Neptune lounge

[jamscckmc]

I know there have been threads about this before,but I can't find them now. What food and beverages are available in the NL and what are their hours? Also is there a free mini bar setup like on Princess in the suites? Thanks!

[jamscckmc]

Sorry for the double post. I have been having trouble with my computer and thought the 1st post did'nt take so I redid it:)

[CrystalLady]

There is no free mini-bar set-up, even for the Penthouse Suites, like there is on Princess.

The Neptune Lounge hours usually are 7:00am to 7:00pm, but it can vary somewhat. They normally serve what I call finger foods, appropriate to the time of day. Various fruit juices are available, and there's a coffee machine where you can either prepare your own preferred type of coffee (espresso, cappuccino, etc.) or the Concierge or her/his Attendant will do so. But I've found that they'll bring you most anything in the way of food - again appropriate to the time of day - if you ask. There's also a selection of cereals and pastries in the morning.

[OldCodger73]

Sorry, no free minibar setup for deluxe suite passangers.

The Neptune Lounge is available for all deluxe suite passengers, categories S or SA-SC. On the Zaandan recently the hours were 7AM to I think 7:30PM. There are about four different food settings depending on time of day starting with continental breakfast choices.

For more information try doing a thread title search for Neptune Lounge.

[Krazy Kruizers]

On port days the Neptune Lounge opens at 7 while on sea days it opens at 7:30 - this is for most ships. It can vary according to itinerary. It closes around 8 or 8:30 - again depends on ship and itinerary.

Breakfast: cold cereals, rolls, pastries, meats, cheeses, yogurt. juices - wonderdul coffee machine as mentioned.

Around 11 AM breakfast is removed and small snack sandwiches, cookies, chocolates and lots of other small pastries are put out. They are replaced every couple of hours or as needed.

At 5 PM cold appetizers along with crudets are available until closing.

[sail7seas]

The Continental Breakfast they put out each day is very nice. Cereal, yogurt, muselix, fresh fruit, muffins/danish/donuts, juices etc

In addition to the finger foods CrystalLady described, they often put out cookies/poundcake/homemde chocolates in the afternoon. Then there are cold hors d'ouerves and crudite and dip.

We enjoy Neptune Lounge very much and it definitely enhances our enjoyment of our cruises.

Thin in terms of a hotel concierge club but with no liquor. The only soft drinks or liquor you will see there is when they run a private suite party. They then set up a bar and offer just about anything you could want.......with some exceptions. ;)

Pitchers of Ice water and iced tea/juice are available all day.

[JimVrhovac]

If you deside to have a small party can arrange for hourderve platters here. Get one free fer day and more does not cost much.

Ruth & Jim

[Harry1954]

the espresso machine is fabulous ... we use it every morning for our coffee - much better than what they bring to room .. and you get it the way you want it.

the fruits and other condiments are sufficient for a basic breakfast if one is not too big on serious ones.

the afternoon stuff is useful for cocktails ...

we found that the best use of the room was the concierge service whereby they would help with arranging any shore excursions or issues that were beyond the room steward's capabilities.
harry

[Two if by Sea]

I have another question about the Neptune Lounge and the concierge service:

Everyone always says that with the Neptune Lounge available, they didn't have to go to the front desk for anything. Can you tell me:

- What sorts of things does one GENERALLY have to go to the front desk for, when you DON'T have access to the Neptune Lounge?

- Can you really do ALL of those in the Neptune Lounge and get them done just as well, without losing out on hard-to-book tours, time slots, etc.? In other words, would I be better off running around to book things rather than waiting for the concierge, if things are likely to sell out?

and

- Does it really save lots of time, aggravation, or anything else, or are the lines sometimes just as long waiting for the concierge as they'd be heading off to the appropriate department?

Thanks.

[WindyCity]

Have never had to wait for the concierge - they handle everything - booking the Pinnacle Grill for us - arranging to have dinner pre-ordered a day ahead of time on the night of our Renewal of Vows because the time set for the ROV was 1/2 hr before dinner ended. Seems like, since there are less passengers in Suites, there is no wait for the concierge - no running around the ship trying to get things booked. They even booked the Culinary Class for 3 of us. If you are in a Suite - take advantage of the concierge. They were even able to get us a HAL polo shirt for a special gift without us having to go to the shops on the day the ship sailed. Wonderful service!

[Joanandjoe]

Everyone always says that with the Neptune Lounge available, they didn't have to go to the front desk for anything. Can you tell me:

- What sorts of things does one GENERALLY have to go to the front desk for, when you DON'T have access to the Neptune Lounge?

- Can you really do ALL of those in the Neptune Lounge and get them done just as well, without losing out on hard-to-book tours, time slots, etc.? In other words, would I be better off running around to book things rather than waiting for the concierge, if things are likely to sell out?

and

- Does it really save lots of time, aggravation, or anything else, or are the lines sometimes just as long waiting for the concierge as they'd be heading off to the appropriate department?

Thanks.

You don't have to go to the front desk to question or pay bills, ask questions, hand in compliments or complaints, arrange for photo sessions, etc. You don't have to go to the excursion desk: the concierge will arrange the tour for you, sometimes if the excursion is otherwise sold out. (We were on one sold out excursion in Sint Maartin thanks to the concierge.) Room key not working? The concierge will get you a new one. Do you want a hole punched in the key so you can hang it on a lanyard? Ask the concierge. Need reservations in the Pinnacle Grill? They can do it for you; but you're better off doing it at the PG when you have breakfast there. Want room service, off the menus delivered to your room? No problem. The concierge ladies were great on our Noordam cruise! They did everything I mentioned, other than the PG, which we did ourselves.

[advocado]

I have another question about the Neptune Lounge and the concierge service:

Everyone always says that with the Neptune Lounge available, they didn't have to go to the front desk for anything. Can you tell me:

- What sorts of things does one GENERALLY have to go to the front desk for, when you DON'T have access to the Neptune Lounge?

- Can you really do ALL of those in the Neptune Lounge and get them done just as well, without losing out on hard-to-book tours, time slots, etc.? In other words, would I be better off running around to book things rather than waiting for the concierge, if things are likely to sell out?

and

- Does it really save lots of time, aggravation, or anything else, or are the lines sometimes just as long waiting for the concierge as they'd be heading off to the appropriate department?

Thanks.
We used the concierge a lot. For example, I ordered a bottle of liquor to be delivered on departure day. Didn't come. Called front desk and got the big, fast shuffle. Went to the concierge and had it within hours plus a tray of chocolate dipped strawberries as an apology. Also, one of our booked excursions was scheduled 2 hours earlier than I had reserved. No thank you. Concierge dealt with it pronto. In Victoria, we had heard of a restaurant. Concierge made the reservations. Told the concierge we wanted a standing 5:00p.m. order for hot hors' doeuvers. Got them every day. Made our Pinnacle Grill reservations and corrected an overcharge on the Spa service. In my view, though not essential, the Neptune Lounge with concierge service definitely improved the cruise experience.

[peaches from georgia]

Won't repeat what everyone else said, but not sure if these were mentioned: cashing Travelers Checks and giving you change and smaller bills for any large bills you may have brought.

Let me put it this way- you NEVER have to go to the front desk. Concierge will do more for you, get you in places that the front desk says are booked, do it all faster, and always with a smile. (And yes, for the extra special favors she deserves to be tipped.)

[ekerr19]

You can also checkout DVD's & CD's from the concierge. :)

[sail7seas]

If your suitcase arrives with a tear or rip, she will arrange for the upholsterers to try and repair it for you.

[O2B@C]

If your suitcase arrives with a tear or rip, she will arrange for the upholsterers to try and repair it for you.


Now that is above and beyond. Wow! It would never even have occurred to me to ask if this could be done.

So here's an esoteric question. Due to back problems, my DH and I will be bringing a special chair on board - not a wheelchair, just a cheap office chair, but it helps his back. He'll want it brought from our suite to the DR for dinner every night. It's quite light, and I can easily carry it myself, but do you think it would be appropriate to ask the concierges if they can arrange for someone to pick it up shortly before dinner? (We will have traditional main upper dining.) And - here's the really tough one - what about having it brought to HMC so he can sit in it on the beach?

Has anyone had experience with requests that in any way resembled this? Do you think either or both of them would be going too far? I don't want to ask if it's not appropriate, because I get the sense that these ladies really don't like to say no, and I wouldn't want to put them in an awkward position.

Thanks.

[PoseidonGodoftheSea]

How large is the Neptune Lounge? On the deck plans it looks like a tiny room but you can never really tell from those things, did it have a spacious feel to it?

[peaches from georgia]

Just wondering if this chair folds and can be carried under one arm since you said it was light and can be easily carried? Or would you have to carry it with both hands as you would any non-folding chair?

[O2B@C]

Just wondering if this chair folds and can be carried under one arm since you said it was light and can be easily carried? Or would you have to carry it with both hands as you would any non-folding chair?

Unfortunately, we haven't been able to find a folding one that works for him. I can carry this one in one hand, though, because there's a gap between the back and the seat, so I can sort of tuck the back under my arm. Only problem is, then the seat sticks out to my side, so it's awkward in a crowd.

[Joanandjoe]

O2B, I don't know what the concierge can arragne regarding the chair, but it's worth asking. If they do arrange it, both the concierge and the chair carrier would deserve special tips and thanks.

[O2B@C]

O2B, I don't know what the concierge can arragne regarding the chair, but it's worth asking. If they do arrange it, both the concierge and the chair carrier would deserve special tips and thanks.

Absolutely, of course!:)

Anyone else have any thoughts on this?

[peaches from georgia]

If they are able to arrange anyone to do this I would think it would be someone from room service. They are down at the kitchen, could run up to get the chair and then after your dinner bring it back to your room. It would be way out of the way for your room steward to do this for you and he is extremely busy at the dinner hour getting the cabins ready for the night. Another chore for him would not be fair, but room service stewards are going back and forth from the kitchen throughout that time period anyway.

Taking it to HMC would be another story. The tender guys certainly could help you on and off the tenders.

[aliaschief]

:confused: Though no experience: I'm thinking that the Ship Services Rep. should be called prior to the cruise to see what the Ship can or can't do. They have probably had a similar reqest similar to this before and have solutions or a policy about the issue. IMO its always better to know beforehand.

[sail7seas]

Neptune Lounges are somewhat different sizes depending upon the size of the ship/number of suites. Seeing as there are far more suites on Vista ships than "S" class ships, Vista Lounges are larger. None of them are huge. When there is a Suite cocktail party, if most of the suite guests come, the room is crowded. But it is rare when you find many people in there at once. With some exceptions, most people come in, get their coffee or snack, chat with the concierge for a minute or a fellow guest and leave. Some may sit and eat their breakfast or snack at one of the tables.

[nurseblissful]

ok, my husband and i have a deluxe suite booked. then my mil died. so now my fil may come with us. he will NOT have a suite. can we bring him with us anywayto the nep lounge , or do we divert to the lido or whatever? i won't have him eating alone, he is with us. thanks, lauri

[O2B@C]

Nurseblissful: My condolences on your family's loss. Good for you for taking your FIL with you. I hope he finds the cruise to be a healing experience.

The Neptune Lounge is only for snacks, not for real sit-down meals. Your FIL can sit with you for meals wherever you choose to dine (dining room, Lido, Pinnacle Grill, or in your suite for room service), except for the Pinnacle Grill breakfasts which are for suite pax only. Just be sure your TA links your booking number with his and requests that you be assigned to dine together.

However, you really should not plan to bring him into the Neptune Lounge. There was a thread a few months ago about suite pax bringing family members who were not in suites into the Neptune Lounge, and the consensus was that it was NOT ok. Ditto for other suite perks such as priority boarding, disembarking, and tenders.

However, through the Neptune concierges, you can order hors d'oeuvres for your suite for more than just two people (I forget the limit, but it's higher than 3), and share those with your FIL. Also, if you pop into the Neptune and pick up a few snacks or some coffee to take with you, no one will know if you share them with your FIL. ;) Of course it would not be fair to abuse this privilege, but within reason I think that would be fine.

[nurseblissful]

thank you. lauri

[Jade13]

[quote=O2B@C;12067245]Nurseblissful: . Ditto for other suite perks such as priority boarding, disembarking, and tenders.

Howevquote]


Just a note that Celebrity allows children (under age 21) that are in a non-suite and non conceriage class cabin to priority board, disembark and priority tender with their parents who are in Suite and CC class accommodations. It seems it is common for parents to put teenagers in their own cabins. They make a distinction between minor children and adult children. This is just an fyi on what a competing line does (for informational purposes).

[Krazy Kruizers]

nurseblissful

Should you order appetizers for the suite, you will find that they send plenty - no need to order extra. We have done it a couple of times - way too much for the 2 of us.

For breakfast since your FIL can't join you in the Pinnacle, you all might consider eating together in the dining room where it will be a lot less congested and much quieter.

[sail7seas]

Room Service breakfast is also a nice option.....on your veranda. The table easily seats 4 people.

[Two if by Sea]

Thanks for all the info! I am really looking forward to this.

I half-considered getting 1st-class airplane tickets a year ago for a 7-hour flight to Europe. The cost difference would have been nearly as much for a 7-hour flight as the cost difference is here for a 7-DAY cruise! But on the cruise it sounds SO MUCH more worthwhile.

[frequent cruiser jock]

A First Class Ticket to Europe runs for over $ 10 000 a person! A Deluxe Penthouse Suite for a 1 week cruise for around $ 2500 a person! You can do 4 x 1 week long cruises for the price of a 8 hour flight!

[Two if by Sea]

Well, I found a good deal on the 1st class tickets, but it would still have been over $8,000 for the three of us, as compared to $3600 in regular coach. I didn't really want to pay $625/hr just for a few extra inches of legroom and a nicer meal. (Okay, make that $315/hr since it was roundtrip).

For the cruise, the cost difference is comparable -- almost exactly the same, really. And when the unit of time is the day rather than the hour, it becomes less like a ridiculous luxury and more like a non-ridiculous luxury.

[nurseblissful]

we would not expect my fil to eat in the pinnacle grill, only to lounge for a few minutes. and he is quite reticent, so i would not expose him to any criticism/embarrassment. any defense i offered for his presence would indeed embarrass him. appreciate all your input. thanks again, lauri

[sail7seas]

I think you mean Neptune Lounge??

The concierges are amazing at checking the embarkation photos and before we even enter Neptune Lounge, they know our names, faces and cabin numbers. They always greet us by name the first time we enter.
On embarkation day they check the embarkation photos and know what everyone looks like before we ever enter the lounge.

On "S" class ships, it's quite wonderful. On Vista with so many more people, it is quite remarkable.

[willowoodf]

Another thing you may not realize is that you may get the Neptune concierge(s) in trouble by bringing your FIL in. She may not say anything to you, but if a superior sees a non-suite passenger in the Neptune, the concierge may be reported. This happened to us once, WE were the interlopers in the Neptune. We actually just stopped to say "hi" to the concierge we knew from a previous cruise and only stayed a minute, but during that short time we were spotted by an officer and the concierge was reprimanded. It was the last thing in the world we wanted, to get her in trouble! But it was the concierge's last cruise before "retiring" from HAL, so it wasn't much of a reprimand. But that's something you might keep in mind, the concierge may feel bad for your FIL and let him come in with you, but you may be causing her trouble with her superiors.

Mary

[Krazy Kruizers]

Another thing you may not realize is that you may get the Neptune concierge(s) in trouble by bringing your FIL in. She may not say anything to you, but if a superior sees a non-suite passenger in the Neptune, the concierge may be reported. This happened to us once, WE were the interlopers in the Neptune. We actually just stopped to say "hi" to the concierge we knew from a previous cruise and only stayed a minute, but during that short time we were spotted by an officer and the concierge was reprimanded. It was the last thing in the world we wanted, to get her in trouble! But it was the concierge's last cruise before "retiring" from HAL, so it wasn't much of a reprimand. But that's something you might keep in mind, the concierge may feel bad for your FIL and let him come in with you, but you may be causing her trouble with her superiors.

Mary

You are so right!!

[Two if by Sea]

Do you want a hole punched in the key so you can hang it on a lanyard? Ask the concierge.

THIS is an example of why the CC boards are so useful. It would NEVER have occurred to me to ask for something like that. If the hole was already there I might have thought to ask for a lanyard, but to ask for someone to punch a hole in a keycard? Who'd think it was even possible?

Thanks!!

[sail7seas]

If it interests you, there are some nice lanyards for sale in the gift shops. We don't use them but notice lots of people do.

[nurseblissful]

we have no intention of getting anyone in trouble. or behaving in a way that will upset anyone. i am feeling out boundaries with no intent for offense...thanks for all input. lauri

[willowoodf]

Lauri:

We know you are just asking to get information, and that you wouldn't purposefully do anything wrong or get anybody in trouble - that's what these Boards are all about, to get information you may not be able to get otherwise. I can't tell you how much they have helped us.

Mary

[O2B@C]

we have no intention of getting anyone in trouble. or behaving in a way that will upset anyone. i am feeling out boundaries with no intent for offense...thanks for all input. lauri

No worries, Lauri. :) You have made it clear from the start that you are asking what the rules are precisely because you do not want to break them. I certainly understood that, and hope everyone else did. I hope none of the responses to your question made you feel bad for asking it. If they did, the fault is in the responses, not in you for asking the question.

Once again, enjoy your cruise, and I hope it helps your FIL to recover from his loss. Best wishes.

[sail7seas]

Lauri...... I think we all know you were asking for the purpose of getting answers. No worry!

[bepsf]

Another thing you may not realize is that you may get the Neptune concierge(s) in trouble by bringing your FIL in. She may not say anything to you, but if a superior sees a non-suite passenger in the Neptune, the concierge may be reported. This happened to us once, WE were the interlopers in the Neptune. We actually just stopped to say "hi" to the concierge we knew from a previous cruise and only stayed a minute, but during that short time we were spotted by an officer and the concierge was reprimanded. It was the last thing in the world we wanted, to get her in trouble! But it was the concierge's last cruise before "retiring" from HAL, so it wasn't much of a reprimand. But that's something you might keep in mind, the concierge may feel bad for your FIL and let him come in with you, but you may be causing her trouble with her superiors.

Mary

Shame on the Officious Officer for reprimanding the concierge in greeting a repeat guest, regardless of your class of travel on that particular voyage.

[OldCodger73]

It seems each week that there's one or two questions about the Neptune Lounge. I wonder if this is a subject that would benefit from a "sticky"?

[Krazy Kruizers]

It seems each week that there's one or two questions about the Neptune Lounge. I wonder if this is a subject that would benefit from a "sticky"?

Are you going to put it all together for a "sticky"?

[O2B@C]

A sticky does sound like a good idea - except that we have so many now, maybe it would be even better to compile an overall FAQ? But that would be a HUGE amount of work.

Anyway, if anyone does compile a sticky on the Neptune Lounge, here's a couple of questions I don't remember seeing the answers to, although the subject probably has been covered: Does the famous coffee machine give you a choice of making your beverage using decaf coffee? What about lowfat or nonfat milk in the cappucinos? Thanks!

[middle-aged mom]

...........here's a couple of questions I don't remember seeing the answers to, although the subject probably has been covered: Does the famous coffee machine give you a choice of making your beverage using decaf coffee? What about lowfat or nonfat milk in the cappucinos? Thanks!

Yes, there is a decaf option, but for the life of me I don't remember a lowfat or nonfat milk option.:confused: You know, I think it's time for another HAL cruise; I'm just plain forgetting too much from my previous cruises. I badly need a refresher course.:) If I compile a Neptune Lounge sticky, will someone pay for my cruise in a Deluxe Verandah Suite to help with the research?:D

Karin

[O2B@C]

Yes, there is a decaf option...

Thanks for the info, Karin! :) That's great news, as I can't drink the real stuff after about 3pm if I expect to get any sleep that night :rolleyes: - even in a bed as comfy as HAL's are reputed to be!

... for the life of me I don't remember a lowfat or nonfat milk option.:confused: You know, I think it's time for another HAL cruise; I'm just plain forgetting too much from my previous cruises. I badly need a refresher course.:) If I compile a Neptune Lounge sticky, will someone pay for my cruise in a Deluxe Verandah Suite to help with the research?:D Karin

LOL! :D I'll tell you what - if no one responds before then, I'll be sure to come back here and refresh your recollection about the milk issue when I get back from my first HAL DVS experience in early December!

[sail7seas]

I, like you, don't drink caff coffee and really enjoy they offer decaf out of the wonderful coffee machine.

I have no idea if the milk is skim, low fat or :eek: high fat!! But I will ask when we are on our upcoming Maasdam cruise.

My guess is low fat or skim. I think it might foam better than heavy fat milk.

[AWED23]

we have no intention of getting anyone in trouble. or behaving in a way that will upset anyone. i am feeling out boundaries with no intent for offense...thanks for all input. lauri
:) I know that I will be boiled in oil by all of the regular posters on this board, but.....From personal experience , Your father in law will be extended the same priority embarking and debarking privileges that you will receive as long as he accompanies you. When you board it is a good thing to go into the Neptune lounge and introduce yourself and your FIL to the concierge. We are gold medallion holders with every day spent on HAL in deluxe suites...On three occasions we have had our adult daughter along with us in a lesser category cabin and she has always been welcome to join us for embarkation etc.....On two occasions, once by the Hotel manager and once by the Captain she was invited to attend the "Suite luncheon" with us. This was not necessarily apparent to the other passengers as we only use the Neptune lounge for very brief periods. I think you will find that your FIL will be recognised as part of your family and since he is but one person he will be welcome....As I said, a different opinion, but it is mine and from my own experience after 544 days aboard in deluxe suites.....:D

[bepsf]

If I compile a Neptune Lounge sticky, will someone pay for my cruise in a Deluxe Verandah Suite to help with the research?:D

Karin

How about I just crash the Neptune in a couple weeks and let you know...
;)

[hammybee]

:) I know that I will be boiled in oil by all of the regular posters on this board, but.....From personal experience , Your father in law will be extended the same priority embarking and debarking privileges that you will receive as long as he accompanies you. When you board it is a good thing to go into the Neptune lounge and introduce yourself and your FIL to the concierge. We are gold medallion holders with every day spent on HAL in deluxe suites...On three occasions we have had our adult daughter along with us in a lesser category cabin and she has always been welcome to join us for embarkation etc.....On two occasions, once by the Hotel manager and once by the Captain she was invited to attend the "Suite luncheon" with us. This was not necessarily apparent to the other passengers as we only use the Neptune lounge for very brief periods. I think you will find that your FIL will be recognised as part of your family and since he is but one person he will be welcome....As I said, a different opinion, but it is mine and from my own experience after 544 days aboard in deluxe suites.....:D

Now where is my cauldron?:)

No doubt this is your personal experience. Perhaps having 544 days in a Deluxe Suite has something to do with the ongoing accommodation you experience.

If every Deluxe Suite passenger attempted and were granted the same accommodation, I think it carries the potential to diminish the perk that all Deluxe Suite Passengers pay for. Heck, they might even let me in the door.:D

-Hammybee
( who usually sails in the cheap seats and respects/defends the perks given to those who pay for them)

[JimVrhovac]

We concur with AWED23 about the neptune staff and crew going out of their way for cruisers with high numbers on HAL.

We have encountered this on many occasions and it is one of the perks for being lowal to the cruise line.

We have had personal tours of areas of the ships not normally available to the passangers.

Ruth & Jim

[sail7seas]

We have a 'big bunch' of days, all in "S" Suites or "PS" but we've never asked to bring anyone into Neptune with us who were not staying in an
'eligible' cabin. Just not something WE would choose to do. We know the lounges and the concierges are set up and geared to handling a set number of guests. We also know people (including us) have paid for that service and all other suite amenities which are included in the fare. That is simply the way we do things. Whatever anyone else does is their choice.

[JimVrhovac]

We have never done it either but they do tend to bend the rules for passangers that have high number of days.

Veendam actually made a look alike officers uniform for one passanger. Keith was his name (I think) he quit counting after 1000 days. Keith and his caretaker used to cruise 2 weeks out of the month. Have not seen him in year or so.....

Ruth & Jim

[nurseblissful]

i am laughing....let me run grab the fire extinguisher in case of flammage. no, seriously, i was mostly curious, and my fil is quite reticent and shy. i guess i just wanted to take him with us wherever we went. and we can so many places, it really will be no big deal to miss cookies in the nl....:)

[AWED23]

We have a 'big bunch' of days, all in "S" Suites or "PS" but we've never asked to bring anyone into Neptune with us who were not staying in an
'eligible' cabin. Just not something WE would choose to do. We know the lounges and the concierges are set up and geared to handling a set number of guests. We also know people (including us) have paid for that service and all other suite amenities which are included in the fare. That is simply the way we do things. Whatever anyone else does is their choice.
Just a simple question....If you in your suite brought along a single[one person] family member and paid for that family member to have their own cabin, would you not expect them to embark and debark with you???....Especially when you consider that if you had chosen to save money that family member could have stayed in your suite and then been granted FULL suite privileges...????.....Can you understand this point of view???....I have often seen suites occupied by 3 people and even 4 on occasion....I think I pay a sizeable premium to have my daughter in her own veranda cabin by herself and If I ask her to go to the Neptune to bring me a coffee and cookie I do not in any way feel I have overstepped the bounderies of good taste...And as for priority boarding etc., What would you do?....

[sail7seas]

We have never done it either but they do tend to bend the rules for passangers that have high number of days.

Veendam actually made a look alike officers uniform for one passanger. Keith was his name (I think) he quit counting after 1000 days. Keith and his caretaker used to cruise 2 weeks out of the month. Have not seen him in year or so.....

Ruth & Jim


We sailed with Keith and his companion!!! WHAT A GREAT GUY he is. We enjoyed him so much...... many a night in Ocean Bar. Not always easy to understand but a great attitude. On formal nights he wore his whites with SIX stripes on his shoulders! He was so proud of that uniform. Thanks for reminding me of a very happy memory. Nick Burger was Hotel Manager at the time and I have a great photo of Keith with Nick and DH and me and I treasure it.

[AWED23]

:cool: i am laughing....let me run grab the fire extinguisher in case of flammage. no, seriously, i was mostly curious, and my fil is quite reticent and shy. i guess i just wanted to take him with us wherever we went. and we can so many places, it really will be no big deal to miss cookies in the nl....:)
What I meant to convey was that your FIL will be welcomed with you. I guarantee that 99.9% of the people in the suites will not mind at all....He will probably will meet one or two who'll ask him to drinks or whatever without you and your husband....Any chance you were a Navy Nurse?...Have fun!!!:cool:

[sail7seas]

It is getting annoying that last posts on the page are not showing.

I posted a response to AWED and Nurseblissful and wanted to edit it before it 'timed out' but it doesn't appear.

This has been happening for a few days now.

Sorry..... I wanted to change a few things but am unable to do so. :(

[JimVrhovac]

Know that nick got married and is living in Seattle area.

Heard that he went back to sea on another cruise line...

Any idea where he went to or how to get in tough with him.

Last time we cruised together he had just got married and while in port picked up two pair of PINK RABBIT Slippers for him and his bride. Told him thought they were appropriate for newly weds. He married one of the dancers but she became an officer on the ship after that.

Ruth & Jim

[Jade13]

I think I pay a sizeable premium to have my daughter in her own veranda cabin by herself and If I ask her to go to the Neptune to bring me a coffee and cookie I do not in any way feel I have overstepped the bounderies of good taste...And as for priority boarding etc., What would you do?....

You bring up a good point. I don't stay in HAL Suites and understand people pay at least double of a VA (Vista Class) to stay in these staterooms and the benefits that go along. This came up on a Celebrity board (no lounge for Suite Guests) but there were numerous who posted that they took the PH and put their teenage children across the hall and fully expected that their children could board and tender with them. There was no issue with either Celebrity or anyone responding. But again, this was the policy for minors. But it does bring up a good issue of someone who could be denied benefits because they aren't going to board in a priority line and send their daughter to another one (which apparently isn't always shorter).

[JimVrhovac]

We see no problem with it but to be on the safe side talk with Neptune staff beforehand

OR

Order the coffee from room service....

Ruth & Jim

[nurseblissful]

no, i am a garden variety surgery nurse, specialties are neuro/trauma/ortho. i now work with gi patients, mostly young people with new colostomies due to crohn's. i did lots of stroke/head injury/aneurysm for a while. needed a change. lauri

[JimVrhovac]

There is no such thing as a garden variety nurse.

Ruth graduated in 1964 and I graduated when I was 47 years old.

She is disabled ER and Critical Care Nurse and I do Homecare.

The education that nurses in your field do makes it so much easier for us when these people get home and have a basic understanding of what to do.

Thank you for your work from a homecare nurse

Jim & Ruth

[hrhdhd]

Just a simple question....If you in your suite brought along a single[one person] family member and paid for that family member to have their own cabin, would you not expect them to embark and debark with you???....Especially when you consider that if you had chosen to save money that family member could have stayed in your suite and then been granted FULL suite privileges...????.....Can you understand this point of view???....I have often seen suites occupied by 3 people and even 4 on occasion....I think I pay a sizeable premium to have my daughter in her own veranda cabin by herself and If I ask her to go to the Neptune to bring me a coffee and cookie I do not in any way feel I have overstepped the bounderies of good taste...And as for priority boarding etc., What would you do?....

To answer your last question, I would have each person embark using the appropriate queue and then meet in the Lido or in another agreed-upon spot (your cabin?). You'll be on the same ship in a matter of minutes for at least a week. Why not follow the rules? :confused:

(Semi-related aside: This reminds me of people who HAVE to sit next to each other on an airplane, particularly on a short flight, even though their seats are not assigned together. Goodness, it's a plane ride. You're on the same plane and you'll see each other in an hour!!)

[Two if by Sea]

This reminds me of people who HAVE to sit next to each other on an airplane, particularly on a short flight, even though their seats are not assigned together. Goodness, it's a plane ride. You're on the same plane and you'll see each other in an hour!!)

You're saying you want to take care of my 2 year old for an hour on a plane? Wow! Thanks!!

I hope you'll also help take her to the Lido deck for me when she's done boarding....

Okay, I assume you're referring to adults. But airplanes have NOT always made arrangements for parents to sit next to their toddlers and it has been a real problem on a handful of occasions that make the news. Never came up for me since I don't fly airlines that won't let me pick seats in advance.

[Barrel_Proof]

Shame on the Officious Officer for reprimanding the concierge in greeting a repeat guest, regardless of your class of travel on that particular voyage.

I'm with Brian on this one. On these facts, the officer erred, not the concierge.

[willowoodf]

Brian and Barrel-Proof:

Some people take themselves and their position WAY too seriously, and this Officious Officer is one of them. This poor concierge was pregnant and leaving soon to go home to have her baby. It was just a ridiculous situation all the way around, and the Officious Officer should have just kept her mouth shut.

I did get an e-mail from the Phillipines a few months later, though:

http://members.socket.net/%7Ewillowood/BABY%20SHAUN.jpg

Mary

[middle-aged mom]

..............
I did get an e-mail from the Phillipines a few months later, though:

http://members.socket.net/%7Ewillowood/BABY%20SHAUN.jpg

Mary

What a beautiful baby!:) Thanks for that happy link!

Karin

[michmike]

(Semi-related aside: This reminds me of people who HAVE to sit next to each other on an airplane, particularly on a short flight, even though their seats are not assigned together. Goodness, it's a plane ride. You're on the same plane and you'll see each other in an hour!!)

Perhaps a bit off topic, but just experienced this on a flight this past weekend. At least 5 people in the wrong seats, just in the half dozen rows near us.. Is it THAT hard to figure out where you belong? And these were adults. And then the one couple says to the lady who shows up to find the wife sitting in her aisle seat "do you mind sitting by the window?" Thankfully she said yes she did, she had specifically reserved an aisle and would appreciate it if they would slide over.

We truly are raising a nation of morons.

[Gsel]

Not really morons, just "me first" people!

[ekerr19]

Perhaps a bit off topic, but just experienced this on a flight this past weekend. And then the one couple says to the lady who shows up to find the wife sitting in her aisle seat "do you mind sitting by the window?" Thankfully she said yes she did, she had specifically reserved an aisle and would appreciate it if they would slide over.

We truly are raising a nation of morons.

No kidding!! I book my seats specifically and get more than peeved when people say, "Do you mind?"... "Well of course I do!" I did my homework, don't ask me to switch! Off my rant now...