HAL-CC Hawaiian Cruise In Planning

[RevNeal]

Okay ... fellow CCers ... now that the HAL CCer Caribbean Cruise appears to be settled on 10/29/06, I want to throw out an alternative.

For all of you who couldn't make that date and/or would rather cruise in the Pacific, why don't you join at least two other CCers -- RevNeal and VictheParrot -- for the October 7, 2006 Zaandam cruise to Hawaii.

If you would like to join us, let us know on this thread. If the numbers reach "group" size, we'll work through LauraS to get a group rate. Otherwise, if it's just a small handful, we'll make it an official "unofficial" cruise.

:)

So, if you want to join us, post below!

[kryos]

For all of you who couldn't make that date and/or would rather cruise in the Pacific, why don't you join at least two other CCers -- RevNeal and VictheParrot -- for the October 7, 2006 Zaandam cruise to Hawaii.

Oh, Rev, how I would love to. But it's just too many days ... too much money. I won't have enough of either by October of 2006.

But, I have an idea! If you love Hawaii so much, why not go all out? The January 6th, 2006 voyage to Hawaii and the South Pacific on the Amsterdam. I'm already booked on that one and it's for a glorious 30 days!

Just think of all the mischief we could get into with 30 days on our hands!

Blue skies ...

--rita

[longtimecruiser]

Rev, I would be more interested in joining you on the Zaandam to Hawaii than a week cruise to the Carribean. How many days is this cruise? I assume more than 7 (probably at least 14). Count me in as a definite maybe.

[grannynurse]

Greg,
We'd be very interested in going.
GN and DH

[Cuttle]

It's a possibility depending on my DH's health. October 2006 is a long time to plan ahead when there is a health issue. If this is a go, when would a person have to make a definite decision?

[cruznon]

Oh, how I'd LOVE to do this.....unfortunately as a teacher, I'll be otherwise engaged with 7th and 8th graders!

If this CC cruise is a go, perhaps there could be a pre-sailway party the evening before--there may be many of us who can't sail who would like to at least meet up with you lucky folks you CAN take this cruise!

[RevNeal]

The cruise is 15 days in length.

Let's keep collecting names. I don't know how many we need to get a group rate. But, we'll find out. And even if we don't have enough to do that, there's no reason why several of us can't meet on the cruise. Vic is going (it's his Birthday present to himself) and I'm going because I want to go back to Hawaii. Christopher isn't going to go ... he's not interesting in going back to Hawaii again ... I know ... he's weird. Gotta love 'em.

[RevNeal]

As for the 30 day cruise on the Amsterdam ... I'd love to ... but a full month is difficult to come by that soon after 14 days on the Westerdam in November. :)

Not to mention the money.

[kryos]

As for the 30 day cruise on the Amsterdam ... I'd love to ... but a full month is difficult to come by that soon after 14 days on the Westerdam in November. :)

Not to mention the money.
Money? You're a pastor ... can't you do services onboard in return for your fare? :)

But, believe me ... I understand. Thirty days is a long time. You have not idea the groveling I had to do at work to get that amount of time off. :( And I don't even have to worry about another cruise in the same year.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[Vic The Parrot]

All right Greg!


Not too early to get the ball rolling on this one.
I have a feeling this Hawaii cruise will be fantastic!

GN and longtimecruiser, it will be great to have you on board!
Since I can't make it to the islands this fall, I'm
definetely doing it in 2006.

And, the more the merrier!
Let's hope we can coax Ruth in going......


:)

[Vic The Parrot]

Christopher isn't going to go ... he's not interesting in going back to Hawaii again ...


That's the first I've heard ANYONE say that!!

:eek:


I'm with the countless others out there who fell in love with those islands, and vowed to come back. To each his own, I guess.

I've waited 14 years to go back, and won't let this opportunity
slip by me! Can't believe it took that lei 14 years to make it to a Hawaiian beach ......


:)

[longtimecruiser]

COUNT ME IN!!!!! I have checked the Hal website and found out it is 15 days. That is great.There will be just me and I'm going to convince Ruth to go. I don't think I'll have to twist her arm too much. Believe it or not, I've never been to Hawaii. Been to Europe and all over but never Hawaii. I have wanted to go since I was ten years old. This sounds like it will be so much fun. What a great way to go to Hawaii for the first time with my CC friends. Let me know any details as soon as you have any. Thanks for suggesting this trip. Looking forward to it but it is sooooooo far away. Adele

[grannynurse]

MaryAnn the future cruise consultant on the Rotterdam told me that you can combine a mariner discount with a group sailing. The numbers: 15 people or 9 cabins booked together. I also have another resource which cannot be discussed on this board, but we can email.
Have you spoken to Laura yet?
We were looking at B2B in Alaska for summer of 2006, but nothing is in stone, so tentatively plan on us being on this trip. We'll see what evolves.
GN

[longtimecruiser]

Oh Myra, what fun to sail together again on a "dam " ship. Hope this works out for us to go as a group.

[grannynurse]

I just realized that I had inadvertantly ignored you. Are you already booked on the Zaandam? Boy this would be a great trip. S*** disturbers (not anonymous).
Fill me in on your plans. Flying into San diego early? Sailimg solo? Tell me!!!
I think we'd have a great cast of characters, of course we may be PNG with HAL afterwards but......
GN

[longtimecruiser]

Cruznon, that would be a fun idea to have a pre sailaway party the night before and meet more CCer's. Just let me know where and when. Adele

[grannynurse]

It does sound awfully good, doesn't it?
I'd like it alot!
GN

[Himself]

This "unofficial cc criuse" might draw more "cc ers" than the official one.
Himself

[sail7seas]

This "unofficial cc criuse" might draw more "cc ers" than the official one.
Himself


Why? I don't understand.

[Himself]

Perhaps I worded it wrong. If we go to the beginning and read Rev Neal's post he proposed this as an Alternative Cruise. My thoght was that when the dust settles maybe there will be more cruise critic members on the Hawaiian Cruise rather than on the Caribbean Cruise.

Himself

[sail7seas]

Aha.....Thanks, I see what you are saying.

[boards]

We would be interested, we are looking to plan a special cruise or land trip for our 50th anniversary, although our thoughts were leaning towards Australia. I think weather conditions might favour Hawaii though, at that time of the year.

[HeatherInFlorida]

Greg, you can have as few as 8 cabins and it's a group cruise. So that's a definite possibility for you. Too bad it's in 2006 because another year later we could have afforded and probably would have loved to do this cruise with you. It would be fantastic.

But no fair taking away "my" group!!! I'll cry "foul" on that for sure;) .

Have to say I don't really understand either one of Himself's post. What dust needs to settle? Never mind, it doesn't really matter.

If it works out, we'll have group cruises to the Caribbean, Alaska and Hawaii!!!

[iluvcruzin]

I may be interested RevNeal. It's about time I revisit Hawaii. October is a great time to go. I'll keep checking the post and see what you come up with as far as pricing. I'm looking for cruises other than the Carribean for 2006.

[RevNeal]

Money? You're a pastor ... can't you do services onboard in return for your fare?

The agency that contracts protestant chaplains has a nice long waiting list ... but I'm trying. We'll see what happens. :D

[RevNeal]

S7S ... Heather ... I have no intention of "taking away" anyone's group or, in any way, competing with the Caribbean Group. Not at all! My thinking is simply that there may be some who would like to cruise in the Pacific rather than in the Caribbean. I also believe there are more than enough CCers to put together several cruises, let alone two. We may or may not have enough interested in going to Hawaii to put together a group-rate. We're about 1/3 or so of the way there, from what has been said above. That's not bad for a start.

Any others who want to put their names down as being interested, please feel free to do so! I don't see making any formal arrangements for another couple of months ... it's still a little over 19 months before this cruise, so we have plenty of time to let people make decisions and look at calendars and such.

Again, if we don't have enough for a group cruise we can all make our own bookings, coordinate here, and then meet aboard. If we DO have enough for a group booking, we'll examine our options. But, given how wonderful CC has been to give us the space, we should at least investigate options with LaruaS.

If anyone would like to e-mail me directly, you may do so here: revneal@aol.com

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Greg, the date is perfect, the location is perfect, the port is perfect but I know I cannot be gone 15 days. I could possibly stretch to 10 days. How about a October Oosterdam? I know not near as exciting and exotic as Hawaii. Too bad HAL does not allow you to join the cruise in Hawaii and return to San Diego with the ship, kind of like a one way.

[sail7seas]

S7S ... Heather ... I have no intention of "taking away" anyone's group or, in any way, competing with the Caribbean Group.


I don't recall and cannot find anywhere that I suggested anything of the sort.
I don't care if there are 4 or fourteen groups. Why would I?

My posts must be unclear lately and easily misunderstood by some. I shall be more careful and take care that I do not confuse anyone with careless wording. Seems I am going to be called on everything I write, whether I have said something or not. Okay.....I'll be more precise and leave no room for confusion.

I hope everyone here finds the perfect cruise for their desires/needs and has a wonderful time. Good Luck. Hope you sell the ship out. Wouldn't that be something!!! :)

[HeatherInFlorida]

Greg, just to clear up! I was absolutely joking with you about your cruise taking people from our group! I thought I had worded my post so you'd know that:o . A 15 day Hawaiian cruise is a far cry away from a 7 day Caribbean. There's plenty of room for both plus the Alaskan cruise Tiff is trying to get together.

I was only puzzled by Himself's post about dust settling. That was all I was confused about.

I only wish I could join your cruise myself!! That's a cruise we plan someday ... just not yet. We're doing the 2 weeker this October so no way we could do another in 2006.

As I said before, 8 cabins and you're a group. So no reason you can't do it.:)

[RevNeal]

Sail, I'm sorry if I upset you. I should have separated out my post to Heather from my post to you.

[RevNeal]

LAFFNVEGAS, I'd love to but I really kinda have my heart set on Hawaii again. I'm not sure why, I just am. :)

[kryos]

Perhaps I worded it wrong. If we go to the beginning and read Rev Neal's post he proposed this as an Alternative Cruise. My thoght was that when the dust settles maybe there will be more cruise critic members on the Hawaiian Cruise rather than on the Caribbean Cruise.

I think it's great that there are several group cruises brewing. Something for everyone ... Hawaii, Alaska and the Caribbean. They can all be "official."

If you look on the group cruises board, you'll see that many lines have multiple cruises going. In fact, I was kinda shocked that there were no HAL group cruises listed there.

I think it would be neat if just about all the regulars here were booked for one of them. Then at least everyone will get a chance to sail with some of their HAL buddies. :)

Blue skies ...

--rita

[Vic The Parrot]

I just realized that I had inadvertantly ignored you.



How ... where .... when

LOL


I didn't notice anything like that. No worries babe.
Not booked yet, but doing so in the coming months.
Holding out for a good rate!

This will be a great cruise!


(Tiny bubbles.... in the wine)



:)

[Vic The Parrot]

Oops .....

Almost forgot

I'm thinking of staying in SD for 2 days before we sail.
I did that for the Mexico cruise in Feb, and it's great to relax and stretch after a long flight.

If you're doing the same, let's grab a meal before we get on the ship. I might stay at the same place again (LaPensione)
but will be looking around for alternatives.

That Holiday Inn ALWAYS seems to be sold out each time I wanna book a room there. But so far LaPen will be my 1st choice.
So let's start thinking Hawaii!

Catch ya soon


:)

[sail7seas]

Sail, I'm sorry if I upset you. I should have separated out my post to Heather from my post to you.




I don't think any of us appreciate having someone 'put words in their mouth' that they never said.

Thanks for your message, Greg. No problem.

[RevNeal]

I don't think any of us appreciate having someone 'put words in their mouth' that they never said.

I never put any words into your mouth, or claimed you said anything ... I simply responded to Heather's jesting remarks and, since you had expressed question as to what Himself meant when he said that the "unofficial cc criuse" might draw more "cc ers" than the official one, I included you in my remarks. I'm sorry if you interpreted that as me trying to put words into your mouth ... such was not my intention. Now I REALLY wish I had separated out my response to each.

[HeatherInFlorida]

c'mon, kids ... remember we're all friends here? Right?:p

I'm just posting to keep Revneal's Hawaiian cruise front and center. Since it turns out it's a contest I want to play fair.:D

[RevNeal]

I'm just posting to keep Revneal's Hawaiian cruise front and center. Since it turns out it's a contest I want to play fair.:D

LOL!

[kryos]

The agency that contracts protestant chaplains has a nice long waiting list ... but I'm trying. We'll see what happens. :D
Well, if you're onboard, Rev, you can rest assured I'll be in attendance for all of your services! Well, at least those on sea days anyway. :)

Blue skies ...

--rita

[2forTravelin]

We've been talking about a cruise to Hawaii for next year and this would be a great way to meet in person some of the wonderful people on this board. Count us tentatively in for the trip!
cindy

[Himself]

I just looked at the post for the HAL CCer Cruise in the Caribbean. I notice that so far their are 20 for the Eastern Caribbean. I was wondering how many their are for the "alternate" being proposed by Rev. Greg Neal and Vic the Parrot.

Rev. How many? Do you know? Let's see a show of hands!
Those heading to Hawaii with Rev. Neal, please stand.

Himself

[HeatherInFlorida]

Himself, I have posted a reply to you on the Caribbean thread as well. The Caribbean Group Cruise poll was closed last week and the 10/29/06 cruise was selected. We have +20 cabins at this point. We have already contacted LauraS and are well on our way.

I also made a point of posting on the Caribbean thread that this cruise as well as an Alaskan cruise are being suggested just in case anyone wants to switch over. So there's a cruise for everyone.

I'm not quite sure why you see this a contest because there are plenty of people to do all 3 cruises. There will be no "winner". People should just book the cruise they want to go on. I would have preferred Greg's cruise personally, but sadly we just can't afford in 2006.

If we're all succesful with our cruises, this could be the start of frequent group cruises with all our friends. I'm proud to be a part of that.

[getaway101]

Oh no RevNeal.........I'm almost afraid to post and say I think I'm interested in your Hawaii cruise (lol). Would love to get some particulars before "yes" straight up, so as soon as tax season is over and I get back from the Maasdam voyage, I'll be doing some research. I love the 15 days and if the price is right I think it will be a go!

Thanks again for your emails on all my questions about the Maasdam.

[RevNeal]

I've done an accounting of where the list of those who are either definite or at least curious stands. I'll list by cabin, with number in cabin known):

Greg (1)
Vic (1)
longtimecruiser (1 or 2?)
grannynurse (2)
cuttle (2)
boards (2)
iluvcruzin (1 or 2?)
2forTravelin (2)
getaway101 (1 or 2?)


That's our start. Again, these are people who are either definitely interested or are at least tentatively curious as to finding out more about the what the cost might be.

If any of the above who are either interested or definitely set on going want to qualify how many in their cabin, I'd like to get that clear.

Also, if any others what to indicate if they're at least interested in the date/itinerary, please feel free to post below. I would hope we'll keep collecting names for the group well into May before we start trying to lock down prices, etc. And, of course, I would imagine that people can join us much later ... after we've go the group actually established with rates, etc.

After Easter I'll do a little research and see what the price ranges look like so that we can have a ball-park figure with which to work. If we have enough to go for a group rate (and its starting to look like that might be the case), that will a bench-mark for comparison. I can't do any research on this during Holy Week, however ... after today things get BUSY.

[getaway101]

Greg - We will be 2 :rolleyes:

[longtimecruiser]

Greg, one for me please!!!!!

[iluvcruzin]

2 in a cabin for me.

[RevNeal]

Thank you for the clarifications ... I wasn't certain on a few. :)

[bobpatj]

This cruise sounds wonderful to me, but I will have to twist Bob's arm! We're looking into cruises for winter, 2006, now and don't know if we could take this one, too.

[Vic The Parrot]

Hi Pat


Keep twisting ...... KEEP TWISTING!
He HAS to cave. It'll be great if you join us!



:)

[Vic The Parrot]

Hope Ruth joins us ..... that'll be excellent!

And we need Dave as well. It'll definetely become 'The Voyage of the Spammed'



:wink: :)

[RevNeal]

"Voyage of the Spammed"

FOFLMHO!!!!
Pretty good, Vic! You've named our cruise!!!!!! hehehehe

[Vic The Parrot]

Sorry, but Dave deserves the credit on that one.


He dubbed a nice piece he wrote for me with that title.
I can always stock up on Spam in each port we hit!

Then, we'll REALLY be spammed!!



:)

[grannynurse]

Cool title.
We're seriously considering this trip.
Greg, Happy Birthday!

Vic, I received your email; it looks like it's really going to happen. WOW!

some of my favorite people will be on this trip, God willing.

Go PAT GO! I know you can get Bob to agree to go.

Adele: I'm glad you're planning on going, work on Ruth! wow, what a trivia group!

GN

[dakrewser]

Hope Ruth joins us ..... that'll be excellent!

And we need Dave as well. It'll definetely become 'The Voyage of the Spammed'


While the pax list is very enticing, I'll have to pass on this one. Hawaii's one of those places I prefer for a land vacation. But y'all are welcome to join me for "Return to Damelot" in June 2006!

[longtimecruiser]

You are so right. What a trivia group. We may actually win this time. My group did win on the Rotterdam at Christmas. Never won once on our 34 day cruise. I really hope you and Chuck decide to go. I'm going, I'm going. I have mentioned it to Ruth and she is interested and considering it. As of last night she is still so tired, it is hard for her to commit right now. Give her time. She will go. When did you ever know Ruth to pass up on such a fun cruise?

[RevNeal]

Good thought ... the CC Trivia Team. We'll clean 'em out of prizes, people! We'll clean 'em out of prizes!!!!!!

[RevNeal]

Let Ruth rest up ... there is no rush on this! We've got 19 months to go; plenty of time for everyone who wants to go to "get aboard."

[RuthC]

...don't think I'll have to twist her arm too much.

Consider me twisted. ;)

If I'm able to cruise I'm in. That's the cruise that will qualify me for my next HAL medal and I'd love to receive it on such a nice cruise with such great people.

Steward! One for a cabin, please!

[grannynurse]

on the Zaandam over New Years. We were the "rumrunners" They called us the "DAM" rumrunners, I could open a business with all the HAL logo merchandise, don't forget We also had 2 daughters with us, and we were all on the same team.

Greg, we may need 2 teams, HAL still limits teams to 6 people.
"O DAM"
GN

[BCEagle78]

If I can find away to be away from the office for 15+ days, then count me in... Paul and Debbi are interested!

[longtimecruiser]

I knew you would go. Like I said, has anyone ever known Ruth to not go on a cruise that will be as much fun as this one? NO!!!! Welcome to the group, Ruth. Same team for trivia!!!!!!!!! Adele

[Sueseb]

We might be interested -- wil have to see what DH says.

[Sueseb]

We will be on the Zaandam again next week and will make a decision after that

[RevNeal]

Ruth and BCEagle78 ... WELCOME ABOARD! :D

And Sueseb, the Zaandam is a lovely ship. I had a blast aboard her for 21 days going through the Canal last year. Hope you enjoy your cruise aboard her, and ... if you do and your schedule looks good ... I hope you can join us.

[bobpatj]

We love to play Trivia, but seldom find ourselves on a winning team! Maybe with CC players...hmmm.

[Sueseb]

Also love trivia but alas the mind doesn't work as quickly as it once did!!! lol

[Ziggy7]

Hey now, you all better take lots of pics to share with us!!!!
Sounds like you all will have a great time too! Aloha my friends!:)

[Himself]

Heather-in-Florida:

Sorry if I offended you. I think it is great so many cc'ers are planning to travel together. Maybe I am just a cheerleader. It would be great if all the posters would get on the same cruise someday and the board would have the whole ship.
Himself

[WindyCity]

Well, we were planning on a Hawaiian Cruise in 2006, so you can count 3 more people in for the October 2006 cruise, if you don't mind.:) Our son (24 y.o.), my husband and myself will be going.

Kris

[HeatherInFlorida]

Heather-in-Florida:

Sorry if I offended you. I think it is great so many cc'ers are planning to travel together. Maybe I am just a cheerleader. It would be great if all the posters would get on the same cruise someday and the board would have the whole ship.
Himself

I couldn't agree more:D ... that would be the best cruise ever! I think you and I have had a simple misunderstanding. I'm honestly not offended in the least. I was just trying to say this is not a contest to see which cruise more people want to go on. Ideally I'd be hopping onboard with the rest of you on this Hawaii cruise, but generally speaking we can't take that many days in succession. Maybe some day:p !

[RevNeal]

Those who have indicated interest include

RevNeal (1)
Vic The Parrot (1)
longtimecruiser (1)
grannynurse (2)
cuttle (2)
boards (2)
iluvcruzin (2)
2forTravelin (2)
getaway101 (2)
bobpatj (2)
RuthC (1) -- would you be sharing, or would this a single?
BCEagle78 (2)
WindyCity (3) -- will this be 1 or two cabins?

There are several others who might be interested but have to settle other concerns before they can make the interest “official.”

If anyone would like to e-mail about this ... revneal@aol.com

[grannynurse]

Question: If you join a group cruise can you still book with your own TA. Ours is a rate magician and we love him. Can we discuss this off the board?
Thanks,
GN

[RuthC]

RuthC (1) -- would you be sharing, or would this a single?

Greg, it would be a single unless there is some way to work a HAL guaranteed share when it's a group cruise.
Somehow, I doubt that's possible.

I like longtimecruiser far to much than to ruin our friendship bunking with her for 15 nights! ;)
And (no offense or nuttin'), but you and Vic aren't the best roommate candidates for me, either. :eek:

[WindyCity]

One cabin - we normally book an S which gives us plenty of room since DH is slightly claustrophobic and son does not mind the sofa bed (He just wants to cruise!).

[RevNeal]

grannynurse:

I've e-mailed you off the board.
:)
I don't know what the rules are.
We'll see, won't we?
I'm happy to see our group continuing to grow. Bring 'em on!

[RevNeal]

And (no offense or nuttin'), but you and Vic aren't the best roommate candidates for me, either.

hehehehe ... I think my Bishop wouldn't appreciate it if I roomed with a lady. :D Neither would Christopher, for that matter ... but we won't go there! :eek:

[Himself]

Hey Gang:

You folks going with Vic The Parrot and Rev. Greg Neal.. There are a couple of words you have to get down. Aloha and Mahallo.

Aloha

Himself
PS Mahallo

[Vic The Parrot]

How about we get official "Voyage of the Spammed" t-shirts??





:)

[longtimecruiser]

We could never "bunk" together. I know you would take the chocolate from my pillow every night............lol

[Himself]

Vic:

Those T shirts sound like a plan

Himself

[kryos]

I like longtimecruiser far to much than to ruin our friendship bunking with her for 15 nights! ;)
Great to see you back online, Ruth!

That's my feeling with bunking with someone on the CC Caribbean cruise. I have this little problem that could wreck a good friendship. Shhhhhhsh ... don't say anything ... but ... I SNORE. :(

LOL ... I'm better off in my own cabin ... unless, of course, the roommate snores too. :)

Blue skies ...

--rita

[Vic The Parrot]

Hey gang!


I was thinking......

On a previous CC cruise, on 'another line' , there was a group photo taken of everyone present at the get-together.

Ya think it might be possible to get a free photo since it's a group? I had to pay for the copy on 'X' But heard some lines do that for free, or at a special price.

[RevNeal]

I have been asked by several to post the itinerary for the Oct 7, 2006, Hawaii cruise. Given that it's a little different than the HAL Hawaii itineraries that most (myself included) have taken before, this makes sense.

Please note ... it includes a 2-day stay in Honolulu, Hawaii! D

0 San Diego, CA.
1 Cruising the Pacific Ocean
2 At Sea
3 At Sea
4 At Sea
5 Hilo, Hawaii
6 Honolulu, Hawaii
7 Honolulu, Hawaii
8 Kona, Hawaii
8 Evening passing Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii
9 Lahaina Maui, Hawaii
10 Cruising the Pacific Ocean
11 At Sea
12 At Sea
13 At Sea
14 Ensenada, Mexico (service call ... 11pm - midnight)
15 San Diego, CA.

[Vic The Parrot]

It's a shame we won't be hitting Kauai.

:(


Missed it the 1st time around on the Rotterdam cruise due to Hurricane Iniki (the place was leveled), and my best shot at seeing that island was for a Hawaii cruise on Statendam THIS year.

But an overnight in Honolulu makes up for that in some ways.
More time to hit the beach at Waikiki!

[RevNeal]

It's a shame we won't be hitting Kauai.

Hmmm ... I'm not sure I want to "hit" any island. :D
LOL
I know what you mean. But, in exchange for 2 days in Honolulu, that's not a bad trade.

[Himself]

Kauai is called "The Garden Island." I only saw it once. I was in Honolulu two decades ago--more than two decades ago--and I got a good price on island hopping for one day and landed at Kona and took a litte bus trip. Then flew over the Parker Ranch and up to Maui for Lunch and a visit to the Yow Kneedle. (I am not shure how to spell it you it is pronunced YOW) Then flew over the Kaluapapa Peninsula where Fr. Damien did his ministry to the lepers and over Oahu and out to Kauai where we flew through the Wamaia Canyon and circled the island before landing and taking a bus to were you got the boat to go to the Fern Grotto. Then we flew back to Honolulu. It is too bad the ship will not be stopping at the Beautiful Island of Kauai.

If you are into History, this may afford you the opportunity to board the Arizona Memorial and again visit and go on board the great Battle Ship Missouri where Japan Surrendered to General Douglas A. MacArthur. That is a piece of History.

Himself

[RevNeal]

When I went to Hawaii in 2002 we did the stop in Kauai ... it is, indeed, a lovely island. If any are interested, there are photos of my stop there on my website.

On that same cruise I got to do the USS Arizona Memorial and Missouri tours ... wonderful. I'd be willing to go again, but seeing as how I've already done that fantastic tour (being a history buff) I'll probably take one of the island tours dealing with nature and/or culture. There are several good ones for Honolulu to choose from.

During my 2002 cruise to Hawaii I didn't manage to get to a beach -- disappointing, but there was just so much else to do! So ... this time I plan on going to one ... perhaps Waikiki with Vic. :)

[Vic The Parrot]

Spent some time at the Arizona .... very humbling experience.


Didn't get a chance to see the Missouri.
Looks like next year I'll have a full day in Honolulu.
Thanks for the tip buddy!

[Vic The Parrot]

Sure Greg!


I'll take you on the 'beach bums tour'!



:)

[Himself]

I didn't realize you were a "History Buff." Long before I was what I am now, I used to teach History. Guess I am some what of a buff on History myself.
So was my father before me!

Himself

[RevNeal]

:D
One of my undergraduate majors was in History -- Ancient and European.

[Vic The Parrot]

Hi gang

I'll be snooping around the web for info on how to do Pearl Harbor without taking the ships shore excursion.

Think there's a bus route that goes up the main drag by the Aloha Tower (Eisenhower Blvd?) and this way, everyone can stay as long as they want.

I know it's over a year that we go, but it's fun throwing these ideas around! I'll keep everyone updated.

[longtimecruiser]

Keep me updated, Vic. I'm doing the same thing too. I've looked into what shore excursions are available and what else there might be to do in a port. Yeah, it's over a year away but it makes it seem closer when you start researching about the various ports. Adele

[RuthC]

Vic, when I was there in '02 we wanted to take a shore exscursion to the Polonesian Cultural Center and one to Pearl harbor, but the times conflicted. I was advised to go to Pearl Harbor on my own before the HAL tours and there would be time. There was.

IIRC, we took a cab very early and still had to wait a while. But, we did get in long before the HAL tours arrived and we were back to the ship in plenty of time to make the other shore excursion.

All of this is my way too chatty way of saying: Hey guys, wanna grab a cab and go together?

[RevNeal]

A cab for 25+?
That's how many we have indicated interest in this cruise. :)
I'm hopeful, when all is said and done, we'll have between 25 and 30. We've got MANY months to build the group. :)

[Vic The Parrot]

A cab for 25+?



Sure ..... let's do it!


When we get there, it'll be like that old 100 clowns getting out of a car routine.


:)

[Vic The Parrot]

Sample CC'ers Honolulu tour


7AM-arrive at dock
9AM-'hopefully' get off the ship by then.....
9:30AM-grab a cab to Pearl Harbor
9:45 or 10AM-PH arrival
1PM-leave PH
1:30 to 2:45-lunch on board
3PM-Waikiki beach -- spend remainder of afternoon for some sun and surf! :)

Times, and attractions to be adjusted.
And, once we leave the beach, get back on board to partake in the deck party/luau that night.


Think this is good for the 1st day in Honolulu?

[Vic The Parrot]

Just noticed that our 2nd day in Honolulu is shortened by an 8PM departure. (boo! ... hiss!)

On that day, see Punchbowl Crater ... Polynesian Cultural Center.. and another visit to the beach!

I've read about Hanauma Bay ... seen some shots of it, and it looks like paradise. So many choices!


Since we have a looooong time to plan for this, we should all put our heads together for a gameplan, and make the most of our visit to Oahu.

Like I mentioned in my previous posting, these are samples of what we could do. Let's hear from everyone on thier ideas!
This looks like a fantastic cruise! It'll be a great trip to share with my friends!


:)

[kryos]

Like I mentioned in my previous posting, these are samples of what we could do. Let's hear from everyone on thier ideas!
This looks like a fantastic cruise! It'll be a great trip to share with my friends!

I only wish I could make this trip. It sounds like so much fun.

On the Jan 6 departure, there is also an overnight in Honolulu ... and I know exactly what I'm doing! I'm a gonna skydiving! :)

Blue skies ...

--rita

[iluvcruzin]

It's been over 4 years since I cruised the Hawaiian Islands. We stopped in Kauai and it was beautiful. The overnight was in Lahaina. It started in Honolulu so I stayed there for 3 days pre-cruise. Hanauma Bay is beautiful. There was a admission charge but I'm sure it's not the same amount now.

Since Honolulu is an overnight stay, it's not a bad idea to do a Luau at this stop. There is Germaine's and a few others. We went to Paradise Cove and it was very nice. Other activites - Kodak show, Polenesian show (it's a drive), the Arizona memorial, Bowfin Submarine Museum (I thought this was a interesting tour) and the Missouri. Since most of the Pineapple is imported now, the Dole tour was a bust the last time we were there. One option would be to rent a car for the day. They aren't that expensive and the rental companies will pick-up and drop off at the pier. There are rental places in nearby hotels.

Don't take the public transportation as a means for touring. It's WAY too far from the pier and would take forever to get to the Arizona. Share a car rental with friends. I don't know much about cab fares.

[RuthC]

A cab for 25+?
Sure. Someone could sit on my lap. ;)

Greg, I'll bet there will be some support for a few of us going together, but I doubt everyone will want to do the same things.
Maybe we could get a van.

[RevNeal]

Probably have a few groups with options planned. Vic has the right idea ... let's put together some options that either are independent of HAl tours, or branch off of them. :)

And, Ruth, don't forget ... I owe you at least ONE dance. :)

[Vic The Parrot]

Maybe I could get a car.......

I'll hunt around when it gets closer. Figure a car for 2 days
should be a good buy.

And I'll even drive!!
Won't know where I'm going, but we'll get there!



:)

[Ziggy7]

Sure. Someone could sit on my lap. ;)

And, Ruth, don't forget ... I owe you at least ONE dance. :)

I'm sure its not a lap dance, being a man of the collar but thats what it looked like LOL :)

[RuthC]

Ziggy-----hush! :o :o :o

[RevNeal]

A lap dance ... hehehehehehe
funny!
:D ;) :eek: :)

[Himself]

Since you were last in Hawaii, the great Battleship Missouri is now tied up next to the Arizona and from what I understand, is open for tours. This is the ship where the Japanese High Command surrendered to the supreme allied Commander General of the Armies Douglas A. McArthur.

The Kodak Hula Show, yes I was there years ago. It was quite good. There were once a group of ladies who wanted marjuana legalized. They called themselves:
THE GRASS SKIRTS


I know, and they hang wallpaper.

Himself

[RevNeal]

If anyone would like to see photos of the Arizona Memorial and the USS Missouri, click the link below:

http://www.revneal.org/hawaiicruise/honolulu.html

[Pudgesmom]

Pardon me Rev, but shouldn't you be busy writing a sermon or something? :D

Happy Easter!

Beth

[RevNeal]

Hmmmm ... if my sermon hasn't been prepared by 10:25 pm (ct) on Saturday night, I haven't been doing my job during the week.

My sermon prep normally begins on Monday mornings at 9 am when I first look at the Lectionary readings for the coming Sunday; I'm almost always finished and ready to go by Thursday at noon. This week being Holy Week, I had to prepare 4 sermons, not just one, but I was still finished and ready to go by Thursday at noon. :)

I long-ago learned that if I did my job, as it should be done, and didn't attempt to write "Saturday Night Wonders," my Friday and Saturday nights would be mine for going to the Symphony, the movies, plays, and other such. :) Or, as in last night ... surfing Cruise Critics.

Blessed Resurrection Day to you and yours!

[longtimecruiser]

Thanks Greg for sharing your beautiful pictures of Hawaii. Makes me wish the trip were not so far away. Adele

[Himself]

Rev Greg Neal:

Those pictures of the Arizona Memorial brought back memories more than two decades old. Thanks for sharing them. I have some questions on the Missouri but I will e-mail you off the boards.

I hope your sermon went well today. Christus Resurrexit!!!!

Have a Very Blessed Easter to you and to all who read this thread!

Himself

[Batinfla]

This trip sounds really great! I would be interested, but I don't think I could convince DH to go. We just returned earlier this month from a similar trip on a different cruise line. (HAL would have been my choice, but our friends wanted to go on the other). Anyway, since it only took 17 years to get him to go back to Hawaii after our first time, I don't think he would go again so soon.

We did not take the Arizona tour in Honolulu as we had already done it. Our friends took the ship's tour and said the lines to get in were very long. In fact they spent so much time waiting there that the rest of their tour had to be cut short and even so they were almost 2 hours later than the scheduled time in getting back to the ship.

I will keep this cruise in mind.

[RevNeal]

Batinfla, if you can convince your husband we would love to have you join us! Let us know if/when that happens!

If you want to see some price-range estimates, I'll be posting a few here on the thread this week ... they will be just for reference purposes so that we can have an idea of the price-range we're looking at. IF we get a group rate, I would hope the quotes will be a little less.

15 days to, in, and from Hawaii is rather more expensive than a shorter cruise elsewhere. :)

[richnorto]

I'm answering this without reading everything in between, so - Just back from the Zaandam Carribean - wonderful! If we don't fly to London in June or Sept. (both are possibilities)- count us in! Hawaii is our next trip. I need to figure out if this is a 1 way or 2 way as DH has places he wants to go - you know "places to go - things to do"(golf)!:D

[Himself]

Rev. Greg Neal:

the way they are signing up this is liable to have all 1440 pax be cc posters.

Himself

[mechcc]

Wish we could go with you but do want to share that if you are in Honolulu on Sat, Sun, or Wed mornings, the Aloha Stadium has a flea market on those days and you can get some good buys. Stay away from the jewelry but you can get 10 t-shirts for $20.00. You can mix the sizes but watch for seconds. DH brought back enough for his whole office 2 years ago. Also, if you are there on Sunday morning, the military hotel, Hale Koa, holds a sunrise service on the beach at the hotel. You won't be turned away if you are on the beach and can get there by going through the Hilton Hawaiian Village or on the other side of the Hale Koa. The beach is open to everyone.

[HeatherInFlorida]

Greg, I just want to give you fair warning that this group cruise planning thing is practically a full time job:o . Planning our group Caribbean cruise is barely underway and I can't begin to tell you the time involved! LauraS tells me it will get really crazy as we get closer ... especially if it grows at the rate it has been:) .

Remember, I don't work so have all the time in the world, but you may want to think about planning this an an "Individual Group" cruise and just have one big Roll Call. I'll let you know as we go forward about how it's going. There's a lot going on "behind the scenes" that gets a little crazy.

I sure wish you had planned this Hawaii cruise for another time! I would loved to have gone along with all of you!!!

[iluvcruzin]

Himself - the Missouri was there when I was in Hawaii and we took a tour. I can't get over how they bunked. They had these hammocks where there were mere inches between one person and the next. Makes one think twice about small cabin space :). Lots of interesting historic informationis given on the different wars the ship participated in. If not mistaken, the last time in service was the Gulf War. It's a must see.

[Himself]

Thanks for the information. I am a history buff. Earlier in my life I was a History teacher. You are correct about the Missouri seeing action in the Gulf War. I think it was "updated a little" in that it was using more modern technology when firing and I think the fire power was much greater in the Gulf War than it was during WWII or the Korean Thing. I had a cousin (a lot older than me) who was on the KIDD (A Destroyer) in the Korean Conflict. At one point they were escorting the Missuouri and he said when she would fire her guns the Kidd darn near got blown out of the water.

This ship was chosen because it was named after President Truman's home state and that is why the surrender was done there. It was in the same class of Battleship as was the IOWA>

Himself

[RevNeal]

Remember, I don't work so have all the time in the world, but you may want to think about planning this an an "Individual Group" cruise and just have one big Roll Call. I'll let you know as we go forward about how it's going. There's a lot going on "behind the scenes" that gets a little crazy.

Thank you so much for the warning. I've gathered that there's a lot to do in this connection. I appreciate any and all advice you might have to give. From what we've got now signed up as at least interested, it looks like we'll have a small group of about 25 or so ... unless we get a whole slew of new sign-ups over the next few months. ;) Originally this began as just Vic and I coordinating some of our schedules to meet up on another cruise -- this time a Hawaii cruise. Then we saw the Caribbean Group, and that gave us the idea of seeing if others would like to join us for a "Pacific Alternative."


I sure wish you had planned this Hawaii cruise for another time! I would loved to have gone along with all of you!!!

Likewise regarding the Caribbean Group Cruise. Almost any other time of the year would have worked for me, but not over THAT weekend and not so close to the Hawaii cruise that I was already planning. :)

[HeatherInFlorida]

Well, Greg, if this cruise (and maybe yours, too) is a success I'm hoping that there will be more cruises we can all get together. HAL will never be the same!;)

I'll definitely let you know how it all goes and once we get our message board and booking/pricing plan up, you can check it all out and see what you think!

In the meantime, no matter how many you have it should be a great time for all who can go. We can never get everyone we enjoy on these boards on the same ship at the same time so we'll just do the best we can.:D

[RevNeal]

In the meantime, no matter how many you have it should be a great time for all who can go. We can never get everyone we enjoy on these boards on the same ship at the same time so we'll just do the best we can.

My thinking EXACTLY. :)
And I think these will be a success ... be they formally a CC Group cruise or just coordinated arrangements, by-and-large our people here KNOW how to have fun, and DO have fun cruising! Why not do it together, from time to time?

[DFD1]

Greg+: Put us down as strong maybe's. Pty of 2. It's been about five years since were were in Hawaii and we've never cruised out there, so it would be a real treat. We have two other extended trips plus the CC Caribbean cruise in 06, so it will depend on how attractive the pricing is on this one.

Thanks for all your work....and if this is successful, there'll be tons more work. DFD

I'm dfd@americainter.net if you need it.

[RevNeal]

DFD1 ... fantastic!
We would LOVE to have you!
Right now everybody is contingent upon what kind of a deal we can find. I hope to start that process this week ... though I'm now coming down with a bad cold, and that may slow me up a bit.

But your on the list. :) Hope things work out and you can join us! It's a wonderful cruise.

[Ziggy7]

Get Well Soon RevNeal! I'm also hoping and praying for your cruise to be a big sucess like ours will be :) I too wish we were going on this cruise! We all would have a blast with our blenders and skeet shooters!!!!! ;)

[Himself]

Rev: Greg Neal:

I have found vitiamin C is good at knocking a cold and is also good prevention.

[RevNeal]

I have always found that the best way to get over feeling icky is to dream about future cruises. :)

I've got 3 on the horizon and a 4th being researched. :)
That's a lot to dream about! :)

[grannynurse]

Don't forget the crock pots (or is it crackpots) for the ship of fools.
One of the fools,
GN

[Sillyjilly]

Depending on the cost, we would consider this. I'll keep a look out for the prices. Thanks, Jill

[RevNeal]

Sillyjilly, hope things will work out that you'll be able to join us in 06! And welcome!

[RevNeal]

I've done a little research with a couple of online TAs. The following is based upon the quotes I got from them. IF we get a group rate, I would hope we can get a little lower than this ... or, perhaps, a few perks on top.

Again, these are averaged from among several online TAs. They are lower than HAL's website quotes. And, they are per-person based on Double Occupancy and include taxes and port fees.

J-Category Inside: $1,783.78
E-Category Outside: $2,088.28
B-Category Verandah: $2,871.28
S-Category Suite: $6,272.98

Again, those are per-person rates in double-occupancy.


With the single supplement each is rather more, but not TOO much more in the peon Categories (in which I usually cruise):

J-Category Inside: $2549.38
E-Category Outside: $3001.78
B-Category Verandah: $5202.88
S-Category Suite: $11,666.97

In other words, if you're going alone get an inside or, perhaps, an outside. If you want a B or an S, bring someone with you ... you might as well, because you're paying for 'em even if you don't.

I would expect that some of these prices will drop some over the next many months, and I would also hope that if we go for a group rate we can manage better than the above. However, I'm pleased with these rates even as they are. So ... I'm going! :D

[Sillyjilly]

Sillyjilly, hope things will work out that you'll be able to join us in 06! And welcome!

Thanks for the warm welcome! I hope I can join you all too. I've enjoyed reading these boards. You all seem so friendly. :)

[RevNeal]

I've enjoyed reading these boards. You all seem so friendly.

:)
We do try!

[longtimecruiser]

Greg, I agree with you. The single supplement rate is very good. Count me as definately going. If we get lower rates than this, all the better.Thanks for all you work so far. Adele

[WindyCity]

Nice price quotes, Rev Neal. Just over $1000 less than HAL website for the S cabin! I'd say that is fantastic! Definitely going be part of this group cruise! Just let us know the details for booking & down payment!:D

Kris

[RevNeal]

Once I have a little bit better idea how many are interested with ball-park figures like these, we'll know if we can get a group rate.

I'm also in the process of looking for more quotes. I've been given a couple more TA leads to look into for possible rate quotes -- and even possible tentative Group quotes. So ... as I said, these figures are not tacked down. They're reflective of what I've been able to find for individual bookings.

Those who are Definite:

RevNeal (1)
Vic The Parrot (1)
longtimecruiser (1)
WindyCity (3)

An others?

[BCEagle78]

Paul and Debbi are quite serious about making this our 2006 annual cruise. We have not been there since our honeymoon in 1978... it's time to return!

Please consider us as serious participants....

The prices look pretty good! Thanks Rev Neal for doing all the work so far.

[RuthC]

Those who are Definite:

RevNeal (1)
Vic The Parrot (1)
longtimecruiser (1)
WindyCity (3)

An others?
RuthC (1)---assuming she's alive and breathing!

[TexasDH]

If there is room for more Texans, count us in as a "definite possibility"! (2, please! ;) )

[Sillyjilly]

We are still considering this. I just have to convince my hubby. The rate looks good, but if we can get a better rate as a group, it will be that much easier to convince him. :)
We'll be married 20 years Sept. 20, 2006. That would be a wonderful way to celebrate!

[RevNeal]

I've been asked to give an update on where we stand right now. So, here's the list of those who have expressed at least an interest in this cruise:

RevNeal (1)
Vic The Parrot (1)
longtimecruiser (1)
grannynurse (2)
cuttle (2)
boards (2)
iluvcruzin (2)
2forTravelin (2)
getaway101 (2)
bobpatj (2)
RuthC (1)
BCEagle78 (2)
WindyCity (3)
Sillyjilly (2)
DFD1 (2)
TexasDH (2)

Have I missed anyone who has expressed an interest? In addition to those listed here, I've had 3 couples contact me in some way (e-mail, etc) expressing an interest but they have not yet posted on this thread. I'll not include them until either they post, or until they actually book with our group. :)

Of the above, some are already definite about going while others are still considering or trying to twist DH/DW/DSO arms. We'll sort that distinction out when we have more news on the issue of Group Rates, etc. As of right now we've got 16 cabins and 29 people (19 cabins and 35 if those other 3 couples sign up). Do any more want to join!?

I have e-mailed LauraS about a CC Group Rate. I've not heard back from her yet, but I only e-mailed her today. I think it's proper for us to give CC first crack at trying to get us a group rate before we look elsewhere. If it turns out we're too small to qualify for a group rate, or if their price is just way out of range (i.e., we can go independently for a LOT cheaper), then we'll cross that bridge when we get to it. Right now I'm going to be hopeful and positive that LaruaS can do something good for us.

Keep your eyes on this thread until we know more. IF it turns out that we're going to get a formal CC Group rate, then we'll go full-bore over on the CC-Group area. If not, we'll throw together our small informal group on the Roll Call board.

Nite all!

[Sillyjilly]

Oh boy, that sounds great! We'll be leaving Sat on the Diamond, so I'll be checking in next week. See ya later, Jill

[DFD1]

Greg: Thanks for all your research on this. Your preliminary (sp) rates look quite reasonable. Now, if we can just find a stowaway seat or two from Atlanta to the coast and back...Let me know if you have any ideas.

[2forTravelin]

RevNeal -
Great job on the rates! Please count in the 2 of us.
Thanks for putting this together.
cindy

[Cuttle]

Although we are still interested, for us, because of health issues, it is difficult to plan something so far ahead. I think I had better count us out for now and if things change closer to the time, we can always book on our own (depending on availability of course) and hopefully the CC Group will let us join the group activities even though we won't be booking with the group.

I'll continue to watch the thread and keep my fingers crossed that we can join you.

[Sillyjilly]

Gee, I haven't even told DH we're going yet and I've already picked out a cabin. :eek:

Can I reserve it and then just switch over to the group? Or, should I just calm down and wait?

I'm off to finish packing now. Yahoooooooooooooooooooooo :D

Jill

[2forTravelin]

I had posted the questions below on the main message board and Heather suggested that I might want to post them here. I didn't realize that every group cruise is unique in how they are set up and the 'rules' vary by the cruise. I also now think these questions are pretty premature but, well here goes.

What's different about a group cruise from a regular cruise (other than the great company I'll be keeping)? Since I've only been on one cruise (with a second one this year), I'm a real novice at this. Does signing up for a Group Cruise change how I book the cruise? Can I still pick our cabin? On the last cruise, I discovered that I could get shipboard credit if we signed up for a future cruise and then I could move the booking to my own travel agent (who got us a much better price while I still kept the shipboard credit). Can I still do that? Or does the group rate cancel out the shipboard credit?
Sorry to be so naive.
Thanks -
cindy

[RevNeal]

Cuttle,

Patience, grasshopper. :)
I would imagine people will be booking, etc., for quite a while. We've got 19 months to go. And, sure, if when you book we don't have any more cabins, you can join us in events! The more the better. At least, I can't see why not!?

I have a feeling this will be a fairly informal group (not in terms of clothing but in terms of events and "rules.")

In short, sit back and relax. No one is asking anyone to book right now ... we've just barely started looking into a group rate with LauraS. I've gotten word back from her that we need to wait until they finish negotiating group rate rules, etc., with HAL. We and the Caribbean Group are in the same ship, so to speak, on this ... so ....

[RevNeal]

What's different about a group cruise from a regular cruise (other than the great company I'll be keeping)? Since I've only been on one cruise (with a second one this year), I'm a real novice at this.

Don't worry. While I've been on 10 cruises (9 with HAL) I have NEVER done a group cruise before.

Does signing up for a Group Cruise change how I book the cruise? Can I still pick our cabin?

I think that this is part of what will be determined by LauraS in negotiations with HAL. I understand that there are some problems with how HAL books group cruises and how other lines do them, and it's taking a while for her to negotiate terms with HAL on such subjects. From what I understand there will be blocks of cabins that we can select from. And, unless I'm mistaken, we'll do our booking with an agency that CC has made arrangements with.

On the last cruise, I discovered that I could get shipboard credit if we signed up for a future cruise and then I could move the booking to my own travel agent (who got us a much better price while I still kept the shipboard credit). Can I still do that? Or does the group rate cancel out the shipboard credit?
Sorry to be so naive.

I truly have no idea. This is BRAND NEW for me, too. Perhaps someone who has been a part of a group cruise could illuminate us on this subject? We WILL find out these details before anyone is able to book anything anyway. As I've said before, we've got MANY MANY months to go before we even start getting close to this cruise. It could easily be May before we've got details. At least, that's my guess based upon how long it seems to be taking.

Also, keep in mind that we might not qualify for a group cruise. I have NO idea if they will want to work with a group as small as ours. If we don't make it as a formal group cruise, then I would encourage everyone to book as best we can (and we'll share data via email, I suppose, since CC has rules about doing that kind of thing on this board apart from formally recognized CC groups.)

[HeatherInFlorida]

Greg, I see you're following our thread very well:D . I do know that any number can be considered a "group".

The situation with HAL appears to be that they want to release a certain number of cabins at a certain price and once that group is taken they then release more, but at a higher price. What LauraS is doing for us is trying to change that so the price will remain the same throughout the process.

When I first started the process with our cruise, I asked Laura if we could request any cabin and she said "definitely, yes". I still think that holds true because I don't think they release specific cabins, but rather so many S's, so many SS's, verandah's and so forth. So hopefully I would be able to specify any cabin # and if it's still available to anyone, I could have it. That better be the way it is.

So we'll see. I was supposed to have the quote today but it didn't happen. As soon as we get that, you'll have a much better idea about how it would go for your group.

[RevNeal]

Actually, Heather, no ... I've not looked at your thread much. Most of what I know about the situation, and the negotiations, are what LauraS has told me via e-mail. It would appear that once she's negotiated the terms with HAL for y'all, the basic agreement will hold for all other CC HAL Group cruises, including the Hawaii cruise. Since this is the first time for CC to do a HAL Group Cruise (that's interesting ... I wonder why?) this is all new territory for CC.

[Cuttle]

Cuttle,

Patience, grasshopper. :)
In short, sit back and relax.

Thanks Revneal. I will do just that. Just didn't want to be counted in and then have to back out later. I thought it best sooner than later.

[HeatherInFlorida]

Actually, Heather, no ... I've not looked at your thread much. Most of what I know about the situation, and the negotiations, are what LauraS has told me via e-mail. It would appear that once she's negotiated the terms with HAL for y'all, the basic agreement will hold for all other CC HAL Group cruises, including the Hawaii cruise. Since this is the first time for CC to do a HAL Group Cruise (that's interesting ... I wonder why?) this is all new territory for CC.

Well, I sure wish LauraS was emailing me. She posted yesterday she'd have the quote mid day today, but I've never heard anything from her. I'm a little frustrated and disappointed. A group leader for another cruise tells me that it always takes this long. She waited a month for prices.

[Sillyjilly]

Revneal,

Thanks for the info. I'll try to calm down. The only thing funner than a cruise, is planning another one. ;)

[RevNeal]

Well, I sure wish LauraS was emailing me. She posted yesterday she'd have the quote mid day today, but I've never heard anything from her. I'm a little frustrated and disappointed. A group leader for another cruise tells me that it always takes this long. She waited a month for prices.

All I received was a short email explaining that it would be a bit until they had an agreement with HAL for CC Group Cruises.

And, I suppose it's a good thing we've both got many many many months before time gets tight. :)

[2forTravelin]

RevNeal -
Thanks so much for telling me what you know so far. And thanks for not making me feel like an idiot for asking. I think I may be a bit like sillyjilly as I get so caught up in the planning I forget how much time there really is before the cruise.
cindy

[stanford's girl]

RevNeal,

I have a couple of questions about #1037 on the Oosterdam. I saw your pics and the room is huge. Did you hear anything from the casino or bars on the deck above? Also was there much movement being that far forward and being on the main deck? We usually book about 1/2 way up the ship and more to the middle. Thanks for any info on this room.
Janice

[RevNeal]

Dear Janice,

Sorry about the delay in responding!
Here's a fast response to your questions about Cabin 1037 on the Main Deck of the Vista class ships (specifically, the Oosterdam).

1. I did not hear anything from the casino or the Sports bar above. Actually, the cabin is almost directly under the passage way that runs along outside the sports bar between the bar and the casino machines proper. I heard nothing. I understand that some people on the port side, right under the Northern Lights, had a problem with sounds from above. But, in 1037, I didn't.

2. Actually, 1037 is about midway between the midships elevators and the forward Vista show lounge. It is not so far forward that motion was particularly noticeable. At least, I don't remember ever noticing any major motion in that area. But, then, on that cruise the seas were very calm.

[stanford's girl]

RevNeal,

Thanks so much for getting back to me. Sounds like this could be a good cabin for me.:D Your always so helpful with your knowledge for us new to HAL.:)

[bobpatj]

Put us on the list. We're definite for Hawaii. Woohoo!

[RuthC]

Put us on the list. We're definite for Hawaii. Woohoo!
Woohoo! Indeed! That is so great, Pat. I can't wait to sail with you again!

Maybe we can even get up a barbershop group again! :eek:
Maybe not.

[RevNeal]

Welcome, Pat, indeed!
EXCELLENT.

And, Ruth ... I sing bass.
And I'm told I'm good.
<cough>

:D

[RuthC]

And, Ruth ... I sing bass.
And I'm told I'm good.
<cough>

:D
Don't believe everything you hear, Rev. :D (forgive me; the devil made me do that.)

I love to sing along with the radio. I swear my husband didn't even want me singing in the shower (didn't stop me, though;) ).
I've been told not to give up my day job. :rolleyes:

[RevNeal]

List Update!

We've had an addition to our group, so I thought I'd give an update.
The following people have expressed at least some interest in our Hawaii Cruise on the Zaandam. Nothing is set in stone. It's just folk who are "interested." Some are definite, some are "wait-and-see" while still others are somewhere between. That's fine. Once we have group rates, etc., and are able to book, we'll be in a better position to say what the group will be.

RevNeal (1)
Vic The Parrot (1)
longtimecruiser (1)
grannynurse (2)
cuttle (2)
boards (2)
iluvcruzin (2)
2forTravelin (2)
getaway101 (2)
bobpatj (2)
RuthC (1)
BCEagle78 (2)
WindyCity (3)
Sillyjilly (2)
DFD1 (2)
TexasDH (2)
bobpatj (2)

It keeps growing! Talk to friends, others who post elsewhere on CC but who are thinking about a Hawaii Cruise ... see if there might be more who would like to join us. I would imagine that, once the details are all worked out, and as we get closer to deadlines and such, we'll see more join us. But ... for now ... we've got a good start!

For now, the waiting game continues. :)

[bobpatj]

revneal,

You've listed us twice. Does that mean we get 2 cabins? Heehee.

[RevNeal]

hahahaha!
Sorry!

Here's the corrected list:

RevNeal (1)
Vic The Parrot (1)
longtimecruiser (1)
grannynurse (2)
cuttle (2)
boards (2)
iluvcruzin (2)
2forTravelin (2)
getaway101 (2)
bobpatj (2)
RuthC (1)
BCEagle78 (2)
WindyCity (3)
Sillyjilly (2)
DFD1 (2)
TexasDH (2)

[cruisinpaige]

cruisinPaige and CruisinTom. We are also on the Libery Lovers Transatlantic Crossing in Oct. '05. So excited for both!

[RevNeal]

Welcome, cruisinPaige and CruisinTom! We're happy to have you joining us! If you know of any others who would like to sign on, let 'em know how to find us and encourage them to toss their hats into the ring!

Right now we have nothing firm or in writing ... still waiting to hear from LauraS on rates and such. As of right now, the following people are indicated at least a non-binding interest in the cruise.

RevNeal (1)
Vic The Parrot (1)
longtimecruiser (1)
grannynurse (2)
cuttle (2)
boards (2)
iluvcruzin (2)
2forTravelin (2)
getaway101 (2)
bobpatj (2)
RuthC (1)
BCEagle78 (2)
WindyCity (3)
Sillyjilly (2)
DFD1 (2)
TexasDH (2)
cruisinPaige and CruisinTom (2)

By my count, that's 31 people in 17 cabins. Do any more want to join!!?? :D

[Ziggy7]

Woohooooooooo RevNeal and Vic,
Lookings like it going to be official soon! Congratulations!!!!
Aloha Everyone! :)

[HeatherInFlorida]

Hi, Greg! You're doing great with this! Lots of people. I just want to let you know that if it comes off for you it is such fun when you get your message board up, etc. So good good luck with this. Can't wait to see the prices. Then I'll feel better about not going because I'll see I couldn't afford it anyway.

[longtimecruiser]

Greg,
I have two more couples who want to join our group. They are both going for sure. Please add Cindy and Ken and Charlene and Dennis. There are two more cabins to add to our count. Thanks, adele

[cruznon]

Greg, I'm sure there are many of us West coast people who'd love to meet all of those going, but just can't make this cruise (a pesky little thing --our job!)
If you set up a Bon Voyage party the evening before you leave, several of us would love to come.
Since I live in San Diego, let me know if I can be of any assistance.
peggy

[MikeinSA]

We're interested - We're looking at a Jan 2006 15 day on Princess, but this sounds like fun.

[kryos]

Can't wait to see the prices. Then I'll feel better about not going because I'll see I couldn't afford it anyway.
LOL ... now that's an interesting way to look at it ... :)

Now, I can stop feeling bad too. :)

Blue skies ...

--rita

[Mary Ellen]

RevNeal - Boy, I'm away from the boards for a few weeks due to a family emergency and look what happens. :eek: You can add us to your list of interested CCers. Aug 2006 is our 25th Anniversary and we've been considering a Baltic cruise for Aug next year. But when I mentioned this to DH, he thought this sounded like an interesting possibility.

[RevNeal]

Now now, Heather and Rita ... be careful about what you wish for. ;)

[RevNeal]

longtimecruiser:

Cindy and Ken
Charlene and Dennis

Are being added!
And we keep growing ... and growing ... and growing! :D

[RevNeal]

cruznon,

I would imagine that at least some of us will be arriving in San Diego early. I probably will. So ... yes. We'll probably want a get-together dinner or something in the Gaslight district. When the time gets closer I would appreciate your local help in scouting out someplace for us to meet. It's 18 months from now ... so be patient!!!!! :)

[RevNeal]

MikeinSA,
Mary Ellen

WELCOME!!!!!!!!!!!!

[RevNeal]

Hawaii Cruise Interested List

The following have stated interest in the cruise. Nothing is in stone, yet, and there is no commitment implied in joining the list. All these have done is stated they would like information about the group cruise when quotes are available.

RevNeal (1)
Vic The Parrot (1)
longtimecruiser (1)
grannynurse (2)
cuttle (2)
boards (2)
iluvcruzin (2)
2forTravelin (2)
getaway101 (2)
bobpatj (2)
RuthC (1)
BCEagle78 (2)
WindyCity (3)
Sillyjilly (2)
DFD1 (2)
TexasDH (2)
cruisinPaige and CruisinTom (2)
Cindy and Ken (2)
Charlene and Dennis (2)
MikeinSA (2)
Mary Ellen (2)

Summary:
39 People
21 Cabins

Do any more want to join us??? :D
We have a LONG time to get ready for this cruise, friends, and time for many more to join us! If any more want to sign on, just post your interest to this board and you'll be added to the list!!!!

[Bucky3]

Two more maybes from CA!!!

[MommyJamiex4]

I am intersted as well. Since our Hawaiian cruise through Celebrity was CANCELLED for 3/27 I think we will look into doing this with our 4 kids. Do we have an idea on pricing yet????

[RevNeal]

Bucky3 and MommyJamiex4, welcome to you and all of yours!

We don't have any prices yet ... we're waiting for LauraS to come through with those. Given how long it took her to come to agreement with HAL for the Caribbean Cruise, I figure we're in for a wait. But, then, we've been waiting for a while ... so, who knows? we might hear something this weekend. :) Thus far, except for one e-mail from her after I e-mailed to ask her to look into a group cruise for us, I've not heard anything back from her. If I don't hear anything this weekend, come Monday I'll ping her to see where things stand.

Here's the updated list:

Hawaii Cruise Interested List
RevNeal (1)
Vic The Parrot (1)
longtimecruiser (1)
grannynurse (2)
cuttle (2)
boards (2)
iluvcruzin (2)
2forTravelin (2)
getaway101 (2)
bobpatj (2)
RuthC (1)
BCEagle78 (2)
WindyCity (3)
Sillyjilly (2)
DFD1 (2)
TexasDH (2)
cruisinPaige and CruisinTom (2)
Cindy and Ken (2)
Charlene and Dennis (2)
MikeinSA (2)
Mary Ellen (2)
Bucky3 (2)
MommyJamiex4 (6) -- will this be 1 cabin, or two?

And, MommyJamiex4, how good of you to bring your own skeet/trolling bait!!! ;) I'm only joking ... kids are great.

[Himself]

You are getting a good group together. Keep up the good work.

Himself

[HeatherInFlorida]

Greg, I don't think it should be as long for your group as it was with ours. Laura explained that there was a lot of red tape involved since CC had never worked with HAL before. She was so nice apologizing for me getting caught in the middle of it.

The day she put the website up was a day I would like to forget. I had so many windows open you would not believe. There's no way to describe it but I think "nightmare" is a good word:o . Maybe it will work better for you, but she put the site up before it was totally complete so I was IMing with her with info she needed at the same time as a lot of our people were on the website finding things wrong with this and that. Emails flying. I've been so busy ever since I've barely gotten on the regular boards.

You have a huge group! Good luck with all this! I'll visit your message board when it's up and "lurk";)

[RevNeal]

Thanks, Heather ... you paved the way, now I pray it works a little more smoothly for us. :)

Yes, I'm pleased with the growth of the group. I would hope that most of those who have expressed interest end up booking ... a lot of great people on this list. Of course, I'd love more to book too. :) We'll see what happens.

Now, if only LauraS can get back to me with details. Until then, it's "hurry up and wait."

[Sillyjilly]

Hi,

Just got off the Diamond and I'm ready to start cruising again. I can't wait to see the final details on this. :)

[RevNeal]

Just got off the Diamond and I'm ready to start cruising again.

Isn't that the way it always is!!?? :D
I'm getting impatient for LauraS to have some rates for us. If I've not heard anything come Monday, I'll ping her an e-mail and see if she's forgotten us. :)

[the2ofus]

Greg.
We did this cruise in 2003 and loved it, although my DH thought the 5 day return trip got a bit boring. I think possibly I could convince him to try it again, if the price is right. We'll be celebrating our 20th anniversary in August 2006 so want to plan something special. Count us as a maybe, please.

By the way, we spent several hours at Punchbowl cemetery. The mosaics describing the history of the war in the Pacific are wonderful! All you history buffs need to plan some time to see them. Also highly recommend the Bowfin sub and the Missouri tours.

Just as a side note, I seem to recall that Hawaiians have a special love affair with that humble delicacy SPAM! How appropriate that the CC group is adopting that moniker, Voyage of the Spammed.

Windy City, it would be enjoyable to cruise with you again. Maybe we'll get to know each other a bit better. I enjoyed corresponding with you on the Westerdam roll call board.
Jane

[WindyCity]

Hi Jane,

So very happy you will be joining this group!! :D It will be great cruising with you again. Like you said, maybe this time we will get the chance to know each other better. Think we should do Steve's idea - the Funbook?

Kris

[cruisinpaige]

Back just a few months ago I joined Cruise Critic because I was about to go on my first SOLO cruise. I booked on HAL Zuiderdam in about a week before sailing bcs a trip to Costa Rica fell through due to the 4 hurricanes in FL and some of my traveling companions decided to skip the CR trip. So, I began reading and found some posts including some by and to this "REVEREND NEAL." After reading a few threads I thought: "what an awesome guy, I wish I knew him...he sounds like a positive and fun person" (well, duh, Paige--he's a cruiser).

So, I went ahead and cruised on ZUD and had a super time even though there were only 600 out of 1800 ppl on board and although the cruise was shortened to 5 days, I was sold on HAL. I had only cruised Carnival and NCL prior to that one. For anyone wondering cruising SOLO is GREAT. Just as good as crusing with cool ppl.

Next, my best buddy, cruisintom and I book the Liberty Transatlantic from ROME to FLL and begin planning--almost the best part--we meet people on the thread for that criuise and one lady and I have become super close and she is actually coming to visit me for a week in FL from TN in 2 weeks.

In fact Tommy and I met on a cruise about 4 years ago and became fast friends. It seems we have known each other all our lives. He is my best friend in the world and you guys are going to love him when you meet him on the cruise to HI. He is fun, energtic, considerate and positive minded.

So then we start itching for 2006's big cruise. We used to cruise several times a year but we just don't have the vacation time any more so we had to switch to one or two big trips a year. We book the October HAL San Diego to HI, I start prowling the boards to see if anyone has a group togethe yet and lo and behold!!!!..IT'S REVERENT NEAL~!~How incredibly cool. Now I KNOW we picked the right cruise for 2006!! So strange how things work out like that...

Can't wait to get to know all of you guys--Tommy is 38 and is a manager for Applebees and lives in Massilion Oh and I am a 37 year old lawyer and live in Deerfield Beach, FL.

If anyone is having any pre-cruise get togehters in South Florida or wants me to get one togehter. I'm game. Now I have to go back and read the rest of the thread:o)

Talk to you guys soon!
cruisinpaige

[cruisinpaige]

[QUOTE=revneal]Bucky3 and MommyJamiex4, welcome to you and all of yours!

We don't have any prices yet ... we're waiting for LauraS to come through with those. Given how long it took her to come to agreement with HAL for the Caribbean Cruise, I figure we're in for a wait. But, then, we've been waiting for a while ... so, who knows? we might hear something this weekend. :) Thus far, except for one e-mail from her after I e-mailed to ask her to look into a group cruise for us, I've not heard anything back from her. If I don't hear anything this weekend, come Monday I'll ping her to see where things stand.

Please add Luvinlife (Brenda) and her cousin (2)

[the2ofus]

Kris,
I love the funbook idea, but I remember well how much time Steve invested in it. Somehow, I don't think RevNeal has that kind of free time available. (Steve was really spread thin at times.) Maybe someone who's computer literate could make up a template and we all could enter our own data.

I discussed with DH today, briefly, and he agrees Hawaii is a possibility if the price is right. YES!!!
Jane

[WindyCity]

Jane,

I wouldn't mind getting a fun book together if Steve would not mind the fact that I would be using his questions and his format (sort of):eek: . Should not be too hard to put together and since I am basically tied to the house on weekend with my dispatch job, putting together the book would not be too hard. :rolleyes:

Glad your husband said yes, even if it was justified by the cost.

Kris

[RevNeal]

There is so MUCH to respond to on a late Sunday night!!!! I'll try to touch on everything over several posts! :)

We did this cruise in 2003 and loved it, although my DH thought the 5 day return trip got a bit boring. I think possibly I could convince him to try it again, if the price is right. We'll be celebrating our 20th anniversary in August 2006 so want to plan something special. Count us as a maybe, please.

Oh, absolutely! Welcome! I hope and pray y'all can make this trip with us. I made the Hawaii Cruise on the Statendam in 2002 and it was a BLAST. It's part of why I'm so looking forward to doing it again!

Welcome to the list and, hopefully, to the cruise! I'll post an update list after I'm cone commenting on several posts!

[RevNeal]

cruisinpaige, I am so honored! Thank you for your find words. I look forward to meeting you and Tommy on the Zaandam!

[RevNeal]

I love the funbook idea, but I remember well how much time Steve invested in it. Somehow, I don't think RevNeal has that kind of free time available. (Steve was really spread thin at times.) Maybe someone who's computer literate could make up a template and we all could enter our own data.

What is a "funbook" ?? Whatever it is, if it's fun and a good way of helping us get ready for the cruise, I'm all for it! Anyone who wants to participate and contribute in this way, please feel free to "take it on!" I'm sure we'll have some planning and coordination to do for parties of various kinds while in transit to and from the islands. Once we have our own Group thread, etc., we'll get all of that underway. We've got 18 months!!! :)

[RevNeal]

I wouldn't mind getting a fun book together if Steve would not mind the fact that I would be using his questions and his format (sort of) . Should not be too hard to put together and since I am basically tied to the house on weekend with my dispatch job, putting together the book would not be too hard.

That would be so wonderful, if you would be willing to do that!!!! Thanks!

[RevNeal]

Here is our updated list. There is NO commitment made in placing one's name on this list ... those listed are simply interested. Once we have an actual group quote, the list will become more "fixed." :) But, I truly do hope that most or all of those who've expressed an interest will be able to actually join us on the cruise!!! it would be GREAT.

Hawaii Cruise Interested List

RevNeal (1)
Vic The Parrot (1)
longtimecruiser (1)
grannynurse (2)
cuttle (2)
boards (2)
iluvcruzin (2)
2forTravelin (2)
getaway101 (2)
bobpatj (2)
RuthC (1)
BCEagle78 (2)
WindyCity (3)
Sillyjilly (2)
DFD1 (2)
TexasDH (2)
cruisinPaige and CruisinTom (2)
Cindy and Ken (2)
Charlene and Dennis (2)
MikeinSA (2)
Mary Ellen (2)
Bucky3 (2)
MommyJamiex4 (6)
the2ofus (2)
cruisinpaige (2) -- even if booked independently ... the more the better!
Luvinlife (Brenda) and her cousin (2)

Are there any more ... or have I missed anyone?
By my count, we're now up to 53 people and 26 cabins.
:D
18 months to go, people. LOTS of time to add more people!

[WindyCity]

Rev Neal,

I emailed you part of the "Funbook" we had for our Westerdam Cruise that Steve777 compiled. It's coming from PlumRoyale2@yahoo.com


Kris

[RevNeal]

I emailed you part of the "Funbook" we had for our Westerdam Cruise that Steve777 compiled

Thank you!
I shall definitely take a look at it!
Meanwhile, we wait to hear from LauraS.
(whistling the Jeopardy song).

[Bucky3]

What's a Fun Book?

[cruisinpaige]

I'd be happy to help--I am the arts and crafts type and love doing stuff like that. I made killer name tags for the Liberty Lovers Group for us to wear at the bon Voyage Party and first day so we'd know each other. If I can help, let me know!
THIS IS GOING TO BE SOO AWESOME!

[Bengoshi]

DW and I will cruise San Diego - Hawai'i and return this October, and I think we will really like it, so put us down for a tentative yes.

[WindyCity]

About 6 months before our December cruise, one of our fellow CC'ers - Steve777 made mention of a cruise FunBook. He sent each of us a list of questions - some dealing with opinions, hobbies, dislikes, likes - we could answer what we wanted and IF we wanted to - was not mandatory. Approximately 10 responded and Steve put them together in a book which he emailed to all of us (whether they answered questions or not) prior to the cruise. It was a very nice way to get to know our fellow CC'ers going on this cruise ahead of time.

CruisinPaige - you are more than welcome to help or do the entire thing :D - I can email you what we had when this cruise becomes more definite and then we can go from there. If you want - you can email me your email address: plumroyale2@yahoo.com and we can proceed from there.

Kris

[luvinlife]

My name is Brenda (Luvinlife) and my cousin is Betsy and we are very interested in this cruise if the price is right. Reverend Neal you won't need to add our names as my good friend/sister Cruisinpaige has already done that for me (she takes care of me). I just wanted to say hello to the group.

I too will help out with the funbook as I am like Cruisinpaige artsy/crafty. I am making the door signs for everyone on our Liberty cruise this October. Paige and I met through CC and I am leaving on the 21st to go down to FL and meet her. Although we feel like we've known each other for a long time. We think alike and will even while instant messaging write the same things.

I am looking forward in chatting with everyone and hopefully meeting all next year.

Have a good evening!
Brenda

[HeatherInFlorida]

Just for everyone's info, if this Hawaiian cruise does become a "group cruise", you will have the equivalent of a "Fun Book" in the form of your own message board. We have a thread on ours called "Mini-Bios" and everyone posts there filling in the answers to the questions.

If your group becomes a reality, you will all start to know each other so well so fast that you'll swear you've cruised with each other already. That's how we feel over on our group cruise board and we've only been at it one week today. It is so much fun!

Hope you get the numbers soon, Greg! Good luck!:D

[RevNeal]

Heather, I cannot imagine that we won't be an official group cruise. We've got a very good base of people interested in making this trip, and we've still got a great many months to go before the cruise is supposed to depart. I'm just getting concerned that I haven't heard from LauraS in 11 days. I'm usually a very patient person, but there does come a time when at least a status report would be appreciated. :)

Thanks for your input. I'm sure we'll discover all sorts of neat ways to use our board when we get to posting on it. But ... at least I now know where so many of you have been over the past week. ;)

[RevNeal]

Yet another update to our list!

Hawaii Cruise Interested List

RevNeal (1)
Vic The Parrot (1)
longtimecruiser (1)
grannynurse (2)
cuttle (2)
boards (2)
iluvcruzin (2)
2forTravelin (2)
getaway101 (2)
bobpatj (2)
RuthC (1)
BCEagle78 (2)
WindyCity (3)
Sillyjilly (2)
DFD1 (2)
TexasDH (2)
cruisinPaige and CruisinTom (2)
Cindy and Ken (2)
Charlene and Dennis (2)
MikeinSA (2)
Mary Ellen (2)
Bucky3 (2)
MommyJamiex4 (6)
the2ofus (2)
cruisinpaige (2) -- even if booked independently ... the more the better!
Luvinlife (Brenda) and her cousin (2)
Bengoshi (2)

Cheers!

[Sillyjilly]

I can't wait to find out. The anticipation is killing me. I know, I'm a goof, but I just can't help it. :D

[sierra77]

Hi Greg, we are Marlon, Shelia and Justin (3 years old at time of cruise). We were in the process of planning a family cruise- a 15 day circle Hawaii cruise for 2007. I started a thread in the Hawaii boards (for reviews) but I have not received a response.

We really want to go to Hawaii and a cruise (although long) would be the best way for us since we do not like flying.

I decided to try this board and was happy to see a potential CC Group Cruise in the works! :)

Since you have done this, my question is:

Is this cruise appropriate for a 3 year old who will be highly supervised by his parents?

Do you think the length of days at Sea would be too long for him?

What type of cabin would you recommend for us?

Please advise. TIA!

[cruisinpaige]

About 6 months before our December cruise, one of our fellow CC'ers - Steve777 made mention of a cruise FunBook. He sent each of us a list of questions - some dealing with opinions, hobbies, dislikes, likes - we could answer what we wanted and IF we wanted to - was not mandatory. Approximately 10 responded and Steve put them together in a book which he emailed to all of us (whether they answered questions or not) prior to the cruise. It was a very nice way to get to know our fellow CC'ers going on this cruise ahead of time.

CruisinPaige - you are more than welcome to help or do the entire thing :D - I can email you what we had when this cruise becomes more definite and then we can go from there. If you want - you can email me your email address: plumroyale2@yahoo.com and we can proceed from there.



Kris

Hi Kris,
yes, yes, I'd love to! My email is paigedygert@hotmail.com . THANKS!!!!

[the2ofus]

Speaking for myself, I have seen only a handful of children on any cruise of 14 days or more. They are usually treated to a lot of attention by the Club HAL staff, and have been mostly invisible, being involved in their own activities. I think a well-behaved and well-supervised three-year-old would be a welcome addition to the mix of pax.

On the sea days, you may have to find times and places where you can safely let the little one get some exercise to work off some energy, if he doesn't get enough vigorous play at Club HAL.

Maybe someone who has sailed with children can advise you as to the best type and location of cabin.

[ekerr19]

I'm just getting concerned that I haven't heard from LauraS in 11 days. I'm usually a very patient person, but there does come a time when at least a status report would be appreciated. :)


Greg - Don't dispair! Ours seemed like it took forever too. You guys have so many folks who are interested - this might be a new trend! A couple of different CC cruises every year!

Good Luck!

[Himself]

Greg:

You are getting a lot of "bites" on this cruise. It looks like half the board will be on the cruise with you.

Himself

[RevNeal]

Is this cruise appropriate for a 3 year old who will be highly supervised by his parents?

That's a judgment call, and it's built upon opinion, but I would tend to agree with others that it is appropriate. HAL provides activities and programming to help, but HAL is not a cruise line that is oriented specifically toward children and youth. Hence, for a long cruise like this I would encourage you to come, bring the kids, and be ready to provide play and educational opportunities for the kids.

Do you think the length of days at Sea would be too long for him?

Even beyond the fact that there will not be vast numbers of children on this type of cruise (it's not a Disney cruise, after all), the large number of sea days will be the hardest factor for the kids. When I was young I remember how long and boring the 3 and 4 day crossings of the Atlantic were ... this will be even longer (5 days).

What type of cabin would you recommend for us?

HAL cabins are great in that they're larger than the industry standard. I would go with an outside cabin on main deck or the lower promenade. If you can afford the cost of a verandah cabin or a Deluxe Suite, that would be even better ... but on a 15-day cruise that can cost as much as an arm and a leg. :)

I hope ya'll decide to join us! I wish more families would decide to cruise to Hawaii. In 2002 we had ONE child who was about 12 years old, and just a very few little kids (2 - 8 years old). It was hard to tell they were aboard.

Perhaps some with kids will post with some more advice.

[HeatherInFlorida]

Greg, don't be concerned about not having heard from LauraS. That's what happened with us. I emailed her everyday and didn't hear back for the longest time. Just when I was getting ready to suggest to the group that we book on our own and forget CC, she came through with the prices and we were off!

As soon as I posted the rates (which was before the website and message board), people pulled out because it was more than they anticipated. We started out with between 40 and 50 people interested and we now have about 25 booked with several others in the planning stages.

It's quite a project! But it's also lots of fun and another great way to get to know everyone. I just wish this was one big cruise with all of us, but we can't have everything.:D

[RevNeal]

As soon as I posted the rates (which was before the website and message board), people pulled out because it was more than they anticipated. We started out with between 40 and 50 people interested and we now have about 25 booked with several others in the planning stages.

So ... you went from the gathering stage into the actual Group Booking stage with rough the number of people we've got interested in Hawaii. That's good to know, for it then gives me an idea of about what degree of attrition I can expect. Most of those who've signed up understand that a 15-day HAL cruise to Hawaii isn't cheap, but I would be wise to expect about a 50% attrition rate. That makes sense.

I just wish this was one big cruise with all of us, but we can't have everything.

Ditto ... however, I would be willing to lay long odds that these are NOT going to be the first and last two CC-group HAL cruises. Given the kind of interest we've seen, I would imagine we'll see more of these get arranged over the coming years. SO ... there will be plenty of opportunities.

[RevNeal]

Just as a little additional note. In my own mind -- and, now, stated on this board -- I have given LauraS the length of an Hawaii cruise to get information for us. I'm timing this from April 1, when I got an e-mail from her indicating that once she finished y'all negotiation she would have the terms established for future HAL CC-group cruises. It is currently April 13. Had we boarded the Zaandam for a cruise to Hawaii on April 1st, we would currently be on our way back to the mainland and the service call in Ensenada. LauraS has until we dock back in San Diego on Saturday. If I have not at least heard from her by then, on Monday morning I put out e-mails to the 3 TAs who have independently contacted me about providing group-rate information for us. This will mean that we'll have to take our discussions off CC, but that may be the price which LauraS has to pay for not being willing to at least keep me appraised of the situation.

And, yes, I will e-mail her and state my intentions before actually doing anything. I can understand that it takes time to make arrangements for a group cruise -- rates, perks, etc. -- BUT ... I just don't see that there is any excuse for not responding to e-mails. My ticker is currently running on my last e-mail to her. If I don't hear from her within 24 hours on that one, I send my next one ... which outlines what I said in my above paragraph. Then, if I hear nothing by Saturday night (yes, she has until Sunday ... I just don't do these things on Sundays), then on Monday I send out notice to those who have already contacted me to see what kind of deal they can cut for us.

I think I'm being patient. Some tell me (via e-mail) that I've been too patient. Perhaps ... but I consider patience a virtue, not a vice. :)

[HeatherInFlorida]

Patience is definitely a virtue in this case I really think it's more fun to have the group cruise through CC because of the message board just for your group. I don't know if you took a look at ours, but you can see that it's just a fantastic way to plan. If you haven't looked, click on the link in my signature to check it out. Worth the wait, IMHO.

Still, you can't wait forever and you're wise to move forward with other options if Laura doesn't get back to you by week's end. I've just emailed you with some more jibber jabber:) ... can't wait to see your website and board up and running!!!

[the2ofus]

Greg,

It would still make sense to contact those TAs to get an idea of what pricing is possible. I would think it might even make sense to contact HAL directly.
I always used to get three quotes before a major purchase when I was working.

[longtimecruiser]

Greg,
I admire you for your patience in waiting to hear from Laura. I think you have given her more than ample time to respond to your emails. I agree with what you have just said. It is more than fair, IMHO. We have all waited long enough. We need to get our cruise booked so that we may all get the cabin and location we want. I too, am anxiously awaiting to hear prices so that I can finally get this cruise booked and make it a reality Just my two cents. Adele

[Sillyjilly]

Greg,
I admire you for your patience in waiting to hear from Laura. I think you have given her more than ample time to respond to your emails. I agree with what you have just said. It is more than fair, IMHO. We have all waited long enough. We need to get our cruise booked so that we may all get the cabin and location we want. I too, am anxiously awaiting to hear prices so that I can finally get this cruise booked and make it a reality Just my two cents. Adele

DITTO

[sierra77]

Greg, please count of us in!

Marlon, Shelia and Justin

[cruisinpaige]

Its like, totally none of my business since Tom and I already booked but I did want to let you guys know the price on this cruise was not too bad overall. We booked a plain old outside cabin. 9 times out of ten we cruise Carnival but we really wanted a mainland to Hawaii cruise and this one was the most appealing. There is no way I can handle flying from Florida all the way to Hawaii and I don't have vacation time off to take extra days and say..stop in SD for a few days...so this is what we picked. I am thinking you guys could get a great group rate. We got our trip through Tom's local TA because they had a sale.

Also, I tried to get a group cruise together through CC for the Liberty Crossing and it took FOREVER for them to get back to me.

Does anyone know if there are Mariner (past cruiser) discounts, perks or upgrades for this cruise? I asked my travel agent and..well..she hasn't gottn back to me on that. I think shes on a cruise with Laura LOL!

RevNeal you are right about the cabins being nice--and the fact that most of them have tubs is heavenly. One night I had my baclony door open and my cabin door shut and the bathroom door open and anyway somehow with the mirrors I could see out side from my tubbie! The moon was out and I felt like a movie star.

As for kids. I have no kids, I want no kids of my own and its not the kids that can be a problem on cruises. Its the parents. Just the fact that you are asking about it, Sierra, shows thaty you care about not only the little guy but also about your fellow passengers. The only bad thing with kids I ever saw was out of control teenagers "dancing" (almost having sex) in the disco when they did not even belong in there. I mean under 18. I'm no prude AT ALL but it upset even some of the young macho twenty something guys to see a 14 year old girl in short shorts bent over, feet apart, straightlegged with hands on the floor while some teenaged boy thrust his pelvis up against her butt. Sorry for the detailed description, but this was not just "dirty dancing" or even "lambada." It was frankly creepy and scary. I try not to cruise on school vacation because it's too upsetting. Cruises are on huge ships made to carry many people and kids are allowed. Unless they are TOTALLY out of control people should remember that the ship is not their private yacht. So bring 'em on, and if they are reasonably well-behaved what else can we ask? It really is lack of supervision by parents of the bigger kids that creates problems.

Ok time to hop off my soapbox!
Paige

[RevNeal]

the2ofus,

I've actually done some preliminary pricing myself (I posted some of that earlier). The prices have gone up since then, but they may go back down for any who would want to book independently. I've also talked to my normal TA about it and she gave me a set of ball-park figures for what a group rate would probably be on this cruise. And, I've also received an unsolicited quote from an independent TA. When we receive the quote data from Laura I think I'll be able to judge the quality of the rate based upon the research.

There's a specific reason why I'd rather go with arrangements made through CC: If we do, we can use the board for planning purposes, etc. Also, it will make it easier for those who want to join later on to do so because the public notice about the Group Cruise will be visible for the entire time between now and the cruise. And, finally, it's only polite to CC for us to attempt to use them. They let us use this board for free, and many of us spend a lot of time and pour a lot of emotion into what goes on here. It's only proper that we give them a chance at our business. If the rates we get are WAY out of line, then we may want to look elsewhere. But if the quotes are within the ball-park, jumping to another TA for (let us say) a $50 difference doesn't really seem proper ... at least, not to me.

Late Breaking News:

I've received an e-mail from LauraS in response to my prior e-mail. Apparently we'll be hearing something within a reasonable time frame. She didn't pin herself down to specific timing, but she did make it clear that the details with HAL have all been hammered out and requests for quotes have been sent to several TAs. So, I would hope that we will hear something before the weekend is through. She said she told the TAs to be quick. And, frankly, they need to be. I have told her that on April 18, if we haven't heard from her, I'll be contacting other TAs for official quotes. And, I think I'm being both patient and reasonable in this matter.

[2forTravelin]

RevNeal -
I try to be careful about money, too (I call that getting the best deal for my money). But when someone has gone the extra mile to help me, I will buy from them rather than someone else who might be a just a little cheaper. It sounds like there are extras we'll get by staying with CC and the fact that the board is even here is a good incentive. I guess this is a long way of saying I agree with you all the way.
And thanks again for taking on all the work of putting this cruise together.
cindy

[the2ofus]

I agree that there are good reasons to go with CC if there is not a huge gap between the prices quoted. I also enjoy the boards and the fact that they are there for us without charge. Here's hoping Laura gets back to us soon.

Jane

[Sillyjilly]

I don't understand why we would not be able to converse on these boards if we had to use another travel agency. All the roll calls, boards, etc are mostly booked independantly, aren't they? I'm confused. :confused:

[Vic The Parrot]

Wow!!!

This has G-R-O-W-N!!

Leave for a while, and all these people come out of the woodwork.
I'm just glad that everyone is considering this. If I get a cake, I'd have to turn it down...... not big enough for everyone
on this list!! LOL



Welcome to all the new arrivals!!



:)

[Vic The Parrot]

Noticed you said the fare went up......


Checked the site, and don't see anything different.
Only that the cat 'H' is at a wierd price of 4K.

But our cabins are 'not available' !!!

Did I miss something here?


:(

[cruisinpaige]

Hi,

I called HAL yesterday to see if there were any Mariner discounts or perks or upgrades for this cruise and she happened to tell me the ship is already 30% booked!

As for the perks, she said they start giving them out about 14 months in advance of tha sail date and that even though I have already booked, I can get whatever's available to my cabin class up 'til final payment.

Hope you hear from Laura soon!

This is going to be so awesome!
CruisinPaige

[RevNeal]

Noticed you said the fare went up......
Checked the site, and don't see anything different.

My research indicated a slight increase in the fare across three TAs. I didn't look at HAL. And, of course, that observation is in no way reflective of the rates that will be quoted to us for our Group.

But our cabins are 'not available' !!!
Did I miss something here?

Hmmm ... I just checked with one of the online TA search engines I use regularly for research and they still show those two cabins as available. It MIGHT be that holds had been put on them but the people didn't book. Frankly, that is one of my concerns in waiting for Laura to get us our group rate, etc ... that those cabins will sell. IF they do, we can always book one of the other Is just forward of them and still have fairly much the same access to the "aft verandah" ... we just wouldn't have the window. Hold your breath :)

If we don't hear come the morning of the 18th this group goes shopping. I've already said as much to Laura, and will remind her of it (if I have to) come Monday.

[Sillyjilly]

Revneal,

I'm worried about the size of the ship. Will it handle rough waters as well as the larger ships?

Also, the midship inside cabins on this cruise are disappearing. Is it a problem if I just book independantly? I'm getting antsy. Thanks! Jill

[bobpatj]

Hmmm. I just checked HAL's website and all cabins are "available."
I don't think that a crossing on the Zaandam would be any "rockier" in high seas than a larger ship.

[Sillyjilly]

Thanks. That's what I needed to hear.

Everytime I enter the cabin # I want, it says it isn't available. Maybe people are putting holds on them.

[the2ofus]

Bobpatj,

Where on the website can you find information about which cabins are available, other than by entering, one at a time,the cabin numbers you are interested in?
What have I been missing?

[RevNeal]

Sillyjilly,

Please be patient. By my estimation it's still 1 year and 5+ months until we set sail ... there's no reason to be abandoning ship simply because of a slow TA or two.

I've just checked one of the online TA sites, and their booking engine indicated that there are a huge number of inside Ks on Main Deck remaining (more than 12 of them, which is as many as the reservations computer will show) and most of the Js amidships on the lower Promenade Deck are still available. In short, let not your heart be troubled. Waiting until next week is almost certainly not going to knock you, or anyone else, out of a chance to get an excellent midships cabin (if that's what you want). Indeed, most people aren't thinking about October 2006 for cruises ... most are busy thinking about October 2005. So ... to quote my boss, "Let not your heat be trouble."

If you want to check cabin availablity one of the easier ways to go about doing that is to visit one of the on-line automated TAs. Many of them use the same reservations network, so the info is pretty much the same across a broad spectrum of TAs. Try Buycruises.com, curisemagic.com, or cruisematch.com. Search for our cruise, select the category of cabin your interested in, and it should give you a list of up to 12 cabins that are still vacant in that category. And, indeed, there may well be far more than just those 12 cabins. The Zaandam is FAR from being booked for our cruise.

As for the seas ... I've been to Hawaii on the Statendam, which is a slightly smaller ship than the Zaandam, and the seas were just fine. Despite what some in the industry might tell you, the Zaandam is a VERY NICE sized vessels ... perfectly sized for trans-oceanic cruises.

[Sillyjilly]

Unfortunately, patience is not one of my strong suits. :o

I have a K category cabin in a perfect location for me on hold. The price is good too. I don't want to get stuck aft or stern. I know this sounds stupid, but I won't sleep good until this is nailed down. I guess you would call me overly anxious. :eek:
The K cabins on the internet sites were all towards the front of the ship, so I was getting nervous. Also, on the HAL site they would come up as gone.
J category is under the pinnacle. On a 2 week cruise, I don't want to take the chance of noise. As a matter of fact, I've never seen a ship with so few inside cabins. (We like to hibernate in the dark like bears.)
Any way, I'm looking forward to this cruise. Hubby doesn't know yet, but we are gonna be on that ship. Hee Hee :D

Oh, and have you been listening to Hannity? I love that phrase "Let not your heart be troubled." Now, if I could just do it. :)

[RevNeal]

I have a K category cabin in a perfect location for me on hold. The price is good too.

I'm sorry you won't be with our group, but at least you'll be aboard for the trip. Perhaps you'll be able to shift your reservation to whatever TA will be arranging our Group bookings, but I have no idea what the rules will be on that subject.

The K cabins on the internet sites were all towards the front of the ship, so I was getting nervous. Also, on the HAL site they would come up as gone.

Silly rabbit ... Ks on Main deck are all amidships -- aft of the Atrium -- and MANY of these Ks are still available -- even though they're not shown on the internet reservation sites because those sites only allow 10--12 cabins in any given category on-line at the same time. Just because the most-amidships K cabin on main deck to be listed is 2574, you can trust that are going to be more amidships Ks available. Just watch.

Additionally, there is only ONE K-category-cabin forward of the Atrium, and that's up on the Lower Promenade Deck. There is a group of K's aft of the central elevators on the Lower Promenade deck, but that's an excellent location even though it is more aft than those down on Main Deck.

J category is under the pinnacle. On a 2 week cruise, I don't want to take the chance of noise.

You are incorrect. Firstly, the Js are mostly under a hall way under the left side of the Wajaing Theatre. Only two J-cabins (the last two) are directly under seating-areas in the Pinnacle. Secondly, the Pinnacle Grill is a VERY quiet dining room ... it's a high class, "whispered volume" eating establishment. They don't make enough noise to be heard in cabins the deck below. And, thirdly, I have stayed in Js on the Zaandam, the Volendam, and the Maasdam ... they are FANTASTIC cabins and VERY VERY VERY quiet. They are superior to the Ks in terms of location. I love them because they are just a few steps from the ship's largest Verandah ... and the only one that gives one views from both the starboard and port sides. :)

As a matter of fact, I've never seen a ship with so few inside cabins. (We like to hibernate in the dark like bears.)

The Zaandam has 140 inside cabins, 383 outside cabins, 168 Verandah Suites, 28 Deluxe Verandah Suites, and 1 Penthouse. As far as the fleet goes, the Zaandam has 4 fewer inside cabins than the S-class ships, 1 more than the Rotterdam, 4 more than the Volendam, 5 more than the Amsterdam, 4 more than the Vistas, and a whopping 116 more than the Prinsendam. :)

Trust me, there are plenty of inside-cabins for those of us who (!) want to save a little money, (2) cruise a little more, and (3) like the dark. I sleep better aboard ship than on land because of (1) the motion, and (2) my inside cabin is usually VERY dark. :) Still, in that inside cabin I DO have one of the best windows ... the TV ...which I leave tuned to the forward bridge camera when I "lay me down to sleep."

In short, Silly, I will say it again ... "Let not your heart be troubled." They'll still be selling cabins on this ship in July 2006.

[Sillyjilly]

Wow, I guess I should have been speaking to you more.
Well, we'll see what happens. But either way, I hope I can still be part of the cruise family. :)

[Sillyjilly]

Okay, I get it now. I wasn't taking into account the 100 ft. aft not pictured. Geez! I'm a little slow sometimes. Well, I can always cancel and re-book. I'll see what ends up happening before I cancel. Thanks for your very good advice and your patience with me. I can be annoying at times. :o

[RevNeal]

Sillyjilly, don't worry about it. Part of being patient is understanding those who are not. I have a church full of people who make you look VERY patient indeed. :)

Who knows, you may be able to just transfer your booking? I don't know.
We'll wait and see if LauraS has a rate for us today.

[bobpatj]

the2ofus.
I just go to the HAL website, find the itinerary and click on "price this itinerary" or whatever it says. Then there's a list of info to give; your airport, how many pax and cabins and if you've sailed with HAL before. Next a whole page shows all the cabin categories and they're either "closed" or "available." I've never put in any specific cabin number, and didn't know you could.

[Sillyjilly]

Bobpat,

If you go through the process of making a reservation, you can enter the room you want and it will say if it is still available. I spend waaaaaaaaaay too much time doing that. :eek:

Revneal,

Thanks for your kind words. I feel like a kid on Christmas eve. First I can't wait to get everything nailed down and then I can't wait until the cruise begins. My hubby thinks I'm nuts, but I don't mind. I don't think I'll ever grow up. :)

[jensenbeach]

RevNeal - My husband and I would like to be in on the group. Thanks

[cruisintom]

hello Zaandam hawaii cruisers,

This is cruisintom, cruisin paiges friend from ohio, i see alot of you are inquiring about the rates, i can give you what we are paying . we are in cabin 1882 on the dolphin deck ( bottom deck), mid ship ( cat E ) and we have a rate of 2358.55 pp which makes a total of 4717.10 for the two of us. at the time of booking i was told the lowest category was a cat E for outside cabin booking.the only reason we booked was because the ta i use, twice a year has a special where they pay the deposit and all i had to pay was 25.00 pp to book,,thats what paige and i do when we booked, hal for that sailing was 800.00 pp deposit,,way out of my range for booking a cruise.

if you happen to be able to get a better rate for group maybe paige and i will cancel and book with cc , wait and see what you get.

well i just wanted to pop in and say hello since i have not yet taken the chance to say hi to you all, i see paige has keeped y ou up to date with what we are doing.

take care all and see you on the zaandam!

[Sillyjilly]

That price does include air fare doesn't it? Otherwise, you are paying waaaaaaaaaaaay too much. :eek: