Questions traveling on a budget

[patsylll]

Hello all and thank you ahead of time for helping me with some quick but hopefully not stupid questions. It has been about 1 1/2 years since I have cruised so some things may have changed.

 

I am thinking about taking my parents on a cruise (as a Christmas gift). I have always traveled on a budget but suspect that I will need to loosen the purse strings a bit to get them to go (no inside cabin and things like that).

 

1) Concerning outside cabins, I see that most are on the main deck below common areas such as bars and casino. Is this a problem for noise? Do I need to go to a veranda to avoid excessive noise?

 

2) Wine - My parents are a little bit of wine snobs so I suspect that the bar tab could get expensive. I was reading that HAL allows individuals to bring on wine with a $18 corkage. That might be the best thing for me to afford their bill. How does that work? Do I just carry it on and take it to the dining room?

 

3) I am a three star Mariner but they are not. We will be in separate rooms. Can I take them as guests to the embarkation lunch and Mariner lunch. I hate the Lido on embarkation and always look forward to a drink and quiet lunch after all the travel but I wouldn't not eat with them.

[sail7seas]

Hi, Welcome to HAL/CC.

 

All guests are now welcome to go to Embarkation Lunch. It is no longer only for Mariners.

 

You can bring all the wine you want. Each person over 21 may bring a bottle to be consumed in their cabin and have no corkage fee. Any bottles over the one each will be assessed a corkage fee and can be enjoyed anywhere on the ship. You can bring the wine that has a corkage fee on with you at embarkation or any port along the way.

The 'free of corkage' can only be brought at Embarkation.

 

[albingirl]

That is so sweet that you are doing that for them. Just study the deck plan before you book so that they have cabins above them and below. As far as the wine goes, pay the corkage if they really have favorite expensive wines. And, as far as the embarkation lunch, go for it. No one will turn anyone away. On, another note, have a wonderful cruise!

[catl331]

To what Sail said I would add that all wine must be brought on in your carry-ons, not in checked baggage.

 

You don't say what ship or class of ship you are considering, but since you say "main deck below common areas" I'll presume you mean a Vista or Signature class ship. If that is true, in addition to the Main deck outsides you may want to consider the deck 5 G&H that are above quiet areas such as the photo gallery or the shops. They have floor-to-ceiling windows that I prefer to the Main deck smaller windows. They're cheaper than all of the Main deck outsides too!

Edited December 13, 2015 by catl331

[RuthC]

You mentioned the outside cabins are all on Main Deck, under public areas, so I take it you're looking at a Vista or Signature class ship.

In that case, the outside cabins aft of mid-ship definitely don't have any evening noise above that could be disturbing. The outside cabins forward of mid-ship (but not by too much) on starboard should also be fine.

I can't say about the starboard cabins closer to the forward elevators, and don't know about port side.

[catl331]

In that case, the outside cabins aft of mid-ship definitely don't have any evening noise above that could be disturbing.

I wouldn't take a chance on anything under the galley - port side 1084 and higher. We once had a cabin under the galley on the Amsterdam that was noisy ALL night!

[MisterFidgetpants]

Perhaps go higher up? Maybe a deck with obstructed view by the lifeboats. Some windows are bound to have less obstruction than others. You can look for areas that typically do not have very early or very late operating hours, or not likely to be a loud environment (for instance, being above the photo gallery in an obstructed view room that is between lifeboats may be quite good)

[luv2travel06]

Hello all and thank you ahead of time for helping me with some quick but hopefully not stupid questions. It has been about 1 1/2 years since I have cruised so some things may have changed.

 

I am thinking about taking my parents on a cruise (as a Christmas gift). I have always traveled on a budget but suspect that I will need to loosen the purse strings a bit to get them to go (no inside cabin and things like that).

 

1) Concerning outside cabins, I see that most are on the main deck below common areas such as bars and casino. Is this a problem for noise? Do I need to go to a veranda to avoid excessive noise?

 

2) Wine - My parents are a little bit of wine snobs so I suspect that the bar tab could get expensive. I was reading that HAL allows individuals to bring on wine with a $18 corkage. That might be the best thing for me to afford their bill. How does that work? Do I just carry it on and take it to the dining room?

 

3) I am a three star Mariner but they are not. We will be in separate rooms. Can I take them as guests to the embarkation lunch and Mariner lunch. I hate the Lido on embarkation and always look forward to a drink and quiet lunch after all the travel but I wouldn't not eat with them.

 

 

That is very generous to gift them with a cruise. That generosity does not necessarily need to extend to their bar tab (or every other onboard purchase they make), though.

 

Another option would be to buy a package, and let them be responsible for anything more. Or, give them a gift card they can use for bar purchases up to the amount you are comfortable covering for them.

[JimnKaren]

We enjoy wine on our cruises and have always found good values with one of their wine packages. Both the navigator or admiral have some decent wines. The package price brings down the cost considerably on a per bottle basis. Even better when you get to 4-star, half price!

 

Jim

[knittinggirl]

I think the wine you bring onboard w/ their corkage fees would cost less than buying wine onboard the ship. On Royal Caribbean, we're paying over $30 for wine that costs $5 at the supermarket. Unless you must have wine with dinner, I'd suggest drinking your wine in your stateroom. We're lucky to have a bottle of wine last three days in the dining room, and the third day is a couple of tablespoons, because they like to use it up fast so they can sell you another bottle. We can stretch out our wine better in the stateroom.

 

For rooms, I'd suggest a balcony. We usually try to have a passenger deck above and below us. You do not want to be directly under the pool deck! Because people stomping past and music will keep you up. We prefer being under the Lido, but the spa will also work well. But the best would be the passenger deck sandwich.

[SightCRR]

For the sale that is on now our May Med cruise has the Veranda Cabins at the same price as the ocean views so make sure to check the prices at the higher levels.

 

Sale started 4 Dec and I have no idea how long it will last but after the sale ends there will likely be another sale of some type.

 

Sightcrr

[crystalspin]

If you are thinking of the Eurodam or Nieuw Amsterdam -- the forward Main Deck OV's need not be written off IF you can make your own choice of rooms.

 

In fact, we stayed 26 days in 1050 which is under the seating area of Northern Lights "club" where the Blues Band plays -- and we were not disturbed. I think there was some bass vibration, but not enough to disturb my reading nor my husband's sleep.

 

Choosing a "C" category (dark blue) outside on the starboard side [as RuthC said] avoids even the chance of that. Are you committed to connecting rooms of the same type? Because -- again, if you or your TA is making the firm choice of cabins -- a C-category oceanview and the J-category inside directly across the hallway would shave some savings off the booking. Those J-staterooms are ROOMY! (They are the same floorplan as the K's known as "Super-K".) In fact, we were all set to spend those 26 days in a J on Main... it was only when we were assigned a "hallway" layout inside on a higher deck, that we took the upsell to 1050.

 

If you google ' 1018 - Nieuw Amsterdam I ' that's a "I" not a "1", you will find a site with photos of a J-inside (first Google hit) and a list where you can select some C-category OV's on the Eurodam (second Google hit).

 

The Main Deck (forward) is convenient to the Front Desk (handy for many things, including grabbing a copy of the NYTimes Selections) and the lower level of the showroom where shore excursions generally leave from, and one deck down from a number of the bars and lounges (Piano Bar, Casino Bar, Northern Lights, Pinnacle Bar, and Explorers' Lounge, as well the lower level of the MDR.

 

ETA: pics came out blurry -- they are just screen shots from the deckplans on HAL website.

Edited December 13, 2015 by crystalspin
forgot my pics

[john2003]

The 3* 25% discount on the wine packages does help.

[Scrapnana]

Although not very convenient to each other, the forward facing Category F ocean view cabins on deck 6 (6001 and 6002 on Vistas, 6003 and 6004 on Signature) are very quiet. They also do not have the bed(s) in front of the window (which really bugs me) as most of the OV cabins on the Vistas have.

[ellieanne]

Although not very convenient to each other, the forward facing Category F ocean view cabins on deck 6 (6001 and 6002 on Vistas, 6003 and 6004 on Signature) are very quiet. They also do not have the bed(s) in front of the window (which really bugs me) as most of the OV cabins on the Vistas have.

 

These are very nice cabins, but you have to keep your curtains closed at night. That's a big drawback for me, as I like to sleep with the curtains open so I can see out overnight.

 

And I actually prefer the beds under the window, it makes for easier viewing out the window for me. But them I'm short and like to have somewhere really stable and comfortable to sit or kneel to see out. I also find the arrangement with the beds under the window to make it seem as though there is more space in the cabin. It's certainly not as tight walking to the sitting area when you don't have navigate the narrow passage around the food the bed.

 

As for outside cabins, I love the ones all the way forward on lowest passenger deck (Main Deck on some ships, A Deck on others). I have had them on many of the ships and have never really had a problem with noise -- sometimes I can hear muffled noises from the show lounges, but nothing even approaching a problem. I like to hear anchor and docking noises, so that never bothers me. I will say that the bow wake/waves can be a bit loud at times, particularly if the seas are a bit rough, but that just serves to remind you that you're on a ship.

 

One caveat if you have outside cabins on Main or A Deck, pull your at least the sheers if you tend to be a late riser or the ship is scheduled to dock before you get up in the morning. The dock workers can definitely see in the windows! I know this from experience!

[patsylll]

Thank you all for your helpful suggestions.

 

I am looking at the Zuiderdam for February 5th partial canal. Mom has been battling cancer for about five years and it is progressing. Mom has traveled a lot but has not seen the Panama Canal so this could be a great trip while she is still feeling well. We need to plan the trip between chemo visits and need to keep it below 14 days. That seems to be the best date.

 

As for cabins, in the past Mom said inside rooms make her closterphobic so I need to at least get an outside. The cost of a veranda and outside are about double so I need to focus on an outside. In looking at available cabins, on the main deck they seem to be below the casino or northern lights. Based on your input, maybe I should get an obstructed view on the upper prominade deck. Is there enough of a "view" to not be closterphobic?

[RuthC]

In looking at available cabins, on the main deck they seem to be below the casino or northern lights. Based on your input, maybe I should get an obstructed view on the upper prominade deck. Is there enough of a "view" to not be closterphobic?

Believe it or not, Northern Lights is on port side, at least as far as noise goes; starboard side is safe. The casino is quite a bit forward, so anything closer to mid-ship won't get any noise from there.

 

I have been in an obstructed outside on the Noordam (same set-up). I loved the huge "non-sliding" doors, as that is the size the windows are. There is plenty of light coming in, and I was able to see the sky. Some of the windows are pretty much totally blocked, while others allow you to see behind (or between) a couple of lifeboats.

For an inside cabin gal, this was lovely. But if someone is used to unimpaired views out, it might feel tight.

[fann1sh]

I came here to recommend the "obstructed view" cabins, and see RuthC was here before me.

 

I second the recommendation. Large cabin, big value for price.

 

If you Google "Holland America" and "cabin pictures" , you should see a website that features photos taken by passengers. That site can be very helpful for judging if the part view is "good enough".

Edited December 13, 2015 by fann1sh
typos, always typos

[jtl513]

Is there enough of a "view" to not be closterphobic?

If you Google "Holland America" and "cabin pictures" , you should see a website that features photos taken by passengers.

I'll get more specific, Patricia! :):)

Google these "G" cabins:

/4078-zuiderdam/

/4091-zuiderdam/

/4079-nieuw-amsterdam/

/4079-eurodam/

/4094-eurodam/

and finally an HH cabin I have occupied that is billed as "fully obstructed" but IMO is not! /4130-eurodam/

 

BTW, Patricia, you do not have to give reason for editing! :D

.

Edited December 13, 2015 by jtl513

[jtl513]

It's not possible to get two G cabins that are adjacent, so to both have G's you would have to be about 4 cabins apart. If one of you is willing to settle for an H "fully obstructed" I would suggest one near the forward end of the forward lifeboats, not the aft tenders. IMO good G/H adjacent pairs would be 4074/4076, 4082/4084, 4071/4073, and 4079/4081. The ones on the port side above the shops should be quiet.

Edited December 13, 2015 by jtl513

[donaldsc]

 

2) Wine - My parents are a little bit of wine snobs so I suspect that the bar tab could get expensive. I was reading that HAL allows individuals to bring on wine with a $18 corkage. That might be the best thing for me to afford their bill. How does that work? Do I just carry it on and take it to the dining room?

 

m.

 

Do the math. If you buy wine on the ship, their markup is at least 100 - 200%. That means that if your snobby parents buy a bottle of wine on the ship that costs $25 in the store, it will cost them $50 - $75 or more on the ship.

 

If you carry the wine on, it will cost you $25 plus $18 corkage or $43. This makes you at least $8 ahead and as much as $33 ahead. The snobbier they are, the more that you are ahead because the corkage is a fixed cost while the markup depends upon the price of the wine. Since you are paying the corkage, you can drink it either in your room or in the dining room.

 

Also, if they are really snobby, the ship may not have the brand of wine that they like to drink and you can never tell in advance what they will have. If you buy it beforehand, they will not be able to complain that they are being forced to drink au di dreque (LOL).

 

Assuming that you are planning to fly to your embarkation port, find a local Total Wines and More or a similar store where you are cruising from and pre-order the wine. On the way from the airport, have your taxi stop at the wine store. It will be ready for pickup and you can take it on board with your luggage.

 

Hope this helps.

 

DON

Edited December 13, 2015 by donaldsc

[fann1sh]

About that "PS" from jtl513: I've been checking cabin availability for that voyage, and none of those combos are available :(

 

John, what do you think of 4063/4065? Or, across-the-passage 4066 with either? Those were unbooked, at least at the time I clicked "submit reply".

 

And, I COMPLETELY agree with the above about wine, especially Total Wine and More - less than 5 minutes from pier, close to all the 17th Street Causeway "pre-cruise hotels"

Edited December 13, 2015 by fann1sh

[patsylll]

Thank you very much for these very thoughtful suggestions. I will call my agent tomorrow.

[take us away]

Thank you all for your helpful suggestions.

As for cabins, in the past Mom said inside rooms make her closterphobic so I need to at least get an outside. The cost of a veranda and outside are about double so I need to focus on an outside. In looking at available cabins, on the main deck they seem to be below the casino or northern lights. Based on your input, maybe I should get an obstructed view on the upper prominade deck. Is there enough of a "view" to not be closterphobic?

 

If you go to a lower deck and get an ocean view cabin, it may work out well as cabins above you - but check the deck plans to make sure what is above and below any cabin you are considering.

[patsylll]

Thank you all so much.

 

I think I will go with a G for my parents. I don't have to be too near them (although it would be convenient). I am looking for economy for my room. In looking at the least expensive rooms, M7126 and M7132 came up as available. Does anyone know what is between these rooms - laundry?, crew cleaning room, ?