Many questions about Westerdam/Vista class

[NCTribeFan]

Greetings HAL sailors!

 

I'm seriously considering booking a 7-day solo sailing on Westerdam on one of the HMC, Aruba & Curacao sailings on 11/19, 12/3 or 12/17. While I would love to do a 14-day, I'm at a new job and really won't even have a week's worth of vacation time accrued, but have been told I can go negative to take a pre-tax-season vacation!

 

Background - if you have signatures turned on, you'll see that I've cruised Carnival for all except on RCI cruise. I've stuck with Carnival because I had always sailed with my daughter (who is now 24); the prices were great for getting me to the ports I wanted to see; I figured that once I had several cruises with them under my belt I might as well keep at it until I became Platinum.

 

Well, now that DD is in grad school and living with the BF and I'm now an empty-nester, I figure I can cruise on MY schedule. Problem is, just when I start cruising solo, Carnival takes away the single supplement. So, here I was thinking I FINALLY wouldn't be paying for two people and that isn't the case.

 

Anyway, I started shopping around and found those Westerdam cruises. My favorite ship class on Carnival is the Spirit-class. Perfect size; much better layout; and decidedly not-Carnival is design (they were originally destined for another line - Costa I believe).

 

Let me state that I am NOT a party animal although I do like to spend some time in the casino, and would consider going to shows on another line. I do enjoy going to a bar after dinner where there is a band playing pop music and doing some dancing (when I can find a partner).

 

I have read about the ship classes and have looked at Joannie's website, but I still have many questions. The Carnival board has many threads that are ship-specific and are very useful to cruisers who have booked a ship and want details or have specific questions. I didn't see any threads like that here. If there is an "All Things Westerdam" or "All Things Vista-Class" type thread, please point me to it, because I didn't see one in my searching.

 

Since I'll be trying to keep the cost down, I would probably go with the cheapest cabin available. I have no problem with inside cabins. I love it pitch-black when I'm sleeping. I've actually found that when I've had a balcony cabin, I end up doing less when on board because I hang out more in the cabin. Then I get home and think, "gee, I meant to do this or that and never got around to it!"

 

I've had motion-sickness issues my entire life, but started taking ginger capsules before my 1st Miracle cruise, and take 1/2 meclazine in the eveing, and have found that that helps tremendously. Still, I had a cabin in the bow on Victory and even though we were in port every day, I had a few issues in the evenings.

 

So, I probably would want to select a cabin. If the mid-ship are out of my price range, then aft is probably better than forward. I think. I had an aft on Triumph on the lowest deck, and there was A LOT of sideways shaking. So I'm not sure which is worse - up and down in the bow or side-to-side aft. :o

 

The J-class insides on Main look very interesting! I didn't find pics, though. Would love to see an actual photo and hear thoughts from someone who has stayed in one of those square cabins (I'm assuming they are actually the shape that they appear on the deck plans, although we all know deck plans can be deceiving).

 

I would love to hear thoughts about where NOT to book (under or above which areas).

 

I understand that unlimited wine can be brought on board, either at embarkation or in port. I like that! I also think that there is a wine card and would love more info on that.

 

How about dinner seating for a solo? Carnival does a pretty good job of matching for dinner seating. I prefer late, traditional dining.

 

I also understand that I would be considered a Past Guest on HAL. Are there any perks? Only perks on Carnival is that you might qualify for PG rates on some sailings, and there is the PG party one night where there are free drinks.

 

What is HAL's policy on price drops? Once Carnival started offering Early Saver bookings, they did away with OBC after final payment for other booking rates. When I go to HAL's website to look at these cruises, only one rate comes up. I don't see an option to choose a past-guest, or senior, or resident, etc. rate.

 

Is there any advantage to booking directly with HAL? I always book direct with Carnival. I love my PVP. But I'm seeing OBCs and other perks from a certain online agency (who advertises here) and am thinking about using them, since I need all the breaks I can get, price-wise.

 

Wow. That's a lot of stuff. And I actually have more questions but don't want everyone to just give up after the first couple of paragraphs!

 

Thanks to all for any info!

[RuthC]

The J-class insides on Main look very interesting! I didn't find pics, though. Would love to see an actual photo and hear thoughts from someone who has stayed in one of those square cabins.

 

I would love to hear thoughts about where NOT to book (under or above which areas).

I'ver stayed in the Main Deck J-category cabins on the Noordam (twice), E-dam, and Westerdam. Yes, they are square, and they are HUGE! compared to the other insides. The cabins along that row are sized as quad cabins, even those that do not hold 4 people.

Very, very comfortable for one person. Try to get one that's a double connecting cabin. That way the head of the bed is directly across from the door, and there is more room on the side of the bed.

 

Be careful choosing where the cabin is located, as there are entertainement venues above. If you tend to stay out late, then it's not a problem. But if you go to bed before the Northern Lights disco closes, and you're right underneath, you may hear the bass (I didn't). I suggest starboard, and closer to mid-ship.

I understand that unlimited wine can be brought on board, either at embarkation or in port.

Yes, you can bring aboard---at embarkation or any port---as much wine, champagne, soda, and water as you wish.

There's a corkage fee of $18 per bottle on the wine/champagne that you bring to the dining room or any lounge.

[IRL_Joanie]

Hi and welcome to HAL!!!

 

I see that you've checked out my site for the Westerdam, so I went searching for a J Category on one of her sister ships. Voila!! Found one on the Oosterdam which you can see here: http://joanjett2000.topcities.com/HAL/Oosterdam/index.html This was RevNeal's Stateroom and he really liked it. Quote "My cabin aboard was 1037, a J-category inside amidships. Wow, it was lovely.... and LARGE. The bed was WONDERFUL. This cabin has plenty of room for 2 or 3 ... for a single person it was HUGE. The private bath was, pretty much, standard HAL. "Unquote

 

You can always check the other 3 Vista class ships for a stateroom category photo and/or description. As you probably already know since you have cruised extensively, most of the same class ships on one line are pretty similar:)

 

As an aside, I really loved the Westerdam!! I've been on her twice and would happily cruise her every week, if I could afford it:)

 

Joanie

[sevenseasnomad]

Greetings HAL sailors!

 

 

The J-class insides on Main look very interesting! I didn't find pics, though. Would love to see an actual photo and hear thoughts from someone who has stayed in one of those square cabins (I'm assuming they are actually the shape that they appear on the deck plans, although we all know deck plans can be deceiving).

 

I would love to hear thoughts about where NOT to book (under or above which areas).

 

I understand that unlimited wine can be brought on board, either at embarkation or in port. I like that! I also think that there is a wine card and would love more info on that.

 

How about dinner seating for a solo? Carnival does a pretty good job of matching for dinner seating. I prefer late, traditional dining.

 

 

Is there any advantage to booking directly with HAL? I always book direct with Carnival. I love my PVP. But I'm seeing OBCs and other perks from a certain online agency (who advertises here) and am thinking about using them, since I need all the breaks I can get, price-wise.

 

Wow. That's a lot of stuff. And I actually have more questions but don't want everyone to just give up after the first couple of paragraphs!

 

Thanks to all for any info!

 

Yes, J category, as well as K, has large cabins, about 200 sq. ft. If you could snag one of those, you'll be doing well. IMO, I would avoid any cabin beneath Northern Lights, as I understand it is VERY loud. Any others should be fine.

As for pictures of these cabins, go to hollandamerica.com & click on Westerdam's deck plans. Navigate to individual cabin categories. The inside picture is a J or K.

Yes, you can bring wine aboard. Unlimited? How unlimited? I mean if you're bringing enough aboard to start a mini-mart, it would be frowned upon I should think. You may bring enough to consume with dinner each night. Bringing a case would not be a problem.

Yes, there is a wine card. Not sure if it saves or not, according to most CC members who have purchased one. Perhaps someone more knowledgeable could post more about that subject.

HAL will assign you to any size table you wish. No problems with being a single. Lots of singles on these boards. The earlier you book, the better chance of getting the dining option you prefer.

We have used same brick-and-motar TA for almost 20 years and prefer having someone we can depend upon to solve any problem post-haste. Others on these boards may have successful experiences using on-line TAs or working directly with HAL. IMO, I prefer someone I can meet with face-to-face.

[Essiesmom]

Westerdam cabin K1116

 

 

 

This was a wonderful cabin...I never felt any motion. I booked an M gty and ended up here.

The approach to Curacao is particularly picturesque, and the captain allowed folks onto the bow:

[NCTribeFan]

OK, that cabin does look to be huge! I'm used to Carnival's standard 185 sq ft which have always been plenty big enough to two females. Their Fantasy-class ships are decidedly lacking in bathroom shelf space, but the new classes have enough room.

 

Sailed solo on Fantasy for a week in May and had the big bed rather than a twin for the first time. It was nice, but I actually find that when that class ship has the beds separated into an "L" configuration, you have lots of floor space.

 

I tend to want to book travel online, except for my cruises, when I talk to my Carnival PVP. I just didn't know if there was any "perceived" advantage to booking directly with a HAL rep over the phone. It is nice to be able to pick up the phone and call somone with whom you've established a relationship. My Carnival guy calls me occasionally just to talk. Never tries to sell me anything or talk me into upgrading. He's great.

 

How about the post-final-payment price drop issue? And booking online when only one price appears? That makes me think I need to call HAL. I suppose I could book directly with them and then transfer to an agency and get their perks. I read that people do that all the time. I just never have.

 

I'm a CCL shareholder, so will at least get that OBC.

 

Past guest perks? Any parties?

 

Is one of the Lido pool areas designated as adults only?

 

Is use of the spa area included (except for service, like facials, massages, etc) like on Carnival? Tell me about the hydropool and thermal suites! They look ver interesting!

 

Actually, how about telling me what IS included in the fare and what is extra-charge.

 

And, no, I won't bring on more than a bottle or two of wine. Too difficult to carry when you're traveling solo, for one thing! ;)

 

I have a friend (she introduced me to cruising back in 2001) who I'm trying to convince to sail with me. She came with me on Elation when DD brought her then-BF. At that time, she had recovered from breast cancer. Unfortunately, it reappeared a few months ago and she is currently finishing up her radiation treatments. All is looking good, so I'm trying to convince her she needs to cruise again. I introduced her to Half Moon Cay and she would like to return (I've been 4 times now and can't get enough!). If I could convince her to join me, I think we would go for a balcony cabin. A suite would be fantastic, but I don't think I can afford it. My 1/2 of a verandah cabin would be about the same as the single-supplement inside.

[Essiesmom]

OK, that cabin does look to be huge! I'm used to Carnival's standard 185 sq ft which have always been plenty big enough to two females. Their Fantasy-class ships are decidedly lacking in bathroom shelf space, but the new classes have enough room.

 

Sailed solo on Fantasy for a week in May and had the big bed rather than a twin for the first time. It was nice, but I actually find that when that class ship has the beds separated into an "L" configuration, you have lots of floor space.

 

I tend to want to book travel online, except for my cruises, when I talk to my Carnival PVP. I just didn't know if there was any "perceived" advantage to booking directly with a HAL rep over the phone. It is nice to be able to pick up the phone and call somone with whom you've established a relationship. My Carnival guy calls me occasionally just to talk. Never tries to sell me anything or talk me into upgrading. He's great.

 

How about the post-final-payment price drop issue? And booking online when only one price appears? That makes me think I need to call HAL. I suppose I could book directly with them and then transfer to an agency and get their perks. I read that people do that all the time. I just never have.

 

I'm a CCL shareholder, so will at least get that OBC.

 

Past guest perks? Any parties?

 

Is one of the Lido pool areas designated as adults only?

 

Is use of the spa area included (except for service, like facials, massages, etc) like on Carnival? Tell me about the hydropool and thermal suites! They look ver interesting!

 

Actually, how about telling me what IS included in the fare and what is extra-charge.

 

And, no, I won't bring on more than a bottle or two of wine. Too difficult to carry when you're traveling solo, for one thing! ;)

 

I have a friend (she introduced me to cruising back in 2001) who I'm trying to convince to sail with me. She came with me on Elation when DD brought her then-BF. At that time, she had recovered from breast cancer. Unfortunately, it reappeared a few months ago and she is currently finishing up her radiation treatments. All is looking good, so I'm trying to convince her she needs to cruise again. I introduced her to Half Moon Cay and she would like to return (I've been 4 times now and can't get enough!). If I could convince her to join me, I think we would go for a balcony cabin. A suite would be fantastic, but I don't think I can afford it. My 1/2 of a verandah cabin would be about the same as the single-supplement inside.

I travel solo most of the time. I just leave the bed however they have it made up. Incidentally, HAL has the same wonderful beds that Carnival has. When I had an OV cabin for 32 days, I asked to have the beds separated because the heads were beneath the window, and I wanted to be able to see out without crawling up onto the bed. that didn't really work because then the night stand was in the way. It was very awkward.

The aft pool on vistas is adult:

This is Ventura following us into Aruba.

[sail7seas]

Seeing you have cruised Carnival, you will get any Mariners (Repeaters) Discount that is offered for the cruise you select. If you have sailed any of the Carnival Family of Ships, your past passenger status carries over for discount purposes. There has been some confusion here whether you would be invited to Mariners Lunch. Some say yes and some say no. I seriously doubt anyone would check or ask you to leave.

 

If you have 100 shares of Carnival Corporation stock, upon providing proof, you will receive on board credit.

 

HAL does not promise to give a booked guest refund if price drops after final payment. Almost all decreases in price have the verbage 'new bookings only'. Some people have reported they were able to get some OBC or assigned an upgrade in cabin. This has not always been the case.

 

Hope your friend is recovering well and decides to criuse again.

Welcome to HAL. :)

[Krazy Kruizers]

We have sailed quite a few days on the Westerdam -- a couple of Caribbean cruises -- a couple of repositioning cruises -- love the ship.

[NCTribeFan]

Essiesmom - great pics. And I see Essie relaxing on the bed there. :)

 

Talked to an old friend yesterday (haven't seen in 35 years but we reconnected on Facebook - isn't technology amazing?). He's a diver and keeps saying he wants to cruise, so if my other friend can't join me, perhaps he can.

 

What are the extra-cost venues? Spa? Pinnacle Grill?

 

The ship looks beautiful, btw. I don't pay too much attention to decor. I sail to get to the ports, not so much for the ship experience, so the ship is never the deciding factor for me. I choose my cruises based on itinerary and price, but if the ship happens to be attractive and well-laid-out, I certainly don't mind!

 

Thanks.

[Essiesmom]

Yes, Essie always tries out the bed first thing...then she insists on a round of the bars...EM

[kazu]

Essiesmom - great pics. And I see Essie relaxing on the bed there. :)

 

Talked to an old friend yesterday (haven't seen in 35 years but we reconnected on Facebook - isn't technology amazing?). He's a diver and keeps saying he wants to cruise, so if my other friend can't join me, perhaps he can.

 

What are the extra-cost venues? Spa? Pinnacle Grill?

 

The ship looks beautiful, btw. I don't pay too much attention to decor. I sail to get to the ports, not so much for the ship experience, so the ship is never the deciding factor for me. I choose my cruises based on itinerary and price, but if the ship happens to be attractive and well-laid-out, I certainly don't mind!

 

Thanks.

 

The Spa and Pinnacle Grill will both cost extra. Pinnacle Grill is $20 for dinner pp and $10 for lunch. The Spa usually has sales on day one. enter into the draw, you may receive free treatments.

 

Thermal and that stuff is not that bad if you pay for the entire cruise on the first day.

 

As to the wine? On our last trip I saw one person hand over 3 cases (I know you just plan on a bottle or two but I couldn't resist) to the porters. My mouth fell open.

 

we enjoy this ship very much and hope you do too.:):)

[ariawoman]

Seeing you have cruised Carnival, you will get any Mariners (Repeaters) Discount that is offered for the cruise you select. If you have sailed any of the Carnival Family of Ships, your past passenger status carries over for discount purposes. There has been some confusion here whether you would be invited to Mariners Lunch. Some say yes and some say no. I seriously doubt anyone would check or ask you to leave.

 

 

Are you sure about the discounted fare carrying over? I only ask because I cruised Seabourn which is under the corporate umbrella. We called, and we were indeed granted 1 Star Mariner status which made us eligible for the Mariner's Lunch, a gift (i assume it's the tile) and i think one other thing I want to say it was a champagne something or other lol. I don't believe we were given any sort of discount possibility yet though since we had 0 days of sailing on HAL.

 

Just curious. At this point, it doesn't matter as I'm already booked and paid in full, as we'll have 12 days (at least) after our October Nieuw Amsterdam Cruise on HAL :-) At that point I presume we'll get some sort of returning pax discount if we were to book another cruise. (looking forward to looking into FC discounts when we sail. Might as well).

[Pettifogger]

If you want a wine card, arrange for it in advance with Seattle; don't wait until you board the ship.

[Essiesmom]

Are you sure about the discounted fare carrying over? I only ask because I cruised Seabourn which is under the corporate umbrella. We called, and we were indeed granted 1 Star Mariner status which made us eligible for the Mariner's Lunch, a gift (i assume it's the tile) and i think one other thing I want to say it was a champagne something or other lol. I don't believe we were given any sort of discount possibility yet though since we had 0 days of sailing on HAL.

 

Just curious. At this point, it doesn't matter as I'm already booked and paid in full, as we'll have 12 days (at least) after our October Nieuw Amsterdam Cruise on HAL :-) At that point I presume we'll get some sort of returning pax discount if we were to book another cruise. (looking forward to looking into FC discounts when we sail. Might as well).

I cruised Princess in 1999, 2002, ande Carnival Fantasy in 1999. Didn't cruise Carnival again until a B2B in 2007. Shortly after returning from the 2007 cruises, I received emails from HAL and had a Mariner number. When I booked my Oosterdam cruise for 2009, I got a past guest discount. This cruise was a Collector cruise of 32 days, combo of 14 + 18 days. I figured I would get an invite to the Mariner luncheon on the second part. However, I got the invite on the first half, along with a 25 day pin! On the second leg I also got the invite, and a 50 day pin. Go figure. EM

[NCTribeFan]

Thanks, folks.

 

Going to with some friends up in the mountains next weekend. Hope to convince my cancer-patient friend that she should go with me, as she hasn't been able to talk her DH into a cruise. Why she would rather take a vacation with her husband than cruise with me is just a mystery! :p

 

If I can't talk anyone into sailing with me, I'll pick one of the three and just book it as a solo. I normally sail mid-December but now that I'm not tied to DD's school schedule, I can go earlier (which costs less).

 

As for the past guest discounts, I'm just used to Carnival's booking engine. When you tell it you're a senior, PG, resident, etc., all the various rates show up and you then select the one you want. Some apply to only some categories, some include upgrades, etc.

 

I still only get one price when I put in my Mariner number (yes, it automatically gave me one). When I use a generic online agency to check, I see the same prices. Whatever. They dropped about $50 recently and solo is still considerably less than the Carnival cruises I was looking at, thanks to their dropping their single supplement. :mad:

[DaveRRT]

First post so forgive me in advance, last reviews of Westerdam havent been so good, seems to be the schedual more then the ship. Im booked for 3/4/11 and would love to to see some good recent reviews to get my spirits up even though im going to have a good time no mater what.:cool:

[boards]

am I reading this right that previous Carnival cruises will count towards our numbers days credited to us. We presently have 87 cruise days with Hal and have 28 days with Carnival, so can I get credit and now a total of 115 days towards our 200 day quest?

[VermeulT]

Regarding a TA vs booking directly with HAL - I had this question myself and asked. HAL will never undercut a TA because they still need TA's and can't be putting them out of business. if you want to check the reputation of a TA (online or traditional) they will let you know any feedback they have on that group.

 

I've found same pricing elsewhere and my TA throws in OBC &/or beverage card &/or pinnacle dinner, etc.

 

Re - price drops - if it drops before your final payment you can either have your TA ask for price reduction or some have cancelled and rebooked to get the lower rate. The cruises you are looking at are already low prices and I can't imagine them dropping more.

 

Extra Charges - specialty restaurants, drinks (outside of coffee, tea, water, lemonade), excursions, spa services, photos, tipping.

Included - main dining room/ lido/ room service food, entertainment, room, beautiful sunsets, great memories.

[Willsot]

I'll put in my two cents worth on the Westerdam. Of the last 4 HAL ships that we have recently sailed, including the Prinsendam, we received what we considered the best service on the Westerdam. The crew was top-notch.

[Essiesmom]

am I reading this right that previous Carnival cruises will count towards our numbers days credited to us. We presently have 87 cruise days with Hal and have 28 days with Carnival, so can I get credit and now a total of 115 days towards our 200 day quest?

No, your Carnival days will not be added to HAL days. You would get past guest rates and an invite to the Mariner's Luncheon, but you already get that since you are a HAL veteran. EM