2008 JC Cruise

Kristie · November 18th, 2007, 16:32

The thought came up at NJC about having some more "fun" outings next year and since I don't really want to have to plan/work it, the idea of taking a cruise came up.

It'd have to be at a point that doesn't conflict with the Camping Weekend and we, for obvious reasons, can't schedule it in September or October (well, you could but doug and I wouldn't be able to make it).

So, i'm open for ideas?! Perx.com usually lists the best F&F fare cruises and they have a lot of good Alaska, Western Carribean and/or Baja Mexico type cruises that might be fun.

Personally, I've ridden both Holland America and Princess and prefer Holland America simply because the service was a lot better and employees were nicer and catered more to the pax vs the employees.

We could do a 3-day up to a 7-day depending on where people want to do and what cruise line/when....

If we plan out this far in advance, the odds of getting our vacation times squared away might make it easier.

BCTAv8r · November 18th, 2007, 16:39

I'd go if you guys were to opt for one that left out of one of the ports down here.

Bumblebee · November 19th, 2007, 01:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kristie

The thought came up at NJC about having some more "fun" outings next year and since I don't really want to have to plan/work it, the idea of taking a cruise came up.

It'd have to be at a point that doesn't conflict with the Camping Weekend and we, for obvious reasons, can't schedule it in September or October (well, you could but doug and I wouldn't be able to make it).

So, i'm open for ideas?! Perx.com usually lists the best F&F fare cruises and they have a lot of good Alaska, Western Carribean and/or Baja Mexico type cruises that might be fun.

Personally, I've ridden both Holland America and Princess and prefer Holland America simply because the service was a lot better and employees were nicer and catered more to the pax vs the employees.

We could do a 3-day up to a 7-day depending on where people want to do and what cruise line/when....

If we plan out this far in advance, the odds of getting our vacation times squared away might make it easier.

Funny you should bring this up . . . We just rode Holland America and heard that we may have a better experience (closer to our age) on Royal Caribbean. (I was just about tackled by people using walkers trying to beat me to the buffet!)

Winnie and I were just discussing this cruise! I will contact Mark and see when Allie could make it (I know she was saying August) and there just happens to be a RC Alaska cruise in August around the 22nd.

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/findac...false&x=60&y=5

ASpilot2be · November 19th, 2007, 01:51

If you come to Alaska, wave when you go by

If it stops in Haines let me know, or even Skagway. It is possibly a free boat ride over

Kristie · November 19th, 2007, 03:04

I too have heard Royal Caribbean is a good cruise line to go with

I think only Holland America goes to Haines still doesn't it?!

ASpilot2be · November 19th, 2007, 03:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kristie

I think only Holland America goes to Haines still doesn't it?!

Sadly it appears only the Dam ships will be serving Haines. It appears only the Ryndam and Statendam will be pulling in, alternating Wednesdays between the two. They will be in town for 14 hours.

Oh, if you do the Alaska cruise, I will put the offer out to take anyone fishing for Salmon in the families boat.

Bumblebee · November 19th, 2007, 10:25

Win and I did decide we would like to go on something more modern next time, but we'll revisit the discussion about the Dam ships as well. . . We just went on the Zaandam. Segs'll get back to me about the time frame, and Allie's availablity.

Kristie · November 19th, 2007, 12:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by ASpilot2be

Sadly it appears only the Dam ships will be serving Haines. It appears only the Ryndam and Statendam will be pulling in, alternating Wednesdays between the two. They will be in town for 14 hours.

Oh, if you do the Alaska cruise, I will put the offer out to take anyone fishing for Salmon in the families boat.

WOW! that's a tremendously nice offer Alec...you know.. the excursions is where they always get you.....

We've been on the Ryndam...i thought it was a nice boat! The only thing i didn't like is that we couldn't really get really good espresso/cappucino...it came out of some machine, not quite made like most coffee shops. What didn't you like about hte Zaandam?

Bumblebee · November 20th, 2007, 12:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kristie

WOW! that's a tremendously nice offer Alec...you know.. the excursions is where they always get you.....

We've been on the Ryndam...i thought it was a nice boat! The only thing i didn't like is that we couldn't really get really good espresso/cappucino...it came out of some machine, not quite made like most coffee shops. What didn't you like about hte Zaandam?

The Zaandam was an older design. The average age of the other passengers was 69 years old. I talked with one of the staff and he suggested we try Royal Carribean. The daily dinner was more like a catered dinner than fresh service. The design of the ship was not very modern. We would like to try a more modern design. More chrome and glass . . .less wood panel cigar bar design. I think the company we keep will overcome the ship, however

Doug Taylor · November 20th, 2007, 13:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by bumblebee

I think the company we keep will overcome the ship, however

Exactly. We partied our brains out on an Alaskan cruise!

N826AW · November 20th, 2007, 15:28

Flippin' Sweet idea. I went on a Royal Caribbean (Enchantment of the Seas) cruise about 6 years ago and we had a great time. The trip was almost a disaster due to some unforseen circumstances on RCCL's part, but they handled it really well and we were very pleased.

A family member of mine has cruised with Holland America and Royal Caribbean in the past. She has enjoys Holland America but she agreed they tend to cater to an older crowd.

Kristie · November 20th, 2007, 15:33

I've heard that the royal carribean boats are nice boats!! don't know much about the Alaska cruises vs the carribean but have heard that the carribean cruises are fun on them.

I'd be open to an Alaska as long as it includes a Hubbard Glacier stop because that is, by far, the BEST excursion yet and doesn't even compare to Glacier Bay.... mostly because you can't fully explore Glacier Bay but you can get up really close to Hubbard Glacier.

Bumblebee · November 20th, 2007, 16:56

I think that the cruises leaving from Vancouver cruises by Hubbard, is that what you mean by Hubbard stop? The cruise is called
7 Night Alaska Hubbard Glacier Cruise
so that would work . . .??? I just don't see a stop where you could go on an excursion.

N826AW · November 20th, 2007, 17:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kristie

I've heard that the royal carribean boats are nice boats!! don't know much about the Alaska cruises vs the carribean but have heard that the carribean cruises are fun on them.

I'd be open to an Alaska as long as it includes a Hubbard Glacier stop because that is, by far, the BEST excursion yet and doesn't even compare to Glacier Bay.... mostly because you can't fully explore Glacier Bay but you can get up really close to Hubbard Glacier.

Royal Caribbean's ships are pretty nice. And most of them are new, though they tend to be pretty long so I don't know if they do the inner passage.

I think if I went on an Alaska cruise I would be obligated to take a helicopter ride to one of the glaciers. Touristy I know, but still pretty cool.

Seggy · November 21st, 2007, 01:43

I want to go on a cruise SOOOO badly. The thing is a seven night cruise for a lot of us regional folk is going to be nearly impossible to bid around. I would take vacation, but only have one week till October '08 and am going to use it in April to go to Europe.

ready2fly · November 21st, 2007, 10:18

With R2F3 due sometime around July, it's doubtful we'll have the time/funds to attend. That said, I recommend Royal Carribean.

Hootie · November 21st, 2007, 21:26

I went on Royal Carribean once and it rocked!

Kristie · November 22nd, 2007, 01:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by bumblebee

I think that the cruises leaving from Vancouver cruises by Hubbard, is that what you mean by Hubbard stop? The cruise is called
7 Night Alaska Hubbard Glacier Cruise
so that would work . . .??? I just don't see a stop where you could go on an excursion.

there is no excursion at Hubbard Glacier... the ship going into the bay and as close to the glacier as possible IS the excusion... and it's a pretty big deal too! you typically stay for a few hours, it's extremely cold but you get to see and hear the ice crack/fall and it's simply AMAZING!!

Alaska is one of those trips where you want a major zoomable camera AND a pair of binoculars with you at all times.

The trips from Vancover to Seward or vice versa are typicall the best and where you really get to see the most of alaska.

but yea, that's what i mean by the "hubbard" stop.