Pinnacle Suite Perks

[Moriah]

5 minutes ago, CTOM said:

 

  It's gonna be cold outside, so the hot tub will be especially nice.   I suppose your wore a bathing suit?...I'm just wondering how private it is  when you (didn't) use any bubble bath.

 

It's pretty private... but as you said, Alaska is cold. And if you want to alternate between the railing and the tub, you might want to be clothed. 

[twodjs]

A comment on our recent Alaska cruise on the Eurodam in a Pinnacle Suite. The level of service provided when both breakfast and dinner were delivered was no different than that of an inside cabin. Very disappointed! We did talk to the Neptune Lounge concierge about the inconsistent service, compared to the same ship, same suite just five months earlier. At this price point (not discounted or a free upgrade), we expected far more. There was no follow-up by any staff. We were even more upset when we returned home to read this thread of the wonderful course by course service, white table cloth and beautiful place settings using the fine china, Waterford crystal, etc. stored in the Suite. We got nothing! Well, we did get two bread plates, but not even bread or butter. As a result, we have canceled our upcoming Dec. 7 Mexico cruise in the Pinnacle Suite on the Oosterdam. There is no excuse for such a lack of consistent service. We are not going to chance it again! We sincerely hope this is not a sign of the future of HAL service.

 

[Crusinsusan2]

You have already posted on 2 other boards that you are done with HAL. You have bashed HAL mercilessly.  Question - Why do you still choose to sail with HAL yet complain about everything on every sailing???  Hopefully your upcoming 5 day on Virgin fits the bill 🙂 . I don't get it. Hoping you guys finally find a good fit like we found on HAL.       

[twodjs]

Crusinsusan2 - Are you speaking to me? The two things I have ever been critical of is the way Club Orange was conceived and executed. In my opinion, they have not shown respect for the suite guests or four star Mariners with this program. Many others share that same opinion. Also, HAL is way behind the other lines in perks for Suites. Bashing mercilessly and complaining about everything is not even close to accurate! We booked that recent Pinnacle Suite cruise to Alaska after a very enjoyable cruise last December on the Eurodam in the same Pinnacle Suite. We are four star Mariners. I thought it very appropriate to post when we did not receive anywhere near the service described by others. We have also communicated twice to the main office since our cruise. If you had paid $1500 per night, would you have just kept your mouth shut? 

[CTOM]

To @twodjs (and anyone else who can give an opinion)...  Wife and I have a pinnacle suite on Westerdam next year.   

We are both fairly reserved and quiet and stick to ourselves. We are the type to get embarrassed over extra attention, not those who seek it.  We always request a table for two on cruises.

We booked it mainly for a once-in-lifetime experience for the extra space and balcony tub, not for the extra attention from the staff.   

So my question is...does the staff make a big deal over you?  Like when we first check in, can we just quietly go to our room by ourselves, or does a porter walk with you and show you around, etc.?    If we get a room service meal, will they just drop it off as usual?   Just trying to get an idea...   Thanks !

 

[Krazy Kruizers]

You will be escorted onto the ship -- right after the wheelchair people.  It will be done by a shore side person.  Then another steward will escort you from when you enter ship at the gangway and scan your ID card and take you up to your deck and one of the concierges will escort you to your cabin.  Since we have been in quite a few PS cabins, they don't bother showing us around the cabin anymore.  They will ask if you have any special requests.

 

We also like tables for 2 and are quiet people.  But we have never bothered to order dinner in.  In recent years we have had all our dinners in the Pinnacle Grill (as well as the Tamarind on the ships that have this specialty restaurant).

 

Your dinner will be served course by course -- others who have ordered dinner in the PS have reported this.  Usually there are 2 servers.  And sometimes the concierge will stop by to make certain that everything is going well.

[kazu]

6 hours ago, CTOM said:

To @twodjs (and anyone else who can give an opinion)...  Wife and I have a pinnacle suite on Westerdam next year.   

We are both fairly reserved and quiet and stick to ourselves. We are the type to get embarrassed over extra attention, not those who seek it.  We always request a table for two on cruises.

We booked it mainly for a once-in-lifetime experience for the extra space and balcony tub, not for the extra attention from the staff.   

So my question is...does the staff make a big deal over you?  Like when we first check in, can we just quietly go to our room by ourselves, or does a porter walk with you and show you around, etc.?    If we get a room service meal, will they just drop it off as usual?   Just trying to get an idea...   Thanks !

 

 

 

I’ve only had a couple of PS’s but no the staff don’t fuss unless you want them to.

 

They are very empathetic.  The escort on the ship is discreet and other than that, your perks are the same as the Neptune suites.  

 

Of course, the concierge knows where you are but he/she does not announce it nor fawn over you.

 

We have done course by course dining with friends in the suite and it is really nice.  It could be a nice romantic dinner for two, too 😉 

[twodjs]

Hi CTOM - We are much like you. You will love the space and privacy of the Pinnacle Suite. We had a table for two in the MDR most nights and the service was fine. Kazu's description is correct. The Concierge is very respectful of any request you have and can make room service aware that you don't want anything special, just delivery. Be sure to express your wish to the Concierge in the Neptune Lounge when you first arrive. After reading all the reports of how dinner is usually presented in the PS, we were really looking forward to a romantic dinner or a romantic breakfast. But as you read in my comments in a previous post, we never got either, just delivery. Very disappointing for us. But it would have been perfect for you.    

[Sage]

The perks for the Pinnacle Suite are basically the same as the Neptune Suites with the difference being the amount of space, and the fresh flowers are a bit larger arrangement. The Concierge is very respectful of your wishes. I traveled in February with my Daughter and 2 year old Grand Daughter, and we were given something that I have never received before while staying in the Pinnacle Suite. I'm not sure if if was because of my 5 Star Mariner Status in combination with the Pinnacle Suite, but the Concierge came for us the day of disembarkation. She pushed the stroller for my Daughter put me on one elevator, and then said she would follow with my family in the next elevator that had room. When I got off the elevator, the Pinnacle Grill Manager, called my name, and asked me to come stand by him near the bank of elevators. I was watching anxiously for the family, and he said here they come now. The elevator opened, the Concierge and my family emerged. I realized they had been in contact by radio. She took us to the head of the line, the Captain thanked us for sailing with them, and we were told a person would be waiting at the end of the gangway. The person was at the end of the gangway, escorted us to an open elevator, and told us that when we got off the elevator, the man would be waiting to help us with our luggage. The man was indeed waiting, called me by name, and proceeded to help us with the luggage, took us to the head of the line at customs, and since we drove, took us to the parking garage, loaded the bags, asked if we knew how to get to our road, and wished us a safe trip. I have always received superb service on HAL,  but never have I received this kind of service. This is the one of several reasons why I continue to sail with HAL.

[CTOM]

Thank you all.    Those are some very helpful experiences and gives us something to look forward to !

[Moriah]

20 hours ago, Sage said:

The perks for the Pinnacle Suite are basically the same as the Neptune Suites with the difference being the amount of space, and the fresh flowers are a bit larger arrangement. The Concierge is very respectful of your wishes. I traveled in February with my Daughter and 2 year old Grand Daughter, and we were given something that I have never received ... I have always received superb service on HAL,  but never have I received this kind of service. This is the one of several reasons why I continue to sail with HAL.

 

I really loved reading this.  This is just as it should be, and I'm so happy you and your family experienced this kind of service. 

 

TwoDjs: When people "didn't receive" the service they were wanting, I always wonder... did they request it?  Especially given that so many are like some of the people who have commented in this thread, in that they really don't want any extra "service" or attention, those who do, it seems to me, could speak up and request it, and it's my belief that the NL concierges and the rest of the ship's crew would provide what you wanted and then some. I've never had a PS myself but have sailed with many friends who have, and all have raved about the staff's willingness to supply almost anything their hearts desired.  I'm sure if you'd SAID you wanted that kind of meal service, you would have received. (correct me if I'm wrong, and you actually asked for it and were denied) 

Edited June 19, 2019 by Moriah

[twodjs]

No, on our first PS cruise, when we ordered breakfast in our Suite, the room service person came and offered to set the dining room table with a table cloth, etc. When we had afternoon tea for four delivered, it was set on our dining room table, just like the restaurant, with a white table cloth and all the extras you would expect at high tea. There was never a special request for this level of service. If you haven't been in a Pinnacle Suite, you need to know that there is an actual dining room with a dining table that could seat at least six comfortably, and next to that a cabinet with a complete set of Waterford crystal, special silverware and all the other items necessary for a fabulous meal and a separate room (butler's pantry) that even has its own entrance. Based on our first PS cruise, we had a reasonable expectation of the service level on our next PS cruise. When we got our first breakfast delivered without any offer of a table cloth or anything else, I thought it was odd, but was it my fault for not complaining? I didn't want to be "one of those people"! When we requested dinner in our Suite from the Neptune Lounge Concierge, I fully expected the experience everyone else on this thread has described. We got exactly what someone in an inside cabin would get - covered dishes on a tray. Was I supposed to specifically request two servers, white linen service and don't forget the crystal? Again, I didn't want to be "one of those people", but at this level of Suite and pricepoint, it should be the norm. Based on everyone else's comments, it is.  

[Moriah]

27 minutes ago, twodjs said:

No, on our first PS cruise, when we ordered breakfast in our Suite, the room service person came and offered to set the dining room table with a table cloth, etc. When we had afternoon tea for four delivered, it was set on our dining room table, just like the restaurant, with a white table cloth and all the extras you would expect at high tea. There was never a special request for this level of service. If you haven't been in a Pinnacle Suite, you need to know that there is an actual dining room with a dining table that could seat at least six comfortably, and next to that a cabinet with a complete set of Waterford crystal, special silverware and all the other items necessary for a fabulous meal and a separate room (butler's pantry) that even has its own entrance. Based on our first PS cruise, we had a reasonable expectation of the service level on our next PS cruise. When we got our first breakfast delivered without any offer of a table cloth or anything else, I thought it was odd, but was it my fault for not complaining? I didn't want to be "one of those people"! When we requested dinner in our Suite from the Neptune Lounge Concierge, I fully expected the experience everyone else on this thread has described. We got exactly what someone in an inside cabin would get - covered dishes on a tray. Was I supposed to specifically request two servers, white linen service and don't forget the crystal? Again, I didn't want to be "one of those people", but at this level of Suite and pricepoint, it should be the norm. Based on everyone else's comments, it is.  

 

Hmmm yes, I see what you mean.  I am familiar with the Pinnacle Suites and all the wonderful things they are stocked with! I've had meals at those (we call them the "board tables") dining tables many times with friends who have booked them, but my friends are the types who would not have wanted the white glove treatment and probably turned it down if it was offered.  I wonder if so many people not wanting it has spoiled it for those of you who do...and I can understand your frustration when that's what you experienced the first time, and you enjoyed it, especially having paid so much for the cabin.

[kazu]

28 minutes ago, Moriah said:

 

Hmmm yes, I see what you mean.  I am familiar with the Pinnacle Suites and all the wonderful things they are stocked with! I've had meals at those (we call them the "board tables") dining tables many times with friends who have booked them, but my friends are the types who would not have wanted the white glove treatment and probably turned it down if it was offered.  I wonder if so many people not wanting it has spoiled it for those of you who do...and I can understand your frustration when that's what you experienced the first time, and you enjoyed it, especially having paid so much for the cabin.

 

FWIW, when we had friends over for my birthday in the PS, we did course by course dining.  I asked the concierge if course by course dining could be arranged and it was no problem.

 

I’ve ordered room service in the same category and had it just brought on the tray like an any other cabin.

 

I believe you need to mention you would like course by course to get it these days.  But, that’s just my experience.

 

By the way, the MDR manager came to check and said he hoped we would take advantage and do it again.  We didn’t but we should have.  It was a very enjoyable evening.

[*Miss G*]

1 hour ago, twodjs said:

No, on our first PS cruise, when we ordered breakfast in our Suite, the room service person came and offered to set the dining room table with a table cloth, etc. When we had afternoon tea for four delivered, it was set on our dining room table, just like the restaurant, with a white table cloth and all the extras you would expect at high tea. There was never a special request for this level of service. If you haven't been in a Pinnacle Suite, you need to know that there is an actual dining room with a dining table that could seat at least six comfortably, and next to that a cabinet with a complete set of Waterford crystal, special silverware and all the other items necessary for a fabulous meal and a separate room (butler's pantry) that even has its own entrance. Based on our first PS cruise, we had a reasonable expectation of the service level on our next PS cruise. When we got our first breakfast delivered without any offer of a table cloth or anything else, I thought it was odd, but was it my fault for not complaining? I didn't want to be "one of those people"! When we requested dinner in our Suite from the Neptune Lounge Concierge, I fully expected the experience everyone else on this thread has described. We got exactly what someone in an inside cabin would get - covered dishes on a tray. Was I supposed to specifically request two servers, white linen service and don't forget the crystal? Again, I didn't want to be "one of those people", but at this level of Suite and pricepoint, it should be the norm. Based on everyone else's comments, it is.  

 

I agree that the person delivering should have offered to set it up.  To me, this comes down to training, supervision, and attention to detail.  They definitely dropped the ball in this instance and I would have mentioned it to the Concierge to (try to) prevent it from happening again.

[twodjs]

10 hours ago, *Miss G* said:

 

I agree that the person delivering should have offered to set it up.  To me, this comes down to training, supervision, and attention to detail.  They definitely dropped the ball in this instance and I would have mentioned it to the Concierge to (try to) prevent it from happening again.

Glad you agree....We did mention it. Didn't get much of a response. Also sent a detailed email to HAL. Our cruise ended on May 25th. Still no response at all from HAL. 

[DougK]

One perk that hasn't been mentioned in this thread, but I found in another thread, is free bottled water and soft drinks in the refrigerator. Does anybody know whether that perk still exists?

[Sage]

It did in February. 

[askworldtraveler]

On 6/6/2019 at 6:51 PM, twodjs said:

A comment on our recent Alaska cruise on the Eurodam in a Pinnacle Suite. The level of service provided when both breakfast and dinner were delivered was no different than that of an inside cabin. Very disappointed! We did talk to the Neptune Lounge concierge about the inconsistent service, compared to the same ship, same suite just five months earlier. At this price point (not discounted or a free upgrade), we expected far more. There was no follow-up by any staff. We were even more upset when we returned home to read this thread of the wonderful course by course service, white table cloth and beautiful place settings using the fine china, Waterford crystal, etc. stored in the Suite. We got nothing! Well, we did get two bread plates, but not even bread or butter. As a result, we have canceled our upcoming Dec. 7 Mexico cruise in the Pinnacle Suite on the Oosterdam. There is no excuse for such a lack of consistent service. We are not going to chance it again! We sincerely hope this is not a sign of the future of HAL service.

 

I'm smiling - not at the poor experience you had - but our upcoming Mexico 7 day cruise Dec 7 in YOUR Pinnacle suite.  We have been on several HAL ships - Oosterdam most often.  I will be happy to report what the experience was.  We do enjoy in room dining - especially on formal nights in our bathrobes 🙂 .   I have experienced similar issues - usually when ships are doing 7 day or less cruises - where there can be a lot of crew changes - or even reductions in staff for the shorter trips.  It's only a theory - and not an excuse.  Thanks for the heads up.  

[twodjs]

askworldtraveler - happy that we made the Pinnacle available to you. We're on the same cruise, but downgraded to a Neptune. We do wish you the very best with your room service experience. Pinnacle guests deserve nothing less. Perhaps catch you in the Lounge. And congratulations on your celebration!  

[canadianbear]

33 minutes ago, twodjs said:

askworldtraveler - happy that we made the Pinnacle available to you. We're on the same cruise, but downgraded to a Neptune. We do wish you the very best with your room service experience. Pinnacle guests deserve nothing less. Perhaps catch you in the Lounge. And congratulations on your celebration!  

We are also in a Neptune suite.  On one of our recent cruises we had 6 of our friends (not in Neptune) join us for happy hour in our suite before dinner.  It was awkward when I spoke with the concierge to have appetizers in our cabin arranged.   I’m not sure if she was new or what as we’d never had an issue before.  I thought it very odd as we’ve done this before with ease.