HALcruiser2001

Yep 7 NIGHTS. Neptune Suite. If I get steerage class service, HAL won't ever see me again. I gave you rate. With HIA, Cabana, one extra night specialty dining we are > 9k now for 7 days. >600/nt/pax.

I am comparing apples to apples as much as possible and even including thermal spa, HIA, and cabana celebrity was still 2x. I doubt I will sail HAL again in my lifetime. Feb is our 3rd HAL cruise in 23 years. Unless this HAL cruise exceeds expectations in music, food and service, it will likely be my last. Cruises are not about travel or ports to me. If I wish to experience a destination I live in one place for extended time. Not really into local tourist stuff for 1-3 hrs, thus why I have only done cruises when they are convenient for my old parents and now, unfortunately, disabled wife.

I costs more to produce, taxes might be less, but that has nothing to do with production. You can produce for same, but then it's not beer. It's yeastless sweet something or other.

He won't.

Check the daily schedules.

Well. My cruise cost >$8k, a tad bit more than a roadside motel, yeah?

The fries look pretty horrific, if that's what they are.

I tried to book a suite in Nov 2022 for Celebrity and HAL, same destination in Feb 2023. For a suite Celebrity was 2x cost. YMMV

I think a direct conversation is appropriate, if you are prepared to deal with the consequences. Direct approach could result in a lot of outcomes. The desired outcome is that the person gets their act together and the retreat is returned to peace and quiet. Second most desirable is that the person gets defensive, abusive and kicked out. Lots of outcome in between. I would take the risk, I hope my Cabana Experience is uneventful.

Was it a canvas one or plastic?

YMMV. There are recent threads on this. Seem sporadic if HAL delivers these, most seem to get plastic bag recently.

I think I checked reservation time for my desired time and then canceled and rebooked ASAP. Not 100% sure how I ended up doing it, but guest services was quick to respond. I called them and I know I had to rebook a spa treatment via cancel and rebook. Can't remember how I changed a reservation to Pinnacle. Either way it was relatively painless.

It is correct upgrade to Elite, must be done on board. According to multiple threads here. I also have not seen HIA on Navigator or Web, just confirmation on purchase.

I want one of these offers and can travel spur of the moment. What do I need to do? LOL.

The Retreat should require a key card. I will have some fun if there are any squatters.

Does it take your room key to enter?

Looking at a really complex process, I would be inclined to pack, leave and come back on with other pax. It sounds like it would be way easy for bags to get lost or misplaced.

My statements were fact, not opinion just letting others know that these rooms are convenient. If you want a suite and it is the last available, they are not undesirable or inconvenient. So yeah, we disagree, but I was not "wanting and argument", sorry.

Why oceania and viking? No celebrity?

That's why I have a Neptune Suite and Cabana on my next cruise. One of the many reasons. We have only cruised 2 times in the past, this will be our first cabana. I hope it is not the disaster that a few people have mentioned. Most likely sunrise will be in the fitness center for me. When do they kick you out of the Cabanas?

Your information is amazing. Thanks. Do you know of a source for hours of operation? Bars restaurants, spa, fitness, etc?

I sail Feb 18, all excursion are on web and navigator.

More importantly, kids need to know where and when they run and play. I learned this at birth. Not so much these days.

Because it is not your room, it's definitely more open air, it's on an upper deck, you can ask for a meal or drink any time, your wife gets to say she had a Cabana Boy. I book a cruise to be extravagant. Neptune Suite, Cabana, all of the above please. Wish I could have booked a PS, but they seem to be booked way in advance.

Handy for the ship and super market. Fun. Won't see me in port with one though, tend to distance myself from cruise ships in port.