will make adjustments to the payments even after final payment has been made. If there are no price adjustments available, the group is guaranteed the original negotiated price for the initial allotment of cabins.

7. Encourage Purchase of Travel Insurance
It's important to remember that there are penalties on a group starting at 70 days prior to departure so please get your group to buy third party travel insurance such as Access America or Travel Guard.

Hint: Third party insurance offers more comprehensive coverage than your average cruise line package. Insurance is based on price per person of actual cruise fare.

8. Plan Some Fun
Plan some group activities during the cruise, or make arrangements to go on some shore excursions together. Decide if you want the group to have a pre-cruise party at a day early to get to know each other before the cruise. If so, the Preferred Cruise Agency can help you plan it at a local port hotel and include transfers to the port the next day, and other amenities.

Hint: This is a great opportunity to wear your Cruise Critic gear and meet all your online friends and take a group photo for our Community Center!

9. Order Your Cruise Critic Gear
All Cruise Critic group members are entitled to receive discounts off any bulk ordered Cruise Critic logowear. Laura Sterling, our Community Manager, (groups@cruisecritic.com) can help you with the details and ordering.

10. Final Payment
Final payments will be paid directly to the Preferred Cruise Agency. Some groups may require the prepayment of gratuities. Individuals can contact your Preferred Cruise Agency directly to make all payments to protect their credit card information. Passengers that are purchasing an air/sea package will have their transfers included from the airport to and from the ship.

Hint: For those that are booking their own air, transfers are available to purchase from about $25 round-trip per person.

Replace first paragraph of Group Leader Perks with:

Group Leader Perks
All Cruise Critic groups must have a minimum of 8 cabins booked to be considered a group and receive all of the group perks. As group leader you will receive one free net cruise fare if at least 8 cabins are sold, and two free net cruise fares if at least 16 cabins are sold. Group leaders will need to pay for their cruise upfront, but will be rebated the equivalent rate per berth for the category which has the largest number of cabins booked. Group leader is responsible for all port charges, taxes and fees. In addition, all group leaders will receive the group amenities and an additional perk program created specifically for our group leaders. Please note that the contract for these group cruises is between Cruise Critic and the Preferred Cruise Agency. Final decisions regarding group cruise amenities, perks etc. are the responsibility of Cruise Critic.

Group leaders will also be given details on bulk quantities of discounted Cruise Critic gear for their group members. If 10 or more of any Cruise Critic logowear item is purchased, the group leader will receive that item free.

Cruise Critic reserves the right to refuse permission to be a group leader for any reason. http://www.cruisecritic.com/images/pixel.gif

[Iggipolka]

Late spring or early Fall 2006 sounds great to me! Caribbean is less expensive, so I'd vote for that.

[dakrewser]

It sounds like a great idea, and any place other than the Caribbean we'd be ready to go.

[kryos]

It appears that most of us think a Caribbean cruise would work well, we will have to investigate early spring and late fall 2006 as there are no HAL ships in the Caribbean for summer 2006.
I might possibly be able to "squeeze in" a 7-dayer in the fall of 2006. Carribean would be my preferred itinerary as I will be looking to keep things reasonably inexpensive and wouldn't have enough vacation time left to do anything more than a 7-day itinerary. I have a 30-day Hawaii/South Pacific cruise booked in January 2006 that is going to eat through most of my 2006 vacation days ... not to mention budget.

But a CC group cruise would just be too much fun to even dream of passing up. I'd love to cruise with ya'all!

Blue skies ...

--rita

[Ziggy7]

It sounds like a great idea, and any place other than the Caribbean we'd be ready to go.Oh come on Dave, think speedo's and bikini's :)

[grannynurse]

But, sadly no Caribbean for us. We swore off after the Zaandam New year's cruise. Great ship, but the ports have really deteriorated over the years. It would just be a waste of money for us.
Yes i know that the ship is the destination but the atmosphere in the caribbean is too oppressive for me, I can't handle it emotionally.
Cool weather cruising is all we want to do.
GN

[Nanner]

Not interested in being a group leader, but a group cruise could be fun. Can't do spring unless it's after April 15. Guess what I do for a living?

[kryos]

Oh come on Dave, think speedo's and bikini's :)
Think cost too.

The Caribbean is easily the most affordable itinerary.

Come on, Dave, you'll love it. Besides, I'd like to meet you.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[richcrow]

If we were to have a HAL CC cruise, when would you be available, and where would you like to cruise??????

There has been talk of a possible HAL CC group cruise and we'd like to make as many CC'ers as possible happy so we could get a large turnout.:D
So, when are you available and where would you like to sail??????

Late Fall 2006 would be best for us out of FT. Lauderdale. If we were not already booked on Zuiderdam for Oct. 1st this year, we would be ready to do a CC'r Group Cruise now and even help with organization. It would be great to meet some of the people that have been so helpful with our first cruise on HAL.

Richard

[HeatherInFlorida]

For the folks who are against the Caribbean ... there's nothing that says you even need to go ashore!!! If there's enough of us we can just party on board the whole week!!!

Obviously we'll go ashore at Half Moon Cay and rent out all the cabanas!!!:D .... just kidding. One will be more than enough for the 50 of us!!!

[CDRMark]

a Boston/Montreal Autumn cruise?
Cheers
MarkB

[HeatherInFlorida]

a Boston/Montreal Autumn cruise?
Cheers
MarkB

This would be my own personal favorite because I've been wanting to do it forever, but I'm happy to settle for the Caribbean.

We had even thought we wouldn't cruise in 2006, but a Fall 2006 Boston/Montreal cruise would cinch the deal for me.

[TYMAN]

We're also thinking of next fall......you guys got my attention! Plus I owe Heather a big HUG! :D

[dakrewser]

We had even thought we wouldn't cruise in 2006, but a Fall 2006 Boston/Montreal cruise would cinch the deal for me.

Now that could work for me!

Our objections to the Caribbean are similar to Grannynurse's, but it also seems to us that Caribbean voyages attract a greater percentage of obnoxious cruisers than other itineraries - you know, more of the "it's my money and I'll do what I want" kind of folks. So simply staying on board in port doesn't help.

And Ziggy? Just the thought of typical HAL pax (a wonderful group in many ways) in speedos and bikinis could put me off my feed for a week! :)

[localady]

We are already booked on the NZ/Aust. cruise in the fall 2006....so a fall 2006 cruise won't work here. I guess trying to please all the people is impossible:/:cool:

[sail7seas]

We cruised Maasdam Canada/New England last July. We are booked for Maasdam again this June for back-to-backs Canada/New England. I'm not sure DH would want to do that three years in a row seeing as we live in Boston. But, maybe???

I just want to comment FYI that Canada/New England cruises are more costly than late fall Caribbean cruises are...if that is a factor.

ALSO:



3. Contact our Cruise Critic Community Manager
Once you have an idea of how large your group will be initially and the month and ship of sailing, contact Laura (groups@cruisecritic.com) and let her know that you are interested in leading a new Cruise Critic group cruise. She will explain the process to you and will contact three Preferred Cruise Agencies to obtain your official quote. After you receive your proposal, and checking with your initial group members, it is full speed ahead! Our Community Manager will create a web page for your group as well as designate your own message board forum in our community.



The above quote is from the large post stating how to go about putting together a group cruise.

Does this mean we cannot use our own TA's but have to use one approved by CC?

[JaniceB]

I would vote for a late spring early summer cruise. I do not really want to cruise during hurricane season. According to Trubey the best group deals would be in May and June for this season.

[localady]

The above quote is from the large post stating how to go about putting together a group cruise.

Does this mean we cannot use our own TA's but have to use one approved by CC?


It appears so S7S.....but in all deference to Cruise Critics, I think that if we have a date, we should be able to book with our TA's as we usually do on the cruise. The only problem with that is if we book that way, our group coordinator would not receive a free room.

[HeatherInFlorida]

In order to get a group rate, which should be less than booking individually, we would have to book as a group.

Also, if we do not do it as CC suggests then we certainly will not be able to post on the CC boards about the cruise.

[localady]

Heather-

IMHO CC would have a hard time not allowing us to post on this cruise. We have a huge amount of folks going on the November "Veendammers" cruise and we log in frequently over on the Roll Call section. That is not a "sanctioned" CC Group, but no one has suggested we can't post about it!
I think it would be fine to have a CC Group cruise, but we could also cruise as a "unsanctioned" group as we are in November! We even have tee-shirts thanks to Judy!

[mechcc]

As my DW has already posted we are available late fall, November would be ideal. However, it seems we have many educators and others for whom this would not be a good time.

WHAT ABOUT TWO CRUISES????

I'm sure we have more than enough in this group to make both very enjoyable. I bet there are some who would do both. Put me in the hat to help, here is my email if anyone wants to take me up on the offer:
hcolegrove@earthlink.net

[sail7seas]

We can deal with the TA issue when we get to that point, I suppose. It might be no problem and MAYBE one of the TA's who are a part of CruiseCritic may get us such a good price we'll be happy to use them??? The price would have to really good though to give incentive for folks to leave their 'comfortable and trusted' favorite TA's they're used to dealing with. IMO

[jhannah]

Actually, an Alaska sailing would suit us best. We have given thought to a cruisetour for next June. We, too, have cooled to the idea of more Caribbean cruises ... at least for the immediate future.

[ekerr19]

Ok, no one asked me, so I hope no one minds - but I am going to narrow down some options for Spring 2006 and Fall 2006. Though either time works for us and both Caribbean and New England/Canada would be fine with me, I don't think I want to do Alaska... but I can put one out there and maybe we can all vote... I can get some basic preliminary pricing as well.

I do not care to be the leader, but wouldn't mind doing some "prelim" work on this at all. It is what I live for. LOL!

I think everyone will have to narrow the choices down to their top 2 favorites. I think adding a second cruise would be an option for a future HAL CC cruise, but right now I think it would be important to stick to focusing on selecting one cruise.

Give me an hour or two and I will have all the information posted. If anyone thinks a particular cruise is noteworthy - post it.

Things that should receive consideration (IMO):
Cost
Length
Time of year/dates
Destination
Embarcation/disembarkation ports

Anything else?

[Himself]

What is wrong with a sail out of San Diego to Hawaii?

[HeatherInFlorida]

From my own point of view it would have to be either out of Boston to Montreal or out of FLL to the Caribbean. First choice would be Fall 2006 (Oct/Nov), but we might be able to do Spring (May).

Alaska is definitely out for us and so is Hawaii because we simply can't take the time to do that in 2006. (And I don't even want to do Alaska).

Laura, you would be a wonderful Chairman and we're more than happy to wait until you get back on the 30th to really get the ball rolling!

[stanford's girl]

My choice would be Oct/Nov in the Caribbean. No interest in doing an Alaska cruise. I'd like to go somewhere warm so temperature is a factor for me. :)

[ekerr19]

Sorry for the delay everyone - my "real" life temporarily side tracked me...

Ok, here is what I have so far. I used the Vista class ship Westerdam as the Caribbean ship, though I can get information on other ships - let me know.

For Alaska and New England/Canada - there are cruises available, obviously - though I was unable to get pricing for 2006 on either of these destinations yet. Keep in mind, a 7-day (which was my primary focus) NE/Canada will have different embarcation/disembarcation cities - thus increasing airfare costs.

I added a Mexican Riviera on the Oosterdam because I saw a post about departing from San Diego - though I personally, think a 15-day Circle Hawaii is too long for this type of cruise. Let me know if you think otherwise.

I have listed 2 Eastern Caribbean & 2 Western Caribbean cruises for both Spring and Fall 2006, as well as a Spring & Fall selection for Mexico. I took the costs (based on several different categories) from HAL's website - so keep in mind the fare will probably be lower.

My next post will be the dates and fares.

[HeatherInFlorida]

Are there supposed to be prices showing in EKerr's post? Because I don't see them. Does anyone else see them?

[ekerr19]

Sorry, I got delayed again... Here are the cruises and prices.

Ms Westerdam - SPRING/FALL 2006

7-day Eastern Caribbean - RT from Ft. Lauderdale - Nassau, Phillipsburg, Road Town, HMC

3/19/06 - SA = $3009.57, SC = $2509.57, SS= $1999.57, VA = $1394.57, VF = $1219.57, H = $999.57, M = $904.57

4/2/06 - SA = $2839.57, SC = $2339.57, SS= $1879.57, VA = $1314.57, VF = $1139.57, H = $939.57, M = $874.57

7-day Western Caribbean – RT from Ft. Lauderdale – HMC, Ocho Rios, George Town, Cozumel

3/12/06 - SA = $3020.52, SC = $2520.52, SS= $2010.52, VA = $1405.52, VF = $1230.52, H = $1010.52, M = $915.52

3/26/06 - SA = $3020.52, SC = $2520.52, SS= $2010.52, VA = $1405.52, VF = $1230.52, H = $1010.52, M = $915.52

Ms Westerdam - SPRING/FALL 2006

7-day Eastern Caribbean - RT from Ft. Lauderdale – Grand Turk, Phillipsburg, Road Town, HMC

10/15/06 - SA = $2677.88, SC = $2177.88, SS= $1767.88, VA = $1242.88, VF = $1067.88, H = $887.88, M = $832.88

10/29/06 - SA = $2677.88, SC = $2177.88, SS= $1767.88, VA = $1242.88, VF = $1067.88, H = $887.88, M = $832.88

7-day Western Caribbean – RT from Ft. Lauderdale – HMC, Grand Turk, George Town, Cozumel

10/22/06 - SA = $2681.32, SC = $2181.32, SS= $1771.32, VA = $1246.32, VF = $1071.32, H = $891.32, M = $836.32

11/5/06 - SA = $2681.32, SC = $2181.32, SS= $1771.32, VA = $1246.32, VF = $1071.32, H = $891.32, M = $836.32

Ms Oosterdam - Mexican Riviera SPRING/FALL 2006

7 – day Mexican Riviera – RT from San Diego – Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta

4/1/06 - SA = $3241.73, SC = $2241.73, SS= $1756.73, VA = $1331.73, VF = $1156.73, H = $956.73, M = $856.73

10/21/06 - SA = $3171.26, SC = $2171.26, SS= $1706.26, VA = $1281.26, VF = $1106.26, H = $906.26, M = $806.26

[ekerr19]

I also forgot to add above - Easter is Sunday April 16, 2006 so I avoided the weeks preceeding and following it in order to avoid the Spring Breakers.

[Oceanwench]

I would vote for a late spring early summer cruise. I do not really want to cruise during hurricane season. According to Trubey the best group deals would be in May and June for this season.

Hurricane season starts June 1.

I would sign up for the fall dates in a heartbeat. We like to cruise the first week of November. Technically it's still hurricane season, but things have quieted down in the tropics.

The spring dates are in the heart of spring breaker season. Lots of schools down here have a week off in March. Many of the colleges and public schools here have this week off -- so they don't necessarily tie their vacations to Easter.

[TYMAN]

Ekerr....Thanks for all the hard work! I'm checking the calender now! Bill

[ekerr19]

Well, this is just a sampling, given some of the dates that were discussed. I selected the Westerdam because someone (localady, I think) mentioned it previously and it seemed easier to stick with one ship.

In all honesty, I think the Caribbean is going to be the best value and the easiest for everyone.

If anyone has other suggestions for cruises around these dates - let's hear them!

[ekerr19]

Laura, you would be a wonderful Chairman and we're more than happy to wait until you get back on the 30th to really get the ball rolling!

Actually, I was thinking this might be something you'd be perfect for! :)

[ekerr19]

My personal choice would be for Fall 2006 - Eastern Caribbean. I like the addition of Grand Turk on both the fall itineraries, so either one would be fine with me.

I also think planning for Fall 2006 gives everyone ample time to make proper arrangements.

[kryos]

If anyone has other suggestions for cruises around these dates - let's hear them!
Fall 2006 would work best for me, and these fares (even the regular ones before CC discount) are very reasonable. I guess I would prefer Carribean simply because Fort Lauderdale is a lot closer to my home than San Diego. Whether we do east or west makes no difference to me.

You're right ... the 15-day Hawaii would be way too long ... not to mention too expensive, at least for me. These 7-day itineraries are probably what would work best for most of the group.

Wow! It sounds like we're really seriously considering this! I think it would be great to have a boatload of CCers on the same cruise!

Blue skies ...

--rita

[bepsf]

I think Fall '06 is a great time for a group cruise - and I'm all for a Vista Class ship.

I'll be ready for another cruise by then...
;)

[Oceanwench]

My personal choice would be for Fall 2006 - Eastern Caribbean. I like the addition of Grand Turk on both the fall itineraries, so either one would be fine with me.

I also think planning for Fall 2006 gives everyone ample time to make proper arrangements.

Sign me up!

[mechcc]

eker19: Eastern Caribbean in the fall sounds great to us.

hcc

[HeatherInFlorida]

Fall 2006 would work for me the best and also would give us plenty of time. Someone suggested 2 cruises, but I think that negates the whole idea of doing it together.

While I would love a 10-14 day, I think the 7 day will work better for more people since many simply won't have the time for more.

As I emailed Laura, I'd only consider a Co-chair with her. We'll see how the idea is going and she and I can talk about it easier when we meet for lunch in FLL on 3/30.

I'm wondering if the subject line for this thread really tells people what we're trying to arrange. Some people may not click on it thinking someone is looking for a "date" to go on a cruise. I mean "date" as in someone to go with.

What do you all think?

[sail7seas]

What is wrong with a sail out of San Diego to Hawaii?

Those are fairly long cruises, aren't they. Also, there is a market for them but not as broad based as some others. IMO
Speaking only for myself, we would not join in on that one.

[sail7seas]

ekerr.....


Thank you for doing all that research for us. I appreciate your efforts!!



I vote for EKERR AND HEATHER to co-chair...IF THEY ARE WILLING. I think they would do a wonderful job for all of us. We most assuredly will have to 'thank them in an appropriate manner'!!!! IF they choose to accept the offer.

[ekerr19]

So it appears Fall 2006 is on the leader board. Along with a 7-day cruise, probably Caribbean, on a Vista class ship.

Those wanting a longer cruise, might want to consider a B2B if possible.

I know there are folks who would rather avoid cruising in the Caribbean, but it does seem to be the easiest for most people.

[ekerr19]

ekerr.....


Thank you for doing all that research for us. I appreciate your efforts!!



I vote for EKERR AND HEATHER to co-chair...IF THEY ARE WILLING. I think they would do a wonderful job for all of us. We most assuredly will have to 'thank them in an appropriate manner'!!!! IF they choose to accept the offer.




Gee, I was hoping to persuade you and Heather to do this! :)

[HeatherInFlorida]

I just read through the entire thread and it does seem that the Caribbean in the Fall 2006 gets the most votes. Anyone concerned about hurricane season should know that November is the last month of the season. The worst months are August and September. We've cruised in November for years because we think it's a wonderful time of year to cruise and the weather is generally magnificent.

The storms coming off Africa mostly dissapate after the end of September. sometimes something churns up in the Gulf of Mexico in October/November so we might want to focus on the Eastern itinerary. But worst case, they'll sail around the whole thing and there will be nothing to worry about:D .

Either itinerary would be okay for us. The next thing I have to do is go through this thread and write down the people who seem serious about being able to do the Caribbean in the Fall of 2006. I will put that list into a new thread which will ask who else might be interested in that timing and itinerary.

We can go to the next step from there. For the time being I'm happy to take on a good part of this project and once we reach a definite decision to go ahead we can decide who can best serve as the Chair and Co-chair.

Sound good to everyone?

[ekerr19]

It works for me! I am getting excited about this now! :D

[WISCruiser]

Yeah, I'd be up for a E. Carib. out of FLL in Fall of 2006 on a Vista.

[localady]

I guess Fall 2006 it is! :)

Unfortunately, it means that we'll have to miss it:o , as we have already booked NZ/Australia in Oct-Nov. 2006. It's been one of my dreams to snorkle the Great Barrier Reef, and we hope to travel to Cairns after the cruise to do that!

We are very much looking forward to our upcoming cruises, and meeting many of you on the Veendam with the "Veendammers". Hope to meet you all on the high seas one of these days!:cool:

[bepsf]

Heather & eKerr--


Perhaps once we get an idea of numbers in our group we should check w/ HAL or a TA and see if we can get some group rates? I think HAL may also still have some special things available for groups like Pinnacle dinners, etc.

If you need any help at all - coordinating w/ HAL to set up gatherings/events, matching singles, contacting TA's etc., etc. - pls lemme know...

[ekerr19]

Brian -

We are going to be trying to do a Cruise Critic member cruise and once we have an idea how many folks are interested and the approximate time of year, we are to contact LauraS - Community Manager, so we can become "official"... CC also provides us with names of TA's we can use, etc.

I think there will be much organizing of activites etc. and hopefully we can get some type of sanction from HAL (though that may not be possible). All help would be greatly appreciated - I think we can select a group of folks to organize things, so we will add you to the list!

I am keeping an informal list of some of the preferences posted, but once we become official, we can decide the best way to proceed.

[Ziggy7]

Looks like the Fall 2006 - Eastern Caribbean wins !!!!
I will help too :)

[tiffnco]

Hi everyone!

I have to admit, I almost didn't post since I REALLY want to do another Alaskan cruise next Summer...but I figured I'd throw in my 2 cents for a vote. I think a group cruise would be SO much fun...I know I'm not as frequent a poster as some of you but I read all the posts so I feel as if I know many of you...

Since it looks like Alaska is out for most, I would also second a Canada/New England trip.

But, I'm a realist and I can see that the majority is looking at the Caribbean, so...go ahead and place me on the "maybe" list and I'll see what happens once the date/ship/itinerary has been decided.

This would be one of those trips where the destination is the ship...as Heather already pointed out!

Who Hoo:D

[bepsf]

eKerr---

Ahhh - I knew that there had to be some sort of 'protocol' for these things...

Well lemme know - I'd also be glad to help arrange a CC Bon Voyage party/dinner for the Sat. night before sailing as well!

bep_sf@yahoo.com

[HeatherInFlorida]

Okay, sounds like we're making headway and I'm certainly glad so many are interested and want to help.

I think our work will be much easier if we do it through LauraS as a CC Member cruise. She'll set up the site and everything. I printed that info out and I'm going to review it.

Before starting the new thread, do we want to narrow it just to the 4 dates in the Caribbean? The prices are close.

According to the directions posted above, it's better if we're a bit flexible and narrow it down simply to a month and ship. LauraS will need to know about how many we have initially. She'll put us in touch with 3 Preferred Cruise Agencies to get the quotes. She would then set up our web page and give us our own message board.

After all that is settled we can promote the cruise further and see if others want to join in the fun. Our message board can be linked in our signatures for others as well.

[HeatherInFlorida]

I've come up with a preliminary list of those interested based on what you've all said on this thread. Please post your name if you're interested and don't see your name.

Or if I've put your name and you have no interest, could you please post and let us know that as well. And tell us if you are a single or travelling with someone:

HeatherInFlorida (2) -- maybe
EKerr (2)
Mechcc (2)
Stanfordsgirl (?)
Oceanwench (2)
tyman (Bill) (2)
Kryos (rita) (?)
Bepsf (Brian) (?)
Sail7Seas (2) -- maybe
Wiscruiser (Alan) (?)
Ziggy (Debbie) (2)
Tiffnco (?) -- maybe
Torpeedo (?) -- maybe
Iggipolka (?) -- maybe
Richcrow (Richard) (?)

[Ziggy7]

I've come up with a preliminary list of those interested based on what you've all said on this thread. Please post your name if you're interested and don't see your name.

Or if I've put your name and you have no interest, could you please post and let us know that as well. And tell us if you are a single or travelling with someone:

HeatherInFlorida (2) -- maybe
EKerr (2)
Mechcc (2)
Stanfordsgirl (?)
Oceanwench (2)
tyman (Bill) (2)
Kryos (rita) (?)
Bepsf (Brian) (?)
Sail7Seas (2) -- maybe
Wiscruiser (Alan) (?)
Ziggy (Debbie) (2)
Tiffnco (?) -- maybe
Torpeedo (?) -- maybe
Iggipolka (?) -- maybe
Richcrow (Richard) (?) I see I have been replaced as list maker :( hehehee just kidding :)

[HeatherInFlorida]

No, Ziggy ... you are still the "official" list maker. I laughed when I did it thinking of you .... but we have to start somewhere, right??

[K&RCurt]

Hi:

You can count us in as a "likely".

We have a cruise on RCI Navigator with the whole family scheduled for 1/06. Other than that we can be fairly flexible on dates. We will just have to arrange for DS to stay with a friend from church (we repay the favor at times), or bring him along.

Keep posting the emmerging plans!

[Ziggy7]

I think we should decide on a Group leader/co-leaders before we submit anything to cc, as this will cause confusion later on, I believe they want the group leader to deal with cc. Just a thought :) Then we can divide duties, such as name tags, t-shirts, door signs, contacting ship services, etc ......

[HeatherInFlorida]

I think we should decide on a Group leader/co-leaders before we submit anything to cc, as this will cause confusion later on, I believe they want the group leader to deal with cc. Just a thought :) Then we can divide duties, such as name tags, t-shirts, door signs, contacting ship services, etc ......

Ziggy, not to worry! I have the instructions right in front of me. Just for now I'm getting the ball rolling, but we won't go to LauraS with it until we have our definite group leader which may be EKerr and me ... or it may be someone else.

After I have this list, I'm doing another thread that will be more obvious to others so we can have a ballpark number to go to Laura with. It says in the instructions they like to have an idea of how large a group it will be.

First things first. And then we go to the next step;) ...

[tiffnco]

You can count us in as a party of 2...and still as a maybe.

I plan events for a living so I know how much work goes into group projects...I commend Heather and eKerr for taking on this task.

Can't wait to see what develops!

Tiffany

[bepsf]

Heather--


Count me as two - tho at this point I have no idea who I'll drag along w/ me!!!
;)

[Pudgesmom]

I'm a little late to this party! Please put me down as a definate "maybe." I can't say for sure until a date is chosen.

Beth :)

[Vic The Parrot]

What happened to the Noordam maiden voyage in Feb??


There was alot of enthusiasm for that cruise, now its popularity seems to be waning.

:confused:

[HeatherInFlorida]

I'm a little late to this party! Please put me down as a definate "maybe." I can't say for sure until a date is chosen.

Beth :)

Gotcha, Beth! Plenty of time still ... we're in prelim stages but we want to have a guesstimate to go to CC with. But we've narrowed it pretty much to between 10/15 and 11/5/2006. There will be a new thread about it very soon.

VictheParrot, as I recall there was much enthusiasm for the Noordam until we saw the rates!!! They were off the charts. I think some are still keeping an eye on it. Don't forget February out of NY is pretty cold for a couple of days.

But no reason you can't try to stir it up again!

You're not up for this cruise? We'd love to have you and as many others who want to come!

[Vic The Parrot]

Hey there Heather


I'd LOVE to join all of you on the Westerdam.
But I have my heart set on going to Hawaii in Oct 2006 on
the Zaandam.

:unhappy:


Have to admit, the new itinerary for the 7 day Carib DOES look nice. I've been curious about the Turks and Caicos for the longest time. Maybe a B2B (10/15 .. and 10/22) will do the trick
for me.( Let's just hope one of them doesn't get chartered...)


I'll keep ya posted!


:)

[mgmgkdx]

I'd love to go. Put me down for 1. I was on the westerdam last year and it's a beautiful ship. Maryann

[liv2cruise4ever]

Please include us (2) as a maybe. Love to see the Westerdam after doing the Z in Dec. 05. :D

[ekerr19]

Wow, we are making some head way... this is great. I love the addition of Turks & Caicos too. I've always wanted to go there, its one place we've not been.

[Venture]

How about 10 days on the Volendam from Ft. Lauderdale to the Southern Caribbean on Nov 23rd. Great ship, and the fares are quite comparable to a 7 day Westerdam.
HAL should invite Grummpy & Slinky as guests to join us so they can give us 'all the the real stuff' of World Cruising with Holland America!! I am sure they would fill the Main Show Lounge for an hour at sea.

[LEtue]

How about 10 days on the Volendam from Ft. Lauderdale to the Southern Caribbean on Nov 23rd. Great ship, and the fares are quite comparable to a 7 day Westerdam.
HAL should invite Grummpy & Slinky as guests to join us so they can give us 'all the the real stuff' of World Cruising with Holland America!! I am sure they would fill the Main Show Lounge for an hour at sea.

Hey, I just found this post and would love to take my first HAL cruise with this group :D What are the ports on this 10 day? A 7 day eastern would be my second choice!

[HeatherInFlorida]

We can certainly consider the 10 day Volendam on 11/23/06, but understand it leaves on Thanksgiving Day. This may be a problem for many.

At this point we had narrowed it to the 7-day Eastern or Western. I'd love to get some feedback from those who have already posted about the 10-day Southern Caribbean.

ADDL. NOTE: I just checked the HAL site and this same itinerary on the Volendam is also on 11/3/06 (a Friday) for 10 days and the rates are even a bit less than 11/23.

[JaniceB]

You can put my DH and I down for a maybe. We would love to cruise the Southern Caribbean, but the new Eastern itinerary sounds good. Our first HAL cruise is Saturday and hopefully we will be eager to sail HAL again.

[ekerr19]

I will post some info about the 11/3/06 sailing on the Volendam as soon as I can - sounds like some decisions to be made!

Sometime later either Heather or I can post a poll where folks can actually vote so we can get the best idea of what most people prefer.

It also sounds like if we keep the dates "somewhat" flexible, we may have a better chance at a good group rate.

Once the cruise is officially sanctioned by CC as a HAL member cruise, we will be able to have an official thread! :)

I wonder if anyone knows whether there has ever been a HAL CC member cruise? I'd be interested in knowing if this is a first.

[Nanner]

Count us as interested in either November date. A lot will depend on how we like our three (wish is was more) days on the Volendam as the start of our Alaska cruisetour.

Never done the southern Caribbean, so the itinerary works for us, too!

[longtimecruiser]

Count me in for one but I would prefer the 10 day on the Volendam. Seven days is just not long enough. I swore years ago that I would not do any cruise less than 10 days. If the seven day is decided upon, however, this may be the one exception.

[tiffnco]

I too could be persuaded to do a 10-day Southern. We did that on the Brilliance of the Seas and had a GREAT time. And, I'm not sure if I'd fall in the minority here...but I'd be willing to look at the sailing over Thanksgiving. Have to use fewer vacation days for a longer vacation!

[HeatherInFlorida]

Hi Everyone! I'm keeping track and it's great to have so much interest! If you look at this thread from here on in, please go vote in our poll:

Cruise Critic Message Boards - Tell Us Your Choice for Our HAL CC Group Caribbean Cruise ~ Fall 2006 (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=150637)

Thanks!

[fllcruiser]

I like the 10 day over Thanksgiving, however any 7 or 10 day in the fall is good for me.

[Oceanwench]

Heather,

Are you hosting the pre-cruise festivities???:)

[HeatherInFlorida]

Heather,

Are you hosting the pre-cruise festivities???:)

Uhhhhh .... no???:D I can't believe I'm even this involved!!! Wha' happened?

Fllcruiser, did you vote on the other thread? Please vote. It's way too close right now and unfortunately there are a lot of votes for the Volendam and that's going to be a definite no for some while a lot of people who favor the 10 day would do the 7. So it's a bit of a problem at this point.

[Ziggy7]

Heather, I vote we choose the one most people can go, after all this is why we even started this whole cruise :) So if that means 7 days, then so be it :) The main thing is we will all have a good time!

[TylerRose]

Good Luck to all of you... It sounds as if you are off to a great start. While we will be sad not to join you: (School schedules, and a determination never to deal with the Carribean again)So have a great time and plan a great CC gathering, and perhaps we can join ya on the next one! ;)

[Bookish Angel]

Can't get enough of those places.

[kryos]

Count me in for one but I would prefer the 10 day on the Volendam. Seven days is just not long enough. I swore years ago that I would not do any cruise less than 10 days. If the seven day is decided upon, however, this may be the one exception.
Same here. I swore of 7-dayers myself ... even if they are b2b 7-dayers. Too many kids, groups, etc. I much prefer ten days or longer. However, in this particular case, because I have a 30-day cruise booked at the beginning of 2006, vacation time (not to mention money) is going to be a serious issue. If a ten-dayer is decided upon, I may have to pass. I just don't know if I'll have enough days left by fall to do it. Also, no way can I make a cruise over Thanksgiving. Not to mention the added cost of both the cruise and airfare to Florida, I have "non-traditional" work hours ... graveyard shift ... with a "weekend" in the middle of the week. Thanksgiving week doesn't give me any extra vacation days ... in fact, I generally work Thanksgiving Day, as well as Christmas. Vacation time is also very much in demand during those periods.

But, I agree with other posters. Choose the date/itinerary that suits the most people. If I can't go, then I'll enjoy reading everyone's posts from onboard and enjoy the voyage vacariously that way. :)

Blue skies ...

--rita

[LEtue]

Brian -

We are going to be trying to do a Cruise Critic member cruise and once we have an idea how many folks are interested and the approximate time of year, we are to contact LauraS - Community Manager, so we can become "official"... CC also provides us with names of TA's we can use, etc..

Actually, once you contact Laura she takes over. You will receive only one quote - from the agency that won from the bid(s) she submitted. I'm sure this cruise will attract a lot of CCer's. I can't wait for the details :D

[HeatherInFlorida]

We swore off 7-dayers, too. But in this case we would make an exception because it would be such fun. I think the 7 day will attract more CCers, but we'll see what happens.

One thought for those concerned about kids, etc., the timing we're looking at is very good for this. The mid-October to mid-November bring in many kids at all and not the huge groups. That tends to start Thanksgiving week and beyond through New Year's.

We always cruise in late October and early November and have never had a problem. We love the people we've cruised with.

Watch for the next vote!!! I'm working on it.:D