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I. Booking
II. Payment/Finances
III. Travel To/From the Cruise
IV. Entertainment
V. Dining
VI. On-Board Lodging
VII. Life Aboard Ship
VIII. Excursions
IX. Contact Us
I. Booking
Who are we?
APHC (A Prairie Home Companion), with its presenter American Public Media Group, has chartered the MS Zaandam from Holland America Lines in order to produce this cruise. APHC will be producing and hosting the entire cruise, in particular a whole slate of special additional entertainment, lectures, education and workshops.
HAL stands for Holland America Lines, from whom we have chartered the Zaandam. HAL will be operating the entire boat and cruise, just as they do for their own voyages.
EMI (Executive Meetings & Incentives) is in charge of selling our cruise and booking your accommodations. They will be providing us with the highest levels of professional travel-related services.
I see that you're sold out. Is there is a waitlist, and how do I sign up?
We've closed down the waitlist since all the rooms are booked. If you are looking for a last minute spot, you might give the Roommate Chatterbox Discussion a shot.
When can I buy a ticket?
General cruise registration begins 10 a.m. EST on January 31st.
There will be a lottery held on February 28th for the Penthouse Suite and for two additional upscale rooms. Anyone who books a regular stateroom by February 27th will be eligible for this drawing.
How much does it cost?
For pricing information, visit EMI's rate page.
How do I register?
Anytime after Tuesday morning at 10 AM EST, go to APHC's Alaska Cruise site. Look for the yellow box that says "Ship and Booking Details." It will take you to EMI's home page where you will actually book your passage.
EMI's site provides lots of details about the Zaandam. It is easily navigated via a drop-down menu running along the top of the page under the Holland America railing (with that fabulous tease of an ocean view behind it). I would encourage you to spend some time exploring the links on this page to see what accommodations we will be offering you.
To register, go to the top right hand side for the drop-down menu that says "Registration." Within these links, you may look over pricing and stateroom options.
The pricing page will confirm whether cabin categories are available or sold-out once registration begins.
The registration page has a clear listing, of what information you will need to provide in order to book your room.
Also, for those of you who might be EXTRA ready for booking and have the website open the night before so that you are ready to go (and I know there are a few out there), make sure you hit your refresh button on your browser before you start registration to ensure the site is updated before you begin booking.
If you have questions that extend beyond these instructions, please call EMI at 800-225-5364 x 2179.
How do I book on-line?
Go to www.prairiehome.org and follow the link to EMI for instructions on booking a room. In addition to booking your cruise you may choose to have EMI help you book your airfare and your ground transportation. If you have more questions, call EMI at: 800-225-5364 x 2179.
I have purchased a double room on my own but would like a roommate. Can you help me with this?
We will be providing an online forum for people to connect on their own. Please understand that arrangements and compatibility with your potential roommate are entirely your responsibility. If either party decides to change plans before the cruise, the remaining party will be responsible for the full single passenger price, which is 160% of the per person double occupancy price. We expect a full boat, so once on board we will not be able to provide separate accommodations, even if your roommate has snoring issues.
Are wheelchair accessible rooms available on board?
Of course. Holland America, APHC and EMI do not discriminate against persons on the basis of disability. We seek, to the extent feasible, to accommodate guests with disabilities. Holland America offers a limited number of staterooms designed to be wheelchair and scooter accessible. To learn more about HAL's options for guests with special needs click here.
You can also explore the deck plans on EMI's website (Navigation Deck, Verandah Deck, Promenade Deck, Main Deck) to see where the wheelchair accessible rooms are located.
Can I be added to the Waitlist for the Cruise in 2007?
No, but we will add you to a mailing list. Prairie Home will hold onto all names and e-mail addresses of past cruisers for notification about our next cruise. Each cruise is different, so it is impossible to guarantee a pre-sale opportunity. However, we will be more than happy to send you information about Cruise III.
II. Payment/Finances
What is included in the payment and what will cost extra?
Your cruise fare includes cabin accommodations, all performances, a wide variety of activities, enough beverages to keep you going, and about all the food you'd care to have for the entire time you're on board. APHC cruise fares include all port taxes and fees, and a basic gratuity amount (see below).
Accommodations include daily cleaning and nightly turndown service, and complete linens and toiletries. Along with all that you get the personal services of a cabin attendant.
The freedom to attend an extensive list of APHC performances, concerts, and lectures is included in your fare. A bunch of on-board activities are free: exercise and sports facilities, pool, classes of various sorts, demonstrations, Club HAL for children and much more. There are a few on-board activities (such as spa services, scotch tasting, bingo, casino, and Internet access) which are going to cost a bit extra. There will be additional fees for excursion trips off the boat, but you can certainly get off the boat in port and explore on your own for nothing at all.
Food is available whenever you find yourself hungry and is included in the cruise fare. There is a wide variety of meals, both formal and informal, and many special meals and snacks. Room service is included and available around the clock. There are a few experiences that are going to cost you a little something, such as a fine dining evening in the Pinnacle Grill, but the charge is minimal.
Basic beverages are included. This pretty much means coffee/tea, milk, iced tea, some juices and water available with all meals. Soda, alcoholic beverages, and other specialty drinks are available throughout the ship for an additional charge.
Please also be aware that HAL and APHC will provide quite a few shopping opportunities for you.
While on board HAL maintains what they call a "cashless society." Much like a hotel, everything is charged to your shipboard account and you settle up as we sail back into Seattle.
How does the confirmation process work for the cruise?
There are a few ways to tell that your purchase of adventure on the high seas with Prairie Home has been confirmed:
- After you have submitted all necessary information on EMI's registration page a confirmation page will appear that restates all of your preferences and displays little x's where your credit card number would go. It will say "Print This Page," which you should do. It will not provide you with a confirmation number.
- You will also receive an e-mail confirmation of your cabin booking and credit card approval. If you do not receive a confirmation in your e-mail, please contact EMI at 800-225-5364 x 2179.
- If you are still wondering if you are confirmed for purchase, check your credit card statement. A charge of $750 per person will be charged to your card.
Also, look for a paper copy of the confirmation page in the mail. This will restate all preferences you made on-line, including your cabin category. Included in this mailing will be a helpful brochure put together by Holland America titled, "Know Before You Go." If you have never cruised before, consider this document a front to back read.
What about tipping? To whom and how much?
A tip of $10 per day ($70 total for the cruise) per person is included in your cruise fare. This is shared among the entire crew. In addition, a 15% tip is added to all beverage service. Any tipping above this is entirely up to you. It is common, but not expected or required, to tip for personal service in your cabin or at the spa. Tipping for meal or transportation service is not expected.
Why does this cruise cost as much as it does?
APHC is paying Holland America an amount about equal to the amount HAL would earn by selling cabins to regular-paying customers. HAL retains all income on board ship. APHC will cover costs for performers, staff, equipment, insurance, and wants to return income to our general operations. This means we have to charge amounts higher than a "standard" cruise fare. Compared to our first cruise, we are paying a higher basic rate for the voyage for three reasons:
- We are traveling at peak season, which is important to do for an Alaskan voyage, as opposed to the "shoulder" period.
- We will be sailing on a ship that has completed HAL's "Signature of Excellence" program, which includes an extensive renovation of all passenger facilities.
- We are traveling to a more popular destination.
Is travel insurance necessary?
This is your decision, but we do recommend it. EMI offers an affordable option.
I'm a Holland America Stockholder. Can I get a discount on my cruise?
Nope. This cruise is private and chartered. There are no discounts.
III. Travel To/From the Cruise
When do we leave? and When do we come home?
Boarding will begin at 11:30am on July 14th. We dock in Seattle at 7:00am on July 21st. Disembarkation will begin on July 21st at approximately 7:30am. It takes about 1 1/2 hours to disembark the entire ship.
If you are booking your airline reservations, please plan to arrive into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport prior to 1:30pm on Friday, July 14, 2006 and please plan to depart out of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport anytime after 10:30am on Friday, July 21, 2006.
What are the arrangements for travel from airport to ship?
We recommend that you purchase a transfer package from EMI when you purchase your cruise. EMI will be able to arrange group transfers to and from the Seattle Airport only (not from train stations). With these packages you and your luggage will be transferred from the plane to the hotel, and, if necessary, to the boat and back. You only need to identify your bags here and there, and leave them by your door at the right times. You may also, of course, take a cab or other means of transport on your own. However you decide to arrive at the ship, your baggage will be collected at a central point and delivered to your cabin.
When you first get on and last get off the boat, there will be a short time when you won't have access to your baggage and your cabin. Please be prepared with a small carry-on bag to hold the stuff you need, including all of your travel documents, medications and any valuables you may have with you.
Will I need a passport?
Yes, preferably. All passengers must have either:
A U.S. government-issued picture identification; plus an original or certified copy of a U.S. birth certificate, or a U.S. Naturalization Certificate. (Copy must have a raised seal.)
or
A passport
Passports will be required for non-US citizens. If you have more questions, follow this link. You must have a valid passport and any necessary visas. In addition, non-U.S. citizens who have previously been admitted to the United States for permanent residence must carry their Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), commonly known as a Green Card.
I am driving to Seattle to meet the ship. Will parking be available?
You bet. Find all the parking you need at Parking Terminal 30. It costs $12 per day.
Here are the details:
Address:
Parking Terminal 30
2431 E Marginal Way
Seattle, WA 98134
(206) 783-4144 ext. 107
There is no need and no way to reserve a specific spot. There is always plenty of room.
Disabled spaces are available, but these do tend to fill up quickly. If you require the use of a disabled space, please plan to arrive early. Like general parking, these spaces cannot be reserved in advance.
No staff is available to unlock the gates between Monday - Thursday, and an after-hours release fee will apply if you need to remove your vehicle during the days that the location is closed.
Do I need shots?
Nope. No shots.
IV. Entertainment
What will we do on-board?
Boredom is not an issue. Never has been, never will be. Trust us. At almost any time while you're on board you'll find something to do. You may need to work at finding time to ease yourself into a lounge chair and relax a while. The most common complaint from the last cruise was people being plain worn out from too much fun. There will be sing-a-longs and perhaps a talent show or two, time to shop and autographs to seek. You'll want to attend workshops and seminars led by naturalists and writers, and you might at any time find yourself at a poetry reading, at an impromptu jam session (if you happen to bring along an instrument), or in a line of people dancing 'round the deck.
Along with a "double" main stage performance each evening as well as performers in smaller venues throughout the ship, you will have all kinds of opportunities to join our guest performers for formal concerts, informal audience participation sessions, "bar gigs," and much more. And all this will be on top of the truly first class dining and evening services provided by Holland America.
Look for a more detailed schedule shortly before we depart.
For this cruise we will need to ask all of you to respect the schedule for the evening show in the Main Performance Lounge. The lounge holds half of the passengers who will be on the ship. Each night the first audience will be asked to vacate the auditorium entirely, allowing all patrons for the second show to be seated before any additional seats are occupied.
Will there be a sing-a-long? A talent show?
You bet. Garrison can't resist.
Will I actually SEE Garrison? How about the Shoe Band? And what about that sound effects guy?
Prairie Home performers will be guests of Holland America just like you. You'll see them in the elevators, on the Lido deck, at the buffets and bars and, of course, on stage.
Should I bring a musical instrument?
If it is something that you'd like to play in a casual, sit-around-a-campfire kind of atmosphere, please feel free. While a few people may end up on stage, this is not the place to look for your big break.
Will any of the shows be broadcast?
No, but they will be recorded for possible later use. We do plan to perform a broadcast show when we get back to Seattle.
Will there be opportunities for autographs?
While on board, feel free to ask for autographs at your leisure. Check in with a Prairie Home or EMI staff member on board if you have questions about this.
How do I contact an APHC person? How will they be identified?
We will staff a question table near the front desk. And we'll all try to wear a staff shirt or an ID badge of some sort.
Will there be APHC merchandise for sale?
Heck, yeah. Check out the gift shops on board. We'll have shirts, mugs, caps, and lots of music featuring your Prairie Home favorites.
V. Dining
When do we schedule our dining? Can we sit together at dinner?
When you register for the cruise, you'll request your seating. Holland America will do everything possible to honor seating requests.
What is the difference between early seating and late seating?
The Dining Room and the Main Show Lounge each hold half of the ship's passengers, so we all need to rotate.
—EARLY seating passengers will eat at the first seating of dinner, about 5:30pm. Then you go to the show, typically at 8:00pm.
—LATE seating passengers see the Main Lounge Show FIRST, typically at 6:00pm. They then go to dinner at the second seating, usually at 7:45pm.
If I have food allergies or other dietary needs, will the ship be able to accommodate these?
No problem. You can learn more about that here.
Dress Code
Nothing fancier than Sunday-go-to-church clothes will be required, though if you like to dress up, by all means go for it. We will designate two dinners/evenings as semi-formal events. This means that all patrons eating in the main dining room will be expected to dress in at least semi-formal attire and the crew will pull out their dress uniforms. Many people take this opportunity to dress in their finest clothes and make a fun evening out of it, but you sure don't have to. Be who you are, is what we say.
VI. On-Board Lodging
After boarding the ship, how long before I can get into the cabin?
Boarding for the ship begins several hours before we cast off. You'll be able to enter your cabin once your stateroom is prepared. HAL has streamlined this process to a great degree, but please understand that they have to turn around accommodations for over 1,400 people in a very short period of time. You will have plenty of on-board activities, including making a few arrangements for your week, while you wait.
Will I be able to do laundry?
Coin machines and laundry service are available for all guests.
Is there a hair dryer in the cabins? Does the ship provide shampoo?
Holland America will provide these items in all staterooms, comparable to how hotels do it. Replacement or additional items are always available. And they have some lovely sundries and gifts you can buy.
Is it possible to see the guest roster?
Nope. There's something to be said for chance encounters, and we prefer you mingle on deck and meet people along the way. We will provide opportunities for mingling, such as a time for all you Chatterboxers to actually see each other in person.
VII. Life Aboard Ship
How can I be reached in case of an emergency?
Holland America staterooms are equipped with telephones. You'll get more details on this from them after you have booked your cruise. Make sure you're aware of the charges involved as they can be right up there.
Can I schedule an appointment at the salon before I board?
Sure thing. Go to HAL's Zaandam ship page for more details. Our customers have proven to be big fans of the spa, so book early.
Is there a doctor/dentist on board?
Fully trained medical professionals are on board at all times, and a complete medical facility is available. Aspirin and seasickness pills are on the house, but you may have to pay something for other items/services.
Will my cell phone work?
Who knows? This depends on your carrier but in general only expect it to work while in major ports such as Juneau. Watch out for roaming charges.
Will I have access to the Internet?
Yup. You may bring your own computer or use ones provided by HAL. You can buy minutes for surfing the Internet at any point throughout the trip. Wireless is available in some locations. See Holland America's ship page for more details.
Can I get married on board ship?
No. This is a private, chartered cruise. No weddings. No divorces, either.
Will there be organized gatherings of groups like Friends of Bill W, Chatterboxers, informal jam sessions and volleyball (English majors vs. History majors)?
We will schedule initial meetings of these and other groups. Let us know if you would like to schedule a meeting for your group.
Will there be stuff for my kids to do?
Holland America provides a whole bunch of activities for kids through their Club HAL program. The Club HAL room is regularly available with games electronic and otherwise, and has daily special group activities. The length and breadth of the schedule is dependent on how many kids show up on the boat. Our last cruise had only a few children, but that cruise was close to the start of a school year. Read more about this here.
Is Alaska cold?
Nah. Unless you're not from Minnesota. We are cruising the Southeast Coastal region of Alaska which has a mostly maritime climate. During June, July and August it's not unusual for temperatures to reach into the high 60s. (February is the coldest month and has been known to get as cold as 22 degrees below zero.) The coastal currents bring the warmer air up through the Gulf of Alaska and make for a warmer climate. Keep in mind that any cruise ship is cool on deck. A coat and sweater would be a good idea.
How much daylight is there in an Alaskan day?
The time of year we are traveling, the sun rises early, around 4 a.m., and sets late, close to 10 p.m.
VIII. Excursions
How do I book a shore excursion on board the Zaandam?
Well, we're all set and ready to book an excursion or two for you. You'll find all the information you need on the Holland America website and we've posted a copy on our Excursions page too.
Keep in mind that all excursions must be booked through Holland America, so get your booking number ready and have a ball exploring all there is to see and do. If you have questions, please contact Holland America at 1-888-425-9376.
It would be a good idea to book your selections early. If you're willing to take a chance, you're welcome to book on board too. Just know that they do fill up.
Here is a little more detail on booking shore excursions, direct from Holland America's Web site:
Booked guests may confirm shore excursion requests in advance of sailing. If you already have a booking number, you may use it to view shore excursion information specific to your itinerary. To complete a booking, please proceed through all screens on the HAL booking page until you receive a reference number, which indicates that HAL has received your request.
Guests may pre-book shore excursions online until 10 days prior to sailing. If your departure date is less than 10 days away, please call Shore Excursions at 1-888-425-9376 to book directly with an agent. All shore excursion requests are processed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Waitlisted requests for sold-out shore excursions will be processed prior to requests made on board. Please note: Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult over 21.
Will we see glaciers? How about whales?
We are traveling at about the best time for sightseeing. We'll see spectacular glaciers right from the boat, and there's a good chance we'll see them "calve" or split apart. Holland America will sail us directly into Glacier National Park accompanied by park rangers. We will also be sailing along and through some of the most spectacular coastal views in the world. Marine and other wildlife should be all over the place, and we'll have people on board to help you spot and identify everything. As with any outdoor activity, there are no guarantees.
What's this I hear about a post-cruise excursion in Seattle?
As a special bonus—after the cruise has ended APHC will be offering a special trip to tour Seattle and attend a broadcast of APHC that will be held at the Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery. This package will include a city tour, lodging, transportation, tickets to the show and perhaps even dinner the evening of the show.
The post-cruise excursion will be booked through and managed by EMI and will not be available through the HAL website. Please book your flights accordingly if you are interested in attending the Seattle post-cruise excursion.
IX. Contact Us
Call EMI at 800-225-5364 x 2179.
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