Have it All now Excluded from Honor Bar in Neptune Lounge

[POA1]

But really.... Deep down inside... Don't you want to know who is was who RUINED it for everyone else?

[Laminator]

2 hours ago, Florida_gal_50 said:

Is the casino division also picking up the fare of those who never step foot in a casino as well?   That seems to be conveniently glossed over here.

I have no clue who is picking up the fare for those who never step foot in the casino and I honestly don't care who picks up their fare. I just look at it as good for those who have good fortune. Doesn't affect my cruise one iota. Did they play bingo? Did they buy a scratch off card? Did they sign up to win  a free cruise while on the ship? Who knows.

Edited June 15, 2023 by Laminator

[kazu]

1 minute ago, Laminator said:

I have no clue who is picking up the fare for those who never step foot in the casino and I honestly don't care who picks up their fare. I just look at it as good for those who have good fortune. Doesn't affect my cruise one iota. Did they play bingo? Did they buy a scratch off card? Did they sign up to win  a free cruise while on the ship? Who knows?

 

Good points on bingo, etc.  Bingo is run by the casino so if you play (and it can be pricey if you do the full meal deal), it does count towards casino expenditure as do the scratch off cards.

[Mary229]

2 hours ago, mtncruzr2 said:

Recently on the NA. There were forms at the beverage area in the Neptune Lounge.  The form is a list of each beverage and the price. You print your name and cabin number, check off the item you take and leave the form.  If the price is more than the HIA allowance the overage is automatically charged to your stateroom account. 

I truly believe this is a matter of creating a consistency.  I have seen various variances in HIA policies from ship to ship.  Other examples are being able to order two beverages at a time and the up charge issue for beverages over $11 threshold

[Laminator]

4 minutes ago, kazu said:

 

Good points on bingo, etc.  Bingo is run by the casino so if you play (and it can be pricey if you do the full meal deal), it does count towards casino expenditure as do the scratch off cards.

I've stood in line a few times waiting to cash in chips while a pax is filling out their info on the back of a $5 scratch off ticket winner. 

Edited June 15, 2023 by Laminator

[81Zoomie]

HAL seems to struggle with the suite class concept.  It seems a bit odd that Neptune Suites are forced to pay up for perks at their price point. The free specialty coffee in the Neptune lounge probably costs more than a shot of liquor. We have always found the Neptune “lounge” lacks atmosphere and is a decade+ behind the current service trends. Holland could learn a bit from the suite lounges and perks on Celebrity, MSC, RCI, NCL, etc.  We love the Neptune cabin layouts, but struggle with the value, especially when not on a Pinnacle class ship.

Edited June 15, 2023 by 81Zoomie

[Sea42]

We were in our first Neptune suite recently due to an upsell. With the exception of the wonderful aft wrap around balcony I didn't see the value in a Neptune vs. a Signature suite. Free laundry was nice but it is much cheaper to get a S.S and pay for the unlimited laundry. The lounge held no appeal, we can get snacks in so many places with a much better selection.

Signature suites remain our favorites but would go for an upsell for an aft Neptune!

[JeffElizabeth]

Holland is doing a great job discouraging people from paying the extra money for a Neptune suite. The suites are much smaller on the new bigger ships, and "suite life" isn't as good as it once was. 

 

[cruisemom42]

1 hour ago, 81Zoomie said:

HAL seems to struggle with the suite class concept.  It seems a bit odd that Neptune Suites are forced to pay up for perks at their price point. The free specialty coffee in the Neptune lounge probably costs more than a shot of liquor. We have always found the Neptune “lounge” lacks atmosphere and is a decade+ behind the current service trends. Holland could learn a bit from the suite lounges and perks on Celebrity, MSC, RCI, NCL, etc.  We love the Neptune cabin layouts, but struggle with the value, especially when not on a Pinnacle class ship.

 

I've always thought that the reason suites were expensive is because you are paying for so much more space. Real estate is expensive and in demand on a ship, where it is in limited supply. 

 

To test my assumption, I just had a look at some standard HAL itineraries in Alaska this summer. For the Westerdam (and presumably her 3 sister ships), the minimum Inside cabin is running about $5.6 dollars per square foot. For a Neptune suite, the cost is $5.7 per square foot. Not much of a difference....  The ratio is slightly worse on the Nieuw Amsterdam, but partially because insides are smaller.  

 

I don't understand why someone in a suite should feel "entitled" to more than this. When you buy a large house in a community versus a smaller one, it doesn't come with a special community club available only to those in the top 10% square footage.  

 

Let Celebrity (and others) chase the suite dollars. Have you noticed how much more Celebrity suites are going for??  Do you want to pay that much on HAL?

 

19 minutes ago, Sea42 said:

We were in our first Neptune suite recently due to an upsell. With the exception of the wonderful aft wrap around balcony I didn't see the value in a Neptune vs. a Signature suite. Free laundry was nice but it is much cheaper to get a S.S and pay for the unlimited laundry. The lounge held no appeal, we can get snacks in so many places with a much better selection.

Signature suites remain our favorites but would go for an upsell for an aft Neptune!

 

In the same vein, a Neptune (at least on the ships I looked at) seems to be nearly twice the size of the Signature suite. 

 

It's all about the space. Perhaps not perceived as valuable by all, but there IS a basis for the cost.

 

17 minutes ago, JeffElizabeth said:

Holland is doing a great job discouraging people from paying the extra money for a Neptune suite. The suites are much smaller on the new bigger ships, and "suite life" isn't as good as it once was. 

 

 

The sizes of suites seem to vary widely. Some of them are about the same size across ships. Some categories are smaller. 

 

What was previously part of "suite life" that is no longer offered?

 

[bennybear]

16 hours ago, cbr663 said:

On our cruise in May the "bar" in the Neptune Lounge was little more than some bottles of liquor and wine placed in coolers with those terrible sliding doors.  The honour sheet was clearly placed near the Concierge desk.  My thoughts only - I found the whole set up quite tacky and not at all what I would expect for a suite experience.

 

We only grabbed a couple of sodas from the NL.  Those were only on display once and the second time we wanted one we had to request it.  We weren't charged for it and we had HIA.

 

Personally, I think HAL should consider ending this practice and bring in a complimentary cocktail hour for NS and above guests.  It should be a private event held at one the bars with hot and cold appetizers.  While not particularly important to us, I think having officers attending and socializing would elevate the experience for many.

 

When we had a Neptune suite we were invited to a special cocktail even with officers in the Tamarind lounge.  It was lovely,  I’m sad that sounds like it is no longer. 
 

I loved the space and the huge balcony on an aft wrap.  Nothing quite like having a beautiful dinner out there sailing between the Greek islands.   But alas,  a signature suite or balcony is my usual go to. 

[Roz]

2 hours ago, Laminator said:

I have no clue who is picking up the fare for those who never step foot in the casino and I honestly don't care who picks up their fare. I just look at it as good for those who have good fortune. Doesn't affect my cruise one iota. Did they play bingo? Did they buy a scratch off card? Did they sign up to win  a free cruise while on the ship? Who knows.

 

2 hours ago, kazu said:

 

Good points on bingo, etc.  Bingo is run by the casino so if you play (and it can be pricey if you do the full meal deal), it does count towards casino expenditure as do the scratch off cards.

 

I've played bingo (a lot!) on every HAL cruise I've taken and have yet to be comped a room.  My sister plays bingo and goes to the casino.  Nada.  

 

On my last post cruise survey I told HAL I was done playing bingo.  The players who win are the ones who play with the machines.  Those of us who buy the paper cards and play the old fashioned way don't stand a chance.  

[AncientWanderer]

1 hour ago, JeffElizabeth said:

Holland is doing a great job discouraging people from paying the extra money for a Neptune suite. The suites are much smaller on the new bigger ships, and "suite life" isn't as good as it once was. 

 

 

Remember that suite guests do get the Club Orange dining room for dinner on the new ships.  That's a cool new amenity.

 

[kazu]

1 hour ago, cruisemom42 said:

What was previously part of "suite life" that is no longer offered?

 

 

There was always a reception for the Neptune Suite passengers with officers.  On the Prinsendam it was in the Captain’s Day room with wonderful hors d’hoevre.

 

 There was a suite luncheon (usually in the Pinnacle Grill).  There were often VIP parties with officers and Neptune Suites were included in those.

 

Things like a bridge tour, ship’s tour, etc would be offered on certain ships and there was priority given to Neptune Suites in choosing their tables in the MDR pre-cruise.

 

I’m sure there were more but it’s those are what hit me first. 

 

 

30 minutes ago, Roz said:

 

 

I've played bingo (a lot!) on every HAL cruise I've taken and have yet to be comped a room.  My sister plays bingo and goes to the casino.  Nada.  

 

I think the casino offers work like the upsell and upgrade fairy.  No one knows how they work.  I suspect they throw darts LOL.

 

30 minutes ago, Roz said:

On my last post cruise survey I told HAL I was done playing bingo.  The players who win are the ones who play with the machines.  Those of us who buy the paper cards and play the old fashioned way don't stand a chance.  

 

I did see a person win on our Koningsdam cruise with the paper card.  But, yes, the odds are much better for anyone that buys the full package as they have so many more cards with the machine.

[OlsSalt]

3 hours ago, Mary229 said:

I truly believe this is a matter of creating a consistency.  I have seen various variances in HIA policies from ship to ship.  Other examples are being able to order two beverages at a time and the up charge issue for beverages over $11 threshold

 

Maybe the policy is responsive to onboard conditions. Let's say the remaining volume of the liquor bottles does not materially reflect the number of "honor" tickets signed. So staff has  the flexibility to institute a more restrictive policy. Bell curve stuff,  when dealing with "honor" systems.

[cruisemom42]

25 minutes ago, kazu said:

There was always a reception for the Neptune Suite passengers with officers.  On the Prinsendam it was in the Captain’s Day room with wonderful hors d’hoevre.

 

 There was a suite luncheon (usually in the Pinnacle Grill).  There were often VIP parties with officers and Neptune Suites were included in those.

 

Things like a bridge tour, ship’s tour, etc would be offered on certain ships and there was priority given to Neptune Suites in choosing their tables in the MDR pre-cruise.

 

I’m sure there were more but it’s those are what hit me first. 

 

These things almost all come down to officer involvement and are very little cost to HAL. But HAL -- unlike most other lines -- has taken a very stand-offish position with regard to officers socializing with passengers -- whether those are suite passengers or the hoi polloi. 

 

It also sounds like some of the things you list weren't necessarily universal across HAL but may have been ship-specific.

 

At any rate, I think today's suite consumers are looking for more material "perks" -- like their own private dining room, deck spaces, and more.

[bennybear]

Maybe I’m the exception,  but I enjoy eating with others and not being segregated.  I really didn’t like the atmosphere of class on Cunard and their MDR was definitely lacking.  
although I did like the Pinnacle Grill for breakfast. 

Edited June 15, 2023 by bennybear

[AncientWanderer]

15 minutes ago, cruisemom42 said:

 

These things almost all come down to officer involvement and are very little cost to HAL. But HAL -- unlike most other lines -- has taken a very stand-offish position with regard to officers socializing with passengers -- whether those are suite passengers or the hoi polloi. 

 

It also sounds like some of the things you list weren't necessarily universal across HAL but may have been ship-specific.

 

At any rate, I think today's suite consumers are looking for more material "perks" -- like their own private dining room, deck spaces, and more.

 

Do officers still mingle with guests on other cruise lines?  I thought access to the bridge and officer mingling went the way of the dodo because of Covid.  

[keysey222]

This feels petty. I don't really mind going to another deck, purchasing beverages at the bar (for me and the husband) and bringing them back to my room. We have a young child, so sitting at bars isn't something we do right now. For what suite guests pay, I don't see what is so hard about offering alcoholic beverages to HIA guests in the Neptune Lounge. It'd be a welcome perk for those in rooms near the lounge. We usually buy the HIA package and it would be convenient for us to just walk a few rooms down to the Neptune Lounge to get drinks instead. 

[Hlitner]

52 minutes ago, AncientWanderer said:

 

Do officers still mingle with guests on other cruise lines?  I thought access to the bridge and officer mingling went the way of the dodo because of Covid.  

Not so much on mass market lines, although there is some socialization on Celebrity.  But on Seabourn, it is a way of life with lots of daily interaction including routine "hosted tables" in the Restaurant where passengers, who make the request, can dine with senior officers and staff.  On one of our Seabourn cruises over the course of a few weeks we dined with the Captain (along with only 1 other couple), Staff Captain, Chief Engineer, Several entertainers, Assistant Hotel Manager (who was also an accomplished opera singer), and a couple of other officers.  Seabourn, as a matter of course, encourages its staff to dine with passengers at least twice a week.    On that line it was also common to have senior officers/staff mingle with passengers in the lounges (especially pre-dinner).  They also have a "block party" (it was stopped for a while due to Covid) where the passengers have a pre-dinner get-together in the corridor (outside their suites) with all the Senior Officers and staff making the rounds.

 

In fact, on our last Seabourn cruise a fellow passenger celebrated her 80th birthday and decided to host her own party.  They loaned her a large conference room, brought in plenty of snacks, drinks, a bar tender, and the party was visited by many senior officers including the Captain.  This is what we have come to expect on that line.

 

Hank

[Mary229]

2 hours ago, Roz said:

 

 

I've played bingo (a lot!) on every HAL cruise I've taken and have yet to be comped a room.  My sister plays bingo and goes to the casino.  Nada.  

 

On my last post cruise survey I told HAL I was done playing bingo.  The players who win are the ones who play with the machines.  Those of us who buy the paper cards and play the old fashioned way don't stand a chance.  

For years I watched as my DH received free offers and I had to pass as he only goes on select cruises, no joy rides for him.  Just this week I actually received an offer. I barely spend a lot , $200 total on my last 35 day cruise.  Maybe they are loosening the offers. 

[Florida_gal_50]

18 minutes ago, Mary229 said:

For years I watched as my DH received free offers and I had to pass as he only goes on select cruises, no joy rides for him.  Just this week I actually received an offer. I barely spend a lot , $200 total on my last 35 day cruise.  Maybe they are loosening the offers. 

That can't be true.  You have to spend thousands and thousands ;). 

[Linaeve]

19 hours ago, Florida_gal_50 said:

What?  Someone is getting a $10000 cruise for just port tax.  Please explain to me how hal is making money on that.  I can hardly wait but I’m guessing I’ll be hearing crickets.

 

Ok, so I read through the thread you linked to and I don't see anyone saying they got a $10k cruise for just port taxes. It appears the offers are for inside cabins, people MIGHT be able to call and pay for an upgrade to another room and they have to then pay for that amount. Additionally, it seems this is largely happening with very specific cruises and likely is due to the type of cruise such as respositioning and they aren't hitting capacity. They will lose money on empty rooms. While they may have to feed the individuals who reserve a room HAL is likely betting on those getting a free cruise will end up spending money in the casino, specialty restaurants, experiences, photos, gift shop, etc. That is where they are making their money. The ship is going the route and paying the fees whether the rooms are filled or not. 

This is how the hospitality industry works. Just like if you have an inside cabin and manage to get a free upgrade. No one else is paying for that, it's being offered because it's available, then they might offer that lower grade room to someone else for free to fill the space. Hotels do the same thing which is why you sometimes can get a free or discounted upgrade to a suite because they didn't fill the rooms. Or even flying, when there are open seats in First class and you can upgrade for $50 instead of paying the much higher amount up front. Are you upset at people who get those perks as well?

I find it very very very unlikely that anyone (and if so, very very very very few people) are offered a cruise for free that is valued at $10k. I would be hard pressed to think any free cruises core value is more than $5k at most. Perhaps I'm wrong, but I would be absolutely shocked (unless there would be another reason like a high star or high casino usage, but certainly not for nothing). If I'm wrong, ok, but I would have to see it to believe it. 

[cruisemom42]

2 hours ago, AncientWanderer said:

 

Do officers still mingle with guests on other cruise lines?  I thought access to the bridge and officer mingling went the way of the dodo because of Covid.  

 

I can only compare HAL and Celebrity as to post-Covid cruises and yes, Celebrity still has officers hosting dinners (no real "Captain's table" any more but officers will host guests for a dinner in a specialty restaurants several times per cruise) and attending special receptions for past-passengers. In addition, they are always very visible around the ship and very quick to engage with guests.

 

[dfrohman]

I can't confirm it but it was posted on another forum that HAL has just rescinded that policy and the honor drinks in the NL are once again included in the drink package. 

[REOVA]

5 hours ago, cruisemom42 said:

 

I've always thought that the reason suites were expensive is because you are paying for so much more space. Real estate is expensive and in demand on a ship, where it is in limited supply. 

 

To test my assumption, I just had a look at some standard HAL itineraries in Alaska this summer. For the Westerdam (and presumably her 3 sister ships), the minimum Inside cabin is running about $5.6 dollars per square foot. For a Neptune suite, the cost is $5.7 per square foot. Not much of a difference....  The ratio is slightly worse on the Nieuw Amsterdam, but partially because insides are smaller.  

 

I don't understand why someone in a suite should feel "entitled" to more than this. When you buy a large house in a community versus a smaller one, it doesn't come with a special community club available only to those in the top 10% square footage.  

 

Let Celebrity (and others) chase the suite dollars. Have you noticed how much more Celebrity suites are going for??  Do you want to pay that much on HAL?

 

 

 

Nope. We priced a suite on MSC in February and a Neptune Suite on Nieuw Statendam with a similar itinerary and number of days. MSC was 2/3s the cost of a Neptune and their suite experience blows HAL out of the water. Neptune suites are larger but what MSC offers their suite guests cannot be matched by HAL. We found Neptune is no longer worth it for us (except on Grand Voyages where 5*Mariner means little 😉).