Pinnacle Suite Worth It?

[igraf]

Not to make too fine of a point, but if money was no object then why would one cruise on HAL? Surely such a person would cruise on a more expensive line.

 

It doesn't make much sense to me to be the one who paid the most. It is not like you will receive better food, ports or entertainment.

 

igraf

 

 

 

....

 

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

 

...

[Former Goalie]

Not to make too fine of a point, but if money was no object then why would one cruise on HAL? Surely such a person would cruise on a more expensive line.

 

It doesn't make much sense to me to be the one who paid the most. It is not like you will receive better food, ports or entertainment.

 

igraf

We love HAL, having cruised once, in Cat. SA. We are cruising again soon, in a suite with Neptune Lounge privileges. We have considered sailing on Seabourn, Silversea, etc. We prefer more of the "big ship" feel that HAL provides, with all the amenities said ship provides, regardless of cabin class. We also "upgrade" our experience by dining in the Pinnacle Grill, and booking a Retreat/Cabana Club cabana for the duration of the cruise. While the suite amenities may seem limited to some (no "free" drinks from 5-8 pm, some other things), the concierges in the Neptune lounge are terrific, just adding to the welcoming aspect of the Neptune Lounge.

[dmg1956]

I agree with Igraf. Especially since the cost of the Pinnacle Suite is so steep compared to similar suite's on other lines. Other lines include a bar set-up with choice of booze, etc. Not on HAL. You just get the room.

dmg1956

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

We're booked in an aft-corner Neptune Suite on the Koningsdam next year. Managed to get one on deck 4, where the balcony is extra large - even though most of that real estate is out in the open (not private, nor protected from the sun).

 

The Pinnacle Suite is still available, but is 7 grand more for the 11 days. It certainly appears to be a well appointed and comfortable cabin. We've enjoyed suites on other lines where we've had two bathrooms - so that's a plus.

 

I'll agree, that for this kind of change, other lines extend additional perks. The Penthouse on the Equinox that we're booked on next year (virtually the same price as the Pinnacle after 20% casino discount) includes:

 

> A butler

> Use of Michael's Lounge (evening cocktails)

> Stocked bar in the cabin

> Premium beverage package

> Unlimited internet

> Included specialty dining all nights

 

WOW... after listing that, I'm really looking forward to the Equinox!

 

We have not dined in a main dining room in many moons, so specialty dining is important for us. I see that the Koningsdam has multiple options, so that's something to look forward to. What's the experience of those of you who have sailed in HAL suites w/regard to the ease of getting desired dates/times in specialty restaurants ?

 

THANKS,

 

Tom

[Krazy Kruizers]

It has been at least 3 years since we ate in the main dining room.

I pre-book all our specialty restaurants before we cruise to make certain that we get the time we want.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

It has been at least 3 years since we ate in the main dining room.

I pre-book all our specialty restaurants before we cruise to make certain that we get the time we want.

 

How far in advance is that open for pre-booking?

 

Tom

[Krazy Kruizers]

On some cruises I have been able to book about 9 months in advance -- on others -- 6 months.

No consistency with HAL when you can book restaurants, excursions, etc.

[OlsSalt]

Yes, we very much think it is worth an up-sell upgrade. However, what will you be measuring for your sense of value. The Lounge, the Pinnacle breakfasts, the space, the extra perks -- what are they worth per dollar per day for you? That is how we decide if the upwell is "worth it". The value increases with the length of the cruise is our feeling too.

[LewiLewi]

We received an upsell to a Pinnacle Suite on the Zuiderdam quite a few years ago from our booked Neptune Suite. It was one of the worst experiences that we have ever had, and we have been on 100+ cruises on practically every cruise line. The suite was one of two and was two decks below the thelasotherapy pool. The mechanical equipment for this pool was one deck above our bedroom and we could hear the loud motor going all night and all day. We complained so many times that at the end of the cruise they gave us one third of our fare back. Since that time, we are afraid to book or upsell to another PS. We will stick to a Neptune suite on HAL. We have had larger suites on other cruise lines and have never experienced any of these noise problems.

[Krazy Kruizers]

We received an upsell to a Pinnacle Suite on the Zuiderdam quite a few years ago from our booked Neptune Suite. It was one of the worst experiences that we have ever had, and we have been on 100+ cruises on practically every cruise line. The suite was one of two and was two decks below the thelasotherapy pool. The mechanical equipment for this pool was one deck above our bedroom and we could hear the loud motor going all night and all day. We complained so many times that at the end of the cruise they gave us one third of our fare back. Since that time, we are afraid to book or upsell to another PS. We will stick to a Neptune suite on HAL. We have had larger suites on other cruise lines and have never experienced any of these noise problems.

 

 

We spent 21 days on the Zuiderdam just this past February/March and never heard any noises from the motor of the thermo pool.

[Moriah]

Oh wow,,,,,, I can't imagine sharing a cabin with friends but that is just me. I wouldn't dream of not having my own cabin. :eek:

 

I feel exactly the same way. The Pinnacle (formerly "Penthouse") suites are very nice, but they are meant to be a large suite for a couple, not a group accommodation. I've had many friends who had this suite when we've traveled as a group, with most of the rest of us in Neptune suites, so have spent many hours in the Pinnacle suites at parties, just hanging out on the balcony and hot-tub, etc. etc and I love them - a lot. I would jump at an up-sell that seemed reasonable, and might even spring for the fare on the suite for a special occasion cruise. Two bathrooms, full dining table, hot-tub on the balcony.. so many nice touches. But again, I would not share it with another couple - seems to me that would void all the advantages, but as sail7seas said "that's just me." I'd rather have privacy in a Neptune than a bunch of people in a Pinnacle. The OP isn't really talking about sharing though, and I think they've already decided to give it a go. They will love it.

[sail7seas]

We have always really enjoyed the Neptune suites since they were first introduced to HAL ships with Statendam joining the fleet. When we stayed in PS we enjoyed it but I can't say it spun my head in circles. :) We were happy to return to our Neptune Suite or PS..... either are very comfortable. :)

 

[LewiLewi]

We spent 21 days on the Zuiderdam just this past February/March and never heard any noises from the motor of the thermo pool.

Ours was on the starboard side. If that's the one you had, I'm glad that the noise problem was resolved.

[garydm]

We had a Pinnacle Suite on the Oosterdam two years ago for a number of reasons:

 

-Had our two grandsons with us and they sailed at the cost of the add tax/fees only.

-We had a great price-just over $4,000 pp for two people-third and fourth "free."

-This worked out to only about $2,000 pp +fees for a 7 day Alaska Cruise which is probably a once in a lifetime opportunity for us to have the Pinnacle Suite at a reasonable cost.

 

Other than embarkation when we were escorted aboard we were not treated any differently than any other Neptune Suite guests. We were pleased to have the extra space with the boys. If we saw a deal like this again, we might take it, but the Neptune Suites are very adequate for the two of us. The suite we had needed some TLC as a number of things simply did not work, like the bathtub and stereo system. They brought in a plumber to fix the tub but could not get the music system to work. No big deal.

 

The huge deck was very nice but unusable much of the time due to local air quality.

[cruz chic]

We had a Pinnacle Suite on the Oosterdam two years ago for a number of reasons:

 

-Had our two grandsons with us and they sailed at the cost of the add tax/fees only.

-We had a great price-just over $4,000 pp for two people-third and fourth "free."

-This worked out to only about $2,000 pp +fees for a 7 day Alaska Cruise which is probably a once in a lifetime opportunity for us to have the Pinnacle Suite at a reasonable cost.

 

Other than embarkation when we were escorted aboard we were not treated any differently than any other Neptune Suite guests. We were pleased to have the extra space with the boys. If we saw a deal like this again, we might take it, but the Neptune Suites are very adequate for the two of us. The suite we had needed some TLC as a number of things simply did not work, like the bathtub and stereo system. They brought in a plumber to fix the tub but could not get the music system to work. No big deal.

 

The huge deck was very nice but unusable much of the time due to local air quality.

 

I also had the pinnacle suite on the Oosterdam two years ago. One thing that surprised me was how lightweight some of the furniture was. I didn't try the stereo system so I'm not sure if it worked. I had a hard enough time trying to figure out the lights and blinds :D.

[garydm]

I never did figure out the lights and blinds. We let the 10 year old handle that which he proudly did.

[cruz chic]

Isn't that the truth. Kids are really good at things like that:).

[Former Goalie]

We love HAL, having cruised once, in Cat. SA. We are cruising again soon, in a suite with Neptune Lounge privileges. We have considered sailing on Seabourn, Silversea, etc. We prefer more of the "big ship" feel that HAL provides, with all the amenities said ship provides, regardless of cabin class. We also "upgrade" our experience by dining in the Pinnacle Grill, and booking a Retreat/Cabana Club cabana for the duration of the cruise. While the suite amenities may seem limited to some (no "free" drinks from 5-8 pm, some other things), the concierges in the Neptune lounge are terrific, just adding to the welcoming aspect of the Neptune Lounge.

I agree, we have considered Seaboard, Silversea, etc., and we have sailed on what is now Regent (got a really favorable fare for a Bermuda 7 day). Loved Regent, but we really prefer the big ship feel, and we don't drink outrageous amounts. We book suites with Neptune access, the service is superior. We do the same upgrades you do, love the Retreat cabanas and Pinnacle Grill. For this, you get the big ship feel, with a very high level of service and attention.

[scopewest]

We had the PS on the Veendam a few years ago. We ended up not liking the Veendam in terms of size (we prefer Vista ships), but the PS itself was fine.

 

We went to the dining room for anytime dining and asked for a table for two. I got a look that clearly said "you and everybody else, good luck with that." He asked for our cabin and when I said PS, he jumped to attention, actually snapped his fingers at a waiter, and had the waiter take us upstairs to the fixed dining and gave us a table for two. We were then told that was our table if we wanted it for the rest of the cruise.

 

Naturally we used the table and showed up at the fixed dining time, which was the time we wanted anyway. PS does have its perks!

[Caribensun]

Having paid for GS's & suites on Princess ships for years and stayed in Neptune Suite and viewed Pinnacle suite; I would much prefer to pay for HAL PS & suites. However Princess has better suite perks, but for room and balcony much prefer HAL.

HAL makes suite life easy and anytime dining is anytime dining and always a menu in room, never have to ask. Pinnacle suite you get real lounge chair on balcony.

Love the bathroom, makeup area and balcony furniture in Neptune suites.

 

**HAL's PS feels more like home and Princess GS's feel more like a hotel suite (my opinion).

 

If spending more time on balcony and dining in room a lot PS would be worth it to me. I am perfectly happy in a Neptune Suite.

Hope this helps as only you can decide what you want.

Have a great cruise.. Sandipalms

[cruz chic]

Having paid for GS's & suites on Princess ships for years and stayed in Neptune Suite and viewed Pinnacle suite; I would much prefer to pay for HAL PS & suites. However Princess has better suite perks, but for room and balcony much prefer HAL.

HAL makes suite life easy and anytime dining is anytime dining and always a menu in room, never have to ask. Pinnacle suite you get real lounge chair on balcony.

Love the bathroom, makeup area and balcony furniture in Neptune suites.

 

**HAL's PS feels more like home and Princess GS's feel more like a hotel suite (my opinion).

 

If spending more time on balcony and dining in room a lot PS would be worth it to me. I am perfectly happy in a Neptune Suite.

Hope this helps as only you can decide what you want.

Have a great cruise.. Sandipalms

I found the perks on princess for the suites to be pretty sucky but that was on the sapphire princess. I'm curious what you think was better on princess.

[Caribensun]

Much prefer Sabatinis for breakfast as opposed to HAL Pinnacle Grill, bar setup in room, unlimited laundry, free Specialty restaurant first night, free use of Thermal Suite. I know we really pay for it in our cruise fare.

[Beth8649]

I think the best way to make a choice between PS, NS or any other suites or cabins would be to formulate & prioritize a list of what was most important to me.

 

Simultaneously, on another sheet of paper I would calculate my guarenteed daily income and multiply that by the number of cruise days. This figure would not limit me to that amount, but would serve to prevent me from impulse booking or overspending. (If I only vacationed every 2 yrs, I could multiply that figure by 2)

 

Now, I'd go back to my original list of what I needed & wanted and I'd weigh & compare each category.

 

For instance, I only wanted to cruise if we had a balcony because I knew with Mom, we'd probably not go ashore. We needed a handicapped bathroom because of Mom. We needed a room for 3. Thus, our lowest category was a Signature Suite. Extra in room space would be nice but not essential. Breakfast we plan on room service. Lunch & dinner main dining room. After 9 years without a vacation our needs were simple. Perhaps, on the next vacation, I might have more preferences, like concierge service or Neptune bar or P. Grill or no lines & wait times.

 

Suite or cabin location would be a major deciding point. Not below dancing, or pools, and I'm not sure about being below a casino either. I would definitely Google my ship & cabin number prior to payment, too.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

... Pinnacle suite you get real lounge chair on balcony.

...

 

Do you mean one with a cushion?

 

What do you get in a NS, just a plastic/mesh backed deck lounger? :eek:

 

We've sailed Princess once thus far - and I can't say we're in any hurry to return. We had an aft suite on the Caribbean Princess, and though the cabin/balcony were nice I didn't get a warm cozy feeling from Princess otherwise.

 

The first night, dining in their steakhouse (forget the name), Cheryl ordered a bottle of sparkling water. Before we even placed our dinner order they had to get our ship card to go ahead and run the charge for the water. I asked why they couldn't just "run a tab" for the entire meal. The answer was "this is the way we always do it." :eek:

 

Ordering a Grey Goose and Diet Sprite in ALL lounges resulted in the same event: We were charged for the drink AND a can of soda, as "our soda guns don't have Diet Sprite, so we have to charge additional for the can". :eek:

 

I could go on, but have to go to WORK ! ;)

 

Tom

[cruz chic]

Much prefer Sabatinis for breakfast as opposed to HAL Pinnacle Grill, bar setup in room, unlimited laundry, free Specialty restaurant first night, free use of Thermal Suite. I know we really pay for it in our cruise fare.

 

Thank you for your answer.