Last minute booking...

[PaulaJK]

We have decided to take a brief break immediately
post xmas and have booked OOsterdam, category S.
I have read some of these posts w. a somewhat sinking
heart, but off we go. Any comments are welcome;
-boarding time?
-room service?
-how to book Pinnacle Grill?
-Is dry cleaning or laundry included in S category?
[I saw a post, but didn;t see it on web site]
-How to book those 'cabanas' on pvt island?
-best lounge for pre dinner libations?
thanks

[sail7seas]

Surely you have read many of the very positive things that many of us have to say re: HAL. Many of us have enjoyed ourselves on our past and recent cruises and eagerly await our next chance to bound across a gangway.


You will love the "S" suite. We have spent well over a year of our lives in that cabin and the slightly larger style "S" on the other ships.

The highlights of included amenities are priority embarkation/disembarkation; tender tickets in ports where tenders are needed; Suite cocktail party with Captain and Hotel Manager; corsages and boutonairres on the first formal night; VCR/DVD players with access to many titles; Use of the Neptune Lounge and Concierge....FABULOUS and included laundry and dry cleaning.

Hope you have a great time.

[sail7seas]

Sorry....

Forgot to add you can book Cabanas before boarding the ship (providing there is still on available) by calling Ship Services at 800-541-1576.
You can pre-book Pinnacle reservations at that same number if you choose to dine there. (Alternative dining additional price if usually $20 pp [and well worth it IMO] but if you go the first night of your cruise, the price is $10 pp).

Personal preference rules, of course, but our choice is Ocean Bar for pre-dinner cocktails.

[localady]

S7S- Just a bit of an update. I understand that cabanas are now booked along with the other shore excursions via the website and no longer with Ship Services. You purchase one as you would any other shore excursion.:cool:

P.S. PaulaJK- I think you will have a lovely cruise! :) Sometimes we all have to take things said here with a grain of salt as you sometimes have 2 ppl from a ship do a review of the same cruise and have one love it and one hate it. :rolleyes: All personal taste and experience!:cool:

[sail7seas]

Thanks Localady.


I know we can book as an excursion but I thought we also had the choice of booking through Ships Services if we preferred???

[localady]

S7S-

I haven't tried since it was offered by Shore Excursions. In my experience, Ship Services is one area that HAL Seattle excels! They have always been pleasant and very helpful when I've had even unusual requests!:cool:

[Krazy Kruizers]

You can arrive at the pier in Ft Lauderdale around 11 AM. There will be a special desk for the PS and S passengers to check in. You will also be given a sticky, gold paper medallion that will identify you as a suite passenger. Once they begin calling numbers (you don't need one) - usually around 11:30 - then you can board the ship. Sometimes there will be someone to excort you to the Neptune Lounge where you can drop off your luggage and snack a little - get to introduce yourself to the concierge. Or you can roam around the ship until your suite is ready.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Suite Amenities:

1.Separate desk to check in at embarkation port.
2.Persoanlized stationary.
3.Use of the Neptune Lounge.
4.Concierge who can take care of your credit card, make reservations for you for the Pinnacle, make change, take care of shore excursions, help you any problems that you may have.
5.Boutonnieres & corsages for first formal night.
6.Free laundry and dry cleaning.
7.Priority tender passes.
8.Free use of binoculars.
9.Free use of a large umbrella.
10.Priority disembarkation.
11.Suite cocktail party either the first evening or the next day at lunch time.
12.Maybe an invitaion to a VIP party.
13.Maybe a suite buffet on last sea day.

[Sherry H]

Don't really need to answer your questions, as others have done so. However, I will tell you, we took the 22 day Panama Canal cruise on the Oosterdam and loved everthing about her!!!! Great food, wonderful staff, the greatest service! Could not have been any happier!!

[PaulaJK]

I have become much more enthusiastic after
reading your replies. Thanks for all of the info....
now, if just the sun gods will shine, all will be well.