HA and Caribbean honeymoon?

legrass

legrass

Deck Crew
Hi, I'm arranging my honeymoon Caribbean cruise...first cruise for us,
I'm really struggling choosing the best for us... I've been told Holland is great,
not crowned ect....anyway but finding "the ship" is not easy for a newcomer..for instance we want a good level
SPA/wellness centre.
Would you please help me with the following ships? Any comment?
Are they particularly different or, in your opinion well/not well suited
for honeymooners/first cruisers?

23 dec Zuiderdam 10 nigths
23 dec Noordam 14 nigths
24 dec Westerdam 14 nigths
27 dec Maasdam 12 nigths

Any comment is really appreciate, thanks
 
Krazy Kruizers

Krazy Kruizers

Holland America Specialist
Welcome to Cruise @ddicts.

The Maasdam is the smallest of the ships listed -- and the oldest. Here thermo pool (not free) was an add on a few years ago -- it is small. That itinerary is great.

The other 3 ships belong to the Vista class ships. The Zuiderdam is the oldest of those 3. Both the Zuiderdam and the Westerdam -- the Crow's Nest is shared with the Explorations Cafe/Internet/Library. The Noordam is the newest of this group of ships -- and the Crow's Nest is the nicest of the 3 ships -- not shared with anything.

Of the 3 Vista class ships -- I love the Noordam the best. But looking at her schedule -- Falmouth, Jamaica is not really open for business -- the pier is complete -- but nothing area and the area is not safe to walk in.

If you have never seen the Panama Canal -- Zuiderdam's partial Canal cruise gives you a taste of what it is like going through the locks.

Westerdam -- love this ship as well.

All three ships had a built in Thermal Pool and larger spa facilities.

If I had to choose between the 4 itineraries I would choose the Westerdam.
 
legrass

legrass

Deck Crew
thanks, Krazy Kruizers..yes, Westerdam or Noordam as second choice..can I ask you whether the ocean view worth its money on the inside one? Consider is our first cruise...
and another question is how much do packages such as spa and restaurant cost on Holland? On their website you can see only providing a reservation number..thanks again
 
Krazy Kruizers

Krazy Kruizers

Holland America Specialist
The Westerdam and Noordam both have the Pinnacle Restaurant -- lunch is $10 per person and dinner is $20 per person. Both ships also have the Canaletto which is open only for dinner and is Free.

I would definitely choose an ocean view cabin if you can afford it.

The spa prices are never listed on HAL's site -- you actually have to have a booking number and then begin the process of actually booking something.

I found this:



Ionithermie Algae Detox - 50 minutes $159, 3 sessions #399, In Port Price $143

Hydra Lift Facial - 50 minutes $119, In Port Price $109

Aroma Seaweed Massage - 90 minutes $195 or 120 minutes $259, In Port: $179/$210

Aroma Stone Therapy Massage (fantastic, did this twice!) 75 minutes $195, 50 minutes $145, In Port $176 - 75 minutes

Absolute Face and Body Experience - 1 1/2 hours - $195, In Port Price $155

Exotic Lime an dGingle Salt Glow - 50 minutes $155, 1 1/2 hours $199

Reflexology Massage - 50 minutes $119

Full Body Massage 50 minutes $119

Sports or Deep Tissue Massage 50 minutes $129

Couples Float Ritual - $199

Couples Massage 2X50 minutes $269

Note there were were many in-port specials and sea day specials we well.

Thermal Suite day packages were $20/pp - includes the thermal suites, steam rooms, whirlpool and heated beds.

One spa special was Ladies and Gents Pamper Package for $99 - Mini facial, collagen eye treatment, back,neck & shoulder massage, foot & angkle massage, scalp massage and a day pass in the thermal suite.

Another special was choose three of the following for $99 - hydrating mini facial, scalp massage, foot/ankle massage, lime and ginger body exfoliation or stone massage.

The last sea day there was 30% of all Signature treatments - hot stones massage, seaweed massage, hydralife facial and ionithermie.

There were always spa specials every single day, but those I listed above were ones specifically noted in the daily program.

The above prices change from ship to ship and are just a smaple.

As for the thermo pool -- the prices seem to be all over the place -- once you have decided on which ship you want and book it -- call Ship Services at 1-800-541-1576 to get prices. I have seen them range from $150 to $175 for one week.
 
Calgon1

Calgon1

Awaiting results of mental evaluation
Go with the Vista class ship. The gym is much more extensive and, even though the ship is larger, you won't feel crowded ...

Ahhh. An another take on the choice of cabin. Normally, I tell folks to take the inside cabin and save the difference in costs. Especially since they won't be in the cabin that much.

In your case however ... a honeymoon ... go ahead and get the balcony! :whistle:



Oh, and congratulations !!!!!:clap:
 
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