ROTTERDAM First Time Cruising - Penthouse Suite

[MortgageChick]

Okay, in 7 days I leave for my cruise on the Rotterdam. I am far from booked in a suite, however I have high expectations from this line based on the per diem charged,

Previous ships include Oceeanbreeze, ROC Voyager (to the Amazon) Legend(TA Crossing),NCL Sun(13 nights southern carib), Destiny, Paradise(10 night southern Carib)NCL Majesty to Bermuda. I will be on the Enchantment in September. Based on my previous cruise experience I am expecting a much higher standardfrom HAL. Quite frankly ,if that is not the case, I will likely stick to the so called "mainstream cruiselines"

We have chosen this cruise for the itinerary and the the dates available. It is easy for us to get to and return from the ship. I will certainly report back on my overall experience when I return on July 5th. Just for the record, we have never sailed HAL before but seem to be considered Mariners already based on the Mariner luggage tags received and the lovely button sent to us which reads"Holland America Mariner"

For many years I read of the impeccable service and wonderful food served on this line. I am expecting this and should it not be so, I will be quite happy to return to the wonderful mega ships that do such a great job of giving us value for our cruising dollar.
( This cruise is costing me more for seven nights in an inside than 13 nights on the NCL Sun in a balcony)

Although we could afford to sail on Crystal or Silverseas once a year, we prefer to sail more frequently and therefore look for value priced itinerarys on newer ships.

I am hopeful that I will not be dissapointed by HAL. I will let you know upon my return

 

[ShipMaven]

I hope you'll enjoy your cruise!

You received the Mariner tags and button because you've sailed on Carnival. 'Past Passenger' status is exchanged among those who've cruised on Carnival, HAL, Costa, Seabourn, Cunard and Windstar. It's expected that Princess will be added to the mix next year.

 

[MortgageChick]

Thanks Mary Ann.

 

[peaches]

I really don't like past passenger status being reciprocal between the various lines owned by Carnival Corp. The cruiselines still have separate identities. Someone who sailed on Carnival should not be a Mariner, nor should I as a HAL passenger have pins or medallions saying I sailed on Seabourn. Sailing on the Pride shouldn't bring the same past passenger recognition as sailing on the QE2.

 

[ShipMaven]

Peaches - it only gives you recognition in pricing. The number of days you've sailed on any of the lines is not reciprocal with the other lines.