Opinions on Pinnacle Suites, worth it? Would you book again?

[atexsix]

We're looking at suites for Alaska next spring (2024), a trip we've done countless times, but now that we'll be traveling with a wheelchair, we really need the largest stateroom we can find.  If you've sailed at this level, sell me on it.  What was it about the experience that you'd like to repeat if given the chance?

 

Edit: spelling

 

 

 

Edited January 16, 2023 by atexsix

[mrspeck]

When we started sailing (for our honeymoon) in 2009 our first cruise experience was in the Pinnacle suite aboard the Eurodam.  Bad idea!  It was an amazing experience and made traveling in lesser cabins less special.  We are now 4* with HAL and have enjoyed the Pinnacle suite on three more journeys to Alaska (all on Vista class ships).

 

The first and main plus is the real estate that you get.  The space is a huge luxury.  We thoroughly enjoy spending time in our cabin and on our balcony, so it isn’t just a place to lay our head at night…especially when in Alaska where you want to be watching from outside or out a window a good portion of time.  Glacier Bay days in a Pinnacle suite are great!…and the high quality binoculars on a tripod are a great addition.  I’ve also spent many cool/cold nights warming up in the jacuzzi tub on the balcony.  (It is not a a hot tub…it is jetted but only heated by the water placed in it.)

 

There aren’t a lot of extra perks above those that one receives in a Neptune suite outside of free non alcoholic beverages from the fridge in the butlers pantry, and a personal escort from the terminal to your suite. (Most times anyway…oftentimes the first persons allowed to board.). 
A fun perk is having the space to host coarse by coarse service in your own private dining room.  (You need to plan that with your concierge a day or two prior).  It also just seems that everyone gives you just a bit more care and attention.  As I understand it, a good portion of the staff knows the names and faces of the pinnacle guests before they board.  I believe that to be true because it is not uncommon to be welcomed by name  when running across staff for the first time, not just when using your card where they can see your name.

 

If looking at a vista class sailing, the Zuiderdam Pinnacle suite is the only one that I know of that has been remodeled to more current looks and finishes (except the powder room which kept the gold sink and such).  We were in it in September in Alaska and really liked the more modern decor.  One negative from prior voyages, is that the exterior speakers have been removed from the balcony so you can not play the naturalists and park ranger’s talks on your balcony like you could in the past.

 

If spending the extra isn’t an issue, you won’t regret giving it a try!!!

[Torquer]

We have been fortunate to be able to stay in the Pinnacle Suite on almost all our HAL cruises.  Our very first cruise, many years ago, was to Alaska and we got a very good deal on the Pinnacle Suite and ever since then we always book that.

 

The thing we like most about the Pinnacle Suite, and really the main reason we book it, is the hot tub on the balcony.  It is fantastic to come back from a tiring port adventure, hang out by or in the hot tub, sip a drink, and watch the sail-away.  Unfortunately very few cruise lines offer this (Oceania and Celebrity have it on some ships), so this really limits us to the cruise lines we consider traveling on.  Now depending on the weather in Alaska, it may be too cold to want to use the hot tub.  However, even on northern cruises, we still use it most days.  Another great thing when there is narrated scenic cruising is you can play the audio on your balcony so you won't miss anything interesting.

 

The other think about the Pinnacle Suite is the service.  The concierges and dining room managers go out of their way to make you feel special.  The personal escort at embarkation is also pretty cool.  In pre-covid days, there used to be a free behind the scenes ship tour that was always a highlight of the cruise for us; however, they have not been doing it post-covid, but hopefully it will return soon.  There are some other perks such as free non-alcoholic drinks from the mini-bar.

 

So I would highly recommend the experience, but make sure you are willing to pay for this expensive suite on your future cruises, since you will not want to go back.

[Sea42]

Are the Pinnacle suites handicap accessible?

[atexsix]

1 hour ago, mrspeck said:

When we started sailing (for our honeymoon) in 2009 our first cruise experience was in the Pinnacle suite aboard the Eurodam.  Bad idea!  It was an amazing experience and made traveling in lesser cabins less special.  We are now 4* with HAL and have enjoyed the Pinnacle suite on three more journeys to Alaska (all on Vista class ships).

 

The first and main plus is the real estate that you get.  The space is a huge luxury.  We thoroughly enjoy spending time in our cabin and on our balcony, so it isn’t just a place to lay our head at night…especially when in Alaska where you want to be watching from outside or out a window a good portion of time.  Glacier Bay days in a Pinnacle suite are great!…and the high quality binoculars on a tripod are a great addition.  I’ve also spent many cool/cold nights warming up in the jacuzzi tub on the balcony.  (It is not a a hot tub…it is jetted but only heated by the water placed in it.)

 

There aren’t a lot of extra perks above those that one receives in a Neptune suite outside of free non alcoholic beverages from the fridge in the butlers pantry, and a personal escort from the terminal to your suite. (Most times anyway…oftentimes the first persons allowed to board.). 
A fun perk is having the space to host coarse by coarse service in your own private dining room.  (You need to plan that with your concierge a day or two prior).  It also just seems that everyone gives you just a bit more care and attention.  As I understand it, a good portion of the staff knows the names and faces of the pinnacle guests before they board.  I believe that to be true because it is not uncommon to be welcomed by name  when running across staff for the first time, not just when using your card where they can see your name.

 

If looking at a vista class sailing, the Zuiderdam Pinnacle suite is the only one that I know of that has been remodeled to more current looks and finishes (except the powder room which kept the gold sink and such).  We were in it in September in Alaska and really liked the more modern decor.  One negative from prior voyages, is that the exterior speakers have been removed from the balcony so you can not play the naturalists and park ranger’s talks on your balcony like you could in the past.

 

If spending the extra isn’t an issue, you won’t regret giving it a try!!!

 

56 minutes ago, Torquer said:

We have been fortunate to be able to stay in the Pinnacle Suite on almost all our HAL cruises.  Our very first cruise, many years ago, was to Alaska and we got a very good deal on the Pinnacle Suite and ever since then we always book that.

 

The thing we like most about the Pinnacle Suite, and really the main reason we book it, is the hot tub on the balcony.  It is fantastic to come back from a tiring port adventure, hang out by or in the hot tub, sip a drink, and watch the sail-away.  Unfortunately very few cruise lines offer this (Oceania and Celebrity have it on some ships), so this really limits us to the cruise lines we consider traveling on.  Now depending on the weather in Alaska, it may be too cold to want to use the hot tub.  However, even on northern cruises, we still use it most days.  Another great thing when there is narrated scenic cruising is you can play the audio on your balcony so you won't miss anything interesting.

 

The other think about the Pinnacle Suite is the service.  The concierges and dining room managers go out of their way to make you feel special.  The personal escort at embarkation is also pretty cool.  In pre-covid days, there used to be a free behind the scenes ship tour that was always a highlight of the cruise for us; however, they have not been doing it post-covid, but hopefully it will return soon.  There are some other perks such as free non-alcoholic drinks from the mini-bar.

 

So I would highly recommend the experience, but make sure you are willing to pay for this expensive suite on your future cruises, since you will not want to go back.

 

Thanks to both of you for the fresh take on the Pinnacles, there are many articles online, but it's extra special to hear about it from our HAL family.  Due to disabilities we spend probably a lot more time in our rooms than most, especially in recent years, our last sailing on Princess was lovely, we had one of the largest balconies on the ship, but the room itself was awful, it felt like it was closing in on us.  

 

We have done research on the suites with every line that suits our itinerary and we keep coming back to the Pinnacles.  

[atexsix]

3 minutes ago, Sea42 said:

Are the Pinnacle suites handicap accessible?

Not that I know of, but we can manage it because, well without going into details, Dear Dad does not require access to the bathroom, the only issue is entering and leaving the stateroom and that can be done with a simple transfer chair.  

[mrspeck]

We have cruised with parents/in-laws that were in wheel chairs or scooters.  The pinnacles provided the required space.  You will not be disappointed in that realm.

[atexsix]

10 minutes ago, mrspeck said:

We have cruised with parents/in-laws that were in wheel chairs or scooters.  The pinnacles provided the required space.  You will not be disappointed in that realm.

Thanks.

 

I have a courtesy hold and I'll probably put down a deposit, they seem to go fast, nothing was available for the sailings we were looking at for fall of this year, so we're down for spring of next year.  

[atexsix]

I do remember the last time I was in a Neptune, the Lounge attendant greeted me by name from day one, and we had never been introduced, I'm assuming they have access to some type of computer program listing the names and photos of all suite guests. 

[Torquer]

@atexsixA couple more points on accessibility in the Pinnacle Suites which may or not be applicable to your situation...

• You didn't mention which ship, but the non-Pinnacle class ships have a queen size bed that pulls out of the wall in the living room.  It is fairly low which might actually be a good thing for someone with mobility issues.  My sons tell us it is also quite comfortable.  On the other hand the king size bed in the bedroom is quite high, which could be an issue.  On Pinnacle class ships, the bed in the living room is a pull-out sofa and not really very comfortable.
• The Pinnacle class ships have a very large shower that should be easy to get in and out of.  On the other hand, the non-Pinnacle class ships have a ridiculously small (for the size of the bathroom) shower.
• There is quite a high step over to get out to the balcony.  I don't know how that compares to other staterooms, but it might present an issue.  But once out on the balcony, it is very spacious and has a large table for four that should easily accommodate a wheelchair.

 

Good luck, and it is great you are helping your dad travel.  I only wish we had discovered cruising when my parents were still alive and could have taken them on wonderful trips.

[atexsix]

7 minutes ago, Torquer said:

@atexsixA couple more points on accessibility in the Pinnacle Suites which may or not be applicable to your situation...

• You didn't mention which ship, but the non-Pinnacle class ships have a queen size bed that pulls out of the wall in the living room.  It is fairly low which might actually be a good thing for someone with mobility issues.  My sons tell us it is also quite comfortable.  On the other hand the king size bed in the bedroom is quite high, which could be an issue.  On Pinnacle class ships, the bed in the living room is a pull-out sofa and not really very comfortable.
• The Pinnacle class ships have a very large shower that should be easy to get in and out of.  On the other hand, the non-Pinnacle class ships have a ridiculously small (for the size of the bathroom) shower.
• There is quite a high step over to get out to the balcony.  I don't know how that compares to other staterooms, but it might present an issue.  But once out on the balcony, it is very spacious and has a large table for four that should easily accommodate a wheelchair.

 

Good luck, and it is great you are helping your dad travel.  I only wish we had discovered cruising when my parents were still alive and could have taken them on wonderful trips.

It would be on the Eurodam, a ship that we're very familiar with, albeit not in a PS.  We have a portable lift for bed issues and getting him in/out of the room since the wheelchair won't fit through the door.  We did this on our last sailing and it was fine.  My Dad won't be accessing the bathrooms, he has a catheter.  The verandah, I doubt he'll go out there, we've both been to Alaska many times and the trip is more about getting us out of the house than anything.  We'll be taking a lot of our meals in our room, so the dining room is very important in terms of space, as opposed to being pampered.  If there's no alternative to Lincoln Center by then, well, he won't be out of the room much, although we love the Crow's Nest (we miss the old design) and the Ocean Bar, for hanging out during the day and Happy Hour....if only the ship brought back the free puzzles.  I know it doesn't seem like much, but they were mistaken if they thought it was insignificant, because myself along with several others would be down there waiting for them at 6 in the morning. 

 

Speaking of our last cruise, I met a couple of blind people, fairly young, and I was amazed at how they didn't let their disability stop them from enjoying travel.  The Princess staff were excellent, the moment they entered the Lido they'd come over to the table and ask them what they'd like.  Holding a plate and a cane would have been tuff, although I would have done it if the steward hadn't offered.  

[kdakda]

6 minutes ago, atexsix said:

........if only the ship brought back the free puzzles.  I know it doesn't seem like much, but they were mistaken if they thought it was insignificant, because myself along with several others would be down there waiting for them at 6 in the morning. 

There were crossword puzzles and Sudoku on the Rotterdam in November.   I, too, enjoy them.

[atexsix]

51 minutes ago, kdakda said:

There were crossword puzzles and Sudoku on the Rotterdam in November.   I, too, enjoy them.

They must have brought them back then.  I thought it was a dumb decision if they are moving in the direction of "enrichment"....people that would take a cruise for that reason are the same people that sit up late doing crossword puzzles. 

[Cruzin Terri]

Bruno,

We have sailed in the Pinnacle Suite for the exact reason you want to.  We used to sail with my disabled brother-in-law (now deceased) and in his later years needed a wheelchair.  We found that even a Neptune Suite was not sufficient for our needs.  The PS with the Murphy Bed and the extra half bath, plus the extra space worked beautifully and we were very comfortable.

The added fact that we could have meals on a dining room table rather than go to the MDR was an added benefit.

I think you are making the right decision if you really want to take your Dad on another cruise.  It will be the most comfortable situation for both of you.

Terri