The SS category does not have access to the Neptune lounge, which is available to the SA, SB and SC level only.
If it doesn't kill your budget, I strongly recommend spending the extra for the higher categories... the Neptune lounge and the other additional perks of those levels are well worth the price.
If it doesn't kill your budget, I strongly recommend spending the extra for the higher categories... the Neptune lounge and the other additional perks of those levels are well worth the price.
I totally agree!
Posts: 665 | Location: The Southwest | Registered: May 08, 2006
I was in a suite for my first HAL cruise Nov 2005 on the beautiful Zuiderdam. We appreciated use of the help desk in the Neptune Lounge. There were two wonderful ladies that worked the desk. We had access to free sea sickness pills, change travels cheques, check our on board account and pay on to it, make inquiries about shore excursions, etc. Otherwise, you would have to line up at the main desk on board. Coffee, juice and snacks are always available, plus an excellent assortment of pastries and cereal for breakfast, pre dinner appetizers and there is a large TV and Newspapers. You also get priority boarding. Nice to be first on board. The only bad thing I can say is that the room was cold. You use an access card to enter the room. The Superior Veranda Suite we had was roomy (we were 3 adults). There was a bottle of champagne from the Captain, flowers and a bowl of fruit. A nice way to be welcomed and feel special. BUT the very best thing about having a suite is the size of the balcony. It is as wide as the room and much deeper than the regular outside balconies. So, if I had the money I would again book a Superior Veranda Suite because of the size of the room and balcony. It will make you feel like a King/Queen.
Manual Ticker: Eurodam October 2008. Can't wait to sail on a new ship.
Have to echo Hooked-on-HAL's comments... Once you've tasted the full "suite life" of a HAL Superior Verandah Suite and the Neptune lounge, you're spoiled forever. Celebrity Concierge Class costs almost as much and doesn't offer anything near the amenities!!
I just came off the Oosterdam from the 10/21-10/28 Mexican cruise. Sailed in category SC and other than the larger room and verandah felt it really offered nothing worthwhile.
Yes, the Neptune was nice but only had coffee and snacks. The concierge was helpful but powerless to fix problems. We had a separate line getting on but disembarking were in the last group and even with HAL transfers we were dropped at the airport 25 min before plane time.
Unless you feel like you'll hang out in the Neptune, the next lower categories are a better value, IMHO. They aren't that much smaller.
