Suite Embarkation & Debarkation

[Kreeb]

Does booking a Superior Verandah Suite (Category SZ) entitle you to priority embarkation and debarkation?

[Mary Ellen]

Not unless you have over 200 days - then you'll get it because of your Mariner status. It would be the same if you were in an inside cabin.

[dandro]

No special embarkation/disembarkation privileges with the superior suites. Here is a copy/paste from the HAL website:

 

 

 

Superior Suites include all the stateroom amenities, plus:

 

• A variety of firm, medium and soft pillows
  
• No-host mini-bar for easy entertaining
  
• Personalized cruise stationery
  
• Oversized bath towels
  
• One-touch telephone concierge service
  
• Fresh flowers
  
• Complimentary DVD library
  

[RedmondCruiser]

Does booking a Superior Verandah Suite (Category SZ) entitle you to priority embarkation and debarkation?

 

Normally the SZ is a guarenteed booking. If you end up with an SZ - SY - SS room then you will not get priority status. You may receive ( if your lucky ) a Deluxe Veranda Suite SA - SB -SC. In that case you will get a badge with a big S on it to wear and you will breeze through embarkation. (though its embarassing since most people think that you crowding)

Now with the new Mariner program you can have the same status if you have 200+ days with HAL.

[towel]

The main perk with the SZ-SY-SS is a big cabin. You need to be in the deluxe suites or above for any real perks.

[sail7seas]

<snip> Now with the new Mariner program you can have the same status if you have 200+ days with HAL.

 

 

Does anyone know if the Mariners' Four Star 200 day Priority Embarkation is the same as "PS" and Deluxe Verandah Suite Priority Embarkation or is all this the 'same priority'?

 

Thanks.

Edited September 27, 2009 by sail7seas

[Kreeb]

Thanks for your responses. It's unfortunate that HAL calls it a suite, but then it does not qualify for some of the suite benefits. In my opinion, it's not worth the extra cost just for a larger room, larger towels and a choice of pillows. DH and I don't really spend a lot of time in our cabin, so we will have to look at other options.

[Parrot57]

Normally the SZ is a guarenteed booking. If you end up with an SZ - SY - SS room then you will not get priority status. You may receive ( if your lucky ) a Deluxe Veranda Suite SA - SB -SC. In that case you will get a badge with a big S on it to wear and you will breeze through embarkation. (though its embarassing since most people think that you crowding)

Now with the new Mariner program you can have the same status if you have 200+ days with HAL.

This is the first time I am hearing about a badge with an S on it at embarkation. We are in an SC on the Eurodam which I believe is a deluxe suite. When and how do you get them? Thanks

[cruiseing marly]

We have never had to wear a badge or anything to draw attention to us or make it apear that we jumping cue Hal has to much class for that.

[RedmondCruiser]

This is the first time I am hearing about a badge with an S on it at embarkation. We are in an SC on the Eurodam which I believe is a deluxe suite. When and how do you get them? Thanks

 

At FLL, on a Noordam embarkartion, the line was very very long. A gal from HAL came out and asked if anyone was a Deluxe Veranda Suite guest. She then gave us a badge with a big S on it and we breezed through by being allowed to pass everyone else. I think that they only do this when the lines are very long though. It was the first time that we ran into it.

[knitlady037]

When we were in an SC suite on the Noordam out of New York there was a sign directing suite passengers to a special waiting area. We were given a gold sticker and escorted to the ship. We were at the pier early, so we were the first to board at 11:30 am. went to the Neptune Lounge dropped off carryon there and explored the rest of the ship.

[clogaltocruise]

Does anyone know if the Mariners' Four Star 200 day Priority Embarkation is the same as "PS" and Deluxe Verandah Suite Priority Embarkation or is all this the 'same priority'?

 

Thanks.

 

Yes, the 4-star Mariners use the same priority embarkation line as PS and Deluxe Suite guests. All 3 categories are listed on the sign indicating which line to use ... at least was in Vancouver when boarding the Statendam.

Kathy

[puli]

Thanks for your responses. It's unfortunate that HAL calls it a suite, but then it does not qualify for some of the suite benefits. In my opinion, it's not worth the extra cost just for a larger room, larger towels and a choice of pillows. DH and I don't really spend a lot of time in our cabin, so we will have to look at other options.

 

I do believe under the new alumnae program, that this category "suite" entitles you to double the sea days; so a 10 day cruise will count as 20 days. This may or may not be important to you.

[Mary Ellen]

Thanks for your responses. It's unfortunate that HAL calls it a suite, but then it does not qualify for some of the suite benefits.

HAL spells it out pretty clearly (but not perfectly) on their web site:

 

Superior Suite

 

Exclusively available on Vista and Signature Class ships, Superior Suites offer 2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bathroom with dual sink vanity, full-size whirlpool bath, shower and additional shower stall, large sitting area, private verandah, 1 sofa bed for 1 person, floor-to-ceiling window/sliding glass door leading to your personal verandah.

 

Category: SS, SY, SZ 398 sq. ft. with verandah

 

Refer to Deck Plans for specific information

 

Superior Suites include all the stateroom amenities, plus:

 

* A variety of firm, medium and soft pillows

* No-host mini-bar for easy entertaining

* Personalized cruise stationery

* Oversized bath towels

* One-touch telephone concierge service

* Fresh flowers

* Complimentary DVD library

 

 

Deluxe Suite

 

Lower beds convertible to 1 king-size bed, a large sitting area, dressing room, private verandah, 1 sofa bed for 2 persons, floor-to-ceiling windows, no-host mini-bar and walk-in closet*, (488-700 sq. ft. with verandah*).

 

*Refer to Deck Plans for specific information

 

Include all the Deluxe [sic - should be Superior] Suite amenities, plus:

 

* Complimentary laundry, pressing and dry cleaning throughout your cruise

* Premium duvet, oversize bath towels and soft, cotton bathrobes and slippers

* Gorgeous corsages and boutonnieres for the first formal night

* Hors d'oeuvres served before dinner each evening on request

* Binoculars and umbrellas for your use on the cruise

* Cocktail party with ship officers

* Priority boarding for tender ports of call

* Special disembarkation service

* Priority dining and seating requests

* Exclusive daily breakfast service for suite guests only

* High tea service in suite on request

* A special Suite guest lunch event on cruises over 7 days in length

* A very special amenity exclusively for guests cruising in a Deluxe Verandah Suite or Penthouse Verandah Suite, the industry-leading Neptune Lounge features a private place to relax, socialize with other suite guests and enjoy the personalized service of a concierge. The fleet-wide lounges provide worktables, large screen television, library, sofas and chairs, refreshments throughout the day and wi-fi for a small charge. One-Touch 24-hour Concierge Service is available when the Neptune Lounge is closed.

[JimVrhovac]

It has been our experience that the suite key cards are a different color than the others on the ship and the color of the card is what gets you the priority tendering or debarking.

 

This may have changed with all the changes going on though.

 

We always get priority because Ruth is disables but that is a very high price to pay for a little time saved. Trust us we would rather stand in line and be well than always bumped to the front of the line.

 

We would like to take a minute here to thank everyone that has ever stood there and said nothing or never complained when a handicapped person is moved ahead of you in line. We really appreciate it and are sometimes embarassed by it.

 

Ruth & Jim

[SJSULIBRARIAN]

On our last HAL cruise Westerdam out of Seattle in July, although we got priority check-in as a SA deluxe suite passenger, we did not get priority embarkation, were given a number like everyone else and waited. That was the first time as suite passenger we did not get priority. And I don't know why and I guess I was too dumb to ask assuming that we would get it. And didn't. Of course, does not change our total opinion of HAL.

 

Barbara

[jtl513]

I do believe under the new alumnae program, that this category "suite" entitles you to double the sea days; so a 10 day cruise will count as 20 days. This may or may not be important to you.

It is strange that HAL doesn't spell out explicity whether the SS/SY/SZ get the double points or not. At least I can't find it. And, of course, calling HAL is no guarantee that you'll get the right answer! :D

[pms4104]

It is strange that HAL doesn't spell out explicity whether the SS/SY/SZ get the double points or not. At least I can't find it. And, of course, calling HAL is no guarantee that you'll get the right answer! :D

I think this is what you're looking for:

 

"Suite Bonus When you book a spacious deluxe or superior suite on your next cruise, you’ll not only enjoy special amenities, but you also qualify for double Cruise Day credits. For instance, guests who pay full fare for suite accommodations on a 10-day cruise earn 20 Cruise Day credits."

 

Log in to HAL's website, go to My Account, then click on My Mariner Status. The above paragraph is under Earn Bonus Cruise Day Credits, below the litany of your HAL history. No mention of extra days for Penthouse ... I surmise that simply is understood.:)

 

By the way ... per my telecon with a Mariner person, if one ends up in Deluxe or Superior thru upsell or free ugrade, there will be no suite bonus days credited to one's Mariner account/history.

Edited September 28, 2009 by camp637

[mrsltg]

We always get priority because Ruth is disables but that is a very high price to pay for a little time saved. Trust us we would rather stand in line and be well than always bumped to the front of the line.

 

We would like to take a minute here to thank everyone that has ever stood there and said nothing or never complained when a handicapped person is moved ahead of you in line. We really appreciate it and are sometimes embarassed by it.

 

Ruth & Jim

 

If someone complains because a disabled person needs to go first, they are really, really, human wreckage. Like most any mother, the only things in the world I'd trade my health for are my children. I can't imagine someone begrudging someone else priority based on a disability. However, I'd also bet I'll get some responses giving me the a peek into the darkside of humanity...

[Halfmoonfan]

We have never had to wear a badge or anything to draw attention to us or make it apear that we jumping cue Hal has to much class for that.

 

Our last cruise on the Westerdam was out of Fort Lauderdale. As you entered the building a HAL Red Coat was asking for cabin numbers. He directed suites one way and non-suites another. In the suite line one checked in the same as everyone else, but when you finished the clerk gave us a HAL badge with a capital “S” on it that was to be clipped to one’s shirt/jacket. We then went up stairs to the area to board the ship and there was a line. We were traveling with another couple that were not in a suite and got in line with them. We were talking and everything was fine. A HAL redcoat saw me and walked over. She grabbed my arm and said something like “please come with me and let me help you aboard”. I responded that we were with our friends and we were fine. She took the whole group and led us to the front on the line. She then unclipped my “S” badge and wished us a good cruise. It may have saved us 15-20 minutes, and I am not sure it was worth all the fuss.

[knittinggirl]

What exactly do you get with the special debarkation procedures when you buy the suite amenities package?

 

Also, does anyone have a copy of the breakfast menu from Pinnacle Grill the last morning?

[Krazy Kruizers]

You really should have started a new thread as this one is nearly 6 years old.

I have no idea what you get when you buy the package.

The Pinnacle breakfast menu is the same as the main dining room menu.

Dining Room Breakfast Menu (Also in the Pinnacle for PS and Neptune Suite Passengers)

Something Simple:

Cold Cereals: Cornflakes - Cheerios - Special K - Raisin Bran - Shredded Wheat - Rice Krispies - Frosted Flakes - Fruit loops - Granola - All Bran - Bran Flakes -- served with your choice of milk -- add sliced banana on request.

Breakfast Parfait - layers of creamy Greek yogurt, fresh berries and granola

Hot Cereals: Old-Fashioned Oatmeal - Steel Cut Irish Oatmeal - Cream of Wheat - Creamy Grits -- served with sliced banana, raisins, brown sugar, maple syrup, milk, or half & half on request

Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sandwich - scrambles egg and Cheddar cheese served on a toasted English muffin. Add sausage patty, hickory smoked bacon or ham slice on request.

Bagel and Lox - a freshly toasted bagel served with slices of cold smoked salmon, cream cheese, sliced onion and capers.

Greenhouse Spa Selections:

Cottage Cheese and Fresh Fruit - a small bowl of creamy cottage cheese lightly dusted with cinnamon, served with your choice of sliced banana, strawberries, blueberries or diced melon.

Swiss-Style Muesli - a mixture of low fat yogurt, fresh fruit, milk, toasted hazel-nuts, oatmeal and honey.

Frittata Italiana - healthy without sacrificing flavor, egg whites combined with low-fat cream cheese, sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil, then lightly baked and served with whole grain toast.

International Classics:

All American Breakfast - two jumbo eggs, cooked to order, served with hash browns, hickory smoked bacon or sausage and toast.

Eggs Benedict - toasted English muffins, layered with Canadian bacon, two poached eggs and hollandaise sauce.

Eggs Royal - toasted English muffins, smoked salmon and two poached eggs with creamy hollandaise sauce.

Eggs Florentine - toasted English muffins, topped with sauteed spinach and two poached eggs draped with hollandaise sauce.

Corned Beef Hash and Eggs - home-made corned beef hash topped with two eggs cooked to order and served with a side of toast.

Kippered Herring - served with two scrambled eggs and smothered onions.

Dutch Breakfast - the Uitmijter, a classic open-faced sandwich with thick white bread, sliced ham, Gouda, and two eggs sunny side up.

Japanese Breakfast - hot miso soup, steamed white rice, tamagoyaki and boiled salmon served with a cup of hot green tea.

The Full English Breakfast - two jumbo eggs scrambled, English banger sausage, English back bacon, baked beans, hash browns and a grilled half tomato.

Scandinavian Breakfast - smoked salmon and pickled herring, served with hard-boiled egg and slices of dark rye bread.

Three Egg Omelets:

All omelets are served with hash browns and toast. Egg whites or egg substitute available on request.

Denver Omelet - green bell pepper, onion, ham and a mixture of Cheddar, Monterey Jack and Swiss cheese.

Garden Vegetable Omelet - tender asparagus, sauteed spinach, diced tomato and sliced button mushrooms with creamy goat cheese.

Southwest Omelet - diced sweet roasted bell peppers, tomato, green onion, and Monterey Jack cheese, topped with avocado, sour cream and fresh salsa.

My Choice Omelet - build your own omelet with any of the following: ham, bacon, sausage, smoked salmon, mushrooms, bell pepper, onion, asparagus, Cheddar, Jack, Swiss, goat or Gruyere cheese.

Hot Off the Griddle:

Belgium Waffle - thick, crisp Belgium waffle topped with your choice of warm strawberries, apple-cinnamon or plum compote.

Cinnamon-Sugar French Toast - thick slices of egg bread French toast, dusted with cinnamon-sugar. Served with whipped butter and hot maple syrup.

Stack of Pancakes - three fluffy pancakes stacked high. your choice of buttermilk, banana or blueberry. Served with whipped butter and hot maple syrup.

From the Bakery: toast - English Muffin - Bagel - Roll

Baked Fresh Daily: Butter Croissant - Chocolate Croissant - Raisin Bun - Cheese Danish - Fruit Danish - Danish of the Day - Blueberry Muffin - Muffin of the Day - Coffee Cake. Served with butter, margarine, jam, jelly honey, Nutella or cream cheese on request. Fresh baked sugar-free pastries upon request.

On the Side:

Hickory Smoked Bacon - English Bangers - Pork Sausage Links or Patty - Carved Honey Glazed Ham - Corned Beef Hash - Turkey Bacon - Turkey Sausage links - Morningstar Farms Vegi Links - Hash Browns.

Fruits and Yogurts: Fresh Fruit Plate - Half Grapefruit - Sliced Banana - Stewed Prunes, Apricots or Kadota Figs - Assorted Yogurts

Beverages: Coffee - Tea - Decaffeinated Coffee and Tea - Whole, Low Fat and Skim Milk - Chocolate Milk - Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice - Apple Juice - Cranberry Juice - Grapefruit juice - Grape Juice - Pineapple Juice - Prune Juice - Tomato Juice - V-8

[kazu]

On our last HAL cruise Westerdam out of Seattle in July, although we got priority check-in as a SA deluxe suite passenger, we did not get priority embarkation, were given a number like everyone else and waited. That was the first time as suite passenger we did not get priority. And I don't know why and I guess I was too dumb to ask assuming that we would get it. And didn't. Of course, does not change our total opinion of HAL.

 

Barbara

 

Same thing with us in Barcelona last year (did I say last year?:eek:)

 

they moved our boarding up because of our Mariner status but not because of our cabin category.

 

Seems to depend on the port and no one should bank on anything. We were fine. We were on very quickly.;)

[kazu]

What exactly do you get with the special debarkation procedures when you buy the suite amenities package?

 

Also, does anyone have a copy of the breakfast menu from Pinnacle Grill the last morning?

 

No difference in the menu on the last day in the PG.

 

The same as every day.

 

this thread is a tad old (but so is this one) and this might help you on the suite amenities package. To the best of my knowledge there have been no major changes = http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1638445

[sail7seas]

I was amazed at some of the posts until I realized it was such an old thread. :)

 

I haven't heard mention of the Suite Amenities Package for some time.