New Noordam - proposed first sailing...

[ekerr19]

Talked to my TA, told her we were looking to book the new Noordam as soon as anything became available.

She told me HAL has tentatively scheduled the Maiden voyage as 2/4/06 - 2/14/06, 10-days from Venice to Athens...

What a Valentine's Day present that would be! :)

Of course it is all subject to change, but I told her as soon as they start taking bookings, just BOOK it!

[bepsf]

Wow - that's great news!!!

Do I book this one, or do I wait for a northern european/baltic itinerary?
Any idea on pricing?

[shorton]

Does your TA have any idea when bookings will be available?

[ekerr19]

Brian-

I don't know what to tell you! It looks as if she may stay in Europe for a couple months at least... we are looking at this sailing, but have NO idea on pricing yet.

I will continue to report any information as I receive it!

I hope this will be considered board worthy news... ;)

[sail7seas]

Sounds great, ekerr.

Very unusual for there to be winter cruises in Europe but, of course, Noordam will be leaving the boatyard then if all goes as scheduled.

It will be interesting to see if they will keep her in Europe straight through winter and spring and then do summer sailings before doing a fall crossing. It'll be a looooong time until she has a U.S. Inauguration if that were the case. It will probably be some time before we know for sure.

[ekerr19]

Sounds great, ekerr.

Very unusual for there to be winter cruises in Europe but, of course, Noordam will be leaving the boatyard then if all goes as scheduled.

It will be interesting to see if they will keep her in Europe straight through winter and spring and then do summer sailings before doing a fall crossing. It'll be a looooong time until she has a U.S. Inauguration if that were the case. It will probably be some time before we know for sure.
Sail-

I thought it a bit unusual too. Apparently there is a 4-day thing scheduled for travel agents and special guests, then the first 10-day sailing on 2/4/06.

I was wondering if they'd just keep her in Europe for the summer, if she does a transatlantic, would the earliest be about April?

If I hear anything - I will post promptly. I hope everyone else will do the same. At this point, everything is so tentative.

[bepsf]

I guess I was hoping for a European christening like Oosterdam and Westerdam - that way Noordam could have an extended European inaugural season...


We'll see...

[ekerr19]

Does your TA have any idea when bookings will be available?
shorton-

She did not know - but she knows we want to book this - so once it is available for booking, I'm sure she'll let me know and I will pass it along.

If I hear anything in the meantime - I will post. :)

[doone]

Brian, do the Baltic itinerary. I did that a few years ago and I have to tell you, that was my favorite cruise so far, its an absolutely spectacular one. I would highly recommend it.