volendam

[lindleyjulie]

we are a family of seven from the uk traveling 17th of oct 2004 on the V:) olendam, caribbean ages 75, 49, 46, 44, 19, 18, and 11 our first time cruising, will there be lots for us to do? what will the sea be like are we likely to be sick? At the moment we have K inside cabins I am thinking of upgrading 1 to a balcony is it cheaper to do this with the t a or when we arrive on board? what age ranges travel on the Volendam?

[CaptData]

If you go to Cruiseclues you can see the Daily paper there. It will give you an idea of things to do well on board. Upgrades on the pier are very rare in the summer. Go to your TA immediately and upgrade (you may want to do what is called a balcony gty. that way you will have a balcony but you wont know where until sail time almost. You could get upgraded for free.

Sea sickness is very, very individual. Some do get it, some don't get it. Take Bonimine or something else. If any of your party gets car sick easily then that person might have a high chance of getting sick. Bonimine is taken once a day, I take it at night just before bed that way if it causes drowsness I never know. You start it the night before the cruise and take it until you get home. Thereare other ways of handling it such as sea bands, ginger ect. Check threads re sea sick.

Where come to the boards and cruises. Enjoy.

[DFD1]

If it were me and I was as concerned as you seem to be, I would go to my TA or call HAL direct immediatley and try to upgrade one of my cabins to a minimum guarantee for a balcony stateroom. That's probably the least expensive way to get that catagory of space. I would not wait until sailing day at the pier. Your chances of making a change then are slim to none.
As to "lots to do".....I don't think you will be bored. The ship is an interesting place to explore. There is always more going on than most of us care to participate in. I would not be concerned about there not being enough to keep everyone happy.
Seasickness is a highly individual matter. Some get it ......Some don't. There could be some fairly active seas during October, but really rough weather is highly unlikely. The cruise line will change the itinerary if weather conditions present any real problems. They want to keep you in reasonably calm seas. Have Fun.

[DFD1]

October on the Volendam sould be a reasonably settled crowd. Not too many youngsters I would not think,

[Esme]

..
Sea sickness is very, very individual. Some do get it, some don't get it. Take Bonimine or something else. If any of your party gets car sick easily then that person might have a high chance of getting sick. Bonimine is taken once a day, I take it at night just before bed that way if it causes drowsness I never know. You start it the night before the cruise and take it until you get home. Thereare other ways of handling it such as sea bands, ginger ect. Check threads re sea sick.

Where come to the boards and cruises. Enjoy.

Just in case you can't find Bonamine and you are from the US, it is BONINE in US and Bonamine in Canada. I also use it and take it at night at CaptData does. Works for me.

Yes, if you want a balcony cabin, book it now. They and the lowest priced cabins are the first to go.

[kelmac]

What DFD1 means--off season, 10 day cruise--you never know, but I would think the average age will be 60+. Very few kids. My wife and I will be on the Volendam, for the New Years Cruise. Should be a much younger crowd, with a bunch of kids and teenagers. Same ship, totally different crowd--both can be an excellent experience!!:D