Two suite questions

[DougK]

I'm booked in a suite (category S) on the Zaandam this summer. This is my first time in a suite on HAL, and I have a couple of questions:

1) Is there priority disembarkation at ports -- not tender, just regular gangway disembarkation? I was on the Westerdam last summer (not in a suite), and the lines to get off could get quite long. We might be tight on timing for a (non-ship) shore excursion, and it would be nice to know whether we will be able to avoid the worry of a disembarkation line.

2) What would I use the concierge service for? I've seen people on this board rave about how wonderful it is, but I don't know why. I can't say as I've had special requests on cruises in the past...

Thanks for enlightenment.

Doug

[middle-aged mom]

I'm booked in a suite (category S) on the Zaandam this summer. This is my first time in a suite on HAL, and I have a couple of questions:

1) Is there priority disembarkation at ports -- not tender, just regular gangway disembarkation? I was on the Westerdam last summer (not in a suite), and the lines to get off could get quite long. We might be tight on timing for a (non-ship) shore excursion, and it would be nice to know whether we will be able to avoid the worry of a disembarkation line.

2) What would I use the concierge service for? I've seen people on this board rave about how wonderful it is, but I don't know why. I can't say as I've had special requests on cruises in the past...

Thanks for enlightenment.

Doug

Doug:

The Zaandam carries something like 500 fewer pax than the Westerdam, so getting off at the various ports should be a little smoother. You won't get priority gangway disembarkation when your ship docks; you receive priority disembarkation only for tender ports. You shouldn't have any hassles, though. We sailed the Zaandam last summer to Alaska, and I don't recall any long lines for getting off the ship, only for getting back on:).

You can use the concierge for anything you would normally need from the front desk or excursion desk. The Neptune Lounge concierges can make reservations for you at the spa or Pinnacle Grill, settle your onboard account, arrange for a private cocktail party, and take care of any problems or concerns.

I hope I've been able to enlighten you!:)

Karin

[peaches from georgia]

Just to further explain- the priority disembarkation at tender ports only means that you do not have to go to the lounge to get a tender ticket and then wait there until the number is called. You can go directly to the stairway to board the tenders, but suite pax really are not to bust into the waiting line, if there is one, to board ahead of those already waiting.

Therefore, there is no priority disembarking at ports- you go to the gangway and if people are already waiting you should go to the back of the line, which usually isn't very long anyway and moves right along.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Your ID card will be GOLD. If you are at a tender port, you just show this gold card to the people at the gangway when you are ready to tender ashore. They will recognize the card.

The concierges can also make change for you.

[peaches from georgia]

Your ID card will be GOLD. If you are at a tender port, you just show this gold card to the people at the gangway when you are ready to tender ashore. They will recognize the card.


KK- Just wondering, from the way you worded this about showing the gold card, whether you go straight to the head of the line at the gangway or if you stand at the back of that line when you arrive. I know this has been discussed before on CC. We always go to the back of the line and enjoy the perk of just not having to go to the lounge, but I know some S pax said they go to the front of the gangway line. I would think those whose turn was next to get on a tender might not like that. Just wondering what you do. ;)

[sail7seas]

We do as you say, Peaches. We go down the stairs and get into line. We would never think it appropriate to go to the head of the line waiting to board a tender. In reality, the line is hardly ever that long as the point of getting tender tickets for non-Suite guests is to manage how many people are at the gangway at a time. They call numbers according to how many seats are available on the next tender. They don't want hundreds of people waiting in line there.....could create a safety issue.

If we don't think we want to deal with a line, we wait a while until we know most people are ashore and then go to the gangway.

No excuse for line cutting IMO