Seven Day Cruise vs Ten Day Cruise-Any Differnt Expectations?

[virginia600]

I am considering a solo cruise either a 7 Day Western Caribbean on the Vendam vs a 10 day Southern Caribbean on the Volendam in November /2006.

Any Difference in fellow passengers or activities? Also since the Volendam leaves on Thanksgiving Day, would there be any change of fellow passengers- activites? etc..

Any comments on the particular ships would be appreciated also.

Thank you in advance!
Susan

[kryos]

I am considering a solo cruise either a 7 Day Western Caribbean on the Vendam vs a 10 day Southern Caribbean on the Volendam in November /2006.

Any Difference in fellow passengers or activities? Also since the Volendam leaves on Thanksgiving Day, would there be any change of fellow passengers- activites? etc..

Any comments on the particular ships would be appreciated also.

The longer the cruise, the nicer the onboard ambience ... at least that's my opinion.

Also, the shorter the cruise, the better chance you have of getting a "party hearty" type atmosphere aboard the ship ... especially if there are a couple of large groups on the sailing. Seven day and shorter cruises tend to appeal to groups ... and you even have a greater than normal chance of having your sailing chartered out on a seven-day cruise. Also, the shorter cruises tend to appeal more to families with kids ... and you will almost always have more kids on a seven-day sailing ... even if school is in session since many school districts will permit kids to be pulled out of class for five days or less per year.

I would say, at a minimum, take a ten-day cruise. If you can ever swing it in terms of both money and time, take an even longer cruise ... for those "voyage" type cruises are beyond belief in their magnificence.

Sorry ... I can't comment on the Volendam ... never sailed her.

As for activities ... I would imagine that except for a few holiday-specific type things, pretty much you would have the same activities on a holiday cruise than you would on any other. Plus, the kids program will be staffed up since there will be far more kids on a holiday sailing than otherwise.

Blue skies ... and enjoy whichever cruise you decide to take!

--rita

[Onbec]

If you like the formal nights, you get one more formal night on a 10 day cruise.:)

I also find the pace on a 10 day cruise seems more relaxed. It is as if everyone on board realizes they have 3 extra days and don't need to cram activities into every minute of every day, to get the most out of the cruise.

Another point to consider, if you have to travel from far away, is the cost of getting to the port is the same for a 7 day or a 10 day. So on a day by day cost, the 10 day works out to be a little cheaper.

Either way, I am sure you will enjoy the cruise.

Dick

[OVgirl]

We were on the Volendam this past February for 10 days.
The cruise was great and the ship is beautiful. You will totally enjoy yourself.

[michmike]

our last 2 cruises have been 10 day ones.. both on the volendam and both were wonderful.. fellow pax will be a bit older overall than on a 7 day , but there will also be fewer kids ( a big plus for us) and there is no feeling better than that superior feeling on day 7 knowing that instead of getting ready to disembark, you still have 3 more days to enjoy..

we'd be hard pressed to go back to 7 day trips now that we've done a couple 10s

[CruisinGrams]

Our first cruise was 10 days our second 21 and our 3rd was 12. We just took a 7 day and I wasn't anywhere close to having enough time cruising. The longer the better, you have more time with your shipboard friends (new or old) and still get a few good ports of call in on 10 days or more. I like both days at sea and seeing new cultures and of course shopping. Our 21 day cruise was on the Volendam and we did a repositioning from Ft. Lauderdale FL to Vancouver BC. It was really great - and I wasn't ready to stop cruising even after some not so nice swells between Cabo and Portland Or.

[Southbound]

Highly recommend the 10-day on the Volendam. We've been on her 3X and enjoyed every minute. Her theme is flowers and there are beautiful arrangements throughout. Her crew provides outstanding service; always a warm and friendly atmosphere, and they have a knack for remembering your preferences from day one. Our cruises on other HAL ships have been wonderful, but the Volendam is truly our favorite.:)

[cruznon]

A few extra days on a ship is always better!

[LHC]

As for me, I work with children year round and the proud mother of 3 adult children, one which I travel with on cruises...but a longer cruise is cost prohibitive for most families with children. So longer cruises have less children.

The longer cruises have more ports of call, usually, so you get to interact with more people from foreign countries.
More time to relax without feeling the need to see all do all.
More time to be pampered by the excellent staff.
More time to met others while on the ship and share experiences.
More time to explore all the crevices of the ship and the staff.

More time to read, rest, sun, and have a real VACATION.
Linda

[newmexicoNita]

I have to go along with everyone else: 10 day is wonderful; fewer young ones, more relaxed, a little more polished (I am trying to think of a way of saying this without sounding like a snob, which I am not) we did our first 10 dayer last Sept on the NCL Jewel. I was afraid DH would get bored, I can always wander to the casino. He did not, we had a wonderful vacation and are looking forward to the Amsterdam in November. As for much longer than 10 days, I don't know, we might get a little water logged, but 10 is wonderful. NMNita

[virginia600]

Thanks Everyone!

I called my TA today, got a great quote, so I am booked on the Volendam, Nov 23 sailing.
I am excited about this cruise! Luckily I can drive to Fort Lauderdale in 3-4 hours, if I choose too.

Thanks again,

Susan

[thomasale]

I love hearing those great things about the Volendam...this will be our first cruise on HAL

[doone]

I love the Volendam, have sailed on her 3 times. Once you do a 10-day cruise, 7 days just isn't enough any longer. Your going to love it.

[johnlcruise]

I too also travel solo.
I love 10 day cruises..It take me 7 days just to relax and the extra 3 days are my bonus.:)

[LHC]

Virginia,

Just think No Thanksgiving mess to clean up (unless you do it before the cruise with family) and then you will have the bonus of a luxurious, gracious Thanksgiving meal on real china with a water view......AHH.
Enjoy.
Linda

[airlink diva]

I like to also thank everyone comments about the 10 day trip. I'm taking my first 10 day trip on the Maasdam in 2007!!

[Amber14]

10 days or more are definitely the way to go! The most we've been on is 9 days and it was so much better than 7!

airlink diva - we'll be going on our first 10 day in 2007 on the Maasdam also. Which cruise will you be on? It will be our first HAL cruise and we can't wait! We've heard so many great things on these boards about the Maasdam. We're doing the Southern Caribbean in April.