Guests in Michael's

We are in a suite coming up in a month and we are taking our 23 year old daughter along who will be in a veranda cabin solo. We plan to have her join us as able in Luminae for dinner and we began to wonder if she would be allowed as a guest to join us in Michael's. She will have a premium drink package which I doubt will make a difference, but since there is no cost for drinks in the club I figured I'd mention it.

Only suite guests are allowed in Michael's Club. The concierge may have discretion to allow people to visit, but it's not automatic and it's usually for a limited visit only (not everyday access).

We're in the same boat in May on the Reflection...i would warn you that from what i read don't assume your daughter will be able to join you every night in Luminae as it's only on an availabilty basis...you'd think since we are both paying double for our daughters cabin that they would make a concession...or at least let her eat in Luminae no charge:)..

We are in a suite coming up in a month and we are taking our 23 year old daughter along who will be in a veranda cabin solo. We plan to have her join us as able in Luminae for dinner and we began to wonder if she would be allowed as a guest to join us in Michael's. She will have a premium drink package which I doubt will make a difference, but since there is no cost for drinks in the club I figured I'd mention it.

We're in the same boat in May on the Reflection...i would warn you that from what i read don't assume your daughter will be able to join you every night in Luminae as it's only on an availabilty basis...you'd think since we are both paying double for our daughters cabin that they would make a concession...or at least let her eat in Luminae no charge:)..

She could eat in Luminae for no charge if she were staying in a suite. What's the incentive for people to pay for suite class if there were tons of loopholes to get the amenities for free? There have been reports that minor children staying in their own cabin have been able to eat with their parents in Luminae but once kids become adults, they're subject to the rules that everyone else has to follow.

Good point about guest dining being on a space-available basis. It's not a guarantee that they'll be able to accommodate guests every night.

My response other than trying to add info was tongue in cheek as we are paying double occupancy for a single in a balcony cabin...so i was joking it would be nice since we're paying almost 1500.00 for a Phantom second person if they would be somewhat generous:) ...in reality it wouldn't be free considering the premium we are paying for her.

It's not like we got a break when she can't drink 2 packages which we were entiltled to...Maybe instead of getting 2 perks we should have been given all 4 perks..

She could eat in Luminae for no charge if she were staying in a suite. What's the incentive for people to pay for suite class if there were tons of loopholes to get the amenities for free? There have been reports that minor children staying in their own cabin have been able to eat with their parents in Luminae but once kids become adults, they're subject to the rules that everyone else has to follow.

Good point about guest dining being on a space-available basis. It's not a guarantee that they'll be able to accommodate guests every night.

We're in the same boat in May on the Reflection...i would warn you that from what i read don't assume your daughter will be able to join you every night in Luminae as it's only on an availabilty basis...you'd think since we are both paying double for our daughters cabin that they would make a concession...or at least let her eat in Luminae no charge:)..

She could eat in Luminae for no charge if she were staying in a suite. What's the incentive for people to pay for suite class if there were tons of loopholes to get the amenities for free? There have been reports that minor children staying in their own cabin have been able to eat with their parents in Luminae but once kids become adults, they're subject to the rules that everyone else has to follow.

 

Good point about guest dining being on a space-available basis. It's not a guarantee that they'll be able to accommodate guests every night.

I've got no problem paying when she is able to join us in Luminae and I guess I wasn't clear in my OP when I said when "able" because I realized it was as available. We tend to be early diners and several times in the past have had dinner there right at 6 when they open. Usually there appeared to be plenty of room at that time for one guest, but we'll see how it works out.

My response other than trying to add info was tongue in cheek as we are paying double occupancy for a single in a balcony cabin...so i was joking it would be nice since we're paying almost 1500.00 for a Phantom second person if they would be somewhat generous:) ...in reality it wouldn't be free considering the premium we are paying for her.

It's not like we got a break when she can't drink 2 packages which we were entiltled to...Maybe instead of getting 2 perks we should have been given all 4 perks..

Not to take this off my original Michael's question too far, I hear you loud and clear, but I also hear you saying the same thing I did, of "that's life" if I didn't like it I wouldn't have booked it.

As a bonus though, she did still get $300 of OBC even though there was only one person in the cabin. I figure that extra $150 will cover her meals in Luminae ;)

My response other than trying to add info was tongue in cheek as we are paying double occupancy for a single in a balcony cabin...so i was joking it would be nice since we're paying almost 1500.00 for a Phantom second person if they would be somewhat generous:) ...in reality it wouldn't be free considering the premium we are paying for her.

It's not like we got a break when she can't drink 2 packages which we were entiltled to...Maybe instead of getting 2 perks we should have been given all 4 perks..

I do wish Celebrity had better options for single travelers. I usually travel with a friend but might take more cruises if I didn't have to pay double when I wanted to go by myself. Did you price getting a larger suite that could accommodate all 3 people?

Regarding pricing for singles --

The cost of the room is, on most lines, actually a "loss leader". If the people who book the room never buy anything on board, don't book shore excursions, don't get massages, don't buy photo packages, don't buy expensive bottles of wine and eat in specialty restaurants, then the cruise line doesn't make money.

For the most part, singles don't do many of those things. and if they do, they generally don't spend the money couples do.

So the room price is adjusted upward to reflect that. I, too, wish it wasn't 200% but I do understand where the cruise line is coming from.

I understand the economics from their point-of-view, but other lines have started adding cabins for singles and I hope Celebrity follows suit on their newer ships. There is a market out there for it.

I do wish Celebrity had better options for single travelers. I usually travel with a friend but might take more cruises if I didn't have to pay double when I wanted to go by myself. Did you price getting a larger suite that could accommodate all 3 people?

Originally we planned to take both our son and daughter so we had planned 2 cabins all along. When the plans changed to just 3 of us we did look at other options, but I don't think any of us liked the idea of my wife, me and our 23 year old in one room, even if we booked a large suite, someone was going to end up on the couch. The price change was at least $1,000 PP or as much as $5k PP so almost any way I figured it, we would have spent more to share a room

Regarding pricing for singles --

 

The cost of the room is, on most lines, actually a "loss leader". If the people who book the room never buy anything on board, don't book shore excursions, don't get massages, don't buy photo packages, don't buy expensive bottles of wine and eat in specialty restaurants, then the cruise line doesn't make money.

 

For the most part, singles don't do many of those things. and if they do, they generally don't spend the money couples do.

 

So the room price is adjusted upward to reflect that. I, too, wish it wasn't 200% but I do understand where the cruise line is coming from.

Well, it's also plain and simple, why should they give up the revenue of a cabin for two people to accommodate one?

Of course Celebrity could choose to offer single cabins that were priced for one or with a low single supplement; they would just need to factor it into their revenue budgeting for each sailing prior to the cabins going up for sale. I used to work in revenue management for a tour operator that owned river cruise ships. All the cabins on most of the ships were double occupancy. We would allocate inventory to allow a certain number of those cabins to be sold as singles with a low single supplement (around $600). All that was planned out in our annual P&L calculations for each tour. Because singles sold well we would sometimes have to add more inventory if we were reaching a point that the cruise was lagging in sales. That would be a hit to our P&L but was sometimes better to get rid of cabins that way than having to go out and do some sort of promotional sale.

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I know the shoreside concierge is in touch with Michaels Club Concierge. I would put in the request with shoreside and see if they can confirm. I am not advocating being able to or not do this, but this may be a way to know b4 you go.

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Originally we planned to take both our son and daughter so we had planned 2 cabins all along. When the plans changed to just 3 of us we did look at other options, but I don't think any of us liked the idea of my wife, me and our 23 year old in one room, even if we booked a large suite, someone was going to end up on the couch. The price change was at least $1,000 PP or as much as $5k PP so almost any way I figured it, we would have spent more to share a room

It's a little late now for this, but I wonder whether another option might have been to see if you could pay for a phantom 3rd "occupant" in the suite and then put DD in the absolute cheapest room available. I'd bet that the total costs wouldn't be too far apart and the 3rd spot in the suite might qualify her for Luminae and MC while having a separate bedroom and bathroom for the extra space.

It's a little late now for this, but I wonder whether another option might have been to see if you could pay for a phantom 3rd "occupant" in the suite and then put DD in the absolute cheapest room available. I'd bet that the total costs wouldn't be too far apart and the 3rd spot in the suite might qualify her for Luminae and MC while having a separate bedroom and bathroom for the extra space.

Good thought, I may look into that if we end up this way again. MC isn't really a big deal and we're only on a 5 night this trip so I figured we'd see how many nights she can join us in L, I know she'll probably want to be on her own 1 or 2 anyway.

Nothing to do with MC but doesn't she have any friends that can come - it's a free cruise :)

I've learned long ago that I don't ask questions like this on Cruise Critic because they will just tell you no which are the rules we all know, and rightfully so. Just ask on board as you never know.

Originally we planned to take both our son and daughter so we had planned 2 cabins all along. When the plans changed to just 3 of us we did look at other options, but I don't think any of us liked the idea of my wife, me and our 23 year old in one room, even if we booked a large suite, someone was going to end up on the couch. The price change was at least $1,000 PP or as much as $5k PP so almost any way I figured it, we would have spent more to share a room

I would not just dismiss larger suites for three of you. Our adult son is perfectly happy in S class RS or PH and M class PH. With the second full bathroom in both PHs and the toilet and sink in S class RS there is some additional privacy.... The great family space offered by these rooms give excellent socialising space and separate sleeping areas. Our son has never had an issue with a sofa bed.

Those extra perks (both stated and discrete) are well worth having too. Not only would your daughter now have access to Michael's and Luminae you would all have unlimited speciality dining, room bar set up....If you haven't done a 'top' suite before it really is a nice experience.

 

 

Good point about guest dining being on a space-available basis. It's not a guarantee that they'll be able to accommodate guests every night.

In reality for one extra person this won't be an issue. If asked the Luminae staff will make it happen. A group of four or six people may be different. They are't going to say no, sorry for the OP's daughter to join them.

Access to Michael's you'll have to wait until you board, ask the question of the MC Concierge and see what they say.

Originally we planned to take both our son and daughter so we had planned 2 cabins all along. When the plans changed to just 3 of us we did look at other options, but I don't think any of us liked the idea of my wife, me and our 23 year old in one room, even if we booked a large suite, someone was going to end up on the couch. The price change was at least $1,000 PP or as much as $5k PP so almost any way I figured it, we would have spent more to share a room

Can I ask you what type of suite did you book? CS, RS and PHS are large enough for you to have privacy and everyone gets the same perks. I saw a concierge once telling a suite guest that his daughter and SIL were not allowed in Michaels Club, and this was before Sky Suite guests were were given this perk. Still, just ask the concierge if your daughter can join you in Michael's Club.

About Luminae, last summer we traveled with a large group of friends on the Reflection. Most were traveling in suites, except one couple and the children of another couple that had a suite. We never had problems with them joining our group in Luminae. Only on formal nights the 23 of us had dinner together and they were ready for us. Hope you enjoy your cruise, if they give you a hard time there are plenty of places where you can be as a family. :)

Yes, it's "Just" one extra person. But imagine if EVERYONE in a suite went to Michael's and said, "but we're traveling with our son/our daughter/my mother/my sister/whoever and they're in a separate cabin but we want him/her to join us?" Can you imagine how many extra people that would be?

I'm sorry if this sounds harsh but you can't have your cake and eat it too. You either want her in the suite with you so that she can get all the suite perks, or you want your privacy and want to remain in separate cabins, albeit it without her getting suite perks. Best idea I've heard was from the person who suggested she bring a friend. You have to pay double anyway, so why not offer the free cruise to one of her friends? The friend can be told she needs to pay for her own drinks or excursions, but your daughter would have someone to hang with instead of tagging along with mom and dad to happy hour, hoping the concierge will let her in.

In reality for one extra person this won't be an issue. If asked the Luminae staff will make it happen. A group of four or six people may be different. They are't going to say no, sorry for the OP's daughter to join them.

Not my experience last February on Reflection. Couple in front of us had one of their mothers with them and they were told "not tonight." They try to be very accommodating, but it's better to be prepared for the "no" than to give people false hope.

My experience on RF for 26 days in October/November was different. I could have eaten in Luminae as a guest every night. Of course we spoke to the restaurant staff at the beginning to make sure it was ok. Wouldn't have just turned up. Maybe that is what you saw? Anyway, I stick by my opinion that if mum and dad are in a suite and daughter in a cabin on her own she will be ok. Maybe flexibility on the time though.

Not my experience last February on Reflection. Couple in front of us had one of their mothers with them and they were told "not tonight." They try to be very accommodating, but it's better to be prepared for the "no" than to give people false hope.

Reflection is the one ship where Luminae likely can be an issue since that ship has more suites than the other ships but I believe Luminae is still the same size as on the other S-class ships.

Originally we planned to take both our son and daughter so we had planned 2 cabins all along. When the plans changed to just 3 of us we did look at other options, but I don't think any of us liked the idea of my wife, me and our 23 year old in one room, even if we booked a large suite, someone was going to end up on the couch. The price change was at least $1,000 PP or as much as $5k PP so almost any way I figured it, we would have spent more to share a room

Did you ever consider letting her bring a friend since you had to pay for two anyway? It was your choice, wasn't it?

ok, just to set the record straight....

I'm perfectly fine with her not coming into MC, and I realize she can only join us in Luminae when space is available. I'm a pretty structured, by the book type of person and I deal with contracts that contain specific details regarding agreements and usually I'm the person who needs to call attention to those details so I won't feel slighted if we can't spend time in a area that suite class customers pay for and others don't.

As far as our original plans, when both kids were coming we did not have a suite, but when one canceled we decided to change cabins for us as we knew she wouldn't want to hang with us all the time and our "complete family" vacation expectation had changed. So we never expected to book one class for us and something else for them and just try to bring them along to our perks.

The friend idea came up but with airfare costs (ORD to SJU) and extra hotel pre cruise it was more than some of them wanted to spend for just a 5 night cruise.

My OP was just to see if people had been turned away at MC more often then not or vis-versa because if guests were rarely allowed we probably wouldn't even ask (going back to my personality noted above). Now, in reference to Luminae even though that wasn't a question I asked, we'll see how much space is available on the nights we decide we'd like to eat together there and if it works out great, if not, there are plenty other options we have.