Conference abbott::cruise_travel

65.0. "Florida Discounts" by CGVAX2::KAZAZIAN () Mon Jan 09 1989 08:18

    I'm glad to be able to get back into the file.
    
    I think i've finally convinced my hub-a-rooni to cruise with me!
    We are hoping to leave April 1 on the Noordam for the East Caribbean.
    I'm very happy to be on a Holland America ship, the standards are
    so high and the week so elegant.  I know that perhaps the media
    age will be 'older' than we are, but that doesn't really matter
    now does it?
    
    What I wanted to tell you all about was this cruise place my brother
    in law found while in Florida.  Mind you, this is the professional
    cruiser i mentioned in another note - 9 or 10 cruises, Florida at
    least twice a year.  They have an inside cabin on the Noordam -
    cruise only - for $695.00 out of Ft. Lauderdale (Per person of course!)
    The number - not toll free but they do call you back when they know
    you are out of town:  407-898-5353, I spoke to 'Chuck'.
    
    I called some of the places mentioned here, Ship-Shop and others,
    but none could meet or beat the price.  
    
    What has me a teensy bit weary??  Chuck told us that this is a Florida
    resident price, and that we should "hook-up" with some Flroidians
    and act like we are cruising with them.  My sister and her husband
    said this never was an issue when they booked via this discount
    house.  Another thing is that  he seems to be pushing the "Seabreeze"
    which is a new "Dolphin" ship.  I guess the Dolphin was a 3-4 day
    ship and now the Seabreeze is a 7-day ship.  My brother in law has
    told me the Dolphin was a barnicle barge in comparison to most ships.
    Chuck says the Seabreeze is great for the price, with none of that
    "formality" stuff... egadz!  no dinner jackets??
    
    Comments?  Anyone been on the Noordam?  I know Holland America is
    superb, the Noordam is fairly new isn't it?  How about the date
    of sail?
    
    Any comments are appreciated, i'm glad to be back in touch!
    
    angela
    

    Hi Angela,

    Love that Noordam!  My wife and I spent 14 days on the Noordam, Mexican
    Riveria cruise in 85.  You'll love that ship!

    One recommendation I do have for you is to get a cabin as far forward,
    away from the engines as possible.  The Noordam and her sister ship the
    New Amsterdam both have an engine vibration problem due to their
    design.  The further from the engines you are the better.  This does
    not prove to be a problem unless you are prone to sea-sickness then it
    aggravates the situation.  Other than that everything on her was ship
    shape and a.o.k!

    Does that Florida price include air?  How long has that Florida place
    been in business?  Have you checked with the cruise lines regarding
    their dealings with that agency?

    Joe

    
    Thanks for the info Joe.  The name of the company is "Cruises Only".
    The referral I have is from my sister and her husband.  They have
    a friend that booked and rec'd tickets for a cruise also, everything
    went smoothly.  Has anyone else heard about them or dealt with them?
    
    thanks for the engine trouble tip!