Getting ready to book

[woodmill100]

We know the following;

 

Alaska 08

Last cruise in May

From Vancouver, round trip

Balcony cabin, starboard, aft to mid of ship but aft is preferable.

Dinner, we'd like to eat probably about 7.30 but how to I find out what time we can actually get?

Pinnacle grill to be tried at least once to say you have - do I reserve that when booking our cruise as it might be nice to do it on our anniversary?

 

Is there anything else I need to know just to get the cruise booked? Everything is a bit overwhelming and I don't want to forget anything basic.

 

Also, does anyone think our cabin selection is poor?

 

Thank you so much.

[MercedMike]

I know you will have a GREAT cruise!

 

Dinner times are normally about 6:15 and about 8:30, depending on the ship and itinerary. There is rarely a 7:30 sitting.

 

Not to be insulting, but from the fact that you are asking basic questions like this, I think it is highly likely you will have a lot more questions. The best way to get expert answsers to your questions is to find a reputable local Travel Agent who is a CLIA Accredited Cruise Counselor. She will want to find out all about you, and help you to choose the options that are right for you, much better than any of us faceless "experts" on this board can.

 

Good Luck!

[woodmill100]

Thanks for the link Mike. Will have a look at that now. We are in Edinburgh so don't seem to have the spcialist TAs that you have in the States. Our agents do a little bit of everything which is why I use CC so much but it can be a little overwhelming!

[Krazy Kruizers]

As for the Pinnacle -- I would book that as soon as you book the cruise - especially since it will be your anniversary. You don't won't to be disappointed once you get on the ship and find that your particular evening is all booked - it could happen.

[Krazy Kruizers]

You didn't mention what ship you might book your Alaskan cruise on.

 

A couple of the ships are trying the new open sitting for the dining room where there is a possibility that you could dine around 7:30. Have your TA check this out.

[mamaofami]

By the sumer of 08, the new dining options may be eliminated, or, if they work out well, they will be kept in place. How can you pick a dining option this early?

[grannynurse]

We know the following;

 

Alaska 08

Last cruise in May

From Vancouver, round trip

Balcony cabin, starboard, aft to mid of ship but aft is preferable.

Dinner, we'd like to eat probably about 7.30 but how to I find out what time we can actually get?

Pinnacle grill to be tried at least once to say you have - do I reserve that when booking our cruise as it might be nice to do it on our anniversary?

 

Is there anything else I need to know just to get the cruise booked? Everything is a bit overwhelming and I don't want to forget anything basic.

 

Also, does anyone think our cabin selection is poor?

 

Thank you so much.

 

Hi,

Since you are flying from the UK, I would suggest flying into Vancouver a day or 2 before sailing. Alaska is at least 10 hours time difference. You can book a precruise hotel from HAL and they will include transfers from the airport and to the pier.

 

You may be interested in an aft veranda cabin on the wake. They are very well-liked and the view from the stern for glacier watching is unique as you might say "there are glaciers in my back yard". Look at the deck plans on HAL's website to get a cabin number. These cabins can only be found on the Vista ships, not the S and R class smaller ships. I believe the Westerdam will be back in Alaska for the 2008 season. We had cabin 5190 in Alaska and loved it. It is a suite but there are VA cabins on the wake too.

 

When you book ask for main upper seating (8:00pm) if you want traditional seating. At that time tell them if you want a table for 2, 4, 6, or 8. They will tell you then if they can confirm that seating or if it is waitlisted.

 

They will take your reservation for the Pinnacle but cannot give you a specific night or time. It may help if you tell them to note that it's an anniversary. When you board ship, go right to the Pinnacle and choose your night and time.

I hope this helps,

GN

[MikeKool]

Hi,

Since you are flying from the UK, I would suggest flying into Vancouver a day or 2 before sailing. Alaska is at least 10 hours time difference. You can book a precruise hotel from HAL and they will include transfers from the airport and to the pier.

 

You may be interested in an aft veranda cabin on the wake. They are very well-liked and the view from the stern for glacier watching is unique as you might say "there are glaciers in my back yard". Look at the deck plans on HAL's website to get a cabin number. These cabins can only be found on the Vista ships, not the S and R class smaller ships. I believe the Westerdam will be back in Alaska for the 2008 season. We had cabin 5190 in Alaska and loved it. It is a suite but there are VA cabins on the wake too.

 

When you book ask for main upper seating (8:00pm) if you want traditional seating. At that time tell them if you want a table for 2, 4, 6, or 8. They will tell you then if they can confirm that seating or if it is waitlisted.

 

They will take your reservation for the Pinnacle but cannot give you a specific night or time. It may help if you tell them to note that it's an anniversary. When you board ship, go right to the Pinnacle and choose your night and time.

I hope this helps,

GN

Yes....You can book a date and time by calling H.A. ship services before the cruise. I'm not sure how early they take bookings over the phone or via the internet......but they close the bookings at least a week before the cruise. The first time I ate in the Pinnacle I went straight there and was surprised some dates and times were already "unavailable".

[hammybee]

Given the cruise is more than a year out, there is no way to know, with any certainty, what dining times will be available on any cruise line.

[woodmill100]

Thanks for all your help. We do plan on spending time in Vancouver beforehand to get over jetlag.

 

Never thought about a cabin on the wake of the ship. Will keep that in mind.

 

I have read people talking about a cruise planner for next year. Does anyone have access to this so I can actually work out what ships are going on what dates?

[grannynurse]

You can call HAL for a 2008 cruise planner as I don't think you can order them through the website. Travel agents should have some available or can order them from HAL.

If you think you may be interested in a cabin on the wake jump on it as soon as Alaska 2008 fares are scheduled as these cabins do sell out very quickly. Prices are cheaper in the shoulder season (may and September). The september sailings however tend to be rainy but the cabins are easier to get, our sailing(september 16) didn't sell out until the promo came out in May of 2006 for the late summer and fall sailings.

GN

[cruisinbulldog]

 

 

 

much better than any of us faceless "experts" on this board can.

 

 

Personally I like hearing the opinions of the Pax, versus someone working for a commission.. I have receivied some very good info from these " faceless experts "..;)

 

Bulldog

[woodmill100]

Thanks

 

Managed to download a cruise planner from the HAL website.

 

So will be hopefully going on Rydam late May 08.