Cabin Question

[kayjo]

Having trouble finding out the answer to this.... I am interested in booking a cruise on the Veendam and can't figure out the difference between category BB and an BQ both are coming up at the same price, the BB is a veranda suite and the BQ is a spa. The BB says it is 292 sf vs. 197 for the BQ. What exactly does "suite" mean for HAL?

[Krazy Kruizers]

Not much for those categories.

Only the PS, S Deluxe Suites get a lot of amenties.

From HAL's site:

ALL STATEROOMS

 

 

 

Holland America Line Cruises: Every Stateroom, a Gracious Retreat

 

 

Relax into a world of comfort and easy elegance aboard the luxurious cruise ships of Holland America Line. Luxurious living is found in every detail, from the soft caress of a personal bathrobe to fine chocolates on your pillow at night. Staterooms filled with all manner of sophisticated amenities beckon you to retreat for hours.

SIGNATURE TOUCHES IN EVERY STATEROOM

• Spacious, elegantly appointed staterooms, many with private verandahs
  
• Luxurious Mariner's Dream™ beds and premium linens
  
• Daily housekeeping to tidy belongings and keep staterooms immaculate
  
• Large, extra-fluffy Egyptian cotton towels
  
• Lighted magnifying mirrors; massage showerheads; salon-quality hair dryers
  
• Luxurious terry cloth bathrobes
  
• Elemis Aromapure "Time to Spa" bath amenities
  
• Televisions with DVD players
  
• Generous storage
  
• Complimentary fresh fruit
  
• Complimentary 24-hour in-room dining
  
• Nightly turndown service
  
• Complimentary shoeshine service
  
• Complimentary ice service
  

BB:

Verandah Suites

2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, whirlpool bath & shower, sitting area, private verandah, mini-bar, refrigerator, floor-to-ceiling windows. Approximately 292 sq. ft.

Room Amenities

Include all the stateroom amenities, plus:

• A variety of firm, medium, and soft pillows
  
• No-host mini-bar for easy entertaining
  
• Personalized cruise stationery
  
• Oversized bath towels
  
• One-touch telephone concierge service
  
• Fresh flowers
  
• Complimentary DVD library
  

BQ:

 

Spa Staterooms Opt for the serenity of a new Spa Suite or Stateroom, featuring modern spa amenities such as yoga mats, an iPod® docking station, and a countertop water feature in-room. Also available are exclusive spa treatments from the nearby Greenhouse Spa and Salon. 2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bath & shower, sitting area, private verandah, mini-bar, refrigerator, floor-to-ceiling windows. Approximately 197 sq. ft

Room Amenities

Include all the stateroom amenities, plus:

• A variety of firm, medium, and soft pillows
  
• No-host mini-bar for easy entertaining
  
• Personalized cruise stationery
  
• Oversized bath towels
  
• One-touch telephone concierge service
  
• Fresh flowers
  
• Complimentary DVD library
  
• Yoga mats
  
• iPod® docking station
  
• Countertop water feature
  

JMO -- but I would book the BB -- larger cabin & larger balcony.

[kayjo]

Thanks, that is what I was thinking. I think I would take more sf over a yoga mat, an iPod docking station and a water feature, just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing anything.

[jhannah]

What exactly does "suite" mean for HAL?

It means more dollars. That's all. This is a pet peeve of mine. HAL calls their staterooms "suites" when they're no such thing. Webster and all other sources define suite as a group of rooms intended to be used together. A verandah suite is one room. Oh, there's a bathroom alright ... but if you count it you can call insides suites as well.

 

Only multiple rooms qualify as suites. The S suites get in under the wire with a separate dressing area (if you can call it a room.) But any stateroom category below that is - by definition - NOT a suite.

 

(Stepping off my soapbox and returning you to your regularly-scheduled programming.)