Need help from experienced cruisers!

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Big Dog

Guest
Help!

Our first cruise was scheduled to be this December on the Volendam. (10th anniversary) Today, my wife's employer tells her she cannot have vacation at that time, because the company is moving to it's new facilities in early December and they need everyone there.

So after hearing this through her crying on my voice mail today (she was REALLY looking forward to it) I need an alternate plan. We could go early November (most likely) or by mid January. Can anyone make a solid suggestion during these time frames for a good ship and cruise? I had done a ton of research between the Volendam and the Zuiderdam and decided the Volendam was a better choice. (Still concerned about the Zuiderdam shaking out its problems...also, we found the 10 day cruise appealing). But I had not had not really looked at other ships or sailings.

We have been sold on HAL because of a friend who worked on the ships for 6 years. Although younger than the average HAL passengers (33,38), we are not big party people, and don't need loud festive crowds to be happy.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanx!!!
 
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gizmo

Guest
There is a 10 Volendam cruise Nov 1. (Seafarer) Ports are Bonaire, Margarita, St. Lucia, Dominica, St. Thomas, Half Moon.

This might even be the same itinerary of your Dec cruise.

Take a look at Hal's site. Right now I have trouble getting in, but it should clear up.
 
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bOB

Guest
Volendam was an excellent choice, your friend didn't sell you short and with exception of certain itineraries, the age group is a more spry, 50's so you should fit in well. Ship is comfortable and well laid out as are all the Statendam class ships.
 
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BurBunny

Guest
In addition to the November 1 sailing of the Volendam, there is a special Big Band sailing on November 11 with the Harry James Orchestra onboard. Ports are Curacao, Isla Margarita, Martinique, Trinidad, St. Thomas and Half Moon Cay. Come join us! I'm 37, so would love to have more thirtysomethings aboard :)
 
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Big Dog

Guest
qizmo, bOB, and BurBunny, thanks very much for your replies.

We drafted a letter to the director of my wife's department last night, hoping for consideration. Its about a 10% chance.

BurBunny,

We did look at the Nov. 11th sailing...it is over my birthday. Maybe you could help though. Is this designed for dancers? We don't do any ballroom dancing, so I was concerned about it. Or am I mistaken about it's theme, and if I am, could you clue me in on exaclty what goes on and who is attracted to a 'Big Band' themed cruise?


Thanks!
 
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Starrr

Guest
Hi Big Dog. You asked the question of what type of crowd does a big band attract.
It will attract lots of older folks like me who are dancing fools. The longer the cruise the more gray hair you will see. Don't worry they go to sleep early by 11p.m. I stay up til 2a.m.
at the disco with the younger crowd.lol.

Based on your ages, I would suggest you do "back to back" 7 day cruises. You will have a better mixer of ages and you get to meet new people on each cruise.

Open your horizon and look at other cruise lines too. Look for the newer ships being launched this coming year. You will be surprised how much fun you can have on any
new cruise ship. It is very exciting. I am waiting for the Diamond Princess to show up
in Los Angeles/San Pedro port soon.
 
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Dancing Queen

Guest
I'll be on the Volendam's November 21st sailing. It's a 10 day cruise that spans Thanksgiving. I'm 34 and my travel buddy, BurBunny, has previously disclosed her age as 37. More 30 somethings would be most welcome!
 
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