Veranda Question... Deluxe Veranda vs. Superior Veranda Suite?

[lighthouse206]

Ok so I've done some research and am debating between these two catagories on the Zuiderdam.

We're a couple that doesn't need a ton of space, although we want a comfortable cabin. I don't see many "perks" in going with the suite (no neptune lounge, free drycleaning, etc..) and so outside of the space of the cabin, I see few reasons to take the suite.

My question: on the balcony is there room to eat dinner? Is there a decent sized table in both cabin grades, or in either?

We plan on having several meals in the cabin, and want to know if there is a proper place to eat.

Thanks!

[grannynurse]

Deluxe suite "S" category does have Neptune Lounge access and free laundry, "SS" superior suite does not. There is a table that seats 4 on the verandas of both the above categories. The VA and below categories do not have a large table outside. The in-room coffee table raises to dining height in all rooms. The size difference between S and SS is 530 sq ft vs 389 sq ft. Hope this helps.
GN

[LAFFNVEGAS]

The in-room coffee table raises to dining height in all rooms.

GN, OMG, I had no idea:eek: :o Here we have been in a S Suite 5 times and never knew this. That would make having breakfast in the cabin so much easier as well as using my laptop. Thanks so much for this info.

See even someone who has cruised a lot learns something new on these boards every day:cool:

[Krazy Kruizers]

In our S suite on the Zuiderdam, the table inside the cabin did not rise up or down. Ours was a regular round glass coffee table.

The table on the verandah is not as large as those that we have on the R and S class ships. Since the verandah is smaller than those of the R and S class ships, we moved 2 of the chairs from the table so that we could get in and out from the table easily. You can have dinner out there.

[Krazy Kruizers]

I know for a fact that it was a glass table because that was when we started to get the towel animals and I took pictures of them - some on the table - I am looking at the pictures now.

[SnorkelBear]

I find the nomenclature of the cabins a bit confusing with HAL.

This is what I think they should be called.

Cat. VA-VF Balcony Stateroom
Cat SS,SY,SZ Deluxe Balcony (A few minor perks)
Cat SA,SB,SC Balcony Suite (Suite perks included)

Calling the SS cabins suites makes it very easy to think you will receive the Suite perks. To call an SS,SY and a SZ an SS suite, and an SA, SB or SC an S suite is a bit more complicated than necessary. Just my opinion as someone new to HAL cruising. We booked an SY for our upcoming cruise and I think I know what to expect, but only after quite a bit of searching.

[ebseckar]

What are the "few minor perks" you get with an SY?

[sail7seas]

Lisa.....the rectangle shaped tables in the "A" and "B" categories on "S" class ships I think are the ones that can be raised. There's a lever on the side that raises and lowers it. When we first sailed Statendam (her Inaugural Season), I seem to remember that table could be raised but they have long since been replaced with the round glass tables.


I don't remember about the tables on the Vista Class ships??
Seems to me, it's glass in the "S" suites there, as well.

[SnorkelBear]

I told you it is confusing. When I first booked I thought there were a few perks with the "SS" catagory "suite". Now when I look at the HAL website, I do not see anything that is not included with the VA-VF Cat. It also shows that a V cat. can be larger than an SS. I am sure this includes the balcony of which some can be very large in V cat. I still find it very confusing, but I am still determined to have a blast on our cruise.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Lisa.....the rectangle shaped tables in the "A" and "B" categories on "S" class ships I think are the ones that can be raised. There's a lever on the side that raises and lowers it. When we first sailed Statendam (her Inaugural Season), I seem to remember that table could be raised but they have long since been replaced with the round glass tables.


I don't remember about the tables on the Vista Class ships??
Seems to me, it's glass in the "S" suites there, as well.





I know that on the Vista Class the table is definitely glass like the S class ship. I am now wondering if GN was talking about was the non-glass small oval tables I remember having on our first Zuiderdam cruise in a Verandah catagory. That table was adjustable and I think we had the same type of table the first time on the Oosterdam as well. After that we have had S Suites, now that would be a great idea if those big glass coffee tables would raise up.

[grannynurse]

Hi all,
Sail is right, I was referring to the rectangular tables in the A and B categories on S and R class ships. We were in both categories on transatlantics in 2002, 2003, and 2004. We have not been on a Vista yet, still 3 weeks away. The coffee tables in the S suites are indeed glass, even on S and R, and I never looked to see if they could be adjusted for height as we used the table for 4 on the veranda.
Sorry if I confused anyone.
GN

[ekerr19]

The verandah tables on Vista (in SA) definitely accomodate seating for four - also I can vouch for the verandah table (again SA category) on the Volendam - tons of room for dining for four. We have the two kids with us on occasion and frequently order breakfast on the verandah.

The SA cabin (by far) has the most space and accomodating layout. :)

I can't recall which ship had the "adjustable" coffee table - though I know we had one (at least)... I'll ask the kids - their memory is better than mine. ;)

[OceanLiner]

We have sailed in the S category and it was fantastic. The room is wonderfuly layed out and the service amazing. The veranda is very deep and will easily allow for dining, in fact it is so big that we could lay on the chaise lounges and still have six people at the table.

The quality of the service is remarkable, and it really spoiled us. We made the family decision that we will never sail again without being at the concierge level of service, it was that much better, yet difficult to define. It was a subtle mix of the Neptune Lounge, the attentive concierge, the suite itself, access to shore excursions and spa appointments, etc.........not one thing that you can wow, just a sum total of a really great experience.

We have also found this type of experience with the concierge level on Disney Cruise Line, but HAL was much better because of Neptune and the training. Next cruise we are going to try the Queens Level on the QM2.

[Krazy Kruizers]

The glass tables on the Vista ships for the "SA" suites can not be raised - mentioned this back a few posts.

[Krazy Kruizers]

The Staendam still has the retangular table in the S suites that be raised or lowered - just on her again tis past June.

[SnorkelBear]

Why is the "Superior Suite" a lower cat. than the "Deluxe Suite"? For it to be called a "Superior Suite" it should be superior to another suite. Being superior to an Outside Veranda does not count. The Outside Veranda is not a Suite. I think this can lead to confusion and misunderstanding.

May your travels be pleasant and often.

[Schplinky]

It was very confusing to me when we booked also. We have a VA guarantee on a really sold out ship where SA, SB and SC pop up as available every once in a while. I thought we were hoping for an upgrade to Sy but SA is better, right?

[SnorkelBear]

Hey Schplinky,

It goes something like this;

Penthouse
SA Suite perks
SB " "
SC " "
SS No Suite perks
SY " "
SZ " "
VA Not a Suite
VB, etc...

Also, where did you get the name Schplinky? My wife and I use that term.

[Schplinky]

Thanks!

We are VA guarantee and they seem to intermittently have SA, SB, SC available. I know it's all speculation but do you think they would upfrade us to VC or do you think it would be like dominos and we would go to SZ, SZ would go to SY, etc?

If you're upgraded, I presume you don't get the perks. Is that right?

[jhannah]

Why is the "Superior Suite" a lower cat. than the "Deluxe Suite"? For it to be called a "Superior Suite" it should be superior to another suite. Exactly! I wish HAL would relabel their accommodations to alleviate the confusion.

[Randyk47]

Normally you get the perks for the cabin you're assigned to regardless of how you got there. Now, I've heard or read here that there have been cases where somebody was upgraded because of a problem and didn't get the perks but I have no personal knowledge. I'd think it would be a nightmare for the ship's personnel to keep that kind of thing sorted out so I doubt they'd go to the trouble. Worse case is that somebody upgraded to an SA, SB or SC wouldn't get Neptune Lounge access but I seriously doubt it.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Ever since HAL started all these new categories about 3 years ago, there has been nothing but confusion.

Feel sorry for those who are trying to figure out what cabin category everyone else is talking about especially when they are trying to choose one for themselves.

[Wife8]

To Ocean Liner:
We were on QM2 in 5/04 in a Q5 suite. On that ship it makes a considerable difference to be in Queens Grill. The service is the best you will ever have and the food and ambiance in the dining room is reminiscent of the likes of Titanic (before it sank of course) . Of course, I am just imagining that because I am too young to have sailed in the heyday of luxurious steam ships.
We were on a 24 day rt NYC Mediterranean cruise and it was by far our best vacation ever.
If you have any questions, please email me at wife8@aol.com.

Alyce

[kryos]

Why is the "Superior Suite" a lower cat. than the "Deluxe Suite"? For it to be called a "Superior Suite" it should be superior to another suite. Being superior to an Outside Veranda does not count. The Outside Veranda is not a Suite. I think this can lead to confusion and misunderstanding.

From what others have told me, those outside veranda suites on any other cruise line would be called "mini suites" to keep the confusion to a minimum. From what I understand, those veranda suite cabins are not really suites at all ... but rather larger standard cabins with a balcony (more like a porch) attached.

The S suites, on the other hand, are the true suites ... laid out like a suite ... with suite ammenities, and with a price tag to match.

I have a feeling a lot of people (not on this board) book the lower category Veranda "suites" ... thinking they are getting a nice deal since the price isn't too bad ... and then get the unpleasant surprise once they are onboard that they don't get any of the suite ammenities that they were expecting.

HAL really ought to do something to clarify things with their cabin categories.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[kryos]

Normally you get the perks for the cabin you're assigned to regardless of how you got there. Now, I've heard or read here that there have been cases where somebody was upgraded because of a problem and didn't get the perks but I have no personal knowledge. I'd think it would be a nightmare for the ship's personnel to keep that kind of thing sorted out so I doubt they'd go to the trouble. Worse case is that somebody upgraded to an SA, SB or SC wouldn't get Neptune Lounge access but I seriously doubt it.
Does that ever really happen, though? I can't imagine that the Neptune Lounge-access suites would sail empty. I would assume that if there were a few empty ones at sailing, others in closer categories would have been upgraded to them. Then, if someone in a lower category cabin ... say a regular inside or outside cabin ... had a problem and had to be moved, the situation wouldn't arise that they would get moved to one of the S category suites. Rather, the best case scenario for them would be maybe getting moved to a veranda "suite" ... one of the cabins that didn't qualify for the true suite perks, including Neptune Lounge, anyway.

Anyone have more experience with this than I?

Blue skies ...

--rita

[kittykkr]

We just got off the Oosterdam Saturday and had an SY Suite. When I asked why we didn't have the new duvets (part of the Signature of Excellence promotion) I was told that they were only available to Deluxe suites and above, not Superior Suites. Strange!!

[Randyk47]

Rita - Probably a "senior moment" for me but I don't understand your question. I was commenting on a previous posting in this thread where the poster wondered if you got upgraded to an S category would you still get the perks. My long winded answer was "yes" though I've heard or read that somebody might not have gotten the perks when upgraded. As I recall it was because they raised some kind of fuss and got upgraded to quiet them down. Personally we've never been upgraded so I have no experience one way or the other. Of course, the problem with all of this is understanding the non-existing rules of how upgrades happen or when they happen in the first place. I think we all more or less agree that there is no consistent methodology or practice and therefore we look to the "upgrade fairy". :)

[kryos]

Rita - Probably a "senior moment" for me but I don't understand your question. I was commenting on a previous posting in this thread where the poster wondered if you got upgraded to an S category would you still get the perks. My long winded answer was "yes" though I've heard or read that somebody might not have gotten the perks when upgraded. As I recall it was because they raised some kind of fuss and got upgraded to quiet them down. Personally we've never been upgraded so I have no experience one way or the other. Of course, the problem with all of this is understanding the non-existing rules of how upgrades happen or when they happen in the first place. I think we all more or less agree that there is no consistent methodology or practice and therefore we look to the "upgrade fairy". :)
I guess what I am asking is this. Is it really possible for someone to get upgraded say from an outside cabin to one of those suites on the Navigation Deck ... that qualify for all the suite perks? Would HAL ever upgrade somebody so many categories above what they booked? I would think that if a couple of deluxe suites were unbooked as of embarkation day, that HAL would move some people in slightly lower categories into them ... the upgrade fairy at work. Then others would be moved up accordingly. But you would never get someone being upgraded say from an inside cabin to a suite. I would assume it just couldn't happen?

So, let's say someone was sailing in an inside cabin ... and there was a flood in their cabin a couple of days into the voyage, and they had to be moved. I would assume that all the really high category cabins ... like the deluxe suites ... would already be filled and chances are that inside cabin could only move into either another inside cabin or maybe an outside ... because after the upgrade fairy had done her job ... that's all that would be left. I would think it would be impossible for there still to be a deluxe suite open to move them into. Or am I wrong about this?

Blue skies ...

--rita

[jhannah]

A hypothetical answer to a hypothetical question: If someone had to be moved, and the only available cabin was an S suite, then I think HAL would put them there. And I believe they would enjoy all the perks thereof, because it would be more trouble than it's worth to segregate them in this way. I do not believe in this scenario that the ship would begin moving other people around just so someone in a VA could be moved into the suite. It would impact too many people and create even more work for the accountants.

[ozland]

It also shows that a V cat. can be larger than an SS. I am sure this includes the balcony of which some can be very large in V cat. I still find it very confusing, but I am still determined to have a blast on our cruise.

I have a question that is somewhat related but not totally -- just hoping someone can help with my confusion.

I just booked the Zuiderdam to Alaska for next July. There will be three of us in the cabin this time--our previous two voyages were just for two. I wanted to book a VA category aft balcony and there WERE cabins available. I was told these cabins were not DESIGNATED for three people--that on the deck plan a small circle indicates which cabins can accommodate more than two. I checked and none of the VA aft are designated as such.

Now to my confusion -- these aft cabins are larger (as is the balcony) than the VC category I had to settle for on the side of the ship. Does anyone know why they are not designated for more than two? Surely they have a sleeper sofa (or could most definitely accommodate one if HAL had so chosen). Neither of the two HAL reps. I talked with could explain the reason.

(This, btw, had nothing to do with the ship having reached it's "no more than two to a cabin" capacity.)

Thanks for any light someone may be able to shed on this situation!

[fcorey]

I have seen a photo of our cabin on Oosterdam, its va5182, the sofa did not look like it was a sleeper. Hard to tell from the photos but it didnt look much longer than maybe 5feet wide, like a love seat. Anyone that has stayed in an aft VA know if this is the case?

[bepsf]

Now to my confusion -- these aft cabins are larger (as is the balcony) than the VC category I had to settle for on the side of the ship. Does anyone know why they are not designated for more than two? Surely they have a sleeper sofa (or could most definitely accommodate one if HAL had so chosen). Neither of the two HAL reps. I talked with could explain the reason.


Ozland--

If I recall correctly, the aft-facing staterooms might be slightly narrower than the standard side-facing staterooms (maybe 6 inches?) - perhaps that has something to do with why they don't have sofabeds?

I certainly wouldn't expect folks in the Seattle call-center to have a clue as to the specifics of a particular stateroom other than what's published in the brochures and marked on the deckplans. Most haven't been anywhere near a ship, much less in the specific stateroom of any of the 13 ships one might might be asking about on a given moment. Asking anyone other than the ship's designers in Italy why a particular room does or doesn't have certain fixtures is like asking a small child why the sky is blue...

[ozland]

Ozland--

If I recall correctly, the aft-facing staterooms might be slightly narrower than the standard side-facing staterooms (maybe 6 inches?) - perhaps that has something to do with why they don't have sofabeds?

I certainly wouldn't expect folks in the Seattle call-center to have a clue as to the specifics of a particular stateroom other than what's published in the brochures and marked on the deckplans. Most haven't been anywhere near a ship, much less in the specific stateroom of any of the 13 ships one might might be asking about on a given moment.

Thanks!

Yes, I know they don't have specific knowledge--but it was a place to start. (Just hoping someone here would know . . . :) ).

We're travelling with my brother-in-law and his wife and they were able to get one so I guess we'll just wait and see when we board.

[Mary "Get Get"]

Upgrade Fairy visited DH and I ,when sailing on the Amsterdam in 2001.We sailed on DH 's birthday and upgraded from category A Verandah Suite to Deluxe Verandah Suite with all the perks.Sure did spoil us.(It was the Amsterdams 13th Voyage,sure was lucky for us).Although not current info.I agree with other posts ,it would be very difficult and questionable PR ,to upgrade to a Deluxe Suite then deny the perks,INMHO.

Mary "Get Get"
Cruising since 1969 (Alexander Pushkin)
Next Cruise Volendam Panama Canal-January 2007
Happy Cruising!

[Giorgi-one]

Ok so I've done some research and am debating between these two catagories on the Zuiderdam.

We're a couple that doesn't need a ton of space, although we want a comfortable cabin. I don't see many "perks" in going with the suite (no neptune lounge, free drycleaning, etc..) and so outside of the space of the cabin, I see few reasons to take the suite.

My question: on the balcony is there room to eat dinner? Is there a decent sized table in both cabin grades, or in either?

We plan on having several meals in the cabin, and want to know if there is a proper place to eat.

Thanks!

The Category VA aft balcony cabins have huge balconies (not covered). If you don't need the extra space inside the cabin, these are way cheaper than the suites, if they are available. We have one for a Med cruise next July and have been in both aft balcony and superior suite on Zuiderdam. Suite is much larger especially the bathroom with separate tub and shower and double sink vanity. But that would cost us over $2000 extra for Med cruise and I can spend that money on excursions and still have my huge balcony.

[cactuslady]

Exactly! I wish HAL would relabel their accommodations to alleviate the confusion.
Me too, I'm totally confused. Time to start the accommodations naming contest!!

[jhannah]

This is what I think they should be called.

Cat. VA-VF Balcony Stateroom
Cat SS,SY,SZ Deluxe Balcony (A few minor perks)
Cat SA,SB,SC Balcony Suite (Suite perks included)

Substitute 'verandah' for 'balcony' and I'm in. It makes sense to me.

[RuthC]

Substitute 'verandah' for 'balcony' and I'm in. It makes sense to me.
Makes sense to me, too. And I don't even live in that territory!
Maybe that's why I always have trouble understanding when this comes up as a topic---because I can't picture exactly what you're talking about, and the words describing the cabins aren't clear.

I think this matter is settled! So, which one of you will notify Seattle to go ahead and re-write the brochures?

[grannynurse]

Cabins that accomodate 3 people have a single sofa bed that has a back that drops down, not like a real fold out sofa bed. Cabins that hold 4 have a regular-opening sofa bed. Hope this helps.
GN

[kryos]

Upgrade Fairy visited DH and I ,when sailing on the Amsterdam in 2001.We sailed on DH 's birthday and upgraded from category A Verandah Suite to Deluxe Verandah Suite with all the perks.Sure did spoil us.

This is exactly what I'm hoping the upgrade fairy does for us on my upcoming Amsterdam voyage. We booked a Veranda suite on the Veranda deck ... not sure of the exact category now ... and are hoping that the upgrade fairy gives us one of the Deluxe S suites on the Navigation deck ... with all the perks.

One can dream, can't they? :)

Blue skies ...

--rita

[kryos]

A hypothetical answer to a hypothetical question: If someone had to be moved, and the only available cabin was an S suite, then I think HAL would put them there. And I believe they would enjoy all the perks thereof, because it would be more trouble than it's worth to segregate them in this way. I do not believe in this scenario that the ship would begin moving other people around just so someone in a VA could be moved into the suite. It would impact too many people and create even more work for the accountants.
That's what I'm asking, though. Would the ship ever sail without all of those S suites occupied already? I would assume that any upgrades to those suites would have taken place long before the actual sailing and those particular cabins (as well as the penthouse) would be occupied at the time of sailing. I would imagine that in the event someone in a lower category had to be moved during the voyage, there would never be an S suite empty for them to possibly be moved to.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[SherriM]

This will be our first cruise on HAL. And only our second cruise ever.

We are in a Veranda Suite catagory A...on the R class Zaandam, on the Navigation Deck, what do we actually have???

Thanks,
SherriM :confused:

[bepsf]

This will be our first cruise on HAL. And only our second cruise ever.

We are in a Veranda Suite catagory A...on the R class Zaandam, on the Navigation Deck, what do we actually have???

Thanks,
SherriM :confused:

You have a MiniSuite - a very nice category, but not a Deluxe Suite...

[SherriM]

You have a MiniSuite - a very nice category, but not a Deluxe Suite...

So this means no PERKS - just a balcony??

Thank you,
Sherri

[Randyk47]

That's correct. Mini-suite does not equal suite. One of the reasons I think HAL should be just a bit more careful with their naming conventions though the "mini-suite" disconnect is nowhere as bad as the difference between deluxe and superior suites.

[lougee1043]

That's what I'm asking, though. Would the ship ever sail without all of those S suites occupied already? I would assume that any upgrades to those suites would have taken place long before the actual sailing and those particular cabins (as well as the penthouse) would be occupied at the time of sailing.

not true in my case -- we got to the pier for our inside passage cruise and was informed that we were upgraded from the old ss cabin to a full suite and when we got there we found all the excursion papers for the pax that were supposed to occupy the suite -- we though that something must have happened to them at the last minute and couldnt sail -- at the suite welcome gathering we met that couple- seems they were upgraded at the pier from suite to penthouse as they were checking in --we gave them their papers and have been friends with them ever since

[Mary "Get Get"]

Kryos,Good Luck with the "Upgrade Fairy"As mentioned by another post we were upgraded at the pier.So it's never too late to keep those fingers crossed.Have a great cruise.Should mention I really enjoyed following your posts from the Amsterdam on your 30 day Pacific Islands Cruise.Would love to do that trip!!
Mary "GET Get":)

[ozland]

Cabins that accomodate 3 people have a single sofa bed that has a back that drops down, not like a real fold out sofa bed. Cabins that hold 4 have a regular-opening sofa bed. Hope this helps.
GN

Thanks!

Any idea of the comfort level? Just wondering if my daughter (21yrs. old) will enjoy this. We usually have her bring a friend and they have their own cabin. However, she and her friends are all graduating from college in May and the status of her friends, regarding employment, is an unknown (and may be right up until graduation). She's also not sure any of her friends would want to go to Alaska during the summer . . . :rolleyes:. Beaches for them are far more attractive.

[kryos]

Kryos,Good Luck with the "Upgrade Fairy"As mentioned by another post we were upgraded at the pier.So it's never too late to keep those fingers crossed.Have a great cruise.Should mention I really enjoyed following your posts from the Amsterdam on your 30 day Pacific Islands Cruise.Would love to do that trip!!
Mary "GET Get":)
Glad you enjoyed them!

Believe me, that Hawaii/South Pacific itinerary is the absolute best. You should definitely plan on it one day. In fact, in a couple of years I hope to be able to do it again ... I enjoyed it that much.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[kryos]

not true in my case -- we got to the pier for our inside passage cruise and was informed that we were upgraded from the old ss cabin to a full suite and when we got there we found all the excursion papers for the pax that were supposed to occupy the suite -- we though that something must have happened to them at the last minute and couldnt sail -- at the suite welcome gathering we met that couple- seems they were upgraded at the pier from suite to penthouse as they were checking in --we gave them their papers and have been friends with them ever since
True, but the ship still didn't sail with the suite empty. Even though you were upgraded at the pier, they still managed to fill the suite before the ship sailed, right? :) And, the upgrades were orderly. The people who paid for a full suite got the bonus of the penthouse and you, who paid for an ss cabin, got the benefit of a full suite. What I can't imagine would be a case where someone was upgraded say from a standard outside cabin to a full suite. I would doubt that could happen and was trying to find out if, in fact, it did and I was wrong.

I cannot imagine HAL would sail without all of the upper end suites filled unless there were a major group cancellation at the last minute.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[SherriM]

Typically are upgrades given to previous HAL travelers? So if this is our first time on HAL are our chances LESS for getting an upgrade? What are your observations?

Thanks to all the posters...this is such an informative venue!

[SanDiego Single]

I have read lots of stories of upgrades and there doesn't seem to be a consistent way of upgrading someone. But I do like the theory someone mentioned that the more you pay the better your chances are of being upgraded.

[SherriM]

I have read lots of stories of upgrades and there doesn't seem to be a consistent way of upgrading someone. But I do like the theory someone mentioned that the more you pay the better your chances are of being upgraded.


OOOOh...thank you...yeah that sounds like an awesome, theory! ;)

BTW, we are in San Diego County...so hello neighbor! :)

[SANDY BEACH]

kryos, I met a couple that was upgraded from a balcony guar to a S Suite. They were quite happy.