Thread: Dolphin Deck - MS Amsterdam

I just booked an Alaskan Cruise for August on the MS Amsterdam, Holland America Lines. I am fairly inexperienced--this is just my second cruise. They were almost sold out and very little was left. I ended up in an EE cabin on the Dolphin Deck, and now I am feeling a little concerned. I think I remember that on the other cruise I took, someone was not happy with their cabin on a lower level because there was a lot of engine noise. Has anyone experienced this?

We do have a window with full view. I am on a waiting list for a veranda, but this is a very popular Gaither Homecoming cruise, and I don't think the veranda will happen.

Does anyone have any advice? Thanks!

Hey Janen

Welcome to CLF, the friendliest cruise forum on the internet!

I have moved your question to the Holland America board so the HAL experts can help you out.

Come on over to the Introduce Yourself forum and let's get acquainted.. Here is the link-->Introduce Yourself!

Thanks, Char. This is a great place to come and learn about cruising!

Good morning Janen.

I just checked the Gaither group for August 15 -- you are right -- that is a large group going. I didn't even have them on my original "Group" list.

EE is very low -- you are over the engines and crew areas, etc. Doubt if you woud get an upgrade - it has happened to some people. It all depends on how far out you booked this cruise. Also - did you book this category as a "guarantee"? If so, you have a greater chance of an upgade. Having watched another site, I have seen more people with guarantees get upgraded than those who have selected a cabin. I also checked HAL's website -- that cruise is no longer listed - so that means it is sold out or a few cabins are being held by HAL.

The Amsterdam is a beautiful ship. We have sailed on her a couple of times. Alaskan cruises -- you will be spending very little time in your cabin as there is so much to see outside.

If you have any specific questions, you can either ask here, or send me a PM.

Thanks, Krazy Kruisers!

I did book a particular cabin and asked to be put on a waiting list for a verandah cabin.

The who I booked through seemed very inexperienced--she kept putting me on hold to get an answer to my most basic questions. I was afraid not to go ahead and book since there were only about 10 cabins left at the time and they were disappearing as we were speaking! I am too inexperienced to make a good choice so quickly I guess.

Do you have any advice for me?

Thanks!

Hi Janen
I know nothing about Holland, but maybe I have a suggestion for you. Are you intent to go on this sailing? If so, you might be stuck. If not, there are other lines that go to Alaska. I'm here for a bit, so if you see this, answer and we can continue our conversation.

Thanks for your offer. I guess I am intent on going on this cruise. I know that there are quite a few that do go to Alaska, but this one has a lot of music that my husband and I enjoy. I'm not really sure what my options would be if I did decide to change. We put $1,000 down and I sure wouldn't want to lose that.

Janen, if you booked through a reputable travel agent, you should not lose any of your money.
Most agents don't charge a cancellation fee. You should have til about 90 days before the cruise to cancel without penalty. Check your papers.

Thanks, Hanna. I might do that if I find I can't upgrade. I appreciate your advice!

Did you book through an online TA -- they seem to be the ones who charge the penalty fees when a person cancels?

Or a real live TA that you can go and talk to in person?

Alaska is beautiful -- have been there several times.

Are you able to cruise on any other date?