Neptune Lounge

[lggfly]

We've booked our first HAL cruise...Volendam, Dec 3. We are in a deluxe verandah suite. We've enjoyed the suites on NCCL. One of the perks of the NCCL suites was the Concierge Lounge. What we enjoyed the most about the Concierge Lounge was stopping there before dinner, having a drink and some hors d'oeuvres. Does the Neptune Lounge serve cocktails?

[WindyCity]

Unfortunately, the Neptune does not serve alcoholic drinks. Just juices, coffee, tea, cappucino, espresso, etc.

[InvestiGator]

They only serve cocktails at the initial meet & greet in my experience. The primary perk is it is a well-catered respite with top-grade concierge service worthy of the cost of a deluxe suite.

[sail7seas]

They have a nice continental breakfast there every morning including fresh fruit, juices, smoked salmon, yogurt, cereals, museli etc.

At lunch time, light sandwiches.
Yum sweets/cookies.

Cold hors d'ouerves (nibbles) later in the afternoon.

The best coffee machine ever.....for lattes, espresso, capuccino etc

No liquor.

[InvestiGator]

SevenSeas,

I stand corrected. Access to that coffee machine is worth the price of a suite.

[Krazy Kruizers]

You can always order hot appetizers through the concierge and have them on your verandah. And you can call room service for cocktails to be delivered to your suite.

[sail7seas]

SevenSeas,

I stand corrected. Access to that coffee machine is worth the price of a suite.


:D :D I LOVE that coffee machine!!! A few times when we've been aboard, it was broken for a day or so.......I was beside myself!!! :)

[lggfly]

Thanks for the replies. I kinda thought there were no cocktails. Also, I had a feeling that second martini last night might cloud my thinking.....the Concierge lounge we enjoyed so much, was on Royal Caribbean, not NCCL. It was nice to have a cocktail in that lounge (my wife had champagne) just prior to going to dinner. Oh well, I guess on our Volendam cruise (Dec 3), we will have to settle for one of the Cocktail Lounges. Could be worse.

[stebul]

My only complaint about the food offerings in the Neptune Lounge is that they are the same every single day. They don't need a different menu every day of the cruise but some variety would be nice.

[elmorejj]

I agree with the previous poster. Also, I feel that the variety and quality of the food in the Neptune has deteriorated somewhat the last couple of years.......jean:cool:

[sail7seas]

I think it is inconsistent from ship to ship. We thought Volendam's quality and variety to be very good on our October and then our January cruise on that ship.

On the other hand, the food in Neptune Lounge on Ryndam in April was very lacking. NO Variety; same few unappetizing things every day. Very disappointing IMO

[LAFFNVEGAS]

On the other hand, the food in Neptune Lounge on Ryndam in April was very lacking. NO Variety; same few unappetizing things every day. Very disappointing IMO



Sail, You are definitely right, we were actually disappointed with what was offered this time in the Neptune. I like Ice Tea mixed with Cranberry Juice, there was not Cran Berry Juice. I also like some of HAL's good cookies with a latte in the afternoon and the cookies just were not HAL's normal on this ship they were tasteless. Although one afternoon Tom did go in and found Chocolate Covered Strawberries which we both love so that was a treat. I think of all the Neptunes the one on the Oosterdam has been one of the best for us and always been consistent with variety thru the week.

[kryos]

[B]I think it is inconsistent from ship to ship. We thought Volendam's quality and variety to be very good on our October and then our January cruise on that ship.

On the other hand, the food in Neptune Lounge on Ryndam in April was very lacking. NO Variety; same few unappetizing things every day. Very disappointing IMO

I'm just curious ...

Is the food in the Neptune Lounge any different than you could get elsewhere on the ship ... like in the Lido? Is the food really the draw of that lounge?

I was under the impression ... just from things I've read here ... that the big benefit to that lounge ... and what makes it really special for those who get to use it ... is both the coffee machine (finally, a decent cup of coffee on a ship!) and the services of that wonderful concierge.

Am I wrong about this and is the food actually supposed to be special?

Blue skies ...

--rita

[ryansmemom]

I have never found the food to be anything special in the Neptune Lounge. The coffee is spectacular. We usually have breakfast in our suite and ask for an empty pot and then fill it with Neptune Lounge coffee, Yummy.:)

The best perk is the concierge who will do anything and I mean anything :) moral or legal of chttp://boards.cruisecritic.com/images/editor/menupop.gifourse ;) for you. They are amazing and it is such a pleasure to have them arrainge everything for you from shore excursions to ensuite parties to reservations or solving every problem you can think of. Your wish is their command. I can't list everything, because I can't think of everything you may think of.

I have never actually had a meal of Neptune Lounge food. I have grabbed some cookies or snacks or fruit. I've seen some appitizers and sandwiches and of course a Continental Breakfast, coffee and juice all day.

Linda

[InvestiGator]

Ryansmemom,

This month on the Westerdam, We could not get a reservation at the Pinnacle. I bartered with the Pinnacle rep for two days. Finally, I remembered we were in a suite and advised the Neptune concierge. Within minutes she contacted me and said "just show up there tonight when you wish." We did, and were seated promptly.

SevenSeas,

I know what you mean. The coffee machine was busted for a day on that cruise.

[kryos]

This month on the Westerdam, We could not get a reservation at the Pinnacle. I bartered with the Pinnacle rep for two days. Finally, I remembered we were in a suite and advised the Neptune concierge. Within minutes she contacted me and said "just show up there tonight when you wish." We did, and were seated promptly.

I've also heard that the concierge can get you tickets for popular shore excursions that are supposedly sold out. I hear that HAL always holds so many tickets back until the last minute ... just in case suite passengers want them. Only after they are offered to suite passengers will they then go into the pool to satisfy the folks on the wait list.

I only found out about this on my last cruise when a woman I had become friendly with was grousing one day that she couldn't get her husband booked for a certain shore excursion. She couldn't even get on the waitlist because supposedly there were already over 30 people on it. Then she finds out that this other woman and her husband had both managed to snag tickets the day before the excursion ... no wait list ... just got the tickets. This woman only later found out this couple was staying in a suite on the Navigation Deck. The Neptune Lounge concierge was able to score the tickets for them.

Hey, if someone is paying those kind of bucks to stay in a suite, all the power to them. They should have priority for certain things like Pinnacle Grill reservations and popular shore excursions. Just keep my fare down to the levels that will allow me to continue cruising. That's all I care about. :)

Blue skies ...

--rita

[Krazy Kruizers]

One time we wanted to go to the Pinnacle after looking over the dinner menu. Our concierge was not able to get us a reservation.

Don't know about shore excursions as we always book ours before we leave home.

About the only thing we have enjoyed as far as food goes in the Neptune Lounge on our last couple of cruises has been the chocolates in the afternoon, the vegetables that are put out at 5, and DH's coffee. The breakfast selections on the Amsterdam were the worst that we have seen in a long time.

[gizmo]

Same with us. After seeing the dinner menu a couple of us tried getting reservations in the Pinnacle. All were suite pax and it could not be done. I think more than half the suite pax were trying to get reservations with no luck.
It was a bummer menu. I don't want to imply the food was lousy on this cruise, it was just a menu that was not appealing, obviously to more than just our party. A bummer menu, 1 out of 14 nights isn't bad ! ;)

I do think the food in the Neptune is different ship to ship. Some have more variety and change things day to day. ( I am referring to lunch ) Other ships have the same thing every day.

Kyros, I do not think the food is very different, but sometimes things are availble that you don't see in the Lido. A couple of examples would be chocolates, some say they have seen chocolate covered strawberries, but I have never seen them, those little tea type sandwiches and cold appetizers around dinner hours.

[kryos]

[B]One time we wanted to go to the Pinnacle after looking over the dinner menu. Our concierge was not able to get us a reservation.

Boy, the menu in the dining room that night must have really sucked. :)

Thank God I've yet to have a night where I can't find anything at all appetizing to eat in the dining room. I've only rarely been "forced" to order off the "anytime menu" and that was on Princess, not on HAL. Maybe I'm just easier to please than most? HEck, give me a Big Mac and I'm happy. :)

I've never heard of the concierge not being able to turn over heaven and earth to get something for the suite folks. And, again, please understand ... I'm not complaining about this one iota. Suite pax should get some bennies that the average bear doesn't.

If he couldn't get you Pinnacle Grill reservations and you don't need him to book shore excursiions ... then what good is he to you? :)

Guess it's like others on this thread say ... depends on the ship, huh?

Blue skies ...

--rita

[sail7seas]

Concierges do more for Suite guests than book shore excurions and Pinnacle Reservations. :)


They handle anything you would normally have to go to the office for.

They will make reservations for a shoreside reservations if given notice.
They will make arrangements for car/limo to meet ship for passeners upon their request to do private tour/be delivered to casino in Nassau/Paradise Island.

They got my husbands buckle sewn back on his loafer one cruise when it fell off mid-cruise.

They had my totally destroyed suitcase repaired. It came off the plane fine. When we gave it to the stevedore it was fine but when it arrived in our cabin, it was destroyed. Pretty obvious where the damage had to have happened. She was as helpful and delightful as can be. My only request was make it good enough so I can use it to get home. They did such an excellent job, I still use that bag and have to look carefully to find where they made the repair.

They deliver Thank you Notes to various people for us. If I write a note, I don't have to go to the office; stand in line and wait my turn to simply give them a note I want delivered.

One cruise, I saw a video on the TV I really, really, really wanted. I knew I could not get it on my own. There was no source available to us. I asked the Concierge what she would suggest. She said....."Leave it to me. I'll try". When I left the ship, she didn't have it and I knew she felt bad. Two weeks after I got home, I received a package. It was the Video!!!! How HAPPY WAS I???!!!!

I heard one make arrangements for two couple to play golf in one of the islands. She arranged 'privileges' and ''tee time' and arranged transportation to and from. They had a fantastic day.

Etc
Etc
Etc

[Krazy Kruizers]

And on one of our cruises, a couple wanted something from one of the ports but didn't want to get off the ship. Our concierge had a couple of hours off and went shopping for them.

Some of our concierges are jewels.

[kryos]

[B]And on one of our cruises, a couple wanted something from one of the ports but didn't want to get off the ship. Our concierge had a couple of hours off and went shopping for them.

Wow!

Talk about personal service.

Maybe I gotta rethink my opinion about spending the money for an S Suite. :)

I guess that's what HAL means by the "Suite Life," huh? :)

Blue skies ...

--rita

[twinkletoes4445]

And on one of our cruises, a couple wanted something from one of the ports but didn't want to get off the ship. Our concierge had a couple of hours off and went shopping for them.

Some of our concierges are jewels.

Wow, that is customer service! I have a feeling HAL is going to be perfect for us. :)

[Moogy]

Our concierge found us a crescent wrench when the oxygen company failed to supply a wrench to open my dad's oxygen canisters.

Moogy

[bellebaby]

The concierge on our recent Volendam cruise was superb. Our TA gave us each a bathrobe and she had them monogrammed at no charge. We asked for hot and cold appetizers to be delivered for sail-a-way. No problem -- they were delivered right on time. My mother traveled with us in an inside room on the same deck. While she did not go in the Neptune Lounge, the concierge did know she was traveling with us and included her with all of our arrangements without asking. Always a smile, always helpful.

The food was fine. Nothing spectacular, but not lacking either. As previously noted, the coffee machine is a gem.

B

[bruce-r]

Wow!

Talk about personal service.

Maybe I gotta rethink my opinion about spending the money for an S Suite. :)

I guess that's what HAL means by the "Suite Life," huh? :)

Blue skies ...

--rita
Well, there is always the 'next' cruise.

[ryansmemom]

Our concierges have done some pretty amazing things. They have fixed eyeglasses, wrapped packages and gotten answers to all sorts of questions.

One of the most amazing things however was when one of our concierges got my wheelchair welded. My travel wheelchair was broken by an airline employee while we were enroute to one of our cruises. This left one of the handles hanging and left it practically useless. The concierge arrainged to have it welded by the crew onboard. The men were very happy to have fixed the chair and very reluctant to accept the tip we gave them.

When we sailed on Raddison last summer we had a lovely time and it is a luxury line. But, we did miss the concierge.

Linda

[Sage]

Bellebaby,

Wasn't Regina a treasure? I think that she was the best Concierge that we have ever had. I really miss her.

[Randyk47]

http://www.geocities.com/theklugspage/Klugs_Regina.jpg

We love Regina!

[5 in OK]

We just got off of the Westerdam and have to say the Neptune was a postivite experience from beginning to end!!! Melanie and Michelle called us by name each time they saw us (there were 7 in my group) - and took care of our every need! Chocolate Covered Strawberries were a regular offering under the "dome" as well as a large selection of fruit, finger sandwiches and a ton of dessert items.

We would go back in a couple of hours and the entire food selection had been changed out. One day we were sitting in the Neptune munching on a cookie with some hot chocolate and they were going to change the food selection - the Pinnacle Grill wait staff came over to us and asked if we wanted anything else as he was about to change it to new food choices.

One day my 12 year old wondered in to get a choc covered strawberry (these became his most favorite thing to eat on the cruise) and they were out. He asked Melanie when they might have some more and she said that they would have more the next day. A couple of hours later she showed up at our cabin with a huge plate of choc covered strawberries!!

My husband and my 12 & 13 year old brought along their golf clubs so that they could play in Alaska and they handled all of the arrangements including tee time and transportation!!! This excursion was definitely not on the HAL excursion list - they just went above and beyond!!!

I could go on and on with how wonderful these people were!!!

Our Neptune Lounge concierges made a great trip greater!!!

Food, coffee, hot chocolate and juices were terrific! But the best was the smile as they greeted you by name when you walked in the door - they really do love their job!

[bellebaby]

Sage

Yes, she was great. Very helpful and professional, but even more, we just really liked her.

Randyk47 - You were on our cruise, weren't you? May 10 - Inside passage. I think I remember seing both of you in the Neptune.

B

[bellebaby]

Randy

I looked at your home page and realize you were not on our sailing. I should have known this by the tans you have in your photo with Regina.

I guess there is another couple who looks like you! Or maybe our paths have crossed in San Antonio as I travel there on business quite often.

Love your cats!!

B

[Randyk47]

Bellebaby - As you figured out the picture of us and Regina was taken this past February on a 10-day Caribbean cruise out of Ft Lauderdale. :) I grew up in the Pacific Northwest and while not as a cruise ship passenger I've been up and down the Inside Passage a number of times. Mrs. K likes white stuff but it's got to be sand not snow so our chances of being seen on an Alaska cruise are slim to none. Nothing wrong with them just not high on our "got to do" list of cruises. Thanks about your comment about our cats, with son out of the house they've become our family....which is pretty small as it is....so we probably pay more attention to them than others might.

[bellebaby]

Randy

I understand about the snow/cold issue. My DH grew up in Buffalo, NY, the snow capital of the world. He shares your sentiment regarding snow. However, he tolerates my need to take a break from the Houston heat and humidity and we have actually cruised Alaska 4 times with another planned for next May. We like to do a land based trip to Hawaii for a sand/sun fix.

We also have 2 cats that get way too much attention. They are litter mates we have had for 13 years. Very spoiled, but well behaved.

Regards

B

[Sage]

RandyK47,

Thanks for the wonderful picture of Regina. Now I miss her more than ever. Hopefully, we will get to sail with her again.

[Randyk47]

http://www.geocities.com/theklugspage/Reggie_Regina_1.jpg

Sage - Here's another of Regina with her significant other. Reggie was working the Crow's Nest during our cruise and was equally as wonderful. We miss them bunches. We really wanted to go on the Volendam next year but the combination of itinerary, costs, and timing just didn't come together. Our cabin on the Volendam for the 2007 season is 40% higher....just couldn't justify that expense and even the cruise we booked is in a lower category to keep the per diem cost about the same. :(

[bellebaby]

Randy and Sage

Don't Regina and Reggie have beautiful smiles? I think it comes from within....

Thanks for sharing the photos, Randy. I miss Regina too.

B

[Sage]

RandyK47 and Belle,

Thanks again for posting the picture of Regina and Reggie. We think that they are a great couple. I agree that those wonderful smiles do indeed come from within. Did you get to see photos of thier beautiful girls?

You know, this is one of the reasons that we love HAL so much, the people. Thanks Regina and Reggie for making our cruise truly unforgetable.

[Randyk47]

Yes, they shared pictures of their children....absolutely adorable! Regina had just gotten a new set through the mail when we boarded in Ft Lauderdale back in February. Reggie gets the next break later this year and I don't believe he's actually seen or held their youngest if I understood him correctly....the one they call the "Volendam" baby. :)

While it wasn't just Regina and Reggie they certainly were a large part of why we are resold on HAL being our cruise line of choice. In 2004 we were on the Oosterdam and, quite frankly, the service stunk, particularly in the dining room and a bit with our cabin. It wasn't the same level that we'd experienced on our previous HAL cruises. More because of opportunity but partially because of the Oosterdam experience we tried Celebrity. The service was exceptional on the Galaxy though we didn't like the ship as much. We took a chance and went back to HAL and tried the Volendam this past February. It was everything we remembered about HAL before our less than satisfactory Oosterdam experience. We'd be back on the Volendam next year if we could have found the right combination of itinerary, cost and timing but that didn't happen so we booked the Veendam. Can only hope it's as good as the Volendam and there's another set of "Regina's and Reggie's " waiting for us. :)