VIP Priority Plus

I will just show my suite key card and budge in front of the VIP 99er's. If the 99er's have a problem with this I will let them talk to my BUTLER.

I don't think anyone is looking down anyone's nose. I mean, let's face it - this is not a luxury cruise line ... suites or not. I think some people like to think of themselves as taking a "luxury trip" because they are in a suite, but anyone who has stayed in an upscale resort knows the difference. Also, I really don't think NCL is going to differentiate between suite guests and the VIP package guests. It would have been advertised like that from the get-go. I think that was just a comment made to placate. I'm just taking a guess though ....

I just thought it was crazy for her to say non suite passengers are looking down their noses at suite guests that doesn't even make sense. I'm booked in both so she can't be talking to me lol

The reason I loved my suite on the getaway- the second day my do not disturb was on when snacks were delivered. When I saw my butler I asked if I had missed the chocolate covered strawberries as they were my favorite. She said no. I had chocolate covered strawberries for the rest of the week. Priceless!

I will just show my suite key card and budge in front of the VIP 99er's. If the 99er's have a problem with this I will let them talk to my BUTLER.

Lol omg

As I continue to think about this, I think this actually will make at least some number of suite guests happy. I have on more than one occasion been in a suite but had family or friends in a balcony or mini, and so, gave up my use of Cagneys for breakfast/lunch to dine with my friends and family. I have spoken to others who have done the same. I have also witnessed rude and or loud and or insistent suite guests at Cagneys insisting that they should be able to bring their non-suite family/friends in with them when the concierge has said NO. I ahve also seen the concierge allow it on occasion. But now, a suite guest that wishes to dine at Cagneys for breakfast or lunch with their children, relatives who are in a balcony can either pony up for their kids etc, or cajole them into buying the VIP package themselves.

Terry

As I continue to think about this, I think this actually will make at least some number of suite guests happy. I have on more than one occasion been in a suite but had family or friends in a balcony or mini, and so, gave up my use of Cagneys for breakfast/lunch to dine with my friends and family. I have spoken to others who have done the same. I have also witnessed rude and or loud and or insistent suite guests at Cagneys insisting that they should be able to bring their non-suite family/friends in with them when the concierge has said NO. I ahve also seen the concierge allow it on occasion. But now, a suite guest that wishes to dine at Cagneys for breakfast or lunch with their children, relatives who are in a balcony can either pony up for their kids etc, or cajole them into buying the VIP package themselves.

 

Terry

Good point.

I just thought it was crazy for her to say non suite passengers are looking down their noses at suite guests that doesn't even make sense. I'm booked in both so she can't be talking to me lol

Go back and read the thread there are plenty of people accusing the suite passengers of being snooty, looking down their noses, not wanting to rub elbows with, etc.

I cruise in suites sometimes and not others. This weekend, I will be in an ocean view, I, like you, get CAS comps or discounts, and fork over the rest. I'm the least snooty person you'll ever meet. I was just pointing out that there are no suite people saying bad things about others but plenty of non-suite people taking pot shots at suite folks and calling them names.

Just because you pay to be in a suite doesn't turn you into a monster than looks down on people.

That's all I meant by it.

As well, if that poster is right and they prioritize suite guests over the VIP99ers, we are in for some nasty times. I've been on enough cruises and have seen enough people lose it over much less.

Perhaps I didn't express myself clearly enough, but that was my intention.

Go back and read the thread there are plenty of people accusing the suite passengers of being snooty, looking down their noses, not wanting to rub elbows with, etc.

 

I cruise in suites sometimes and not others. This weekend, I will be in an ocean view, I, like you, get CAS comps or discounts, and fork over the rest. I'm the least snooty person you'll ever meet. I was just pointing out that there are no suite people saying bad things about others but plenty of non-suite people taking pot shots at suite folks and calling them names.

 

Just because you pay to be in a suite doesn't turn you into a monster than looks down on people.

 

That's all I meant by it.

 

As well, if that poster is right and they prioritize suite guests over the VIP99ers, we are in for some nasty times. I've been on enough cruises and have seen enough people lose it over much less.

 

Perhaps I didn't express myself clearly enough, but that was my intention.

Because those same suite passengers that got "accused" of being snooty, looking down their noses, not wanting to rub elbows with, etc.; were the ones that wrote in this thread that they would not want to be around the people who brought $99 VIP, that would overcrowded Cagney during lunch & breakfast, that they didn't not want them to have the same amenities they had, that if people buying the VIP were getting them they ('accused' Suite passengers) were going to other cruise lines since it devalue their suite. And those are one I can remember off the top of my head, I know there's plenty more. And if you mean "accusing" as in talking some common sense such as calm down, wait and see, look what not in the VIP plan, 'and is it that serious to care that someone brought the package or not';'there's always someone buying a suite room so it doesn't matter if you go to another cruise line or not' - yeah, I guess you call that "accusing'....

Edit: Before you project your 'jealously" issues on others; the ones 'accusing" either already have suites and don't care if others have the VIP or not. Or they already have rooms in other categories and will either buy if its offered or not, or possible can't due it being offered to oceanviews and mini-suities only and are just expressing their opinions on the thread, which quite frankly got out of hand due to 'accuse' suite passengers not thinking clearly nor reading the fine print on the offer.

The fact of the matter is that NCL is a business and it will do what it has to to make a profit. People saying they will not book suites now because of this I either don't believe or honestly do not think it matters because there will be someone else to take your spot.

People saying non suite guests are looking down their noses at suite guests....really? Most I've read in this thread are (some) suite guest apalled that non suite guests would get to pay to eat in the same room as them! The horror! don't worry it's a cruise ship - you won't go hungry! Really, that's the way it comes off not saying anyone said that in particular.

Don't worry though your cagneys is safe from me.

A few lucky passengers will be able to purchase these perks, much like the few who purchase a vibe pass or spa pass. When we sailed in a haven suite Cagney's was nearly empty when we ate breakfast and lunch.

I think it's a wonderful idea to allow a few passengers the chance for a few extra perks. Granted it won't compare to the level of the Haven experience but it's at least a chance for a few extra perks if lucky enough to nab a VIP pass. The AI package costs a suite or haven guest much less with the 10% discount. I think of the VIP offer a way for a few passengers in less expensive rooms to get some perks as well.

While the perks offered in the VIP are certainly nice, they in no way were the only reason we booked the Haven. It looks to me like the suites and haven sell out pretty early on many sailings so if a few people cancel because its not fair or because they are willing to take their chances on getting a VIP pass there will be just as many waiting to grab their suite.

For my next sailing the lowest level suite was initially only a couple hundred extra. As the suites have sold the price has increased drastically. Had I wanted those perks I could have purchased the suite early on and received the suite and the perks for less $ than the person booking the balcony today and hoping to get the VIP. Add the obc bonus for suite 9 mos out and 10% off for AI and you have plenty of extra perks for suite bookings.

I applaud NCL for offering this potential perk, even if its for only a lucky few.

Go back and read the thread there are plenty of people accusing the suite passengers of being snooty, looking down their noses, not wanting to rub elbows with, etc.

 

I cruise in suites sometimes and not others. This weekend, I will be in an ocean view, I, like you, get CAS comps or discounts, and fork over the rest. I'm the least snooty person you'll ever meet. I was just pointing out that there are no suite people saying bad things about others but plenty of non-suite people taking pot shots at suite folks and calling them names.

 

Just because you pay to be in a suite doesn't turn you into a monster than looks down on people.

 

That's all I meant by it.

 

As well, if that poster is right and they prioritize suite guests over the VIP99ers, we are in for some nasty times. I've been on enough cruises and have seen enough people lose it over much less.

 

Perhaps I didn't express myself clearly enough, but that was my intention.

Ok gotcha that's the problem sometimes getting a point across over the Internet comes out wrong because there is no possible way you actually meant non suite guests are being snobs. Right?

Go back and read the thread there are plenty of people accusing the suite passengers of being snooty, looking down their noses, not wanting to rub elbows with, etc.

 

I cruise in suites sometimes and not others. This weekend, I will be in an ocean view, I, like you, get CAS comps or discounts, and fork over the rest. I'm the least snooty person you'll ever meet. I was just pointing out that there are no suite people saying bad things about others but plenty of non-suite people taking pot shots at suite folks and calling them names.

 

Just because you pay to be in a suite doesn't turn you into a monster than looks down on people.

 

That's all I meant by it.

 

As well, if that poster is right and they prioritize suite guests over the VIP99ers, we are in for some nasty times. I've been on enough cruises and have seen enough people lose it over much less.

 

Perhaps I didn't express myself clearly enough, but that was my intention.

You expressed yourself clearly enough but pretty sure you read the posts wrong.

NON- suite passengers are looking down their nose at SUITE passengers? That's what you read?

I feel like I've walked into an episode of the twilight zone.

Nowhere did i read that non suite passengers didn't want to rub elbows or anything else with suite passengers. i didn't read that non suite passengers were afraid they'd have to share restaurants with suite passengers. What if your not first in line for anything? Shudder at the thought....

deleted.

I think the non-suite passengers are the snooty ones Reading this thread and others on this site you read many complaints from non suit passengers about the $12 service charges that they should not pay them, drop in prices after final payment and expect the world given to them. They complain about the little things about customer services.

The whole point from a suite cabin perspective is the watering down of their benefits that they paid for when booking a cabin. It's not a snooty perspective from a suite passenger not wanting non suite guests to over crowd their space that they signed up for and having not to wait in line for something that was a given when that booked a suite. Who knows how this will impact cruises in the future and I will find out soon, but since I am in the haven on the getaway I probably won't see much impact from this, but on the smaller ships which I love also that is where the impact will probably be felt.

People on here will probably call me snooty because of my suite key joke and talk to my butler, but that's the way cruise critic rolls.

I think the non-suite passengers are the snooty ones Reading this thread and others on this site you read many complaints from non suit passengers about the $12 service charges that they should not pay them, drop in prices after final payment and expect the world given to them. They complain about the little things about customer services.

 

The whole point from a suite cabin perspective is the watering down of their benefits that they paid for when booking a cabin. It's not a snooty perspective from a suite passenger not wanting non suite guests to over crowd their space that they signed up for and having not to wait in line for something that was a given when that booked a suite. Who knows how this will impact cruises in the future and I will find out soon, but since I am in the haven on the getaway I probably won't see much impact from this, but on the smaller ships which I love also that is where the impact will probably be felt.

 

People on here will probably call me snooty because of my suite key joke and talk to my butler, but that's the way cruise critic rolls.

I bolded and underlined words of this post to illustrate a point that its why non-suite passengers are technically calling some suite passengers snooty and not wanting to rub elbows, etc... Regarding the bold part - how you know its not suite guests as well that are complaining about paying service charges, telling customer service horror stories, prices after final payment. Some people don't even state what room type there were in, so its a guess if there were in a interior or Haven suite. So before you make assumptions, how about making sure what accommodations that person was in before making such nonbaseless claim about others.

Regarding the underline part, this is exactly what people are talking about suite guests not wanting others to have same 'watered down benefits" that actually does not effect them and not wanting them to over-crowded their 'space'. Those 'watered down benefits' are no where near as good as the suite perks, so what are you so upset about? That it gives snacks 2x a week, better room service breakfast in the morning, and bottle of sparkling wine? How is that close to suite perks where you have better benefits of a butler, private personal concierges that just for suite guest only, own personal espresso machine, delivery meals from any specialty restaurant on the ship. Regarding overcrowding in Cagney's for breakfast & lunch on non-Breakaway ship - someone posted earlier that only 40 passes are going to be issued (the VIP package is per person, so basically 40 people) the Cagney's can hold 100 in it, what makes you think that people are all going down there at the same time? Breakfast is from what? 7am to about 9 or 10am and lunch is from 11am to about 2pm - yeah it accommodate those people and suite guests as well. And is it doesn't, there's buffet & free MDR open at that time as well.

Honestly, think it out before writing in the thread - its suite passengers having perceived issues with the VIP package, in their own words and tone that makes them look bad. Everyone else is just responding with the tone and words of 'calm down', "its not as bad as you think' and 'what the heck are you trying to say?!?!'.

More like it's suite passengers that are crying wolf over thinking they are getting ripped off by NCL for offering $99 package to balcony & minisuites guests without really looking what's not being offered in the plan. Its not all suite guests, just the ones who think that the package offers the exact same things (It doesn't - there's no butler, specialty dining deliveries or personal suite concierge service provided at all in the $99 plan) and that it will ruin their vacation if other non-suites passengers have what they have (you're on vacation on a mass market cruise line - nobody know cares what you have as long as you're not being a jerkwad towards them or others).

 

Another thing, NCL has plenty of meal options, so if Cagney is not available, thay can: 1) go elsewhere for lunch like the buffet, O'Sheenan's or MDR that's open or 2) make reservations for another day. its not the end of the world, it not that serious but you have people that think their vacation will be ruin to heck for not eating everyday at the same place at the same hour at the same minute. If you do think it will be ruin for that reason, maybe you need to relax more plus look at the big picture and realize that not everything or everyone is going to go according to your plans a/k/a unpredictable thing called life.

The issue is suite people paid upfront for the dining option of Cagneys. I don't want to eat at the buffet, MDR or OSheehans. I paid out my money based on my priorities and what I was told I would get in return for that investment. It is not turning my nose down on someone else for me to want to get what I paid for.

If the poster who said it will be 40 passes sold is correct then yes it very well could have a large impact on the experience I paid thousands of dollars for. Cagneys only holds 108 people at full capacity. On the Star suites if booked at full capacity hold over 300 people. Add another 40 to that and it is quite possible that suite passengers will be displaced. I don't care if you get to dine in Cagneys for paying your $99 or if the HD or CAS wants to bestow that upon you -just as long as I get my seat that I already paid for.

I don't care if your entire trip is comped or what you pay or didn't pay as long as I get what I paid for.

As to the person who said they don't care about being first off the ship again that is making a judgement on my priorities. I do care about getting off fast I have an 11am flight to Berlin. I don't understand why people find it entitled or snobby to want to get what I paid for and is important to me.

Just giving u a perspective from a suite traveler. You can look at many posts and reviews on this site that they tell you what cabin they booked. All cruisers can be snooty no matter what cabin they are in suite or non suite but I have read many complaints from the non suite passengers. Maybe since there are far fewer suite cabins and more non suite cabins you see more complaints. I have stayed in both and have seen suite passengers act like jerks and seen non suit passengers also act like jerks.

I could care less about other added benefits a balcony cabin gets with the $99 but what rubs me wrong with this is the potential to affect my cruising experience that I expected when booking a suite.

No matter what happens with this I am still going to enjoy my cruises with NCL and sit back and watch the snootiness.

By the way I would love to have a front row seat at the customer service desk and watch people running for the counter to get their $99 package.

I think the non-suite passengers are the snooty ones Reading this thread and others on this site you read many complaints from non suit passengers about the $12 service charges that they should not pay them, drop in prices after final payment and expect the world given to them. They complain about the little things about customer services.

 

Just for the record.....The two most vocal proponents on these boards for the removal of the the $12 service charge are both suite passengers. The number one poster even has it in their signature to remove them.

Rochelle

 

By the way I would love to have a front row seat at the customer service desk and watch people running for the counter to get their $99 package.

Now that's a snooty comment.

Rochelle

Now that's a snooty comment.

 

 

Rochelle

It sure is a snooty remark. One of many on this thread.

I see a lot of me me me remarks. 40 passes sold will impact your cruise experience? That is just ....sad to think that way.

Now that's a snooty comment.

 

 

Rochelle

I'm afraid I must agree :(

This is so sad. Just to clarify something here: only about 10% of cruisers are members on these boards. Of those, only a small number will post on these threads. Of those posting, and since the number of suites are so limited, I'm wondering just how many VIP99's you'd have to "budge" to get to the front of the line, Abe.

I surely would love to be that one at the front that you think you can budge. I was in a suite on our last cruise this time we're in a balcony, next time, on our 25 day cruise, who knows where we'll end up b/c we still have a long wait.

Does anyone really think that NCL will allow this to have a seriously negative impact on their suite pax's experience? I doubt it very much and if it's seen to be having a negative impact, it will simply go away like so many other trial programs on cruise lines.

So on our next cruise, the suite pax are seated in the La Cucina for breakfast and lunch, capacity of 74.. max suite pax 44 (added a few extras) leaving 30 seats available. I guess that means we can't all dine together since there aren't 40 seats available. Oh well.....:rolleyes:

I would highly recommend for those of you who are unhappy about this development don't just post your displeasure about it on this forum but contact NCL directly about it.

Go straight to the source with your concerns. NCL sometimes monitors these forums but it couldn't hurt to let your feelings known as a customer.

Just a thought.

Wow. I have to shake my head after following this for a few days now. Yes, suite passengers get the "perk" of Cagneys, but so does every other VIP. The New VIP $99 thing may now actually reduce the number of eligible guests in Cagneys. How is that possible you say? On my last Gem cruise there were over 30 Golden and VIP CAS guests, which means up to 120 people(all in the room get the perk). So take 120-40(the new $99 number of people) and you have up 80 more spots available in Cagneys.

Also the comments about suite guests paying more up front and spending more and being more valuable is hogwash. I am a CAS player and play big at times. On my last Breakaway cruise, I was playing blackjack next to a gentleman who in 1 hour lost, not played over $80,000 dollars. Big players will do this and if things do not turn around during the week, they can lose hundreds of thousands. Sometimes they win, but when playing that much if they win 45% of the time(which most recreational gamblers would be very happy with) the casino still comes out way ahead. So who do you think NCL wants more, a bunch of people paying full price for suites or a handful of high rollers on their ship? They want the gamblers everytime. This one guy alone paid for 8 suites with his losses in just one hour. Now who should be more upset here? The suite guests who now they are being infringed upon or the Golden and VIP CAS guests who ahd the same Cagneys perk taken away, C'mon.

Yes. It just became open a few days ago. I seriously debated it. But there are 6 of us and I can't imagine all 6 of us in that room. Although it is made for 6 people it is quite small. 1 bathroom too. Now if it connected to another cabin or suite for my kids I would be all over it.

 

But I am thinking about upgrading from our ocean view room to balcony rooms so I can TRY to take advantage of the $99 VIP upgrade. If it was a sure thing I would do it for sure. But don't know if I could get on the ship fast enough.

 

Thank you so much for checking. I really appreciate it. That was very nice of you.

Who all is traveling with you? Six people will fit very comfortably in an SJ suite. yes, the only down side is having one bathroom, but the suite itself is SOOO worth it!

Wow. I have to shake my head after following this for a few days now. Yes, suite passengers get the "perk" of Cagneys, but so does every other VIP. The New VIP $99 thing may now actually reduce the number of eligible guests in Cagneys. How is that possible you say? On my last Gem cruise there were over 30 Golden and VIP CAS guests, which means up to 120 people(all in the room get the perk). So take 120-40(the new $99 number of people) and you have up 80 more spots available in Cagneys.

 

Also the comments about suite guests paying more up front and spending more and being more valuable is hogwash. I am a CAS player and play big at times. On my last Breakaway cruise, I was playing blackjack next to a gentleman who in 1 hour lost, not played over $80,000 dollars. Big players will do this and if things do not turn around during the week, they can lose hundreds of thousands. Sometimes they win, but when playing that much if they win 45% of the time(which most recreational gamblers would be very happy with) the casino still comes out way ahead. So who do you think NCL wants more, a bunch of people paying full price for suites or a handful of high rollers on their ship? They want the gamblers everytime. This one guy alone paid for 8 suites with his losses in just one hour. Now who should be more upset here? The suite guests who now they are being infringed upon or the Golden and VIP CAS guests who ahd the same Cagneys perk taken away, C'mon.

Definitely the CAS folks have far more to complain about with this change. I'm not likely to hit Golden, so have no horse in this race, but they've been working off of a list of perks were provided that run through to the end of March. Now they've been taken away mid-term, and sold off to people at $99 bucks a shot.