Tell Us Your Choice for Our HAL CC Group Caribbean Cruise ~ Fall 2006

[HeatherInFlorida]

So far in our preliminary thread almost 25 of you have expressed an interest in a HAL Group Cruise in the Caribbean in the Fall 2006. This poll is to get a count on your favorite time and itinerary before we go forward with CC.

Please don't take part in the poll unless you're really serious about possibly going.

You may vote for more than 1 if you're plans are open to more than just one date.

It would also be helpful if you post and tell us the number in your party (# of cabins needed) if you haven't already told me in the previous thread.

This is not a commitment in any way ... we just want to get a ballpark idea of numbers.

This could be the best cruise ever so let's get going!:D

[bepsf]

Heather--


Thanks for putting this together!:)

I voted for Westerdam early November, but am open to late October sailings as well. As much as I might enjoy trying Volendam, I think that a 7 day would be easier on time/budget/vacation schedule for many of us worker-bees and would also get us home to our families in time for Thanksgiving.

I don't really care so much about the ports - I'll be happy w/ any old island I'm sure - just get me on the boat!

Oh! And that would be for two, please...
(I'm being optomistic here...);)

[HeatherInFlorida]

Oh, you'll be 2, Brian ... who could turn you down?;)

I do want to mention that the 11/3 Volendam leaves on a Friday so it's not as much extra time as you might think. So it would be Friday, 11/3, to Monday, 11/13. That is extra time nonetheless which is why I think the 7-day will work better for most of us ... still it's a nice cruise for not much more $$$ so I want to include it.

[ekerr19]

We will be there - which ever is decided upon is fine by me! :)

Thanks Heather!

[ekerr19]

Here is some of the basic pricing from HAL's website. I've consolidated it - if you want more detail, please email me.

Ms Westerdam - FALL 2006
7-day Eastern Caribbean - RT from Ft. Lauderdale – Grand Turk, Phillipsburg, Road Town, HMC

10/15/06 – Suites $2677.88, Insides $832.88

10/29/06 – Suites $2677.88, Insides $832.88

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

10/22/06 – Suites $2681.32, Insides $836.32


11/5/06 - Suites $2681.32, Insides $836.32

Ms Volendam – FALL 2006
10–day Southern Caribbean – RT from Ft. Lauderdale – Aruba, Curacao, Dominica. St. Thomas, HMC

11/3/2006 – Suites $2690.19, Insides $1040.19

11/23/06 – Suites $2860.19, Insides $1090.19

[sail7seas]

I voted for October 29 Westerdam but would also be happy with November 13 Volendam. I still haven't discussed any of this with DH and won't until I have 'some information' about which to talk.


Thank you, Heather, for going to the trouble of posting the poll. The results should give us a good idea of what is the most popular choice.

We would be two.....one Suite needed.

[HeatherInFlorida]

Sail, do you mean the 11/3 or 11/23 on the Volendam ... I didn't give the 13th as one of the choices.

[JaniceB]

I voted for the Southern Caribbean on the Volendam. I would like to try a 10 day cruise and I really want to visit Aruba and the Southern Caribbean. I like the fact that we have some sea days the ship goes to Half Moon Cay, and the price is not much more than the 7 day Eastern Caribbean on the Westerdam which is my second choice.

This would be for 2 people, pending the results of our Zaandam cruise this Saturday ( first time HAL cruise).

Thank you for all your hard work.

Janice

P.S.
Heather,
My sister lives in Palm Beach County. She is driving up to meet the Zaandam on the 26th.

[Oceanwench]

Heather,

Thanks for putting all of this together for us!
I voted for the Westerdam, the first November sailing. That is the week we typically take a cruise.
I can go earlier or later ... I am somewhat flexible.
My mother and sister usually go with us [2 cabins] but I think it's hard for them to plan that far in advance. They're already booked on the Westerdam 11/13 cruise with us this fall!

As far as the Volendam, I would have to check the deck plans. I am thinking it has far less handicapped accessible rooms, which DH requires.
Also, I only have 2 weeks off from work, and I'd liek to take 2 cruises!

I apologize if I missed this in all the postings, but when would the downpayment be required? I mentioned it to DH the other day & he just rolled his eyes. Paying the balance of our 5/14 cruise soon, plus just put $ downon the Westerdam 11/13!

[richcrow]

I voted for the 11/05/06 Western Caribbean cruise only because DW and I are sailing on Zuiderdam 10/01 this year for an Eastern Caribbean cruise, but would do either one for a CC cruise. There would be two of us (maybe more).

Richard

[torpeedo]

We are interested but we generally book with a TA that we accumulate cruise points who shall go nameless.. But if this is a real good deal etc, we may be interested. Depends on what the group all decides.
FYI I called today to inquire about the Volendam and got some prices. Cabin's price OK but the TA told me HAL wants $1,200 deposit!! YIKES, that is twice what we normally give them and close to 50% of the cost of the cruise. Has anyone heard of this? I hope this is not HAL's new policy. They will lose lots of early bookers that way. Maybe the TA was confused but I asked her three times if she was sure this was $600 per person and she said yes!

[sail7seas]

Sail, do you mean the 11/3 or 11/23 on the Volendam ... I didn't give the 13th as one of the choices.


:o Misread the dates. Hmmm....but that does change my mind. I wouldn't mind doing the ten day Volendam but do not want to board on Thanksgiving Day. I would have liked to be aboard for Thanksgiving as we have enjoyed that holiday aboard several ships and they were wonderful. But if that was embarkation day, after unpacking, doing lifeboat drill and presumably everyone meeting up with eachother at some point......it would not be much of a holiday feel. IMO

So....No, I guess DH and I would eliminate the Volendam choice. The November 3 date is okay but no particular incentive to do ten days then. We would have done a pre and post cruise stay for a Thanksgiving cruise and made it into 2 weeks away.

[ekerr19]

We are interested but we generally book with a TA that we accumulate cruise points who shall go nameless.. But if this is a real good deal etc, we may be interested. Depends on what the group all decides.
FYI I called today to inquire about the Volendam and got some prices. Cabin's price OK but the TA told me HAL wants $1,200 deposit!! YIKES, that is twice what we normally give them and close to 50% of the cost of the cruise. Has anyone heard of this? I hope this is not HAL's new policy. They will lose lots of early bookers that way. Maybe the TA was confused but I asked her three times if she was sure this was $600 per person and she said yes!

torpeedo -

We are paying $600 pp deposit on our 12/17/05 Ryndam sailing. I was told it was $600 because it was a Holiday sailing. One of the Volendam cruises listed above is over Thanksgiving, so that may be the reason for the $600 deposit.

We do not know what our deposit requirements will be for this CC group cruise, but will let everyone know once we find out.

[ekerr19]

I would have liked to be aboard for Thanksgiving as we have enjoyed that holiday aboard several ships and they were wonderful. But if that was embarkation day, after unpacking, doing lifeboat drill and presumably everyone meeting up with eachother at some point......it would not be much of a holiday feel. IMO


I wish it weren't embarkation day either... that changed it for me.

[torpeedo]

Thanks EKerr. I was just floored. We have two cruises booking in 05 and paid a deposit of $700 for each one. I guess everything is going up up up. CC cruises get a lower deposit, sometimes as low as $25 pp. That's not HAL though so I would not expect that kind of deal! We are booked on two cc cruises, Princess in Sept 05 and the Jewel of the Seas 4/22/06. Paid $500 total dep each one because we picked a specific cabin.

[HeatherInFlorida]

I could be wrong, but I think the longer cruises are always a bit more of a deposit.

I want to point out something about the itineraries that may or may not have an effect on your choice.

The Eastern itinerary has the first day at sea and HMC on the last day. The Western itinerary you're at HMC on the first day out with the last day at sea. We all may view this differently. I always like HMC on my last day ... sort of rounds out the week. But I also admit I'm partial to the Eastern itinerary this go 'round.

I wish we were getting a more definite response. I'm hoping for more votes tonight.

[WISCruiser]

11/05/06 Western Caribbean for me... getting tired:rolleyes:of E. Carib. cruises.

[tiffnco]

Oh my!

I was going to vote for the "new" Eastern itinerary which sounds terrific...but the dates are the problem for me. I work for a non-profit and we have a big fundraiser the beginning of November (generally the first few days) so I would not be able to go on a late October trip :( ...as I'm the one who runs the event.

Any chance there's an Eastern trip the second or third week of November everyone would want to go on???

[HeatherInFlorida]

Tif, there is an 11/12 Eastern cruise and we could certainly have that as another choice for the Eastern group.

Some additional information: I just compared prices for the Westerdam and Volendam (in a standard type Verandah category) and find it is much larger than appears at first glance. For DH and I it's about $1000 more for the Volendam with the deposit of $1200 that Torpeedo mentioned (actually I thought it said $1400 but I could be wrong).

Not sure that DH and I can rationalize $1000 for 3 extra days as much as I like the itinerary.

The 7 day cruises are asking for only $700 for a couple.

I'm a little puzzled that so many votes are coming in for the Volendam since on the other thread it weighed heavily for the Westerdam. I'm hoping all those people have voted.

[RevNeal]

Sorry ... November 06 is too close to my Oct 06 cruise, which is already on my planning boards. :) Sorry. :)

[tiffnco]

Tif, there is an 11/12 Eastern cruise and we could certainly have that as another choice for the Eastern group.

Oh, YES! :D

If anyone else is up for an 11/12 sailing I would throw my hat in for 1 cabin for 2 on that one.

Tiffany

[bepsf]

Oh, YES! :D

If anyone else is up for an 11/12 sailing I would throw my hat in for 1 cabin for 2 on that one.

Tiffany

I'm all for the 11/12 sailing on Westerdam - that'll still gets us home in time for Thanksgiving!


I wonder if they'll have any pre-Christmas sales in the Caribbean???
;)

[tiffnco]

I wonder if they'll have any pre-Christmas sales in the Caribbean???
;)

Now you're speaking my language! :cool:

[HeatherInFlorida]

I need to know if those of you voting for the Western 11/5 checked it because of the date or the itinerary. In other words, do you really want a 7-day and would you be agreeable to the Eastern.

And it would be helpful to know if those checking the 10-day Volendam could do the other and vice versa. As it stands, it's too close to call. We'll give it a couple of days and see.

[LEtue]

I voted for the 11/23 Thanksgiving sailing but the 11/3 sailing would be fine too.

If the group decides on a 7 day eastern I vote for the 11/12 proposal. I really don't like to sail in hurricane season unless it is mid to late November since I like to have a reasonable chance of getting to the planned ports :D

It's all good though...thanks for the good job!

Linda

[Ziggy7]

I voted 2 dates, only because we are locked into other commitments on those other dates, 10/15 Eastern Caribbean and 11/3 Volendam. I know you are not going to be able to please everyone, so let the poll run a few days and see what happens :) Great job Heather! :)

[K&RCurt]

I voted for the 10/22 Western on the Westerdam, but only because that's the week of our Anniversary. The 10/29 Eastern would be great too because that week would include DW's Birthday (She planned it that way!).

Actually, we will likely go whichever itinerary / ship the majority pick but we do prefer the 7 day due to time away from work etc..

[Ziggy7]

Ooooppps DH just said 10/29 would work as well, he forgot to tell me that date cleared for us duhhhhh! :p

[GrammyPL]

I voted for the Volendam 11/3 since I don't like 7 day cruises and don't like the new Vista Class (To big) I like the 11/3 since it is before Thanksgiving so you can be home then and the ship wouldn't have a lot of kids at that time. Penny

[HeatherInFlorida]

I am making an "executive" decision to rule out the 11/23 cruise because in discussion with some of you I was reminded of the exhorbitant cost and airport traffic during the Thanksgiving holiday. So that makes no sense at all.

There is a definite trend toward the 7 day itinerary and I hope everyone will also consider 11/12 even though you don't see it on the list.

I'm going to really analyze all your responses by Thursday (I'm out a good part of tomorrow) and try to be in touch with some of you if I have your email. I'm thinking the 10/29 or 11/12 Eastern looks very good and would love some feedback via posts or you can always email me at HeathersIsland@aol.com.

I really hope we can work this out so as many of you "earlybirds" as possible are happy with our choice and can join us. When working with a large group of people we can't all have our first choice of course. I'm sure once we make our decision and get things rolling we'll have even more people and it should make for a really great time.

[Ziggy7]

I hope everyone will also consider 11/12 even though you don't see it on the list.
Sorry I cant make this date but its ok, I will stay home so you all have someone back home to give live reports from the ship too :)

[HeatherInFlorida]

Ziggy, I just said "consider". 10/29 is very much in the running. I'm going to make sure that the absolute most people are being served as best they can be.

There are a few of these itineraries that I can't even do so if it comes to that, someone else will have to step in as Group Leader. But let's not jump the gun.

Give it a couple of days. For the record, at this point 10/29 is my personal favorite;) (well, my very first was the 11/3 Volendam, but I think it's a little too much $$$ for my blood right now):o .

[Nanner]

The two of us like ten days as it gives us more time at sea, but 7 days would be okay. Also like waiting until November as by then we'd feel like we were escaping the cold more. I just hope that we get to stay on HMC this time. Our only other visit it was very cold and rainy and we left the island early as the seas were getting rough for the tenders.

[mgmgkdx]

I would like to go on any of the cruises after the 15 of the month. At work I can't get away the first two weeks of the month, so any of the later of the month cruises work for me. There will be only me going. Was on the westerdam last year it's a beautiful ship. Maryann

[ekerr19]

Yikes - this is going to get confusing for us!!

Heather - What do we need to do? There is no way to edit the original poll...

Can we keep track manually? :confused:

[ekerr19]

Even though the 11/23 seems to be so popular - I personally would encourage everyone to consider the 7-day Eastern out of FLL on the Westerdam - we have better odds of getting newbies and veterans on this sailing... it is economically priced and it is not over the Holidays...

In all honesty - keeping it simple, makes it easier for more participation - just food for thought. :)

However - if anyone wants to do the 11/12 on the Volendam - please let us know!!! We can't add it to the poll at this stage, but we can keep track. :)

[stanford's girl]

I voted for 10/22 or 11/05 on the Westerdam. We've already done the Eastern so would like to see some place new.

Heather,
Thanks so much for getting us started and doing the leg work. Can't wait to meet you on the ship!!:D

[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!

I say, start a new poll, ask everyone to check all the crusies they could go on, that will narrow it way down :)

[stanford's girl]

Forgot to tell you 2 people, myself and HH.;)

[TYMAN]

Let's narrow the choices down to 3 and vote again. Where's Amy?? :rolleyes:

[peaches from georgia]

Heather, I vote we choose the one most people can go, after all this is why we even started this whole cruise :)

As of this time the 'most' people have voted for the 11/3 Volendam. Even with many more 7 day Westerdam cruises listed than 10 day Vols, the vote is almost tied, so the 10 day does appear very popular also.

I would narrow it down to the 11/3 Volendam and then the 7 day with the most votes so far, which is the 11/5 Westerdam, and have a run-off between those 2 cruises.

The first week in Nov. certainly is the most popular time- 60% of the voters voted for that week.

[TYMAN]

Forget what I said (except the Amy part), I agree with Peaches.

[HeatherInFlorida]

As of this time the 'most' people have voted for the 11/3 Volendam. Even with many more 7 day Westerdam cruises listed than 10 day Vols, the vote is almost tied, so the 10 day does appear very popular also.

I would narrow it down to the 11/3 Volendam and then the 7 day with the most votes so far, which is the 11/5 Westerdam, and have a run-off between those 2 cruises.

The first week in Nov. certainly is the most popular time- 60% of the voters voted for that week.

Peaches, you can't go by which got the most votes because you were able to vote for more than one. For instance I voted for the 11/3 and the 10/29. That's why I'm analyzing who voted for what week and the posts they made as to which is their first and second choice.

The percentages alone (at this point) don't tell the whole story.

When the votes stop coming in over the next day or so, I will narrow it to 2 choices. If it ends up being a cruise I can't go on, then someone else can take over as "leader".

Anyone who would be interested in doing that, please post so we'll know. Right now Laura and I are working together on it.

P.S. As of this second there are 20 votes for a 7-day and 18 for a 10-day so it's easy to see that there is no clear cut "winner". I will narrow this down within a couple of days. But I need more votes to see what to narrow it down to. Thanks for all your help and responses! It really does help us.

[kryos]

I voted for any of the seven-day itineraries for Fall 2006. Normally, I would much prefer the ten-day itineraries, but in 2006 I think I will be hard-pressed to get away for anything more than seven-days. With my Hawaii/South Pacific cruise in January 2006, I'm gonna be really tight on vacation time for the remainder of the year. I could only do a ten-dayer if it left on a Tuesday, thus allowing me to get ten days by only using up six days of vacation time.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[tiffnco]

And don't forget about the alternate date of 11/12, Eastern itinerary on the Westerdam. It's not on the poll so it may get left behind...maybe we can add that one to the new/narrowed-down poll?

I'm in the same boat as Ziggy...only on the opposing schedule. Can't go in October...so if that's the one that's selected, I'll stay at home at read the reports!

[Oceanwench]

We'll take any of the sailings on the Westerdam, east or west.
Last year we sailed on the Oosterdam, leaving 10/31 without fear of hurricanes. Heather, you went the week before, right?

But 11/12 is fine with us too.

Maybe narrow it down to which ship, then go from there?

[sail7seas]

As of this time the 'most' people have voted for the 11/3 Volendam. Even with many more 7 day Westerdam cruises listed than 10 day Vols, the vote is almost tied, so the 10 day does appear very popular also.

I would narrow it down to the 11/3 Volendam and then the 7 day with the most votes so far, which is the 11/5 Westerdam, and have a run-off between those 2 cruises.

The first week in Nov. certainly is the most popular time- 60% of the voters voted for that week.



Are you thinking of going?
Which did you vote for?

[ekerr19]

Obviously it will be difficult to please everyone though I am certain every vote will be counted! November seems to be the preference, surprisingly. I am really interested in knowing everyone's preferences so keep them coming!

[mechcc]

Early November is a good time for us and although I voted for the Eastern Carribbean, the 10 day on 11/3 looks good also. We are not real sure we want to do a Western since we have done that on RCCL out of Galveston and will be doing it again between now and then. I guess the short answer is whenever, whatever, we will probably be there. Sounds like fun.

[HeatherInFlorida]

Even though the 11/12 isn't there, I will not forget it. So not to worry.

I've been out all day and I'm only just back. I'm going to work on this a bit later or tomorrow. I just need a little breather from it today.

I do feel that there seems to be a leaning toward November and in the long run I honestly believe the 7-day will be more popular with more people, but nothing will be ruled out until we have considered everybody's wishes. Also we'll probably give a bit more weight to the people who feel pretty positive they want to go rather than the maybes.

So it will really be helpful if you either email me or post your first and second choices so we can weigh them fairly.

Thanks so much.

[Sinbad37]

Heather,
Thanks so much for getting this started! I VOTED FOR 10/29/06, EASTERN on WESTERDAM. I also like first day at sea and last day at Half Moon. We will want a suite please, for two. It would be a birthday cruise for me, being an Oct. 30th. birthday girl!:D

You are starting what would be a wonderful cruise!
(Does anyone have the New Noordam schedule?) Just wondered if she will be anywhere in the caribbean during that time frame. We have been on Oosterdam for both eastern and western and loved the ship. We had an SS the first week, and Veranda 2nd week. They both were great, so look forward to trying the Westerdam.

When I had previously asked about Cruise Critic parties and get togethers, I was not encouraged. I got the impression that they had the idea that we were all "over-the-hill", and did not communicate like "other" boards groups.

''THERE IS NOTHING SO POWERFUL AS AN IDEA WHOSE TIME HAS COME!"

THERE IS A GREAT GROUP OVER ON THE VEENDAMERS 11/26/05.

IT IS NOT AN "OFFICIAL" GROUP, BUT I IMAGINE MANY OF THOSE WILL BE INTERESTED.:D

[Ziggy7]

As of this time the 'most' people have voted for the 11/3 Volendam. Even with many more 7 day Westerdam cruises listed than 10 day Vols, the vote is almost tied, so the 10 day does appear very popular also.

I would narrow it down to the 11/3 Volendam and then the 7 day with the most votes so far, which is the 11/5 Westerdam, and have a run-off between those 2 cruises.

The first week in Nov. certainly is the most popular time- 60% of the voters voted for that week.
Peaches,
Sorry to miss lead you but what I meant was, if everyone who picked the 10 day, could do the 7 day, then all the ones that could only do a 7 day would be able to go too, that means alot more cc'ers can go. After all this is not for our dream cruise, its so we can get together with as many of us as possible and have a good time.

Am I alone in thinking this way ??? :confused:

[HeatherInFlorida]

Ziggy, Peaches is not even interested in going. She didn't even vote in the poll so it's not really an issue. I think she felt we needed a little help. While I think that was very nice of her and appreciate her efforts, I think EKerr and I are doing okay.

Sinbad, when we reviewed the directions for getting a CC cruise started it was clear that we are to come to them with a "plan". CC does not plan the cruise on their own. This all got started with JHannah saying that HAL "owes" us for all the "free" advertising we provide here on the boards. I said they should give us all a free cruise! Well, clearly that's not going to happen but one thing led to another and here we are:D . So welcome aboard!!!

I'm not going to add any more ships/cruisedates to the mix at this point. We'll stick with what we have and narrow it down and have a final vote on a separate thread in a couple of days. There's also an 11/12 Westerdam Eastern Caribbean being considered that didn't make it to the poll.

I've now down a chart and made notes of people's preferences based on their posts along with their votes. So it's further along than everyone might think.

I even have a volunteer to take over as Group Leader should I not be able to go because of the timing. I'm also getting a lot of help via emails so once we get going there will be no stopping us!

Again, thanks everyone!

[bepsf]

Peaches,
Sorry to miss lead you but what I meant was, if everyone who picked the 10 day, could do the 7 day, then all the ones that could only do a 7 day would be able to go too, that means alot more cc'ers can go. After all this is not for our dream cruise, its so we can get together with as many of us as possible and have a good time.

Am I alone in thinking this way ??? :confused:

I'm right there with you Ziggy - for me this is all about meeting the great folks that are here on the boards with us so if we have to do a 7 day instead of a 10 day to get more folks to participate, I'm all for it!

[sail7seas]

Me, too......


I'm right there with Ziggy and Brian. It almost doesn't matter that much to me where we go.I am hoping that many of us go on this cruise and get to meet 'live and in color'. We spend so many days, weeks, months of our lives together, what a treat it will be to meet face to face.

I'm sure everyone posting here means well but if they aren't even interested in joining the group, I am happy to go along with the direction that Heather and ekerr seem to be 'competently' guiding us.

Thank you to both of them. They are acting; not just yakking.

[CDRMark]

I think Brian and Sail summed it up. Put us in the "high probable" category. (total of 2)
P.S. ok I voted for the 10 day that is over DW b'day. But previous comments are germane. When and where are almost (thats almost) unimportant.
Cheers
MarkB

[HeatherInFlorida]

Great, Mark! Could you vote please? I don't see your name. You can check off more than one, but if you do just post in what order you like them. (P.S. I hope you saw my explanation to you on the other thread:o ).

Thanks! And thanks everyone for your kind words:D

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Hi Heather I definitely want to go and would prefer the Volendam but the dates are just not good for me. The 3rd of the month is too early the the 23rd too late. The only one that works for us with my work is the October 15th Westerdam. It would be a lot of fun to get this put together.

[HeatherInFlorida]

Hi Heather I definitely want to go and would prefer the Volendam but the dates are just not good for me. The 3rd of the month is too early the the 23rd too late. The only one that works for us with my work is the October 15th Westerdam. It would be a lot of fun to get this put together.

Lisa, if you don't get my email how about 11/12 for you? Would that work? The 10/15 is one of the least likely at this point.

Love your diary and pics!!!:D

[mgmgkdx]

The 11/12 would be the best cruise for me also with my work schedule. I'm sure I would be able to get everything done by then instead of the 15. Maryann

[kgjg]

10/22 would be good for me. DWs birthday is 10/27 so I'm sure it would be good for her too.

[jbhcw]

I have been so busy the past few days have not been able to post. I've not been on the HAL board long but it's the best! We were thinking about a Mexican Riveria for next fall but could change our plans. The 10-15 would be good. We would be two in a veranda and at this point am 75% sure it would be a go. Any of the 7 day cruises would work for us. We have yet to take our first HAL cruise, but are sailing on the Maasdam in November and looking forward to it.

[TYMAN]

I changed my mind..I don't agree with Peaches, I agree with Ziggy. :p

[Pudgesmom]

Heather,

Please add my name to the 11/12 list.

While meeting with the group is most important, I am not at all interested in the Western itinerary.

Thanks for your efforts. :)

beth

[peaches from georgia]

Ziggy, Peaches is not even interested in going. She didn't even vote in the poll so it's not really an issue.

Heather, I had no idea you were deciding on your own who is interested in the CC cruise and who isn't.

I never posted a word that I would not be interested- what's with that? I'm sure not everyone who might want to go has voted yet either. Not every CC member is on the board 24/7 and many who might vote don't even know about the poll yet.

I mistakenly had thought it more fair to wait a couple days until I could discuss it w/ DH, who is out-of-town, so as not to choose a cruise(s) he would not want and thereby give a false vote on your poll. I had no idea you were making assumptions on your own as to who is interested and who isn't (and publically posting them, which I DON'T appreciate).

All I did was look at the poll results and comment on what dates and itineraries seemed most popular at that time. I have no idea what Ziggy posted nor was I trying to help anybody out. And I certainly didn't say we wouldn't be interested in going.

Knowing we absolutely prefer a 10 day and the Vol, I will just vote for both of those then, without knowing for sure which week DH would be able or want to go.

[HeatherInFlorida]

Heather, I had no idea you were deciding on your own who is interested in the CC cruise and who isn't.

I never posted a word that I would not be interested- what's with that? I'm sure not everyone who might want to go has voted yet either. Not every CC member is on the board 24/7 and many who might vote don't even know about the poll yet.

I mistakenly had thought it more fair to wait a couple days until I could discuss it w/ DH, who is out-of-town, so as not to choose a cruise(s) he would not want and thereby give a false vote on your poll. I had no idea you were making assumptions on your own as to who is interested and who isn't (and publically posting them, which I DON'T appreciate).

All I did was look at the poll results and comment on what dates and itineraries seemed most popular at that time. I have no idea what Ziggy posted nor was I trying to help anybody out. And I certainly didn't say we wouldn't be interested in going.

Knowing we absolutely prefer a 10 day and the Vol, I will just vote for both of those then, without knowing for sure which week DH would be able or want to go.

I am most certainly not deciding on my own who's interested. Peaches, YOU DID NOT VOTE!!! Nor (in your post) did you suggest you would be letting us know your interest. So I assumed you had no interest. I think that was a fair assumption.

I was trying to be nice and credit you with your offer of help. I retract that.

P.S. I'm editing my post because I need to add that I have been working considerably hard on this project along with EKerr and some others behind the scenes. Many have emailed me directly since they did the poll to tell me of changes in what they would like, how serious they are, etc.

Part of our consideration in determining which cruises we will put in our final poll will be taking more seriously the people who have told me they plan on DEFINITELY booking the cruise.

I have no interest in getting into a sparring match with anyone who has a personal dislike for me. So far that had not occurred, but I can assure you that I will turn this over to someone else the moment I sense that happening. I will say no more about this.

[HeatherInFlorida]

I've had some time to think this over.

66% of the votes are for a 7 day cruise. So that is probably the best bet. Several of the people showing an interest in the Volendam 10-day have indicated they are equally interested in the 7-day.

We believe the 7-day will be more popular with the majority of our CC friends.

Unfortuntely EKerr has not been feeling well (and she's leaving this weekend on her cruise!):( , but hopefully I'll talk with her today and we will probably be putting up the final poll by tonight to tomorrow morning.

[TYMAN]

Heather, I think you're right with the 7 day cruise. It makes my decision easier....there was one poster I didn't want to meet. :(

[Esme]

I have been reading the posts and the results of the poll, but wanted to look into other cruises and confer with DH before I stated our choices.

We usually do a 10 in November, so would vote for either of the 10 day Volendam cruises. 7 days is just not enough, when airfares are so expensive from Canada.

[Oceanwench]

It's never easy to take on a leadership role, and you and EKerr have done so graciously.
There will always be the people who feel compelled to inject some negativity into anything. It's easier to stand back and criticize than to pitch in and help, no?

The idea of a cruise for CC members has blossomed ... thanks to the efforts of two very special people and those who support them.
I am looking forward to this adventure, only wishing it were a lot sooner than 2006!

[TYMAN]

Nicely said Ocean......

[HeatherInFlorida]

Esme, I'll be putting up another poll within a day so watch for that. I will, of course, include the 10 day Volendam on 11/3 because it's gotten many votes.

I'm hoping once I get that poll up that I can get Walt to remove this poll just to avoid any unnecessary confusion.

[Time2sail]

Heather, I think you're right with the 7 day cruise. It makes my decision easier....there was one poster I didn't want to meet. :(

Had to ask:D

[LEtue]

Heather,

So glad to read that you will be doing a new poll. I'm totally lost on where we are :eek:

I voted for the Volendam 11/23 sailing as I said before, however, the 11/3 is fine too. Not interested in the western caribbean so if the 11/12 eastern is added I would definitely vote for that over all the other 7 day ones offered so far :)

Looking forward to your next post!

Linda

[HeatherInFlorida]

It was a very bad idea for me to have quite so many choices and to allow more than one vote.

By the poll, it's pretty much split evenly between 7 days and 10 days right now. It's missing the 11/12 Eastern that many of you have said you want. Also, the 11/3 includes some people who have since told me they would prefer a 7-day.

I hope everyone sees this post because I'm going to do the final poll. I'm going to ask you to please only vote if you honestly feel you're going to go. This isn't a popularity contest to see who likes which itinerary the most. I really need to have people vote for the date and itinerary they can see themselves booking.

I am going to lump the 10/29 and 11/12 together and it's very important that if you vote for that itinerary, you then post if there is one you would not or could not go on. If you're open to either, simply check that box.

[TYMAN]

Ah...Amy, the love of life! :D That was pretty good!... Hey, where is Amy????

[LEtue]

Heather ~ just saw your new post......

Seems like lumping and separate posting will get confusing - won't it? :confused: Are you going to ask us to vote just one choice to help you narrow this down?

Thanks for all the time spent on this - I have been a CC group leader and it is a lot of work ;) I have been wanting to do a HAL cruise and can't wait to see how this comes out :D

Linda

[tiffnco]

Hey Heather,

I just voted (finally) for the 10/29 (but I do believe you have me down for the 11/12).

Tiffany

[HeatherInFlorida]

Ah, Tyman, I fear you have lost your Amy forever. I think it was the picture that did it;) .

Yes, Tiff, I've got you down for the 12th.

Linda, yes you'll only be able to vote for one. I'm lumping 10/29 and 11/12 because some people can do either (like myself). So if one of those cruises is the one for you, you would simply check that box and then POST that you can do either one or that you prefer one or the other.

But I have to tally these between the 10-day, the Western and the Eastern. This is the only way I'll get a real true number.

[TYMAN]

Say it's not true!!! Amy!!!! Where are you???

[Ziggy7]

I have no idea what Ziggy posted nor was I trying to help anybody out. Well its simple, you quoted me and I replied, and I still think this is more important to have many more go than choose something because it suits them more personally. Sure you are paying for it but the PURPOSE was to get together with as many as POSSIBLE cc'ers on one ship, not what is the best or dream crusise for me and my family.

Perhaps, for those only willing to do a 10 day cruise, you could start another get together cruise on your own.
That would certinally solve part of this disagreement, if thats even possible. :confused:

That is a long way to fly for just 7 days for us, as you can see we do b2bs for this reason, however this is a special cruise and we are willing to make that sacrifice this one time :) It's hard but somebodies gotta do it hehehehe :)

[HeatherInFlorida]

There's no need for all the disagreement. EKerr and I opened up the idea of a group cruise. We already have enough people to start it even without this poll.

I started the poll because I thought it would be fun for as many as possible to have a choice in the date we choose.

When we have made our decision based on our final poll (and this thread will hopefully then be a thing of the past), we will go forward and make the plans.

There is no way everyone is going to be happy with one cruise, but we can certainly make it the best choice possible.

[HeatherInFlorida]

Just so everyone knows, I won't be viewing this poll any longer. A new poll will be posted shortly.

If this thread is still open, please look for my final poll and post there.

Thanks.

[Host Walt]

This thread and poll was closed at Heather's request. Here's a link (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=151664) to the new poll.