Amenity Difference - S versus SS

[AmyinVail]

On the Oosterdam: Is the only difference the use of the Neptune lounge? Anyone able to clarify that for me? I know the size of the cabin is different, but I want to know the difference with the bells and whistles. Thanks in advance!

[iowacruiser]

I know there are a few other differences but the one that comes to mind is the free laundry and drycleaning available in S but not SS..
................
Oh yea, just thought of a couple others.
Before dinner appetizers in your room (if you ask)
and a free corsage and boutineer on the first formal night..

[sail7seas]

Among other things:


Pax in "S" and "PS" have priority embarkation and disembarkation;
Cocktail party with Captain and Hotel Manager
Luxurious duvets and pillows;
Tender passes;
Included laundry and dry cleaning;
Personalized stationery;
VCR/DVD's
etc

[Randyk47]

There are no special bills and whistles for SS passengers. No Neptune Lounge, no priority tenders, no conceirge service, etc. For all practical purposes SS passengers are the same as all other category passengers, only S and PS get any special services or consideration. Having been in SS 6060 on the Oosterdam I will say it's a great category and the extra room was nice.

[Esme]

On the other ships A & B category paxs get the personalized stationery. Do SS suites not get this also?


Just looked at the brochure and it states that SS suites do have a DVD player also.

[sail7seas]

I have no idea, Esme. We have never stayed in an "SS".


I responded as to amenities for the "S" and "PS".

[Esme]

OP was asking about the difference between an S & SS. She made no mention of a PS. :rolleyes:

I know what you wrote! I can read. :rolleyes:

[sail7seas]

Happy Sailing :)

[Keith B.]

Both SS and S do get the personalized stationary. S & above Cat gets you the concierge service. At this point I believe everybody is getting the nicer sheets and pillows. The Neptune Lounge is not available for SS Cat.

I'm not sure who gets the following but we did 6 Nov in an S Cat. Some of this could have been because we are Mariner members:
1 - Bottle of Champagne, hor derves, Flower arrangement & fruit basket
2 - Cocktails w/captain
3 - Corsage and Boutineir(sp)
4 - Cocktails w/captain
5 - Bottle of wine
There is a separate dining room for breakfast and lunch for S and above Cat.
S and above go directly to tenders. Do not have to get a number and wait to be called.
Separate embarkation line. Takes about 5 minutes because there isn't a line.
Priority Debarkation and easy, uncrowded access to luggage.
There is more but unfortunately I left my stuff with my parents to look over and at my age my memory ain't what it used to be. But I will say it was a bit overwhelming the first time we stayed in the S. Pleasantly so.

[KAKcruiser]

Have the ships resumed the practice of suite passengers eating in a separate dining room for breakfast and lunch? They had discontinued this last summer. I hope they put this benefit back.

[Krazy Kruizers]

"PS" and "S" - we no longer have the use of the any special area for either breakfast or lunch - no King's Room - no Queens's - no Pinnacle Grill.

Also there is a big umbrella and binoculars to use while on the ship.

The robes are also different.

Sometimes an invitation to a VIP party.

And there is usally a final suite buffet the last sea day.

Concierge can make cgange for you, make reservations at the Pinnacle, do all kinds of things.

[sail7seas]

OP was asking about the difference between an S & SS. She made no mention of a PS. :rolleyes:


"PS" and "S" get the amenities listed. The "SS" do not.


(I realize OP did not inquire about "PS" but seeing as the same things apply to both, it seems quite appropriate to respond as to both). IMO

[RaffinOrganGrinders]

Had a chance to visit with TedC (S Category) on our ms Westerdam trip last week.

Although we had been upgraded from an AA Veranda Suite to a SS Veranda Suite, the main difference between our two cabins was about six foot more space in their suite and the additional dressing room attached to the bathroom. Other than that, both rooms were decorated exactly the same. Yes, you can dance in the S Category Suite. We will give it a try for our upcoming Mexican Riviera cruise in February.

George

P.S. The balcony was extended for the additional length of the S Category Suite.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

"
The robes are also different.



These robes are wonderful, definitely nicer than offered in the catagories. We loved them so much we ordered one for each of us. They will also monogram them for you free. Which reminds me of another suite benefit you can purchase anything in your cabin, that includes the new flat screen TV's, the mattresses, the sheets and duvet, ice bucket etc. You just contact the concierge and they will get you the price. On the last day I tried to get them to print me out the price sheet for all the items but she could not so I did not get the prices for anything. The robes had a card attached saying they were available for sail and monogramed and to allow 2 days for delivery to your suite. The cost was $49.00. The big difference we can see is that these robes are lines and are really softer and the HAL logo is embroidered not stamp printed on.

[Keith B.]

KAKcruiser & Krazy Kruisers

We were on the Zaandam 6 November - 13 November, 2004.

In fact, The KING'S ROOM is available for S + PS Categories fro breakfast and lunch. We ate breakfast there twice.

[AmyinVail]

the king's room for breakfast and lunch? is it buffet style? Wow, that's an awfully nice perk. note to self....

[KAKcruiser]

Maybe the ships make their own decisions on this kind of thing.

[Brandis]

On Prinsendam, there was also a Suite guest dinner and later in the cruise a lunch. Very nice!

The Pinnacle grill was open for breakfast and lunch for the exclusive use of suite guests. Same menu as in the regular dining room.

Marc

[Keith B.]

The meals are served the same as the dining room. Order from the menu. It's kinda neat because there are only five or six tables and very few people.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Gee - with so many ships reporting in, could it be that HAL is reconsidering and going to let us passengers have a room to ourselves for breakfast and lunch?

We certainly missed it on the Statendam!

[AmyinVail]

I booked today for the April sailing to Mexico. I got one of each; S for me, hubby and 2.5 year old and an SS for my mom (treating her to her 1st cruise to celebrate her retirement, just days before sail!) and my 10 year old wants to room with grandma! Little brother (age 26) and his girlfriend booked a VA off the aft, rumor has it he may propose on the crusie! Should be a magnificent cruise. We're excited to cruise HAL for the first time! Thanks everyone.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Congratulations on your mother's retirement and "hopefully" your brother's engagement.

Sounds like you will be hosting a few parties in your cabin??!!

[Krazy Kruizers]

Your concierges (yes 2 on the Oosterdam) will be able to help arrange parties for all the congratulations.

[AmyinVail]

My TA has "points" given where I can buy added features, I chose pictures for each of the 3 cabins I'm buying and bottles of wine. I hinted to my little brother that it would make a terrific engagement picture!! He thought I was nuts! I added, you never know what could happen onboard! My husband of 11 years (this Dec. 31st) proposed on the Carnival Imagination, and it's worked out great for us; two beautiful daughters! I, of course, bring this up to little brother. My mom hasn't been anywhere, other than visiting me at my various places I call home, and I'm thrilled to introduce her to cruising. She's terrific and deserves a wonderful vacation. Even the "young'ins" chose to dine with us at the 6:15pm seating, in order to make my mom happy with the family together!! I'm so excited already and it's 5 months away!! You all may get tired of me!!! LOL

[bepsf]

These robes are wonderful, definitely nicer than offered in the catagories. We loved them so much we ordered one for each of us. They will also monogram them for you free. Which reminds me of another suite benefit you can purchase anything in your cabin, that includes the new flat screen TV's, the mattresses, the sheets and duvet, ice bucket etc. You just contact the concierge and they will get you the price. On the last day I tried to get them to print me out the price sheet for all the items but she could not so I did not get the prices for anything. The robes had a card attached saying they were available for sail and monogramed and to allow 2 days for delivery to your suite. The cost was $49.00. The big difference we can see is that these robes are lines and are really softer and the HAL logo is embroidered not stamp printed on.I was wondering how to get the lined robes - all they sell in the gift shop are the unlined ones...

Lisa--

Do you know if they would ship the other items directly to your home and were the prices duty-free?

[LAFFNVEGAS]

I was wondering how to get the lined robes - all they sell in the gift shop are the unlined ones...

Lisa--

Do you know if they would ship the other items directly to your home and were the prices duty-free?
It was my understanding that if you paid for it while on the cruise it would be "duty free" but they would charge for shipping. It sounded like almost everything in the suite was for sale. I think the key is you have to purchase it while on the cruise. In March I delinitely plan to see what the prices and shipping are on a few of the items like the mattress:p