OT-Holland America-Ooosterdam

[Vals]

Hi. I just booked this am a cruise, leaving Sunday, for 7 days-Western carribbean, on the Holland American-Oosterdam ship.
Just myself! 1m 46, recently separated, im hoping that there will be others my age on board! Has anyone ever been on this ship? what do you recommend for excursions etc etc. I think that we were suppose to go to Grand Cayman, according to a cruise book that I picked up today but 3 have 3 days @ sea-(Grand Cayman closed to tourists cause of Ivan) I am flying into Fort Lauderdale on Sat, where should I stay for the nite near the airport ? any of the hotels have pu @ the airport? any info would be great. thanks
Val S.

 

[KathyTX]

Vals, I've sailed twice on the Oosterdams's twin sister, the Zuiderdam.

You will LOVE it! And you'll find lots of folks around our age on board. Holland America's private island is Half Moon Cay, and it's almost as pretty as Disney's Castaway Cay.

I've stayed at Fort Lauderdale's Hyatt Regency Pier 66 both trips. Very relaxing hotel with a gorgeous pool area, right on the waterway so you can watch the boats if you like. It's a quick and cheap cab ride ($10, maybe?) from the hotel to the pier. If I were traveling alone, I'd feel very secure there.

The Holland America boards at www.cruisecritic.com are very active, and you'll be able to get tons of information about Fort Lauderdale hotels, the Oosterdam and your itinerary there. And maybe even meet someone ahead of time who'll be on your cruise!

 

[tvguy]

Cruised Alaska on the Amsterdam. HAL is an great line.

 

[CM_Mom]

Val, the Magic is going to Grand Cayman this week so maybe your trip will also. The island is beginning to accept visitors again - just not as many at one time as before.

 

[MBFergie]

We live in Ft Lauderdale. The Marriott Harbour Beach is an AWESOME hotel..a bit pricey but sometimes you can get lucky on Priceline and get this hotel for only $100. We 20 minutes away and love to go when we get lucky on Priceline. Check out the biddingfortravel web site for tips on using priceline. If you want to be closer to some action for Saturday night you may want to try the Sheraton at Beach Place on the Ft. Lauderdale strip or the Riverside Hotel on Las Olas.

Check out the cruisecritic web sites to find others who may be traveling with you. Have fun!!

ps: if you need some restaurant or nightclub fun let me know..