Not to flood the field...but gauging interest in a June/July '06 Alaskan CC Cruise

[tiffnco]

Yes, I know...all of a sudden everyone's planning group cruises. I was REALLY hoping to get on the 10/29 Eastern Caribbean, but due to work schedules...just won't be able to.

So, we were already planning to go back to Alaska in late June/early July next year and figured I should check around and see if anyone else is interested in going. If so, here's what I'll do:

1) See how much interest (if any) anyone would have for this trip
2) If enough interest is generated, I'll follow Heather's lead and do a group poll...
3) then we can go to LauraS and get an official cruise started

SO, if you are interested in Alaska next year and/or interested in a group cruise but can't make the Caribbean or Hawaiian one...just post here.

I know many of you are tired of Alaskan trips. If this is the case and you have no interest in going...please don't express those views here. This is for those who would be interested.

Thanks!

Tiffany

[jhannah]

This would really fit our schedule much better than the others. I'm very interested.

[cruznon]

Early July--YES--we're interested ! Never done Alaska. That sounds great!
Can't do the others.

[Bill S]

We are already looking at a July 06 Alaska cruise with family (sons, daughters-in-law, in-laws and grandson) so this might work. Looking forward to seeing HAL's 2006 Alaska schedules.

[tiffnco]

Oh goodie!

I'm glad to see there's some interest. Now, I know HAL hasn't released their Alaska schedule yet but I do know the following ships are planned already:

Oosterdam - r/t Seattle
RYndam - o/w Vancouver to Seward (and reverse)
Statendam - o/w Vancouver to Seward (and reverse)
Veendam - o/w Vancouver to Seward (and reverse)
Volendam - r/t Vancouver
Westerdam - r/t Seattle
Zaandam - r/t Seattle
Zuiderdam - r/t Vancouver

That's a lot of ships in Alaska...but HAL has one of the largest fleets in the area during the summer. I know they do a ton of cruise tours too. Because of the tours, I do know that several of these ships have mid-week departures. The full schedule is set to come out next month...but I'll see if we can't fenagle this information sooner (can that be done???:rolleyes: )

I can also tell you, I've done Alaska once and it was a Vancouver to Vancouver...and it was FANTASTIC. I've heard that the r/t Seattle isn't as great since less time is spent in the Inside Passage...please chime in if you have any experience.

I'll call HAL tomorrow to see what I can find out...

Tiffany

[jhannah]

I would suggest a one-way. I know the airfare is more expensive, but you see so much more of Alaska that way, IMO. I'm also in favor of the H itineraries ... those that visit Hubbard Glacier and Sitka ... as those would be new for us. We're hoping this time to take an Alaska cruisetour since we didn't do a land portion last time.

[tiffnco]

I think we should take a look at all the options and see which works best for the largest number of people. I"ve heard amazing things about Hubbard...

[cruznon]

Tiff,

Just spoke with DH and he agreed this sounds great, so count us in! Look forward to hearing the intineraries.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

This would also interest us but it would need to be in the middle of the month and no longer than 10 days but if that fits we would really be interested.

We were actually thinking of going to Alaska May of 2006 if it did not work to go on the March 2006 Noordam.

[tiffnco]

Lisa,

That would be great! Looks like we have a strong west-coast contingent so far...interesting!

I'm thinking middle of the month would work really well...and I will only be looking at the 7 day trips...if someone wants to add-on a land portion, they can.

As soon as we find out what the actual itineraries are, we'll be able to start taking a poll on actual dates/ships.

[LEtue]

Tiffany,

I'm planning on Alaska in 2006 and have been looking at the Zuiderdam RT from Vancouver. Don't think I can afford the prices in July and would really prefer to go earlier anyway. I'll stay tuned for details in case you go with June since there can be some deals then too.

Good luck in getting the group together!

Linda

[Tinknock50]

Just a word of advice. If you choose to do a one way, don't do a cruisetour with the cruiseline for a couple of reasons.
One, more people can work a group cruise into their schedule if everyone plans their own land touring.
Two, it is much cheaper going on your own because you can rent a car from Seward and stop when and where you like. Remember a cruisetour is PER PERSON. Alaska is easy to navigate because there aren't that many highways to choose.

[tiffnco]

Tiffany,

I'm planning on Alaska in 2006 and have been looking at the Zuiderdam RT from Vancouver. Don't think I can afford the prices in July and would really prefer to go earlier anyway. I'll stay tuned for details in case you go with June since there can be some deals then too.

Good luck in getting the group together!

Linda

Linda,

On the round trips, I would only be interested in those leaving out of Vancouver anyway...I hear Seattle isn't the best since you lose the Inside Passage. And, based on prices, not quite sure what will work out as the best option...but the trip will be for mid-June/early July anyway...and I know Laffnvegas can only go in the middle of the month too...so definately keep your eyes peeled...as anythings possible at this point.

We'll know more once HAL releases the Alaska intineraries next month (so they say!)

Tiffany

[Tinknock50]

Tiffany,

I'm planning on Alaska in 2006 and have been looking at the Zuiderdam RT from Vancouver. Don't think I can afford the prices in July and would really prefer to go earlier anyway. I'll stay tuned for details in case you go with June since there can be some deals then too.

Good luck in getting the group together!

Linda

Linda....you really mean the Zaandam, right? :)

Late May is an awesome time to go....great prices and long daylight in Alaska.

[Tinknock50]

Linda....you really mean the Zaandam, right? :)

Late May is an awesome time to go....great prices and long daylight in Alaska.

Oops.... I meant to add that I might seriously consider joining this group for a late May cruise. ( May 27th or May 20th??)

[bellebaby]

We would be very interested in a late May '06 Zuiderdam sailing. Keep us posted!

[LEtue]

Sean ~ the Zuiderdam and Volendam are sailing RT from Vancouver next year :D The Zaandam is moving to Seattle.....

Tiffany ~ I am very interested if the cruise ends up in mid June (or sooner). I already have a cabin mate so we're just waiting for prices too ;)

I'll stay tuned for details!

Linda

[TylerRose]

We cruise every July and would love to partake in a CC cruise. HAL only offers Europe, Alaska, Boston & is moving the Z next summer to Alaska as well. It would be som much fun to really have a "gang"... I have made so many CC friends I still keep in touch with.

I prefer not dealing with the loss of Alaska time due to Seattle departure, but would partake in round trip Vancouver or N/S or S/N! We generally need 2-3 cabins for our family and will add 5 minimum, 8 maximum if we all go to CC numbers. (Can't count on my folks getting away since sister had triplets)

Thanks for initiating this, I was sad when the board voted on Caribbean... Not a destination we wish to repeat any time soon for a multitude of reasons.

[kruzkeen]

I'm glad to see there's some interest. Now, I know HAL hasn't released their Alaska schedule yet but I do know the following ships are planned already:

Oosterdam - r/t Seattle
RYndam - o/w Vancouver to Seward (and reverse)
Statendam - o/w Vancouver to Seward (and reverse)
Veendam - o/w Vancouver to Seward (and reverse)
Volendam - r/t Vancouver
Westerdam - r/t Seattle
Zaandam - r/t Seattle
Zuiderdam - r/t Vancouver

Tiffany
From Seattle:
Oosterdam Saturdays May6 - Sept 16 Hubbard Glacier
Westerdam Sundays May7 - Sept 17 Hubbard Glacier
Zaandam Fridays May5 - Sept 22 Glacier Bay

From Vancouver Round Trips
Volendam Wednesdays May10 - May 20 Glacier Bay
Zuiderdam Saturdays May13 - May 23 Glacier Bay
Ryndam May 7 & 14
Veendam Sept 17 only
Statendam Sept 22 only

Vancouver to Anchorage alternate weeks
Ryndam Sundays May21 - Sept 10 Glacier Bay & College Fjord
Veendam Sundays May14 - Sept 3 Glacier Bay & College Fjord
Statendam Fridays May19 - Sept 8 Hubbard Glacier

I believe these dates are accurate and hope this helps with the planning. I would like to join in but 2006 is for me a long time and I think I have an expensive wedding to contend with in England that summer. Ken

[LEtue]

Ken ~ can you check these for me? What itineraries are these ships sailing the rest of season?

From Vancouver Round Trips
Volendam Wednesdays May10 - May 20 Glacier Bay
Zuiderdam Saturdays May13 - May 23 Glacier Bay
Ryndam May 7 & 14
Veendam Sept 17 only
Statendam Sept 22 only

Linda

[kruzkeen]

Ken ~ can you check these for me? What itineraries are these ships sailing the rest of season?

From Vancouver Round Trips
Volendam Wednesdays May10 - May 20 Glacier Bay
Zuiderdam Saturdays May13 - May 23 Glacier Bay
Ryndam May 7 & 14
Veendam Sept 17 only
Statendam Sept 22 only

Linda
Linda:
Sorry I made 2 serious typos and I thought I was being careful.
Volendam does Alaska until Sept 20, on Sept 27 it does a 17 day Panama Canal.
Zuiderdam does Alaska until Sept 23, on Sept 30 does a 21 day Panama Canal.

Ryndam does bi-weekly to Alaska until Sept 10. When it returns to Vancouver on Sept 24 when it does a 19 day cruise throught Panama Canal and does the Caribbean all winter.

Veendam does an interesting cruise through the Panama and onto the Amazon before it returns to FL after 34 days. This cruise has been talked about on another thread.

Statendam on Sept 29 goes to New Zealand via CA ports. There are also other threads that CCs have posted about this cruise.

Once again, I hope this is correct and my info is not out date. Ken

[tiffnco]

Ken,


Thanks so much for this valuable information!

I'd have to say that based on the departure times, the Zuiderdam seems pretty good...r/t from Vancouver and leaves on a Saturday...but that's just me. I'm still open to looking into a o/w trip.

[RuthC]

I'm committed to taking my older grandgirl to Alaska in '06, and would love to be able to do it as part of a CC group.

I want to do a Vancouver round-trip, but would also consider a one-way south-bound. I don't want to do north-bound as the flight back to the east coast is too difficult from Seward/Anchorage.
I prefer the Volendam over the Zuiderdam in any case, but especially in Alaska. It rains there---it would be nice to have clothes dryers available for all those soggy clothes.
And, last but not least, I will have to deal with the end-of-school dates in the scheduling of this.

But go to Alaska in '06 I will!

[Dutchman]

Hi RuthC....I'm still planning on our Barbershop group going probably the second week of June next year. I am also waiting for the HAL schedules to come out so we can pick the ship and the Itinterary. We would love to go on the Volendam if she goes there and the times are right!

[Tinknock50]

Sean ~ the Zuiderdam and Volendam are sailing RT from Vancouver next year :D The Zaandam is moving to Seattle.....

Tiffany ~ I am very interested if the cruise ends up in mid June (or sooner). I already have a cabin mate so we're just waiting for prices too ;)

I'll stay tuned for details!

Linda

Linda,
Thanks for the correction. I hadn't checked the itinerary for next year so I didn't see that. Thats a real switheroo for ships. I am not too crazy about the larger ship to Alaska....they really don't get as close to things as the smaller HAL ships. But I have been there many times so I might enjoy the change.
But it is still late May for me ( or early September) because I am busiest at work in mid-summer.

[Tinknock50]

Looks like we are breaking into 3 preferred groups.

Ok.....lets sorts this out by number

1.....late May

2.....June

3....mid-June or July

Pick a number and lets see if we can form 3 gropus to satisfy everyone schedules.

[tiffnco]

I forgot about this, but another advantage on the Volendam is...the Signature of Excellence will be complete...so it will be practically a whole new ship.

I think the best trip for a group cruise would be a r/t due to flights, schedules, etc.

Ruth...if you are able to come along, we'll have to do something chocolate-y for you!:D

[tiffnco]

Looks like we are breaking into 3 preferred groups.

Ok.....lets sorts this out by number

1.....late May

2.....June

3....mid-June or July

Pick a number and lets see if we can form 3 gropus to satisfy everyone schedules.

The easiest way to do this is through a poll. But before we do that, I think it would be best to wait for the schedules. Another thing to consider is itinerary. Some have expressed interest in a one-way and others in a round trip. Also, sounds like the ship will be a big draw...doesn't sound like too many are interested in the Zuiderdam for Alaska (I have no opinion yet as my first Vista class in coming up in November...)

I've been following the Caribbean group cruise post and have been getting some helpful hints from Heather on the easiest way to get this going.

Once we settle on approximate date/ship...we need to contact LauraS (group cruises) and she'll get us pricing.

As for starting a poll...I'll try and get one started.

Tiffany

[tiffnco]

Okay, here's the first poll:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=153288

I tried to keep it simple...so once we have a feel for date and itinerary, we can go from there.

Also, I suggest we select one or two official "group leaders" before too much longer. I'm willing to do so...and am willing to share responsibilities with a co-leader...anyone want to join me:o ?

You can also drop me an e-mail: tiffnco@sbcglobal.net

Tiffany