First Cruise Advice Needed-Oosterdam 8/26/06

[m2violin]

Hi! My mother & I will be on our first cruise ever on the Oosterdam leaving Seattle 8/26/06. Mother's 74 and I'm 49. We'll be getting into Seattle 8/25/06 and staying an extra couple of days in Seattle post-cruise. I'd like some advice:

1. Any particular excursions you recommend? Mother wants to strictly book through HAL (she feels safer doing it that way). The flightseeing/helicoptor tours are out for several reasons. The ports of call are Ketchikan, Juneau, Sitka and Victoria. I should mention she cannot walk long distances without incurring a lot of pain.
   
2. Any shipboard activities that you would especially recommend? Mother's heard about cooking classes and that interests her-has anyone done that? What about cultural/intellectual activities?
   
3. Any ideas for saving $$ onboard?
   
4. Dress code -- I know jeans, T-shirts, shorts, etc. are a no-no after 6:00 p.m. in public areas. But are khakis frowned on (for the "casual" nights)? I always thought of khakis/dockers as "business casual," and frankly, that's what's worn in my office (we're not a three-piece suit office). Do I need to invest in new clothes to be properly "casual?"
   
5. Dining-is the Pinnacle Grill worth the extra $20?
   
6. Seattle hotel recommendations -- we can't afford the Fairmont, but we don't want to stay at the Bates Motel either. :eek: We probably need to be downtown (Mother's coming into Seattle from Chicago via Amtrak, I'm flying in from Tulsa.)
   
7. Things to see/do during our 1-1/2 day stayover in Seattle?
   
8. Any other thoughts/recommendations?

We're really excited about this trip. Mother is thoroughly sold on HAL (based on information she got from Frommer's and advice from her travel agent). Fortunately, Mother and I are of like mind on this! :)

 

I appreciate any/all advice from seasoned HAL cruisers!

[kakalina]

Him2violin. Welcome to our world you should really like the Oosterdam. Although DH and I prefer the smaller ships of the line we have sailed on her and enjoyed it. We haven't made it to Alaska, but I can answer some of your questions.

Your idea of casual sounds just great. My DH doesn't go to the dining room ( although I love to dress up and go) and we both are able to have a happy medium together for the public rooms. Kakis/dockers etc are perfectably acceptable.

Perhaps your mother would enjoy the cooking classes, there is a small fee but I enjoyed them, learned a lot and got a certificate when it was over. There is usually a craft class every afternoon at sea and many people enjoyed this also.

The Pinnacle is worth the extra money. Go on a formal night and get the full treatment.

There are also guest lecturers of various interests, depending on the ship these can be fascinating or a real snore...

Enjoy your trip and vbe sure to give us your thoughts when you return.

 

Trisha

[peartree]

Hi! My mother & I will be on our first cruise ever on the Oosterdam leaving Seattle 8/26/06. Mother's 74 and I'm 49. We'll be getting into Seattle 8/25/06 and staying an extra couple of days in Seattle post-cruise. I'd like some advice:

1. Any particular excursions you recommend? Mother wants to strictly book through HAL (she feels safer doing it that way). The flightseeing/helicoptor tours are out for several reasons. The ports of call are Ketchikan, Juneau, Sitka and Victoria. I should mention she cannot walk long distances without incurring a lot of pain.
   
2. Any shipboard activities that you would especially recommend? Mother's heard about cooking classes and that interests her-has anyone done that? What about cultural/intellectual activities?
   
3. Any ideas for saving $$ onboard?
   
4. Dress code -- I know jeans, T-shirts, shorts, etc. are a no-no after 6:00 p.m. in public areas. But are khakis frowned on (for the "casual" nights)? I always thought of khakis/dockers as "business casual," and frankly, that's what's worn in my office (we're not a three-piece suit office). Do I need to invest in new clothes to be properly "casual?"
   
5. Dining-is the Pinnacle Grill worth the extra $20?
   
6. Seattle hotel recommendations -- we can't afford the Fairmont, but we don't want to stay at the Bates Motel either. :eek: We probably need to be downtown (Mother's coming into Seattle from Chicago via Amtrak, I'm flying in from Tulsa.)
   
7. Things to see/do during our 1-1/2 day stayover in Seattle?
   
8. Any other thoughts/recommendations?

We're really excited about this trip. Mother is thoroughly sold on HAL (based on information she got from Frommer's and advice from her travel agent). Fortunately, Mother and I are of like mind on this! :)

 

I appreciate any/all advice from seasoned HAL cruisers!

 

 

 

We sailed on the "Odam" in December. Their mission is to make money...they are good at it. Pay attention, little is free.

 

Item 3: Don't drink a lot. Use the internet off ship, not aboard the ship. Wait until ship's store items go on sale late in the cruise to make purchases. Avoid the hype about special stores ashore...the cruise industry gets a kickback of purchases. Purchase one soft drink pass and share; carry a large insulated coffee cup for coffee and soda refills. AVOID BINGO~!!!!!!!!Make NO purchases at the SPA; they offer common products at very inflated prices and are very pushy on sales!

 

Item 4: Don't shop just for this trip. Wear nice "Sunday go to meetin clothes". No heels; fancy jewelry is fancy but not necessary or noticed.

 

Item 5: Nothing special here. Save the money. The personal service and menu are what we should receive at all meals. Charging extra for the special attention that they advertise as usual is misrepresentation. If you must, make reservations as soon as you board for a 50% reduction for the SC for the first night is only $10. Nice dinner but save you money for the casino.

 

Item 6: Try the Travelodge by the Space Needle. There are several Motels in area. Avis car rental will take you to ship terminal when returning car.

 

Item 7: The Lake Union tour is nice. Take a ferry ride across the sound. Visit the Pike Market. All within walking distance of ship. Watch the time

 

Been there done that.

[RevNeal]

WELCOME, m2Violin! Don't let some posters frighten you or discourage your enthusiasm ... some people are just a bit caustic in their posting. I'll try to answer a few of your questions as best I can:

 

Any particular excursions you recommend? Mother wants to strictly book through HAL (she feels safer doing it that way). The flightseeing/helicoptor tours are out for several reasons. The ports of call are Ketchikan, Juneau, Sitka and Victoria. I should mention she cannot walk long distances without incurring a lot of pain.

 

I'm so sorry she's dealing with chronic pain. That can be a really damper on one's enjoyment of a cruise and shore excursions, however HAL does have a good number of shore excursions in many of their ports that well be good for someone with mobility issues.

 

In Ketchikan catch the "The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show." It's really very nice. Since walking long distances is difficult, Totem Bite State Park might be out ... unless you can bring a wheel chair. It involves walking, but it's level (not a lot of climbing).

 

In Juneau I would look at the "Best of Juneau! Whale Watching Quest, Mendenhall Glacier & Alaska-Style Salmon Bake" That looks wonderful. Mendenhall Glacier has some walking in it, but it's not far to the visitor's center. She might have trouble walking down and out to the forward observation points, but the visitor center and upper observation areas are very close to where the bus parks.

 

I've never been to Sitka, so I can't help there.

 

I loved Victoria, but you've only got from 6 pm until midnight, so your options here may be limited. If the "A Taste of Victoria: City Lights with Wine & Chocolate" is available, I would do that. Or, if Astronomy is of any interest, the "Dominion Observatory & Star Gazing" would be grand.

 

Any shipboard activities that you would especially recommend? Mother's heard about cooking classes and that interests her-has anyone done that? What about cultural/intellectual activities?

 

Catch the tour of the ship's kitchens.

 

Also, the Dutch High Tea and Daily Tea (on other days) is always grand.

 

If you don't mind paying about $50 for the two of you the Wine Tasting is usually VERY enjoyable, and each time I've learned a lot and gotten to try different wines.

 

They may well have nature lectures on the cruise ... they did on my Alaska Cruise.

 

Bingo is fun, but you pay for the cards. Ditto on the Casino.

 

I wouldn't miss the evening shows, particularly the ship's cast. Right now the Oosterdam has some very bright, friendly, young cast members and they really have great voices and are good dancers.

 

Don't miss sing-alongs and name-that-tunes in the Piano Bar most evenings.

 

Any ideas for saving $$ onboard?

 

If you drink alcohol, try the "Cocktail of the Day." It's usually a bit cheaper than other mixed drinks. If you drink Wine, try purchasing the smallest wine package for the two of you. Don't buy wine by the glass ... if you like a specific wine and they have it and you enjoy drinking it at most meals, it's cheaper to buy a bottle (or bottles) and drink it over the cruise. The wine steward will take care of that for you.

 

If you like soft drinks (Coke products), be aware that they cost $1.75 per can + gratuity. If you're going to drink more than 2 cans a day you'll save money buying whatever package deal they offer.

 

Dress code -- I know jeans, T-shirts, shorts, etc. are a no-no after 6:00 p.m. in public areas. But are khakis frowned on (for the "casual" nights)? I always thought of khakis/dockers as "business casual," and frankly, that's what's worn in my office (we're not a three-piece suit office). Do I need to invest in new clothes to be properly "casual?"

 

Khakis are NOT frowned upon on casual evenings. I wear dockers myself on such evenings ... not worn out ones, but ones that are in new or nearly new shape. You don't NEED to invest in new clothing to be properly "casual" if you have such already, however I find that i almost never buy new clothing EXCEPT for when I'm getting ready for a cruise! :) But, that's just me!

 

Dining-is the Pinnacle Grill worth the extra $20?

 

ABSOLUTELY.

 

Welcome to the HAL family! I live just south of you, in Dallas ... I love Tusla. You come from a very NICE "little city." :)

 

Take care!

[herb]

Hi! My mother & I will be on our first cruise ever.

 

We're really excited about this trip.

 

Sorry that I can't help you much with the Oosterdam specifics or with Alaska, but I noticed it was your first cruise ever and that you are really excited about the trip :)

 

There is alot of helpful information here at CC and all over the internet regarding your cruise and your ports of call. Take your time looking over all the material, and don't make any hasty decisions.

 

Have fun planning your trip and enjoy the cruise :D

[RevNeal]

m2Violin,

 

One more thing ... I should have put this in my first response. If you'd like to see my photo tour of the Oosterdam, click here:

 

http://homepage.mac.com/revneal/oosterdam05/Menu43.html

 

Here's my review of the ship:

 

http://www.revneal.org/oostreview.html

 

Now, granted, my cruises on her have been to the Mexican Riviera, not to Alaska, but the photo tour of the ship and my review focus on the SHIP, not the ports, so they may be helpful!

 

Blessings on you and your mother as you continue to prepare for a wonderful cruise on the Oosterdam!

[Budget Queen]

WELCOME,

In Juneau I would look at the "Best of Juneau! Whale Watching Quest, Mendenhall Glacier & Alaska-Style Salmon Bake" That looks wonderful. Mendenhall Glacier has some walking in it, but it's not far to the visitor's center. She might have trouble walking down and out to the forward observation points, but the visitor center and upper observation areas are very close to where the bus parks.

 

e!

 

 

 

The visit center has a ramp and an elevator. The combo tours are a good option.

[Krazy Kruizers]

If your mother really wants to enjoy Alaska, make arrangements through HAL for a wheel chair.

 

Sitka - this is a tendering port (for all ships). The best tour there is the Wildlife & Sea Otter tour. Have done it a couple of times and saw lots of whales. The boat you go out on comes to the ship. Your mother will have to walk down steps to get to the tenders and boats - crew will help. At the end of the excursion, the boat drops you off at one of 2 tender areas.

 

Juneau - whale watching & Mendenhall Glacier are the best. Depending on how many ships are there on the day you are depends on whether you will tender or not. Of all the times we have been there, we have had to tender only once.

 

Ketchikan - Lumberjack show is great - even though it is near the one pier, the Oosterdam might be docked down at the Tongess(?) pier and it is a walk to the show. If you have the wheel chair then you can also get over to Creek Street. Totem Bight & Saxmon Village are also great.

 

We have sailed on the Oosterdam - loved the ship.

[Krazy Kruizers]

I forget to mention that we have stayed at the Downtown Sheraton. It is one of HAL's hotels in Seattle so you might want to check into their prices.

 

I can't quote you HAL's prices for there as HAL doesn't use the Club Level so we have to book our own room.

[peartree]

The "O"is a great ship. Can't have a bad time there but you can spend a lot of money. Here are a few more suggestions we've learned over the years:

 

1) In Juneau don't take the ship's tour to the Mendenhal Glacier. There is a city tourist bus (the blue one) right at the terminal gang plank that does the same tour for $10 per person. The ship's fee is about $50 pp. SAME TOUR, and you can set your own timetable for the trip...they run several busses per day. :) BIG savings here. Take your lifetime senior Golden Eagle pass for free admission to visitors center. (Or buy one there for $10, it gets 2 people free admission) The Golden Eagle pass is not needed for the tour, just admission to the Visitor Center. It is informative. Great FLAT walking trails. This is the best excursion we took!

 

2) Try the city library just around the left corner for internet service. :)FREE.

 

3) Purchase your own canned softdrinks ashore. Ask the room steward to empty the refer and stock it with your own cans. :) BIG SAVINGS. HERE

 

4) Don't drink the water. The bottled water is VERY expensive. You get fresh ice twice/day. Tap water is safe and less expensive than the bottled water. When ashore, buy your own.

 

5) FREE gormet coffee drinks at dinner.

 

Relax, nothing can go wrong on the "O".

[flashdog_1]

For people who do not have foot or other pain after some walking, saying "it's a short distance" may be a relative term.

 

In Juneau there was a free shuttle bus to town (we were at a dock a little further away) but we could not find it when ready to return, so chanced it and walked. It was only a couple of blocks but my plantar fascitis really flared up from that "short walk." I spent the "lunch break" with my foot elevated and iced so I could go out later to tackle helicoptering to a glacier for a dogsled ride!

 

Now, knowing it's a relative term, does your mother know that a ship is approximately 3x the length of a football field? Are you getting a cabin midship (hopefully half way to anything) or near what she likes to do most? My worst walk was from aft dining to forward for a show after dinner!

 

Do check about a wheelchair. I've read conflicting information there. Some lines say to bring your own since they won't be able to supply one. If that is the case and you can't transport one while traveling, I think there are rental agencies that will deliver one to the ship for you. Sorry, I do not have any company names.

[RevNeal]

If the weather is half-way decent and you can see the top of the mountains right around the city, take the Mt. Roberts lift up to the top. Lovely views when the weather is good. Here's a shot I took as we were descending ... it shows where it's located relative to the ships:

 

[krewzin]

Re: above post:

Excellent advice...I believe it's called Mt Roberts tram...and another one to buy *off* the ship contingent on the weather!

 

Great shot, by-the-way!

[KalenaD]

I don't know much about the alaska part of your trip, but as someone who has been born, raised and lives within 30 miles of Seattle. I would say the don't miss things to do there would be, the pike place market. If it is clear, the space needle,(take the monorail if it is running) the view is unbeatable in all directions. On a really clear day you can see every mountain.Take a ferry boat ride. Argosy cruises offers sightseeing tours. http://argosycruises.com/royalargosy/default.cfm

 

Have fun!

[shepp]

I know the Pinnacle Grill gets VERY mixed reports on this board - after reading them, I began to regret booking a b'day dinner there for my Mom. Well, I was glad I went through with it. The service was almost too obsequious, but my meal was superb. Great appetizer, an amazing, perfectly rare filet mignon, and lovely, moist chocolate volcano cake. (BTW, while I can't claim to eat every meal of my life at a gourmet level, I think my palate and dining experience are pretty good.)

 

Best of all, the waiter had spotted my Mom's present at the table, so when the meal ended, he totally surprised us with a stunning chocolate mousse birthday cake, gratis. That in itself was nearly worth the $40.

 

Money saving? If you're a wine drinker, be aware that HA is perfectly cool with you BYOBing. I took a bottle of a favorite, Delicato Shiraz (Mom's not a wine drinker), fetched stemware from the bar, and poured myself a glass before dinner, bringing it with me to the diining room (and even the Pinnacle) and nobody raised an eyebrow. Yeah, I'm a cheap SOB, but that sort of thing is clearly not forbidden, and for considerably less than the corkage fee, I had a glass of decent wine every night.

[telesaps]

For your hotel, you might try Priceline or whatever the site is called that you name your price for a hotel. We got a 4 star hotel in Vancouver for 60.00 a night before our Alaskan cruise last summer. It was a Hyatt, and the rooms were very nice, as was the hotel. Actually, everyone traveling with us did the same!

[Thunderbolt]

Rev Neal…that tram photo is over the top. Almost better then the Oostedam night shot in San Diego.

 

M2violin… sorry I could not be more helpful since the things I did when I was in Alaska were things like helicopter and bike rides. Sitka is very beautiful so try to catch a good view as you approach the city. It reminded me of the lost world with the tall pointy mountains sticking out of the haze and clouds. The Fishing boats you will see as you enter the area are interesting and they almost look like toys when you are so high up looking down on them. I also vote for the Mendenhall glacier visitor’s center. It is a very nice location to get info on the glacier as well as get a good view of the glacier. Getting to any of the forward observation sites does take some doing on paths that as I recall were not really flat. Ask a park ranger when you get there.

 

I hope that your cruise is met with sunny days and wonderful times.