Hello,
I have primarily been an NCL cruiser in Haven suites but have decided to take the plunge on a Mediterranean Oosterdam sailing in early August 2023. I’ve done a lot of searching of this board for background information but still have a few outstanding questions ….
1. What *exactly* is in the Neptune suite mini-bar?
2. I saw a reference to liquid soap — is that included in the cabins? ( I am not a fan of the bar soaps at sinks.)
3. Is the creamer available for coffee and espressos in the suites the little sealed packets? Has anyone successfully obtained real half and half or whole milk for the coffee?
4. My husband and one daughter will be with me in a Neptune Suite. My two other daughters (ages 21 and 19) will be in an inside cabin just down the hall from us. We have purchased Club Orange for the daughters in the inside cabin to try to even out the benefits and make sure we can embark together, disembark together, etc. Besides their not being able to access the Neptune Club, is there anything else they will not be able to access?
5. I believe the HAL drinking age for cruises that begin and end in Europe is 18. Is that right? Has anyone had experience with this — meaning a 19-year old trying to order a drink and being told “no” ?
6. Has anyone successfully used the “best price” guarantee on excursions? Our trip is port heavy and we will be doing lots of excursions but there seem to be much cheaper options available through very reputable alternatives. I’m not sure if it is worth the time to try to invoke that guarantee.
7. Because we will be sailing in Europe, with a port-heavy itinerary (intentionally selected), I have not been very focused on any bells or whistles for my daughters for sea days or when we return early to the ship. What are some of the best features on the Oosterdam for kids between 17 and 21?
Sorry for the long list of questions. I appreciate very much the helpful advice and the overall positive tone of this board (particularly as compared to a few others).
