We typically sail in high end suites on Celebrity, and never wanted to dine in blu. Never found the menu to be better then luminae or the specialty restaurants- Luminae will adjust the menu if you ask the night before. Also in Blu, tables for two are in a long row. No privacy at all. When we did dine in blu years ago, the people next to us were chiming in our conversation, without being asked. No upside.
When we book the packages on line, it is clear that the gratuity is included. If service is good, we also leave an extra $5.00 on the table. But it is a choice. We do it in Luminae also.
We are two adults traveling without kids. We enjoy the amenities of suites and find fewer children on the suite decks and restaurant. If you want to avoid kids, consider a suite. Also Many royal ships, have adult pools and solarium adult only area. Consider dining in Specialty restaurants nightly.
Less young kids on Celebrity.
Inside cabins aren't for everyone. Some new ships have outside views or you can keep your TV on to show the outside.
While tthey work for some- it doesn't work for us. We enjoy a balcony and fresh air . Especially to enjoy a cup of coffee or breakfast on the balcony.
The $500 pp might be a starting bid- so perhaps others might bid much more. The Royal suite is great. So depending upon your budget if you want the experience do it.
We have received Royal Up's. Price varies depending upon what you paid and which ship. IMO if it isn't too much and you can upgrade to a true suite, totally worth the perks. You know what you can afford of course.
The Jr. suite is nice. It is a larger cabin with a large closet and larger bathroom. However, no access to suite restaurant for lunch and breakfast and dinner based on availability We got a Jr. suite on the adventure- that IMO was a waste. On the newer ships, much nicer suites and amenities.
Agree with you. We do the same thing. Even through we are in a suite, enjoy dining in all of the restaurants. Except sushi- we do not eat it. I just wouldn't do the Chef's table again- food was so disappointing and they charge you extra even with the UDP.
Guess at the stage in our life we will stick to sky class. Hopefully, we will continue to be able to afford it! However, we have had central park view cabins and always had a good cruise! Then we tried a crown loft suite and that was the end!
But the star class suites have obscene prices. We couldn't spend that much and travel as much as we do. I was told that the yacht club services aren't only available for the top suites.
Honestly we spend most of our time in the retreat areas. We dine in specialty restaurants, see the shows, shop in the stores, but as for the pool, stay on the retreat deck. So unless something special going on, we don't leave the suite area either.
We also are two adults without kids along and booked this ship. Want the experience. I wouldn't book any old ships anymore. Have to be Oasis Class for us. Went on an old Royal ship this past August- that ship has had it's day and should be put out to pasture.
We were at the Chef's table in August and found the food and ambiance to be disappointing. I would suggest that if you want a special dinner, consider another specialty restaurant. We really enjoyed Central Park and the cost is half.
While it might be nice to experience a Star class, we are more then satisfied with the CLS on the Oasis class ships. IMO best location, next to suite lounge and restaurant, and love the two bathrooms. Tons of storage also. We just booked a "family suite" on the Icon as the price was the most affordable. Not really afforable, but others are much higher