Hello.. some help (please)..

[MisterMatthew]

Hello everyone.  Greetings from Las Vegas.  I have not been on the board, too much, as of late.  But, always fun to read the posts on here.  And, of course, a wonderful MEDIUM for obtaining information.

 

Background: 

Have been on only one cruise in my life -- it was HAL Zuiderdam, in April of this year.  Went to Sea of Cortez.

 

Okay, so the good folks at Boyd Gaming have awarded with me a cruise of my choice.  Which will let me choose (from about 40) sailings.  I will get an inside stateroom.  Just pay the taxes.  Choices are Alaska, Baltic, Atlantic Coast -- Nova Scotia, Caribbean, Panama Canal, and I think one other. 

 

Some are 5 day, some are 7, 10, 14, 16. 

 

I am open to ideas, thoughts, opinions on these cruises.  As for now, I am leaning pretty heavily on one of the Panamal Canal cruises -- 2nd choice would be one of the Caribbean cruises.  The Caribbean sailings are:  TROPICAL, WESTERN, EASTERN, and SOUTHERN.  I am not completely sure if one of those is better than the others. 

 

Here are some questions...

 

1) What does the term "Sunfarer" mean?  I have noticed that some panama canal cruises have THAT word attached. 

 

2) Some of the Panama Canal cruises "look like" they get (near???) the Panama Canal.  Umm, I'm lost.  Seeing the little map and itinerary on HAL website, are slightly confusing.  But, I'm somewhat of a novice.

 

3) The sailings I am looking at, and leaning towards, are on Zaandam.  Any thoughts on the ship?  Any deck that is one to "avoid".  My main concern is noise level.  I am okay with an inside cabin.  I had one on the Zuidy, and it was just fine.  I am free to upgrade to outside, or even verandah.  But, obviously comes at an increased cost.

 

4)  The sailings offered to me (for Panama Canal) are JAN, 2023 - APRIL, 2023.  And, they go from SD, CALIF to FT LAUD ... or... FT LAUD to SD, CALIF.  Some of the sailings have Columbia and Nicaragua as ports.  I am a, somewhat, untraveled fella... so, I have no idea of these are nice places, or magical, or just so-so.

 

5)  Sailing the Panama Canal in FEB, MAR, or APR.. is the weather okay? 

 

I have a few more questions.  But, I just wanted to touch base with you good folks.  And, as they say, GET THE SKINNY.

 

---- Matthew

 

 

[rslinky]

We did both Alaska and Panama Canal cruises with HAL.  Loved both.  Our Alaska was a land/sea and I wouldn’t want to do Alaska without the land portion.  HAL has the best ship for viewing the inside passage.  The Crows Nest.   There are Panama itineraries that do a partial transient of the canal,  and this is what we did on this cruise.  Love Cartagena Columbia and Costa Rica.  We did a Baltics on a different line and it was when two days in Russia was possible.   But still worth going without that stop.  Estonia, Sweden, Copenhagen, so much to see.   For me there isn’t a wrong choice. Go where your mind and heart call you to go.  And Enjoy.

[BillderBo]

I agree. Alaska and The Baltics are both fantastic. If they are going to pay your airfare, then I’d definitely do Baltics. I’ve not been to Panama Canal, simply because it does not seem that interesting to me. But that is just me. 

[MisterMatthew]

No, it is up to me cover the cost of airfare.

 

--- Matthew

[vswan]

For me, I would take the longest option possible in the coldest part of the year to get out of the snow for awhile. Those are my top priorities. Although we have been to Alaska 4 times and have enjoyed every one.

 

Not sure how much time you can take away and if there is someplace you haven't been that is on your bucket list.

 

If you decide on the caribbean without the Panama Canal I recommend Southern.

[crystalspin]

9 minutes ago, MisterMatthew said:

...Some are 5 day, some are 7, 10, 14, 16. ...

 

Here are some questions...

 

1) What does the term "Sunfarer" mean?  I have noticed that some panama canal cruises have THAT word attached. 

 

2) Some of the Panama Canal cruises "look like" they get (near???) the Panama Canal.  Umm, I'm lost.  Seeing the little map and itinerary on HAL website, are slightly confusing.  But, I'm somewhat of a novice.

 

3) The sailings I am looking at, and leaning towards, are on Zaandam.  Any thoughts on the ship?  Any deck that is one to "avoid".  My main concern is noise level.  I am okay with an inside cabin.  I had one on the Zuidy, and it was just fine.  I am free to upgrade to outside, or even verandah.  But, obviously comes at an increased cost.

 

4)  The sailings offered to me (for Panama Canal) are JAN, 2023 - APRIL, 2023.  And, they go from SD, CALIF to FT LAUD ... or... FT LAUD to SD, CALIF.  Some of the sailings have Columbia and Nicaragua as ports.  I am a, somewhat, untraveled fella... so, I have no idea of these are nice places, or magical, or just so-so.

 

5)  Sailing the Panama Canal in FEB, MAR, or APR.. is the weather okay? 

Hi Matthew!

Take the longest cruise you can schedule!

(1) Sunfarer is just a marketing name. Any "Sunfarer" cruise may or may not even share all of the same ports. Your guess is as good as mine!

(2) If a cruise says it is a PC cruise it should at least be a partial crossing. From Florida, a partial crossing goes through the Atlantic locks and makes a turnaround in Lake Gatun. If it ends on the other coast (FLL/SAN), it is a full transit. We sailed FLL-LAX but do not have a rec for direction!

(3) I have sailed on the Zaandam twice: 14 days South America in a Vista Suite, and 7 days Alaska on the Lower Promenade deck. Also 14 days on sister ship Volendam on the LP deck. I totally recommend the Lower Promenade deck!!! Whether OV or Inside. The Lower Promenade is the deck with the ACTUAL promenade (aka boardwalk) around it. So any room you get is steps from the largest balcony on the ship! If you choose the Lower Promenade -- if you remain in an inside, you are basically in quiet territory. if you upgrade to OceanView, stay forward of the 4th deck galley (blank space forward of the MDR). Very noisy late at night.

(4)and(5) Late January and most of February are the least humid times for PC and Middle America. My experience with Cartagena was uncomfortably hot and humid in late November. Have not yet ported in Nicaragua but would be open to trying!

[funntheson]

You will not regret it if you choose Alaska. We liked it so much in 2017 that we returned on a different itinerary in 2019. It is also very inexpensive to travel to the starting location of Seattle or Vancouver BC.

 

[dwc13]

What other activities do you enjoy? Will any of the cruise itineraries lend themselves to allowing you to do some of those activities? For instance, if you enjoy snorkeling, you might consider a Caribbean cruise. If you enjoy tv shows like Impossible Engineering, then a Panama Canal cruise might be of great interest. Just a thought.

 

Another way of looking at this opportunity is which cruise would be relatively more expensive compared with others if you had to buy it on your own? Make sure you know what amounts the casino offer will cover and what you're responsible for, especially for the Panama Canal cruises. 

 

Here's an article on this site from a few years ago that might be of interest:

Panama Canal Partial Transit vs. Full Transit (cruisecritic.com)

 

Also consider the historic weather conditions for the various ports during the times you are looking at. We sailed from Montreal to Fort Lauderdale a few weeks ago on HAL Zaandam, then followed up a few days later with a 7 day Caribbean cruise from Miami aboard MSC Seashore. Because of the vastly different expected weather for the 2 cruises, we had to pack accordingly and that added to the luggage weight. 

 

I believe Zaandam is the smallest ship Holland America currently sails. Size and passenger count aside, there are some differences from Zuiderdam, which you mentioned. If you visit HAL's site, there is a Ships at a Glance PDF and a Deck Plans PDF that show details about their current ships. This allows you to easily compare the dining, bars & lounges, entertainment and amenity options of the various HAL ships. Sorry I am unable to directly link to the documents, but apparently that is frowned upon.

 

Our Oceanview stateroom was on the Lower Promenade Deck (portside, stern) on Zaandam. There were plenty of people walking laps during the morning on Lower Promenade Deck. On occasion we could hear people walking / talking as they passed our window. Nothing at all problematic, just an observation. In addition, our room had a full window so at night if we had lights on, people could see into our room (if the drapes were not pulled shut). Again, not a deal breaker, just something to be aware of. Lots of accessible outdoor space on Zaandam, assuming the weather cooperates. I posted a list of good/bad/ugly things about Zaandam in the HAL subsection on this forum. 

[sandiego1]

I recommend the longest cruise to get your “free” money’s worth. I’d chose a full Panama Canal cruise for that reason. I love our Alaska cruise too. Carib cruises don’t interest me as much as many of the island have a similar feel.

 

I prefer to sail East to West as it’s easier to gain an hour every few days vs. lose one. 
 

I see that you are from Las Vegas so you’ll have to fly to FTL at least 1 day before the cruise. So the flight and hotel will add to your cost. On the way home, you’ll have a short cheap flight from CA.

[0106]

A full transit (not Sunfarer) of the Panama Canal is my recommendation.  There will be opportunities for snorkeling and enjoy the beach on a PC cruise so it contains a bit of a Caribbean feel too.  
This would probably be the most reasonable airfare for you too.  

[Mary229]

The Zaandam is a small, intimate ship, one of my favorites.  The inside cabins tend to be larger than on the newer ships.  As I understand it with the promotional cabins you are assigned and don’t get to pick where on the shop.  If you can avoid 6 forward as it can be noisy from the theater below.     Anywhere on the Caribbean would be fine, unlike the west coast the water is warm.  . Me, I would do the Panama Canal as I have never done the transit.  

Edited October 30, 2022 by Mary229

[Sherry H]

Hey Matthew, got the same offer from my favorite casino as you did.  I am also trying to decide what cruise to take.  Leaning towards the Zaandam thru the canal.

[MisterMatthew]

18 hours ago, rslinky said:

We did both Alaska and Panama Canal cruises with HAL.  Loved both.  Our Alaska was a land/sea and I wouldn’t want to do Alaska without the land portion.  HAL has the best ship for viewing the inside passage.  The Crows Nest.   There are Panama itineraries that do a partial transient of the canal,  and this is what we did on this cruise.  Love Cartagena Columbia and Costa Rica.  We did a Baltics on a different line and it was when two days in Russia was possible.   But still worth going without that stop.  Estonia, Sweden, Copenhagen, so much to see.   For me there isn’t a wrong choice. Go where your mind and heart call you to go.  And Enjoy.

RSLINKY...

Thank you for the reply... yes, one day I do want to get to Europe.  And, will consider a cruise "to there" .. or one that be takes place "there".   :)

 

---Matthew

[MisterMatthew]

17 hours ago, BillderBo said:

I agree. Alaska and The Baltics are both fantastic. If they are going to pay your airfare, then I’d definitely do Baltics. I’ve not been to Panama Canal, simply because it does not seem that interesting to me. But that is just me. 

BuilderBo...

All of the destinations sound interesting to me.  But, then again, I am not well-traveled... lol.  The cruise that I took (in April of this year) was the first time I left the United States.  Do appreciate the reply.

 

----Matthew

[MisterMatthew]

17 hours ago, vswan said:

For me, I would take the longest option possible in the coldest part of the year to get out of the snow for awhile. Those are my top priorities. Although we have been to Alaska 4 times and have enjoyed every one.

 

Not sure how much time you can take away and if there is someplace you haven't been that is on your bucket list.

 

If you decide on the caribbean without the Panama Canal I recommend Southern.

VSWAN...

 

Hi there.  Yeah, I can see where living (where you do) would have a person lean towards a warmer getaway!  :)

 

I live in Las Vegas.  So, when, people come here in JAN, FEB.. they will sometimes bring golf clubs. 

 

--Matthew

[lindaler]

If you like sailing out of San Diego, consider doing the Panama Canal cruise to Fort Lauderdale and then back to San Diego. The casino cruises will let you do two at once. And it brings you back to being not far from home. Great way to spend 35 days of winter. 

[MisterMatthew]

17 hours ago, crystalspin said:

Hi Matthew!

Take the longest cruise you can schedule!

(1) Sunfarer is just a marketing name. Any "Sunfarer" cruise may or may not even share all of the same ports. Your guess is as good as mine!

(2) If a cruise says it is a PC cruise it should at least be a partial crossing. From Florida, a partial crossing goes through the Atlantic locks and makes a turnaround in Lake Gatun. If it ends on the other coast (FLL/SAN), it is a full transit. We sailed FLL-LAX but do not have a rec for direction!

(3) I have sailed on the Zaandam twice: 14 days South America in a Vista Suite, and 7 days Alaska on the Lower Promenade deck. Also 14 days on sister ship Volendam on the LP deck. I totally recommend the Lower Promenade deck!!! Whether OV or Inside. The Lower Promenade is the deck with the ACTUAL promenade (aka boardwalk) around it. So any room you get is steps from the largest balcony on the ship! If you choose the Lower Promenade -- if you remain in an inside, you are basically in quiet territory. if you upgrade to OceanView, stay forward of the 4th deck galley (blank space forward of the MDR). Very noisy late at night.

(4)and(5) Late January and most of February are the least humid times for PC and Middle America. My experience with Cartagena was uncomfortably hot and humid in late November. Have not yet ported in Nicaragua but would be open to trying!

CRYSTAL SPIN...

Hi, thank you for the reply... and the suggestions for a cabin location.

 

My "work" is Lyft & Uber.  So, I can go, when I want to go.  That is a "plus" in my column.  :)

 

I did not think about humidity.  Living here in the Mojave desert, it's not an issue.  So, will keep that in mind.

 

----Matthew

[MisterMatthew]

17 hours ago, funntheson said:

You will not regret it if you choose Alaska. We liked it so much in 2017 that we returned on a different itinerary in 2019. It is also very inexpensive to travel to the starting location of Seattle or Vancouver BC.

 

Fun N The Son

 

You make a good point, being a west-coastie.. those embarkation cities should be considered.  :)

 

---Matthew

[MisterMatthew]

16 hours ago, dwc13 said:

What other activities do you enjoy? Will any of the cruise itineraries lend themselves to allowing you to do some of those activities? For instance, if you enjoy snorkeling, you might consider a Caribbean cruise. If you enjoy tv shows like Impossible Engineering, then a Panama Canal cruise might be of great interest. Just a thought.

 

Another way of looking at this opportunity is which cruise would be relatively more expensive compared with others if you had to buy it on your own? Make sure you know what amounts the casino offer will cover and what you're responsible for, especially for the Panama Canal cruises. 

 

Here's an article on this site from a few years ago that might be of interest:

Panama Canal Partial Transit vs. Full Transit (cruisecritic.com)

 

Also consider the historic weather conditions for the various ports during the times you are looking at. We sailed from Montreal to Fort Lauderdale a few weeks ago on HAL Zaandam, then followed up a few days later with a 7 day Caribbean cruise from Miami aboard MSC Seashore. Because of the vastly different expected weather for the 2 cruises, we had to pack accordingly and that added to the luggage weight. 

 

I believe Zaandam is the smallest ship Holland America currently sails. Size and passenger count aside, there are some differences from Zuiderdam, which you mentioned. If you visit HAL's site, there is a Ships at a Glance PDF and a Deck Plans PDF that show details about their current ships. This allows you to easily compare the dining, bars & lounges, entertainment and amenity options of the various HAL ships. Sorry I am unable to directly link to the documents, but apparently that is frowned upon.

 

Our Oceanview stateroom was on the Lower Promenade Deck (portside, stern) on Zaandam. There were plenty of people walking laps during the morning on Lower Promenade Deck. On occasion we could hear people walking / talking as they passed our window. Nothing at all problematic, just an observation. In addition, our room had a full window so at night if we had lights on, people could see into our room (if the drapes were not pulled shut). Again, not a deal breaker, just something to be aware of. Lots of accessible outdoor space on Zaandam, assuming the weather cooperates. I posted a list of good/bad/ugly things about Zaandam in the HAL subsection on this forum. 

DWC

Hello.  I appreciate the good information.  I am, yes, the kind of person who has an appreciation for the Modern Marvels -- so, seeing the Panama Canal is on my list.

 

----Matthew

[MisterMatthew]

Good afternoon.

I am catching up to all of the great replies (at this moment), he he.

 

----Matthew

[MisterMatthew]

10 hours ago, sandiego1 said:

I recommend the longest cruise to get your “free” money’s worth. I’d chose a full Panama Canal cruise for that reason. I love our Alaska cruise too. Carib cruises don’t interest me as much as many of the island have a similar feel.

 

I prefer to sail East to West as it’s easier to gain an hour every few days vs. lose one. 
 

I see that you are from Las Vegas so you’ll have to fly to FTL at least 1 day before the cruise. So the flight and hotel will add to your cost. On the way home, you’ll have a short cheap flight from CA.

I considered that as well. 
But -- if I sailed out of SAN DIEGO, then a hotel would not be needed (in S.D. nor FORT LAUD).  I would fly in the morning of the cruise.  I can get a 73 minute flight that gets me into SAN DIEGO at 8:55am ... and I would have almost 7 hours to get to the ship.  Which is, 1.6 miles away. 

 

I am looking at both options, trust me.  And, I never even thought about gaining the hours ea day!!! 

 

Thanks friend.

 

---Matthew

[MisterMatthew]

10 hours ago, 0106 said:

A full transit (not Sunfarer) of the Panama Canal is my recommendation.  There will be opportunities for snorkeling and enjoy the beach on a PC cruise so it contains a bit of a Caribbean feel too.  
This would probably be the most reasonable airfare for you too.  

0106

 

I think you are right... and thank you (and others) for clearing up the confusion.  And, furnishing me with the term "full transit".  :)

 

----Matthew

[Sea42]

Just be aware that the taxes & fees will be higher for a cruise through the canal. The ships pay a set amount for passage and that is divided among the passengers. They are quite a bit higher than other cruises. Maybe someone who has done the cruise can comment on what that amount is.

[MisterMatthew]

9 hours ago, Mary229 said:

The Zaandam is a small, intimate ship, one of my favorites.  The inside cabins tend to be larger than on the newer ships.  As I understand it with the promotional cabins you are assigned and don’t get to pick where on the shop.  If you can avoid 6 forward as it can be noisy from the theater below.     Anywhere on the Caribbean would be fine, unlike the west coast the water is warm.  . Me, I would do the Panama Canal as I have never done the transit.  

Hi Mary!!

 

Good to know.  Yeah, the Panama Canal intrigues me.  Oh, I called my HAL cruise consultant -- the same person I used back in April -- and he did say "yes, you can choose your cabin number... and a small upcharge will occur".  That is what I did on Zuidy, and I chose a "large interior" as opposed to an "interior".  So, that was that.

 

I do need to decide pretty soon.

 

---Matthew

[MisterMatthew]

2 hours ago, Sherry H said:

Hey Matthew, got the same offer from my favorite casino as you did.  I am also trying to decide what cruise to take.  Leaning towards the Zaandam thru the canal.

Sherry, way to go.

Perhaps I will see you onboard.  :)

 

---Matthew