WaterSky

In as much as your cabin may not be available on boarding, when is the key card in your mailbox on embarkation? During our last cruise we boarded the ship about noon and went to the buffet. We found that we could not get soda without our keycard. Your experience and advice would be helpful. Thanks

We don't drink champagne and would prefer a bottle of wine. Can that be exchanged? If not would it be improper to bring the bottle to the main dinning room to share with other at the table?

AUNTMEG: Yes, we did prepay for the internet service which may be the reason I can't get HIA. As well, we did get a very good promotional rate for the cruise through a mariner email. My primary concern was that I may have done something wrong but that's obviously not the case given the information provided in this thread. Our thanks to everyone who commented.

Hello. We are about 29 days away from our cruise on the Oosterdam. We were considering the Have it All package however when we select it on HAL"s web page it indicates that our booking number is NOT eligible. I can not think of any reason that this would make a difference but we are 4 star mariners and have booked an SC guarantee Neptune. Anyone have an idea why we can not get the package? Thanks for reading this.

This was on Vista class HAL ships like the Oosterdam.

Please don't laugh at me!! For a number of years we have cruised in a Neptune Suite. The closets had a hanger bar that was lighted when the door was opened. I was very convenient. The past few cruises those lights didn't work. I know they are battery powered. I have asked HAL to replace the batteries but it doesn't happen. I know I could bring my own batteries but it's not a big deal. So I ask; is this a discontinued feature? help is appreciated.

Hi Tgetz We were on the Oosterdam last May (2022) in a Neptune Suite. The bed did have two large drawers under the bed. sometimes the cabin steward uses on for the suitcase bed cover but you can still use it as well.

We have a cruise booked for late May of this year that leaves from Portugal. I realize this is "everyone's favorite" subject however since we have always been transported via bus to the ship on other European cruises in this case we will walk up to the cruise terminal. Is tipping at this port expected? Thanks

We are on the Oosterdam in late spring 2023. We booked a Neptune Suite on a guarantee. The company assigned a SC designation. What are the differences between SA, SB and SC. Looking at deck plans I don't seem to see obstructed views. Would the SC cabins be excessively noisy? Is it the position of the room relative to front, rear or center? I have has Neptune Suites many times in the past and have never had a bad cabin. Your opinion and advice please.

Has anyone stayed at this hotel? It appears to be within walking distance to the cruise port but look are deceiving. The hotel has great reviews and is in a historic area. Any help is appreciated.

I want to thank those who replied to my our post. I apologize that I neglected to state the the ship is the MS Oosterdam. That makes a big difference. Given the information everyone provided there are a few SC Neptune Suites on Deck 7 and two handicaped suites on deck 6 that I assume would be reserved for those who need them. So Dixiejen; you can always be assigned an SA or SB cabin. Only time will tell!!!

We never book guarantee cabins for reasons you have heard many times. BUT HAL had a special that we couldn't refuse. To get the special price we have to take a guarantee cabin. From what I can see there doesn't seem to be physical bad locations such as obstructed views. Likely we would have to take a cabin with adjoining doors which we can live with. What is your opinion regarding poor Neptune locations. I would appreciate your opinions.

We just did this a week ago. Took the People Mover to the last stop. The bus picked up up at the exit point. Hope this helps you.

May 8th was the first cruise. Prior to this the Oosterdam was in drydock in Palermo.

On a recent Med cruise on the Oosterdam, There was one summary shore excursion presentation that provided little information. A big issue for us was that there was virtually no information on how to walk to some ports or use a shuttle. The exe people seems to know nothing. There was a website called Toms Port Guides. That might help for planning purposes.