Category S Question

[WindyCity]

Was just wondering if anyone wears the corsage and boutonierre that is provided on the first formal nite to S suite passengers. Do you or don't you?

[peaches from georgia]

Absolutely. I pin the small corsage onto my formal beaded purse and DH wears his carnation on the lapel of his tux. From my observation most of the S pax are dressed formally and wearing their flowers. :D

[dexter]

My wife didn't like hers and I never really like to wear flowers...so no we didn't wear them.

[gizmo]

Like Peaches, I pin it to my purse and Mr. Gizmo wears his.

[sea-n-me]

My husband wears his, I don't wear mine.

[Nasmas]

My husband wears his. It depends on what I'm wearing if I put mine on. I've ruined some dresses with those corsages.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Absolutely we were our flowers on the first formal night.

I wear my corsage on my dress and DH waers his boutonniere on the lapel of his tuxedo.

[snowman]

The Snowman would never do that, although Mrs. Snowman said she would do that just to embarrass me. She did on our last HAL cruise

[peaches from georgia]

Why wouldn't the Snowman wear his carnation??? :confused:

[Spot]

We wore ours on our first HAL cruise but felt pretty conspicuous as suite passengers.

[SANDY BEACH]

We sailed in July 2004 and Nov 2003 on Zuiderdam in S Suite. I purposely paid attention to see who was wearing flowers and I did not notice anyone. I think it is a luxury that they could do away with IMO. I do love those S Suites and many times great prices that go with them. Enjoy and wear your flower if you want to and it compliments your dress.

[WindyCity]

Thanks for your replies. We did wear them last cruise, but seemed to be the only ones (in fact, took them off midway through dinner). Agree with spot - feel conspicuous and, like SandyBeach, feel they could do away with them.

[MrPony]

Mrs. Pony and I (as well as any GrandPonies on the trip) always wear our flowers for the first formal night. After dinner, my beautiful bride puts them in the fridge and we've been known to wear them to the next formal night also.

[Krazy Kruizers]

I take off all the paper and wires and add them to the flowers on the table after the first formal night.

[cactuslady]

Of course we do.

When I first met my DH (before he became my DH) on the Ryndam, he appeared at the first formal night with a boutonniere. Although he was not in a suite, he had purposely ordered flowers for his cabin from HAL so he could use a couple for that purpose. Obviously, I was rather impressed with this attention to detail and shortly thereafter fell in love with him. :)

[sail7seas]

We always wear our flowers on the first formal night. I almost always put mine on my evening purse bu depending upon what dress I am wearing, I sometimes pin it to my dress. DH always wear his on his tuxedo lapel.

I don't recall which poster said that she thought they should "do away with them". Why would you say that? This thread has indicated that many of us enjoy wearing them. If a person does not wish to wear theirs....fine. But I don't think that should be extended to mean that because one person "feels conspicuous", the rest of us should not wear them????

[Spot]

I said conspicuous, I didn't say the tradition should be done away with.

To each his/her own.

[sail7seas]

Thanks for your replies. We did wear them last cruise, but seemed to be the only ones (in fact, took them off midway through dinner). Agree with spot - feel conspicuous and, like SandyBeach, feel they could do away with them.


...What I was referring to was the above quote: ".....feel they could do away with them".

[PrincessMelody]

I think it is a nice touch. My guy wore his, and I already had a flower in my hair, so I didn't-but I still liked getting it.

[merryecho]

Not about flowers, but while we are talking about S suites- are there any special boarding perks for suite passengers?

[LAFFNVEGAS]

We are looking forward to wearing our flowers. I just think it will make Formal night even more special. :p

I see that many of you talk about putting them on you Evening Bags. Would you believe I do not even pack one. I have several very nice Evening Bags and brought one my first cruise. I decided after that I really did not need it. My DH has the card to get in our cabin and pay for the Champagne, why have something I have to worry about laying down and forgetting. I actually don't even bring a purse when I travel. I use a Fanny Pack while traveling and just keep it locked up all week on the ship.

[gizmo]

We are looking forward to wearing our flowers. I just think it will make Formal night even more special. :p

I see that many of you talk about putting them on you Evening Bags. Would you believe I do not even pack one. I have several very nice Evening Bags and brought one my first cruise. I decided after that I really did not need it. My DH has the card to get in our cabin and pay for the Champagne, why have something I have to worry about laying down and forgetting. I actually don't even bring a purse when I travel. I use a Fanny Pack while traveling and just keep it locked up all week on the ship.I need that evening bag !!! It is needed for my casino winnings. ;)

[WindyCity]

Posted by Sail7Seas:

But I don't think that should be extended to mean that because one person "feels conspicuous", the rest of us should not wear them????

I never said you or anyone else should not wear them. I just stated that I felt the corsages could be done away with. It is my opinion, that is all! You have every right to your opinion, but please DO NOT misinterpret what I wrote.

[sail7seas]

Of course you are entitled to your opinion, WindyCity.

[General Max]

We wore ours because that was why we booked a suite.

General Max

[merryecho]

Dear 7- Oh puhleeeze give this one a break before it turns into yet another 'how dare you say that". Windy made a simple comment on her opinion and was attacked for it, as many of the rest of us have been. I am tired of it. Not every blinking statement on this board is a personal attack against you and Heather!

[WindyCity]

Thank you, Merryecho. I knew I had a reason for not stating an opinion on anything earlier - decided to try it and got flamed. C'est la vie! Back to lurking.:)

[Bill S]

We've worn them when we have been fortunate enough to have a Cat S cabin. :)

[dakrewser]

...What I was referring to was the above quote: ".....feel they could do away with them".
What Sandy Beach said was: "I purposely paid attention to see who was wearing flowers and I did not notice anyone. I think it is a luxury that they could do away with IMO."

In other words, if no one is using them then it's a needless expense.

I'm not sure how much could be saved by cutting them out, but if it would help bring back the Java Cafe coffee......

:) -dave

[Krazy Kruizers]

We love wearing our flowers - and hope that is one suite perk that isn't done away with.

For the little money that is spent on the flowers since they are bought in bulk, it won't help save the Java Cafes.

[Krazy Kruizers]

merryecho

You asked about suite perks for boarding the ship.

There is a separate line for suite passengers to board the ship in the cruise terminal. You will be given a gold paper medallion to stick onto your blouse and/or shirt. As soon as they start to call the numbers, you can board the ship. Then you can go to the Neptune Lounge, have some snacks, leave your carry-ons there if you want to explore the ship, or just sit back and relax until your cabin is ready.

[WindyCity]

KrazyKruisers,

Thanks for explaining about the boarding. When last we sailed, even though we were in a suite - there was no Neptune Lounge, no early boarding and, HAL employees seemed confused. We told them we were in a suite (thanks to these boards, we knew about separate check-in). They still had us wait in the regular line. Finally, with DH holding our place, we found another HAL employee and indicated we were suite passengers. They finally allowed us to enter "the Hall" in Canada Place to get into the suite line. After that, it was smooth sailing.

Nice to know we can leave carryons in the Neptune to go to the Lido. Helps to know those sorts of things in advance.

Thanks again for your information!:)

[Krazy Kruizers]

Windy City

Even before early boarding and Neptune Lounges on all HAL ships, we were always able to board after the wheel chair people.

We were given a "suite" ticket instead of a number.

Once the wheel chair people were on the ship, then they called for the suite passengers - usually around 1:15 - 1:30.

[Sierrachik]

Mrs. Pony and I (as well as any GrandPonies on the trip) always wear our flowers for the first formal night. After dinner, my beautiful bride puts them in the fridge and we've been known to wear them to the next formal night also.If you mist (or sprinkle) the corsage and boutonniere (yes, that is really how it is spelled :) ) with water and then place it into a plastic or cellophane bag and refrigerate, the flowers will stay fresher much longer and quite likely will look very good on the next formal night, depending on how long between nights. You can probably go 2-3 nights in between before there is substansial degredation of the flowers, depending on the type of flower. Certainly a carnation will hold quite well for days, roses a bit less.

It would be sacrilegious for me not to wear my corsage :)

[sodell]

Besides the description in the brochure, what's the difference between a deluxe suite & superior suite. Most of these postings are "suite" in general. I guess I really want to know if I get some or all of the above perks? esp... the flowers :)
Thanks

[Spot]

The suite perks come with a Deluxe Verandah Suite, catagory S, and Penthouse PH.
If this is your first time on HAL you are in for a real treat regardless of the cabin catagory you have chosen. There are perks that Deluxe Verandah Suites and Penthouse passengers pay for but most of them aren't anything that you cannot purchase separately.

Have a great cruise and make sure you tell us all about it upon your return.

[sail7seas]

For us, the best amenities that are included for "S" and "PS" that you cannot purchase in any other way than by booking those categories are the use of the Neptune Lounge and the Concierge Service; priority embarkation/disembarkation and tender passes; the cocktail party with Captain and Hotel Manager etc; guaranteed dining time. I love the included laundry and dry cleaning but that, of course, can be purchased by anyone in any cabin. I enjoy the flowers as well but I imagine one could buy a few carnations ashore in a port and make up their own corsage/boutinniere. I like some of the other amenities alot but some of them could be purchased by anyone.

[stever]

I am surprising my wife! We were in a Cat A, but the price came down on a Cat S so I went for it. She doesn't like me doing things like this. Is there a complete list of the perks for this catagory. Thanks

[Krazy Kruizers]

stever


List of suite perks:
1.Separate desk to check in at the embarkation port.
2.personalized stationary - you can always ask the concierge for more if you need to.
3.Use of Neptune Lounge - continental breakfast, tea sandwishes for lunch, afternoon snacks, cookies,chocolates, teas, coffees, cold appetizers in the late afternoon, etc.
4.Concierge - can book shore excursions for you, make reservations for the Pinnacle Grill, make change, cash traveler's checks, anything you need to have done, the concierge(s) can do. Some ships have 2 concierges.
5.Boutonnieres and corsages for first formal evening.
6.Free laundry and dry cleaning 7& pressing.
7.Priority tender passes.
8.Priority embarkation.
9.Priority disembarkation.
10.Free use of binoculars.
11.Free use of a big umbrella.
12.Suite cocktail party first evening.
13.Maybe an invitation to a VIP cocktail party.
14.Maybe a suite buffet on last sea day in Crow's Nest.

[Brandis]

stever,

Looks like we had the same idea. My friend still thinks we will stay in an inside cabin... I upgraded (in steps) from cat. M to cat. S. The price went down several times and the difference to the next category wasn't that much so I upgraded to the next. In the end I decided I could as well pay a bit more than for the SS and get all the suite perks.

[Brandis]

KrazyKruiser,

Is it allowed to take food from the Neptune Lounge up to the suite? My friend likes to sleep in, could I get some breakfast stuff in the lounge to eat later on the verandah?

Marc

[stever]

Krazy Kruizer, Thanks for the list!
Now the question is to tell her now, or wait till we go into the suite embarcation line.

[Brandis]

Stever

I will try to keep it a surprise as long as possible, hopefully until the moment we enter the suite. When standin in the suites line, I probably can get away with saying we are allowed to stand there since I have cruised with HAL before. Then I just have to hope the check-in rep is not mentioning anything concerning the suite.

Marc

[Spot]

Try to be the first one that hands the documents to the rep and have a bold note inside that asks to keep the SUITE a SECRET from your traveling mate.
I did this on our Maasdam cruise and my DH was blown away when we got to our cabin.

Have a great time and I hope the suite stays a secret. :)

[Brandis]

That's a great idea! Thanks a lot!!!

Marc

[Mary Ellen]

DH & I would have worn ours, but we gave them to my 'parental units' as they had given up their handicap S to my DB & SIL so they would be happy :rolleyes: and took DB's handicap C instead (they were upgraded to to a handicap A :D when they got their docs anyway).

[sail7seas]

Yes....You can bring your nibbles from Neptune Lounge to your Suite to enjoy.

[Tricia724]

One of my favorite perks is the "welcome aboard" bottle of champagne that is in the suite upon embarkation. We are always out on deck during sailaway, and I love to come back and have a nice glass of champagne while getting ready for dinner. That's when I feel that I'm really on vacation!

We haven't worn the flowers, though.

[CanSail]

When our son cruises with us we always pin the flowers to the harness his service dog wears. I find the dog does look more formal with her flowers (she is already wearing a suit with a tail!)

Happy Sailing To All

[cruznon]

This is our first HAL cruise and our first suite (with one of those big wrap around verandas ! )
After reading all this it makes me even more excited about the cruise!
Oh... another first: the first time we sail from our hometown! I love going past the embarcadero and seeing the ships. Our turn now to sail away....
This is going to be fun--plan to savor it all--including wearing the flowers!)

[SANDY BEACH]

S7S, Sorry, I was the one who said they could do away with the flowers. I was only thinking about it from my veiw point. I have read so many threads which talk about Holland doing away with amenities that IMO if they have to cut another one, the flowers would be my choice. I hated to see the waiste of time and money with them providing me with flowers and they not being used. The fruit in the room is in the same category. I enjoy some of it but definitely do not need a fresh bowl everyday. We informed our cabin steward of this on our last cruise and he only brought us what we requested. I'm sure others enjoy all their fruit and love this amenity. Didn't mean to encourage Holland to make another cut or imply that I was just one way. Sorry, for the miscommunication.

[viennacruiser]

Stever and Brandis,
I am doing the same thing with my DH...he thinks we have an outside and I am going to surprise him with a S on the Zuiderdam on our March cruise...My daughter is going to pay the final payment on her credit card so he does not see it when the bill comes in. I of course will give her the cash!! I am thinking of also surprising him with a Cabana.
The check in does have me a little worried that the surprise will be ruined. I want to have him open the door and realize we have a suite..of course he may think we are in the wrong cabin and try to leave!!!
When are you cruises? we can share with each oher how the surprise went!
Nancy

[sail7seas]

No problem, Sandy Beach. You certainly are entitled to your opinion. I guess that is what gets 'sticky' about HAL making cutbacks in "S" amenities. Which ones to eliminate that will disappoint the fewest pax? Or, do they simply want to cut where they will save the most money?

[Candy]

I am doing the same thing with my DH...he thinks we have an outside and I am going to surprise him with a S on the Zuiderdam on our March cruise...
From my review:

Our contract still had the old cabin number on it, but I had the email with the S confirmation on it. Inside, we encountered several lines of about 300 passengers It looked like we'd NEVER get there. Before we got in line, I pulled Jim aside and handed him his Anniversary Card and told him there was something inside he could wear. I had enclosed the priority boarding sticker from our last cruise, and he didn't recognize it, but he stuck it on his shirt anyway. I pointed to the little lady in the check-in booth all by herself. I told him it was OK to go over there and avoid the big lines, but I nearly had to drag him. It took a long time for him to realize we belonged in the Suites Line (We received our IDs and cabin key cards) and it didn't really sink in until we went through the Golden Door. There was the beginning of the embarkation line, complete with photographer. I pulled Jim over there and said, "Watch this!" The attendant held out her arm to nudge the line people (who had been waiting for their numbers for a couple of hours) out of our way and said, "Oh, you are priority passengers... step this way." We had our welcome aboard photo and were on the ship less than 10 minutes after we left the taxi. Jim still can't believe it.

[Brandis]

Nancy,

our transatlantic on Prinsendam will be on Nov. 9, leaving from Lisbon.

For the check in, I will try the paper thing, saying that the suite is a surprise. Hope it works. As for using the shorter line, I will just tell him that it is ok to use it as I have cruised with HAL before. He might buy it as we could use those lines with RCL before.

Marc

[viennacruiser]

Marc,
Sounds like you have a good plan...you will have to tell me how it goes!! It is difficult keeping the secret, as I would love to talk about all the great perks...how did you handle the payment? My DH pays our credit card bills so I think I am going to have my daughter charge the final payment for me.
Nancy

[Brandis]

Nancy,

We have separate bank accounts, so he won't see my payments.

Yesterday, he was looking at the deckplans and asked me where our cabin is. So I had to check the old confirmation of our TA to see what cabin we originally were booked in. That way I can make sure that my information will stay consistent in case he asks again later. If I would just have made up a cabin number, I might find out... :-)

Marc

[viennacruiser]

Marc,
Good plan about the fake cabin number!! We also have a cruise booked for Aug so I guess I could say I mixed up the two if he gets suspicious!! What are you going to do with the luggage tags mine have always had a spot for the cabin #??
Nancy

[Spot]

Thats what white out is for.
You could always leave it blank and tell him that you have requested a different cabin and they thought it might be possible so you will find out for sure at check in.

Y'all will have a terrific time, stop worrying :)

[Brandis]

I haven't thought about the luggage tags yet, but as our cabin number will be 001, I could just say that it has no meaning, it doesn't really look like the cabin numbers we are used to... :-)

Marc

[Cruising Jake]

DH wears his bouttonniere and I wear some of my flowers in my hair or on my evening purse.

[localady]

Marc- I think 001 is the Penthouse, you lucky devil:):cool:

[Brandis]

Unfortunately (well, I quite like the cabin we got) 001 is just a regular deluxe verandah suite. It's the most forward on the right (next to the Crow's Nest).

Don't know about the other ships, but on Prinsendam, the PH is 008 (there is only one PH).

Marc

[CrazyforCruisin]

Krazy,
Thank you for the list. I had no idea. We sailed on the Volendam last summer to Alaska and had an A Verandah cabin. We are on the Oosterdam in Feb to Mexico and my husband decided to upgrade to an S suite. I just thought it would be a bigger cabin. I was excited before but now I cannot wait! Any other advice or info for this novice cruiser would be appreciated!

[SANDY BEACH]

CrazyforCruising, Watch out, it's tough to go back. You will love the S. A special trip awaits you. Enjoy!

[CrazyforCruisin]

Ok another question/ What does DH mean? New to the boards so still trying to learn the lingo. I bet it will be hard to go back to a reg verandah cabin.

[Peggy Sue]

our first suite last May 03 .. we did not use the flowers... didn't go with my dress and I don't carry an evening bag..put what I need in my husband's pocket. Hubby didn't want to wear his either. We left them in the cabin, funny, the cabin attendant chased us down the hall when he noticed we weren't wearing them, he wanted to know why and if he could help us pin them on. So sweet, but we offered our explaination and he was fine. We did enjoy the flowers for a few more days, as we left them out on the counter. I think it's a nice gesture, and we did notice that there were quite a few folks wearing them.

Although the corsages are a nice "perk" it doesn't even make the list for reasons why we booked a suite again for our upcoming cruise. We just loved the cabin space and that wonderful verandah. The nepture lounge and that great coffee machine. All the other little extras are great..but it really was the space that brought us back to the suite life again!

Peggy Sue

[sail7seas]

Ok another question/ What does DH mean? New to the boards so still trying to learn the lingo. I bet it will be hard to go back to a reg verandah cabin.
Welcome, Crazyforcruisin......

We all had to learn at one time or another. Don't hesitate to ask for info about anything.


:) DH = dear husband
DW = dear wife
DD = dear daughter

etc

[CrazyforCruisin]

Sail,
Thanks for the info. And thanks for being so nice. Have a good day!

[ekerr19]

I like the flowers, we always have worn them - once they were delivered to us in an outside quad the first formal night - card said compliments of HAL.

Maybe there are others that this has happened to - so if it may be you feel conspicuous because it identifies you in a Suite, think of this - there may be others out there who received flowers like us, who weren't.. ;)

I had to laugh at this - some of you not wanting to be identified that way - and on our Zui cruise, we ran into a woman in the Concierge Lounge who insisted on having more gold star stickers (received at Embarkation to identify Suite pax) so she could wear them during the cruise - she wanted EVERYONE to know she was in a Suite! It was pretty funny. :D