zelker

That's great, I'm really happy for you.:) I have an SY booked for my next Z'dam cruise, so I'll keep my fingers crossed!

Thank you!!

I didn't wait for them to call me - I kept having my TA call HAL and when I didn't like the price offered, I declined, waited a few days, and called back to have them check again. Believe me when I say that the price today from the price offered two weeks ago was a HUGE reduction.

Left in the picture are the containers that hold iced tea, water, etc.

Thanks for posting the photo - that's exactly what I envisioned from your description in your first post.

One large bottle sparkling water, one bottle sparkling wine (we didn't open it). Lucky you, I've only had one experience in a Neptune suite - also on the Zuiderdam - and loved the Neptune Lounge and breakfast in the Pinnacle Grill.:) It was a combination up-sell/upgrade, not likely to be that lucky again.:o

We just got a heck of a deal on an upgrade from an SY today -- too good to pass up. Our very first cruise was on the Westerdam and the same thing happened only that time it was from a Verandah cabin to a Neptune Suite for a really good deal and that was on a 12 night sailing out of Venice. We thought we'd died and gone to heaven. Got us hooked on the "suite life" for sure. Wish we could afford it on every cruise but alas, the money tree in the back yard still isn't producing fruit. ;)

I've read that some people have successfully swapped their sparkling wine for a bottle of regular wine so we'll likely do the same. We both preferred still water too so will see if we can get our steward to switch out the sparkling for us as well.

DH is looking forward to his morning cappuccinos from the Neptune Lounge and we are both looking forward to breakfast in the PG.

OK ... gotta say it. YAY!!! What a nice Valentine's Day present. :D

On the bright side, you'll save on moisturizer. :)

Coming from the high desert, our skin sucks up humidity like a sponge. Glorious!!

Thanks for confirming what I thought but never hurts to check. :)

How much complimentary bottled water do you get at embarkation in the Neptune Suites and do they continue to replenish it for free throughout the cruise?

Also, I can't remember ... is there complimentary bottled water available in the Neptune Lounge?

Thanks

Your comfort will depend much on what temperatures & humidity levels you find comfortable. The current (2/4) long term forecast for Valentine's Day is low 80s with dew points around 70. From personal experience, when we were leaving our house in Maine, it always felt hot & humid. When we left from our condo in Fort Lauderdale, it felt nice. It depends what you're used to.

Of course you're right. We're coming from Colorado and I don't do well if it's much above 85 and/or high humidity. Of course when people from warm climates come here and it's in the 60's they think it's cold and we have on shorts. LOL

From watching sail-aways on the port web cam, it looks like the Zuiderdam is always at 26 but I will definitely check this weekend. Thanks for the link and the info. Based on what you've said, I'm going to wear shorts or capris and be comfortable while waiting to board. :)

We'll be watching for you!! Which sailing?

Duh. That might help, eh? Valentine's Day! :D

You will have time to get from muster drill to a good point to wave at us all watching on the sailaway thread!

Will be standing out with our friends' in their aft cabin (5187), waving our fool heads off!! :p

I'm sorry, I posted my thoughts incorrectly. I should have posted 3:15 for a 4:00 departure.

 

I was thinking 3:--, 45 minutes before departure. :o

No worries! And that works even better.

With a 4:00 PM departure, I would plan on a 3:45 muster. It could be 15 minutes either way, though. Do check your daily program when you board for the exact time.

There will be plenty of announcements, so it's hard to miss. ;)

Hi, Ruth - Just trying to plan a get-together between it and early seating and wasn't sure if the drill would take place before or after sail-away (which of course I don't want to miss). Sounds like if we plan for around 4:30 we should be good to go. Thanks! Barb

First time sailing out of Port Everglades (on Zuiderdam on 2/14) ... is the terminal that HAL uses big enough that if we encounter a line, we won't be stuck standing outside? Also, is the terminal air conditioned and if so, is it usually comfortable or should we plan on it being warm and dress accordingly? Thanks!

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If the Zuiderdam is scheduled to depart at 4:00, what time "should" we expect the muster drill to happen?

Perks for suite guests are nice and I must say I enjoy Blu (when I've had the opportunity) and Bistro on 5. That said, I'd hate to see X move to a class sytem like Cunard.

I'm up next! (Valentine's Day) :D

Thanks for posting the revised policy - a nice surprise to find this morning. Seems like a good compromise for both sides. We sail on Valentine's Day and I just posted it on our Roll Call. :D

The decor looks like the designer was a 60's hippie high on something.

Excellent! DH and I should feel right at home!! :D

PS - Did I mention we're from COLORADO??!!?? ;)

You mention that you've sailed on HAL. If you've sailed on any of the Vista-class ships and liked them, you should like the M-class ships (including the Connie).

Here's a link to the thread that keeps track of such things and it doesn't appear so:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974109&highlight=drydock

If memory serves (and it doesn't always), she went through a drydock in December of 2012. Someone correct me if I'm wrong please. ;)

Oh, this is easy: That people are never going to sail HAL again because of the new policy limiting them to carrying on only one bottle of wine per person. Sorry but IMHO that tops the list of silly statements. :rolleyes: :p

ME!! The wild and crazy tea drinker.:p

Where's that "Like" button when I need it??!! :)

P.s. prettier than Palapala right?

Softer sounding, for sure. But will never get friends and family (let alone myself) to switch after all these years! :p

Startwin - having never purchased cruise line insurance before, am just curious.... do they actually reimburse money or do they issue credit towards a future cruise?

And OUCH! :eek: on that insurance bill!!

Barb