Our FIRST Cruise!

[AlohaPride]

Aloha all!

I'm new to this board, but I've been doing a LOT of research about the cruise my DH and I are taking in December and would like to thank you ALL for the reviews. We actually were going to book a different ship before I read the reviews and we have now changed our minds and feel as though we have found a BETTER ship. So, thank you!

I am happy to report that we have booked the 11 night Christmas cruise from New York on the New Noordam. We leave on Dec. 16. It's going to be quite a journey for us. My DH has never really been away from Hawaii. Are there any suggestions for a new cruise couple?

Mahalo,
~Mary

[cruznon]

Aloha Mary!
Congrats on booking your first cruise. Your cruise sounds marvelous--a beautiful new ship on a great cruise line. Advise? Just enjoy--enjoy it all: the anticipation that grows, reading and planning shore excursions, getting your docs and then the glorious day you step aboard!

[AlohaPride]

I'm SOOOO excited! I'm not sure if 11 nights is going to be too much, but if my DH and I are flying for over 12 hours each way we had better stay away from Hawaii for a LONG time...do you think 11 nights if over kill?

[Pete&Cat]

You'll have a ball!!

[AlohaPride]

No way, you'll have a ball!!! I found this board also searching for the best Hawaiian cruise experience years ago, I wished I had more time on each island. Do yourself a favour and get any of the "hawaii revealed" books, I got some from amazon for my next cruise. Those books along with a rental car can, if you wish, really make your vacation, you can plan and go on your own to any place you wish, and without the tour group. I wish you the best vacation ever!

Pete
We are cruising from New York. We already live in Hawaii. Thanks for the help though!!

[RuthC]

...do you think 11 nights if over kill?
Not at all. I consider a cruise of 10 days or less more like a long weekend. :D
Once you get used to cruising for more than a week it's difficult (almost impossible) to go back to the short sailings.

I sailed the 10-day Noordam cruise last March. She's a beautiful ship. I'm sure you'll have a fabulous time on her.

[thomasale]

Ain't it the truth...

[grannynurse]

Mary,
Congratulations on your choice of cruises. Please consider flying in to NY a day early.
We flew from Tulsa to LaGuardia on a Saturday before boarding the Rotterdam on Sunday for a 35 day trip to Europe. The flight left at 6:15am and we arrived in NY at 3pm, got to the hotel at 4, and that's not nearly as long as your trip from Hawaii will be. You'll also be gaining about 8 hours in time, and consider NY weather in December, sometimes it's not too good. Flying east in the winter can be troublesome, and you want to avoid missing the boat. If you're going to arrange your own flights (it's cheaper) allow yourself plenty of time, but if you take HAL's air at least you know the ship will wait for you as well as other pax who would also be inconvenienced by bad weather.
We were so tired that we ate in the hotel, especially because of the cold yucky rain, made our transfer arrangements and went to bed. We had private transportation to the pier and were on the ship by 12:30. It was the best decision for us as we were not too sleepy to enjoy the sailaway in the Crow's Nest (still raining) with friends. You'll love sailing past the statue of liberty (starboard side out, port back). It takes about 10-15 minutes from the pier to get to liberty island. BTW we got great rates at the Omni Berkshire which is about 6 city blocks from the pier. It's a very nice hotel with great amenities. We booked through cruiseportlodging.com.
You will really feel 100% better if you avoid flying in on the day of sailing.
Again, we think you made a great choice, and welcome to the HAL board.
GN

[doone]

Welcome to the HAL boards and the world of cruising. You are going to have a wonderful cruise, any questions, please ask away. There are alot of knowledgeable posters here who will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

[tooalto]

I can't echo granny nurse loudly enough. PLease fly in to the city at least one day ahead of time, if not 2. Weather here in the northeast can be nsty in Dec. and the airports can close at the drop of a hat. Not to mention with the "hub and spoke" system airlines use to manage equipment it can take a day or two to get all their planes back to normal schedules. There's so much to see in the city no matter what the weather you'll have no trouble spending a couple days expploring. No sense starting your dream cruise all frazzled or trying to catch up to the ship if you don;t make it there.

[luvs2beachit]

Congradulations on booking your 1st cruise!!
We will be cruising on the Noordam on a transatlantic in Sept/Oct so I can "feel" your excitement!!

As the previous poster stated, it is always a good idea to come into your embarkation point a day or two early in order to "regroup" and ensure that you make the ship on time. NY weather at that time of year can be rough. I have walked around wearing a sweater one day and a few days later been in hip-high snow! So you just never know. But in this case, there is an even more important reason to fly in a few days because you are coming into one of the most wonderful cities in the world. Furthermore, you are coming to NY at the very best time of the year when NY will be at it's finest. There is so much to see and do in NY to begin with but during the holiday season with its decorations, events and atmosphere it will be an even more spectacular experience. Just walking around looking at the holiday decorations, seeing THE tree and ice skaters at Rockefeller Center and visiting St. Patricks Catheral is an amazing experience. Seeing the window displays at Macy's, Bloomingdale's and Saks will take your breath away and it's all FREE!!! Take a buggy ride through Central Park and if possible, get tickets to see the show at Radio City Music Hall.
Make NYC a destination not just your embarkation point.........you won't regret it!

[AlohaPride]

Oh NO! Here is our flight schedule.

Leave HNL to ATL 535P 714A Friday/Sat.

Leave ATL to LGA 845A 1102A Saturday

Ship leaves at 4:30...This doesn't look good.

........................

Ok, I just called my agent and had everything moved up a day. So...we will be leaving Hawaii Tursday night, and flying into New York on Friday. We are just going to stay at the hotel at the airport, go back to the airport for the cruise line to pick us up, and then we'll be on our way!! Thanks for ALL of the AMAZING advice!

[satchiesmom]

Congratulations on booking your first cruise, you picked the right cruiseline and the Noordam should be gorgeous! I can't say for sure, but having been on her sister ship the Westerdam I would bet on it. We are pretty new to HAL, our first cruise with them was last Jan. You are gonna have a blast. Also, you will be glad you are flying in the day before, that's never a mistake. Another recommendation if you don't mind, always get travel insurance!

[grannynurse]

Mary,
I'm so glad that you were able to change your flights, there will so much less anxiety for you this way.
Make sure that your TA arranges for HAL transfers to the pier, and when your documents come check for the transfer voucher which should be included.
The ships are so pretty decorated for the holidays. Santa usually comes for Christmas and brings goodies for the kids onboard.
Don't forget to bring a sweatshirt or two and a jacket for traveling down the Atlantic coast. It will be cold out on deck. If you pack something warm in the front pocket of your suitcase it will be easily available to you when you need it without pawing through your luggage, and don't forget socks. We had people freezing in Greenland in June because they didn't think to bring something warm. The gift shop on board ran out of sweatshirts real quick. It won't start to get warm untill you're around Carolina. Also consider a packable rain jacket for the unexpected showers in the Caribbean.
We're really glad to help you do your thinking and planning out loud, so just ask.
I'm happy for you.
GN

[AlohaPride]

As I make a living doing research, of course I'm doing as MUCH research as possible...here are a few more questions...

1) How many Formal Nights are there? Are they required or can we eat somewhere else? My DH hates dressing up (jeans, shorts, slippers, and t-shirts are the dress code in HI so we don't do it often and I really want to, but he just wants to relax):D

2) Is there a fee for the use of the Gym? We go to the gym everyday and would love the opportunity to continue this while on vacation. ;)

3) Do we have to get tickets for the shows?:p

4) Should we change our booking from the room # we chose to simply "guarantee"? My TA said she put a note that we want free upgrades. Is this sufficient? :cool:

5) Do we seriously need to pack "winter" clothes, or are heavy jeans and a thick jacket enough? I don't want to buy "winter" clothes in Hawaii for 2 days in New York. I heard layering is the best bet...is this true? :confused:

[Mack704]

As a CC addict, I'd like to add my 2 cents. Congrats on your first cruise. DW and I love cruising. We will be taking our first HAL cruise on the Maasdam in Oct. We've cruised Carnival, RCCL, and X. We're really excited about the Maasdam.

Good move backing up your flight arrangements a day. We live near Baltimore and are driving to Norfolk to pick up the Maasdam. We're tired of worrying about the airline schedules and late flights. We've played that game before.

I agree with a previous poster about a cruise less than 10 days seems like a long weekend. You will love it. If you read anything negative, I believe it's their problem. You can't have a bad cruise with a good attitude. Also, get off on the anticipation. It feels almost as good as the cruise itself. Enjoy

Harvey

[grannynurse]

As I make a living doing research, of course I'm doing as MUCH research as possible...here are a few more questions...

1) How many Formal Nights are there? Are they required or can we eat somewhere else? My DH hates dressing up (jeans, shorts, slippers, and t-shirts are the dress code in HI so we don't do it often and I really want to, but he just wants to relax):D

2) Is there a fee for the use of the Gym? We go to the gym everyday and would love the opportunity to continue this while on vacation. ;)

3) Do we have to get tickets for the shows?:p

4) Should we change our booking from the room # we chose to simply "guarantee"? My TA said she put a note that we want free upgrades. Is this sufficient? :cool:

5) Do we seriously need to pack "winter" clothes, or are heavy jeans and a thick jacket enough? I don't want to buy "winter" clothes in Hawaii for 2 days in New York. I heard layering is the best bet...is this true? :confused:

Hi again,
You should have 3 formal nights, 2 informal and 5 casual. One of the formal nights will either be Christmas eve or Christmas night. The other two will be the 2nd night ( Sunday, at sea) and the night before the last full day on board. You may eat anywhere you like for dinner. In your room, order from the dining room menu (as long as you call it in in the first half hour of 1st seating). In the Lido between 6:00 and 7:30 or in the Pinnacle Grill where there is a surcharge of $20pp. Plan to attend at least one formal dinner in the dining room, you'll love it. Don't pass up the experience. On the 1st formal night the Captain hosts a cocktail party, your second will be a holiday night (that's the one I'd go to) and the 3rd is the farewell dinner. (Steak and lobster, baked alaska parade, lots of memories).

You don't need tickets for the shows. People at early seating go about 8:30, and late seating 10:15 or so.
There's no fee for the gym but there is for the spas.

No don't buy winter clothes. If you wear a sweat shirt out on deck covered by a medium weight jacket you should be okay. It gets pretty windy on the open ocean. You'll need warmth for Ny and for the first 2-3 days out and also coming back to NY. In June in Iceland, Greenland, and Norway I took a turtle neck 2-3 swetshirts and a winter jacket but we were 400 miles north of the Arctic Circle. Believe me you will be cold on the outside decks of the ship in the north Atlantic. Layers would be good, but don't be surprised if you see people wearing scarves and mittens too.
You really have to consider dressing for 2 climates sailing from NY in December.
What cabin category did you book? If you're considering getting a veranda and feel that it's worth the extra money, go for it, BUT you'll be spoiled for the future if you do, you'll never want anything less. Don't forget that holiday cruises are more costly to begin with.
Hope I answered your questions. Got more ? Just ask.
GN

[AlohaPride]

Plan to attend at least one formal dinner in the dining room, you'll love it. Don't pass up the experience.

Do we have to RSVP for the formal nights? I take it they are only held in one dining room? Do most passengers choose to attend them?


What cabin category did you book? If you're considering getting a veranda and feel that it's worth the extra money, go for it, BUT you'll be spoiled for the future if you do, you'll never want anything less. Don't forget that holiday cruises are more costly to begin with.
Hope I answered your questions. Got more ? Just ask.
GN

I think we only booked the Sea View (only a window). This was already WAAAAY expensive (G 4087) was the room we chose. Should we let go of that room and just book as "guarantee" in hopes of being upgraded? Or would just having the note "requesting free upgrades" be sufficient for booking?

THANKS SOOOOO MUCH GN!! I've really appreciated it :o

[Mack704]

Not having cruised on HAL before, but having cruised on 3 other lines, some of your questions should be answerable based on my cruising experience.

1) On a 7 night cruise, there are 2 formal nights. Ten or eleven should add one more formal night, making a total of 3. You're never required to dine in any particular dining venue. You can even have every meal room service, if you like. I've read, on HAL ships, you can even order from the formal dining menu to be delivered room service to your room. The Lido buffet is informal dress for dinner every night. However, no shorts or T-shirts, I've read.

2) No fee for use of gym equipment, steam rooms, saunas, etc. Nominal fees for some classes. Like $10.00 for a pilates class.

3) Tickets for the Las Vegas type shows? Nope. Cooking demos? Nope. Lectures? Nope. All part of the deal. Included in the cruise fare.

4) I'm not sure how that room guaratee or the upgrade thing works. DW and I always book a spacific stateroom. We prefer the balconies facing the back, or the last one on the side, if there are none facing back.

5) It is usually FREEZING COLD in New York in December. Layers are good, as long as they're wam layers. How much time will you be spending on the streets of the city? Use your own judgement.

Hope this helps.

Harvey

[obriendan]

Congratulations on your first cruise. You’ll love HAL!

No need to RSVP for the formal nights. They are held in the main dining room. Most do attend the formal nights. Remember, for men, a dark suit is sufficient. Tux is not required.

If it were me, I would hold on to the stateroom you now have and pray to be blessed by the upgrade fairy.

[grannynurse]

Mary,
You will be assigned to a table in the dining room depending on which of the 4 seating times you chose. When you eat in the DR just show up at your table, the crew will escort you the first night. The first night (casual) you should show up to meet your tablemates. Hopefully, you will fall in love with them and want to eat there every night. If you're not going to eat in the DR it's cruise etiquette to let your tablemates know that you won't be there. You can tell them and your waiter the night before so they won't wait for you or worry that they offended you in some way. You can request a table for 2,4,6,8, or 10. We like the larger tables as there is a better chance to meet new friends. Just tell your TA your choice of table size and preferred time. 6, 6:30, 8 or 8:30.
The ship will probably be full for a holiday sailing so get your requests in now. If you bank on a guarantee upgrade for a Christmas sailing you might be disappointed as they usually sail full, especially because it will be Noordam's 1st Christmas. I'd say get used to the idea of your G cabin and if the upgrade fairy lands, so much the better.
Now,
Consider going to the roll call boards and click in Holland America, the Noordam and look for the date of your sailing. Someone has probably already started a thread. If so you can meet some of your cruise mates online. Stay in touch with us too.
GN

[Love Cruises]

WELCOME to cruising on HAL! You are going to love it. We were on a 10 day Caribbean cruise in March on the new NOORDAM and she is beautiful! As everyone has said, leaving from NY in December will be cool. Not many will be out on deck. Layering of clothes is the best way to go but it wouldn't hurt to bring along a hat and gloves if you intend to walk out on deck. We have done close to 30 cruises ... many on Cunard and Crystal but we really have enjoyed the last 7 cruises we have done on HAL. There is so much going on during the sea days between the games, seminars, talks, bingo, casino, etc. The cruise staff is wonderful and make the cruises a lot of fun. The shows are fantastic on the NOORDAM along with the Culinary events. You will thoroughly enjoy being on HAL and I'm sure you will readily book many more cruises with them in the future! Have a great time and keep us all informed!

[LHC]

WOW.
You should have such a great time. Remember that NY will be very cold, so pack for that along with your warm weather cruise gear. My daughter and I both love the warmer climates and humidity does not bother us Southern Belles, that said we both need a sweater, jacket, or wrap when moving about the ship in the evening.
The ship is such a wonderful vessel for entertainment, relaxation, and pleasure. Meeting others aboard and making friends of your dinner companion or excursion companions is such a treat.
Most of all, pre-plan, learn as much as possible about your ship, the layout, study your brochures, highlight what you cannot possibly live without doing. Get books from the public library about each of your ports of call, study the history, the people, the climates, so that you know what to expect at each stop.
Pack Light, stay healthy, and Enjoy your time.
LHC

[Scottish Cruiser]

We used to live in Jamaica with a climate not unlike Hawaii. While there we visited Canada (where we now live) in Agust/September and we were frozen! I do not necessarily recommend you buy winter clothes, but do bring the warmest ones you have and be prepared to layer, layer, layer. When you are used to 90 year round, +50 seems like a deep freeze! - and we now live where -40 is not unheard of!

[AlohaPride]

We used to live in Jamaica with a climate not unlike Hawaii. While there we visited Canada (where we now live) in Agust/September and we were frozen! I do not necessarily recommend you buy winter clothes, but do bring the warmest ones you have and be prepared to layer, layer, layer. When you are used to 90 year round, +50 seems like a deep freeze! - and we now live where -40 is not unheard of!
That is EXACTLY what I'm SUPER worried about. My DH has NEVER been in weather below 70. I was born in Georgia, so I have been in cold weather, but it has been a LONG time and I am terrified that our blood is too thin for the cold. We are flying in an entire day early now, but the reviews of the hotel we are staying at says that the hotel changes the heat according to the weather. What does this mean? I'm excited and worried all at the same time about December in New York. Also, how long will the cold weather last while on board? We have 2 full days at sea, will it get gradually warmer? How cold are we actually talking here? 50's? Is there a chance for snow? My DH hasn't seen it before and really wants to.

[grannynurse]

Mary,
This is what i was trying to tell you. That as well as needing warmer clothes for NYC that you would also need them for the first day or 2 at sea going out and the last 2 days coming back, especially if you were going to be walking on the outside decks. Inside you will be fine but most of us take a cover-up, shawl, or sweater in case the dining room is chilly. The weather will get warmer gradually after you pass the Virginia capes and get closer to Florida.
It is very possible you will see snow in NY in December. The hotel room should have it's own thermostat. Some hotels in the east don't have central air. They all have heat, yours sounds like it has both.
One other thing, the seas can be rough in the north atlantic. If you don't know if you have trouble with motion, plan ahead and bring some over-the-counter Bonine (Meclazine), or have your doctor give you a prescription for the Scopolamine patch. With either of these remedies it's best if you use them preventively. Start approx. 4 hours before you sail. Playing catch-up after you get sea sick rarely works.
GN

[AlohaPride]

Thanks very much. My DH gets motion sick. I've already told him to go to the doctor. We are in the center of the ship on the Upper Promenade. Our TA said this is the best part of the ship for those who get sea sick.

[Navy_Chief]

Congrats on your first cruise. We'll be getting off Noordam as your coming on. We're taking my parents this time for their first as well. Although, we come from Connecticut and not traveling as far as you are. We had an extreamly mild winter this past year and really haven't had it all bad the past few years in December so no worries. You will need some clothes to keep warm with as it isn't 70 up here and it will warm up after a day and a half out. At any rate, welcome aboard HAL and to CC.

[grannynurse]

Hi Mary,
Your cabin is in the best place on the ship to counteract motion. Mid-ship on the upper promenade deck is a great location!
The patches are good for 72 hours so if your husband gets those you might consider having him put one on for the flight and then he will be well-prepared when you board the ship. Ask for enough for a ten day trip. You can shower with it in place. Most people put it ( a small round flesh-colored band-aid looking thing) behind the ear. You'll see many folks with them on. If after being at sea for a day or so he may want to try going without it. The usual side effect is a dry mouth, and maybe a little drowsiness. The pills are the same but can cause a little more drowsiness. For a first cruise I would suggest that he wear the first patch for the whole 72 hrs, at least until you get into the Caribbean which is USUALLY much smoother than the Atlantic.
I know I can get long-winded but you seem to want information (like I do) so I'm trying to think of things when I read your questions.
I hope I'm helping you some.
GN

[AlohaPride]

...The patches are good for 72 hours so if your husband gets those you might consider having him put one on for the flight and then he will be well-prepared when you board the ship. Ask for enough for a ten day trip. For a first cruise I would suggest that he wear the first patch for the whole 72 hrs, at least until you get into the Caribbean which is USUALLY much smoother than the Atlantic.

Thanks! That makes a lot of sense. I might ask for a little more than 10 days worth because he will be flying and taking taxis and such and doesn't even handle being in a car without driving very well. He told me once the patches don't work, but at the same time he had the patches on he had also take the pills AND had the bracelet on...plus he was deep sea fishing with his dad. :p

I know I can get long-winded but you seem to want information (like I do) so I'm trying to think of things when I read your questions.I hope I'm helping you some.GN

I am soooo very appreciative of ALL of your advice! When I'm doing something new I spend a TON of time researching (probably because of the degree and work I do). I like to know as much as I can about what's going on and I really like to have EVERYTHING planned down to the last minute.

I think being on a cruise will force me to relax and "go with the flow." I'm looking forward to letting everything GO and just relaxing. I don't think I've done that since before my senior year of high school.

Thanks for everything, and I will definately keep asking questions :o