~Cruise Critic Group Cruise To Alaska ~ Amsterdam May 2010~

[LEtue]

I plan to let my husband in on this once the details are set - sounds great! We are really enjoying Hal and I think I would love to go to Kodiak on a Hal cruise itinerary. Let's hope it all works out! Can I do an FCC on our Sept. HAL cruise for this?

 

Hmmm, I seem to remember that on other Cruise Critic Group Cruises they accepted FCC for deposits so I am guessing that you can. Once we get set up I can ask the TA. If we get reduced deposits and OBC then you may want to save that one for a later cruise. ;)

[LEtue]

Oh, it's been so long, I have to wonder if it's the same.

 

Anyway, there's a long spit of land that goes on for a long way---it reminds me of Cape Cod (except for the mountains). There were RVs parked all along the spit, as people come here for the summer to fish for a living. Very interesting to look at.

 

I went to the museum; I thought it was world class. Just excellent.

 

I was told on that cruise that "As you drink your way around the world ..." there are places you must stop at. The Salty Dog is one of them. It's at the end of the spit.

 

I was there on a picture-perfect day---sun was shining, and it was warm. Under less desirable weather conditions all bets are off! :p

 

Thanks for the tip on the museum. I usually enjoy those! Sounds like a really nice port to spend some time just walking around :)

[LEtue]

Holland America Line Debuts New 14-Day Alaskan Adventurer Cruises in 2010

Maybe we can use part of the HAL name to come up with a catchy group name? Our theme can be:

Amsterdam Alaskan Adventurer Cruise

Alaskan Adventurer Cruise

Amsterdam Alaskan Adventurer

What does everyone think? Maybe this will help us come up with a group name...

[LEtue]

Just thinking that I may need to update my digital camera to an SLR for this trip ;)

 

I hope everyone is enjoying the weekend!

[BldLvr]

Oh my Linda, I was just thinking the same thing! Wonder what DH will say? HA HA. I have a 4 year old Kodak which still takes great pics but think I want something more, what kind are you thinking about? I use to shoot with my Pentax 35mm film and I dearly loved that camera? Oh dear, so many things to think about.....all good things tho! Marian

[LEtue]

Oh my Linda, I was just thinking the same thing! Wonder what DH will say? HA HA. I have a 4 year old Kodak which still takes great pics but think I want something more, what kind are you thinking about? I use to shoot with my Pentax 35mm film and I dearly loved that camera? Oh dear, so many things to think about.....all good things tho! Marian

 

My Olympus digital camera is only 3 years old and works great too but....not being an SLR - it has its limitations. Great for portraits and landscapes but I'm going to need something that will continuously shoot if wildlife shows up :D

 

At least we have a year to shop for deal. I really want a Canon EOS and the low end models aren't bad in price ;)

[Chelly]

This cruise looks sooo attractive. I'm looking forward to learning the solo fares.

C.

[ncgolferette]

My husband and I have talked it over and made the decision that we are definately going to take this cruise. It will be a matter of choosing the May 31 or the second cruise in June leaving sometime around the 24th. The deal clincher was I called HAL yesterday and they confirmed that we could leave the ship in Victoria. Since we want to spend several days on Vancouver Island on this trip the timing could not be more perfect!! Our

cruise ship will actually drop us off at our final destination. Looking forward to seeing what the pricing will be for the 5/31 departure.

 

ruth ann

[LEtue]

This cruise looks sooo attractive. I'm looking forward to learning the solo fares.

C.

 

Yes, I will definitely make sure we get solo fares. I know of one other that is looking for them too :)

[LEtue]

My husband and I have talked it over and made the decision that we are definately going to take this cruise. It will be a matter of choosing the May 31 or the second cruise in June leaving sometime around the 24th. The deal clincher was I called HAL yesterday and they confirmed that we could leave the ship in Victoria. Since we want to spend several days on Vancouver Island on this trip the timing could not be more perfect!! Our cruise ship will actually drop us off at our final destination. Looking forward to seeing what the pricing will be for the 5/31 departure.

ruth ann

 

Well, since you have decided to go for it I hope this one works out for you :D We should have pricing this week as I believe Laura returns to the office tomorrow!

 

That is interesting that HAL will let you depart in Vancouver too!

[LEtue]

So I thought I would put together a preliminary passenger list: :D

 

Linda (LEtue) and Margie(hmstins)

Sillyjilly

Marian (BldLvr) & DH

Joanne (JoKen1)

Snook

Laurie (lstrong)

Mash1 & DH

pspercy & DW

ncgolfette &DH

cruisinbanjo & Mrs Banjo

farkle& DH

TravelinGrandma & DH

Chelly

 

Please let me know if I missed anyone! I didn't go all the way through the original Aug 23 post.....

[Syran]

I too am interested in this cruise as well. Will probably be using a FCC to book it, depending on pricing and all that jazz; and where my DF and I are location wise. :)

[LEtue]

Great, I added you to the list of interested :D

 

Linda (LEtue) and Margie(hmstins)

Sillyjilly

Marian (BldLvr) & DH

Joanne (JoKen1)

Snook

Laurie (lstrong)

Mash1 & DH

pspercy & DW

ncgolfette &DH

cruisinbanjo & Mrs Banjo

farkle& DH

TravelinGrandma & DH

Chelly

Syran & DF

[LEtue]

No news today but then again I wasn't expecting to hear something that quick! We all know whats its like to return from vacation - it takes a few days to catch up :)

 

Stay tuned and I hope to have pricing soon :D

[Sillyjilly]

No news today but then again I wasn't expecting to hear something that quick! We all know whats its like to return from vacation - it takes a few days to catch up :)

 

Stay tuned and I hope to have pricing soon :D

 

I've been checking every day. Thanks for keeping us updated.

[LEtue]

I've been checking every day. Thanks for keeping us updated.

 

No problem! I am so anxious to get this group going and I hope we don't have to wait too long :D

[LEtue]

No news today :(

 

I will post as soon as I have some news :D

[LEtue]

Good morning everyone! I hope we get some news today :D

[lstrong]

I've never been on a CC group cruise, or any other group cruise for that matter. Can you tell me the possible benefits? I am so anxious to go on this 14-day Alaska cruise I check your post twice a day :) Thanks, Laurie

[ncgolferette]

I am anxiously awaiting the pricing for the cruise too!!! I just double checked HAL's website and it confirmed information from a previous post. The cruise does do the inside passage out of Seattle. It shows the route on the map for the cruise. I wasn't expecting this additional treat. I thought we would be in the Pacific both north and southbound. Hubby and I will need to decide whether to do the 5/31 or the 6/28 sailing.

[LEtue]

I've never been on a CC group cruise, or any other group cruise for that matter. Can you tell me the possible benefits? I am so anxious to go on this 14-day Alaska cruise I check your post twice a day :) Thanks, Laurie

 

Well it will depend on what the cruise line is offering for groups. Usually it includes OBC (on board credit) and other amenities. Really no way to tell until we get a response. But as soon as I know - I will post the news :D

 

We are also planning some organized activities once we get on board so stay tuned for details on that later too!

[LEtue]

I am anxiously awaiting the pricing for the cruise too!!! I just double checked HAL's website and it confirmed information from a previous post. The cruise does do the inside passage out of Seattle. It shows the route on the map for the cruise. I wasn't expecting this additional treat. I thought we would be in the Pacific both north and southbound. Hubby and I will need to decide whether to do the 5/31 or the 6/28 sailing.

 

Well, I really hope you join us because this will be a great group once we get official :D I hope to have more details soon!

[LEtue]

Well while we're waiting for our pricing I can let you know that Margie and I will be working on:

 

1. Group Hotel Rates

2. Pre Cruise Dinner Get Together

3. Group Transportation to the Ship

4. On Board Get Togethers - this could include the days we are viewing Hubbard Glacier or sailing in Tracy Arm?

5. On Board Acitivities - casino slot pull, scavenger hunt, gift exchange, and whatever else anyone can suggest.

 

And please feel free to post more ideas! We're going to have 14 wonderful days aboard the Amsterdam :D

[LEtue]

Just thought of another one...

 

1. Group Hotel Rates

2. Pre Cruise Dinner Get Together

3. Group Transportation to the Ship

4. On Board Get Togethers - this could include the days we are viewing Hubbard Glacier or sailing in Tracy Arm?

5. On Board Acitivities - casino slot pull, scavenger hunt, gift exchange, Trivia (could even be Alaska or Ship related), and whatever else anyone can suggest.

[hmstins]

Linda, I'm ready to go now! I think all the activities sound like a blast, especially the slot pull and the trivia. The lazy days at sea during this cruise will be fabulous.

 

Can't wait to get the date officially confirmed and then will work on possible hotel deals. For those of you who have not done it before, many hotels are now offering a drastically reduced pay-in-advance rate. I booked the Waldorf Astoria in NYC at $168, when the least expensive room rate was at least $400 by paying in advance! Now I have the pleasure of knowing my cruise is almost paid for, my airfare was on FF miles, and the hotel is already paid. It sure is nice. I hope to find some deals like that for us in Seattle. Just waiting on pricing!