DivotMaker

3 minutes ago, Crew News said:

Neptune Suite guests have a separate check-in line after passing through Security screening as well as a separate waiting area in most cruise terminals while waiting to board.

 

Neptune Suite guests will be in the second boarding group after those with mobility issues at the usual 11:30 AM time.

Ahh, got it.  Thanks so much, I really appreciate this.

52 minutes ago, Tom O. said:

If you want to have an easy embarkation, arrive after 2 pm. Lines are usually gone by then, and it only takes a few minutes to check in.

 

Curious about something since this will be our first cruise coming up with HAL.  How much easier is the embarkation process for someone in a Neptune Suite?   I believe I read about "priority embarkation" but does "priority" translate into a better process?  Thanks.

34 minutes ago, iancal said:

It seems so odd to me that anyone would care what cruise line or what ship a complete stranger would select for a cruise.  Really, does it matter???

 

 

 

Should it matter?  No.  Does it matter to some?  Yes.

There are some other threads here that generally say 11:30 seems to be a time that boarding begins.  Hope you have a great time on the cruise!

Just don't do what we did on our last cruise.  We had about $1,000 OBC and on the last day before we debarked, we stil had nearly $450 left and started buying things just to buy them....until I saw the words "refundable OBC" on our booking.  Fortunately we were still able to walk away with about $300 cash. 🤣

We just returned from an NCL cruise and they actually had a couple crew members outside the buffet saying "washy washy" as they attempted to spray everyone's hands.  They also had hand washing stations  a few feet away.  Like some others, we always carry our own.  

Hello, I've attached a PDF that I found on their website.  Which level of suite were you thinking?   I don't have an answer for your other question, but I'm certain another person here will chime in shortly.  Great group of folks here!

Happy cruising.

Suite_info_from_HAL.pdf

I don't believe this is possible with iPhones (unless it's jailbroken).  You should get the following error message:

37 minutes ago, DaveOKC said:

Best thing to do is to attend the Welcome Aboard cocktail party for Neptunes only.  Its on the first evening around 7 - 8 PM.  

Thank you, much appreciated.  

Our first HAL cruise will be on the Eurodam in June. We went with a Neptune Suite, and we're curious about the Neptune Lounge.  One of the things we like most about cruising is developing new friendships that extend past debarkation day.   I think I read somewhere where about 64 cabins will have access to it, but we we're wanting to know if it's been your experience that folks tend to hang out in the Lounge and enjoy starting up new conversations or if they tend to go there for privacy and quiet time.  I'm the kind that will strike up a conversation with someone quite easily, but I also understand not everyone is receptive to that.  While I recognize there's no "absolute" when it comes to an answer, I would enjoy any thoughts on how you viewed it to be.  Thank you.

I've always been intrigued by the aft cabins and we almost selected one for our first HAL cruise, but, like your husband, I don't do so well with motion sickness.  I'd love to hear how he does and your overall thoughts on it.

Thank you for a great review.  We have our first HAL cruise coming up in June and based on your review, it's good to know I have another option that appears to check most of our boxes.

1 hour ago, FlaMariner said:

We've always refilled our supply when we hit Cozumel.  I think you need to be in Mexico.

 

(It's good stuff and puts the grocery store stuff to shame)

Not to get too far off track here, but I couldn't agree more!  We bought so much I think we'll be good for a few years and I do a ton of baking!

2 minutes ago, kazu said:

 

If you have fixed dining, you can't go to anytime dining unless there are special arrangements made.  

 

You have to pick one or the other.  and yes, if they go to anytime, once their cabin number is known if they opt to eat there,  they'll lose their assigned seating.  

 

Thank you.

1 hour ago, kazu said:

 

Your friends can’t switch back and forth.  You have to do one dining option or the other.

 

Now you can switch once if there are openings (always openings in Anytime Dining IMO) 

 

But that’s it.  You either do fixed or anytime.  

First time HAL cruiser here, so may I ask what happens if the folks who have assigned dining skip one night and do the anytime?  Do they lose their assigned time for the remainder of the cruise?  Thank you.

12 minutes ago, lstearns said:

They can call us whatever they want, but we're way past all that tasteless nonsense!  We love to have fun too, but in good taste!  There was nothing tasteless about our whole cruise- lovely people, great entertainment to suit every taste from classical string quartet, jazz, dualing pianos, trivia...nice music at the pools- we've found our new cruise home!  

Well said.  My wife loves playing the piano, and I'm a classical music person, so the music offerings with HAL are very attractive to us.  

5 hours ago, jagger16 said:

Hi Jason, Congrats on the Neptune Suite! It’s going to be amazing. Our first was in Norway and we loved our big balcony for scenic cruising. One thing we really enjoyed was having appetizers on our balcony with some wine for happy hour. You can arrange the apps with the Neptune Lounge. In Norway on the Rotterdam we preordered the apps for the whole two weeks for the days we wanted it. Last year on Niuew Amsterdam we had to call each morning. So figure out how to do it and try it out. It will be so pleasant. We also had a sail away party on our balcony with my family and it was really fun.

 

Of course the free laundry is awesome and fast. And having the two concierges is worth every dollar. You never ever have to go to ship services. The future cruise consultant comes to the lounge too. (HAL has a great program. $100 deposit on any future cruise that you don’t have to specify. Shipboard credit is guaranteed on top of other credits and it gets refunded if you don’t use it in four years.)

 

Also, my husband and I tried vow renewal twice. Once in Italy and once in Kenya. It became so complicated and more of a to do than we wanted. We ended up doing it on our own without an officiant and it was really nice. We wrote vows and found a really special spot. Either way happy anniversary and birthday and welcome to HAL!

Great information, thank you so much.  I like your idea of the sail away party on the balcony.  I thought I read somewhere where the balconies could be connected by unlocked the door between them?  Our traveling companions are right next door to us so that would be a nice way to set sail.  Appreciate your insight and helpful tips, have a greay day.

6 hours ago, lstearns said:

 No noisy parties, no hairy legs contests, no cheesy gimics, just relaxing cruising on gorgeous ships with lovely people, great service and comfy features!  

I was really curious about this and glad you brought it up.  On our last cruise they had some sort of "sexy" dance contest and I had to have my kids look away as we walked by because it was so tasteless what was taking place.  I think that was the moment I knew it was time to look for a different line.  I'm sure many will call us old fashioned or party poopers, but we can accept that 🙂

1 hour ago, fpat said:

 

Hi Jason 

 

We have been on several cruises ourselves,  while for the most part we book based on itinerary and not line.  We have another Hal cruise booked for March of 21 on the Westerdam Santiago to FLL. We always look forward to returning to Hal it is the right mix of good food, warm service, classic ship design, interesting ports and the right size ships.  While certain lines do excel in certain areas we really feel that Hal does an overall nice job in all areas.  We always enjoy our fellow cruisers on Hal as well. While Hal has the worst Suite Perks of their competition I still rather sail on Hal than a ship with better perks. Neptune Lounge is great! Tamarind is imo one of the best specialty restaurants at sea. I just turned 50 last year and do not feel too old or young for Hal.  Based on your previous cruises I think you will like Hal, enjoy your cruise! 

 

Fred

Hi Fred, thank you for your comments.  We used to sail based on itinerary, but as we've grown older, it just seems like our outlook and desires with regards to cruising has evolved.  Again, thank you for taking the time to respond and hope you have a great weekend.

55 minutes ago, HAL Sailer said:

DivotMaker,

There was a very complete review of renewal of vows (ROV) on the main HAL Cruise Critic Board (this board) a month ago.  People shared their photos, experiences, and fond memories. The subject title was HAL Renewal of Vows (ROV) and is currently showing up on page 14 of this board. If you go to page 14, you should find it.  I think you'll find the ROV stories very helpful in making your decision. Congrats!

Thank you so much, I just found it.  Have a great weekend.

Just now, canadianbear said:

Being in a Neptune you should get free mimosas for breakfast in the Pinnacle-however, to be on the safe side, ask the maître de the first morning you go there (they will ask your cabin number the first day and then usually recognize you after that).   Our first morning they were going to charge for the mimosa until I questioned her-maybe she was new.  

Thank you, I appreciate this info.  We always enjoy the specialty restaurants, and it seems HAL does it right with their offerings based on what I've been reading.

Just now, Mary229 said:

We have enjoyed the quiet of HAL for many years and are just now getting close to retirement age.    We also are the type of people who enjoy quiet walks in the wilderness, whitewater rafting and other non-party type of vacations.   I cruise to see beautiful places and explore different cultures.  I think HAL caters to likeminded people. 

This is music to our earys Mary.  I honestly don't think I've ever looked forward to a cruise as much as this one, especially given that we've already been there twice before.  I was thinking of renewing our marriage vows too, just need to do a little more research on HAL's process for it.

1 minute ago, canadianbear said:

I think you’ve made a very serious mistake.  We did too-our very first cruise we booked Alaska as well in a Neptune suite.  Now we are 4* and got hooked!  😁

 

Make sure you know all the perks of the Neptune suite ahead of time.  It’s nice that both you and your friends are in a Neptune.  We enjoy the peaceful breakfasts in the Pinnacle.  

 

Have a wonderful cruise!

You sure got me there!  Felt a little panic set in after reading your first sentence....Well done!  And thanks for the tips, we've been reading as much as possible on the perks and are definitely looking forward to meals in the Pinnacle.  Did you happen to try it for lunch or dinner?

1 minute ago, Tom O. said:

I think you will like HAL if you are looking for a quiet cruise. HAL passengers tend to be much older than all of the other cruise lines. Older folks are usually more reserved and go to bed early.

If you are in your lower 50's you will be among the younger half of passengers.

We like the older crowd, and we prefer smaller ships. 

Thanks Tom, and yes, we are definitely looking for a quieter and more reserved atmosphere.  We especially like the smaller ship.

1 minute ago, scubacruiserx2 said:

 

You're welcome . One warning - a Neptune Suite will probably spoil you .

 

Haha, I sure hope so!  I'll be celebrating my 49th birthday while we're crusing Glacier Bay.  Just can't imagine a better way to celebrate!