Group of 700 on Zuiderdam(12-2-06)

[berylde]

Have found out thru TA that there is a large group of 700 on this cruise. We are due to give final payment this Monday
Nedd opinions; Should we be wary of this cruise or won't it make a difference? It will be our first cruise on HAL

[lvtotrvl1]

This is the info I found on the cruise....
Caribbean Singles Getaway

Dec. 2-9, 2006

Join our Second Annual Caribbean Singles Getaway sailing December 2-9, 2006 aboard Holland America M/S Zuiderdam. Depart from Ft. Lauderdale and visit the beautiful island of Grand Turk and discover the world's largest coral reef. Rent a jet ski, go scuba diving or snorkeling or just relay and enjoy the natural beauty of the island. Visit Road Town, Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, St. Thomas and Half Moon Cay, Bahamas before returning to Ft. Lauderdale for your flight home. Prices start at $699 per person and are based on double occupancy. Port charges are included. Taxes, fees and transfers are additional. Other Universities traveling with us include Michigan, Michigan State, and Texas A & M. Call Alumni Travel Group at (800) 654-4934 to make your reservation today.

[zaandam_2]

i'd probably cancel with a group that large.

[lougee1043]

Have found out thru TA that there is a large group of 700 on this cruise. We are due to give final payment this Monday
Nedd opinions; Should we be wary of this cruise or won't it make a difference? It will be our first cruise on HAL

700 people is almost 38% of the total pax-- with a group that large you have to figure that certain areas might be reserved for them for meetings -get to gethers etc etc-- they could take over the crows nest-- the theatre----a particular time for dinner etc

on our cruise we are going to have about 150 bell ringers--thats right bell ringers and from what i understand they will be performing for the pax at some time during the cruise

[sk8teacher]

Well, if you don't mind a lot of college kids who probably will want to party a lot then go. Then again, ship capacity is over 1800 so they will make up about a third of the passengers. The other 2/3 plus staff should help keep them in check some what.

Personally, my only concern would be late night parties possibly in the room next to mine. Other than that, It could be fun to have a large group of younger folks on board.

Cheers,

[cruisin240]

700 singles...are these college age singles? or alumni of the universities mentioned....I am not trying to judge these people but my own feeling is that I would be afraid that it might turn into a huge party cruise...which is why we booked Hal over Carnival...just my thought

[vpoopsy]

it sounds like alumni which could mean any age over 24. college kids would be in class at that time. guess we'll take our chances since we've already paid for the trip.

[happy cruzer]

I'd be 50/50 on the cruise. I think I would call the eight hundred number to see if I could get an idea of how well organized things are and what age groups they expect to have. I would verify that it is alumni too not mainly students. where Christmas falls in the calendar this year they could be students.

A plus would be that they are most likely college graduates.
Plus they are paying a reasonable amount to be onboard.
Minus is just any large group can change the cruise experience.

I had a problem on a deeply discounted cruise once to put it mildly where the cruiseline involved actually compensated many passengers 50% off their next cruise. Even after that experience, if I called the toll free number and got some professional answers to my questions, I would go ahead and sail with this group of alumni.

Please report back either way. and have a great vacation.

[dakrewser]

Run, do not walk, away from this cruise. Change to a different ship, a different time or even a different cruise line. It will NOT be a pleasant experience.

Many of these folks will be first time cruisers, unaware of the traditions and conventions experienced folks follow. While a group of 2 to 4 newbies rarely presents any problems (they are, after all, looking to learn about the cruising experience) hundreds of them, many of whom know each other, really won't care how much they impact your cruise experience.

[KAYEF]

[quote=dakrewser]Run, do not walk, away from this cruise. Change to a different ship, a different time or even a different cruise line. It will NOT be a pleasant experience.
BOY!!
Do I agree with that!
We had just one day of a very small group. HAL had done a "special" from Seattle to Vancouver............just one day..............guess they wanted the cabins full and to give people the opportunity to see what cruising is like.
They were already drunk in the Lido when we went to enjoy our first (welcome aboard) meal there..............noisy, tossing things between tables.................ignoring staff who tried to get them to tone things down..............of course they were up most of the night, continuing their same behavior.
When we finally realized they were getting off the next morning we were SO relieved; just this small group made a huge impact.
The rest of our 23 day repositioning cruise was wonderful, relaxed, marvelous.
Run, don't walk!!

[MattOsprey]

I would think of what I would've been like at that age. If then I decided to pay to go on a singles cruise I can only imagine that a wild time is planned. Great for the 700. Maybe not so good for the rest.
I agree with dakrewser, these young people are not out to engage cruisers and cruising. They are out to engage each other.
I think a cruise line should inform pax if there is to be such a large influence on a cruise.
If this turns into a mad party cruise, this could put regular cruisers of a company IMHO.
That said if you think that you can handle it and maybe have fun also then go for it. It just wouldn't be for us.
If you do go, we hope you enjoy.

[Mollynme]

Run, do not walk, away from this cruise. Change to a different ship, a different time or even a different cruise line. It will NOT be a pleasant experience.
I agree. You have alumni here from 4 rival colleges (Notre Dame, Michigan, Michigan State, and Texas A & M). I've seen some nasty encounters between drunken fans of rival college football teams and there is just way too much potential here!:eek:

[kryos]

i'd probably cancel with a group that large.
It's not the size I'd be concerned about (700 on a ship that holds over 2,000 isn't an overwhelming group). But I would be concerned about the type of group it is. Sounds like the "party hardy" crowd to me. :( Might as well just book a cruise on Carnival.

Now, if it were a senior citizens group, or a religious retreat type thing, I probably wouldn't be at all concerned.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[LolaWiz]

I am torn of what i would do, but boy, do i feel for you... we are arriving the day you leave (dec. 9th).

This got me thinking and now i am worried about it too.

If you paid already, make the best of the cruise.


By the way, OP, did you just ask your TA? I am worried now about our cruise and a large group.

On our last land-based vacation to Hawaii this June, there was a HUGE group at our resort and it made our stay HORRIBLE. :(

Good luck to you.

[wrp96]

I agree. You have alumni here from 4 rival colleges (Notre Dame, Michigan, Michigan State, and Texas A & M). I've seen some nasty encounters between drunken fans of rival college football teams and there is just way too much potential here!:eek:

That was exactly my thought!

[vpoopsy]

I went and did some research and I think the "alumni" are an older group. Check out this photos from Michigan State and Texas A&M alumni trips.



http://www.msualum.com/alumni_travel/photos.cfm

http://www.aggienetwork.com/images/AFSGalleryBuilder.aspx?folder=/AutoPhoto/travel/panama0106/&Title=Panama%20Canal&strMen3=panama0106&strMen2=2006scrapbook&strMen1=travel

[hammybee]

I hope that some who post, wondering if HAL is just for old people, see this thread.

The Notre Dame ALumni Association is probably one of the most active and passionate alumni associations out there. Once a "Domer", Always a "Domer". They have a large travel department and often cruise with HAL in large blocks. The typical alumni probably fits the HAL stereotype more so than not.

This particular sailing is designated for single Alumni. My guess is that it is not going to attract those who have recently graduated. Rather, it will most likely be the 28-38 age bracket. Given the type and cost of a ND education, the majority come from backgrounds and professions, where travel is not uncommon. In other words, I am not seeing "Animal House" on the sea.

On the other hand, if you have ever attended a ND football game, you can appreciate that Domers know how to have a good time and know how to dominate a venue. The Crows Nest will be jammed. As will Sunday mass.

If it were me, I would not hesitate to sail and watch the show. That's just me.

[vpoopsy]

bravo, hammybee!!! i can't imagine that time of year it being college kids. they would go on carnival, i'm sure.

[berylde]

TA mentioned the "Group" when she was trying to explain why Early Seating was on Wait-list
Payment due on Monday. Added info--we are Seniors with SC cabin.
Husband says we should cancel BUT,I was so looking forward to it!!

[RuthC]

Run, do not walk, away from this cruise.
This was my exact thought when I was reading post #1.

You are looking at a group that will be 1/3rd of the passengers. They will take over the dining room (looks like they already have), will close lounges for private parties, could even close off pool areas for private parties (such things have been reported before).
Even with a lounge open to all, they will impact on the atmosphere. You could very well end up feeling like an outsider at your own party.

You can still look forward to your cruise---just look forward to it on a different week.

[hammybee]

I went and did some research and I think the "alumni" are an older group. Check out this photos from Michigan State and Texas A&M alumni trips.

I think our posts crossed and we areon the same page. The "single" thing suggests this group might be a little younger but most definitely not the "just graduated" crowd.

[arlenez]

TA mentioned the "Group" when she was trying to explain why Early Seating was on Wait-list
Payment due on Monday. Added info--we are Seniors with SC cabin.
Husband says we should cancel BUT,I was so looking forward to it!!

We are booked on the Zuiderdam on November 11th and so far there are plenty of available cabins. Have you thought about switching your dates? I don't think I would be very happy on a cruise with such a large (and young) group.

Regards,

[1drifter]

Was just talking to someone on our last cruise who went on a singles cruise on HAL. She said she was very disappointed because they failed to tell her that only 2 of the singles were under 50 years old and she was one of them! This may be a different crowd, but I thought it was a funny story.

[lougee1043]

interesting that your ta found out the details of this cruise group from hal -- i asked by ta the same question and my response was that hal wont give details like that out for fear of the other pax cancelling

just checked the group out as of today there are 130 pax and their adjenda shows "handbell activities" on the sea days

[cruisin240]

We ran into a group of singles last April while staying at a resort in Cozumel. Of course we chose this resort because it didn't allow "spring breakers" and was a bit higher priced then some. We were traveling with our 3 small children so we wanted to stay away from the party scene. We are not opposed to drinking and having fun but believe me we couldn't go anywhere in that resort without seeing parts of this group drunk and obnoxious. Maybe a ship would be different?

I would see about rescheduling and voice your concerns upfront to HAL and then if you do go and have problems I would go back to HAL.

We did alot of letter writing and phoning after are last trip and did receive some compensation. I would have prefered a peaceful, enjoyable time with my family rather than the compensation.

I wish you the best of luck with whatever you decide.

[Grampy]

We also had a very large group of singles on our last Princess cruise. They were able to board first as a group and they were able to book the lounges for meetings and party's. This didn't really bother us at all. We would just go to a different part of the ship. I'm sure you will have a nice cruise.:)

[Hojo's redbeard]

It's kind of funny how people can make such huge assumptions with just a couple of potential factoids. Aren't most all of you out there also "Alumni"? Really, are a bunch of college kids or recent graduates going to go on HAL? NO. They'd go straight to Carnival or RCCL. Those two cruise lines ad campaigns would attract them. I'm 36 and it took some persuading to get me to try HAL.

There seem to be a lot of good assumptions of how the large group could impact. You just have to ask yourself if having a lounge or crows nest closed off is going to impede you from enjoying yourself. The way we cruise, I could care less if there is a big crowd. I'd enjoy having a big crowd dominate one area, because there are that many fewer to be everywhere else. Personally, my biggest fear is a spring break cruise that is overrun with teenagers.

Have you tried the Roll Call board for your sailing to see if any of the 700 from the alumni association have landed there yet?

[RuthC]

There seem to be a lot of good assumptions of how the large group could impact. You just have to ask yourself if having a lounge or crows nest closed off is going to impede you from enjoying yourself.
Assumptions made about how a large group can impact other passengers have not been made in a vacuum.

There have been reports on these boards over the years telling how the aft pool area was closed off so the group could have a private party. People expect to be able to enjoy that area when they book a cruise.
I have seen my preferred lounge closed off at cocktail time because a private party was being held there. Could I get a drink elsewhere? Of course, and I did.

These types of things add up, and they impact on other's ability to enjoy their cruise fully. Small groups don't have that kind of impact. A group of 700 would. That's not an assumption so much as it's historical precedence.

[Hojo's redbeard]

Assumptions made about how a large group can impact other passengers have not been made in a vacuum.

That's not an assumption so much as it's historical precedence.

All of the experiences shared are hopefully based on a real life experience by the poster. Paste experiences shared are what help us navigate our decisions and make us more informed consumers. They also help set our expectations (for good or bad). They can still only be assumptions as to how they could impact a cruise which has not yet sailed.

[lougee1043]

[quote=cruisin240]We are not opposed to drinking and having fun but believe me we couldn't go anywhere in that resort without seeing parts of this group drunk and obnoxious. Maybe a ship would be different?
quote]

im not as optomistic as you are considering that no one has to be the designated driver

[kryos]

TA mentioned the "Group" when she was trying to explain why Early Seating was on Wait-list
Payment due on Monday. Added info--we are Seniors with SC cabin.
Husband says we should cancel BUT,I was so looking forward to it!!
Maybe your TA can get you moved to another HAL sailing perhaps the week after this one. Even though you already paid for the cruise, I am sure in this situation something can be done for you. I wouldn't cancel my cruise, rather I would simply juggle it around to avoid this group.

This is precisely why I never take seven day cruises. Too much chance for this sort of thing happening. Groups loooove seven-day cruises and tend to gravitate toward them. For the travel agents running these group cruises, they know that the shorter the cruise, the cheaper it is ... and, the more people that will be able to get the time off from work to join it.

In the future, try to book ten-day or longer cruises. You'll avoid most large groups that way.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[kryos]

Really, are a bunch of college kids or recent graduates going to go on HAL? NO. They'd go straight to Carnival or RCCL. Those two cruise lines ad campaigns would attract them. I'm 36 and it took some persuading to get me to try HAL.

They'll go on the line that offers them the best price and group ammenities. Period. HAL is working very hard to attract a younger crowd, especially to its Vista class ships. Therefore, they are surely giving some great deals to attract group sailings. If HAL's package came in at the better cost, believe me, the TA running this group would put it on HAL. And, believe me too ... HAL won't do anything to discourage this group booking ... even if it means turning the other way when they get loud or obnoxious ... and poo pooing complaints received from other, non-group passengers.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[gizmo]

This is the info I found on the cruise....
Caribbean Singles Getaway


Dec. 2-9, 2006

Join our Second Annual Caribbean Singles Getaway sailing December 2-9, 2006 aboard Holland America M/S Zuiderdam. Depart from Ft. Lauderdale and visit the beautiful island of Grand Turk and discover the world's largest coral reef. Rent a jet ski, go scuba diving or snorkeling or just relay and enjoy the natural beauty of the island. Visit Road Town, Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, St. Thomas and Half Moon Cay, Bahamas before returning to Ft. Lauderdale for your flight home. Prices start at $699 per person and are based on double occupancy. Port charges are included. Taxes, fees and transfers are additional. Other Universities traveling with us include Michigan, Michigan State, and Texas A & M. Call Alumni Travel Group at (800) 654-4934 to make your reservation today.



This indicates "Party" to me. My interpretation is that this cruise is for the 20-30 year old crowd. :eek:

I would not want to be on this cruise.

[Bramcruiser]

All of the experiences shared are hopefully based on a real life experience by the poster. Paste experiences shared are what help us navigate our decisions and make us more informed consumers. They also help set our expectations (for good or bad). They can still only be assumptions as to how they could impact a cruise which has not yet sailed.

Well said Hojo's redbeard. I know there has been problems with large groups on prior sailings and certain types of groups are more prone to cause problems for others who are on the ship aiming for a relaxing vacation. Singles and salespeople have notorious reputations. However, that being said, I agree that there is just a lot of conjucture on this thread at the moment. I'm a bit confused about the group. First the postings suggest a Singles getaway for univerisity alumni - so these would be graduates. Everyone assumes them to be young-ish and in a party mood and if that was the case then I can see where a university party on the high seas can come across as unseemly. However, those pictures that we were linked to showed senior citizens on prior trips. Now I am not so certain just who is travelling. Like you I think there is a too much assuming going on.

I personally would research the group who is advertising more closely and base my decision to continue or not on that. All you can get here is a history lesson of prior experiences. All which are helpful to a certain degree but no one from this alumni group is posting here.

[ricjac22]

On my last cruise, there was a group of about 350 people aboard a ship that held close to 2,100. Although that doesn't seem like a very big percentage, the group made a very big impact on the cruise. They heckled the comedian and killed the show. One night while trying to enjoy the entertainment (a singer/songerwriter, story-telling guitar player), this large group of people kept shouting and talking, oblivious to the fact that the man was trying to tell a story. The entertainer actually stopped the show several times and asked them nicely to quiet down. Finally, he put his guitar down and walked off the stage. A manager was called. The manager asked them to quiet down and an argument ensued with shouts of "this is our cruise we can drink where ever we want" (actually that is paraphrasing, there was quite a bit of cursing going on as well). The manager insisted and the group headed for the door yelling and shouting "aaaargh", they thought they were pirates.

Public areas were closed due to this group and we couldn't get a reservation at any of the restaurants because they had been booked solid with the group. And when they took over a bar, look out.

Did they ruin my cruise, nope, not at all. But yes, they did have a big impact and I will, hopefully, never cruise with a large group again.


Happy sailings,
Jac

[Namvet4]

I think any group, of significant size, would be of concern for some passengers. Bell ringers, church groups, political activists and supporters, company employees, etc... We all cross the boundaries of association.The demographics and makeup of the group can only be inferred. However, I feel there is a lot of "assumption" based on stereotypes in this thread. Obviously a cruisers personal preferences play a major role in the choice of the ship and itinerary, I know mine did! And I have learned a valuable newbie lesson for the future....Ask the question: Inquiring minds want to know..is there a "group" booking on the cruise I am considering?
just my 2 cents....

[Krazy Kruizers]

I would definitely cancel that cruise!!!

I would be furious if we made final payment and then found out that there was to be a large group of 700 on board. We did have that happen years ago on another line. Those people took over nearly everything on the ship for their meetings and parties!!!

[lougee1043]

..Ask the question: Inquiring minds want to know..is there a "group" booking on the cruise I am considering?
just my 2 cents....

this list is not current but you could check it out
http://www.geocities.com/cruise_trubey/

also do what i did --this is how i found the bell ringers
go to google and type in the name of the ship and the sail date and start looking at all the stuff that comes up for that cruise and date

[cruznon]

I would cancel immediately. There's not any way I'd want to be on a cruise with such a large group and it does sound like a party group to me. I travel on HAL because I love the elegant, refined ambience--I doubt that will be the case on ths sailing. As others have stated, many venues may be reserved/off limits--that would irritate me. I think you are fortunate that you found out about this group before your final payment.

[torpeedo]

I would cancel also. Definitely. Just for the fact that they will likely monopolize the Crows nest or some of the other public rooms ( which will then become private)
There are several other cruises from Ft. Lauderdale that still have room and many HAL can just transfer you over to those ships. I am on the Volendam, a 10 day, and there is room now. Dec 3rd departure. If you can take the extra days, it will be a great cruise.
The Westerdam is also sailing on Dec 3rd, a 7 day cruise and it has lots of room as well.
That's what I would do!:D

[7x5090g]

I wonder why the group chose HAL over the other cruise lines. Usually with this type of group they'd pick something like Carnival or RCI.

[RoofingPrincess]

Based on what I've seen here, I just Googled to try to find out if there are any groups on my next cruise...
I am SO glad we're not going the week before!
NFDA announces its inaugural Seminar at Sea, February 4-10, 2007. Royal Caribbean International's cruise ship, the Jewel of the Seas, is the venue for an event that combines learning and the cruise experience.
Going on a cruise is always something special, but going with a group of people who share a passion for your profession takes the experience to a new level. Traveling with other funeral professionals from across the country is a great way to gather new ideas that will enhance your business. Often, it's during those informal moments on the beach that you gain the best ideas.
NFDA is the National Funeral Directors Association!
(gee, guess we don't have to worry about them having a dark suit for formal night!):D

[dakrewser]

...certain types of groups are more prone to cause problems for others who are on the ship aiming for a relaxing vacation. Singles and salespeople have notorious reputations. However, that being said, I agree that there is just a lot of conjucture on this thread at the moment.
All you can get here is a history lesson of prior experiences. All which are helpful to a certain degree but no one from this alumni group is posting here.

I wouldn't care if it were 700 Mormon missionaries - a group that size dominates the cruise. Every time you walk into a public room it's like your first day at a new school - everyone else there knows each other and you feel like the "odd man out." Even if they don't block off public areas, they so dominate them that it's as if they were blocked.

You'll notice that no one in this thread has said that a large group did not impact their cruise!

And as to learning from prior experiences, George Santanyana was right - "Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it."

[berylde]

Thanks to all that have replied to my question.
We are going to TA tomorrow and cancel 12/2/2006 sailing of Zuiderdam.

We will try for the dates of 12/9 or 12/10. If that doesn't work out, will go end of January.

A group of 700 does sound scary!!!
Berylde

[hammybee]

(gee, guess we don't have to worry about them having a dark suit for formal night!)[/I]:D

Love it.

[hammybee]

I wonder why the group chose HAL over the other cruise lines. Usually with this type of group they'd pick something like Carnival or RCI.
The Notre Dame Alumni Association seems to use HAL more often than not. Their members tend to fit the HAL profile.

[bdcbbq]

The Notre Dame Alumni Association seems to use HAL more often than not. Their members tend to fit the HAL profile.

Since I live in South Bend, and my BIL is a member of the Notre Dame Alumni Association, I went to their website to see if there might be a travel opportunity he/we could take advantage of. I found this Caribbean Singles Getaway (http://alumni.nd.edu/travel/Caribbean06.html)

Join our Second Annual Caribbean Singles Getaway sailing December 2-9, 2006 aboard Holland America M/S Zuiderdam. Depart from Ft. Lauderdale and visit the beautiful island of Grand Turk and discover the world's largest coral reef. Rent a jet ski, go scuba diving or snorkeling or just relay and enjoy the natural beauty of the island. Visit Road Town, Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, St. Thomas and Half Moon Cay, Bahamas before returning to Ft. Lauderdale for your flight home. Prices start at $699 per person and are based on double occupancy. Port charges are included. Taxes, fees and transfers are additional. Other Universities traveling with us include Michigan, Michigan State, and Texas A & M. Call Alumni Travel Group at (800) 654-4934 to make your reservation today.

Cost: from $699, per person, based on double occupancy

With the included alumni associations the cruise might get a little raucous if they have replays of some games.

[zaandam_2]

funeral directors on HAL makes sense :eek: (joking)

[wrp96]

Based on what I've seen here, I just Googled to try to find out if there are any groups on my next cruise...

I am SO glad we're not going the week before!NFDA announces its inaugural Seminar at Sea, February 4-10, 2007. Royal Caribbean International's cruise ship, the Jewel of the Seas, is the venue for an event that combines learning and the cruise experience.
Going on a cruise is always something special, but going with a group of people who share a passion for your profession takes the experience to a new level. Traveling with other funeral professionals from across the country is a great way to gather new ideas that will enhance your business. Often, it's during those informal moments on the beach that you gain the best ideas.
NFDA is the National Funeral Directors Association!
(gee, guess we don't have to worry about them having a dark suit for formal night!):D

Boy, am I really glad we decided not to do a back to back cruise.

[twinkletoes4445]

Thanks to all that have replied to my question.
We are going to TA tomorrow and cancel 12/2/2006 sailing of Zuiderdam.

We will try for the dates of 12/9 or 12/10. If that doesn't work out, will go end of January.

A group of 700 does sound scary!!!
Berylde

This site may have been posted, but it does list some of the group tours. It's my understanding that the person who manages this site is no longer updating it, however, there are several cruises listed that are group cruises. We're cruising 2/3 on the Zuiderdam. You should join us! At this point, I don't think there are any groups on this cruise...but I could be wrong.


http://www.geocities.com/cruise_trubey/

[torpeedo]

OH BOY! We ARE doing a b to b on the Jewel of the Seas, Feb 4 and 10! Maybe we can get some hints on funeral planning or even a discount!;)
I don't think this is a large group as there are plenty of openings on this ship. We have cruised with groups before. Dentists, Doctors or all kinds etc. Never had a problem But a singles group of 700!! That's another story!

[WNYCRUISER]

OH BOY! We ARE doing a b to b on the Jewel of the Seas, Feb 4 and 10! Maybe we can get some hints on funeral planning or even a discount!;)
!

Just be careful if you decide to take a nap out on deck!!!!!!!!

[scopewest]

lougee1043:

What cruise are you taking with the bell ringers? I'd love to be on that cruise (ignoring the group size problem) because I'd love to hear them play. I'm wondering if it's the Raleigh Ringers you're going with? They're fabulous. And they all dress like it's formal night when performing so they'll fit right in on HAL!

[lougee1043]

lougee1043:

What cruise are you taking with the bell ringers? I'd love to be on that cruise (ignoring the group size problem) because I'd love to hear them play. I'm wondering if it's the Raleigh Ringers you're going with? They're fabulous. And they all dress like it's formal night when performing so they'll fit right in on HAL!

here is the site of the bellringers ---hal odam 1/6/07 mex riv out of san diego

http://www.bellsofthecascades.org/cruise/cruiseIX/cruise9.htm

[kryos]

NFDA is the National Funeral Directors Association!
(gee, guess we don't have to worry about them having a dark suit for formal night!):D
LOL ... I hear funeral directors are actually a pretty fun bunch to be around. And, at least judging from "Family Plots," I wouldn't object to sailing with a slew of them. In fact, I'd be "dying" to join in their fun. :)

Blue skies ...

--rita

[RoofingPrincess]

OH BOY! We ARE doing a b to b on the Jewel of the Seas, Feb 4 and 10!
Torpeedo, please make sure to sign up for the Meet & Mingle for the second half (Feb 10)! We'd love to meet you!

[torpeedo]

Looks like a large group of CC'ers on the 2/10 Jewel, We will sign up for the meet and mingle for sure!

[bsa250cc]

Hi everyone,

Were also booked on this cruise, and as we have also booked our air fare from the UK we are in a more difficult predicament than most.

Our air is non refundable or changeable so we have no choice in this matter. The other ships leaving on the 2nd December from either FLL or Miami are either Carnival:( RCI:( or Princess ??. As UK citizens we are barred from booking this line with a US TA, as they control the sale of bookings in the UK and ramp up the prices accordingly. Carnival would only be jumping from the frying pan into the fire, and the Behemoths of RCI have no appeal whatsoever.

So - what do we do??

I have phoned the Alumni Travel Group as they are the arrangers for this particular package. The arranger for this package is Denise, and she was quite informative about the group.

Firstly age - This is aimed at ages 28up. The age profile sits well in the HAL scenario.

Secondly Numbers - HAL has sold them the deal with an availability of up to 700. THE TOTAL BOOKINGS RECEIVED TO DATE IS LESS THAN FIFTY

She also went on to say these were in the main professional people who are too busy to find their partners in the normal course of the day.

If you look on any of the online TA's you can still find remarkable bargains, and pretty well have whatever choice of deck and cabin arrangement to suit. Our $900 suites are still being sold, and the availability has increased somewhat as their are now more specific cabins available rather than gaurantee's.

My first instinct was to look elsewhere as although I,m just a spring chicken in HAL terms(51), tribes of drunken yobs holds no appeal. The alternatives for us are no alternative, so thats when a little investigation was deemed necessary. If HAL cannot fill the ship themselves over the next ten weeks I really cannot see the Alumni group making a huge impact on the numbers on board, and of those who book, will they be shacking up with a complete stranger, or have a cabin to themselves as single occupants. If I were going on a singles cruise the last thing I would want is to bring a new partner back to the cabin and see my "roomie" treating his boils. This would defeat the object of a "Singles Cruise".

So, we are going to stick to our plans, make our own arrangements at all the ports of call, and enjoy ourselves regardless. You never know I might just be able to loose my dear wife on the formal nights for an hour or so and get a fair maiden interested in whats under my kilt....LOL

Life is what you make it at the end of the day.

Bob & Dee

[vpoopsy]

Bob,

You have made my day!!! I was going to make the same phone call you did to get "to the bottom" of this. If someone would have made this phone call in the beginning, we wouldn't have so many folks trying to "jump ship" for this cruise. From what I've seen from going to the alumni websites is retired folks who like to travel together. With it being a singles group, I figured there wouldn't be alot of folks going.

Again, thanks for looking into this and giving all of us cruising on this date some closure to this issue. I was going no matter what, but glad to know it's not going to be something to deal with the entire week.

You rock!!!

[bsa250cc]

Hi everyone,

Were also booked on this cruise, and as we have also booked our air fare from the UK we are in a more difficult predicament than most.

Our air is non refundable or changeable so we have no choice in this matter. The other ships leaving on the 2nd December from either FLL or Miami are either Carnival:( RCI:( or Princess ??. As UK citizens we are barred from booking this line with a US TA, as they control the sale of bookings in the UK and ramp up the prices accordingly. Carnival would only be jumping from the frying pan into the fire, and the Behemoths of RCI have no appeal whatsoever.

So - what do we do??

I have phoned the Alumni Travel Group as they are the arrangers for this particular package. The arranger for this package is Denise, and she was quite informative about the group.

Firstly age - This is aimed at ages 28up. The age profile sits well in the HAL scenario.

Secondly Numbers - HAL has sold them the deal with an availability of up to 700. THE TOTAL BOOKINGS RECEIVED TO DATE IS LESS THAN FIFTY

She also went on to say these were in the main professional people who are too busy to find their partners in the normal course of the day.

If you look on any of the online TA's you can still find remarkable bargains, and pretty well have whatever choice of deck and cabin arrangement to suit. Our $900 suites are still being sold, and the availability has increased somewhat as their are now more specific cabins available rather than gaurantee's.

My first instinct was to look elsewhere as although I,m just a spring chicken in HAL terms(51), tribes of drunken yobs holds no appeal. The alternatives for us are no alternative, so thats when a little investigation was deemed necessary. If HAL cannot fill the ship themselves over the next ten weeks I really cannot see the Alumni group making a huge impact on the numbers on board, and of those who book, will they be shacking up with a complete stranger, or have a cabin to themselves as single occupants. If I were going on a singles cruise the last thing I would want is to bring a new partner back to the cabin and see my "roomie" treating his boils. This would defeat the object of a "Singles Cruise".

So, we are going to stick to our plans, make our own arrangements at all the ports of call, and enjoy ourselves regardless. You never know I might just be able to loose my dear wife on the formal nights for an hour or so and get a fair maiden interested in whats under my kilt....LOL

Life is what you make it at the end of the day.

Bob & Dee

[krewzin]

here is the site of the bellringers ---hal odam 1/6/07 mex riv out of san diego

http://www.bellsofthecascades.org/cruise/cruiseIX/cruise9.htm


Make certain you get to attend the "Meet and Jingle."

:D

Sorry I know ...that was bad.

[lougee1043]

Make certain you get to attend the "Meet and Jingle."
Sorry I know ...that was bad.

actually it was cute --and it rhymned (sp)too

[vpoopsy]

Bob,

I would suggest you start a new thread to make sure the 'berylde" sees the information you found. I'd hate for them to rebook for no reason.

[Namvet4]

Hi everyone,

Were also booked on this cruise, and as we have also booked our air fare from the UK we are in a more difficult predicament than most.
So - what do we do??

I have phoned the Alumni Travel Group as they are the arrangers for this particular package. The arranger for this package is Denise, and she was quite informative about the group.

Firstly age - This is aimed at ages 28up. The age profile sits well in the HAL scenario.

Secondly Numbers - HAL has sold them the deal with an availability of up to 700. THE TOTAL BOOKINGS RECEIVED TO DATE IS LESS THAN FIFTY

She also went on to say these were in the main professional people who are too busy to find their partners in the normal course of the day.

If you look on any of the online TA's you can still find remarkable bargains, and pretty well have whatever choice of deck and cabin arrangement to suit. Our $900 suites are still being sold, and the availability has increased somewhat as their are now more specific cabins available rather than gaurantee's.

So, we are going to stick to our plans, make our own arrangements at all the ports of call, and enjoy ourselves regardless. You never know I might just be able to loose my dear wife on the formal nights for an hour or so and get a fair maiden interested in whats under my kilt....LOL

Life is what you make it at the end of the day.

Bob & Dee

Bob and Dee…
Excellent... An intelligent inquiry, to the SOURCE, no hysteria or panic and now you are armed with more information than conjecture that allowed you to make an informed decision. Job Well Done and Thank You for sharing!


Bob and Dee, I wish you a wonderful journey......

[Namvet4]

Dreaded white page double post! :mad:

[KalenaD]

Bob, thanks from us as well for doing the research and finding out THE TRUTH, before panicing. We have been gone for the weekend so I had planned on finding out the facts myself before I made any changes, We too have non refundable plane fare and have another couple joining us to boot.

[Cerveza777]

Hi All! I am part of the alumni group traveling from A&M. When I made my final payment last week, I did NOT hear super large numbers for this cruise...perhaps 700 was the number of cabins held?

I went on this cruise last year on Royal Caribbean, and we had about 10 from A&M, 4 from Baylor and 30 or so from Notre Dame. With more schools going this year, the total number will be a little higher. The average ages were from mid-20s - 50s. I am in my mid-40s. Yes, we enjoyed dancing and we all ate together in the dining room in the evenings.

Someone might want to ask TA again (about the 700) once final payment deadline has passed.

Hope I've answered some questions for any concerned with Dec. 2 cruise. I am looking forward to it and enjoy meeting other CCers.

Regards, Sharon

[KalenaD]

Sharon, please join our roll call, it will be nice to hear from someone who is in this group. The more the merrier!!!
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=294286

[vpoopsy]

Sharon,

Good to hear from someone from "that group". Welcome aboard, even though you are from Texas! (I'm an okie)

[bsa250cc]

Hi Everyone,

I would like to thank every one for their kind comments about finding out the truth regarding the "group".
It's that good old British Phlegm of not panicking that does it.

As we now have a "mole" from said group we can be merciless and find out all their activities......LOL.
No honestly, welcome aboard Cerveza777. (does the number at the end relate to the number of beers drunk on these holidays). :p

Kalena,
Have you thought about a CC get together in the Crows Nest during the first day or so. This happened last year for us and was a nice way of putting a face to a name. One of the ship's officers laid on a small area and supplied the odd drink.

Best wishes.

Bob & Dee

[vpoopsy]

"One of the ship's officers laid on a small area and supplied the odd drink.". What?

I think a meeting would be alot of fun!!

[berylde]

Posted a new thread--pl. read

[vpoopsy]

I don't see it, what's it called? Never mind, I found it.

[bsa250cc]

Hi Everyone,
For those travelling on this cruise, I have added a new post on the roll call board. Please read and respond.

Thanks

Bob & Dee

[cruisefrk]

We went on a cruise during spring break and will NEVER do it again! The fools were throwing chairs over the deck - just plane idiots. I am all for having fun - but I dont want to pay to be annoyed for a week!!! Let the cruiseline know why your moving.

[KalenaD]

Cruisefrk,
we have since found out that this group of 700 is actually only 50. At this point we have all made final payment so we will be going anyway and having an AWESOME time!!