Does HAL have a dining room just for suites?

[SonarSonarSonar]

Well I, for one, am really glad that there are folks who are willing to pay double, triple or even quadruple daily rates over what I am paying, to sail on the same ship as me. I figure in the long run, considering the total fare paid by all cruisers on a ship, it makes my cabin a little less expensive. And that is a good thing.

 

So from one “lower class cabin” cruiser, I thank you for your contribution to my cruising experience.

 

Scott & Karen

 

If you really must know, we were offered a Casino Special at $1600 including taxes per person for a Neptune Suite for a 25 day cruise. So doubt if I made any contribution to your "lower class cabin". As for me I'll be in my Suite. :D

 

I prefer comfort, large suites, and Yes I buy extras Pinnacle Grill, massages and excursions but that's just me and I also fly First Class all the time.

[Jade13]

Do you realize how crazy that sounds. All cabin classes should have access to the same high quality food in the same restaurants AND not have to pay extra for "specialty" venues. That's the way it's done on Oceania regardless of inside cabin or owner's suite.

 

 

Those who pay more, should get more. I have seen the difference on a 7 night cruise from $499 for an inside to $4,000 per person for a Neptune suite, and that is before taxes or hotel charges.

Edited November 15, 2015 by Jade13

[Flatbush Flyer]

Those who pay more, should get more. I have seen the difference on a 7 night cruise from $499 for an inside to $4,000 per person for a Neptune suite, and that is before taxes or hotel charges.

 

 

But the "more" those who pay for higher category cabins should only be (for example):

 

Larger space (i.e., larger cabin),

Added amenities (e.g., daily newspaper and/or use of ipad)

Additional service (concierge or butler)

Etc.

 

The "more" should certainly not extend to a point where only those who pay the most get the best quality food while others have to eat only the normal Olive Garden/Appleby's type fare found on mass market lines.

 

Again, using the Oceania example: ALL passengers have access to the same restaurants including the specialties (at no additional cost). Higher cabin levels can make more online specialty reservations pre-cruise (as well as first shot at time slots). But, every passenger gets a certain number of online reservations pre-cruise and can add additional same day reservations once onboard. And for those who are willing to share a table or dine late, added reservations are generally not a problem.

 

On O, everyone can have lobster and filet mignon sandwiches at the pool grill (Waves) every day (again, no added charge). And there are no special dining rooms or cordoned off restaurant sections just for the highest cabin class passengers. How rude that would be!

 

So, while those O passengers who pay for the exclusive accommodations do get more, it is not done in ways that create a "steerage class" experience for other guests and never in terms of differential food quality.

[ellieanne]

Those who pay more, should get more. I have seen the difference on a 7 night cruise from $499 for an inside to $4,000 per person for a Neptune suite, and that is before taxes or hotel charges.

 

They do get more. Suites have more space, a larger balcony, priority check-in and disembarkation, priority tendering, priority dining & seating, an exclusive Suite-only breakfast location, complimentary laundry, pressing & dry-cleaning, services, concierge service, the Neptune Lounge, and other perks.

[Sue from Canada]

Don't sweat the small stuff. You'll meet some absolutely lovely people in "steerage":D I have.

[take us away]

I'm sorry but I don't understand comments like this. I've been in everything from an inside cabin to the ph. I'm more concerned with meeting nice people rather then what types of cabins people are in.

 

So true. On 1 cruise had low key, great table mates who had a construction company that they had just turned over to their daughter. The other tablemates were wonderful. On day 24 of 28 of the cruise, we were invited to the construction company couples cabin for cocktails to celebrate her birthday. The penthouse was magnificent! and the company built things like the Pirates of Penzance ride at Disney. So we decided we covered the cabins in the most democratic manner as 1 PH, 1 OV and 1 inside - and we are all still friends. Who cares what cabin you are in!

[sapper1]

When I meet new people on a ship, I just about never know what category cabin they have. If I meet them in Neptune, it is obvious but otherwise I really don't care and never ask.

 

 

 

" Don't ask, don't tell" is always a good policy.

[Caribbean Chris]

My guess is that this was a one off situation. I highly doubt pricing would be the same for every cruise on both lines. I just looked on an online website for a 10 day cruise in the Caribbean in December on Oceania. The prices for oceanview is $2400. An 11 day on Hal is $899.

 

I agree with cruz chic. I've priced Oceania several times and found a standard ocean view room to be considerably higher in price than a Sky Suite on Celebrity or Signature Suite on HAL.

 

In fact, on a December 2016 sailing, an Oceania only the inside category room was about the same price as the suite we booked on Celebrity. And my booking includes a beverage package, gratuities, two nights in a specialty restaurant and large onboard credit. Plus now a suite-only dining room and private lounge.

 

So there's not much incentive to pay the same on Oceania to travel without a window.

[cruz chic]

But the "more" those who pay for higher category cabins should only be (for example):

 

Larger space (i.e., larger cabin),

Added amenities (e.g., daily newspaper and/or use of ipad)

Additional service (concierge or butler)

Etc.

 

The "more" should certainly not extend to a point where only those who pay the most get the best quality food while others have to eat only the normal Olive Garden/Appleby's type fare found on mass market lines.

 

Again, using the Oceania example: ALL passengers have access to the same restaurants including the specialties (at no additional cost). Higher cabin levels can make more online specialty reservations pre-cruise (as well as first shot at time slots). But, every passenger gets a certain number of online reservations pre-cruise and can add additional same day reservations once onboard. And for those who are willing to share a table or dine late, added reservations are generally not a problem.

 

On O, everyone can have lobster and filet mignon sandwiches at the pool grill (Waves) every day (again, no added charge). And there are no special dining rooms or cordoned off restaurant sections just for the highest cabin class passengers. How rude that would be!

 

So, while those O passengers who pay for the exclusive accommodations do get more, it is not done in ways that create a "steerage class" experience for other guests and never in terms of differential food quality.

 

Oceania sounds like a good fit for you. At several multiples over the Hal price the two can't be compared.

[Bell Boy]

Having your own dining room is snobbish. That's the problem with the world today. People are afraid to socialize out of their class. The high price you pay for your cabin should be just that the cabin. When I travel on a cruise I expect the same level of dining service regardless of the cabin I book.

 

" the price one pays for a cabin ,should just be that."

Sorry I have to disagree with you.:)

 

As a Cunarder I travel most of the time in a Britannia category cabin ( that's the entrance level ) Occasionally ( and I mean only occasionally) I will enjoy splashing out on something a little more special, and it's not only for a much larger cabin (let's call it a suite)

I would also like the opportunity to sample a more luxurious dining experience, for example, in the evenings I'd like to be able to eat within a more flexible time, rather than being tied down to set dining times ( e.g. early or late)

 

I'd also like to be able to sample things that I don't get every day at home , e.g. Caviar or lobster etc etc , ;) Oh and when I'm fed up with what's on the menu ,I'd like to be able to ask the Maitre'd to prepare me a nice rack of Lamb for the next evening, Oh, and maybe I'll fancy a bit of Duckling the day after tomorrow !

 

Now hopefully, you've got the gist of what I'm trying to say. It's not always about the size of a cabin, (paid at a high premium) but additional amenities that go along side it.

 

No one would even think of paying a premium with an airline to travel First (or business) 'just for the extra leg room or flat bed only' , and is then happy to eat dinner or breakfast with a plastic knife/fork from an over cooked tin foil ;)

 

This has nothing to do with class ( as you put it) it's all about buying into a 'Brand or a Product' ...at the end of the day, we will only get what we pay for. Anyone who thinks it's all about class or snobbishness has been watching far too much Titanic or Downton Abby . ;)

[cruisemom42]

When cruising first became a "thing" back in the 1970s -- as separate from taking a ship only to get from Point A to Point B -- much of the initial advertising and selling of the product was based on the fact that cruise ships were NOT like the old "stuffy" ships where people were separated by class and only allowed access to certain areas of the ship for dining and activities.

 

I guess, since I started cruising at that time, it just appealed to me that everyone on the ship had the same access to everything wherever their cabin might be located or however large it was.

 

Of course, at that time, there were very, very few suites, and even cabins with balconies were rare and expensive things.

 

My theory is that now that a majority of cabins on any given ship have a verandah, and sizes of cabins vary much less than in the early days (before cabins were built as containers), adding more suite "perks" is one way to justify the much higher prices that suites sell for. In other words, having a large cabin and a verandah in itself used to be something only a few had. Now, many have it and suite pax want to feel they are getting something "above and beyond."

 

Personally, I'm not a fan of the stratification of ships. I don't think comparing a cruise to a flight is apples to apples. A cruise is more than just a way to get from one city to another or a place to sleep for the night. However, Americans seem to be less egalitarian than they used to be, and the trend continues to create areas onboard ships that are accessible to only some passengers.

Edited November 15, 2015 by cruisemom42

[Randyk47]

Now hopefully, you've got the gist of what I'm trying to say. It's not always about the size of a cabin, (paid at a high premium) but additional amenities that go along side it.

 

I actually think we're going to see more and more amenities attached to higher category cabins. There's really only so much a cruise line can do to a cabin. Only so much marble or interior decorating or wood/faux wood paneling or whatever. So what can they do to make or at least create impression that higher level cabins are worth the extra cost? Amenities.

[manmachine]

Do you realize how crazy that sounds. All cabin classes should have access to the same high quality food in the same restaurants AND not have to pay extra for "specialty" venues. That's the way it's done on Oceania regardless of inside cabin or owner's suite.

 

So... everyone should receive exactly the same food choices... Even if they are willing to pay more?

[3rdGenCunarder]

" the price one pays for a cabin ,should just be that."

Sorry I have to disagree with you.:)

 

As a Cunarder I travel most of the time in a Britannia category cabin ( that's the entrance level ) Occasionally ( and I mean only occasionally) I will enjoy splashing out on something a little more special, and it's not only for a much larger cabin (let's call it a suite)

I would also like the opportunity to sample a more luxurious dining experience, for example, in the evenings I'd like to be able to eat within a more flexible time, rather than being tied down to set dining times ( e.g. early or late)

 

I'd also like to be able to sample things that I don't get every day at home , e.g. Caviar or lobster etc etc , ;) Oh and when I'm fed up with what's on the menu ,I'd like to be able to ask the Maitre'd to prepare me a nice rack of Lamb for the next evening, Oh, and maybe I'll fancy a bit of Duckling the day after tomorrow !

 

Now hopefully, you've got the gist of what I'm trying to say. It's not always about the size of a cabin, (paid at a high premium) but additional amenities that go along side it.

 

No one would even think of paying a premium with an airline to travel First (or business) 'just for the extra leg room or flat bed only' , and is then happy to eat dinner or breakfast with a plastic knife/fork from an over cooked tin foil ;)

 

This has nothing to do with class ( as you put it) it's all about buying into a 'Brand or a Product' ...at the end of the day, we will only get what we pay for. Anyone who thinks it's all about class or snobbishness has been watching far too much Titanic or Downton Abby . ;)

 

Bravo! I've sailed in everything from an inside upper/lower (HAL and Cunard) when we were first cruising to suite-level accommodations (Princess Grill on Cunard, Neptune suite on HAL), and not seen class snobbishness from either side. The suites cost a lot more than the insides. But I get more amenities. Bigger cabin, obviously--the walk-in closet in our PG cabin on Cunard was larger than my first inside cabin on Cunard! In addition, there's a special lounge, separate dining area (all meals on Cunard, breakfast on HAL), priority boarding, and so on. But I didn't feel that I was "classier" or "better" when I was in a suite than when I was in an inside cabin.

 

I am soooo tired of Cunard being pasted for having a "class system" when nearly every line has a version of it. Royal has roped off areas of deck chairs for suite passengers, and I think they get a special area or reserved seats at shows. Celebrity has a separate dining room for suites (I think). On HAL or Cunard, if I go to a show or sit on deck or go to a bar, I have no idea who's in an inside and who's in a suite. I don't care and the suite passengers don't boast about it. (Suite pax may not boast about their amenities on Royal or Celeb, but I don't cruise with them so I can't comment.)

 

From what I've read here, Oceania is very proud of its egalitarianism. But it's all very expensive, so it's like a ship full of people sailing in Neptune and Pinnacle suites. Yes, they're all treated equally, just like all suite pax on Royal get equal access to their roped-off deck chairs or Grills pax on Cunard get their equal access to the Grills Lounge.

 

Bell Boy, your food choices (rack of lamb and duck) make me want to book a Grill cabin next time on QM2!!

[3rdGenCunarder]

I actually think we're going to see more and more amenities attached to higher category cabins. There's really only so much a cruise line can do to a cabin. Only so much marble or interior decorating or wood/faux wood paneling or whatever. So what can they do to make or at least create impression that higher level cabins are worth the extra cost? Amenities.

 

I agree! We've got a Neptune Suite on our winter Caribbean cruise. I book it to get that corner balcony. The large cabin is nice, but I don't need anything larger. I can't think of anything more that I want in the cabin itself, except maybe a better TV, and that's coming with the refits. So if HAL wants to give me more bang for the big bucks, it's going to have to come in the form of amenities and perks.

[Flatbush Flyer]

Bravo! I've sailed in everything from an inside upper/lower (HAL and Cunard) when we were first cruising to suite-level accommodations (Princess Grill on Cunard, Neptune suite on HAL), and not seen class snobbishness from either side. The suites cost a lot more than the insides. But I get more amenities. Bigger cabin, obviously--the walk-in closet in our PG cabin on Cunard was larger than my first inside cabin on Cunard! In addition, there's a special lounge, separate dining area (all meals on Cunard, breakfast on HAL), priority boarding, and so on. But I didn't feel that I was "classier" or "better" when I was in a suite than when I was in an inside cabin.

 

I am soooo tired of Cunard being pasted for having a "class system" when nearly every line has a version of it. Royal has roped off areas of deck chairs for suite passengers, and I think they get a special area or reserved seats at shows. Celebrity has a separate dining room for suites (I think). On HAL or Cunard, if I go to a show or sit on deck or go to a bar, I have no idea who's in an inside and who's in a suite. I don't care and the suite passengers don't boast about it. (Suite pax may not boast about their amenities on Royal or Celeb, but I don't cruise with them so I can't comment.)

 

From what I've read here, Oceania is very proud of its egalitarianism. But it's all very expensive, so it's like a ship full of people sailing in Neptune and Pinnacle suites. Yes, they're all treated equally, just like all suite pax on Royal get equal access to their roped-off deck chairs or Grills pax on Cunard get their equal access to the Grills Lounge.

 

Bell Boy, your food choices (rack of lamb and duck) make me want to book a Grill cabin next time on QM2!!

 

 

Again: do the comparative math on bottom line "net daily cost" including the value of O's airfare (or credit) and all else that one pays extra for on HAL. Then figure in O's restrictive smoking policy, far better food, favorable TA commissions (which translate to significant OBC), etc.

There's just no contest there. O has far more "bang for the buck," particularly if you are a non-smoking, food loving "egalitarian."

[Typhoon1]

I believe ncl also does this. I seem to recall RCL starting this on the newer ships as well.

 

MSC is another with a separate dining room.

[sammiedawg]

Again: do the comparative math on bottom line "net daily cost" including the value of O's airfare (or credit) and all else that one pays extra for on HAL. Then figure in O's restrictive smoking policy, far better food, favorable TA commissions (which translate to significant OBC), etc.

There's just no contest there. O has far more "bang for the buck," particularly if you are a non-smoking, food loving "egalitarian."

 

We've become huge fans of O and feel we get a fantastic product. Yes it is more expensive but we love the food, service, ship condition and Overall ambience. Oh the food! I have become egalitarian on food and I'm proud of it.

The value of O air is not that great for us, we take the air credit. Depending on where you live it can be a great deal to use their air.

I've never booked a suite on Holland America. I scratch my head on the suite issue. No matter which room you eat breakfast in the food is all the same.

[Tom O.]

I booked on another cruise line. After reading cc boards I find out that the cabin I booked is only allowed to eat in the main dining room. The other two dining rooms are exclusively for the "higher" classes of cabins?

 

I don't remember HAL having a separate dining room for the upper suites. Did I miss something?

 

Now I feel like I am going to be traveling in steerage?

 

Does HAl have a separate dining room for Suite passengers only?

 

I would like to hear from the OP about what he/she would like. There seems to be some confusion among those posting replies (including myself) over what the OP desires. Is it better food or atmosphere? or both?

Which of the following 3 choices would suit you best?:

1. A special dining room for only suite passengers that would include a different, higher end menu.

or, 2. A special dining room for suite passengers that included the same menu as the main dining room.

or, 3. Suite passengers would eat in the main dining room but receive a special high end menus.

Of course none of these options are currently available. Perhaps a good way for HAL to give suite passengers a perk would be to include free dining at the Pinnacle Grill for every night of the cruise.

[sail7seas]

 

 

 

 

The last time I saw Paris, her heart was warm and gay, I heard the laughter of her heart in every street café. -- Oscar Hammerstein II

 

 

Your tribute to Paris is lovely. I'm happy I noticed it.

 

 

[david,Mississauga]

Having your own dining room is snobbish. That's the problem with the world today. People are afraid to socialize out of their class. The high price you pay for your cabin should be just that the cabin. When I travel on a cruise I expect the same level of dining service regardless of the cabin I book.

 

"Snobbish" oh, please. As I said in my earlier posting, there are many advantages to a "first class" private dining room. It has absolutely nothing to do with snobbishness. If the food, china, silver and having two sittings were the same as in "tourist" you might have a point.

 

When I pay for a higher level of service (full disclosure: some of my trips in Cunard's Princess and Queen's Grill have been a result of being favoured with an upgrade or a significant fare discount) I expect more than just a big room. Similarly, when I fly Business Class I expect and receive more than the pretzels that I get when flying Economy. The same applies to rail travel, especially on long-distance VIA Rail Canada and Amtrak trains.

 

I wonder if Five-star Mariners feel it is snobbish when, regardless of their accommodation, they take advantage of such perks as priority embarkation, disembarkation, tendering and two free dinners in the Pinnacle Grill? My Five-Star Mariner friends from Toronto say they don't feel it is snobbish at all; they have spent a lot in the past 30 years to reach that level and feel it is a just reward.

Edited November 16, 2015 by david,Mississauga
Typo

[sail7seas]

 

<snip>

 

I wonder if Five-star Mariners feel it is snobbish when, regardless of their accommodation, they take advantage of such perks as priority embarkation, disembarkation, tendering and two free dinners in the Pinnacle Grill? My Five-Star Mariner friends from Toronto say they don't feel it is snobbish at all; they have spent a lot in the past 30 years to reach that level and feel it is a just reward.

 

Exactly. Our loyalty and expenditure of a great many dollars have purchased those amenities.

 

Dollars spent on suites also purchase certain amenities.

 

IMO, the mistake HAL made some years ago is when they 'took' from suite some amenities and gave them to Star Mariners. Priority Embarkation, Priority Tendering, included laundry and other features became redundant. Suites guests are paying for those things yet if they are Four or Five Star they are getting them 'free'. :rolleyes:

 

Now when some people think HLAL should be providing more benefits to high level Mariners they don't know where to 'take' them from. Now they may actually have to spend some real money providing benefits if people demand them firmly enough and competition dictates.

 

JMO..... (unpopular as it may be. :o)

 

Edited November 16, 2015 by sail7seas

[igraf]

Count me in as one who feels that way.

 

Someone always brings up the example of first class seats in airplanes. The answer is of course that we have no choice because airline choose to have their airplanes built that way. I fly with the airlines to get to a destination, and not to enjoy the flight in the manner that I enjoy a cruise.

 

You want to pay extra for an extra large cabin? Fine, go ahead. But you are not superior to me in any way, and the rest of the ship and cruise experience for the most part is the same for all passengers on HAL. I will not be barred from nightclubs or eat inferior food just to make you feel better about yourself.

 

As others have pointed out, the Pinnacle breakfast is exactly the same as the MDR breakfast. Likewise, the Neptune Lounge is nothing to get excited about. Just a couple of carrots for those who paid so much more for the same cruise.

 

igraf

 

 

 

 

I am amazed at how many people feel this way. At the risk of sounding rude, I do wonder if people so offended by a so-called “class system” on a ship ever fly on an aeroplane, or ride a train or stay in a hotel that has a club floor with an exclusive lounge for those who pay for the privilege.

 

One would think that Cunard is the only cruise line that offers benefits to those in the larger accommodations. There are several lines that offer an exclusive lounge and deck space and a few that have or will soon have an exclusive restaurant. Sadly, HAL does not offer a restaurant for suite passengers but, as others have said, there is an exclusive venue for breakfast and the “open with key card” Neptune Lounge. Hmmm, this sounds a bit like a class system.

 

.....

Edited November 16, 2015 by igraf

[cruz chic]

Oh my. It never fails to amaze me the way a few posters stretch things to something unrecognizable. It's one of the things that I can't stand here anymore. I feel sorry when see such bitterness. I'd hate to go through life like that.

Edited November 16, 2015 by cruz chic

[3rdGenCunarder]

Count me in as one who feels that way.

 

Someone always brings up the example of first class seats in airplanes. The answer is of course that we have no choice because airline choose to have their airplanes built that way. I fly with the airlines to get to a destination, and not to enjoy the flight in the manner that I enjoy a cruise.

 

You want to pay extra for an extra large cabin? Fine, go ahead. But you are not superior to me in any way, and the rest of the ship and cruise experience for the most part is the same for all passengers on HAL. I will not be barred from nightclubs or eat inferior food just to make you feel better about yourself.

 

As others have pointed out, the Pinnacle breakfast is exactly the same as the MDR breakfast. Likewise, the Neptune Lounge is nothing to get excited about. Just a couple of carrots for those who paid so much more for the same cruise.

 

igraf

 

(bold is mine) When I book a suite, I do not think it makes me better than those who do not. I feel just as good about myself in an inside or OV as I do in a suite. I don't need HAL to bolster my self-image. If I book a suite it's for creature comforts that I enjoy, not for bragging rights.

 

I find it interesting that the comments on this thread about the snobbiness or psychological inadequacies of suite passengers come from people who say they don't book suites on HAL.