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Received this from Fodors.com and spotted the $1,399 "lowest fare" for a "Mediterranean Romance" cruise under the "Economic Stimulus" promotion. When I attempted to book, the lowest fare didn't appear anywhere-- not even "closed" fares, that presumably are fully booked. The lowest fare-- and it is "closed"-- is nearly twice the $1,300 quoted in the promotion sent to me by Fodors. So I'd like to know what's up, other than bait and switch.
New Holland America promotion
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There are usually a lot of conditions of the "lowest fares". Specify the ship, date, cabin category and we can check it out.
When it comes to Holland Anerica you need to specify the ship, i.e. the Veendam is a notorious "sick" ship. Overall, Holland America ships accounted for almost 80% of the "sick" (horrendous Norovirus epidemics) ships in 2008 according to the CDC website (they post cruise ships monthly Hygiene Inspection Reports). For years the problems have been identified as the water piping maintenance, which will require a massive overhaul of their water conveyance systems. Holland America has not scheduled this work yet. I would not risk going on the Veendam is THEY pay me.
What are the statistics on the Maasdam? Thanks.
I would. Just need to find out what sailing they will pay me for, LOL.
I just checked the CDC website and all Holland America ships except one, scored 90 and above. Viajero2, where did you get your information?
We worked with a travel agent, who got us oceanview cabins on HAL's 16 day Asia cruise for $1999. It was a better price than what we saw online. I would check with a travel agent to see what offer they can get for you.
See the CDC chart below. Its true that HAL is sub-optimal but as you can see in 2008 the CDC reported 15 outbreaks on cruise ships. 7 were on HAL ships. That is just below 50%. Its not good but its also not 80% either.
http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/vsp/surv/GIlist.htm.
Happy Cruisisng!
Oops.
It was 6, not 7 so that equals 40%.
Ok Larry - its back to school for you!!!
Either that or I need new glasses.
We sailed on the Veendam again in the spring, May 31 2009, from Vancouver Canada to our home town here in Seward Alaska and have to say it rated as one of the best cruise experiences we have had to date. Saying that the Veendam is a notorious "sick" ship is like saying their are no halibut in Alaska because I didn't catch one yesterday.
Secondly, the Norovirus is typically transported to the ship by an infected passenger. Once onboard the confinment of the ship it does spread rapidly.
Other, more common, names for Norovirus:
* 1. Stomach Flu
* 2. Food Poisoning
* 3. Gastroenteritis
The Veendam is an incredible ship and one of our all time favorites. We are very sad to see that she will not be returning to Alaska next summer but will instead be visiting Bermuda instead. At the same time we do welcome the MS Amsterdam with her amazing 14 day itinerary to the Alaskan waters. We have already booked our passage for her June 14th Alaskan Adventurer voyage.
On Sept. 14th we will be taking the Coral Princess from Whittier to Vancouver as we take our son back to college in Spokane WA. This will be our first cruise out of Whittier but seeing we would be in Anchorage it was just a great time to give it a try. Besides, Why fly if you can cruise?