First Suite

We have just booked our first suite. We my have overindulged a bit, but I think it's a once in a lifetime thing. We booked a celebrity suite on the Equinox. Anyone have pointers for a newbie. We have cruised on Celebrity many time. Thanks

Rollie

You will certainly enjoy the Suite experience on Celebrity. Luminae is a real treat!

Please enjoy, you are correct, life is to short. Please enjoy your Celebrity suite experiences.

We have only sailed in a suite once and we didn't like it.

It was before the current private dining room and dedicated free lounge so that might have made a difference.

We have no use for a butler and would never have anything to ask them to do for us...so it really wasn't our thing.

We got a nice location room, back of the ship, which was nice sailing into/out of venice.

We only booked the suite because a point promotion that got us to elite plus quicker.

I'm sure you will have a great time, but it wasn't for us.

We have just booked our first suite. We my have overindulged a bit, but I think it's a once in a lifetime thing. We booked a celebrity suite on the Equinox. Anyone have pointers for a newbie. We have cruised on Celebrity many time. Thanks

 

Rollie

Which CS did you book? If you were able to get one on the side of the hump you will find you have a HUGE balcony. We've sailed in them on 3 different S class ships. It is really a wonderful stateroom, some don't like it as much because it doesn't have a dining table in the room, but there is a large table on the balcony which we dined at several times.

Am sure you will love Luminae and Michael's Club too. The suite experience on X is really quite excellent, if you have any particular questions about the CS I'd be happy to answer!:)

We have only sailed in a suite once and we didn't like it.

 

It was before the current private dining room and dedicated free lounge so that might have made a difference.

 

We have no use for a butler and would never have anything to ask them to do for us...so it really wasn't our thing.

 

We got a nice location room, back of the ship, which was nice sailing into/out of venice.

 

We only booked the suite because a point promotion that got us to elite plus quicker.

 

I'm sure you will have a great time, but it wasn't for us.

As you I am funny about what I ask the Butler to handle for me and recognize they are not my servant. One thing that may be nice to enhance your suite experience is to host a small port of call sail away gathering in your suite. The idea is work with your Butler coordinate some light snacks/ desserts, invite a few newly made friends or traveling companions and play some music through the TV. The Butler will not be there to serve (which is OK), but they will assure you have everything there (food, plates, utensils, napkins, etc.) to make for a nice experience. Depending on crowd size I may order and few extra bottles of wine. If you do this for a sail away, people will not linger too long as they will want to get ready for the evening.

I tip the Butler after these parties because of the extra work. I tend to keep these gatherings rather small (under 10 invites). Most of all enjoy that suite. BTW...not sure when you are sailing, but I'll be on the Equinox 3/24/18 and 3/31/18. If this aligns with your sailing, I'll be happy to attend if you decide to do this. :cool::cool:

We have only sailed in a suite once and we didn't like it.

 

It was before the current private dining room and dedicated free lounge so that might have made a difference.

 

We have no use for a butler and would never have anything to ask them to do for us...so it really wasn't our thing.

 

We got a nice location room, back of the ship, which was nice sailing into/out of venice.

 

We only booked the suite because a point promotion that got us to elite plus quicker.

 

I'm sure you will have a great time, but it wasn't for us.

Celebrity suite cruising pre ‘suite life’ gave you very few ‘bonus perks’. I think you would be pleasantly surprised if you tried the suite experience again now....

We have only sailed in a suite once and we didn't like it.

 

It was before the current private dining room and dedicated free lounge so that might have made a difference.

 

We have no use for a butler and would never have anything to ask them to do for us...so it really wasn't our thing.

 

We got a nice location room, back of the ship, which was nice sailing into/out of venice.

 

We only booked the suite because a point promotion that got us to elite plus quicker.

 

I'm sure you will have a great time, but it wasn't for us.

Kind of a Debbie Downer. How long ago did you sail in a suite and on what ship? If it was before Luminae and Michael's Club you should try again soon.

Since the OP is familiar with Celebrity in general, I just wanted to comment that while we love the dining room table in the M-class Celebrity Suites, we also like having the two bathroom entrances in the S-class Celebrity Suites. Having the separate bedroom really makes a CS a suite, not just a larger stateroom (which essentially what Sky Suites are). My husband rises earlier than I on sea days and he has a standing order for pots of tea and juice to be delivered when we are in a CS, but we rarely bother when in a Sky Suite.

Our last cruise, during Hurricane Irma, was on Equinox, in CS 1615, which has the oversized balcony. We have cruised in both Sky Suites and Celebrity Suites. Michael’s Club is wonderful. Sometimes it can be crowded, and sometimes empty, or anything in between. The ship’s officers often spend time in there. We spent a good 45 minutes talking to the Staff Captain one night. These are not walk through photo ops; the officers sit and talk to the guests. BUT, the best part of MC on Equinox, is the concierge, Jolé (pronounced Yo-la). If you walk in the first day, and see a very tall, blonde haired lady, that is Jolé. Hopefully, she will not be on vacation.

Other little things that have not been mentioned thus far: embarkation day lunch in Luminae. You can go to MC after boarding and Jolé will let you know when it is open for lunch. If you want to explore the ship or when you go to lunch, you can leave your carry on bags in MC under her watchful eye. Priority for tenders if you have a port which requires them, priority disembarkation the last morning.

When we first cruised in a suite, we, too, were leary of asking our butler for special requests. My favorite butler story was several cruises ago. He kept asking what he could do. Finally, we gave him a pair of DH’s shoes to polish. He returned them, put them in the closet, and took a very beat up pair of loafers that DH used for wandering around the islands. When those loafers came back, they looked brand new. Point is, your butler wants to do things for you, so make use of him.

I may think of more and will post when I do.

Celebrity really knows how to do the suite thing. We first did Sky Suites and, while like many we really don't utilize the services of a butler, we loved both Luminae and Michael's Club. We've done the specialty restaurants on both M and S class ships and feel Luminae is equal to or better than any of them, and at no additional expense. Michael's Club is great for pre-dinner drinks, or a quiet escape after a busy day or evening aboard. Our experience is that the bartenders go out of their way to get to know you and make sure your favorite beverage is ready. Plus, as others have noted, it's often a good opportunity to meet and chat with ship officers. We eventually moved one more step up to a Celebrity Suite, feeling the separate bedroom (and second entrance to the bath) would allow DW to sleep in without being disturbed by my early rising. It also came with some additional perks you'll probably enjoy. One is a call or email (or both) from a Shoreside Suite Concierge for your ship to check for any special requests. We had a few, some basic and some more specific, and all had been handled when we boarded. The other was a pleasant surprise at check-in. As we were completing the short process, a young lady appeared with a folio with our key cards and other information, and then escorted us aboard, quickly by-passing a number of somewhat long lines and taking us directly to Michael's Club where the hostess introduced herself and the bartender took our orders for a cocktail. From the time we approached the check-in counter to the time we were sipping a drink in MC was literally a few minutes. Be aware that in researching your upcoming suite cruise, you may encounter some on CC who seem to have issues with the perks for suite guests. Please know that the perks are available to anyone and everyone who chooses to pay the price for suite accommodations. And above all, ENJOY!!!!!

I just got off the Summit in a Royal Suite. One of the biggest perks to me was that on disembarkation day we could stay in Michael's Club until the ship needed to be cleared (that was about 9:30 am). Then the Michael's Club concierge escorted us off the ship and took us to the front of all lines directly to the immigration officer. Also luggage from suites is the first off, so it is available whenever you want to claim it. We were off and in a taxi in very few minutes.

I think you will love all the benefits of suite class guests. Have a great trip.

Carolyn

Agree with everything everyone has posted. Concierge meeting us at check in and escorting us on board and straight to Luminae, welcome bottle of bubbly in the suite, fresh fruit daily, afternoon canapes, Michael’s and Luminae - the service and food / beverage options at both is spectacular, MC concierge booking excursions and reservations, priority debarkation, and more benefits than I can remember. It is top notch all the way. I do not think you will regret the decision.

Enjoy your vacation.

I just got off the Summit in a Royal Suite. One of the biggest perks to me was that on disembarkation day we could stay in Michael's Club until the ship needed to be cleared (that was about 9:30 am). Then the Michael's Club concierge escorted us off the ship and took us to the front of all lines directly to the immigration officer. Also luggage from suites is the first off, so it is available whenever you want to claim it. We were off and in a taxi in very few minutes.

 

 

 

I think you will love all the benefits of suite class guests. Have a great trip.

 

 

 

Carolyn

Can you please tell us other perks available for royal suites PX like restaurants do you pay extra for those especial restaurants like Murano ,Tuscany etc

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Can you please tell us other perks available for royal suites PX like restaurants do you pay extra for those especial restaurants like Murano ,Tuscany etc

 

 

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in an RS or and above you also have premium drinks packages for all in the suite, unlimited free dinning in all venues, unlimited internet for each in suite, Two bottles of spirits of your choice in the room and your mini bar refreshed each day with your choice of sodas, beers and ciders.

This is however an increase in the level of service you receive which is difficult to put your finger on.This what makes the suite experience so sweet. The way the officers will sit and chat in MC or the Helipad sail aways or the bridge tours. These all add to an amazing experience ..... There is a down side though.... for each step up it is VERY hard to step back down

 

This is however an increase in the level of service you receive which is difficult to put your finger on.This what makes the suite experience so sweet. The way the officers will sit and chat in MC or the Helipad sail aways or the bridge tours. These all add to an amazing experience ..... There is a down side though.... for each step up it is VERY hard to step back down

Agree.....As an example , in Murano’s we do have a table location we prefer. When we cruised in April they booked it for us each visit. When we were back on the ship in September they had remembered!

For those who don’t use the butler much remember they can sort so many little things for you. We are always touched by the little things they sometimes just offer. For example, we had invited a couple back one cruise after a walk in town for a drink on our veranda....before we could open the door the butler was there, insisting on serving the drinks, minutes later he reappeared with chips and nuts and asked if we wanted canapés. On another occasion our butler saw us returning early to our room saying we were exhausted and going to watch a film. Minutes later a knock on the door the butler appeared with popcorn and asking us if we had enough sodas and beers (stocked to the hilt) or did we want a hot drink.

OP, have a great cruise.

Kind of a Debbie Downer. How long ago did you sail in a suite and on what ship? If it was before Luminae and Michael's Club you should try again soon.

I'm sorry that I pointed out our experience (which wasn't bad, just not for us commoners) and I will take your little dig with a grain of salt. I'm sure you are a wonderful person

Grace115, we did get one of the hump cabins with the big balcony. It was just luck of the draw, I’m sure we would be happy in any CS.

Thanks everyone for the great replies. The cruise is not until December, but I’m now very excited. Thank again.

Rollie

Which CS did you book? If you were able to get one on the side of the hump you will find you have a HUGE balcony. We've sailed in them on 3 different S class ships. It is really a wonderful stateroom, some don't like it as much because it doesn't have a dining table in the room, but there is a large table on the balcony which we dined at several times.

 

Am sure you will love Luminae and Michael's Club too. The suite experience on X is really quite excellent, if you have any particular questions about the CS I'd be happy to answer!:)

True. We were in 1110 on the Eclipse last month and, I think, 1233 the year before. Wonderful cabins which my wife loves. CS is about as big as we need. A nice couple invited us to their penthouse suite, and it was unbelievable, but it was simply much too big for just the two of us. Fortunately, too, as its cost must rival that of the Taj

Not sure when you are sailing but when the shoreside concierge calls you ask if Emir (butler) is on the ship, if he is request him, he is a great butler. Nino in Luminae is also a great waiter, he will probably be on Equinox until early summer.

We have just booked our first suite. We my have overindulged a bit, but I think it's a once in a lifetime thing. We booked a celebrity suite on the Equinox. Anyone have pointers for a newbie. We have cruised on Celebrity many time. Thanks

 

Rollie

I have booked our first suite on the Reflection for Nov 2018. I have an abundance of OBC on this sailing $1250 I will never use it all so I learned from my last cruise that it is broken into 2 types 0BC-R and OBC-N.

OBC-R is refundable and unused will go back to credit card

OBC-N is use it or loose it .

I did find out that if I book future cruise on board that they charge deposit to S&S card...so OBC can go towards deposit.

Also you get Luminae restaurant you can also eat a BLU so it is a good way to try out other venues in case next time you want to book aqua class and there is always MDR....which on my last 10 day was a bit boring after first week.

I'm sorry that I pointed out our experience (which wasn't bad, just not for us commoners) and I will take your little dig with a grain of salt. I'm sure you are a wonderful person

Really sorry- I didn't mean to insult you but your post was describing a past suite experience to the OP which perhaps is no longer relevant to the current suite experience on Celebrity. You should try it again if you get an opportunity.

Boxl, we also have cabin 1110. Like I said, luck of the draw. I must live right. lol

rollie

Not sure when you are sailing but when the shoreside concierge calls you ask if Emir (butler) is on the ship, if he is request him, he is a great butler. Nino in Luminae is also a great waiter, he will probably be on Equinox until early summer.

Emir is WONDERFUL!!! Best butler in the fleet, and such a nice guy....

Totally agree about Nino too. Glad to hear he is still there!!:)

 

I did find out that if I book future cruise on board that they charge deposit to S&S card...so OBC can go towards deposit.

.

Did you actually do that or just heard it? Over the last few years I have had plenty of SBC and have booked many futures cruises. They would never allow me to use my SS card. They would only take a CC (didn’t ask about cash). I was distinctly told that SBC could not be used.

Happy cruising 🌊🛳🇺🇸🌅