Nieuw Amsterdam and Westerdam Sailing identical itineraries?

[powderhorn]

We are booked on the Feb 5th Eastern Caribbean cruise on the Westerdam and looks like the Nieuw Amsterdam is also sailing the same itinerary on identical dates.

Does this mean they will be shadowing each other for the 7 day cruise? and if so, does this happen often?

The other thing is that the fares right now seem to be heavily discounted on the Westerdam versus fares on Nieuw Amsterdam...probably reflecting the signature class benefits?

[Krazy Kruizers]

I just looked at both itineraries -- haven't seen itineraries like that -- only difference was one ship gets to San Juan at Noon while the other one gets there at 1 PM.

Other than that both ships ships will be in the same ports for that week.

I wonder if HAL will try to change one of the itineraries before cruise date?

[kazu]

Well,if the Westerdam is cheaper, I'd be taking that one in a second. you're not missing much on the NA (no tongue in cheek here) except for the Tamarind.

it does seem kind of strange that they are both doing the same itinerary but it gives you choices :) price on the NA is probably because she's the newest ship - and (although i am in the minority, not worth it IMO).

I'd take the Westerdam first - but I'm different :D I like the real art of HAL and not black and white pictures. JMO

[SmokinActuary]

This is interesting.

For the record I just love pictures of old New York, but I am a buff.:D

[sail7seas]

We were on Maasdam for a 10 or 11 day cruise and shared Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao with Noordam three days in a row but not the same ports the whole cruise.

I don't see any reason HAL would try to change the itinerary of one or the other. It's only a seven day itinerary so if they shadow, is there really a problem..... other than the always present need to fill both ships?

I think Tamarind and Silk Den are worth paying more for. :eek: We really like both those venues on Eurodam and fully expect to like them equally well on our upcoming Nieuw Amsterdam cruise.

[powderhorn]

Another thing about the itinerary is that the day we are in St. Maartin there are 6 ships in port including Allure of the Seas (over 16,000 passengers total!). they are not showing any tendering for that port, but my hunch is that we will be tendering? Is that a fair assumptions?

Anyone know what the capacity of the pier is down there?

[sail7seas]

Did you note the times all of those ships are scheduled to arrive?
That might make a difference as to whether you or some other ship will be tendering?

That is a lot of people at St. Maarten. :eek: Another reason, it seems HAL is planning fewer Caribbean cruises for coming years. Too much competition and need to sell cabins too low a price. IMO

[powderhorn]

Did you note the times all of those ships are scheduled to arrive?
That might make a difference as to whether you or some other ship will be tendering?

That is a lot of people at St. Maarten. :eek: Another reason, it seems HAL is planning fewer Caribbean cruises for coming years. Too much competition and need to sell cabins too low a price. IMO




What I'm seeing is the 2 HAL ships dock at 7AM and the other 4 are showing arrival for 8AM....so maybe we will get the pier...although I can't see the Allure tendering with 5,000 passengers on board?

[lorekauf]

[B]I think Tamarind and Silk Den are worth paying more for. :eek: We really like both those venues on Eurodam and fully expect to like them equally well on our upcoming Nieuw Amsterdam cruise.


I LOVE the Tamarind. I'm hoping the price will come down on the Feb.19 cruise and I'll cancel my Celebrity cruise. I'm still thinking of the Penang chicken curry..so good!

[sail7seas]

What I'm seeing is the 2 HAL ships dock at 7AM and the other 4 are showing arrival for 8AM....so maybe we will get the pier...although I can't see the Allure tendering with 5,000 passengers on board?



Allure will dock. They won't tender.





I LOVE the Tamarind. I'm hoping the price will come down on the Feb.19 cruise and I'll cancel my Celebrity cruise. I'm still thinking of the Penang chicken curry..so good!


Oh my...... Penang chicken curry..... I've never tried that but it is now on my 'must try' list. I suspect I would love it. :)

Thanks for mentioning it.
We'll be on Nieuw Amsterdam two weeks and I've already made two Tamarind reservations. Wouldn't be surprised if we go even more than that. :o

[lorekauf]

Oh my...... Penang chicken curry..... I've never tried that but it is now on my 'must try' list. I suspect I would love it. :)

Thanks for mentioning it.
We'll be on Nieuw Amsterdam two weeks and I've already made two Tamarind reservations. Wouldn't be surprised if we go even more than that. :o


I went 3 times in 10 days. Was only going to do 2. The curry was so good. I tried the steak with the wasabi but I didn't like it as much. That said I'm more of a chicken person.

[sail7seas]

I'm also more into chicken and seafood than beef. I eat red meat but sparingly.

I love Jewels of the Sea at Tamarind.

[lorekauf]

I'm also more into chicken and seafood than beef. I eat red meat but sparingly.

I love Jewels of the Sea at Tamarind.

Oh yeah. I liked that too:).