Grand Suite perks

poopbag28 · #1 April 27th, 2012, 06:21 PM

We became diamond members after our last cruise. However, that was 4 years ago and haven't taken another since as we really wanted to wait until our children were a bit older.

Fast forward to present and we took the plunge. We are booked on the 9/16 western Caribbean. There are a lot of firsts for us on this cruise:
First time as Diamond
First time in a suite (Grand Suite)
First time on a Freedom class ship

I've tried to search a bit and got a bit confused.

What can we expect? Access to the Diamond lounge? Access to the concierge lounge? If concierge lounge what does that entail? Pool area seating? Private beach and Cabanas on Labadee? First tender off at GC? Anything else?

Thanks so much in advance as the more I read the more conflicting info I find. The C&A gentleman was nice but gave the " I dunno" response

Thanks again!

wolfganghowell · #2 April 27th, 2012, 06:32 PM

Quote:

What can we expect? Access to the Diamond lounge? Access to the concierge lounge? If concierge lounge what does that entail? Pool area seating? Private beach and Cabanas on Labadee? First tender off at GC? Anything else

?

Access to both CL and DL. Both have open bar although sometimes the choices are limited and no frozens. Although that's on Voyager class - not sure on Freedom. Continental breakfast and a good espresso machine or you can eat breakfast in Chops instead of the MR or WJ. Reserved pool seating. First choice of the cabanas. Yes - request tender tickets from Concierge. Reserved areas. for ice show The anything else is priority disembarkation. There are several little "events" that are for Diamond only or Suite only - so you will access to both.

We're looking forward to our first Freedom too.

poopbag28 · #3 April 27th, 2012, 06:44 PM

Thanks!

Comp alcohol in the CL?
Ok so first choice of Cabanas at Labadee- is there still the additional cost or are they comped?

Trying to get a picture of what to budget...

coordinator23 · #4 April 27th, 2012, 06:44 PM

You can order room service in a GS using the MDR menu. That could translate into a nice dinner out on the balcony some night. I have not done the Diamond lounge on the Freedom class (yet), but have gone to the Diamond events at night on other class ships. I enjoy talking to other people who enjoy cruising and are familiar with Royal's trips. We discuss past trips. the current trip's ports (and get some good advise) and get suggestions for future trips. I also enjoy the Diamond breakfasts for the same reason. We were once blessed by the upgrade fairy and placed in an owners suite. Israel Sanchez was our concierge. He knew each port intimately and gave out fantastic advise. He seemed to have been on all of the cruise tours also and was willing to help match us up with ones we would enjoy. He made this trip a fantastic experience. As we were traveling with 3 other cabins (extended family - parents, my brothers and sil's), we had room to meet and enjoy each other's company. That extra room is really amazing. Enjoy your trip.

poopbag28 · #5 April 27th, 2012, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coordinator23

You can order room service in a GS using the MDR menu. That could translate into a nice dinner out on the balcony some night. I have not done the Diamond lounge on the Freedom class (yet), but have gone to the Diamond events at night on other class ships. I enjoy talking to other people who enjoy cruising and are familiar with Royal's trips. We discuss past trips. the current trip's ports (and get some good advise) and get suggestions for future trips. I also enjoy the Diamond breakfasts for the same reason. We were once blessed by the upgrade fairy and placed in an owners suite. Israel Sanchez was our concierge. He knew each port intimately and gave out fantastic advise. He seemed to have been on all of the cruise tours also and was willing to help match us up with ones we would enjoy. He made this trip a fantastic experience. As we were traveling with 3 other cabins (extended family - parents, my brothers and sil's), we had room to meet and enjoy each other's company. That extra room is really amazing. Enjoy your trip.

That's great news! Looking forward to this so much!

Thanks!

wolfganghowell · #6 April 27th, 2012, 06:50 PM

Yes comp drinks in the lounges during HH only. I think it's 5-8. No you have to pay for the cabanas, you just get first dibs.

BND · #7 April 27th, 2012, 06:59 PM

Breakfast in a specialty restaurant if you want with a menu and food cooked there in the restaurant. Although, if you order oatmeal, they will just go to the windjammer and order it. We were in a GS on FR in Oct and ate breakfast almost every morning there.

copnlpn2 · #8 April 27th, 2012, 07:21 PM

My grand suite on the Navigator had a coffee pot and a tea pot; a flat-screen TV, a DVD player and Bose surround-sound speakers; tons of storage space, a super deep tub, special bathroom amenities, and beach towels 9so you don't have to go to the Lido Deck to check them out!

There's lots more to enjoy...be sure to read the little folder that's on the coffee table in your cabin...it lists all the perks you're entitled to!

39august · #9 April 27th, 2012, 07:49 PM

Made to order breakfast in a specialty restaurant is one of our favorite perks! You can also bring your Windjammer lunch into that restarant (whicever one is designated for your cruise) and so avoid the crowds in the WJ. On Freedom you will most likely prefer the DL as it is much larger than the inside CL and has a wall of glass for great viewing.Yes, you will have access to both lounges. There will be reserved seating for not only the ice show, but in the theater and at the pool for suite pax.

poopbag28 · #10 April 27th, 2012, 10:01 PM

Great Info! Thanks All!

Simply cannot wait!!

TEXASMUNK · #11 April 28th, 2012, 07:57 AM

1. Consierge assisted disembarkation. Three weeks ago, as an example, the throng of people self-disembarking was a nightmare. Consierge has us meet him at Chops for an 8:15a departure. At about 8:05 we were literally walked off the ship, all the way down to luggage. Those that needed a porter, got in that line (2 people ahead of us), the rest, scattered and grab their luggage. We got our truck, and were on the road before 9am
2. Breakfast....no menu, just asked in Chops....got it.
3. I need = Consierge...so easy, so helpful

Oh yeah, pls do not forget the gratuity to the Consierge if you use his or her services while onboard.

5-8pm Martinis: made just right!!!!

BND · #12 April 28th, 2012, 08:32 AM

On Freedom for debarkation, the concierge had us meet in a small dining room next to the MDR for breakfast and then we were escorted off the ship as a group. He took us down the elevator (non-stop. he has a key or card that overrides the buttons). It was the full MDR breakfast, but we had our own waitstaff.

CruisinDawn · #13 April 28th, 2012, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by poopbag28

Thanks!

Comp alcohol in the CL? Note it's only in the eveing and in Diamond Lounge as well

Ok so first choice of Cabanas at Labadee- is there still the additional cost or are they comped? about $175-$250 I believe, max 6 people per cabana

Trying to get a picture of what to budget...

BonVoyage
Dawna