ozblue_7 Posted July 23, 2015 #1 Share Posted July 23, 2015 We're booked on the Koningsdam for 24 day Mediterranean Cruise. The cruise departs from Amsterdam but we have the option to embark in Portland UK. It will mean missing Amsterdam and one full day at sea (2 nights on board), but as we will be staying near Portland at the time it's really convenient. So, weighing up the convenience and cost saving of Portland, vs. missing some of our precious cruise. What do you think? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare MicCanberra Posted July 23, 2015 #2 Share Posted July 23, 2015 We're booked on the Koningsdam for 24 day Mediterranean Cruise. The cruise departs from Amsterdam but we have the option to embark in Portland UK. It will mean missing Amsterdam and one full day at sea (2 nights on board), but as we will be staying near Portland at the time it's really convenient. So, weighing up the convenience and cost saving of Portland, vs. missing some of our precious cruise. What do you think? I would see if HAL will allow it first. The flights from Amsterdam to the UK are relatively cheap but you would lose two or so days getting back. I wouldn't expect much of a refund if they allow it. Good luck.:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ozblue_7 Posted July 23, 2015 Author #3 Share Posted July 23, 2015 I would see if HAL will allow it first. The flights from Amsterdam to the UK are relatively cheap but you would lose two or so days getting back. I wouldn't expect much of a refund if they allow it. Good luck.:D Already have permit from HAL. No reduction in fare. We'd need a couple of nights in a hotel to see Amsterdam, so we'd perhaps be up for $1000. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GUT2407 Posted July 23, 2015 #4 Share Posted July 23, 2015 Never done it, but I have seen people doing it, I suspect most often because they missed the ship. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare MicCanberra Posted July 23, 2015 #5 Share Posted July 23, 2015 Already have permit from HAL. No reduction in fare. We'd need a couple of nights in a hotel to see Amsterdam, so we'd perhaps be up for $1000. Well, I suppose if you have permission, then there is nothing stopping you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare MMDown Under Posted July 23, 2015 #6 Share Posted July 23, 2015 We're booked on the Koningsdam for 24 day Mediterranean Cruise. The cruise departs from Amsterdam but we have the option to embark in Portland UK. It will mean missing Amsterdam and one full day at sea (2 nights on board), but as we will be staying near Portland at the time it's really convenient. So, weighing up the convenience and cost saving of Portland, vs. missing some of our precious cruise. What do you think? If you plan on spending time in Amsterdam prior to the cruise, I would board the ship in Amsterdam, however, if not, I would be tempted to just board at Portland, UK, as you will be staying near there, for the convenience. You will still be on board for 22 days. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare OzKiwiJJ Posted July 24, 2015 #7 Share Posted July 24, 2015 If you want to see Amsterdam and are prepared to spend the extra money then I'd recommend you do that. It's an interesting city and quite different to anything in Australia. I'd also suggest doing a tour outside of the city, especially one that visits a working windmill. It's fascinating seeing the fields below road and sea level. The Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh museum are worth visiting. However if you've already been to Amsterdam, or don't particularly want to go here, then save your money and board at Portland. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiwi Kruzer Posted July 26, 2015 #8 Share Posted July 26, 2015 Portland must be a new port of call for cruise ships. I have not heard of cruise ships calling there before.' Where abouts in Portland do they, or indeed , can they dock? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare MMDown Under Posted July 26, 2015 #9 Share Posted July 26, 2015 (edited) Portland must be a new port of call for cruise ships. I have not heard of cruise ships calling there before.'Where abouts in Portland do they, or indeed , can they dock? http://portland-port.co.uk/cruise portland england cruise port This shows the attractions close to Portland, which looks like a lovely port to visit. Edited July 26, 2015 by MMDown Under Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare MicCanberra Posted July 26, 2015 #10 Share Posted July 26, 2015 Cool:cool: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Floridiana Posted July 26, 2015 #11 Share Posted July 26, 2015 I have seen it done on another HAL ship. A couple joined the cruise at a later port, no reduction in cruise fare. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiwi Kruzer Posted July 26, 2015 #12 Share Posted July 26, 2015 http://portland-port.co.uk/cruiseportland england cruise port This shows the attractions close to Portland, which looks like a lovely port to visit. Yes . I have now checked it out and agree, a fascinating port of call and a wonderful area of the English South Coast to visit, 2 things *Top marks to HAL for opening up new ports of call.They seem to lead the way in this field....ie in Au/NZ they were the first to call at Burnie, Eden(?), Oban ,New Plymouth etc. * After posting that I did not know much about the area , I turned on the tele and caught the start of a programme called A Walking History of Britain and the episode was all about Weymouth , Portland and the Dorset Coast and the crucial roll it played in WW II. Amazing history in the area. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GUT2407 Posted July 26, 2015 #13 Share Posted July 26, 2015 Yes . I have now checked it out and agree, a fascinating port of call and a wonderful area of the English South Coast to visit,2 things *Top marks to HAL for opening up new ports of call.They seem to lead the way in this field....ie in Au/NZ they were the first to call at Burnie, Eden(?), Oban ,New Plymouth etc. * After posting that I did not know much about the area , I turned on the tele and caught the start of a programme called A Walking History of Britain and the episode was all about Weymouth , Portland and the Dorset Coast and the crucial roll it played in WW II. Amazing history in the area. Weymouth was also George III favourite holiday destination. He and his family were frequent visitors and he was often found having a swim or simply strolling down the street. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiwi Kruzer Posted July 27, 2015 #14 Share Posted July 27, 2015 Isn't it funny how one thing leads to another...:rolleyes: I have friends on their way to Britain via Amsterdam and they have just sent a pic from the window of the Ibis Central Hotel where they are enjoying a stopover for a couple of days.Looks like a handy location.Great view of the cruise ships.:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare MMDown Under Posted July 27, 2015 #15 Share Posted July 27, 2015 Isn't it funny how one thing leads to another...:rolleyes: I have friends on their way to Britain via Amsterdam and they have just sent a pic from the window of the Ibis Central Hotel where they are enjoying a stopover for a couple of days.Looks like a handy location.Great view of the cruise ships.:) Thanks David. Noting the train, I wonder if you can get a train from the Airport to the Port? Ibis Central Hotel would be a handy place to stay for cruisers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GUT2407 Posted July 27, 2015 #16 Share Posted July 27, 2015 Great position. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare MicCanberra Posted July 28, 2015 #17 Share Posted July 28, 2015 I will be in Amsterdam next month, I will try and get an answer on that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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