 Booking Payment/Finances Travel To/From the Cruise Tips for Traveling Abroad Entertainment |
Dining Life Aboard Ship Excursions Contact Us |
I. Booking
Who are we?
You will work with three groups when you book travel for Norway:
A Prairie Home Companion (APHC)
Holland America Lines (HAL)
Executive Meetings and Incentives (EMI).
APHC, with its presenter American Public Media Group, chartered the ms Veendam 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, and other events.
Contact APHC for questions about on-board entertainment.
HAL stands for Holland America Lines, from whom we have chartered the ms Veendam. HAL will operate the entire boat and cruise, just as they do for their own voyages. You will book all excursions through HAL. Holland America will operate the spa, the casino, Club HAL, Bingo, photography, and all the other events you expect on a well run cruise. Contact HAL for questions about excursions.
EMI (Executive Meetings & Incentives) is in charge of selling our cruise and booking your accommodations. They will provide you with the highest levels of professional travel-related services. EMI will assist you in booking a hotel before or after the cruise, arrange transfers between the airport, hotel, and ship, assign table seating and facilitate cabin set-ups. Contact EMI for questions about hotel rooms, transfers, cabin set-ups, and dinner seating.
For other questions Contact Us here and we'll get back to you shortly.
When can I buy a ticket?
General cruise registration begins November 16, 2006 at 12:00 noon EST and will remain open until the ship is booked.
Any room giveaways for this cruise?
There will be a lottery January 23, 2007 to giveaway the Penthouse Suite. Anyone who books a regular stateroom by January 22nd is eligible for this drawing.
How much does it cost?
For pricing information, visit EMI's rate page.
How do I register?
Go to APHC's Norway Cruise site. Look for the link that says "Booking." 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 ms Veendam. Spend some time exploring the links on this page to learn more about cabin descriptions and rates for all cabin categories.
The registration page has a clear listing of what information you will need to provide in order to book your room.
The pricing page confirms which cabin categories are available once registration begins.
If you have questions that extend beyond these instructions, please 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 fullest 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 (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.
Please contact EMI directly at 800-225-5364 x 2179 to discuss any special needs you may have.
II. Payment/Finances
What is included in the payment and what will cost extra?
Your cruise fare includes cabin accommodations, all on-board performances, a wide variety of activities, enough beverages to keep you going, and 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, an extra fuel surcharge, and a basic gratuity amount (see below).
Accommodations include daily cleaning and nightly turndown service, private bath, complete linens, toiletries, radio/TV, and phone. Along with all that you get the personal services of a cabin attendant.
The freedom to attend an extensive list of APHC performances, concerts, lectures, and natural history programs is included in your fare. Many on-board activities are free: exercise and sports facilities, pools, 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 Copenhagen. All charges while on-board will occur in US Dollars.
How does the reservation and confirmation process work?
After you have submitted all necessary information on EMI's registration page, a confirmation page will appear that restates all of your preferences. This will also give you a four digit confirmation number. It will say "Print this page," which you should do.
You will then receive an email confirming your cabin booking, credit card approval, and confirmation number. You should receive this email within 24 hours of your reservation.
EMI will also send you a paper copy of your confirmation, along with Holland America's "Know Before You Go" booklet and a lovely letter welcoming you to our cruise. If you've never cruised before, read that booklet from front to back.
The next step will be in early March. EMI will send you your Holland America Booking Number as well as your actual cabin number. This is an important number to retain as it will follow your reservation right on to the boat. It will allow you to book excursions, which should become available at about this time.
Between June 1 and June 15 you will receive a final package from EMI containing all of your travel documents. This will confirm all arrangements such as dinner seating, and will contain your actual cruise tickets and vouchers for ground transportation. It is essential that you review these documents thoroughly and that you bring everything with you.
Now, all you have to do is get to Copenhagen and we'll take it from there!
May I cancel my reservation?
Yes, but in all fairness we have established a policy detailing how much we will reimburse to you.
Please understand that once the final date has passed we have no way of reimbursing your travel costs. Your only recourse in the event of a last minute emergency is the prior purchase of travel insurance.
Once you register for the cruise we will charge you a $750 deposit, per person.
For this cruise we have decided to allow a 72 hour "cooling off" period. Within 72 hours of making your reservation you may notify us by email or in writing that you would like to cancel. We will refund your entire deposit and you will have no obligation to us.
After the cooling off period, we will retain $250 of your $750 deposit, per person, if you cancel.
On or after April 10th we will charge your credit card for the full cruise amount. If you decide to cancel after this date, we will retain the full $750 deposit, per person.
After May 15th, 2007, your entire cruise payment will be non-refundable. This may seem harsh, but this is the date when we need to pay Holland America for the ship and, trust us, this is a big bill to pay. After this date we will not be able to refund any portion of your cruise fare.
What about tipping? To whom and how much?
A gratuity of $10 per day ($100 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.
In terminals, airports, ports of call and on shore excursions, we suggest that you extend gratuities consistent with customary local practices.
Why does this cruise cost as much as it does? Why does this cruise cost more than previous APHC cruises?
APHC is paying Holland America an amount approximately 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, program materials and expenses, and for financial requirements such as insurance. We also intend to return income to our production company. All of this means that we have to charge rates higher than for a standard cruise.
Please note APHC includes a number of fees in our prices which on many cruises are charged separately. This includes ship-based port charges of $143.25, passenger port charges of $51.40, and a gratuity of $100.00. This year we have also included a fuel surcharge of $75.00 per person to reflect increased energy costs. All of this totals $369.65 per person.
This is a ten day cruise while our previous cruises were seven. If you go ahead and do some math, you will find that on a per day basis we are charging about the same, if not a little less, than our Alaskan voyage. And, this is an international cruise. Costs for personnel and equipment will be higher than working from one of our own coasts. While we have cut expenses as tight as possible, we do have to cover these costs.
As for our last cruise, we are traveling during peak season, an absolute must for Norway. And we are again traveling on a ship that has passed through Holland America's "Signature of Excellence" renovation program. This also contributes to the premium price we are asking you to pay.
Is travel insurance necessary?
While this is solely your decision, we sure think so. Last minute emergencies do come up. You will be investing a lot of money for international travel and the cruise itself. Your only recourse for reimbursement is travel insurance.
Is there a confirmation number?
After you book your passage on-line, EMI will assign your party a four digit confirmation number. Please note one confirmation will be assigned per party. Look for this on the confirmation screen immediately after booking. You will also receive a secondary confirmation of your purchase via e-mail. Please keep this e-mail for your records.
If you do not receive a confirmation number or the subsequent e-mail, please contact EMI at 800-225-5364 x 2179.
What is the difference between the confirmation number, the booking number and the cabin number?
Your confirmation is a four digit number created by EMI which functions as your proof of purchase and our internal identification number for your party.
Booking numbers are assigned by HAL. Because we are chartering the ship, HAL creates booking numbers once the majority of all financial transactions have been processed - usually quite close to the date of departure. HAL's booking number is used to book excursions and to identify your party to HAL's staff once on board.
Your room number will be assigned by EMI. These are assigned once the ship is booked. Expect to receive your room number close to the date of departure.
I'm a Holland America Stockholder. Can I get a discount on my cruise?
No. This cruise is private and chartered. There are no discounts. For questions about this please contact EMI at 800-225-5364 x 2179.
Are guests from outside the US able to purchase on-line?
Yes. International guests will be able to book their cabins on-line. All credit card charges will take place in USD and then be converted to your local currency the day of the transaction. Please Contact Us or telephone EMI if you have any questions 800-225-5364 x 2179
III. Travel To/From the Cruise
When do we leave? When do we come home?
Please plan to arrive at Copenhagen International Airport prior to 1:30pm on Friday, July 13, 2007. Boarding will begin at 11:30am on July 13th. Please be on board no later than 4:30pm. We sail at 6:00pm. The cruise is ten days long.
Disembarkation will begin at 8:00am on July 23rd. It takes about 1 ½ hours to disembark the entire ship. Please plan to depart out of Copenhagen International Airport anytime after 2:00pm on Monday, July 23, 2007.
If you are booking your own airline reservations, we strongly recommend that you purchase your tickets early since it is the high season for travel.
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 Copenhagen International Airport. With these packages you and your luggage will be transferred from the plane, to the hotel 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. All passengers must have a passport, good for six months beyond the duration of the cruise. If you have more questions, follow this link.
I am driving to Copenhagen to meet the ship. Will parking be available?
Yes.
IV. Tips for Traveling Abroad
Will I need a passport?
Yes. All passengers must have a passport, good for six months beyond the duration of the cruise. If you have more questions, follow this link.
Will I need a visa?
Most U.S. citizens traveling from the U.S. will not need a visa. Travel from another country or under different citizenship may require a visa. For more information, follow this link
Are there immigration forms to fill out?
Yes. You may do so on-line here.
Do I need shots?
There are no required immunizations for travel to Denmark, Norway and most of Western Europe. More information can be found here
What languages are spoken in Denmark and Norway?
They speak Danish in Denmark and Norwegian in Norway. A common phrase book may be helpful. English is commonly spoken in both regions and will be the language aboard ship.
What currencies will we be encountering?
While both Denmark and Norway are members of the European Union, they retain their own currency. Danish currency is the Danish krone (DKK). Norwegian currency is the Norwegian krone (NOK).
How does electricity conversion work in Europe?
All staterooms on the ms Veendam are equipped with standard 110 AC and 220 AC outlets. If your shaver operates on standard 110 AC, by all means bring it (guests with pre- or post-cruise hotel packages may want to bring converters and/or adapters for their hotel stay).
V. 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, time to shop and autographs to seek. You'll want to attend lectures led by naturalists and other experts, and you might at any time find yourself at a poetry reading or an impromptu jam session. You might even want to join the naturalists on the Navigation deck at 5am to see whales, birds, and other wildlife!
Along with the "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 activities provided by Holland America.
When do we attend the evening performances?
Our main attraction on board is the evening performance in the main showroom. These can be similar to APHC broadcast shows, they can be showcases of one or two of our guests, or they can star you, the passengers, in the infamous talent show. Either way, everyone wants to come see them.
The showroom only holds about half of the ship's passengers. We solve this by repeating the show each night. The problem comes when, as on our previous cruises, people try to see both shows. This means that someone else is unable to see the show, or has to watch it perched on the sound board. As much as we would love to have an auditorium that holds 1,252 people, we don't. So we've come up with a plan that we hope you think is fair.
For this cruise you will receive a sticker to put on your Holland America ID card, or a bracelet, or a ticket, or some other cute thing. This will identify which show you may attend each night. We are going to check this identification for each main evening show, just as we would take tickets for a regular performance. We will clear the auditorium after each show, and we will not allow people to reserve seats earlier in the day. We also intend to reasonably accommodate people who need extra assistance.
We hope this makes everything easier and fairer. Let us know if you have any other suggestions.
Will you publish a schedule of activities?
We are always adding new things to do, right up to the day of departure and each day we adjust the next day's schedule. Look for an overview of the ten day schedule in your cabin the day of departure. HAL and APHC will publish an official schedule each day which will be delivered to your cabin every morning.
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.
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 wear an ID badge.
Will there be APHC merchandise for sale?
Heck, yeah. Check out the gift shops on board. We'll have shirts, hats, and lots of music featuring your Prairie Home favorites.
VI. Dining
When do we schedule our dining? Can we sit together at dinner?
When you register for the cruise, you'll request your seating. EMI will do everything possible to honor seating requests. To confirm your table seating preferences, contact EMI at 800-225-5364 x 2179.
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 8:30pm.
--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.
What is the Dress Code?
Because we are chartering the ship, APHC has the freedom to set our own dress-code policies. We are considerably more relaxed than the standard cruise. 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 three dinners/evenings as semi-formal events. This means that all patrons eating in the main dining room will be expected to dress in 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.
VII. Life Aboard Ship
What is your smoking policy?
Out of respect for our performers, APHC has decided that smoking is permitted only in your cabin and within designated public spaces located on outside decks.
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 1,200 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. And the buffet lines will be open.
What kind of amenities will I find in my cabin?
Your stateroom is furnished with a ship-to-shore telephone which enables you to easily call anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day (prices are found in your stateroom directory).
You'll also find ample closet and drawer space, individually-controlled air conditioning, a television for viewing CNN, movies and on board features.
All staterooms are equipped with standard 110 AC and 220 AC outlets. If your shaver operates on standard 110 AC, by all means bring it (guests with pre- or post-cruise hotel packages may want to bring converters and/or adapters for their hotel stay). You may wish to bring a travel alarm clock as they are not available in staterooms. Hairdryers are available in staterooms on all ships.
For safety reasons, we respectfully request that you do not iron clothing in your stateroom. Ironing facilities are available at the self-service laundry rooms for your convenience. In addition, full laundry and valet services are available on all of our ships.
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 must respect your fellow passenger's right to keep information private.
How can I be reached in case of an emergency?
Holland America staterooms are equipped with telephones. Find out more about how this works here. Make sure you're aware of the charges involved as they are high.
Can I schedule an appointment at the salon before I board?
Sure thing. Go to HAL's Veendam 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?
Probably not. Call your carrier for complete details for your plan.
Will I have access to the Internet?
Yes. 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 and is also charged by the minute. 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 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. Read more about this here.
How should I dress for the weather?
While Norway is at the same latitude as Alaska and Hudson Bay, Canada, the temperature in Norway's western Fjords region is tempered by the influence of the Gulf Stream which, after crossing the Atlantic, heads north along Europe. In other words, despite being the land of fjords, it is not as cold as you might expect. Temperatures hover in the upper fifties and sixties. Certainly, bring layers of warm clothing such as a wool sweater and coat for those cool nights, or for all that time you'll be spending on deck looking at the fantastic scenery. Hat and mittens aren't a bad idea either, if you plan to be outside a bunch. The boat's movement through water does create some wind which can cool you right down, so consider a wind breaker. Although summer is the dry season in Norway, on a ten-day trip, we are bound to get some rain, so do remember your poncho. Much of the region gets rain two out of every three days. And bring comfortable shoes for walking on deck or on shore that will keep your feet dry and warm.
Should I bring anything else?
If you are interested in "knowing stuff," you might want to bring along your binoculars and a field guide or three (birds, marine mammals, wildflowers, and geology are just a few). Previous guests have found benefit from bringing a camera, a journal, an instrument or their most recent knitting project.
What will the sea conditions be like?
We could have calm seas. We could have 15-foot waves. The ship may glide placidly along with barely a perceptible murmur. The ship may rock back and forth, making even the stout of heart (and stomach) reach for the Dramamine. We will probably see a bit of everything. With the prevailing westerly winds blowing clear across the Atlantic, we will probably see some bumpy water, at least part of the time, when we are at sea or exposed to the open ocean.
How much daylight is there in a Norwegian day?
The land of the midnight sun, where the sun never sets during the summer, is further North than we will be traveling, up above the Arctic Circle. On our trip, though, we'll still have plenty of daylight to enjoy the scenery. In Oslo in July, for example, the sun rises early, around 4am, and sets late, no earlier than 10pm.
May I leave the ship before our return to Copenhagen?
Passengers are permitted to disembark the ms Veendam before our return to Copenhagen under certain specific conditions. First, all passengers must pay full fare, regardless of when they disembark. Second, if you wish to leave early, you must alert EMI prior to the cruise. Third, you must formally confirm your intentions with EMI and HAL well before disembarking. Fourth, once your party disembarks, you will not be allowed re-entry to the vessel.
How do I contact an EMI staff member once on board the Veendam?
EMI will staff a question table near the front desk.
VIII. Excursions
How do I book a shore excursion on board the Veendam?
You'll find all the information you need on the Holland America website.
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 25.
Will we see fjords?
Everyone has heard that Norway is the land of fjords, which were carved out during the last ice age. There are glaciers in the upper mountains and rivers and waterfalls aplenty. We will be immersed in this spectacular land and seascape for the duration of the trip.
Two days of our trip will be dedicated to passage through fjords. Guests will also have the option to take an excursion, exploring the countryside by train or bus or foot meeting up with the Veendam later that day.
How about wildlife?
Bring your binoculars and keep them peeled on the surface of the sea as Minke, Orca (Killer Whale), Humpback and Sperm Whales are all possibilities on this coastline as they travel between the Norwegian Sea and the Arctic Ocean. And then, of course, there are seals and countless northern seabirds to spot from the deck. We'll have several naturalists on board to help you identify what you see (or point out what you might have missed!).
IX. Contact Us
Write to us here or call EMI at 800-225-5364 x 2179
