Suite Party

[djvand]

Booked in an AFT S Suite on the Zuiderdam 8/20/05. What are the options when hosting a suite party? Will the concierge set things up for me? What are the cost of having food, or alcohol?

[ryansmemom]

First let me say you will really enjoy the "Sweet" life on HAL. The concierge will make all of the arrangements for your party including sending printed invitations to your guests. She will also coordinate the ordering, set up, serving and clean up.

As far as the cost, that depends on what you choose to serve. We had several before dinner champagne and hors douvres partys. We had the champagne in our possession before the party, sail away gifts from our TA, AMEX etc. The set ups, flutes, bucket and so forth were provided without cost to us. We ordered hot and cold hors douvres for 6 and they were provided at no extra cost to us.

I know people order a whole lot more. HAL will even provide a bartender. I have never entertained at that level so I do not know the cost. I am confident that someone else on this board will be able to advise you on this.

Happy cruise.

Linda

[lknick]

This information may be dated.

Two years ago, I hosted a suite party in Zuiderdam 8135. For a reasonable amount…don’t recall how much but no more than $300…I entertained approximately 35 people with an hour mixed beer-liquor-wine open bar and mixed hot and cold hors d’oevres.

Somehow, the guys convinced the bartender to add a half hour to his service time, and when I went to take my shower after the party, I found the shower full of beer.

I guess the guys were generous with the staff because six weeks later on another Zuiderdam cruise, many of the crew remembered me and each asked me where the guys were.

The procedure is simple. Ships services set up my party through the F&B manager.

[Peggy Sue]

we hosted a pre-dinner cocktail party on the Volendam. There were 8 of us. Conceriege in the neptune lounge took care of everything. We pre-ordered a couple of bottle of wine that were delivered in advance to our stateroom. Conceriege brought us extra ice, ice buckets, glass ware etc. as we had champagne in our room and other liquor. We ordered hot/cold appetizers .. and they were delivered at the specified time. Rollie ordered quantify of 8 for each type. It was WAY too much food. If you're going to do both, suggest cutting it in half or cut at least by a third. Rollie brought the plates/napkins etc. Afterwards, our cabin steward cleared away the dishes while we were all at dinner. The neptune lounge always has a supply of small plates, napkins, silverware etc., Rollie/Conceriege brought everything we needed over on a tray.

The suites are very comfortable for entertaining a small gathering. I would think 35 in the suite would be a bit tight...but there is that huge verandah!!

HAL will set up anything you wish.

Enjoy!
Peggy