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Inside Stateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, shower. Approximately 148-203 square feet Door width...-
Inside Staterooms - Category N
NAUD $1,063
total per person -
Inside Staterooms - Category MM
MMAUD $1,063
total per person -
Inside Stateroom - Category M
MAUD $1,073
total per person -
Inside Staterooms - Category L
LAUD $1,082
total per person -
Inside Stateroom - Category K
KAUD $1,092
total per person -
Inside Stateroom - Category J
JAUD $1,102
total per person -
Inside Stateroom - Category I
IAUD $1,112
total per person
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Fully Obstructed View Stateroom
Cabins have fully obstructed ocean views by life boats 2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed,... -
Partially Obstructed View Stateroom
Cabins have partial obstructed ocean views by life boats 2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed,...-
Partial Obstructed view Cabin-Category G
GAUD $1,219
total per person
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Large Ocean View Stateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bathtub, shower. Approximately 174–180 sq. ft. Luxurious...-
Large OceanView Stateroom - Category F
FAUD $1,336
total per person -
Large OceanView Stateroom - Category E
EAUD $1,355
total per person -
Large OceanView Stateroom - Category DD
DDAUD $1,375
total per person -
Large OceanView Stateroom - Category D
DAUD $1,394
total per person -
Large OceanView Stateroom - Category C
CAUD $1,414
total per person
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Deluxe Verandah Stateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed bathtub & shower sitting area, private verandah ...-
Deluxe Verandah OceanView - Category VH
VHAUD $1,472
total per person -
Deluxe Verandah OceanView - Category VF
VFAUD $1,472
total per person -
Deluxe Verandah OceanView - Category VE
VEAUD $1,502
total per person -
Deluxe Verandah OceanView - Category VD
VDAUD $1,531
total per person -
Deluxe Verandah OceanView - Category VC
VCAUD $1,560
total per person -
Deluxe Verandah OceanView - Category VB
VBAUD $1,589
total per person -
Deluxe Verandah OceanView - Category VA
VAAUD $1,619
total per person
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Signature Suite
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bathroom with dual-sink vanity, full-size whirlpool bath & shower &... -
Neptune Suite
2 lower beds convertible to 1 king-size bed, bathroom with dual sink vanity, full-size whirlpool bath, shower and... -
Pinnacle Suite
Bedroom with 1 king-size bed, oversize whirlpool bath & shower & additional shower stall, living room, dining room,...-
Pinnacle Suite - Category PS
PSAUD $6,152
total per person
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Inside Stateroom
- 2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, shower.
- Approximately 148-203 square feet
- Door width 23''
- Luxurious beds featuring Sealy® Premium Euro-Top mattresses and finely woven cotton linens
- Deluxe waffle weave and terry cloth bathrobes for use during your voyage
- 100% Egyptian cotton towels
- Premium massage showerheads
- 5X magnifying make-up mirrors and salon-quality hair dryer
- Fragrant soaps, lotions, shampoo and other bath amenities from Elemis Aromapure
- Complimentary fresh fruit on request
- Elegant ice bucket and serving tray for in-stateroom beverages
- Flat-panel TV and DVD player
- Ice service, shoeshine service and nightly turndown service
The configuration of Accessible Staterooms may vary from the non-accessible stateroom shown here. To view schematics of specific accessible staterooms please check Deck Plans.
Fully Obstructed View Stateroom
- Cabins have fully obstructed ocean views by life boats
- 2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bathtub, shower. Approximately 174 sq. ft.
- Luxurious beds featuring Sealy® Premium Euro-Top mattresses and finely woven cotton linens
- Deluxe waffle weave and terry cloth bathrobes for use during your voyage
- 100% Egyptian cotton towels
- Premium massage showerheads
- 5X magnifying make-up mirrors and salon-quality hair dryers
- Fragrant soaps, lotions, shampoo and other bath amenities from Elemis Aromapure
- Complimentary fresh fruit on request
- Elegant ice bucket and serving tray for in-stateroom beverages
- Flat-panel TV and DVD player
- Ice service, shoeshine service and nightly turndown service
Partially Obstructed View Stateroom
- Cabins have partial obstructed ocean views by life boats
- 2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bathtub, shower. Approximately 174 sq. ft.
- Luxurious beds featuring Sealy® Premium Euro-Top mattresses and finely woven cotton linens
- Deluxe waffle weave and terry cloth bathrobes for use during your voyage
- 100% Egyptian cotton towels
- Premium massage showerheads
- 5X magnifying make-up mirrors and salon-quality hair dryers
- Fragrant soaps, lotions, shampoo and other bath amenities from Elemis Aromapure
- Complimentary fresh fruit on request
- Elegant ice bucket and serving tray for in-stateroom beverages
- Flat-panel TV and DVD player
- Ice service, shoeshine service and nightly turndown service
Some cabins have full ocean views. Please use cabin numbers to verify.
Large Ocean View Stateroom
- 2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bathtub, shower. Approximately 174–180 sq. ft.
- Luxurious beds featuring Sealy® Premium Euro-Top mattresses and finely woven cotton linens
- Deluxe waffle weave and terry cloth bathrobes for use during your voyage
- 100% Egyptian cotton towels
- Premium massage showerheads
- 5X magnifying make-up mirrors and salon-quality hair dryers
- Fragrant soaps, lotions, shampoo and other bath amenities from Elemis Aromapure
- Complimentary fresh fruit on request
- Elegant ice bucket and serving tray for in-stateroom beverages
- Flat-panel TV and DVD player
- Ice service, shoeshine service and nightly turndown service
The configuration of Accessible Staterooms may vary from the non-accessible stateroom shown here. To view schematics of specific accessible staterooms please check Deck Plans
Signature Suite
- Teak-lined private verandah
- A variety of firm, medium and soft pillows
- Premium duvet; oversized bath towels; and soft, cotton bathrobes and slippers
- No-host mini-bar for easy entertaining
- Personalized cruise stationery
- One-touch telephone concierge service
- Fresh flowers
- Umbrellas for your use on the cruise
- Mariner's Dream™ bed featuring a plush Euro-Top mattress and finely woven cotton linens
- Luxurious bathrobes for use during your voyage
- 100% Egyptian cotton towels
- Premium massage showerheads
- 5X magnifying make-up mirrors and salon-quality hair dryers
- Fragrant soaps, lotions, shampoo and other bath amenities from Elemis Aromapure
- Complimentary fresh fruit on request
- Elegant ice bucket and serving tray for in-stateroom beverages
- Flat-panel TV and DVD player
- Complimentary DVD library
- Ice service, shoeshine service and nightly turndown service
Neptune Suite
- A very special amenity exclusively for guests cruising in a Neptune or Pinnacle Suite, the industry-leading Neptune Lounge features a private place to relax, socialize with other suite guests and enjoy the personalized service of a concierge. The fleet-wide lounges provide worktables, large screen television, library, sofas and chairs, refreshments throughout the day and Wi-Fi for a small charge. One-Touch 24-hour Concierge Service is available when the Neptune Lounge is closed.
- Complimentary laundry, pressing and dry cleaning throughout your cruise
- Complimentary sparkling wine served in the Neptune Lounge upon embarkation
- Complimentary bottled water provided in suite at embarkation
- Gorgeous corsages and boutonnieres for the first formal night
- Cold hors d'oeuvres served before dinner each evening on request
- Binoculars and umbrellas for your use on the cruise
- Cocktail party with ship officers
- Priority boarding for tendered ports of call
- Special disembarkation service
- Priority dining and seating requests
- Exclusive daily breakfast service
- High tea service in suite on request
- Teak-lined private verandah
- A variety of firm, medium and soft pillows
- Premium duvet; oversized bath towels; and soft, cotton bathrobes and slippers
- No-host mini-bar for easy entertaining
- Personalized cruise stationery
- One-touch telephone concierge service
- Fresh flowers
- Umbrellas for your use on the cruise
- Our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed featuring a plush Euro-Top mattress and finely woven cotton linens
- Luxurious bathrobes for use during your voyage
- 100% Egyptian cotton towels
- Premium massage showerheads
- 5X magnifying make-up mirrors and salon-quality hair dryers
- Fragrant soaps, lotions, shampoo and other bath amenities from Elemis Aromapure
- Complimentary fresh fruit on request
- Elegant ice bucket and serving tray for in-stateroom beverages
- Flat-panel TV and DVD player
- Complimentary DVD library
- Ice service, shoeshine service and nightly turndown service
Pinnacle Suite
- A very special amenity exclusively for guests cruising in a Neptune or Pinnacle Suite, the industry-leading Neptune Lounge features a private place to relax, socialize with other suite guests and enjoy the personalized service of a concierge. The fleet-wide lounges provide worktables, large screen television, library, sofas and chairs, refreshments throughout the day and Wi-Fi for a small charge. One-Touch 24-hour Concierge Service is available when the Neptune Lounge is closed.
- Complimentary laundry, pressing and dry cleaning throughout your cruise
- Complimentary sparkling wine served in the Neptune Lounge upon embarkation
- Complimentary bottled water provided in suite at embarkation
- Gorgeous corsages and boutonnieres for the first formal night
- Cold hors d'oeuvres served before dinner each evening on request
- Binoculars and umbrellas for your use on the cruise
- Cocktail party with ship officers
- Priority boarding for tendered ports of call
- Special disembarkation service
- Priority dining and seating requests
- Exclusive daily breakfast service
- High tea service in suite on request
- Teak-lined private verandah
- A variety of firm, medium and soft pillows
- Premium duvet; oversized bath towels; and soft, cotton bathrobes and slippers
- No-host mini-bar for easy entertaining
- Personalized cruise stationery
- One-touch telephone concierge service
- Fresh flowers
- Umbrellas for your use on the cruise
- Mariner's Dream™ bed featuring a plush Euro-Top mattress and finely woven cotton linens
- Luxurious bathrobes for use during your voyage
- 100% Egyptian cotton towels
- Premium massage showerheads
- 5X magnifying make-up mirrors and salon-quality hair dryers
- Fragrant soaps, lotions, shampoo and other bath amenities from Elemis Aromapure
- Complimentary fresh fruit on request
- Elegant ice bucket and serving tray for in-stateroom beverages
- Flat-panel TV and DVD player
- Complimentary DVD library
- Ice service, shoeshine service and nightly turndown service
Deck 4 - Upper Promenade
Inside Staterooms - Category N
Deck 8 - Navigation Deck
Inside Staterooms - Category MM
Deck 7 - Rotterdam Deck
Inside Stateroom - Category M
Multiple Decks
Inside Staterooms - Category L
Multiple Decks
Inside Stateroom - Category K
Deck 1 - Main Deck
Inside Stateroom - Category J
Multiple Decks
Inside Stateroom - Category I
Deck 4 - Upper Promenade
Fully Obstructed View Cabin-Category H
Deck 4 - Upper Promenade
Fully Obstructed View Cabin-Category HH
Deck 4 - Upper Promenade
Partial Obstructed view Cabin-Category G
Deck 1 - Main Deck
Large OceanView Stateroom - Category F
Deck 1 - Main Deck
Large OceanView Stateroom - Category E
Deck 1 - Main Deck
Large OceanView Stateroom - Category DD
Multiple Decks
Large OceanView Stateroom - Category D
Deck 1 - Main Deck
Large OceanView Stateroom - Category C
Deck 4 - Upper Promenade
Deluxe Verandah OceanView - Category VH
Multiple Decks
Deluxe Verandah OceanView - Category VF
Multiple Decks
Deluxe Verandah OceanView - Category VE
Multiple Decks
Deluxe Verandah OceanView - Category VD
Multiple Decks
Deluxe Verandah OceanView - Category VC
Multiple Decks
Deluxe Verandah OceanView - Category VB
Multiple Decks
Deluxe Verandah OceanView - Category VA
Multiple Decks
Signature Suites - Category SY
Deck 8 - Navigation Deck
Signature Suites - Category SZ
Deck 6 - Upper Verandah Deck
Signature Suites - Category SS
Multiple Decks
Neptune Suites - Category SC
Multiple Decks
Neptune Suite - Category SB
Deck 7 - Rotterdam Deck
Neptune Suite - Category SA
Deck 7 - Rotterdam Deck
Pinnacle Suite - Category PS
Please note: All prices featured are per person (unless otherwise stated), and include non commission fares (taxes, fees and port expenses). Prices and availability are subject to change due to changes made by the Cruise Companies. Prices quoted are based on payments made via BPAY or bank transfer. Visa and Mastercard payments incur a 1.5% transaction fee.
Itinerary
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Day 1
San Diego Depart: Sat, Jan 4, 2020 @ 17:00 -
Day 2
At SeaSun, Jan 5, 2020
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Day 3
Cabo San LucasArrive: Mon, Jan 6, 2020 @ 10:00
Depart: Mon, Jan 6, 2020 @ 18:00
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Day 4
MazatlanArrive: Tue, Jan 7, 2020 @ 08:00
Depart: Tue, Jan 7, 2020 @ 17:00
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Day 5
Puerto VallartaArrive: Wed, Jan 8, 2020 @ 08:00
Depart: Wed, Jan 8, 2020 @ 21:00
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Day 6
At SeaThu, Jan 9, 2020
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Day 7
At SeaFri, Jan 10, 2020
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Day 8
San Diego Arrive: Sat, Jan 11, 2020 @ 07:00
Onboard experience
Dining included in your Oosterdam ticket
- Vista Dining room: the ship’s main restaurant
- Lido Restaurant: buffet-style
- Canalettos: dinner-only Italian eatery (reservations required)
- Outdoor grill for burgers, fries and featuring a DIY taco bar
- Explorations Café: part of the ship’s Internet Café and Library, this is a great low-key place to grab a light snack
Speciality dining (not included in the Oosterdam price)
- Pinnacle Grill: Pacific Northwest Cuisine
Bars and Lounges
- At the heart of every Vista-Class ship is a specially commissioned signature sculpture, suspended in a three-story atrium. The ms Oosterdam features a magnificent globe, symbolic of Holland America's 132-year history of exploring the far corners of the world.
- The Crow's Nest offers sweeping 270° views during the day, and a hip, fashionable nightclub each evening
- Contemporary furnishings and a relaxed atmosphere -- these are the essential ingredients for the understated elegance of the Explorer's Lounge. This meeting place for friends old and new offers intimate seating for small gatherings.
- At your service is the Neptune Lounge's Concierge, exclusively available to Penthouse and Deluxe Verandah Suite guests. Relax here over breakfast pastries with your favourite newspaper, or gather for evening hors d'oeuvres and cocktails in this timeless, genteel setting.
- Stylish, jaunty tones and maritime motifs bring seasoned seafarers to the Ocean Bar. Rub shoulders with other "old salts" as you swap tales of journeys past.
- The sleek and futuristic Piano Bar is a study of form and function, texture and taste. Soak it all in as a talented musican nimbly tickles the ivories.
Kids Club
- Club HAL® — Kids*: Children, ages 3-7, can participate in such activities as pirate treasure hunts, storytelling, "Little Artists" crafts, ice cream sundae parties and a farewell pajama party. All children must be at least three years of age at the time of sailing and completely toilet trained
- Club HAL® — Tweens*: Tweens, ages 8-12 take part in Xbox tournaments, relay races, scavenger hunts, karaoke disco parties and participate in the award-winning National Park Service Jr. Ranger Alaska Program.
- The Loft for Teens*: Teens, ages 13-17 enjoy mocktail mixology classes, late night sporting competitions, hip hop classes, guys verses girls scavenger hunts, tech classes and teen-only night club events.
Art Classes
- The state-of-the-art demonstration kitchen for gourmet presentations, tasting events and intimate cooking classes.
- Will also show a selection of recently released to DVD movies, complete with complimentary popcorn
Entertainment
Oosterdam by day
The ship’s two dedicated enrichment areas, the Digital Workshop and the Culinary Arts Centre, are two of the best daytime entertainment options. More relaxed activities include watching a movie in the cosy cinema (free popcorn provided), enjoying a leisurely game of Ping Pong or trying your luck in an organised casino tournament.
Oosterdam pools, gyms and spas
Both of the Oosterdam’s pool areas are worth a visit; the largest one is located on the Lido Deck and features three whirlpools and caters for families, while the other is in an adults-only section of the ship.
The fitness centre is a good place to let off some steam – either use some of the gym’s equipment, such as treadmills and bikes, or join a group fitness class. Alternatively the basketball and volleyball courts are good spots to get the body moving.
Oosterdam nightlife
Come night fall the Oosterdam really comes to life, with guests swapping swimsuits and spa treatments for fine dining, live music and dancing.
The Vista Lounge plays host to excellent shows and live performances. While the performances vary throughout the year (and of course by location), most sailings will include a show by Stiletto Entertainment, a Holland America Line production group. There is also usually a comedy night, as well as magic shows.
Other great Oosterdam bars include the Northern Lights Disco - the best spot on ship to bust out your dancing moves - and the Piano Bar.
Oosterdam for families
The Oosterdam cruise ship is a family-friendly vessel, with several designated youth areas. Teenagers are bound to love The Loft, a teen club, while younger children will have a ball at Club HAL. There are organised youth programmes for three age groups (kids, tweens and teens), but parents may choose to find their own family friendly fun on board.
Families can’t go past the pool area for a great day out, while the video arcade is open to both kids and adults. Be sure to keep an eye on the movie schedule for family-friendly flicks, or make the most of your in-room DVD player for rainy day entertainment.
Mum and dad also have the option of enjoying a relaxing night out sans the kids, thanks to nighttime group babysitting. On some sailings private in-cabin babysitting may also be available.
Sports and Spa
- Work out on the high seas in a state-of-the-art fitness centre complete with machines, free weights, cardio equipment and a personal training consultant. Afterwards, re-hydrate yourself at the juice bar. On offer are carrot, apple, pineapple or vegetable blends -- good-for-you nectar of the gods!
- Features heavenly beauty and wellness rituals.
- Enjoy a facial, hot stone massage, steam in a thermal suite and have your hair and nails done for a special evening.
- Relax and rejuvenate in one of their huge hydrotherapy pools, bubbling with warm, therapeutic seawater.
- Surcharges apply and can be booked in conjunction with Thermal Suites and Spa.
- The Ocean Spa staff provides an array of tantalizing body treatments, from loofah scrubs to massages, in private therapy rooms.
Swimming
- Warm days with light, salty breezes are made for lounging poolside with an icy beverage in one hand and an epic novel in the other. Does this count as doing something or doing nothing? You'll soon know...
- The Sea View Pool aft of deck 9 is the ship's open air pool featuring two whirlpools and served by the Sea View Bar.
- The pool itself has a shallow area around the edge of it for sitting in to cool down.
- This pool is designated for adults only.
Internet
- Guests will be able to show and tell" their vacation memories, learning how to share all their digital memories through email, blogging and social networking - so friends and family can see where they've been cruising even before they return home. Free workshops taught by Microsoft-trained "techsperts" make it easy and fun, even for novices.
Stage Shows
- Smart and sophisticated, the Vista Lounge whispers excitement long before the curtain rises. Watch a dazzling off-Broadway show and, in a blaze of light and colour, you are instantly transported into another world.
Ship info
A mid-sized Holland America Line vessel, the Oosterdam cruise ship is an excellent ‘all-rounder’, offering everything you would expect from a ship in this size category. From fine dining to relaxing day spas, a holiday on board the Oosterdam will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
The ship underwent a refurbishment in 2009, bringing her up to speed with Holland America’s ‘Signature of Excellence’ campaign. A new bar was added, as well as two new eateries, a library, a movie room, enrichment facilities and 34 new cabins.
Inside Oosterdam
The interior décor on board Oosterdam is there to be admired. The designers have chosen bold, bright colours such as red, orange and gold, creating a feeling of luxury and decadence. The public areas are light and spacious, but thanks to the attentive service, the atmosphere on board is warm and intimate.
Oosterdam specs
The ship is 936 feet long and has 11 passenger decks. Her maximum capacity is 1,918 passengers, and maximum cruise speed is 24 knots. She set out for her maiden voyage from Rotterdam in 2003.
Oosterdam restaurants and bars
Master Chef Rudi Sodamin ensures the food on Oosterdam is delicious, innovative and fresh. A little spice here, a little sweetness there, the menus across the ship’s four restaurants will delight your taste buds.
Between the ship’s main dining room, the buffet and the specialty dining spaces, you will find all of your favourite classic dishes on board, as well as an impressive range of vegetarian options. You may choose to dine at specific seating times (5.45pm and 8pm in the Vista Dining Room), or make the most of ‘As You Wish’, Oosterdam’s flexible food service arrangement.
The Oosterdam bars are all warm and welcoming, especially the three-deck Vista lounge, with its plush red and gold interiors. Alternatively, the Piano Bar always draws a good crowd, thanks to the exceptional pianists, while the Northern Lights Disco is perfect for letting loose on the dance floor.
Things to do: Activities and entertainment on board Oosterdam
After a holiday on board the Oosterdam cruise ship you could come home a culinary genius, thanks to ship’s Culinary Arts Centre. In partnership with Food & Wine Magazine, this Centre offers a range of culinary classes, from cake decorating to garnishing.
If cooking isn’t your thing, then you might want to focus on your computer skills instead. Microsoft offers a Digital Workshop, the perfect chance to learn some tips and tricks from technology experts. There are seminars on photo editing, blogging and everything in between.
In addition to these two flagship enrichment programmes, guests can also entertain themselves with art auctions, language classes, sporting pursuits, trivia games and more.
Oosterdam itineraries and shore excursions
The Oosterdam’s schedule takes her all around the world; you could find her anywhere from Alaska to the Panama Canal. The excursions are therefore different in each location. One thing they do all have in common is their wonderful variety; no matter where the destination, the excursions have been carefully selected to suit a range of ages and interests.
Example shore excursions include whale watching in Vancouver, ziplining in the Caribbean and shopping in Seville.
Cabins on board the Oosterdam cruise ship
Whether you go for stateroom or suite, the Oosterdam rooms are all clean and comfortable and feature basic amenities such as televisions, DVD players, programmable safes, minibars and hair dryers. You will also be guaranteed a good night’s sleep in a ‘Euro-top’ bed.
The Oosterdam’s interior cabins, of which there are 154, are a great affordable option, including all the features mentioned above, and generously measuring between 170 and 200 square feet. The 165 outside cabins are of a similar size (185 feet).
Space is the main reason to choose a suite, as these range from 398 to 700 square feet (or 1000 square feet if you go for the Penthouse). It is important to note the suites do not come with butler service, however guests will have access to the exclusive Neptune Lounge.
- Vessel: Oosterdam
- Year: 2003
- Beam: 105
- Cruising speed: 24
- Bars/Lounges: 10
- Casino : 1
- Crew: 800
- Gross Tonnage: 82000
- Gym: Yes
- Onboard Currency: USD
- Passenger Capacity: 1848
- Show Lounge: 2
- Vessel: 3
- 24 Hour Room Service
- Spa &Salon
- Youth Facilites
Decks
Oosterdam - Deck Plans
Cruise reviews
- Food
- Entertainment
- Cabin
- Crew
- Price
- Value
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"Cruise away your worries"
Looking for a holiday where you can totally relax and forget about the hassles of life? Look no further, book a cruise! Cruising is an incredibly relaxing holiday and extremely good value. Besides your alcohol and land tours etc everything is included. Imagine room service for the length of your journey - well with cruising you can have this as part of the deal. My cruise was a Hollland American ship from Sydney to the South Pacific. The departure through the heads of Sydney Harbour is magical and from that moment it's total relaxation. A cruise is a mixture of sea and land days. The sea days are wonderfully organised by the crew and you can do as much or as little as you want. The days on land allow some great touring and once again the flexibility of doing your own thing or being organised as part of a bigger tour. The food is a highlight - lots of restaurants to choose from and bars as well . The happy hours are a great way to save money as well. The entertainment is first class with a nightly shows which entertains everyone. All in all a hassle free holiday from the moment you board to the time you embark. Forget the hassles of airports - departing and arriving is a dream! Enjoy!
Read moreMark M - Nov 2015
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Cruise code: O006
7 nights
Mexican Riviera Cruise
- Departing from San Diego
- Oosterdam
- Private ensuite
- TV for in-cabin entertainment
- In cabin safe
- Most meals and entertainment onboard
- Latest release movies (in cabin and on big screen)
- Choice of Bars and Lounges
Frequently asked questions
Cruising is such a great value holiday as your fare includes accommodations, all main meals onboard ship, onboard daytime activities, and night-time entertainment including live stage shows. One reason cruising is good value is because you'll know what most of your holiday will cost before you go. Generally your only extra onboard expenses could be your beverages (though these are sometimes included on luxury ships), optional shore excursions, personal services such as spa treatments, and any purchases at the gift and duty free shops.
All your main meals are included on a cruise. Typically for breakfast, lunch and dinner there is an a la carte option (order from a menu) or a buffet option. There is so much choice available, and the food is excellent. However, your cruise doesn't always just include these 3 main meals. You can in fact eat non-stop for 24 hours a day if you like.
Most cruise lines also offer specialty dining as an alternative option to the main restaurants. There is typically a small cover charge for this. However, the food is well worth it, and the specialty restaurants are normally smaller and more intimate than the main restaurants so they make for a great place to celebrate a special occasion.
The entertainment on board comes in many different styles and formats but is always included in the cruise fare. In the evening there are shows in the main show lounge (except small ship cruising). Typically there are two sessions a night so, depending on your dinner time, you can always catch the show. The style of these shows changes daily. Some nights it will include all of the ship’s entertainment crew with a Las Vegas style production. Other nights there may be a guest entertainer or comedian. There is something for everyone.
The entertainment doesn't stop with the nightly performances. Each night the ship provides a newsletter detailing all the activities that will take place the following day. These activities may include dance classes, arts and crafts, table tennis, live music, tournaments, trivia quizzes, recent release movies, and other deck games and deck parties. The great thing about a cruise is that you can do as much or as little as you like. If your idea of a holiday is sitting back with a good book, you can do that. If you like to be entertained there is no shortage of entertainment.
One of the main reasons for a cruise making such a great family holiday is the “kids club” facilities offered on board, and they are all included in your cruise fare. Typically the kids clubs are broken into 3 different age groups - 3 to 6 years, 7 to 12 years, and 13 – 17 years. In these dedicated children’s facilities they are looked after by trained staff and the facilities are open from 9am – 10pm. Parents can check their children into the “kids club” whenever it suits them. Children love these facilities as it is “their space” aboard the ship.
NB Each cruise line has limited space on board the ship for children as the kids club facilities can cater for a limited number of children, and any child booked onto a cruise has access to the kids club. If you are planning on taking a cruise during the school holidays then you need to book early as the children's space will sell out. Also, while most cruise lines have kids club facilities there are some exceptions (not common) so you should check this at time of booking.
The chances are you will not get seasick. On a cruise most people do not suffer from motion sickness. However, if you are going to get seasick then it is likely to happen in the first 24 hours. If you limit the amount of alcohol you consume and activities you do in the first 24 hours you can reduce the chance of this happening. Another thing you can do is select a midship cabin on a lower deck. A cabin in the middle of the ship (midship) will experience the least amount of movement.
There are a number of other precautions/medications you can take, and these can be purchased before you travel at a pharmacy or health shop. Otherwise you can buy them on board.
The best thing you can do if you feel seasick is visit the ship’s doctor. They can give you an injection that will give you relief from your seasickness within 30 minutes. You have planned and saved for your holiday, don't ruin it by feeling sick. Visit the doctor for the injection and get it treated straight away. If you have travel insurance then you can claim this back.
IMPORTANT: A visit to the doctor on board will cost you money so we strongly recommend you get travel insurance before you depart on your holiday.
Terms and conditions for this cruise
Frequently Asked Questions
Shore excursions are pre-organised tours & sightseeing options that you purchase on board for when your ship is in a port of call. Every ship has a “Shore Ex” desk with qualified staff who can advise you of different excursions available, what’s best to do and generally help you with information on the particular region your ship is visiting.
Shore excursions can be booked on board your ship however some cruise lines allow you to pre-book and pay for excursions online. If there is a tour you really want to do then we recommend you pre-book it as popular tours do sell out.
Shore excursions are not compulsory, you are free to go ashore and return to the ship as many times as you like.
When you go ashore it is important to note:
You must take your cruise I.D. card (ticket) as proof for re-embarking.
The city or town you are visiting may not be close to the port where the ship is docked, cruise lines normally organise shuttle buses (at a minimal charge) throughout the day to and from the city centre.
You must return to the ship at the stipulated time as the ship WILL NOT wait for late passengers.
Tour costs vary depending on the activity, itinerary and inclusions. There is always a wide variety on offer for all age groups and abilities that can start from as little as $25.
Sometimes you can book your tour, when you arrive at your port, direct from the operator at a much cheaper price. However, this comes with a buyer beware warning. The operators used by the cruise line are trusted professionals so you will not be ripped off. Also, if something goes wrong on your tour, the cruise line knows where you are and will take the necessary steps to pick you up if your vehicle has broken down. In extreme cases they will even hold the ship's departure for you if you are late returning from a tour booked through the ship. They will not wait if you go direct through the operator, as they will not know where you are.
Unlike airlines, there are no luggage restrictions on a cruise. However you need to consider that you need to store it in your cabin for your holiday. There is plenty of storage space in your cabin but if you are travelling in a quad cabin you may want to impose your own restrictions.
NB It is important to remember that airlines have different luggage restrictions, so if you are flying either pre or post cruise then you may want to keep within their allowances.
Cruise lines around the world do not all operate using the same onboard currency. The currency varies from cruise line to cruise line with the most common currency being US dollars. P&O Cruises Australia, Carnival Spirit and the Sun and Dawn Princess all use Australian dollars as their onboard currency.
Cruising is a cashless society which means when you purchase anything on board you do not pay for it in cash. When you board the ship it is like checking into a hotel, you can either give a credit card imprint or the cruise line will take a cash deposit of approximately $300. You are then given a “cruise card”. Your cruise card is your door key (on most ships), has your dinner table number on it (for traditional dining), and it is used for making any purchases aboard.
When you make a purchase with your cruise card, it is swiped and a receipt is printed that you will need to sign. The cost of the purchase is then added to your onboard account which you settle at the end of your cruise.
Many cruises on our websites come with onboard credits. This could be from a special promotion that is being run by the cruise line or because of the relationship we have with the cruise lines that allows us to select certain cruises to receive onboard credit. The amount of onboard credit does normally depend on the length of the cruise.
If your reservation receives onboard credit we will confirm this with you in writing and then your onboard account will automatically be in credit for the amount we have confirmed to you. This credit can be used towards any onboard expenditure that is charged back to your cabin. It is important to note that if you do not spend all of your onboard credit it will not be refunded to you in cash so it is best you spend it all while on board.
Tipping/gratuities are a big issue for a lot of Australasian cruise passengers as it is not our custom to reward good service in this way. What cruise passengers need to consider is that outside of Australasia, the remuneration for personnel in the service industry is quite low. Hence, to keep up a high standard, employees have the incentive of earning additional income via the tips they receive. At the end of the day, how much you tip is up to you.
The most common way cruise lines suggest tipping, is that they add a suggested amount to your daily onboard account. You can choose to keep that on your account or you can ask the purser to remove it. This suggested amount is divided out amongst your cabin steward, your dinner waiter, your assistant waiter, your wine steward, and maitre d’.
Some cruise lines ask passengers to wait until the end of the cruise and they discreetly leave an envelope in your cabin in which to place the appropriate amount. Some cruise lines state that the fare you have paid includes gratuities. Some cruise lines ask that you pre-pay the gratuities with your cruise fare prior to your holiday departure.
Again, the amount you tip is up to you (unless it is prepaid) and it isn't intended to have a negative impact on your holiday. Do what feels most comfortable to you.
The rules surrounding where you can smoke on board a cruise ship vary from cruise line to cruise line. However, none have taken steps to ban smoking completely. Most only allow smoking in designated areas on the open decks. Many have banned smoking on cabin balconies as this poses a fire risk.
Many cruise lines have rules restricting you from taking your own alcohol on board your cruise ship. If you have pre purchased duty free alcohol the ship will take it off you when you board and store it away for you. This alcohol will be delivered to your cabin the night before you disembark. The same applies if you purchase it when you are in port. Any purchases made on board will also be delivered the night before you disembark.
However, Princess Cruises will allow you to bring a bottle of wine aboard which you can drink at dinner or in your cabin.
These restrictions were put in place to create a safer environment on board your cruise ship, where people drink within a controlled drinking environment.
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