Westerdam Waiting List

[Alexia561]

I am trying to join two friends who are sailing on the Westerdam's transatlantic cruise in November. I would be the 3rd person in the cabin, so was surprised when our travel agent had to put my name on a waiting list. Has anyone had any luck joining a cruise from a waiting list, or should I swallow my disappointment and assume I won't be able to join them? Does anyone know when unsold cabins will be released after the final payment deadline? Would appreciate any comments/advice you could give me.
Thanks!

[Esme]

The only explanation I can think of is that the cabin your friends booked is only for 2 people and if you wanted to join them, then they would have to change to a 3 person cabin and there might not be one available. I may be wrong.

What cabin are your friends in?

[grannynurse]

Hi,
We found out last spring that there was a quota on 3rd and 4th passenger occupancy. My son did get on after my TA used some clout with HAL, but it was luck too, as he was joining the ship in Amsterdam instead of getting on in NY.

I have a friend on your proposed sailing. It is the Westerdam transatlantic to Ft. lauderdale isn't it? She may cancel. she is sailing alone in a single guarantee cabin. the final payment is due 75 days before sailing. You should know within several days of the deadline.

I know the ship has been sold out for a while, and, I believe it's a big-band cruise.
Good luck.
GN

[TedC]

Our final payment for that cruise is due next week. Unless HAL overbooked it, I think the odds are very good that something will open up.

There is bound to be some people who change their plans, get sick (or worse), have other complications etc.

[Starr Mtn]

Several years ago a friend invited me to join him on a cruise to South America. And it was only about 2 -3 months before sailing. Although he had a confirmed booking, I required a handicap accessible cabin. There were only 4 such cabins on the ship - and all booked. My TA explained that if I were to put down a deposit, that would put my name higher on the waiting list than those w/o a deposit. I did make the deposit immediately. And I was able to joint the cruise in a handicap accessible cabin!

P.S. Another good reason to have a passport. I had sailed previously but not to anywhere needing a passport. I just kind of wanted to get one . Thank goodness I did - because then I was ready to cruise anywhere on short notice. The cruise I was on the waiting list was for South America!

[Alexia561]

I'm not sure what cabin they are in, but I'll find out. I love transatlantic cruises and this would be my third, if they can squeeze me in. I've never been to Morocco or the Canary Islands, so looking forward to it. Thanks for the encouragement...I'll keep my fingers crossed and my TA on speed dial! :)

[jazzsea]

Cabins begin to open up right after final payment is due. Also, all unsold group space must be released back to the cruise line at that time.

The limit on third and/or fourth passengers is real. The ship cannot exceed the space available for passengers in lifeboats. It is a Coast Guard regulation.

Did you make a deposit with your waitlist? If so, you will be cleared.