This is disappointing to hear, as we are booked on Nieuw Statendam in March in an inside cabin. We enjoy room service on occasion, and would like to have a place to sit and eat other than the bed. 😏
Hmmmm, we've only done one post-COVID cruise so far (another one in March '23) on Zuiderdam out of San Diego. Our key cards were in our mail box, and room was ready as soon as we boarded at ~11:30am. Did we just get lucky?
Wow that's amazing time, and I find it interesting that cabins were not available when you boarded; which is very rare for HAL.
They pride themselves on having cabins available when passengers begin the boarding process.
Have you downloaded the Navigator app. if not, it is definitely recommended. Your electronic boarding passes will be on there, as well as other useful tools for your cruise.
If you have your electronic copy (Navigator or otherwise) already up and ready on your phone PRIOR to when you need to show it there is no searching and holding up the line... it's right there.
I've been behind people that are fumbling around searching for their printed copies as well, so it works both ways.
It's just a matter of being being ready to go when it's your turn, that's all..
The Club Sandwich looks tasty, but to be honest, I've never seen a Club quite like that, especially the 'creaminess' of it, and it looks like maybe a raisin in there?
Hmmmmm..
Or as an alternative if they have no fix, jump back on here while on your cruise and complain for the entire duration of your cruise about how HAL 'screwed you' and how it ruined your entire cruise, and that you are wanting 'appropriate compensation' from HAL for ruining your cruise. (j/k, couldn't help myself) 😉
To answer OP's question... yes.
We had a different experience on Zuiderdam last April. Our waiter took our drink orders as soon as we sat down (fixed dining) the first evening, and every evening after, my favorite glass of wine was waiting for me as soon as we sat down.🙂
I just checked the Greenhouse Spa Services brochure available online, and for the Thermal Suite it said 'visit the spa onboard for pricing', which of course was no help.
In terms of booking 'as early as possible', what is your recommendation on the best way to do that after arriving onboard; telephone, visiting the specialty dining reservation station in the atrium, or wherever they happen to set that up, visit the PG venue itself and speak with one of the staff members?