Pinnacle Suite Worth It?

[drgrinch]

DW and I were recently offered an up-sell on the Veendam from a Vista Suite to either a Neptune or Pinnacle suite. As the Pinnacle upgrade was of course substantially more - we took the Neptune up-sell. My question is, for those of you who have experienced both, is the price of the Pinnacle Suite, compared to a Neptune Suite, really worth it for just a couple not bringing any children or other family? We could afford it, but we're not at the "money doesn't matter" level either or we'd be sailing on Regent or Crystal. Any thoughts are welcome...

[POA1]

I think that the Pinnacle suite is a good value, and we booked them 9-15 months in advance. Do you need it? No.

 

If you can swing it, and you'd like it - reserve it.

[sail7seas]

Worth is so subjective. No one can decide for you how much anything is worth. My DH and I always sailed in Neptune Suite but for a few exceptions in Pinnacle. We love the Neptune but that doesn't mean anyone else but me does. :)

 

Enjoy whichever suite you end up occupying.

Have a great cruise.

Edited June 8, 2015 by sail7seas

[visagrunt]

I recently came back from a week on the Noordam in the Pinnacle. We were three couples, and I decided that for the price of two Neptunes, four of us could share the Pinnacle. So we did.

 

I am delighted that we did, and I don't regret a penny of the fare we paid. The extra touches are lovely. The sheer amount of real estate is extraordinary. And there is a level of understated service that comes from staying in the Pinnacle (for example, the dining room stewards know who the Pinnacle guests are, and dining room orders are priorized). Concierges will not hesitate to drop the words "Pinnacle Suite guests" into requests to other departments to ensure that requests are attended to.

 

If I was ever offered an upsell to the Pinnacle, I would take it. But I doubt that I would ever pay the fare to book into a Pinnacle again. It's not that the Pinnacle doesn't provide value for money (I think it does!), but rather that the quality of service and accommodations in a Neptune suite meet my expectations very well.

[cruz chic]

I recently came back from a week on the Noordam in the Pinnacle. We were three couples, and I decided that for the price of two Neptunes, four of us could share the Pinnacle. So we did.

 

I am delighted that we did, and I don't regret a penny of the fare we paid. The extra touches are lovely. The sheer amount of real estate is extraordinary. And there is a level of understated service that comes from staying in the Pinnacle (for example, the dining room stewards know who the Pinnacle guests are, and dining room orders are priorized). Concierges will not hesitate to drop the words "Pinnacle Suite guests" into requests to other departments to ensure that requests are attended to.

 

If I was ever offered an upsell to the Pinnacle, I would take it. But I doubt that I would ever pay the fare to book into a Pinnacle again. It's not that the Pinnacle doesn't provide value for money (I think it does!), but rather that the quality of service and accommodations in a Neptune suite meet my expectations very well.

I hope you don't mind me asking but where did the second couple sleep? I assume there is a sofa bed but if I paid that much I wouldn't want to sleep on it.

 

It certainly is a lovely experience. I got a very good upsell (for once) and I'm happy I did it. It's really something.

[kazu]

good question.

 

We have taken upsells to the Pinnacle Suite twice. Once when we were travelling with friends and we did use I a lot with them.

 

the other time was on the Prinsendam when we had a fantastic roll call and we had wine tastings and other stuff planned.

 

I don't regret one minute of it nor the money we spent.

 

if it was just the two of us, I would think twice I think about it. The Neptune Suites are very nice - especially on that class of ship - I think yours has the bigger deeper balconies and for two people that will probably suffice.

 

On the other hand, if $ was no object, the Pinnacle Suite is very nice.

 

There are no extra amenities though other than being escorted (possibly) on the ship. That's it. Otherwise, your amenities are the same as the other Neptune Suite passengers.

[Krazy Kruizers]

It is just the 2 of us and we love the Pinnacle Suites and book them as often as we can.

DH likes having his own bathroom.

For us -- we feel it is worth the money.

[Krazy Kruizers]

I hope you don't mind me asking but where did the second couple sleep? I assume there is a sofa bed but if I paid that much I wouldn't want to sleep on it.

 

It certainly is a lovely experience. I got a very good upsell (for once) and I'm happy I did it. It's really something.

 

 

Have not sailed on the Prinsendam so can not say where the Queen bed is located.

On the S and R class ships -- the bed folds out from the area right by the desk in the living room which is directly on the other side of the curtains that close off the main bedroom. Sorry I never took pictures of those PS cabins.

On the Vista and Signature class ships, the living room and bedroom are separated by the dining room and there are doors that close off the main bedroom. So the beds are not on top of each other.

From the living room:

 

 

[POA1]

It is just the 2 of us and we love the Pinnacle Suites and book them as often as we can.

DH likes having his own bathroom.

For us -- we feel it is worth the money.

Who gets the full bathroom, and who gets the half bath? Just curious. :D

[kazu]

I hope you don't mind me asking but where did the second couple sleep? I assume there is a sofa bed but if I paid that much I wouldn't want to sleep on it.

 

It certainly is a lovely experience. I got a very good upsell (for once) and I'm happy I did it. It's really something.

 

In most of the Pinnacle Suites (other than the Prinsendam) there is a nice fold out bed that is queen size and it is nice. I asked to see it. We didn't have anyone sharing sleeping arrangements.

 

Prinsendam PS is three only.

 

I think it would be do-able if one was with family or whatever.

[cruz chic]

Have not sailed on the Prinsendam so can not say where the Queen bed is located.

On the S and R class ships -- the bed folds out from the area right by the desk in the living room which is directly on the other side of the curtains that close off the main bedroom. Sorry I never took pictures of those PS cabins.

On the Vista and Signature class ships, the living room and bedroom are separated by the dining room and there are doors that close off the main bedroom. So the beds are not on top of each other.

From the living room:

 

 

 

Thx KK

[kjw869]

A few years back, we were offered an upsell to a Pinnacle Suite. We fell in love with them and five of our last six cruises have been in PS. We did have my daughter on one cruise, and daughter and granddaughter on another, but we enjoy the cabin when my DW and I sail alone.

 

For us, it's worth every penny we pay for the cabin. We don't go to shows onboard and spend a great deal of time in the cabin and the huge verandah.

 

We also have to book the cabins in advance.

[JCrewz]

Drgrinch:

 

I may not be as qualified to answer this since I have never sailed in the PS. I did get an upsell offer in 2012 to go from a NS to a PS for $799.00 pp which we declined.

 

The NS had more room than we could ever hope for on a cruise ship and provided a luxurious experience both in June 2012 and a month ago in May 2015. I think you get a hot tub on the balcony in a PS.....a feature we simply would not use.

 

Outside of more space, I do not think the PS guests get anything that the NS guests do not. Of course, my opinion is value based. If it were the same price, everyone would pick a PS over a NS. I would save the $1,500-$2,000 and enjoy other indulgences on the ship or nice shore excursions.....or double your savings in the casino. Either way, you will have a great cruise.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Who gets the full bathroom, and who gets the half bath? Just curious. :D

 

 

I get the full bathroom.

DH gets the half bathroom.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Thx KK

 

 

You are welcome.

[65 Gator]

Drgrinch:

 

Outside of more space, I do not think the PS guests get anything that the NS guests do not. Of course, my opinion is value based.

 

Yes, there is more space and that allows for a much larger table to have in-room dining. There is also a pantry with refrigerator, microwave and, more importantly, a coffee maker. The sitting room has floor to ceiling windows. There are stereo speakers in each room with individual controls so that TV or music can be piped to the rooms you choose. In addition to the DVD player, there is a separate amplifier and another TV. Large dressing room with a ton of storage. Separate shower and jacuzzi in bathroom with two sinks. I'm sure I forgot others but this is an example of some perks to the PS.

[drgrinch]

Thank you everyone for your perspectives. I had hoped for several responses from several points of view and that is indeed what I have received. DW and I usually sail in suite (either HAL or Princess) but I have always been reluctant to spend the considerable extra that a Pinnacle Suite (or Grand Suite) commands. After reading your thoughts, I may have to splurge the next time the offer comes up. Once again, thanks to all...

[sail7seas]

I recently came back from a week on the Noordam in the Pinnacle. We were three couples, and I decided that for the price of two Neptunes, four of us could share the Pinnacle. So we did.

 

I am delighted that we did, and I don't regret a penny of the fare we paid. The extra touches are lovely. The sheer amount of real estate is extraordinary. And there is a level of understated service that comes from staying in the Pinnacle (for example, the dining room stewards know who the Pinnacle guests are, and dining room orders are priorized). Concierges will not hesitate to drop the words "Pinnacle Suite guests" into requests to other departments to ensure that requests are attended to.

 

If I was ever offered an upsell to the Pinnacle, I would take it. But I doubt that I would ever pay the fare to book into a Pinnacle again. It's not that the Pinnacle doesn't provide value for money (I think it does!), but rather that the quality of service and accommodations in a Neptune suite meet my expectations very well.

 

 

Oh wow,,,,,, I can't imagine sharing a cabin with friends but that is just me. I'm sailing with very good friends who have a very large NCL suite. I wouldn't dream of not having my own cabin. :eek:

 

I applaud you being receptive to sharing.

 

[visagrunt]

Oh wow,,,,,, I can't imagine sharing a cabin with friends but that is just me. I'm sailing with very good friends who have a very large NCL suite. I wouldn't dream of not having my own cabin. :eek:

 

I applaud you being receptive to sharing.

 

 

Given the doors between the bedroom and the rest of the suite (on Signature and Vista class ships), there really are two bedrooms, and the powder room provides a second bathroom, so that the only things that you have to share are the shower and the closets. There's (like all HAL cabins) tons of closet space, so no problems there. Given that I typically showered in the spa after going to the gym and before going to the Thermal suite, I never noticed any problems in that department!

[Tante Amalie]

Obviously, only you can truly judge what's "worth it" to you. But I have to confess that I'm somewhat surprised at the responses to your question. I consider the suites on HAL to be among the worst values in cruising.

 

They are very big and if you spend most of your time sitting in your cabin, then I guess it might make sense to some people. If you are lucky enough to get one at a last minute bargain, then they make sense. But they are horribly overpriced if bought in advance at normal prices. They are very expensive and the moment you step outside your Cabin, you are on a HAL ship and have the same services, food, crowding and other limitations of a mainstream cruise line. You eat the same food, fight for pool chairs, and stand in the same lines as the passengers in the cheapest inside cabin. It's a terrible value. HAL will provide some "special treatment", but they can't change the fact that you're still on a HAL ship. It's like buying an expensive home in a crappy neighborhood. Your house is nice, but everything else is downscale.

 

At those prices, you have many options in the cruising market. Unless you are obsessed with having a very large cabin, I believe your money will go farther in the luxury lite or even luxury market. They offer a much higher quality overall cruise experience.

[Old As Dirt Mom]

Obviously, only you can truly judge what's "worth it" to you. But I have to confess that I'm somewhat surprised at the responses to your question. I consider the suites on HAL to be among the worst values in cruising.

 

They are very big and if you spend most of your time sitting in your cabin, then I guess it might make sense to some people. If you are lucky enough to get one at a last minute bargain, then they make sense. But they are horribly overpriced if bought in advance at normal prices. They are very expensive and the moment you step outside your Cabin, you are on a HAL ship and have the same services, food, crowding and other limitations of a mainstream cruise line. You eat the same food, fight for pool chairs, and stand in the same lines as the passengers in the cheapest inside cabin. It's a terrible value. HAL will provide some "special treatment", but they can't change the fact that you're still on a HAL ship. It's like buying an expensive home in a crappy neighborhood. Your house is nice, but everything else is downscale.

 

At those prices, you have many options in the cruising market. Unless you are obsessed with having a very large cabin, I believe your money will go farther in the luxury lite or even luxury market. They offer a much higher quality overall cruise experience.

 

The Neptune and Pinnacle suites have access to the services of the concierges in the Neptune lounge, so there is minimal waiting in lines for those passengers. In my experience, the Neptune concierges add a great deal of value to the both the suite and general onboard experience.

[sail7seas]

Given the doors between the bedroom and the rest of the suite (on Signature and Vista class ships), there really are two bedrooms, and the powder room provides a second bathroom, so that the only things that you have to share are the shower and the closets. There's (like all HAL cabins) tons of closet space, so no problems there. Given that I typically showered in the spa after going to the gym and before going to the Thermal suite, I never noticed any problems in that department!

 

Yes, I've been in the Pinnacle Suites on "R" Class, "S" Class, Vista and Signature Class ships. They are lovely cabins.

 

[sail7seas]

The Neptune and Pinnacle suites have access to the services of the concierges in the Neptune lounge, so there is minimal waiting in lines for those passengers. In my experience, the Neptune concierges add a great deal of value to the both the suite and general onboard experience.

 

I agree. Aside from the comfortable cabins, the best Suite amenity are Neptune Lounge, Concierge, excellent cabin stewards and breakfast in Pinnacle. :)

 

[kjw869]

I agree. Aside from the comfortable cabins, the best Suite amenity are Neptune Lounge, Concierge, excellent cabin stewards and breakfast in Pinnacle. :)

 

 

Agree with you too. The only time we stood in line in all our HAL cruises was in the Cayman Islands where we had to tender. We learned from that and are never the first ones off the ship including Half Moon Cay. Also, we've never had to fight for pool chairs.

 

To us, it's a great value. As I mentioned in an earlier post, we spend a lot of time in our cabin and usually travel with my daughter and/or granddaughter along with many friends. It's a great cabin to entertain and spend time with friends and family.

[Tante Amalie]

The Neptune and Pinnacle suites have access to the services of the concierges in the Neptune lounge, so there is minimal waiting in lines for those passengers. In my experience, the Neptune concierges add a great deal of value to the both the suite and general onboard experience.

 

True, but on Silversea and other upscale lines, you'll have a personal Butler. They are even more helpful than HAL's concierge (in my experience). Even their smallest cabin is quite large. A suite on HAL does not exempt you from lines in the Lido, lines on excursions, lines for tenders, and a general sense of competing for scarce resources on the ship. They don't reserve special machines in the gym, better seats at the show, or better food in the dining room for suite pax.

 

We each have to make our own decisions about what gives us value. I'm constantly surprised to see that HAL can justify such high prices for their suites. To answer the question posed by the OP, the HAL suites offer lousy value and are not "worth it".