Suite Packing/Unpacking Benefit

[Lynda90]

I understand that packing and unpacking is one of the "suite" benefits. Has anyone had this done. Does your cabin steward come in and hang everything up and put things in drawers and do the reverse when it's time to get ready to leave. Or? Please let me know how this all works if anyone has taken them up on this offer.

Thanks,
Lynda

[sue d. miller]

Hi Lynda. I am looking forward to this answer. I have never booked a suite, But I have given it thought. I did not, however, check out the perks. If they do have this for a perk, and the room steward is expected to unpack, I think I will pass on the suite. I mean no offense to anyone, I just thought the x- large balcony would be nice. If you are interested, I hope you get it. Have a great cruise. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Sue
7 days on Star Princess 10/24

[Lynda90]

Thanks, Sue. I got upgraded to this suite, so I don't really know how this works. I did check out the perks and they are many. Not use to such luxury!

Lynda

[sue d. miller]

I do know you get free dry cleaning and laundry services. Also munchies, bet the bar is stocked, and all appt. made for you. Imagine the balcony dinner. What a romantic night that would be. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Sue
7 days on Star Princess 10/24

[roohound]

Linda, I'm in the same boat. Just got upgraded to a suite and DH was like ooooh..packing and unpacking and I was like why the heck do I need someone else fondling my unmentionables LOL

[MTS]

You made me laugh outloud roohound! ;-))

I thought the very same thing. I've been upgraded to a suite and thought I really don't want anybody going through my luggage, even if it's to unpack and put things away for me.

I'm sure all we have to do is tell the room attendant that we prefer to do it ourselves.

Nothing worse than having strangers 'fondle your unmentionables'. heh heh heh

MTS

[sue d. miller]

Roo, is that really one of the perks? I would just hate to make the steward feel bad if I refused it. I love being pampered on the ship, but really don't like anyone under foot. Never had a maid!! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Sue
7 days on Star Princess 10/24

[Lynda90]

I am just going to tell our cabin steward that I would rather unpack myself, but thank you very much. I don't want anyone looking through my "stuff" either. Besides he might steal our bottle of liquor that we're not suppose to bring on board. Did I say that? Don't report me. Just joking, of course, about him stealing the bottle. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Lynda

[sue d. miller]

Have a great cruise Lynda. You sure are going to be spoiled. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Sue
7 days on Star Princess 10/24

[roohound]

It was listed on SS Oceanlover's site as a perk.

Ok, color me odd, but you know what one of my greatest embarkation day pleasures is? Having all my luggage show up, unpacking *everything* and settling in. If I don't unpack, I don't feel complete (and then I still don't feel totally complete until the muster drill is done, but that's another anal retentive thread!)

I'd hate to think I'd make someone feel uncomfy by unpacking myself http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif Maybe I'll just get lucky and the bags will come in and I'll just take care of it before it even becomes an issue http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif Besides, I don't want them to see all contraband http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif Kidding http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif ETA: Lynda, I see we both had the same thought about smuggled goods http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif )

[This message was edited by roohound on 04-29-04 at 08:44 PM.]

[jhannah]

You won't make anyone uncomfortable. We were upgraded to a suite on the Coral in February, and our cabin steward never come and asked if we wanted to be unpacked or repacked. Just as well, because we also would rather handle our own things. I guess if we had a personal valet at home it would be different. But he quit last year. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

'Vegas Jim

[Lynda90]

'Vegas Jim,

The valet part, very Cute! How did you enjoy the suite compared to other cabins you had?

Lynda

[sue d. miller]

http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif It would make me crazy. I would feel obligated to get all new sexy under goodies that I wouldn't even wear http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif and stuff the real ones in the carry on with everything I'm not supposed to have http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif and spend the week trying to find what I know I brought http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif So i will stay in my inside quad and enjoy my week!! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Sue
7 days on Star Princess 10/24

[roohound]

Well Vegas Jim, you know, this is how I look at it..it's a vacation so I want things to be different than they are at home. So, I like to think I can spend 7 days sans valet http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

bwhahahahahahahahahah

Ok, so maybe the only valet I are my own two hands!

[jhannah]

Lynda, to say we enjoyed the suite is a genuine understatement. To book a mini and get a vista suite was sweet. There are many things that made it special: the choice of canapes every day; the initial stocking of the mini-bar; free laundry; free internet access; spa amenities in the bathroom; space, space, and more space.

The only downside will be going back to a regular cabin next cruise! Oh, well ... if we're at sea, that's all that matters.

'Vegas Jim

[DeadEd]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by MTS:

Nothing worse than having strangers 'fondle your unmentionables'.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Actually, there are quite a few things worse than that. Don't make me post links.

[roohound]

I think it all really depends on the stranger http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

V' Jim.......what kind of canapes could you choose from? I know when we did the Grand in 2002 we were in a mini but had the Anniversary package and had the choice of essentially sweet or savory. As I don't like any kind of seafood, we went for sweet http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif I assume you have this same kind of choice in the suites?

[Lynda90]

Vegas Jim,

Did you have a Jacuzzi (sp?). When I talked with a rep from Princess he said there was one. That would really be suite (sweet)sipping champagne in the jacuzzi.

Thanks,
Lynda

[srphnx]

Roo,

"fondling of unmentionables"?... geez I thought you had to go to the lotus spa for that, perhaps a suite is the way to go afterall, cya later cheap seats!!

One open Princess booking
<FONT color=red>Alaska</FONT>
Diamond Princess 05/04
Mercury 06/02
Rhapsody o.t. Seas 05/98
Legend o.t. Seas 09/95
<FONT color=red>Mexican Riviera</FONT>
Diamond Princess 11/04
Diamond Princess 04/04
Sea Princess 01/02
Vision o.t. Seas 04/02
Star Princess 12/02<FONT color=red>
West Coast-Baja Mexico</FONT>
Ecstacy 09/01
Vision o.t. Seas 10/02
<FONT color=red>Eastern Carribean</FONT>
Century 12/97
<FONT color=red>Western Carribean</FONT>
Century 9/96

[dosi]

I wouldn't be too worried about the steward fondling my unmentionables. I'd be worried about holding them up and having all the other stewards busting out laughing. Ooooh muy grande senora!!!!

doris

"I travel a lot; I hate having my life disrupted by routine"--Caskie Stinnett

Elation 10/20/02
Paradise 9/21/03
Star Princess 10/24/04

[jhannah]

roohound ... same on the canapes. Typical hors d'oeurves things, petit fours, and our fave, chocolate covered strawberries! Ah-h-h!

Yes, Lynda, jacuzzi. Nipping strawberries while sitting in bubbly and sipping bubbly. Life doesn't get better than that! Why, that's what I'm doing right now! (Well, sort of. A beer and a moon pie in the grandkids' inflatable pool isn't exactly the same.)

'Vegas Jim

[Lynda90]

As long as you still have the memories, the beer and the inflatable pool will do until your next cruise. Ha, ha, ha, ha! Who are we kidding. Thanks for the info. I'll think of you in your pool when I'm in the jacuzzi.

Lynda

[vince_g]

Lynda,
Suites have a jacuzzi bathtub, not a 'hot tub' per se.


http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=0000ff&cdt=2004;6;5;18;00;00&timezone=GMT+0000
June 5th - Queen Mary 2 Westbound Transatlantic


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November 22nd - Sun Princess Eastern Caribbean

[srqcruiser]

I was in a suite on the Coral the first of April. They didnt offer to unpack our clothes but that was fine with me. I think Princess could do a better job on communicating the suite perks to their staff and customers. Maybe its because most of the perks are new but I seemed to know more about the perks than our steward.
However the room was great, and the overall cruise was the best ever. So good in fact that I have two other cruises booked in suites

[spongerob]

We didn't have anyone offer on either the Caribbean Princess or the Golden. I'm like most eveyone else, I'd rather unpack myself so I know where everything is, and there is no way anyone but my wife would be satisfied with packing everything up unless she does it herself.

We received an order form every day that let us pick and choose our afternoon "snacks". One thing I'd wished that we'd taken advantage of was an en-suite afternoon tea service. We really dropped the ball on that one. Someone, please do this and tell us what we missed.

Just completed:
Caribbean Princess Apr 3/04
Golden Princess Apr 10/04
Coming up:
Tahitian Princess Oct 14/04

[srphnx]

Another issue with having a stanger upack is that they might mistakenly allot too much space to the man in the cabin thereby reducing the prime shelf and drawer space for the cabin queen.

If I got more than two hangers and a bed side drawer for a weeks worth of clothes I might forget my place and she would have to start all over.

One open Princess booking
<FONT color=red>Alaska</FONT>
Diamond Princess 05/04
Mercury 06/02
Rhapsody o.t. Seas 05/98
Legend o.t. Seas 09/95
<FONT color=red>Mexican Riviera</FONT>
Diamond Princess 11/04
Diamond Princess 04/04
Sea Princess 01/02
Vision o.t. Seas 04/02
Star Princess 12/02<FONT color=red>
West Coast-Baja Mexico</FONT>
Ecstacy 09/01
Vision o.t. Seas 10/02
<FONT color=red>Eastern Carribean</FONT>
Century 12/97
<FONT color=red>Western Carribean</FONT>
Century 9/96

[sue d. miller]

http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif It's a girl thing. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Sue
7 days on Star Princess 10/24

[seafille]

srphnx....

one drawer and two hangers beats the heck out of trashbags in the hall with *not trash* written on them in six languages.... lolol

seafille

<FONT color=red>Alaska</FONT>
Diamond Princess 05/04
<FONT color=red>Mexican Riviera</FONT>
Diamond Princess 04/04
Diamond Princess 11/04

[This message was edited by seafille on 04-30-04 at 10:25 AM.]

[sue d. miller]

http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Sue
7 days on Star Princess 10/24

[Lynda90]

You guys are all just too funny. I am sitting here at work chuckling to myself and wanting to lol. Thanks for all the help you've given me. I think just to see what happens, I'll ask for the unpack/pack service. Guess I'll have to pack the "good" undies for this trip. I will also try the afternoon tea service and everything else that's included in the "perk package." Then when I return http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif I can let everyone know what happened.

I now am going to post a separate topic on tipping which I hope you will respond to.

Have a great day and happy cruising.

Lynda

[sue d. miller]

Great, Lynda. I am so glad you decided to do it!! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif the other question I had, after getting the sexy undies, tha he or she may be fondling, will the steward look at you in a whole different light after the unpacking, as they did when you first met? More intimate look? http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif You just have to let us all know!!! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Sue
7 days on Star Princess 10/24

[Lynda90]

He'll probably look at me with contempt and lol with the other stewards.

[sue d. miller]

I don't think so!!!!!!!!!!! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Sue
7 days on Star Princess 10/24

[sparkle56]

That is supposed to be a perk but our steward was not up to speed on much re: the amenities so he didn't even offer. I wanted him to unpack and put stuff away, DH thought he would rather do that kind of thing himself. You know, sensitivity about undies, etc.

Rob, the ensuite tea service was a pot of water, teabags, sugar, etc., milk, lemon, china cups and saucers, linen napkins, and a plate of treats which we could specify. . .it was usually cookies but we also had eclairs and choc. covered strawberries. I asked for it every afternoon at 4 and it appeared like clockwork. So I would have tea and John would have a vodka martini (vodka from the fully stocked bar. . .alas, no olives) and we would sit on the balcony.

Another answer to another question: The tub is a jacuzzi tub and it is huge! Bring bubble bath and don't use too much. At one point all you could see was my tiara! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

As for hors d'oeuvres there was, as spongerob said, a choice. I indicated the choice but usually got the standard, smoked salmon with caviar, cream cheese with melon, prosciutto wrapped around a pretzel, salami cone with cream cheese in it, chocolate covered strawberry plate. I actually liked the appetizers I brought from Horizon Court much better. . . a nice selection of cheeses, pepitas, chips and guacamole (yum!), shrimp, mussels on the half shell, veggies and dip, etc.

You will love the suites! We'll never be able to go back to anything else.

[roohound]

you can request the tea *every* afternoon?

DH will be in heaven..he is a tea junkie!

[Lynda90]

Sparkle56:

Thanks you so much for all the great information. Can't wait to sip a martini (with the fully) stocked bar and eat a little smoked salmon along with it. I have resolved the problem with the "undies" unapcking. I will unpack that part myself and allow the steward to hang all the hangables (if that's a word) and put the luggage away. Is the tub large enough for two medium sized people or just an oversized single tub. Sounds like I will be good a spoiled with the suite.

Thanks,
Lynda

[sue d. miller]

Lynda. Be creative. Make it fit!! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Sue
7 days on Star Princess 10/24

[roohound]

I dunno Sue..most tubs I've seen on cruise ships..only way you could fit 2 people is if you stacked them one on top of the other http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Lynda90]

oooooh, comfy!

[sue d. miller]

That'll work. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif maybe a little oil to make it slippery http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif like skin so soft http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

Sue
7 days on Star Princess 10/24

[roohound]

or body sanitizer

Oops, sorry, wrong thread http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[sue d. miller]

LOL http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif LMAO http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

Sue
7 days on Star Princess 10/24

[sue d. miller]

Lynda, Aren't you glad Roo and I aren't on your cruise?????? http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Sue
7 days on Star Princess 10/24

[Lynda90]

Sue,

I think we'd have a blast. We'd probably laugh the entire cruise. Can't think of anything better than friends enjoying humor. And maybe a cocktail or two along with it.

Lynda

[sue d. miller]

Probably scare the h*** out of your DH tho. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

Sue
7 days on Star Princess 10/24

[Lynda90]

They could "hang" together over the balcony railing. lol http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[spongerob]

Yes it's big enough for two. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Just completed:
Caribbean Princess Apr 3/04
Golden Princess Apr 10/04
Coming up:
Tahitian Princess Oct 14/04

[sue d. miller]

http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Sue
7 days on Star Princess 10/24

[roohound]

it realy is big enough for two?

Sweet! Other lines where I've had tubs they were teeny tiny...and I'm short!

Not asking for prurient reasons (insert halo here) just asking because uh, I want to help Princess in their ecological efforts and conserve water http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[sue d. miller]

ROO, Save the water, Add more oil http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Sue
7 days on Star Princess 10/24

[Lynda90]

Bubble, bubble, toil and trouble.

Lynda

[sparkle56]

The tub is definitely big enough for two average size people and quite deep, and there will be room to move around if you are, ahem, restless bathers. And then there is that all glass shower right next to it.

Yes, tea every afternoon. I am also a tea junkie and this was such a wonderful thing. Hmmm, I think I would like a spot of tea. . .and there it would be.

Decadent, that's what suites are.

[Lynda90]

29 days to go. Alaska here we come! I'm afraid I will like the suite too much and it will be hard to come back to reality on my next cruise.

A restless bather http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

[pgregw]

We just got back from the Island Princess where we were ugraded to a suite from a minisuite. This could be a very bad thing because the wife wants (expects) this to happen on future cruises. This upgrade is going to cost me dearly on future bookings. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

The suite was wonderful and you will enjoy all of the perks that come along with it.

The neatest thing we liked was the delivery of the lunch and dinner menus for the dining rooms each morning. We had several of our dinners ordered from the dining room menu delivered to the room and ate on the balcony.

Greg

Grand Princess 2001
Grand Princess 2002
Grand Princess 2003
Sun Princess 2003
Island Princess April 2004

Till the Diamond Princess - Mexican Riveria November 2004
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Till the Island Princess - Hawaii April 2005
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[cherbobtt]

To those of you who were upgraded to a suite: How close to your cruise date were you upgraded from a mini to a suite? I'm keeping my fingers crossed!!http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Cher

[roohound]

I found out roughly two and a half weeks before my cruise http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[crusing plantlady]

Just got back from The Grand in a Vista Suite with our two kids. My kids were sooo funny when they ran ahead to open the suite because they didn't know we were getting a suite and we were all thrilled with the room. The balcony is wonderful. Never had the stewart ask about the unpacking when he brought the welcoming glasses of champagne. A tip-bring champagne to drink with your breakfast on the balcony. It's a great way to start the day. As far as the tub, I would normally not use a hotels tub, but this tub invites you in. It's large and has a resty for your arms. WONDERFUL. The canapes or strawberrys were fun. The laundry service was nice but of coarse you have to itemize everything and some person pins an ID number to each item. My daughter is a avid instant messager which they say you can't do, but she figured out how. She racked up $300 worth of charges thet got taken off the last day. Be sure to check your bill throught the cruise with the pursers office as to not get sticker shock. On the lobster night we ordered 4 lobster tails on the balcony for an appitizer. The showed up with 4 full dinners. We ate the tails and ordered it again at late seating. yum. We had High Tea in the room once by my 13 year olds request. Thought it was very cool. Each got 3 finger sandwiches, tons of tea choices, scones, jam, strawberries and deserts. The extre space in these rooms is so great and with two children the two TV's was also great. Pirates of the Caribbean was playing when we were in the Caribbean. Great vacation and the only bad thing is we will forever need a suite. Also wanted to mention that the Vista Suites are located aft(Stern). The only place to be! Happy cruising to all.

[Lynda90]

Cher:

I am leaving on May 29th for Alaska and I looked on-line in the cruise personalizer about 2 weeks ago and saw we had the suite upgrade--so about a month, plus a week or so.

Cruising plantlady:

Thanks for all the great information. Wow lobster on the patio for appitizers. Now how DECATANT (sp?) is that. Can't wait to do it!!

Does anyone know what the difference is between the Vista and Premium Suite?

Thanks and happy sailing,
Lynda

[Linkslady]

And.. what's the difference except location, between the Vista, Premium & PH suites??

And.. you can really order off the FULL dining room menus and eat dinner on the balcony??

Hubby hates getting dressed for dinner and I love sitting on the balcony, so this is a perk for me! (PH cat.)

Until the turkey in the tropics cruise!
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Majesty 94
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Destiny 96
Fascination 97
Triumph 98
Celebration 99
Rhapsody 9/02
Rhapsody 10/03
Splendour 4/04
Grand Princess 11/04

[crusing plantlady]

A perk in the suites is that you get the days menu for lunch, dinner and the next days breakfast when your steward makes up your room. I can't tell you how fun it is to have them come in with the pink linen table cloth. You don't get these views in the dining room and yes you can order anything off the menu. It's fun to just do appetizers as you are dressing for dinner and then order different ones in the dining room. yum yum. The penthouse suites are a little bigger and have a king sized bed I think otherwise I believe they are the same. I will post some pictures tomorrow.

[sparkle56]

We found out five days before we sailed that we had been upgraded.

[mringenoldus]

We have an aft suite in 2 weeks on the Sun Princess. It's a surprise for my military husband - he thinks we're in steerage! His aunt and uncle are also traveling with us. Will they bring dinner for four to the suite? (We may decide to avoid formal night and this would be a very nice alternative)

CCL Holiday 2000
CCL Elation 2001
CCL Pride 2002
CCL Ecstacy 2003
RCL AOS 2003
Sun Princess May 14 2004!!

[crusing plantlady]

When you say aft suite do you mean Vista PH or similar. If that is the case I'm sure you can order what you want on your balcony. What a great surprise. Good for you and have a great time. Also you can always call princess and ask specific questions.