First Suite - What Perks Should I Look For???

[DHADEN]

Ok, I admit, we are balcony snobs - booked our first one a long time ago and can't go back. :p

But we have never spent the extra for a suite, until now. I decided to splurge on our upcoming Zuiderdam Cruise (next March).

I read the list of all the extra perks you get, but I am wondering about all the other "stuff" that comes with a suite as long as you know to look for it or ask for it.

Can all you Suite Aficionados help me out with all your hints and secrets to get the most out of being in a "Deluxe Verandah Suite"?

[fann1sh]

EDIT: On re-reading, I see you're familiar with the list, but I've still posted it.

However, the ones I like best?

Breakfast in the Pinnacle. Menu identical to the MDR, but it's so quiet by comparison. You really get to know the waiters, (IME) that professional reserve melts when you interact every day at breakfast.

Free laundry. The service is so fast, and items come back packed in tissue, as if they're gift wrapped.

Beverage machine in the Neptune (if your cabin is nearby). A disadvantage of a SC corner wrap suite is being far from the concierge lounge.

As for what's not listed....I think it lies in what the concierge can arrange. In suite course by course dining is one thing which springs to mind.

*************************************


Complimentary laundry, pressing and dry cleaning throughout your cruise
Complimentary champagne and bottled water provided in suite upon embarkation
Premium duvet, oversize bath towels and soft, cotton bathrobes and slippers
Gorgeous corsages and boutonnieres for the first formal night
Hors d'oeuvres served before dinner each evening on request
Binoculars and umbrellas for your use on the cruise
Cocktail party with ship officers
Priority boarding for tender ports of call
Special disembarkation service
Priority dining and seating requests
Exclusive daily breakfast service for suite guests only
High tea service in suite on request
A special Suite guest lunch event on cruises over 7 days in length
A very special amenity exclusively for guests cruising in a Deluxe Verandah Suite or Penthouse Verandah Suite, the industry-leading Neptune Lounge features a private place to relax, socialize with other suite guests and enjoy the personalized service of a concierge. The fleet-wide lounges provide worktables, large screen television, library, sofas and chairs, refreshments throughout the day and wi-fi for a small charge. One-Touch 24-hour Concierge Service is available when the Neptune Lounge is closed.

[ANSalberg]

There are two things that swing it for us -but it is also dependant on the specific cruise whether this "works" for you. Our cruises are usually quite long and we can see friends easily because of some extended sea-days. However we book/travel -normally -as just a couple!
The use of the Neptune lounge. A quick cup of coffee in the morning - either brought back to our room on the same floor -or a quick snack/pastries there with another couple - or simply a place to chat! Also- a cookie and a glass of juice in the afternoon late -because we normally LIKE "Late-seating dinner" and as the cruise goes along -others come in to talk about their days on shore, play a game, or just chat!
Breakfast in the Pinnacle; same premise; finding people to COMFORTABLY chat with -AND establish a sort of relationship with our waitstaff.BOTH these limited venues allow this! Those are our PRIORITY goals; PEOPLE.....
Anne

[Typhoon1]

The most valuable perk of a suite are the services of the Concierge in the NL.

[tangerinebunny]

Size.

It matters.

[Randyk47]

However, the ones I like best?

Breakfast in the Pinnacle. Menu identical to the MDR, but it's so quiet by comparison. You really get to know the waiters, (IME) that professional reserve melts when you interact every day at breakfast.

Free laundry. The service is so fast, and items come back packed in tissue, as if they're gift wrapped.

Beverage machine in the Neptune (if your cabin is nearby). A disadvantage of a SC corner wrap suite is being far from the concierge lounge.


Same for us. Of course, taken one by one those turn out to be pretty expensive perks in some respects. You'd have to really like the PG breakfast which is identical to the one in the MDR, you'd have to do a lot of laundry, and you'd have to drink a lot of specialty coffee to make up the cost over a non-suite cabin. Bottom line for us is that while the perks are great and we enjoy them it's really the cabin and the veranda that makes it worth it for us and we've been cruising deluxe suites since before HAL came up with the Neptune Lounge and Pinnacle Grill.

[joeohl]

We are family of four...kids 15 and 11. We love the laundry service, size of room, quick boarding and first on tender to HM Cay. The neptune lounge is also huge plus. We have sailed in suites on Carnival as well. However, there is no comparison to the benefits that you get with HA.

[jdvmd]

Just reverifying:
I am assuming that only SA, SB and SC suites receive priority tendering at Half Moon Cay. Those in SS, SY and SZ categories do not as these are not considered full suites. Have I assumed correctly?

[DHADEN]

First of all, thanks for all the input. The many reasons we booked the SB is for the Lounge and the Extra Room (the free laundry, cocktail parties, luncheon, etc. also helps).

Just reverifying:
I am assuming that only SA, SB and SC suites receive priority tendering at Half Moon Cay. Those in SS, SY and SZ categories do not as these are not considered full suites. Have I assumed correctly?
Here is the list of the only perks available to the "Superior Suites":

Superior Suites 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


Hope This Helps.

[fann1sh]

HMC has another wrinkle....those with cabanas also get priority tendering.

[jdvmd]

First of all, thanks for all the input. The many reasons we booked the SB is for the Lounge and the Extra Room (the free laundry, cocktail parties, luncheon, etc. also helps).


Here is the list of the only perks available to the "Superior Suites":

Superior Suites 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

Hope This Helps.

Helps so much! We have pretty much decided to rent a cabana on HMC but are in a SZ. If we got priority tendering, I was going to forget about the cabana.

[jdvmd]

HMC has another wrinkle....those with cabanas also get priority tendering.

Thanks for reconfirming!

[SJSULIBRARIAN]

For us too, the cabin size and the veranda - the main reasons we book a deluxe suite.

[jgiblin]

First of all, thanks for all the input. The many reasons we booked the SB is for the Lounge and the Extra Room (the free laundry, cocktail parties, luncheon, etc. also helps).


Here is the list of the only perks available to the "Superior Suites":

Superior Suites 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


Hope This Helps.
Another question related to SS versus a full suite...

Do suite passengers receive priority boarding during embarkation? That is, is there a special line for suite guests (presumably shorter and quicker than general boarding) and do SS qualify for this line?

[fann1sh]

Definitely priority boarding in Port Everglades for full suite pax. But once I went several rounds with the dragon controlling the line.

No, it doesn't extend to SS pax.

However, in Port Everglades, non-suite pax (IME) can get priority boarding if a member of their party has physical challenges. That was how I got past the dragon to the priority check in. The HAL rep tssked that I'd been forced to play that card, when we were in a suite.

[Hobbsey]

So, being in an SB me and my wife get priority boarding. My mother is traveling to the Pier with us and is booked in the adjacent VA. Will she be able to check in with us, come on board and take the welcome aboard photo with us or will we be separated in the terminal and have to board separately?

[fann1sh]

Hobbsey, I wouldn't dream of suggesting you usher your Mom into the Neptune, or appropriate any other "suites only" perk for her. But I personally have no problem with the idea of you priority boarding together.

That's because most posters here are of a vintage which means their parents require some assistance. "We're helping Mom" and a steely glare at the Port Everglades dragon would work for me.

But, maybe that's just because it is/was my own situation.

[Hobbsey]

Hobbsey, I wouldn't dream of suggesting you usher your Mom into the Neptune, or appropriate any other "suites only" perk for her. But I personally have no problem with the idea of you priority boarding together.

That's because most posters here are of a vintage which means their parents require some assistance. "We're helping Mom" and a steely glare at the Port Everglades dragon would work for me.

But, maybe that's just because it is/was my own situation.

Thanks for the reply. My mom is 70, still works full time and walks about 2 miles per day, so she is mobile and independent. My question stems more from this being a shared vacation and wanting it to be about being together. If she can't come on with us then we'll hold back and go on with her.

Thanks

[peaches from georgia]

So, being in an SB me and my wife get priority boarding. My mother is traveling to the Pier with us and is booked in the adjacent VA. Will she be able to check in with us, come on board and take the welcome aboard photo with us or will we be separated in the terminal and have to board separately?
I'm sure she will be allowed to board with you, but if not or if you just wish to, you can board with her in the regular line. There is no stipulation that Deluxe Suite pax have to board first. You can check in with her and be in her boarding group.

EDIT: I was typing when you last posted, Hobbsey.