oldbluff

My DW and I have always wanted to experience the huge stateroom and fun perks of a Neptune, aka Deluxe Verandah, Suite. Cost has always kept that from happening.

We just booked a couple of SC guarantees for us and my sister and her husband for the 5 night repositioning cruise for the Westerdam next Fall. Departs Vancouver 9-28-14 and arrives San Diego 10-03-14. $799 per person. There are also Signature, aka Superior, Suites available at $599.

Yes it is only 5 nights instead of 7 but the 7 night equivalent price is $1120, which I challenge you to ever find affixed to a Neptune Suite. Unless you book just before it sails, of course. The Vancouver departure can be made more reasonable by flying into Seattle and taking Amtrak to Vancouver.

If you decide to come along for the ride, be sure to participate in the CC forum for that sailing. I'm confident we'll have a lively group. Here is the HAL link to that sailling:

http://www.hollandamerica.com/find-cruise-vacation/CruiseDetails.action?destCode=L&voyageCode=W477

Yeppers! A nice postscript to a wonderful meal.

Ship on a stick? No way I can say that five times fast and not make someone grin.

Is that like S.O.S., the proverbial Navy breakfast treat? :)

Heard that Unlimited Laundry went up on most HAL ships to $9.00 a day.

We just called Ship Services and got unlimited laundry for $7/day on our November cruise. Fewer suitcases for us.

We have had this before and, most days, received laundry back the same day it was submitted. Of course the cash tip may have helped. :)

Just returned from a New Years cruise on the Oosterdam. Purchased the SA indulgences package for $379. This covered both of us on a 7 night cruise. We got it to enhance our K-class inside cabin experience.

We thought it was worth it and made room in our luggage home for the unopened package of monogrammed HAL robes. Per another CCer's advice, we used the ones provided on the cruise.

Moneywise, I believe it did save money. Here is the breakdown:

$100 (2) bathrobes, monogrammed with 3 letters. We chose MOM and DAD. :)

$100 (2) $50 beverage cards. I thought we would only receive one of these.

$ 80 (2) one litre bottles of liquor. We traded for one bottle of Bombay Blue Sapphire (Family Tradition) but there were plenty of decent choices on the list.

$ 80 (2) 750ml bottles of wine. I wondered about the selections but the two we got, Diseno Malbec and Alice White Shiraz, were very drinkable right after opening.

$ 50 (1) dinner for 2 at the Pinnacle Grill. Excellent food and service. A real treat.

$ 47 Unlimited laundry. Very nice!

$ -- Daily canapes or "afternoon tea" delivered to your cabin. The canapes arrived the first day. Not impressive so we switched. The tea is hot water and a selection of Bigelow teas, small bites and desserts. These are the same items as the daily afternoon teas in the MDR and I would prefer going there and taking just what we will eat.

$Priceless - This package gives you an excellent breakfast in the Pinnacle Grill the morning of debarkation. We received a pleasant surprise when we were placed in the Suite debarkation group, just after those taking their own luggage off the ship

This totals $457, at ship prices, plus the last two items. We were very happy with the value. Not sure we'll do it again unless we want HAL robes to give others as a gift. With their embroidered initials; not ours, of course. ;)