Neptune Lounges - Sideboards- All Ships

[frankc98376]

Interesting post from Linda & Vern regarding Zuiderdam. Any others have recent experience with NL on Zuiderdam? Was it in "normal operation" at boarding time?

[sail7seas]

I can understand that HAL wants to cut back suite benefits due to selling them at fire sale prices or offering them as up-sells at the last minute.

I applaud Celebrity for raising the bar and working toward adding amenities (dedicated restaurant and lounge ala Haven or Yacht Club) to entice people to pay full price for their suites. They include Butler service. Some offer cocktails in the evening. Why not offer Signature Beverage Card to full fare suite passengers? A couple of Pinnacle dinners?

I guess the decision for a company is do you want to keep the low ball pricing or up your game and get the $400 plus per day per person.

If the lines keep "cheapening" the product they might as well do what the airlines did with First Class and start calling the suites "more legroom staterooms" with early boarding.

 

 

 

 

my underline

 

 

It's good to keep in mind when 'understanding' suite cut backs that there are a number of us who book far in advance and are paying premium pricing.

 

We are not 'okay' with severe suite cutbacks because of HAL's pattern of cheap upsells and free upgrades.

 

It is easy to think everyone in those "SA" and "S" cabins and other Neptune Suite categories have deeply discounted rates. That is not the case.

 

[Kona921]

 

my underline

 

 

It's good to keep in mind when 'understanding' suite cut backs that there are a number of us who book far in advance and are paying premium pricing.

 

We are not 'okay' with severe suite cutbacks because of HAL's pattern of cheap upsells and free upgrades.

 

It is easy to think everyone in those "SA" and "S" cabins and other Neptune Suite categories have deeply discounted rates. That is not the case.

 

 

Agree 100%

[frankc98376]

 

my underline

 

 

It's good to keep in mind when 'understanding' suite cut backs that there are a number of us who book far in advance and are paying premium pricing.

 

We are not 'okay' with severe suite cutbacks because of HAL's pattern of cheap upsells and free upgrades.

 

It is easy to think everyone in those "SA" and "S" cabins and other Neptune Suite categories have deeply discounted rates. That is not the case.

 

 

I think "understand" was the wrong word for the situation. I am definitely not OK with it. We pay full fare to get the particular suite we want as I am sure many do.

We met a couple on Oosterdam last year that booked a $349pp inside cabin. They were offered upsell to SS for $249 and took it. They then were offered upsell to NS for $199 and turned it down.

I have no problem with the fact we pay more many months in advance to secure the cabin we want but 3 times more? And why do I have to "feel" the cutbacks because of the "giveaways" others get? I certainly won't see any money back from price cutting and upsells/upgrades after final payment date.

So, yes 100% in agreement with you.

I guess what I don't understand is why HAL would be reducing suite benefits the same time others are increasing them...

[kjw869]

 

my underline

 

 

It's good to keep in mind when 'understanding' suite cut backs that there are a number of us who book far in advance and are paying premium pricing.

 

We are not 'okay' with severe suite cutbacks because of HAL's pattern of cheap upsells and free upgrades.

 

It is easy to think everyone in those "SA" and "S" cabins and other Neptune Suite categories have deeply discounted rates. That is not the case.

 

 

That's true. We paid full fare for the Pinnacle Suite for our upcoming cruise in May. But, we got the same cabin we had last year which my wife loved.

 

However, in the past, we have taken up sells from the Signature Suites to Deluxe Suites. Since then, to get the cabin we want, we always pay full fare (minus a healthy travel agency discount).

[Krazy Kruizers]

I can understand that HAL wants to cut back suite benefits due to selling them at fire sale prices or offering them as up-sells at the last minute.

I applaud Celebrity for raising the bar and working toward adding amenities (dedicated restaurant and lounge ala Haven or Yacht Club) to entice people to pay full price for their suites. They include Butler service. Some offer cocktails in the evening. Why not offer Signature Beverage Card to full fare suite passengers? A couple of Pinnacle dinners?

I guess the decision for a company is do you want to keep the low ball pricing or up your game and get the $400 plus per day per person.

If the lines keep "cheapening" the product they might as well do what the airlines did with First Class and start calling the suites "more legroom staterooms" with early boarding.

 

 

my underline

 

 

It's good to keep in mind when 'understanding' suite cut backs that there are a number of us who book far in advance and are paying premium pricing.

 

We are not 'okay' with severe suite cutbacks because of HAL's pattern of cheap upsells and free upgrades.

 

It is easy to think everyone in those "SA" and "S" cabins and other Neptune Suite categories have deeply discounted rates. That is not the case.

 

 

 

Sail is right.

We also book months in advance and pay big prices for our PS and SA and certainly don't appreciate HAL cutting back on our perks -- what little we get.

[cbr663]

<snip>

If the lines keep "cheapening" the product they might as well do what the airlines did with First Class and start calling the suites "more legroom staterooms" with early boarding.

 

But that's what most of them are. A "suite" is generally understood to contain separate rooms. This means that the only true suites are the Pinnacle class accommodations. All others are actually cabins with more legroom, to borrow your description.

[Linda&Vern]

I just typed a very long reply about the NL on the Zuiderdam ... and lost it :mad The good news is that it was all positive comments. All is well here on the Z - at least what DH and I have discovered so far. Will save all further comments until cruise is over. But if your future cruises includes one on the Z, you can sleep well tonight. All is good. :D

[frankc98376]

I just typed a very long reply about the NL on the Zuiderdam ... and lost it :mad The good news is that it was all positive comments. All is well here on the Z - at least what DH and I have discovered so far. Will save all further comments until cruise is over. But if your future cruises includes one on the Z, you can sleep well tonight. All is good. :D

 

 

Thanks Linda&Vern and I know you will sleep well tonight :)

Edited February 27, 2014 by frankc98376

[cbr663]

<snip>

We met a couple on Oosterdam last year that booked a $349pp inside cabin. They were offered upsell to SS for $249 and took it. They then were offered upsell to NS for $199 and turned it down.

I have no problem with the fact we pay more many months in advance to secure the cabin we want but 3 times more? And why do I have to "feel" the cutbacks because of the "giveaways" others get? I certainly won't see any money back from price cutting and upsells/upgrades after final payment date.

So, yes 100% in agreement with you.

I guess what I don't understand is why HAL would be reducing suite benefits the same time others are increasing them...

 

I feel that your example illustrates the reason why - even with a low offer, the Neptune Suites are just not an attractive choice for many passengers. And I understand why.

 

We also booked and paid full price for a NS and it turned out to be the most disappointing cruise experience. After some convincing, my DW got me back on another dam ship, but this time in a veranda cabin. I wasn't going to make the same mistake twice. We had a wonderful experience. The cruise was everything that we had hoped for and more. Twice the experience at less than half the cost.

 

So, we have booked again. DW asked if we should try the NS again and I replied, "No". HAL doesn't excel in that market. It just doesn't provide everything that you expect from a "suite" experience. Perhaps it did at one time, but it certainly doesn't now, especially, as you have pointed out, when you compare it with its competition.

[CruiseWhere]

It just doesn't provide everything that you expect from a "suite" experience. Perhaps it did at one time, but it certainly doesn't now, especially, as you have pointed out, when you compare it with its competition.

 

Just curious, as DH & I only started cruising in 2011, as to what anyone on this board use to have or had come to expect with a NS that is no longer there?

[HALrunner]

This thread has been so fun to read- I talked DH into booking our first suite! We will toast to you at sail away from our SA on the Eurodam:)

[cruz chic]

I feel that your example illustrates the reason why - even with a low offer, the Neptune Suites are just not an attractive choice for many passengers. And I understand why.

 

We also booked and paid full price for a NS and it turned out to be the most disappointing cruise experience. After some convincing, my DW got me back on another dam ship, but this time in a veranda cabin. I wasn't going to make the same mistake twice. We had a wonderful experience. The cruise was everything that we had hoped for and more. Twice the experience at less than half the cost.

 

So, we have booked again. DW asked if we should try the NS again and I replied, "No". HAL doesn't excel in that market. It just doesn't provide everything that you expect from a "suite" experience. Perhaps it did at one time, but it certainly doesn't now, especially, as you have pointed out, when you compare it with its competition.

 

I just got off a Princess cruise in my first suite on that line. Hal's suites are much better then Hal's and offer better perks.

[kjw869]

I just got off a Princess cruise in my first suite on that line. Hal's suites are much better then Hal's and offer better perks.

 

"Hal's suites are much better then Hal's and offer better perks."???

 

Did you mean Princess suites?

[kazu]

Just curious, as DH & I only started cruising in 2011, as to what anyone on this board use to have or had come to expect with a NS that is no longer there?

 

I don't think there is any difference between then and now on most ships to be honest.

 

The sideboard usually has stuff like bagels, cookies, breads, buns, etc. The one on one ship apparently has not had these items for some time as it's sideboard does not have a sneeze guard so according to reports, people have to ask for these items.

[cruz chic]

"Hal's suites are much better then Hal's and offer better perks."???

 

Did you mean Princess suites?

 

Yup, I just got back last night so I'm blaming it on a long day. Hal suites have better perks than Princess and are nicer. Think I got it right this time:D.

[sail7seas]

Cruz chic,

 

Welcome Back. Hope you had a great cruise.

 

What are the suite perks on Princess that you think are better than HAL's?

 

Thanks. :)

 

[sail7seas]

Just curious, as DH & I only started cruising in 2011, as to what anyone on this board use to have or had come to expect with a NS that is no longer there?

 

 

Many of the things we remininsce about and miss are not necessarily suite specific but whole ship experience specific.

 

BUT we really miss Suite Dinner. Every cruise, they ran a Suite dinner in what was then the Marco Polo or Odyssey (Rotterdam and Amsterdam - now the location for Pinnacle) and those dinners were very, very nice. Most tables had an officer hosting and the tables were rarely larger than about 6 people except for sometimes we would be at Captain's Table and that might be 12 or so people. The menu was other than in MDR and the wines were wonderful!

 

For years on Maasdam, whenever we ordered a full Room Service breakfast or dinner, it was delivered on a rolling cart whose sides dropped and when the sides were raised, it made a full round table that was set with white cloth, lovely flatware, stemware and flowers. It was so wonderful starting the day having our breakfast delivered to us thus.

 

We received pillow gifts on some of the 'special cruises' such as Millenium Christmas and New Years cruises.

There were more cocktail parties that many Suite guests attended.

 

We received many more gift bottles of wine in our cabin.

HAL cruises and (in many cases) cruisers were different then but so were the times, the standards, the economy, the expectations of guest and host and a long list of other measures.

 

Sometimes the differences are intangible but real and noticeable.

 

Edited March 2, 2014 by sail7seas

[cruz chic]

Cruz chic,

 

Welcome Back. Hope you had a great cruise.

 

What are the suite perks on Princess that you think are better than HAL's?

 

Thanks. :)

 

 

Clarity is not working for me. What I'm trying to say is that all perks and suites are better on Hal :D. There is no lounge like the Neptune on Princess. The room is also smaller. There are no "special" parties. I knew a lot of this going in so no surprise. One area that Princess shines brightly is the MDR service. It is stellar.

[sail7seas]

Clarity is not working for me. What I'm trying to say is that all perks and suites are better on Hal :D. There is no lounge like the Neptune on Princess. The room is also smaller. There are no "special" parties. I knew a lot of this going in so no surprise. One area that Princess shines brightly is the MDR service. It is stellar.

 

 

Thanks for clarifying.

I remember the last time we sailed Princess was the last time partially due to the poor Suite experience. It was very disappointing but that goes back many years. Sounds like not much has changed.

 

The actual suite was very large, two rooms, huge marble bathroom as well as a guest half bath. It was a fabulous cabin but the verandah was small, odd shaped and had a terrible deck that was impossible to stand on barefoot.

 

Edited March 2, 2014 by sail7seas

[cruz chic]

Thanks for clarifying.

I remember the last time we sailed Princess was the last time partially due to the poor Suite experience. It was very disappointing but that goes back many years. Sounds like not much has changed.

 

The actual suite was very large, two rooms, huge marble bathroom as well as a guest half bath. It was a fabulous cabin but the verandah was small, odd shaped and had a terrible deck that was impossible to stand on barefoot.

 

 

I was surprised at how small the deck was. I had an aft suite and I loved that. With 2 loungers, 2 chairs and a table I was always trying to squeeze past something. I did like the mini bar set up that I changed for water and Perrier. That was good. The bathroom was nice. I was in the lowest catagory of the full suites so maybe they are nicer further up the food chain. My cabin steward was not good so that didn't add the the experience.

[frankc98376]

Many of the things we remininsce about and miss are not necessarily suite specific but whole ship experience specific.

 

BUT we really miss Suite Dinner. Every cruise, they ran a Suite dinner in what was then the Marco Polo or Odyssey (Rotterdam and Amsterdam - now the location for Pinnacle) and those dinners were very, very nice. Most tables had an officer hosting and the tables were rarely larger than about 6 people except for sometimes we would be at Captain's Table and that might be 12 or so people. The menu was other than in MDR and the wines were wonderful!

 

For years on Maasdam, whenever we ordered a full Room Service breakfast or dinner, it was delivered on a rolling cart whose sides dropped and when the sides were raised, it made a full round table that was set with white cloth, lovely flatware, stemware and flowers. It was so wonderful starting the day having our breakfast delivered to us thus.

 

We received pillow gifts on some of the 'special cruises' such as Millenium Christmas and New Years cruises.

There were more cocktail parties that many Suite guests attended.

 

We received many more gift bottles of wine in our cabin.

HAL cruises and (in many cases) cruisers were different then but so were the times, the standards, the economy, the expectations of guest and host and a long list of other measures.

 

Sometimes the differences are intangible but real and noticeable.

 

 

I was trying to think of a reply and you said it perfectly in your first sentence Sail. The total experience has changed or "evolved" as the marketing folks say.

I miss the little things- the Dutch woman with tulips at the gangway at embarkation, the stewards escorting you to your cabin, flowers everywhere (much more than now), the parties- I could go on.

Times have changed though- looking back to the early 80's we actually paid more for a cruise than now- an inside cabin back then was a great deal at $700pp for seven days.

There were only a handful of suites then compared to now and most all crew knew who the suite guests were. Hard to compare the suite service now to then as it was totally different- stewards only had 6 or 8 staterooms to take care of. I do remember lots of bottles of wine being delivered, the little pillow gifts, and suite guests usually dined with the captain at least once.

Even with all the changes we've seen there is still the WONDERFUL crew that never fails to make me feel like I am back home!

[Krazy Kruizers]

Clarity is not working for me. What I'm trying to say is that all perks and suites are better on Hal :D. There is no lounge like the Neptune on Princess. The room is also smaller. There are no "special" parties. I knew a lot of this going in so no surprise. One area that Princess shines brightly is the MDR service. It is stellar.

 

What special parties does HAL have?

[cruz chic]

What special parties does HAL have?

 

I'm thinking of the suite party the first night and the VIP party. On Princess every person that has ever sailed with them is invited to a party. I'm not a fan of huge crowds with cheap champagne.

[Krazy Kruizers]

We do go to the Suite cocktail party. But there have been some changes in that as well. On our recent Nieuw Amsterdam Collectors Cruise we were not invited to the second segment one. On previous Collector Cruises we were always invited to both. I don't have a problem with that. New rules.

But we are not always invited to the VIP parties. Some people claim that ALL high day people are always invited -- not so. We had almost the highest number of days on a few cruises -- stayed in an SA -- and were not invited to the VIP parties. Guess we don't "Hang" out with the right people.