Suite Experience : Anthem versus Oasis

Have you tried the suite experience on both classes of ships?

I did a taster on Anthem last year and just returned from a cruise on Oasis recently.

I will post my thoughts on how the two compare under this thread but I am interested in your experiences of the two.

Anthem

+++++

The Coastal Kitchen is located near the Windjammer. Given the quality of other dinning venues, it failed to stand out for me in terms of menu choice or ambience.

We didn't eat there in the evenings but we did have breakfast on more than one occasion. Each time we found the quality of service to be poor (chaotic and poorly managed) as was the cook to order breakfast.

Oasis

++++

The Coastal Kitchen shares the same space as the Suite Lounge on Deck 17. I preferred this set up and it was convenient as you could have your pre-dinner drinks and then go to your table at the time booked.

We had breakfast, lunch and evening meals and found the quality of service to be of a good restaurant standard. Much better than Anthem.

These are just based on my experiences. Please feel free to challenge and add your own.

Both Anthem and Oasis have an exclusive sun deck for suite passengers.

Anthem

+++++

As it was only a 3 day taster with moderate weather, I didn't spend any time on the sun deck but I did go to check it out. It lacked the anticipated WOW factor for me and I was very disappointed.

From memory, the space lacked any novelty factor, was cramped and messy. Not a space I would have liked to spend any time. I also don't remember seeing a bar.

Oasis

++++

Great exclusive space. Plenty of room. Bar, toilets, novelty showers and towels readily available. Only place where you could get towels without queuing at the towel station.

The forward facing cabanas were great although the weather had to be right to use them. On occasions it was uncomfortably hot or too breezy compared to other parts of the ship.

Not sure but might be called the Concierge lounge on the Anthem.

Anthem

+++++

Great lounge. Comfortable and not too busy. A great hide away place if you want to get away from the crowds. Also spacious and bright.

Problem is that it is quite a walk to and from the lift so not as accessible or convenient as the lounge on Oasis.

Oasis

++++

Located on deck 17 in the same part of ship as dinning venues. Easy to get to, easy to then go on to dinner in MDR or Windjammer.

Very bright and spacious. Comfortable space that I enjoyed spending time in.

Was disappointed with the variety of pre-dinner snacks. Would like to have seen a few changes. Perhaps catering for the American guests.

I expected afternoon tea type nibbles or other items during the day but didn't notice any. Drinks were served throughout the day and there is a manned bar where you can purchase any drinks which are not complementary. I don't believe this was the case on the Anthem.

On balance, due to location, the suite lounge on Oasis wins although I did like the styling of the lounge on Anthem.

As a newbie to the suite life....just wondering what kind of drinks were complimentary in the lounge? It would help me figure out which, if any, drink package to buy. thanks.

Anthem

Rooms on Anthem are incredible never sailed in anything like it. Everything else regarding a suite leaves a lot to be desired.

Costal Kitchen We had awesome service but the menu was the same exact thing for 11 days very big negative, Very quite and nice for Breakfast and lunch kept you away from the masses.

Concierge Lounge Way out of the way and we were on floor 10. No easy way to get to the location. All big rooms were on floor 8 and 10. Nothing special at the location at all. Free drinks at night were a nice touch as you can assume that was the busiest time.

Concierge: Horrible worst ever, 2 clowns. Never even introduced themselves. Did nothing for us. Usually you are met when you arrive and they walk you to your room and everything. These guys sent a 5 min voice mail everyday. Not my idea of service. Not sure what they do. Did not go out of the way to whisk up any special touches.

Sun Deck private Key access. However nothing special up there no service or bar. Not a special space at all.

Roped off Pool area. Nice loungers and beds and service however not patrolled and non suite guest were sitting there.

Direct embarkation You cant beat it no line direct access on and off the ship.

Priority Seating and no reservations needed for any shows or restaurants. Great perk if they held the seats they open it up 10 minutes before the show. Suite seating should be just that. As for the restaurants up charge restaurants were the only way to go.

Discounts A few insulting discounts on Internet and a few other things. Made no sense, Like i said lots to be desired.

No special touches in room but I think strawberries. Used to endless food and teats and special touches from other lines. Still pay for room service and mini bar.

Harmony 1/17

Hope they correct all the issue that seem to be on the Anthem. Seem that RCCL realizes this and is changing the whole program. I am assuming many complaints coming back.

Look forward to a suite only floor and spaces including private pool.

Heard the suite perks on Oasis class are over the top. The new program will include no tips, Free room Service, Butler, Free Mini Bar, Free Wifi, Free Drink Packages and free unlimited up charge restaurants all included. This is how anthem should be. Dont want to be nickle and dimmed after dropping 15-20K on a room already.

Anthem

 

Heard the suite perks on Oasis class are over the top. The new program will include no tips, Free room Service, Butler, Free Mini Bar, Free Wifi, Free Drink Packages and free unlimited up charge restaurants all included. This is how anthem should be. Dont want to be nickle and dimmed after dropping 15-20K on a room already.

The Suite Class services that you describe are dependent upon the "level" of suite class you are in. The levels are Star (upper tier); Sky and Sea. For example don't expect butler service or free drinks/mini bar in the GS level suite class (that's the Star Level) you need to be in a Royal Loft, Owners Loft, Grand Loft or Sky Loft sized suite.

 

Costal Kitchen We had awesome service but the menu was the same exact thing for 11 days very big negative, Very quite and nice for Breakfast and lunch kept you away from the masses.

 

Menus are changing in CK and will be different on each night.

 

Harmony 1/17

Harmony is the same class as Oasis. I don't think you'll see a Suite only floor and/or private pool.

Hope they correct all the issue that seem to be on the Anthem. Seem that RCCL realizes this and is changing the whole program. I am assuming many complaints coming back.

 

Look forward to a suite only floor and spaces including private pool.

 

Heard the suite perks on Oasis class are over the top. The new program will include no tips, Free room Service, Butler, Free Mini Bar, Free Wifi, Free Drink Packages and free unlimited up charge restaurants all included. This is how anthem should be. Dont want to be nickle and dimmed after dropping 15-20K on a room already.

Here's a link to the new "Royal Suite Class" that will rolled out this May on Oasis/Allure and Quantum/Anthem. Highest class is Star, then Sky and Sea Class. Different perks for each class. In Star class you get it all....

https://secure.royalcaribbean.com/royalsuiteclass

We were in a grand loft suite on anthem and will be in a sky loft on harmony so I am pretty sure that's star level

I don't think they have grand loft suites on harmony due to the aqua theater,

The Suite Class services that you describe are dependent upon the "level" of suite class you are in. The levels are Star (upper tier); Sky and Sea. For example don't expect butler service or free drinks/mini bar in the GS level suite class (that's the Star Level) you need to be in a Royal Loft, Owners Loft, Grand Loft or Sky Loft sized suite.

Pretty sure floor 17 on oasis class ships is suite only the entire floor with concierge lounge and costal kitchen all on that floor, need key access to get on floor from what I was told. When I was talking private pool I was referring to the haven on ncl. However I am told on harmony there will be special suite only sections at all pools.

Here's a link to the new "Royal Suite Class" that will rolled out this May on Oasis/Allure and Quantum/Anthem. Highest class is Star, then Sky and Sea Class. Different perks for each class. In Star class you get it all....

 

https://secure.royalcaribbean.com/royalsuiteclass

We've been in the crown loft suites on both the Oasis and the Allure.

On the 17th floor, you are correct regarding the "room hallways" and the "Coastal Kitchen / Suite lounge" are accessible with only a key card.

Because of our room proximity we really enjoyed the lounge and the Coastal Kitchen for all occasions.

In fact it really dissuades me from considering an owners suite or grand suite on other deck.

The Oasis class certainly has become our favorite and we really aren't considering the Quantum class ships at all.

Steve

Anthem

+++++

 

The Coastal Kitchen is located near the Windjammer. Given the quality of other dinning venues, it failed to stand out for me in terms of menu choice or ambience.

 

We didn't eat there in the evenings but we did have breakfast on more than one occasion. Each time we found the quality of service to be poor (chaotic and poorly managed) as was the cook to order breakfast.

 

Oasis

++++

 

The Coastal Kitchen shares the same space as the Suite Lounge on Deck 17. I preferred this set up and it was convenient as you could have your pre-dinner drinks and then go to your table at the time booked.

 

We had breakfast, lunch and evening meals and found the quality of service to be of a good restaurant standard. Much better than Anthem.

 

These are just based on my experiences. Please feel free to challenge and add your own.

The Coastal Kitchen on the Anthem has just done a complete overhaul of the dinner menus. There is now a different menu for every day.

Service on my cruise (22 nights) was spectacular, and the food excellent.

I only had a couple of lunches, and they were quite good.

I had one breakfast (departure morning, to escape the general chaos) and it was fine, and the service excellent as usual.

As a newbie to the suite life....just wondering what kind of drinks were complimentary in the lounge? It would help me figure out which, if any, drink package to buy. thanks.

You are in luck! I took a picture of the menu! ;)

Pretty sure floor 17 on oasis class ships is suite only the entire floor with concierge lounge and costal kitchen all on that floor, need key access to get on floor from what I was told. When I was talking private pool I was referring to the haven on ncl. However I am told on harmony there will be special suite only sections at all pools.

Deck 17 has all suites plus the suite lounge (concierge and Costal Kitchen). You do not need key access to get onto the floor. You need key access to get into the suite lounge at all times and to the suites if the glass doors are closed and locked. However. My experience has been that the glass doors are left open and rarely closed and locked.

Anthem

 

 

Rooms on Anthem are incredible never sailed in anything like it. Everything else regarding a suite leaves a lot to be desired.

 

 

Costal Kitchen We had awesome service but the menu was the same exact thing for 11 days very big negative, Very quite and nice for Breakfast and lunch kept you away from the masses.

 

Concierge Lounge Way out of the way and we were on floor 10. No easy way to get to the location. All big rooms were on floor 8 and 10. Nothing special at the location at all. Free drinks at night were a nice touch as you can assume that was the busiest time.

 

Concierge: Horrible worst ever, 2 clowns. Never even introduced themselves. Did nothing for us. Usually you are met when you arrive and they walk you to your room and everything. These guys sent a 5 min voice mail everyday. Not my idea of service. Not sure what they do. Did not go out of the way to whisk up any special touches.

 

 

Sun Deck private Key access. However nothing special up there no service or bar. Not a special space at all.

 

Roped off Pool area. Nice loungers and beds and service however not patrolled and non suite guest were sitting there.

 

Direct embarkation You cant beat it no line direct access on and off the ship.

 

Priority Seating and no reservations needed for any shows or restaurants. Great perk if they held the seats they open it up 10 minutes before the show. Suite seating should be just that. As for the restaurants up charge restaurants were the only way to go.

 

Discounts A few insulting discounts on Internet and a few other things. Made no sense, Like i said lots to be desired.

 

No special touches in room but I think strawberries. Used to endless food and teats and special touches from other lines. Still pay for room service and mini bar.

 

Harmony 1/17

 

Hope they correct all the issue that seem to be on the Anthem. Seem that RCCL realizes this and is changing the whole program. I am assuming many complaints coming back.

 

Look forward to a suite only floor and spaces including private pool.

 

Heard the suite perks on Oasis class are over the top. The new program will include no tips, Free room Service, Butler, Free Mini Bar, Free Wifi, Free Drink Packages and free unlimited up charge restaurants all included. This is how anthem should be. Dont want to be nickle and dimmed after dropping 15-20K on a room already.

It truly sounds like you would be happier on a luxury line like Crystal or Seabourn. These things that you "miss" or "want" are just not things that RC does.

And I would be APPALLED if anyone delivered "teats" to my stateroom!!! :eek: :eek: :eek:

Anthem

 

 

Harmony 1/17

 

Hope they correct all the issue that seem to be on the Anthem. Seem that RCCL realizes this and is changing the whole program. I am assuming many complaints coming back.

 

Look forward to a suite only floor and spaces including private pool.

 

Harmony is Oasis class so I am assuming that layout will be similar. I found the set up for suite guests to be better. Many of the suites are on deck 17 where you also have the suite lounge and the Coastal Kitchen. So very convenient.

The sun deck on the Oasis was much better. Private Cabanas, bar and plenty of space.

RCL are upgrading their suite programme but the perks depend on the category.

Can i afford a suite? Yes. Would i pay for one? Hell no.

Yes. I have done OS and GS on Royal but I am most satisfied in the balcony (sometimes JS) price category. If I was going to spend 15-20k for 2 people I would go on Seabourn.

It truly sounds like you would be happier on a luxury line like Crystal or Seabourn. These things that you "miss" or "want" are just not things that RC does.

 

And I would be APPALLED if anyone delivered "teats" to my stateroom!!! :eek: :eek: :eek:

I am surprised that you missed the "extra touches" comment, that followed the teats one.:D

I guess some cruises have happier endings than others.:)

You are paying 15-20k USD for this?

 

 

 

A cruise with RCCL really isnt a luxury experience. You must really want that space to part with that money.

 

 

 

The chairs look nice on Anthem suite area but it cant be fun having to keep fetching your own drinks. Coastal kitchen sounds like a right let down. All drinks should be free with a suite.... but clearly they arent.

 

 

 

You can create your own experience better than paying for it. Personally i sit in the jacuzzi all day in the sun and have the waiter bring me a steady flow of drinks as its near the bar its easy. Then eat in speciality on side of boat in Jamies in the sun watching the sun set. IF i want to sit in comfort id go and get one of the nice beds near the sky bar and drink Prosecco. Followed by a nice steam and sauna and rain shower. Then off our to the Music bar or Casino and get a spot where i can continue to discover new drinks or cocktails. Then stumble back to cabin and sleep and wake up and repeat.

 

 

 

Cost?

 

 

 

$130 for spa package

 

$55 for drinks package (free in cost of room Premium Pckg)

 

%25 off all speciality dining as we used more than 3 times. Ate 9/14 nights in speciality

 

$50 USD worth of direct tips to make sure i was always taken care of in Jacuzzi and other areas i used to drink.

 

Saved $900 USD booking D0 balcony and got upgraded anyway to deck 10 balcony.

 

 

 

Didnt need coastal kitchen, didnt need suite seating area and got better service all around. Balcony room was big enough for 2 of us. Didnt feel lacking at all.

 

 

 

Can i afford a suite? Yes. Would i pay for one? Hell no.

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

RCI are catering for a niche group of people who have the disposable income to cruise with Seabourn but would rather cruise with them.

However in order to do that you have to level the playing field. If I'm going to fork out 18K for a 7 night Med cruise on Harmony then there had better be something worthwhile for me. And I agree with my fellow travellers who accommodate themselves in the highest category of room on the ship by saying it is virtually disrespectful how the highest paying guests are treated by the company once they leave their room. Nickel and diming is putting it mildly.

Finally the mega carriers have decided to offer something of substance for a first class fare.

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I agree with previous comments regarding Suite Guests expecting a lot more for their $$$. Recent trip on the Anthem and the only thing great about it was the lovely sparkling new Grand Suite. Other than that the Cruise was a disaster, food was terrible and the Anthem was poorly managed and RCC short-changed passengers by switching itineraries at the last minute from a lengthy (mile wise Western Caribbean) to a short "once around the block" Eastern Caribbean cruise. After spending major dollars for a Grand Suite, I tried to cancel and change for another cruise with the same itinerary at a later date. They said NO......I guess they have your money and you are at their mercy! Their explanation was: since they had bad weather on the previous cruise and had to cut our cruise short by one day? Our cruise had great weather predicted and they could have cut one port from the cruise and kept the itinerary. However, They reimbursed us for one day. It hardly made up for it.

Yes, Suite Guest should have great dining and other perks. We manage to pay for it. Again, I like cruising with RCC but feel betrayed by their marketing practices and theri hype for the Anthem.

I am surprised that you missed the "extra touches" comment, that followed the teats one.:D

 

I guess some cruises have happier endings than others.:)

I decided not to "touch" that one! ;)

I agree with previous comments regarding Suite Guests expecting a lot more for their $$$. Recent trip on the Anthem and the only thing great about it was the lovely sparkling new Grand Suite. Other than that the Cruise was a disaster, food was terrible and the Anthem was poorly managed and RCC short-changed passengers by switching itineraries at the last minute from a lengthy (mile wise Western Caribbean) to a short "once around the block" Eastern Caribbean cruise. After spending major dollars for a Grand Suite, I tried to cancel and change for another cruise with the same itinerary at a later date. They said NO......I guess they have your money and you are at their mercy! Their explanation was: since they had bad weather on the previous cruise and had to cut our cruise short by one day? Our cruise had great weather predicted and they could have cut one port from the cruise and kept the itinerary. However, They reimbursed us for one day. It hardly made up for it.

 

Yes, Suite Guest should have great dining and other perks. We manage to pay for it. Again, I like cruising with RCC but feel betrayed by their marketing practices and theri hype for the Anthem.

They explained to you 3,000,000 times why the itinerary had to be changed.

You choose to continue to make a big deal out of it.

If you don't want to take the chance of having changes, you should book a land vacation, or not cruise out of the Northeast in the winter.

:mad:

Its things they are going to have to do or change or they will lose the business and they dont want to do that. Ask NCL. Royal Caribbean is trying to mimic the Haven to the tea. All the changes are much more closer to what I want. I dont want a small high end boat. I want a megs ship that also caters to the high end its it seems to slowly be happening. Will see what Harmony has to offer.

Royal high end rooms crush NCL

However

Service and food and touches by NCL crush RCL.

It truly sounds like you would be happier on a luxury line like Crystal or Seabourn. These things that you "miss" or "want" are just not things that RC does.

 

And I would be APPALLED if anyone delivered "teats" to my stateroom!!! :eek: :eek: :eek:

I personally could care less about drinking all day an prefer going back to my 2 story 870 square foot room the space and scenery to me is priceless. I don't want to be on top of people and being catered to in the coastal kitchen is 5 star just did not care for no selection. To me the winjammer is not my style almost like cattle. I also appreciate not waiting in any lines and coming and going as I please with zero reservations. TO me a suite is worth every cent if the expected service comes with it. Seems all the complaints are being answered and they are changing there program. Also the extra 7K for a family of 4 to travel in a suite compared to a balcony is a no contest. But as you know to each his own.

You are paying 15-20k USD for this?

 

A cruise with RCCL really isnt a luxury experience. You must really want that space to part with that money.

 

The chairs look nice on Anthem suite area but it cant be fun having to keep fetching your own drinks. Coastal kitchen sounds like a right let down. All drinks should be free with a suite.... but clearly they arent.

 

You can create your own experience better than paying for it. Personally i sit in the jacuzzi all day in the sun and have the waiter bring me a steady flow of drinks as its near the bar its easy. Then eat in speciality on side of boat in Jamies in the sun watching the sun set. IF i want to sit in comfort id go and get one of the nice beds near the sky bar and drink Prosecco. Followed by a nice steam and sauna and rain shower. Then off our to the Music bar or Casino and get a spot where i can continue to discover new drinks or cocktails. Then stumble back to cabin and sleep and wake up and repeat.

 

Cost?

 

$130 for spa package

$55 for drinks package (free in cost of room Premium Pckg)

%25 off all speciality dining as we used more than 3 times. Ate 9/14 nights in speciality

$50 USD worth of direct tips to make sure i was always taken care of in Jacuzzi and other areas i used to drink.

Saved $900 USD booking D0 balcony and got upgraded anyway to deck 10 balcony.

 

Didnt need coastal kitchen, didnt need suite seating area and got better service all around. Balcony room was big enough for 2 of us. Didnt feel lacking at all.

 

Can i afford a suite? Yes. Would i pay for one? Hell no.