kit125

I agree with everything, except "never crowded". My recent cruise had a number of sea days and it was very, very crowded. It defeats the purpose of a relaxing retreat that you have to race to to secure a seat. And you'd be amazed how many adults do not know how to use inside voices.... That being said, YMMV.

If you're good with bubbly water, Perrier is included on the drink package in a glass bottle with a top. But flat water was in a can.

so what is the earliest boarding time at Port Everglades? Thanks!

I use these offers all the time and upgrade to a Neptune Suite. With the upgrade, my upcoming 9 days cruise on the Rotterdam is costing about $2k per person. I have also been able to select my cabin. And add HIA. Enjoy and happy cruising!

Additional update....I spoke with a supervisor after trying to book with someone who answered the phone. It was really good customer service! The agent informed me that I have a PCC and I explained what happened. She then said that I really needed to speak to a supervisor, as they take feedback very seriously. I spoke with the supervisor who immediately reassigned my PCC to a lovely, energetic woman that was super helpful and got my cabin booked! As much as I hate it, the squeaky wheel does get the grease!

No, I didn't realize that. I would like the butler experience, but just for 2. What's the best way to accomplish that?

I'm sailing on the Rotterdam for the first time in January to celebrate my birthday (9 day southern caribbean). 🙂 I've splurged and booked an aft Neptune Suite with the wraparound balcony (thank you, casino rate!). Now I'm debating....do I reserve a cabana in The Retreat (I've enjoyed this in the past on the Oosterdam, but some other guests were extremely rude on my last trip - very loud and obnoxious, which has me second guessing)? Or do I get the Private Oasis at HMC (I've never been there before, so I really don't know what to expect)? Or is there a compelling reason for both? I'd love to hear others' experiences with these amenities on this ship and any other tidbits on this ship and/or itinerary. TIA and happy cruising to all!

Update....after 3 emails, I finally get a response... "Good afternoon. Currently my system that I use to reserve voyages is down , and I am unable to write any quotes via email. Feel free to call our specialist on pricing at (877)724-5425 Thank you & I apologize for any inconvenience." What is the point of a PCC if I'm just directed to call random reservation line?? Very disappointed.

I'm extremely frustrated. This person literally called repeatedly at inopportune times when I had no cruise requests, just to inform me of offers I'd already received via email. I now can't a response...I emailed her Sunday and again Tuesday. It's a casino offer, so I need her help. Frustrating.

My PCC was recently reassigned. I'm very unhappy about this, as my PCC was fantastic! My new PCC harasses me when I don't have any cruising needs, but is MIA when I need something. Anyone else having this issue? I really prefer dealing directly with HAL, but I may consider using a TA going forward (and trying a whole new line).

My last two cruises were casino offers and I was able to add HIA. But I just called my PCC to add it. I didn't try myself.

I think this is a matter of who you talk to and some needed training in customer service.....I hung up (the agent was also quite rude to me and when I asked to speak to a supervisor, just left me on hold!) and called back. The new agent couldn't have been more friendly and gladly booked the cabana.

Trying to book a cabana on an upcoming cruise on the Oosterdam. They ran my credit card but then Ship Services said they are discontinued? Anyone else heard same? Or should I hang up and call again later?

I had prompt and cheerful waitstaff in the casino this summer on the Oosterdam. They even gave me a "free" bottle of wine to take back to my cabin!

The Retreat has really nice slippers. 🙂 Happy cruising!

I was on the Oosterdam this summer and I called Ship Services prior to sailing to book The Retreat. I don't believe there is an online option. Good luck!

This was in effect on my July cruise. The Lounge was empty every night. I certainly hope they continue and expand this perk!

Why not call the upsell department now and see what they can offer?

Does anyone have experience with the Come Back and Sail offers? I just got off the Oosterdam and the free play is very attractive, but not sure what exactly the offer is beyond that.

These are my favorite cabins! But I don't drink coffee and am pretty low maintenance. 🙂

Just had it Saturday on Oosterdam.

I saw them plentifully on the Oosterdam the last 2 weeks.

Just returned from the Oosterdam and only experienced the return from Trieste to Venice (we started in Athens). The bus dropped off right next to the people mover. You shouldn't need to take the people mover for a water taxi. Just walk towards the brick building on the other side of the parking lot. Note, water taxis were in short supply and I needed to call my hotel to send one - even with help from both HAL and Viking (they had a group in port, and we're more helpful than HAL if I'm being honest). YMMV. Official water taxis accept credit cards, but there were some guys offering shared rides for cash only (20 euros pp, IIRC). We opted for the water taxi, also not knowing exactly where we were going. The Tronchetto vaporetto was right next to the brick building, for those interested. I will post a more detailed review, but here are a few tidbits on the Oosterdam. The crew is working really, really, really hard to make sure everyone has a great trip! They are so excited to be sailing again! A few encouraging words will go a long way with everyone. If you're looking for outstanding entertainment, you're looking in the wrong place. They piano players in the Billboard and the band in the Rolling Stone were good. And that's about it. Food ranged from ok to outstanding. The ship is in good shape. Overall, it was a great trip. NOTE TO FUTURE CRUISERS: Check your transfers from Trieste on day one. HAL's technology botched our prearranged transfers and we were forced into an undesirable transfer at the end of our cruise. Crappy way to end an otherwise great trip. I will also add masks were pretty few. I heard of some people being isolated due to COVID, but did not impact me. Should further add the ship was at about 1200 week 1 and 1050 week 2, so there was plenty of room to have personal space.

I did the same. For a B2B, it was $45pppd. Others have stated $50pppd.