Booking 4 into a PS

[Drew358]

My in-laws and my wife and I were throwing the idea around about sharing a PS, instead of booking 2 separate rooms. First, on our upcoming trip, the room has to become available, since it's not right now, so this might not even be an option.
A couple of questions;
If we do this where do they put the other 2 beds? I'm assuming in the living room on the opposite side of master bedroom (hopefully).
Second, what type of beds do they use? If it's one of the usual HAL beds, then it's no problem, but if it's a cot then it may be a problem for a 17 night trip.
Can anyone help out on this?
Thanks.

[Two if by Sea]

You still only get one real bathroom in a PS. Wouldn't you be more comfortable with two Deluxe Suites instead of one PS?

[Sage]

We have been in the PS on the Rotterdam and the Volendam and found them very roomy and comfortable for three, and I would imagine a forth person would do well too. The other bed is similar to a murphey bed in that when not in use it fits back into the wall unit that is used as a divider between the living and dining area. It is a queen sized bed, and is located in the wall unit that contains the desk and TV. There is a curtain that separates the bedroom from the living room. We found that with the extra bathroom, it was a nice comfortable for three of us. There is plenty of closet space, and the closet area can also be used as a dressing area. I agree that it is hard to find the PS available, and if we had known at the time that our DD's would be joining us for our upcoming cruise, we would have booked the PS instead of a S. I hope that you enjoy your cruise.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Also keep in mind, that even though you have 2 bathrooms - the one is really a guest bathroom - sink in first section and toilet in the other. Everyone would have to use the shower and tub in the main bathroom.

[hammybee]

You still only get one real bathroom in a PS. Wouldn't you be more comfortable with two Deluxe Suites instead of one PS?

I agree. 4 adults using the same facility to shower is tough. Better to book two deluxe suites. I wonder how many, if any, deluxe suites are adjoining, whereby, the verandas could be combined.

[Krazy Kruizers]

The S class ships - no doors between S suites on the verandahs.

On the Vista class ships that we have been on, there is a small door between the verandahs for the SA suites - can;t answer for the other categories.

[iceman93]

This is a tough call--two S suites or one PS. I've sailed comfortably with 4 in the PS a few times, but one of those was our infant/toddler daughter. Sharing the tub/shower and closet area was no big deal, but I guess it could be if you have some high-maintenance folks in your group.

Having that big dining room area is really, really nice. Plus, while there are no published benefits to being in the PS over and above being in an S, I suspect that your special requests are given just a bit more priority than all the folks in S's.

[sail7seas]

We stayed in the "PS" on Rotterdam and while it was wonderful, there are actually things I like better about the "S" cabins that we always take. I would not be happy sharing any cabin that only had one shower/tub with anyone other than my DH...... or, if applicable, our own young children.

JMHO....... I can see it would work for some people but it would not be my ideal situation. I'd far rather two "S" cabins.

[Two if by Sea]

We stayed in the "PS" on Rotterdam and while it was wonderful, there are actually things I like better about the "S" cabins that we always take.

Not that I'll ever have the choice (I'm sort of amazed I'm considering an "S", even) but what exactly do you like better about the "S" than the "PS"?

[Vic The Parrot]

Why can't you just take 2 regular connecting cabins ?? :confused:


That way, you'll make your own 'suite' ...

[Krazy Kruizers]

This is a tough call--two S suites or one PS. I've sailed comfortably with 4 in the PS a few times, but one of those was our infant/toddler daughter. Sharing the tub/shower and closet area was no big deal, but I guess it could be if you have some high-maintenance folks in your group.

Having that big dining room area is really, really nice. Plus, while there are no published benefits to being in the PS over and above being in an S, I suspect that your special requests are given just a bit more priority than all the folks in S's.

We have been in the PS several times - just recently on the Maasdam -- no "priority" - ecerything is the same for PS and S.

[peaches from georgia]

I would definetely take the 2 S's for 4 adults over the PS. Having 2 full baths and 2 dressing rooms makes it a non-starter to begin with. Plus the 2 adults sleeping in the living room have no privacy and no place to rest if they wish to during the day. The bed folds into the wall, so if you want a nap you have nowhere to go. I wouldn't keep the bed folded down into the living room all day. So you have a large dining room and a pantry. Big deal. I would much rather have the separate deluxe suite, full bath, and king-sized bed in each S suite. The PS is perfect for a family of 2 adults and 2 children, but I would take the S's in a heartbeat for 4 adults.

[sail7seas]

Originally Posted by sail7seas
We stayed in the "PS" on Rotterdam and while it was wonderful, there are actually things I like better about the "S" cabins that we always take.



Not that I'll ever have the choice (I'm sort of amazed I'm considering an "S", even) but what exactly do you like better about the "S" than the "PS"?


Only because you asked: ;)

One major thing I like better in the "S" Suites on "S Class" ships are the drawers in the bureau. There are a full dozen and I really like that set up. Certainly it is a wonderful closet in the "PS" with drawers but my personal preference is the "S" set up. It is a wonderful closet but not ideal for me.....may be your (or someone else's) dream.

I didn't really like the 'round shower'. It's very attractive to look at but I never really enjoyed using it.

Most of all, I missed my dressing table. I like the dressing room and dressing table (with extra sink) on the "S" Class ("R" Class) ships.

Your tastes may be very different......
On the other hand, DH loved the large dining table and I really liked the bedroom area. Certainly the extra space is heavenly. I'm not sure I think the veranda any better. I also very much liked the window seat along the glass in the "PS" which is fabulous for scenic viewing cruising.

We might again take a Penthouse but it isn't a big deal for me. Having our "S" is my big deal. I love that cabin.

[Two if by Sea]

It was actually a link to a newspaper article. I don't know how to re-link to an old topic, but it's down on about page 5 now and it is the one called "Fun Reading in Sun-Sentinel re: Pampered guest requests". No indication in the article of exactly how the line handled that request.

[iceman93]

We have been in the PS several times - just recently on the Maasdam -- no "priority" - ecerything is the same for PS and S.

Interesting... My experience (including on the Maasdam) was different. Then again, it's hard to tell when the staff pulls off a miracle if it's because you're in a particular cabin or simply something they'd do for anyone...

[Drew358]

To respond to people that inquired about why book a PS instead of 2 S suites, the answer is; My in-laws can't afford a S suite, but were looking into booking a balcony. Since this will probably the last long trip for the 4 of us (mostly because my wife is going back to school) for a long time, we wanted to make sure that they will be comfortable and enjoy it. My father in law has some mobility issues, but I don't think that will be an issue even if they book a regular balcony.
I'm not sure the cost difference is worth the upgrade, though. We would be making up most of the cost of the room.
Thank you for everyone's feedback, I'm leaning against it right now, but we are #1 on the waiting list.

[sail7seas]

If you said which ship, I missed it.

On the "S" Class ships, the last "S" Suite on Navigation Deck is 030 for portside and 045 for starboard. The next cabin beside those suites are "A" Cateogry Verandah Suites. These are very comfortable for 2 people. They would not be entitled to Neptune Lounge or "S" Suite amenities but you still could next door to each other if you took the "S" and your in-laws took the "A" cabin. Might be something to think about.

[Drew358]

Noordam, sorry. We're currently booked into an SC room 5090.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Keep us informed on what happens.

[Jade13]

To respond to people that inquired about why book a PS instead of 2 S suites, the answer is; My in-laws can't afford a S suite, but were looking into booking a balcony. Since this will probably the last long trip for the 4 of us (mostly because my wife is going back to school) for a long time, we wanted to make sure that they will be comfortable and enjoy it. My father in law has some mobility issues, but I don't think that will be an issue even if they book a regular balcony.
I'm not sure the cost difference is worth the upgrade, though. We would be making up most of the cost of the room.
Thank you for everyone's feedback, I'm leaning against it right now, but we are #1 on the waiting list.

Why don't your inlaws take a VA Verandah? They are usually on the same deck as the PS, although one may be a few doors down. We really like that stateroom and it is adequate for our needs. I am convinced that we get the same great cabin steward. Btw, (on the Vista anyway) the VA, VB, VC, VD are all the same size but they charge more by location. They are numbered diff on the R and S class ships. The "regular" balcony is much larger than a lot of ships and have a full bath with tub. They would have most of the same amenities on HAL (diff on other lines like Celebrity) such as Elemis bath products, robes, full room service breakfast.

[Jade13]

If you said which ship, I missed it.

On the "S" Class ships, the last "S" Suite on Navigation Deck is 030 for portside and 045 for starboard. The next cabin beside those suites are "A" Cateogry Verandah Suites. These are very comfortable for 2 people. They would not be entitled to Neptune Lounge or "S" Suite amenities but you still could next door to each other if you took the "S" and your in-laws took the "A" cabin. Might be something to think about.




I just made the same recommendation. Besides, the inlaws can come to the PS and use the dinning table any time they like.

[Sunshine91]

My in-laws and my wife and I were throwing the idea around about sharing a PS, instead of booking 2 separate rooms.

Hi Drew - Just some things to think about.

John & I have been married almost 16 years & I still would feel uncomfortable sharing what's basically the same room - only separated by a curtain - with my parents. I'd want that door. :eek:

I really like & get along with his folks, but still wouldn't want to share quarters with them for 17 days, either. (Neither would John).

Sometimes it's not just about the money. :o But then again, every family's closeness tolerance is different. :)

[Drew358]

Hi Drew - Just some things to think about.

John & I have been married almost 16 years & I still would feel uncomfortable sharing what's basically the same room - only separated by a curtain - with my parents. I'd want that door. :eek:

I really like & get along with his folks, but still wouldn't want to share quarters with them for 17 days, either. (Neither would John).

Sometimes it's not just about the money. :o But then again, every family's closeness tolerance is different. :)

That's a good point. I go through spells of thinking 'it won't be that bad at all' to 'what was I thinking?' I think overall it might be better to have seperate rooms, and again, it seems like the PS probably won't be available anyways.

I read on a Celebrity thread about someone who had a PS and got all sorts of letters from the hotel manager and other high level staff. They eventually talked the Captain into seeing a "behind the scenes" tour of the rest of the ship, like the engine room. I know that it may be a breach in security, but I wonder if you were booked into a PS on the Noordam, if the Captain would accomodate such a request.

[iceman93]

I read on a Celebrity thread about someone who had a PS and got all sorts of letters from the hotel manager and other high level staff. They eventually talked the Captain into seeing a "behind the scenes" tour of the rest of the ship, like the engine room. I know that it may be a breach in security, but I wonder if you were booked into a PS on the Noordam, if the Captain would accomodate such a request.

I think it's far more likely. The letters and personal attention from senior officers will absolutely happen, but I've never asked for something that technically they're not supposed to do. It can't hurt to ask!