Why no Royal Suite Class Benefits on Ovation sailings from Asia?

Does anyone know why Royal is not offering the Royal Suite Class Benefits from some of their sailings that originate in Asia? We sail on November 23, 2016, and it looks like this sailing is not eligible for the new benefit offering.

Also, since we are sailing in a Sky Loft Suite, do you know what perks they will offer for suite passengers for this sailing?

Probably due to the market conditions. You might search some Quantum reviews to see what suite benefits were listed on those sailings.

Does anyone know why Royal is not offering the Royal Suite Class Benefits from some of their sailings that originate in Asia? We sail on November 23, 2016, and it looks like this sailing is not eligible for the new benefit offering.

 

Also, since we are sailing in a Sky Loft Suite, do you know what perks they will offer for suite passengers for this sailing?

We are on this sailing too - in a Superior Grand Suite, and are disappointed to hear that the new Suite Class Benefits are not available - this wass not clear on RCI's own booking site. The suites for this departure are now sold out and the booking page says that suites enjoy:

•Personalised service including priority check-in and departure, complimentary luggage valet service and complimentary Concierge Club service.

•VIP Treatment such as VIP pool deck seating, and limited reserved seats for shows in the main theatre.

•Complimentary Amenities including luxury spa bathrobes and Mattel® board games for in-room entertainment.

The main difference for grand suites would appear to be no free internet included. Not sure about toiletries or Costal Kitchen? I'm assuming the new matresses will stay on board!

For A Grand Suite there is probably not a huge difference between the new Royal Class benefits and the "old" program benefits, but if I was in a top suite I would be very disappointed.

I called Royal on this. I was never notified of a change in what we are going to get. In my case the cruise is before the home port as it is part of the Inaugural season cruise called “Global Odyssey”.

I believe that the cruises being sold to the Chinese market (Chinese currency) has less margin that the ones in the other markets. So they are offer setting this with the cutting back the suite perks. I think we might be paying more more than what the Chinese pay for the same cruise in China. I have no proof of this, but to me it makes the most sense. Please let me know if you have other ideas.

I booked Ovation yesterday for a HK to Singapore cruise in November 2017. We were on a cancelled Ovation for November this year but switched to Mariner.

On the booking page I could have sworn the JR suite listed 'Suite Class' but after reading other threads this morning, I went back and checked.

On the page where you choose your cabin type, right at the bottom of the suite blurb is a series of dates the suite program is applicable for. Asia isn't included :(

So, I am wondering what will happen to Coastal Kitchen. Will it be an open lounge, or still open for dinner. I guess you guys can find out since you will be sailing before me.

I called Royal on this. I was never notified of a change in what we are going to get. In my case the cruise is before the home port as it is part of the Inaugural season cruise called “Global Odyssey”.

 

I believe that the cruises being sold to the Chinese market (Chinese currency) has less margin that the ones in the other markets. So they are offer setting this with the cutting back the suite perks. I think we might be paying more more than what the Chinese pay for the same cruise in China. I have no proof of this, but to me it makes the most sense. Please let me know if you have other ideas.

I don't agree with this. The actual retail pricing in the Chinese market is quite high; certainly no cheaper than we paid. And they also are selling out in advance; you don't see last minute discounting.

That said, a lot of bookings are made through TAs so there's no visibility of what the underlying commercial arrangements may be to achieve that. However, it's not to the extent that they've had to discount the retail market, and in fact sailings sell out earlier mostly (they sell better than other markets) so on those grounds I believe pricing is if anything higher than elsewhere.

I was on the pre-inaugural and maiden cruises of Ovation.

The ship is designed for the Chinese market, with a lot of gaming tables in the casino. The concierge in the Diamond Lounge told us that the lounge will be for the casino high rollers when the ship reaches that part of the world.

There is an area overlooking the pool which is for suite guests only. The loungers look more comfortable, but it doesn't look very big (although I was looking from a distance!).

I just went to check out the cruise before our HK to Singapore re-positioning and can't find any prior cruises. Does anyone know if they have been released or if they are already sold out?

I just went to check out the cruise before our HK to Singapore re-positioning and can't find any prior cruises. Does anyone know if they have been released or if they are already sold out?

I think a lot of them are chartered.

I have a hold on the April 14th 2017 sailing from Singapore to China.

JC

on rci's home page under the new suite class it says Australia sailings only for ovation

on rci's home page under the new suite class it says Australia sailings only for ovation

That was not there from the start. I hope they don't close the Concierge Lounge like they do for the Diamond Lounge for the rest of the Inaugural season cruise, “Global Odyssey” in Asia.

I called Royal on this. I was never notified of a change in what we are going to get. In my case the cruise is before the home port as it is part of the Inaugural season cruise called “Global Odyssey”.

 

I believe that the cruises being sold to the Chinese market (Chinese currency) has less margin that the ones in the other markets. So they are offer setting this with the cutting back the suite perks. I think we might be paying more more than what the Chinese pay for the same cruise in China. I have no proof of this, but to me it makes the most sense. Please let me know if you have other ideas.

The next time I check in with our travel agent, I will see if he has any insight.

The next time I check in with our travel agent, I will see if he has any insight.

Unfortunately he was not able to shed any light on this.

I have no experience, but could it be that the "regular" suite benefits (like the rest of the fleet) will be available, but the upgrades of the Royal Suite Class like the Royal Genie, free specialty restaurants, etc for Star Class are not? Just a thought.

I don't agree with this. The actual retail pricing in the Chinese market is quite high; certainly no cheaper than we paid. And they also are selling out in advance; you don't see last minute discounting.

 

That said, a lot of bookings are made through TAs so there's no visibility of what the underlying commercial arrangements may be to achieve that. However, it's not to the extent that they've had to discount the retail market, and in fact sailings sell out earlier mostly (they sell better than other markets) so on those grounds I believe pricing is if anything higher than elsewhere.

Yup, when we were booking our Next Cruise onboard, we were told that cruises in China tend to cost more.

That was not there from the start. I hope they don't close the Concierge Lounge like they do for the Diamond Lounge for the rest of the Inaugural season cruise, “Global Odyssey” in Asia.

I wonder if this will apply to repositioning cruises as well, eg Singapore to Perth. Alas, not that I'm booked on it :-(

There is a regularly updated 'current list of concierges' somewhere on CC, Ive used it for Explorer, you might lik to email the suites concierge for thoses cruises and ask him for info on what benefits will apply in Asia.

Found the post on concierges:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com.au/showthread.php?t=2276527

I did a China to China on MOT Seas in 2015 and it was totally not what I had ever experienced on a cruise ever. The market is different and the ship adapts totally to it which is totally correct but I just wish I had known in advance that every aspect the cruise would be there but present in unexpected ways. From dining, food, to formal nights, to rooms out of use because too full of gamers and amazing debarking on port days.

Just disappointed rcl did not advise of the culture change before I boarded. At least I could prepare mentally.

.

I wanted to book a Sydney ovation cruise in Jan 2018 and was eyeing a Sky loft cabin for 4 but saw the disclaimer that Ovation will not have the Royal suites class after Jan 23 2017 (!). For a lower price I booked a 2 bedroom Aqua theatre suite for 6 on Oasis instead. Will be our first time in the Caribbean!

I thought I read on line that the Royal Suite Class will be available on Ovation for all Sydney departures.

But it sounds like you booked a great deal on Oasis. Enjoy the Caribbean.