Sporthorse Cruise

[Fouremco]

I belatedly determined that our Feb 1 cruise on the Nieuw Amsterdam is one being used for the Sporthorse Cruise, formerly the Dressage Cruise. Does anyone know what size the group might be? I'm hoping that they aren't a large group that might monopolize any of the ship's facilities.

[PathfinderEss]

I have no idea how big their group is, you might email the person that sets up the cruises. I would tell her that you are a regular passenger on the same cruise and you are concerned that the group might be big enough to take over alot of the venues on the ship. I would be honest about my inquiry, and ask her how big a group do they normally get. This group has been on Hal before. Her name is Alice Knox at alice@sporthorsecruise.com.

You can go to their website at http://www.dressagecruise.com

 

[RuthC]

Maybe a more important question is Do they bring their horses???

[maxout]

Maybe a more important question is Do they bring their horses???

 

And if they "doo" do they clean up after them?? :eek: ;) :D

[iancal]

I know a couple of old nags who might enjoy this cruise.

[Fouremco]

Thanks for all of the comments, serious and otherwise. :)

 

I received a reply to an enquiry I'd sent to the organizer and no longer have any concerns. All horses will be restricted to the Promenade Deck this year and will not be allowed to swim in the Lido pool.

 

From the organizer's email:

Thank you for your note. Please know that as a long time cruiser and former cruise line employee, I completely understand your concern.

 

Our group will be approximately 25 people. The seminars are held on sea days in

a reserved meeting room, and our two cocktail parties are held in a private area of the Crow's Nest.

 

We've requested an evening in the Pinnacle Grill toward the end of the cruise,

but the date and time haven't been finalized by HAL. In the past, we been seated at two large tables near the front of the PG (overlooking the atrium), and the remainder of the restaurant is undisturbed.

 

There are no organized shore excursions for our group; everyone goes their own way.

[PathfinderEss]

Thanks for all of the comments, serious and otherwise. :)

 

I received a reply to an enquiry I'd sent to the organizer and no longer have any concerns. All horses will be restricted to the Promenade Deck this year and will not be allowed to swim in the Lido pool.

 

From the organizer's email:

 

Thanks for the follow up. Glad to hear their horse will be resticted.:D:D

[mountainmare]

As a dressage rider who owns a sporthorse I would think that it would be a small group. The approximately 25 may be high because there just are not that many DQs around (and Feb is the "winter season" in Florida).

While the promenade deck is fine for an extended trot they will need a wider area for half pass.

[CJcruzer]

that was so nice that you were given that amount of information...I am sure there will be no excess "horsing around" with that size of a group !:D

 

Carol

[solocanadian]

Maybe a more important question is Do they bring their horses???

 

That wouldn't be a bad idea. Some of the horses are probably nicer than some of the people. As you can see, I'm an animal lover and had a horse when I was a kid.

[maxout]

Don't we already have enough "neigh" sayers aboard?? :D :eek: :p

[iancal]

What about the front desk service folks?

 

Will they have enough of the usual horse manure to spread about to customers?

Edited November 10, 2014 by iancal

[Essiesmom]

What about the front desk service folks?

 

Will they have enough of the usual horse manure to spread about to customers?

 

They will be recycling that which comes from irate non-group members who are not offered a free ride...EM

[trixiee]

A horse walked in a bar.

Bartender asked "why the long face?"

 

:D

[Folk Singer]

Maybe a more important question is Do they bring their horses???

 

Ruth. You always make me smile. :):)

[Sporthorse Cruise]

Hello All...

What a nice surprise to see Sporthorse Cruise mentioned on the HAL forum !

 

Just wanted to reply quickly to mountainmare who wondered about the actual size of our group. The number I provided is accurate, and by the sail date, it may increase by a few more. On this sailing, our guests are coming from the west coast, midwest and northeast. Also one guest speaker is from Germany, and another from New Zealand. As you know, the Global Dressage Festival and Winter Equestrian Festivals will be taking place during that time of year in Wellington, and many riders (dressage and show jumpers) are busy competing. We'll be visiting those horse shows the day before the cruise. Anyway, I hope you'll consider joining us one year.

 

Holland America takes great care of us onboard and we're looking forward to being back on the NA. :)

Edited November 11, 2014 by Sporthorse Cruise

[mountainmare]

Maybe see you in Wellington--actually our first cruise was with a group from our local club. Always like to meet horsey people on vacation, a pleasant surprise when you mention dressage and they know what it is.

Enjoy the cruise.