westerdam

I used to do it with Holland America Line a lot.  The last time was probably 2003 or 2004.  I did it one time with P&O on the Victoria too.  Other than that it was always low or no single supplement.  Off the top of my head Carnival, P&O UK and Australia, and Princess would match you up with someone. 

22 hours ago, TiogaCruiser said:

If it makes you feel any better, the old single share program wasn’t just half each of the room rate- there was an up charge ( I seem to recall paying about 50 or 60% of the “other half”.). And if you weren’t matched, you got the cabin without additional fees.

 

In today’s world I just can’t imagine how that would work now.

The last time I had a single share was March of 2005 on the Oosterdam.  It worked out fantastic as I ended up with a cabin all to myself that was quite large 1001 if I recall correctly.  Most of the single shares I did went fine 2 were somewhere in the middle though. 

It could still work today but I doubt many people would want to post covid which is understandable. I think it was already fading out by that point anyway as most of the bookings I made with it I had to he cabin to myself. 

Well, I called HAL today and like some of you said there is no set rate for singles. I bit the bullet and am booking the Nieuw Statendam for the westbound Transatlantic this fall.  It ended up being 200 percent for occupancy of an inside cabin. Wish they still did single share but c'est la vie!

18 minutes ago, FOPMan said:

The answer is “it depends.” The Pinnacle class shopd have a number of singles cabins. A family member is sailing single on the Noordam later this summer. There wasn’t a surcharge from what I understand 

I recall the Pinnacle class having a few singles all the way down forward.  I was actually looking at the Nieuw Statendam for her Transatlantic crossing this fall.  The price is great and I know it doesn't book super well hence the 499 price.  I will have to call HAL and see what they say.  Hopefully, I will not get the run around that I am getting from a travel agent.  They quoted me a fare well above the 200 percent occupancy for an inside cabin. 

I can not seem to get a straight answer online about how much the single supplement is for Holland America.  I click on links on their website and it just seems to redirect me to the have it all program. Years ago I would just book the single share program they had but that has long since disappeared.

So question being is it always 200 percent occupancy for 1 person less the tax and port charges? Or something more in line between 125 and 175 percent? 

8 hours ago, exlondoner said:

So wasn’t it a baggage hall? The station itself, which had room for eight trains is now a Museum, and no longer connected to the arrivals building internally. I believe there is a Terminal at Genoa still, and, of course, much of the Cunard facilities in the basement of their building in Liverpool is still there.

So the Queen Mary 2 still actually docks at the Gate Maritime? I had heard it was completely converted to a museum and they have a new cruise terminal in another part of the harbour.  I did have the privilege of seeing it from a distance when I sailed for Dublin on the W.B. Yeats last October (I can highly recommend that trip) 

It looks and sounds like a fantastic Atlantic Crossing! I so regret not being able to do it now even more! I was supposed to go with a friend of mine but he backed out just a few days before we were going to book.  C'est la vie!

9 hours ago, cellfree said:

Just curious, new Passport arrived yet? Hopefully you are busy booking Memorial Day sales!

Uggggggg......no.....🤬😭 Nothing arrived in today's post. But there is still Friday and Saturday's post before the holiday. I am thinking about just going ahead and booking things under my old passport and I hen updating all the reservations once the new one does arrive.  I just can not risk booking anything for June.  So maybe a delayed birthday trip in early July instead. Stay tuned.....😁😂

16 hours ago, VMax1700 said:

Probably because it was intra-EU travel?

I don't think it was that as Ireland is part of the Common Travel Area with the UK.  I went through exit immigration at the terminal before embarking the W.B.Yeats for Dublin. When I arrived the next morning in Dublin the immigration officer just glanced and scanned my passport and sent me on my way. I did ask if I needed one and he said no. Not sure if he stamped others as I was the first in the queue.

What a sad ending for the American Queen! There must have been a lot wrong with her behind the scenes.  Let alone the steam engine she has.  Just a shame she didn't get a proper send off.  🙁

I am just curious.  Does Ireland still stamp one's passport upon entry?  I know they are usually very big on that. At least they used to be.  I always receive one at the airport but my last arrival by sea into Dublin from Cherbourg I did not for whatever reason. 

15 hours ago, cellfree said:

Let us know when you get it, hope you can still get a birthday cruise/trip in. Wow four years left on your passport, I was feeling badly about losing six months. Summer plans sound wonderful. 

Well, nothing in today's post.  Hopefully this week! There are all these Memorial Day sales coming up or already have started.  But I can't book anything without the new passport number. I will be sure to let you know when it does arrive! 😁

15 hours ago, cellfree said:

Just looked at bank account and our checks came out on the 8th, hopefully yours is “in the mail.” I was in a similar situation, next booked cruise is September and needed to renew for that cruise (you know, the six month out requirement) but wanted to book a last minute in June, so we are good to go. 

I had 4 years left on mine but it was just about filled with stamps.  I needed to get a new one as I am planning a long trip to Europe in late August and will need the pages. I got smart this time and bought the larger booklet. Hope it comes this week though!

6 hours ago, cellfree said:

Wanted to post this, wasn’t sure where - mailed our Passport renewals away May 2 (usps) and today May 18 we received our new Passports in the mail. Was surprised at turnaround timing. Now I can book a last minute cruise, yeah!

I mailed mine in the 3rd and so far the only thing is that the cheque was cashed on the 7th.  I just hope it comes soon! I want to do a pre birthday trip next month! 

9 hours ago, ScottsSweetie said:

 

Will DEFINITELY figure this out for the next time. Do they take US$ or do we need pesos?

 

I always have some pesos with me.  I go to Mexico several times a year or more on cruises or land based holidays. So it is just easier. I know in Cancun they take dollars on the bus so maybe Puerto Vallarta would too?  Just check the route on the cardboard sign in the front and they will get you there quickly. Beats wasting all that money on a taxi!

15 hours ago, chengkp75 said:

There is almost no maritime power system less efficient than a steam plant.  And that is due to simple physics, not any design flaws or things that can be designed out.  That's why the world shifted from steamships to motor ships (diesel) after WW2, because fuel was expensive.  But, in the US, fuel was always far cheaper than the rest of the world, so we retained steamships into the 1970's.  

I don't debate that in the least.  I was stationed aboard the USS Shreveport in the late 90's and the early 2000's she was steam turbine driven.  There were times on deployment we spent more time in port due to the expense of having us go in circles or cross cross the Med for no reason. On my final deployment the longest time at sea was the Atlantic Crossing in both directions. 

On 4/29/2024 at 11:37 AM, Tom and Ingrid said:

What's a rabbit hole this presents!

 

Our first cruise was on the Celebrity Century in 2004.  Century was a sister ship to the Galaxy, and we loved that "little" ship, seemingly like you loved the Galaxy.  

 

In any case, Wikipedia has the history of the Galaxy - now the Marella Explorer - and she STILL sails the seas.  TUI is half(?) owned by RCL, so they basically passed it down from Celebrity to TUI.  There is some direct linkage among RCL, TUI, and Marella, but it's isn't exactly obvious to me how the three are connected, other than RCL mentions them on their website along with Silversea and Celebrity.  

 

So, while the Galaxy has changed over the decades, it is STILL an option 🙂 and you can check out the TUI UK site to see the Marella Explorer (nee MV Galaxy) and maybe book a cruise on a classic.

 

 

Part of the rabbit hole was the Wiki references leading to a book on early Celebrity.  It is out of print and I didn't see any easy way to buy a copy, but from the reviews of the book on Amazon and elsewhere, it looks like the author really knows his stuff. Maybe an email to him or a publisher will net a result?

 

Try ABE Books.  If it is not currently available you can create a want in there and you will be notified when it is available.  There is also the option of eBay.  I have purchased books from both with fairly good success. Including the above book! I can highly recommend it!

You could just catch the bus in both directions for about a dollar each way.  There is a stop just outside the Chedraui grocer from what I recall.  It will take you directly there.  

22 hours ago, steamboats said:

 

Besides of getting rid of a competitor you pretty much nailed it down. All 3 don't fit into ACL's business model. Duchess and Countess are new boats but way too luxury. The AQ is twice as big as their boats and it needs more money to operate her.

 

steamboats 

At the end of the day it will be a shame if they are all dismantled.  I could see the smallest of them going due to the limited capacity but at the minimum perhaps the AQ as their river flagship (then again maybe not due to her having steam power) and the Countess with some tweaking brought back but it is most likely wishful thinking! 

On 5/3/2024 at 2:07 AM, steamboats said:

 

No definite answer to that yet, seems like she´s heading to a shipyard and might go into service again.

 

American Countess and Duchess are already in the Houma area for being scrapped. The American Queen is still sitting in New Orleans.

 

steamboats

Just wondering is there actually anything wrong with all 3 that they just couldn't be incorporated into American Cruise Line?  I know the American Queen is getting on in years but the other 2 were recently rebuilt and if I recall correctly one was even lengthened.  The only thing I can come up with is that they don't fit their business model. It really will be sad to see the American Queen go if it does come down to it. 

On 2/21/2024 at 8:48 PM, Cruising Is Bliss said:

Song of America was my first cruise back in 1997 for a two week Panama Canal. She was a wonderful introduction to cruising. So sorry to see she was scrapped a couple of months ago.

She has NOT been scrapped as of yet. However, it is looking like she will be as she passed through the Suez Canal yesterday and is currently sailing down the Red Sea destination unknown. Chances are the ship breakers at Alang, India though.

Just for fun I would love to see them bring back the Dutch hats that they would have on the table at dinner 20 or so years ago.  

10 hours ago, 3yorkies said:

Great news!   I really love Allure compared to Harmony.

Just curious what are the differences between the 2? I did the Allure going on 2 years ago and almost the Harmony a few weeks ago. (I went on the Vision of the Seas instead) 

Looks sort of interesting. The prices are rather off putting though. They don't seem to have the deck plans up yet. A work in progress I suppose like the hull art.  There seems to be 2 versions of that. 

1 hour ago, Jimbo said:

No word might mean,get ready for a bus ride first before your cruise.

That is more than fine.  I just want to get it all settled ASAP.  I guess time will tell though. It would not be so bad if I was not flying in from the west coast. 😂🤦