courtyard privileges

[mttwinmom]

I have a question about the courtyard. I've booked an owners suite next Sept. and have family members looking to book also. They aren't in a position to pay the for an owners suite but still hoping to get something with courtyard privileges. What suites on the Epic will get you this. I've called twice and got two different answers. It would be just a couple. Thanks a lot

[time2cruise1]

All suites on the Epic get courtyard privileges. Keep in mind there are only a handfull of AC and SA suites outside the courtyard.

[njhorseman]

All suites on the Epic get courtyard privileges. Keep in mind there are only a handfull of AC and SA suites outside the courtyard.


I wish I could be as confident as you that the Spa suites have courtyard access, since neither the brochure nor NCL's Web site says so and some people have apparently gotten advice to the contrary from NCL.

On the other hand, some people have gotten advice that they do have courtyard access.
:confused:

[time2cruise1]

I wish I could be as confident as you that the Spa suites have courtyard access, since neither the brochure nor NCL's Web site says so and some people have apparently gotten advice to the contrary from NCL.

On the other hand, some people have gotten advice that they do have courtyard access.
:confused:

One thing I have learned is you can get many answers to the same question from NCL. I will check with Crane later today to confirm but logic alone says the SA's have to have access. Concierge lounge is in the courtyard, VIP breakfast and lunch for suite passengers in the the courtyard. You think they are going to open another VIP dining location for just the SA passengers. Heck there is not even a table big enough in the SAs to have meals served by the butler.

[njhorseman]

One thing I have learned is you can get many answers to the same question from NCL. I will check with Crane later today to confirm but logic alone says the SA's have to have access. Concierge lounge is in the courtyard, VIP breakfast and lunch for suite passengers in the the courtyard. You think they are going to open another VIP dining location for just the SA passengers. Heck there is not even a table big enough in the SAs to have meals served by the butler.


I know it makes sense from many perspectives, but the the pricing continues to mystify me. However let's not get into that discussion again. :D

[time2cruise1]

I know it makes sense from many perspectives, but the the pricing continues to mystify me. However let's not get into that discussion again. :D

I should have the definitive answer shortly and we can put this mystery to bed.

[mttwinmom]

the information I received when I called indicated yes, spa suites would have the privileges. The next phone call was a no! I called again this morning to see what the answer would be. I was told only the villa and owners suite had the privileges. This doesn't even make sense. I guess I will wait a little longer, then take my chances. How could a person book a suite within the courtyard but not have the use of it. Quite the torture!

[time2cruise1]

How could a person book a suite within the courtyard but not have the use of it. Quite the torture!

They couldn't - it is very clear in all the literature and the booking engine that all cabins in the courtyard as well as ACs have access. The only ones that are "unclear" in the material are SAs that are outside the courtyard.

[time2cruise1]

One thing I have learned is you can get many answers to the same question from NCL. I will check with Crane later today to confirm but logic alone says the SA's have to have access. Concierge lounge is in the courtyard, VIP breakfast and lunch for suite passengers in the the courtyard. You think they are going to open another VIP dining location for just the SA passengers. Heck there is not even a table big enough in the SAs to have meals served by the butler.

This should close the discussion.

Jim:

Crane is out of the office and ask that I respond on his behalf. The answer is yes Spa Suites do have access to the courtyard area. I will make sure that this information is updated on ncl.com.

Thank you for passing on this miss on our part of for being a loyal NCL customer.

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[TrikeRider]

It looks like there are only 8 spa suites, so that is 16 additional people in the courtyard.

[time2cruise1]

It looks like there are only 8 spa suites, so that is 16 additional people in the courtyard.

16 more is not even noticeable when you realize that the potential max number of passengers with access is ~350. :eek:

[TrikeRider]

350???? Wow that seems like alot.

EDIT: I just checked the deck plans and yes, it seems like that many will have access.

[calmac]

350???? Wow that seems like alot.

Yes, a slightly (!) different "feel" from the Courtyards on the Jewel class ships.

[time2cruise1]

350???? Wow that seems like alot.

EDIT: I just checked the deck plans and yes, it seems like that many will have access.

Start with 44 A3s that can be booked for 6 (264) versus 8 on the other ships:eek:

[njhorseman]

This should close the discussion.

Jim:

Crane is out of the office and ask that I respond on his behalf. The answer is yes Spa Suites do have access to the courtyard area. I will make sure that this information is updated on ncl.com.

Thank you for passing on this miss on our part of for being a loyal NCL customer.

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Great! Thanks for taking the time to chase this down. Now to the important task...convincing the wife how nice one of those spa suites would be for the Epic's maiden TA cruise!

[time2cruise1]

Yes, a slightly (!) different "feel" from the Courtyards on the Jewel class ships.


An with no glass roof that can close it will be very different on the TA if we hit bad weather.

[njhorseman]

An with no glass roof that can close it will be very different on the TA if we hit bad weather.


That is exactly why I'm attracted to the spa suite for the TA cruise.

[TrikeRider]

Hmmm - I am rethinking booking a courtyard villa until a review is posted next year by someone in one to see how crowded it will be. :(

[time2cruise1]

That is exactly why I'm attracted to the spa suite for the TA cruise.

Makes perfect sense. I would think the SAs would be the first to go.

[njhorseman]

Makes perfect sense. I would think the SAs would be the first to go.


Apparently it doesn't make sense to most. Five of the eight SAs are available as of this moment.

[sjbdtz]

Apparently it doesn't make sense to most. Five of the eight SAs are available as of this moment.

I have one! :) In fact, I had the first one booked!

[pcreek]

"Who has access to the exclusive Courtyard Area
and what does it offer?"

Guests staying in The Villas, as well as
Penthouses and Spa Suites will have access to the
Courtyard Area 16-decks above sea level paradise.
This secluded complex includes butler and
concierge service, a private pool, two hot tubs,
gym, saunas, sundeck and indoor/outdoor dining at
the Epic Club and the Courtyard Grill. Enjoy the
exclusive nightlife at Epic Club Lounge with
premium liquors and Posh Beach Club, with
exclusive bottle service and a DJ.

[perrys]

They have finally updated the NCL website to reflect that the SA suites do in fact have courtyard access.

[pcreek]

Yay!! :-D

[FLAHAM]

They have finally updated the NCL website to reflect that the SA suites do in fact have courtyard access.

But notice that, according to the website, only the higher-level suites have access to the "private restaurant and lounge."

[time2cruise1]

But notice that, according to the website, only the higher-level suites have access to the "private restaurant and lounge."

One step at a time on the updated information on NCL.com. There is no question all suites will have access the Epic Restaurant and Lounge. That is where VIP breakfast and Lunch will be. It does not state only the higher level will have access but it is just still silent on the SA/AC.

[FLAHAM]

One step at a time on the updated information on NCL.com. There is no question all suites will have access the Epic Restaurant and Lounge. That is where VIP breakfast and Lunch will be. It does not state only the higher level will have access but it is just still silent on the SA/AC.

There is a question. The website expressly lists these privileges for each of the higher levels of suites but omits them for SA and AC. In response to my written question, NCL e-mailed me that SA an AC did not have Epic Club and lounge privileges. Others state that their PCC or TA told them that they would have access. My information could well be wrong, but the matter is hardly settled and those who expect to dine at the Epic Club do so at their own risk.

[orangeh3]

There is a question. The website expressly lists these privileges for each of the higher levels of suites but omits them for SA and AC. In response to my written question, NCL e-mailed me that SA an AC did not have Epic Club and lounge privileges. Others state that their PCC or TA told them that they would have access. My information could well be wrong, but the matter is hardly settled and those who expect to dine at the Epic Club do so at their own risk.

http://www.epic.ncl.com/the-experience/accommodations/the-villas/

I believe if you look at what is listed for the Courtyard Penthouses and Penthouse at the above link and cut and pasted here, you will see access to the Courtyard, The Concierge Lounge, The Epic Club. ;) So to answer your post, the "lower" end suites do have access to the Courtyard and the Epic Club. We also have it confirmed that SA will receive access to Courtyard and Epic Club, what more would you like?

Courtyard Villa
• Sleeps up to 6 guests
• 46 available
• Access to Concierge Lounge
• Combined living and dining area
• Two luxurious bathrooms with separate shower
• Queen-size bed
• Additional children’s bedroom
• Exclusive access to Courtyard Area (http://www.epic.ncl.com/the-experience/accommodations/private-courtyard/)
• Exclusive access to The Epic Club (http://www.epic.ncl.com/the-experience/dining/the-epic-club/) (dining)

http://www.epic.ncl.com/resources/images/200x120_EPIC_CourtyardVilla.gif?scale=100 (http://www.epic.ncl.com/the-experience/accommodations/the-villas/#TB_inline?height=400&width=600&inlineId=video1)
Courtyard Penthouse and Penthouse*
• Sleeps 2 guests
• 6 Courtyard Penthouses available in The Villas complex
• 7 Penthouses available on aft decks 10-13*
• Access to Concierge Lounge
• Living and dining area
• Luxurious bathroom with separate shower
• Exclusive access to Courtyard Area (http://www.epic.ncl.com/the-experience/accommodations/private-courtyard/)
• Exclusive access to The Epic Club (http://www.epic.ncl.com/the-experience/dining/the-epic-club/) (dining)

*Not part of The Villas complex

[FLAHAM]

Please forward the written confirmation from NCL that SA has access to the Epic club. I would be both interested and appreciative.

[time2cruise1]

Please forward the written confirmation from NCL that SA has access to the Epic club. I would be both interested and appreciative.

Do you really think that only the SAs would not have full access. They are the same price as the ACs with the extra $100 for spa access. Once you are in the courtyard you have access to everything there. The Epic police are going to stand by the entrance to the Epic Lounge that is in the courtyard to find the passengers in the 8 SAs that represent 16 of the potential 350 passengers that could have use of the courtyard.

The description on the booking engine is now the same for both AC and SA. Get the courtyard get the Epic club.

AC

Who doesn't want to stay in a Penthouse? With a maximum capacity of two, there's plenty of room to spread out. You can relax in the living area or lounge around in the bedroom complete with queen-size circular bed. The butler can also serve you a delicious meal out on the private balcony or if you prefer, you can ask the concierge to make dinner reservations. Sushi? French? Italian? So many choices. Also features exclusive access to the Courtyard area and the Concierge Lounge.

SA

With private key card access to the spa stateroom complex, you can go on a total spa vacation as these two-guest suites feature a queen-size circular bed, spa décor, and entry to the Mandara Spa experience and fitness center. Sound relaxing? Wait until the butler brings you a glass of champagne in your stateroom hot tub or as you watch the stars from the privacy of your own balcony. Also features exclusive access to the Courtyard area and the Concierge Lounge. Of course, the concierge would be happy to make dinner reservations for you, as well.

[FLAHAM]

...and the NCL website description for the higher levels of suites says "exclusive access to the Courtyard area, Concierge Lounge and private restaurant and bar." Nothing about the private restaurant and bar for SA and AC.

I will admit that what seems to argue in your favor is the change in pricing for SA and AC suites. They used to be much, much cheaper than the villa penthouses but NCL has greatly boosted their prices and reduced the difference almost to insignificance. So it is possible that NCL intends that they all have similar privileges....but that is not what they e-mailed to me in response to my question.

[Fufuhase]

I'm not sure if this has been posted on any of the threads yet, but I just recently signed up to receive those Epic e-mails and learned that there is also an e-mail address that you can send any questions you have about Epic to and I guess they have a monthly e-mail that then goes out answering the most frequently asked questions. The e-mail address is:
Epicinsider@ncl.com
That will give you answer in writing from NCL :-)
Sorry if this has already been posted.

[familyof4cruising]

...and the NCL website description for the higher levels of suites says "exclusive access to the Courtyard area, Concierge Lounge and private restaurant and bar." Nothing about the private restaurant and bar for SA and AC.

I will admit that what seems to argue in your favor is the change in pricing for SA and AC suites. They used to be much, much cheaper than the villa penthouses but NCL has greatly boosted their prices and reduced the difference almost to insignificance. So it is possible that NCL intends that they all have similar privileges....but that is not what they e-mailed to me in response to my question.

My AC has gone up $500 pp since I booked. Glad I booked when I did!

[Cruisin from Utah]

My SA suite went up by $600 pp. I am also glad I booked when I did. I also was able to receive a $500 pp CAS discount. between all the discounts the cost is currently at $2200 more than we paid for the two of us.