Great deal on Pacific costal - 6 day - April, 2010

[DaveOKC]

We just booked what I think is a great deal on a 6 day Pacific Coastal cruise from San Diego to Vancouver. Stops in Avalon, CA, Astoria, OR, and Victoria, BC. Departure 4-21-2010. Ship - Zaandam.

 

The fares I saw ranged from $485 for and inside to $965 for a Deluxe Veranda Suite (per person), all taxes and fees included. For this price we stepped up to the Suite. One negative - all cabins are "guaranteed" only, you cannot pick your cabin. This is because this Coastal is part of a 21 day Hawaii trip than can also be booked as a 15 day.

 

What does everyone think of this deal?

 

DaveOKC

[fann1sh]

If I was a Left Coaster, I'd be all over it! But, being geographically challenged, I'm going to pass, and keep looking forward to Zuiderdam in November.

 

I hear the motion of the ocean can be a bit extreme on this route.

[Krazy Kruizers]

We just booked what I think is a great deal on a 6 day Pacific Coastal cruise from San Diego to Vancouver. Stops in Avalon, CA, Astoria, OR, and Victoria, BC. Departure 4-21-2010. Ship - Zaandam.

 

The fares I saw ranged from $485 for and inside to $965 for a Deluxe Veranda Suite (per person), all taxes and fees included. For this price we stepped up to the Suite. One negative - all cabins are "guaranteed" only, you cannot pick your cabin. This is because this Coastal is part of a 21 day Hawaii trip than can also be booked as a 15 day.

 

What does everyone think of this deal?

 

DaveOKC

 

Go for it!!

You would be surprised at the number of people who will get off in San Diego!!

[DaveOKC]

KK - I figured for just over $300 per day for 2 people a deluxe suite was a deal. The ports are certainly different and Victoria is always a nice stop IMO. Somewhat surprisingly, the airfare is not bad at just over $400 roundtrip (OKC to SAN and then YVR to OKC)- it must be that we get back just before the AK season starts. Plus we can always jump on SW air out of Seattle if need be.

 

DaveOKC

[Krazy Kruizers]

Dave

We have done a few repositioning cruises from Ft Lauderdale to Seattle.

Once we got to San Diego we had over 800 people get off the ship.

You may very well have the same situation and should get that Delux Suite!!

Many people find it so easy to get home from San diego than from Vancouver.

We just did Catalina Island for the first time this past April/May -- loved it!!

Victoria -- you have a lot of time there -- try to go to Buchart Gardens -- they are beautiful -- any time of the year.

[DaveOKC]

KK - we have done the Gardens and you are right - they are beautiful and well worth the trip. We rented a car for the day in Victoria then and it worked out great. This time we likely will explore downtown a bit more. Our traveling companions last time did the High Tea at the Empress and they really enjoyed that.

 

What is there to do at Catalina Island? I think we are there from 8-5. How about Astoria, OR, ever been there??

 

Its funny that you said alot of folks will get off in San Diego - I figured just the opposite since the full 21 day cruise is showing only 4 Category S suites available at this time. On the other hand the Holiday Inn across the street is at $260 for that night, so I figured they must be booking up already. Have you ever stayed at the Marriott Marina (near the port)? I can get a decent deal there (long story).

 

I really do not care which suite we get, as long as it is not the handicap one. I would love it if we got close to the Neptune Lounge, but its not that big a deal. That is another reason that we booked the S guarantee - none of the cabins are "bad".

 

Thanks for all your advice.

 

DaveOKC

[vino100]

We were on the Coral Princess 2 years ago starting in San Francisco and going to Astoria and Victoria. We had a great time and the ocean was fairly calm. Not a lot to do in Astoria but still a nice port. We have done the tea at the Empress and you almost feel like you are in England. Enjoy.

[cruisecrasy]

On the Statendam class ships, its been my experience that approx 1/2 of the S cabins, under the pool deck area from the mid ship elevator area to the foreward elevator area, can be noisy when chairs are moved overhead & folks are walking there esp early mornings but can also be a bit noisy at other times as well.

 

Lets hope u get a cabin over the Lido area instead..at least the floor is carpeted..

[Krazy Kruizers]

On the Statendam class ships, its been my experience that approx 1/2 of the S cabins, under the pool deck area from the mid ship elevator area to the foreward elevator area, can be noisy when chairs are moved overhead & folks are walking there esp early mornings but can also be a bit noisy at other times as well.

 

Lets hope u get a cabin over the Lido area instead..at least the floor is carpeted..

 

 

That is true for the warmer climets like the Caribbean-- but Dave will be on part of a repositioning cruise from San Diego to Vancouver.

Having done this a few times -- there is not a lot of movement of chairs by the Lido pool -- not too many people there -- cooler temperatures.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Dave

Cataline Island is a tendering port. When we got off the ship we walked into town -- not too far. Lots of shops. We walked everywhere -- I am still able to walk about 2 - 4 miles at an even pace.

We even walked back towards the park and the gold course.

There is not a lot a to do here.

Do not sign up for the walking tour as you can do that on your own.

We met a couple of people on the ship who had been to Catalina Island before and had opted to do the Island Tour by Boat -- they were very disappointed!! They thought the boat would circle the entire island -- it didn't. They just went out into thr bay a short distance and the guide talked about the closed casino and the fires that were there a couple of years ago.

After walking around for a couple of hours we had lunch at the Busy Bee -- had a table right by the rail where we could watch the boats and tenders coming and going.

[Himself]

In 1998 I did a relocation cruise on the old Westerdam. We started at Fort Lauderdale and a couple hundred got off at Acapulco. At LA I took a tour of the city and when I came back to the ship there was a big change in cliental. I think of those who got on at Ft. Lauderdale only about 100 were there between L.A and Vancouver.

[DaveOKC]

Storylady - the prices I mentioned included all taxes and fees. On HAL's site I see the base price on inside is $449 plus tax and fees.

 

I truely was surprised to see a 6 day Coastal, especially at those prices for the Suites. I did one of these great deals on a Coastal a couple of years ago and since then I try to keep an eye on them. On a per day basis I have not seen a HAL cruise this low.

 

Hope you and others here on CC decide to join us!

 

DaveOKC

[cruisecrasy]

That is true for the warmer climets like the Caribbean-- but Dave will be on part of a repositioning cruise from San Diego to Vancouver.

Having done this a few times -- there is not a lot of movement of chairs by the Lido pool -- not too many people there -- cooler temperatures.

 

You have been most fortunate with your experiences..!

 

Have only not had a problem twice under the pool deck and that was when it was raining in Alaska..similar to your experiences..

 

On 3 other occasions 1 day was sunny and 2 were cloudy but not cold or raining and it was noisy all afternoons and early mornings...

 

Lots of folks walk about and not quietly and chair scrapping occurs at least 3 - 4 times daily..Cold temps & rain may keep them away but cool weather don't seem to, at least not in my experiences

 

Now I always try to book under the Lido at least on the Statendam ships!

 

Hope the OP has a great cruise...

[CasaSmith]

Astoria is a small town, not much to do. We took a shore excursion to the coast went to two beach towns and it was nice. It was neat seeing the mountain right next to the beach. It was called Seaside and the other just had shops. Still had time to go back to Astoria.

 

We did a San Francisco to Vancouver repo and it was great.

 

Enjoy it....

[Storylady]

Living in Orange County, we just enjoy cruising up the coast. It really doesn't concern us what the ports are. I never take a HAL excursion on a Coastal Cruise as I know all ports or have been there several times. I like the coastal cruise because it is so relaxing and I just enjoy being on a HAL ship for 4 days. 6 days sounds like heaven.

 

I can't believe that HAL is cheaper than a wholesaler, but you are correct they are. You are correct that is a good price. And the suite price is absolutely unbelievable--$899 for room! A $150 a day before taxes and port charges!

[Sharon in AZ]

What is there to do at Catalina Island? I think we are there from 8-5.

 

Its funny that you said alot of folks will get off in San Diego - I figured just the opposite since the full 21 day cruise is showing only 4 Category S suites available at this time. On the other hand the Holiday Inn across the street is at $260 for that night, so I figured they must be booking up already. Have you ever stayed at the Marriott Marina (near the port)? I can get a decent deal there (long story).

DaveOKC

 

I went to Catalina Island on a 4 day Carnival cruise (only Carnival cruise I've done) and really wanted to rent a golf cart, which is the vehicle of choice on the island. However, my roommate did not seem interested, so instead we just wandered about, enjoyed the shops and scenery. I can't remember where we ate lunch, but there a lots of quaint restaurants with outdoor seating.

 

About the people getting off in San Diego, I really do think that will happen. We were on a HAL Panama Canal cruise, Ft Lauderdale to San Diego. I really wanted to do the Ft Lauderdale to Vancouver, but the coastal part had been sold out to some TA group. Anyhooo, I couldn't believe how many passengers actually just booked the Ft Lauderdale to Acapulco portion. I had no idea until going to the dining room that night after our port day in Acapulco and it was just a bit more than half full.

 

Enjoy!

[DutchByAssociation]

We just booked what I think is a great deal on a 6 day Pacific Coastal cruise from San Diego to Vancouver. Stops in Avalon, CA, Astoria, OR, and Victoria, BC. Departure 4-21-2010. Ship - Zaandam.

 

The fares I saw ranged from $485 for and inside to $965 for a Deluxe Veranda Suite (per person), all taxes and fees included. For this price we stepped up to the Suite. One negative - all cabins are "guaranteed" only, you cannot pick your cabin. This is because this Coastal is part of a 21 day Hawaii trip than can also be booked as a 15 day.

 

What does everyone think of this deal?

 

DaveOKC

 

I've been considering this one myself... Catalina Island is simply amazing, and when I lived in southern California, it truly was a ytopia just a few miles off the coast of California. There's some great tours of the island, including semi-submersible subs, glass bottom boats, tram tours... The people are genuinely some of the nicest you'll meet anywhere!

[yogi2929]

We were in Astoria this June on the Splendor. Check out the Maritime Museum in Astoria. There is a several mile long rail trolley ($1pp) line that is fun. When you are walking along the tracks wave your money and they will stop for you. Make sure you ride it to the end and experience the turn-around. The refurbished theater is nice. The brewpub is good.

"Goonies" was filmed here.

 

Catalina is fun. There is a Trolley ($5/$6 pp/rd trip) that will go past the Casino and up to the Wrigley Gardens. Climb to the top of the Wrigley Momument for a spectacular view. If it is clear you will be able to see Mt Baldy in the distance.

Golfcarts can be rented for $40 or so.

Last time we went there we were able to purchase the afternoon semi-sub ride for the children's price - at the Green pier. Look for the Garibaldis under the pier, can't iss the they are bright orange. Garibaldis are California's state fish.

Years ago we took an interior island tour. We saw the Wrigley estate and buffalo.

 

In San Diego the airport is right next to the pier. Immediately to the north and south there are ships you can explore. To the north is a Tall Ship, a ferry and a small yacht. To the south is a retired USN ship. Hopefully you will have time to see these.

[travelpig]

Hi,I've done a few repos that had Astoria as a stop. First time rented a car drove along the coast as far as Tillamook,. It was a fairly rushed trip, great creamery and terrific ice cream, there is a tour there and samples of their cheese. The second time went on the train the men running it are locals and really funny, they filmed The Goonies there and will point out the house on the hill that was used . They also filmed Overboard with Goldie Hawn and Kindergarten Cop , they will point out the school that was used. There is also a fish and chip place in a Trailer that serves Tuna and chips! They said they were the best ,we didn't try any. I love Astoria and would go back there in a heartbeat. Have a great Trip!!

[airlink diva]

Hi,I've done a few repos that had Astoria as a stop. First time rented a car drove along the coast as far as Tillamook,. It was a fairly rushed trip, great creamery and terrific ice cream, there is a tour there and samples of their cheese. The second time went on the train the men running it are locals and really funny, they filmed The Goonies there and will point out the house on the hill that was used . They also filmed Overboard with Goldie Hawn and Kindergarten Cop , they will point out the school that was used. There is also a fish and chip place in a Trailer that serves Tuna and chips! They said they were the best ,we didn't try any. I love Astoria and would go back there in a heartbeat. Have a great Trip!!

 

I just love going to Tillamook!! Normally when I stay in Depoe Bay, I head to Tillamook for a few hours. I love the ice cream,milk and the cheese!!

In the summer time or weekends, heading back to Astoria can be a rush affair with traffic.

It's a laid back area that nice to visit and stay at a small hotel along the coast. Esp in the winter time when it's storming. Not great for cruising, but to witness the power of the sea!!

[seaproponent]

You might want to price-shop a bit further -- checked with my online T/A -- price incl tax and fees for an "S" is $858 per person.