First time HAL/Eurodam E. Carib./Convince me!

[elbodans]

Greetings cruise critic-ers!

 

I'm VERY (very) seriously considering a last-minute sailing--the Eastern Caribbean cruise out of Fort Lauderdale, calling in Grand Turk, San Juan, St. Thomas, and Half Moon Cay. Here's why:

 

1. The dates work for me (I have a surprise gap in my work schedule).

2. The port works for me (airfare is reasonable from where I will be before hand).

3. For certain, I'd like to spend an afternoon and evening in San Juan (forts, Old town).

4. I'm tired of being cold (I live in the northeast and the snow still had not melted!)

5. I'm not in my 20s (and am kind of...a dork?) and thus am trying to avoid spring-breakers.

6. My husband and I both travel for work, so we want a vacation that is an actual VACATION. No running around, no car rentals--just relaxation and sunshine and water.

 

Of course, I have trepidations. They include:

 

1. Sailing on HAL (never have before; see below cruise history info).

2. Sailing during spring break (I do not want to be surrounded by drunk teens or hundreds of screaming children (dozens are ok). See also: need a vacation!)

3. Things to do in port. (This seems like a VERY laid back itinerary. Which is both what I want AND something I fear! I do not shop. I am not opposed to beach sitting, but not for three out of four ports. I've done some research, and keep confusing Grand Turk and St. Thomas, but for sure they both seem like mostly beach destinations.)

4. Why is this sailing so inexpensive? (Two weeks from today)

 

Background info on me/us:

 

-I am 34; my husband is 40.

-I've been on Celebrity, Royal, and NCL. I liked Celebrity and NCL (not so much Royal; I was solo and found it to be rather...unfriendly and rigid?) I like the newer NCL ships; I was on an older one that near about ruined our entire trip (that thing should be sunk to the bottom of the sea).

-We've cruised to Alaska (our honeymoon), Bermuda (once solo and once with my husband), and I've done a Jamaica/Cozumel/Grand Caymen trip solo (on Royal). I loved Grand Caymen (did a three-part excursion independently by boat) and Cozumel (went to the ruins at Tulum); I disliked Jamaica.

-We like history, food, and sunshine. I am happy to just walk around and point my camera at things. I like to snorkel but it is not the main draw of any trip for me.

 

Ok. That's a lot of info. So what I'm looking for is input from more experienced HAL cruisers--is this a sailing we should consider? I'm waiting on a final confirmation from work (to figure out from where I'd be flying to FLL) and then I'm booking it (ideally tomorrow)...I think. I just need a bit of a push and some feedback.

 

And if, in your honest opinion, this is NOT the trip for me, please do share that too! I welcome all thoughts and input. Thanks in advance! Happy travels!

[mkl55]

From a quick reading of your profile, all I can say is go, go, go. You will find a cruise that is NOT a party ship but is a cruise that you can make your own. We did this itinerary and found if peaceful, relaxing, and an adult vacation. We loved it. HAL crew and fellow passengers are the best!

[homeschoolmama]

Well, if you want to avoid spring breakers HAL is one of your safer choices as it tends to sail with older cruisers. They are quiet ships with not much in the way of entertainment. Even the shows in the lounges tend to end around 10:30. Given your ages I am afraid you might be bored if you like to be out and about at night. Casinos are small, main theatre shows not their forte. Food is generally good. So the question becomes whether you want to just lay around and do nothing, or do you want a bit more activity on the ship. During the day HAL has culinary classes, internet classes, a movie theatew and usualky bingo. Everything else is spa, onboard shopping or art auction oriented. As far as the ports, grand turks is goid for beach and maybe snorkeling, st thomas the same and if course shopping. San Juan is by far the best port. There is a free trolley that takes you to the forts and yoy can get off and on anywhere. It is a very easy walking town too. Half Moon is one of the nicer private islands but again not tons to do other than beach. I understand the need to get out of winter and for that alone a cheap cruise anywhere is worth it! Just don't expect the same level of things to do as rccl and ncl. Have fun!

 

Sent from my SCH-I915 using Forums mobile app

[homeschoolmama]

Ps if you really want relaxation, sun and water you would be fine I think.

 

Sent from my SCH-I915 using Forums mobile app

[Saphire]

Well, you have come to the right place to get some good input. :)

 

The cruise hits on many of the things you are looking for. The history you will certainly find in San Juan, it is a great port to explore. Half Moon Cay and Grand Turk are more beach destinations. St. Thomas should offer some interesting excursions so be sure to look into that. The Eurodam is a beautiful and classy ship, with not a lot of kids or crowds of teens. The food is excellent and there will be sunshine galore.

 

I am not sure why the cruises are so inexpensive in March, but the prices offered now are such a great deal. With all that you have posted, I say BOOK IT! I really think it will be a restful, warm and wonderful getaway!

[K&RCurt]

Go!

 

We did this ship / itinerary in 2009. We liked it so much we did it again with the rest of the family in 2010.

 

GREAT ship and great ports. You can do as little or as much as you wish in all of the ports.

 

You will love it.

[Typhoon1]

Go!

 

We did this ship / itinerary in 2009. We liked it so much we did it again with the rest of the family in 2010.

 

GREAT ship and great ports. You can do as little or as much as you wish in all of the ports.

 

You will love it.

 

We also did it the same year.

 

I couldn't think of more fitting way to end the winter season.

[Love the beach]

I think you will love it! Go for it!

[ger_77]

I've stopped trying to convince people to try a particular cruise - what appeals to me doesn't necessary appeal to them. I'd hate to be the person to guide them in a certain direction and then they're unhappy with it. Either you want to try it or you don't; it's up to you where you'd like to place your travel dollar. If you try it and enjoy it, then do it again; if not, move on to another line.

 

Smooth Sailing! :) :) :)

[Saphire]

During the day HAL has culinary classes, internet classes, a movie theatew and usualky bingo. Everything else is spa, onboard shopping or art auction oriented.

 

I have never attended any of those things except for the spa, but there are many, many other things to do onboard.

 

We attended a mixology class (fun!), team or pub trivia, my husband learned to play the steel drum and played basketball, the Tamarind is free at lunchtime and worth the trip. If you want to stay busy, you can. :)

[VermeulT]

I just got off the Eurodam (Western Caribbean) today. And I've done your Eastern Caribbean itinerary on the Eurodam 2+ years ago.

 

The itinerary is great. San Juan is classic and very easy to do on your own & cheaply. Grand Turk is basically (to me) another day at a private island. Go down the beach to the left when you get off the pier for Jack's Shack - a great local bar, great food, good company, and not expensive (certainly not as much as Margaritaville). The snorkeling there is decent enough. St Thomas is also a classic. Shop, go to the beach or whatever.

 

The Eurodam is a beautiful ship. 1850 or so other passengers and it was never crowded. Almost never waited in line. Your fellow passengers will be slightly older than yourselves, but not ancient (so to speak). Our cruise was mostly 40-50 year olds. My nephew & his girlfriend (both 19) were with me and had a fantastic time. No there is no waterslide, and no movie under the stars. It's a quiet, laid back vacation with enough to keep you busy &/or plenty of time to relax. We watched the pub crawl go by us and they looked like they were having a blast.

 

Have a great time!

[sail7seas]

We have sailed Eurodam five cruises and two of them were Spring Break.

We loved our Eurodam cruises, same itinerary, as well as b-to-b, and we would happily do it again.

 

Great ship, wonderful crew, fun time.

We are 'self-entertainers' and don't look for others to provide us with activities. We are always happy to fend for ourselves. :)

Edited March 9, 2014 by sail7seas

[sail7seas]

I've stopped trying to convince people to try a particular cruise - what appeals to me doesn't necessary appeal to them. I'd hate to be the person to guide them in a certain direction and then they're unhappy with it. Either you want to try it or you don't; it's up to you where you'd like to place your travel dollar. If you try it and enjoy it, then do it again; if not, move on to another line.

 

Smooth Sailing! :) :) :)

 

 

 

I agree.

 

When I see "convince me" I always want to say "Why"?

I don't want to convince anyone how to spend their vacation time and money.

 

I don't want them pointing a finger at me saying I gave poor advice. :eek:

 

[cruz chic]

I've stopped trying to convince people to try a particular cruise - what appeals to me doesn't necessary appeal to them. I'd hate to be the person to guide them in a certain direction and then they're unhappy with it. Either you want to try it or you don't; it's up to you where you'd like to place your travel dollar. If you try it and enjoy it, then do it again; if not, move on to another line.

 

Smooth Sailing! :) :) :)

 

I so agree with you.

 

OP, one question I think you need to ask is if you are self entertaining. Some people feel there isn't a lot of activities on board. I'm ok with it because I do my own thing. Just something to consider.

[cruisetrail]

Greetings cruise critic-ers!

 

I'm VERY (very) seriously considering a last-minute sailing--the Eastern Caribbean cruise out of Fort Lauderdale, calling in Grand Turk, San Juan, St. Thomas, and Half Moon Cay. Here's why:

 

1. The dates work for me (I have a surprise gap in my work schedule).

2. The port works for me (airfare is reasonable from where I will be before hand).

3. For certain, I'd like to spend an afternoon and evening in San Juan (forts, Old town).

4. I'm tired of being cold (I live in the northeast and the snow still had not melted!)

5. I'm not in my 20s (and am kind of...a dork?) and thus am trying to avoid spring-breakers.

6. My husband and I both travel for work, so we want a vacation that is an actual VACATION. No running around, no car rentals--just relaxation and sunshine and water.

 

Of course, I have trepidations. They include:

 

1. Sailing on HAL (never have before; see below cruise history info).

2. Sailing during spring break (I do not want to be surrounded by drunk teens or hundreds of screaming children (dozens are ok). See also: need a vacation!)

3. Things to do in port. (This seems like a VERY laid back itinerary. Which is both what I want AND something I fear! I do not shop. I am not opposed to beach sitting, but not for three out of four ports. I've done some research, and keep confusing Grand Turk and St. Thomas, but for sure they both seem like mostly beach destinations.)

4. Why is this sailing so inexpensive? (Two weeks from today)

 

Background info on me/us:

 

-I am 34; my husband is 40.

-I've been on Celebrity, Royal, and NCL. I liked Celebrity and NCL (not so much Royal; I was solo and found it to be rather...unfriendly and rigid?) I like the newer NCL ships; I was on an older one that near about ruined our entire trip (that thing should be sunk to the bottom of the sea).

-We've cruised to Alaska (our honeymoon), Bermuda (once solo and once with my husband), and I've done a Jamaica/Cozumel/Grand Caymen trip solo (on Royal). I loved Grand Caymen (did a three-part excursion independently by boat) and Cozumel (went to the ruins at Tulum); I disliked Jamaica.

-We like history, food, and sunshine. I am happy to just walk around and point my camera at things. I like to snorkel but it is not the main draw of any trip for me.

 

Ok. That's a lot of info. So what I'm looking for is input from more experienced HAL cruisers--is this a sailing we should consider? I'm waiting on a final confirmation from work (to figure out from where I'd be flying to FLL) and then I'm booking it (ideally tomorrow)...I think. I just need a bit of a push and some feedback.

 

And if, in your honest opinion, this is NOT the trip for me, please do share that too! I welcome all thoughts and input. Thanks in advance! Happy travels!

 

This is your virtual cruise - video.

 

This is your HAL Signature Class Ships Manual (still working on it).

[RetesGirl3]

Just a quick hint… If you happen to have American Express platinum card, call and book with American Express travel and you get a couple of free perks. For example, you get a free dinner at the pinnacle grill the first night. So if you have American Express platinum, use it. I wish we had known this before we booked this cruise. Booked with HAL PCC and missed out. If you decide to join us on this cruise, I'll see you around the pool and the bars.

Jane

[sail7seas]

Just a quick hint… If you happen to have American Express platinum card, call and book with American Express travel and you get a couple of free perks. For example, you get a free dinner at the pinnacle grill the first night. So if you have American Express platinum, use it. I wish we had known this before we booked this cruise. Booked with HAL PCC and missed out. If you decide to join us on this cruise, I'll see you around the pool and the bars.

Jane

 

 

You are right.....

 

We do not get the AmEx Platinum benefits when booking with HAL PCC. HAL made a unilateral decision some years ago to deny the Platinum benefits to guests who book direct with their PCC's.

 

If you book with a TA, it must be one who has paid the annual fee (which is moderate and applies to all their customers, not a fee for each individual AmEx Platinum holder). If your TA does not pay the fee, you will not get the benefits. So ask.

 

Or you can book direct through AmEx Platinum Travel Division.

 

Edited March 10, 2014 by sail7seas

[elbodans]

ok then! thank you ALL so much! before i reply to individual responses, i want to say--wow! so much feedback! i told my husband i posted this, and he said 'what did they say?' (he knows i value CC input a lot) and i responded 'i didn't check yet'--because i didn't think i'd hear back so very much in such a short time. thanks, everyone. that was ALL very helpful! the short answer is--i simply needed a 'push'. this helped a lot, and as soon as my work schedule is super confirmed (tomorrow) i will book it. and then report back that i did so.

 

now, to respond to all of your helpfulness individually....hold on....

[elbodans]

Well, you have come to the right place to get some good input. :)

 

The cruise hits on many of the things you are looking for. The history you will certainly find in San Juan, it is a great port to explore. Half Moon Cay and Grand Turk are more beach destinations. St. Thomas should offer some interesting excursions so be sure to look into that. The Eurodam is a beautiful and classy ship, with not a lot of kids or crowds of teens. The food is excellent and there will be sunshine galore.

 

I am not sure why the cruises are so inexpensive in March, but the prices offered now are such a great deal. With all that you have posted, I say BOOK IT! I really think it will be a restful, warm and wonderful getaway!

 

i'm hoping this is still a good deal tomorrow when i can (finally) book it. and yes, clearly i've come to the right place--so much great advice!

 

when i think of HAL, i think 'classy'. i'm glad to hear my impressions were correct. thanks!

 

From a quick reading of your profile, all I can say is go, go, go. You will find a cruise that is NOT a party ship but is a cruise that you can make your own. We did this itinerary and found if peaceful, relaxing, and an adult vacation. We loved it. HAL crew and fellow passengers are the best!

 

things that helped: not a party ship. thank you for sharing your thoughts on your experience. we are looking for peaceful and relaxing.

[elbodans]

Well, if you want to avoid spring breakers HAL is one of your safer choices as it tends to sail with older cruisers. They are quiet ships with not much in the way of entertainment. Even the shows in the lounges tend to end around 10:30. Given your ages I am afraid you might be bored if you like to be out and about at night. Casinos are small, main theatre shows not their forte. Food is generally good. So the question becomes whether you want to just lay around and do nothing, or do you want a bit more activity on the ship. During the day HAL has culinary classes, internet classes, a movie theatew and usualky bingo. Everything else is spa, onboard shopping or art auction oriented. As far as the ports, grand turks is goid for beach and maybe snorkeling, st thomas the same and if course shopping. San Juan is by far the best port. There is a free trolley that takes you to the forts and yoy can get off and on anywhere. It is a very easy walking town too. Half Moon is one of the nicer private islands but again not tons to do other than beach. I understand the need to get out of winter and for that alone a cheap cruise anywhere is worth it! Just don't expect the same level of things to do as rccl and ncl. Have fun!

 

Sent from my SCH-I915 using Forums mobile app

 

ok great. i was hoping that was the case--that HAL would be a good escape from spring breakers (not that there's anything WRONG with spring break, i just don't need to be a part of it!) culinary classes sound GREAT. as does sitting on my balcony and reading. i NEVER get to do that (i work for myself and thus am always tethered to my smart phone--which will not work on board! huzzah!!!) the only 'things' i really did on NCL (and the other ships i've been on) were trivia and the occasional martini tasting. so this sounds like it will work. thanks!

 

also: we are young-ish, but we don't...i guess the word is 'party'? at all. if this helps: tonight we made spaghetti and meatballs and listened to jimmy buffett. that's our idea of a fun night. :-)

Edited March 10, 2014 by elbodans

[elbodans]

Go!

 

We did this ship / itinerary in 2009. We liked it so much we did it again with the rest of the family in 2010.

 

GREAT ship and great ports. You can do as little or as much as you wish in all of the ports.

 

You will love it.

 

We also did it the same year.

 

I couldn't think of more fitting way to end the winter season.

 

thank you, both of you, for sharing first hand thoughts. i appreciate it!

[elbodans]

I've stopped trying to convince people to try a particular cruise - what appeals to me doesn't necessary appeal to them. I'd hate to be the person to guide them in a certain direction and then they're unhappy with it. Either you want to try it or you don't; it's up to you where you'd like to place your travel dollar. If you try it and enjoy it, then do it again; if not, move on to another line.

 

Smooth Sailing! :) :) :)

 

very good point. and yes, i know that no one can tell me what to do. i just wanted some thoughts. and i appreciate them. i will absolutely make my own decision (it is clear how i'm leaning at this point... ;) ) and then report back. and yes, that's what i did with royal (and with the older NCL ships. i went. i tried it. and apparently i'm moving on to HAL!)

[elbodans]

I so agree with you.

 

OP, one question I think you need to ask is if you are self entertaining. Some people feel there isn't a lot of activities on board. I'm ok with it because I do my own thing. Just something to consider.

 

oh, i'm definitely self entertaining! i like the phrase, btw!

 

Just a quick hint… If you happen to have American Express platinum card, call and book with American Express travel and you get a couple of free perks. For example, you get a free dinner at the pinnacle grill the first night. So if you have American Express platinum, use it. I wish we had known this before we booked this cruise. Booked with HAL PCC and missed out. If you decide to join us on this cruise, I'll see you around the pool and the bars.

Jane

 

i actually have a different credit card that is how i found this sailing. i'm booking through them to get a bunch of miles. ;) but thanks for the tip!

[quanta88]

This itinerary was our first cruise. Did it the week after spring break. Loved it.

 

I agree, it is a laid back intinerary, but I think it captures the full spectrum of the Caribbean: the small beachy port, the bustling historical town, touristy shopping, and private island.

[elbodans]

This itinerary was our first cruise. Did it the week after spring break. Loved it.

 

I agree, it is a laid back intinerary, but I think it captures the full spectrum of the Caribbean: the small beachy port, the bustling historical town, touristy shopping, and private island.

 

oooh i like that--the full spectrum! i have not booked it yet (my whole work...thing...was a bit of an issue there for a minute) but am this close *holds fingers very close together* do doing so. i just need my husband's final approval (and by 'approval' i mean 'he's going to let me do whatever i want, i just have to TELL him first...) :p