Verandah Suite.....Or Not?

[PopPop3]

We have an opportunity to upgrade (for a nice sum) from our current outside stateroom to a Verandah Suite (on the Volendam).

We're considering it; but would like others' perspectives.

Is there THAT much difference between both staterooms, and other than the obvious "more space", are there other amenities that go along with upgrading to a suite?

I know I can count on CC members to give me some guidance and suggestions.

[crusinbanjo]

I book a suite every chance I get! IMHO the extra level of service, extra space, and little percs, (breakfast in the Pinical Grill, Priority tendering, etc), make it worth the price.

They don't call it the "Suite Life" for nothing!

:)

[PopPop3]

I book a suite every chance I get! IMHO the extra level of service, extra space, and little percs, (breakfast in the Pinical Grill, Priority tendering, etc), make it worth the price.

They don't call it the "Suite Life" for nothing!

:)

I looked all over HAL's site and couldn't find anything about the "perks" that add value to the upgrade. You mention b'fast in the Pinnacle Grill, priority tendering......are there other things that are included in the upgrade, as well?

Those are the things that may ultimately factor into our decision to do the deal.

Thanks.

[kalliekae]

We only book SA suites. To us, the Neptune Lounge is well worth the price of a SA suite. When we cruise, we want to be pampered. We could certainly cruise more if we booked a different cabin class, but the vacation just wouldn't be the same, IMO. Call HAL and talk to a rep who can tell you exactly what perks you will be entitled to in a suite. If you do decide to book an SA, you will be so spoiled that you won't even think about a lesser cabin again. :)

[fann1sh]

Just be sure of exactly which upgrade you're getting....there are category "BC - A" Verandah Suites which don't have the extra perks...and there are "S" Deluxe Verandah Suites, which do have them. A verandah is pretty nice, especially for the right price. Am I correct you had booked a guarantee? What category level?

[crusinbanjo]

I looked all over HAL's site and couldn't find anything about the "perks" that add value to the upgrade. You mention b'fast in the Pinnacle Grill, priority tendering......are there other things that are included in the upgrade, as well?

Those are the things that may ultimately factor into our decision to do the deal.

Thanks.

these are for the SA Suites
OK Let me make a little list here:

Priority check in service
Breakfast in the Pinical
Priority tendering
The Neptune Lounge
Private concierge service, (in the neptune), they can do about anything!
Butler service
Extra large deck
Litlle goodies every day at 5:00 pm
Private cocktail parties with the captain & senior crew
Priority on about everything else

I'm sure I missed a hundred other little things... ...all unadvertised and worth every penny if you want to really spoil yourself!

Do the Deal, you will never go back to a regular cabin!

[LVSue]

PopPop, just ignore all the postings about special perks--those are only for the Deluxe Suites. On the Volendam, cabins with verandahs are called Verandah Suites, but do not have the deluxe suite perks.

That said, you are getting about 1/3 more space, plus, to my way of thinking (slightly claustrophobic) a balcony just can't be beat. I really like the light coming in the full-length windows/doors. And the fresh air!

And the little refrigerator comes in handy (for my in-case-of-famine stash).

[Harry1954]

I agree with LVsue .. it is worth the extra space and fresh air - you are on vacation and it takes effort to have one.
harry

[sail7seas]

The Verandah Suites on "S" and "R" Class ships are very nice. Certainly not as large as the Deluxe Verandah Suites (which are the ones that include nice extra amenities and comforts) but nice balcony and comfortable cabin space.

Having a verandah is great even if just to get some fresh air if not to sit out there for a long time in Alaska. It is great viewing through the glass doors to the shore, as well.

[Typhoon1]

Go for the verandah.

When we first started cruising many years ago, we started in an inside cabin, then graduated to an outside.

Finally, we upgraded to a verandah, now, it's nothing less than a verandah.

[PopPop3]

PopPop, just ignore all the postings about special perks--those are only for the Deluxe Suites. On the Volendam, cabins with verandahs are called Verandah Suites, but do not have the deluxe suite perks.

That said, you are getting about 1/3 more space, plus, to my way of thinking (slightly claustrophobic) a balcony just can't be beat. I really like the light coming in the full-length windows/doors. And the fresh air!

And the little refrigerator comes in handy (for my in-case-of-famine stash).

Thanks for clearing up the "amenities" thing. The verandahs are the big draw and the extra space will be great.

We've talked it over and are going for the suite.

Know we won't regret it. But also know that we'll be spoiled from this point forward.

Thanks again.....

[dandro]

We just turned down an upgrade offer from an SY (superior verandah suite) to an SA (deluxe verandah suite). We looked at all the amenities, and decided the extra $250/pp didn't justify those perks to us. IF we had the $500 to spend, it would be on other stuff on the cruise. We will be just fine in the SY.
We already were upgraded (for free!) once from a VE, so we're satisfied. :)

[Mr. Oregon]

Go for the verandah.

When we first started cruising many years ago, we started in an inside cabin, then graduated to an outside.

Finally, we upgraded to a verandah, now, it's nothing less than a verandah.

AMEN! If I want a hotel room and bus trip... Err inside cabin It's time to quit cruising. Of course if Daughter and boyfriend are going they can take the inside cabin ;)

[brucory]

We love having the verandah. It is like having an extra room. It may be cool in Alaska, but we spent lots of time on the balcony last May, rugged up in the supplied blankets. I have never heard anyone complaining about having a verandah...

:D:D:D

[Sailorgirlseattle]

We love having the verandah. It is like having an extra room. It may be cool in Alaska, but we spent lots of time on the balcony last May, rugged up in the supplied blankets. I have never heard anyone complaining about having a verandah...

:D:D:D

I agree on having a verandah in Alaska (we bring our own fold-up travel blanket). It's great for the day you're at the glacier, if you want your own more private place to view the calving ... you can even have wine and appies sent to your room and enjoy on the balcony during the main event! We also spend a lot of time reading on the couch in the cabin, and daydreaming while staring at the sea ... spotted a lot of whales that way, and when we do, it's out to the verandah for a better view. Don't let the Alaska climate scare you from a verandah ...