Should suite passengers get anything except their cabin.

I don't even understand why this is a topic for discussion. Suite accomodations are open to everyone, as are concierge class, aqua, and standard staterooms. If Celebrity chooses to make the prices look more attractive by the addition of certain benefits, that's just good marketing. Same thing is done by airlines, hotels, etc., so why would one comment or even complain about the practice?

 

I agree! However some people have to make a big deal out of something. You get what you pay for

i don't even understand why this is a topic for discussion. Suite accomodations are open to everyone, as are concierge class, aqua, and standard staterooms. If celebrity chooses to make the prices look more attractive by the addition of certain benefits, that's just good marketing. Same thing is done by airlines, hotels, etc., so why would one comment or even complain about the practice?

 

ditto

I may regret this but here goes.

 

I read all the threads on suites with great interest having not yet sailed with Celebrity but booked. Only a few months ago I considered cancelling our cruise because of the very negative responses to any debates or questions about suite amenities.

 

The impression that I am being left with over the past 6 or so months is that prior to the announcement of Suite Class and the change of Michael's to a VIP Lounge, the only folks who received complimentary drinks and other perks were those of Elite status. They had their breakfasts, their evening drinks and other perks which was exclusive to them. Sometimes suite guests received these but it was never a stated benefit. Aqua Class passengers in theory had higher priority for eating in Blu than those paying more in suites. Then the company announced Suite Class and as the time of launch gets closer, it becomes increasingly clear with its own dining room, all day complimentary drinks for CS and up in Michael's, that the Elite perks just don't look that exclusive anymore.

 

The net result IMHO, appears to be that some (not all) who previously enjoyed their exclusive loyalty perks do not feel as appreciated as they did in the past. The Elite breakfast is not a buffet anymore but a multi-tiered stand, the nightly event often vouchers. Unlike Royal they do not have their own lounge but a moveable event. Add to that the Captain's Club points allocations now essentially being based on the more you spend on your cabin, the more points you get and all these changes have perhaps left a bitter taste for some. Only those that pony up (to use an American term) for the most expensive cabins it seems will be lavished with all kinds of goodies and priorities some of which will extend outside the cabin irrespective of their previous cruising history with Celebrity.

 

I have an MBA in Finance and absolutely understand the need and reasons for change. The announcement of Suite Class was the dealmaker for our booking and I hope that this faith leads to a happy cruise for my family and I next year. As many have commented, how Celebrity chooses to provide amenities to passengers is really a matter for them, their shareholders and those that choose to avail themselves of its products. IMO, I find the idea of what you get is what you pay for to be an honest and open approach. Its stated, its clear, open to all and the buyer can rationally decide what they are willing to pay to be refreshing. It does not matter who your friends are, what contacts you may have, how many times you have sailed, its about the Benjamin's.

 

It does not matter how many times many of you say that Celebrity had to change in the market place, there will always be a group who that feel slighted IMHO although they will deny this, but it is human nature. Now I may get flamed for these comments but such is life.

Totally agree, buy what you want and don't be concerned with what others have chosen.

 

I don't even understand why this is

a topic for discussion. Suite accomodations are open to everyone, as are concierge class, aqua, and standard staterooms. If Celebrity chooses to make the prices look more attractive by the addition of certain benefits, that's just good marketing. Same thing is done by airlines, hotels, etc., so why would one comment or even complain about the practice?

The emotion coming from those who have been loyal to their respective cruise line is understandable but not justifiable. I'm not sure whether the change in 2015 excludes or raises the qualification bar for them. Does anybody know the answer?

 

[/b]

I may regret this but here goes.

 

I read all the threads on suites with great interest having not yet sailed with Celebrity but booked. Only a few months ago I considered cancelling our cruise because of the very negative responses to any debates or questions about suite amenities.

 

The impression that I am being left with over the past 6 or so months is that prior to the announcement of Suite Class and the change of Michael's to a VIP Lounge, the only folks who received complimentary drinks and other perks were those of Elite status. They had their breakfasts, their evening drinks and other perks which was exclusive to them. Sometimes suite guests received these but it was never a stated benefit. Aqua Class passengers in theory had higher priority for eating in Blu than those paying more in suites. Then the company announced Suite Class and as the time of launch gets closer, it becomes increasingly clear with its own dining room, all day complimentary drinks for CS and up in Michael's, that the Elite perks just don't look that exclusive anymore.

 

The net result IMHO, appears to be that some (not all) who previously enjoyed their exclusive loyalty perks do not feel as appreciated as they did in the past. The Elite breakfast is not a buffet anymore but a multi-tiered stand, the nightly event often vouchers. Unlike Royal they do not have their own lounge but a moveable event. Add to that the Captain's Club points allocations now essentially being based on the more you spend on your cabin, the more points you get and all these changes have perhaps left a bitter taste for some. Only those that pony up (to use an American term) for the most expensive cabins it seems will be lavished with all kinds of goodies and priorities some of which will extend outside the cabin irrespective of their previous cruising history with Celebrity.

 

I have an MBA in Finance and absolutely understand the need and reasons for change. The announcement of Suite Class was the dealmaker for our booking and I hope that this faith leads to a happy cruise for my family and I next year. As many have commented, how Celebrity chooses to provide amenities to passengers is really a matter for them, their shareholders and those that choose to avail themselves of its products. IMO, I find the idea of what you get is what you pay for to be an honest and open approach. Its stated, its clear, open to all and the buyer can rationally decide what they are willing to pay to be refreshing. It does not matter who your friends are, what contacts you may have, how many times you have sailed, its about the Benjamin's.

 

It does not matter how many times many of you say that Celebrity had to change in the market place, there will always be a group who that feel slighted IMHO although they will deny this, but it is human nature. Now I may get flamed for these comments but such is life.

The net result IMHO, appears to be that some (not all) who previously enjoyed their exclusive loyalty perks do not feel as appreciated as they did in the past.

I never understand the jealously of some about what others get. You don't see the Classic and Select members complaining about the Elite, Elite+ and Zenith perks. Just the opposite, when the two new tiers were announced, most were happy that those that traveled more with Celebrity were given more and talked about striving to acheive those levels. It just seems like those that feel, as you say, unappreciated, just can't get over the fact that someone is getting something or invitied to something that they don't get. If they want suite perks, then they should cruise in a suite....I don't think anyone is saying they can't. Bottom line is that there will always be those that will have an issue about any announcement where someone is getting something they aren't. Edited August 1, 2014 by NLH Arizona

Just my $.02 here. ;)

 

In reality, suite guests always have received benefits that extended outside their cabin. In addition to priority boarding, disembarkation, and tendering, they have a butler! A butler is like having your own private concierge. Need tickets to a sold-out excursion (?) -- he's the man to see! Can't get the seating times you want for specialty restaurant reservations(?) -- talk to your butler! Want to try dining in Blu (?) -- your butler can get you in! :cool:

 

So, suite guests have always had lots of perks -- but they weren't as "in your face" as they are now. Separate dining rooms, roped-off seating in the theater, exclusive access to Michael's lounge -- those are all things that other passengers are likely to notice. Whereas the butlers just quietly went about getting their passengers things that they wanted. Personally -- I kind of liked it that way. :)

I may regret this but here goes.

 

I read all the threads on suites with great interest having not yet sailed with Celebrity but booked. Only a few months ago I considered cancelling our cruise because of the very negative responses to any debates or questions about suite amenities.

 

The impression that I am being left with over the past 6 or so months is that prior to the announcement of Suite Class and the change of Michael's to a VIP Lounge, the only folks who received complimentary drinks and other perks were those of Elite status. They had their breakfasts, their evening drinks and other perks which was exclusive to them. Sometimes suite guests received these but it was never a stated benefit. Aqua Class passengers in theory had higher priority for eating in Blu than those paying more in suites. Then the company announced Suite Class and as the time of launch gets closer, it becomes increasingly clear with its own dining room, all day complimentary drinks for CS and up in Michael's, that the Elite perks just don't look that exclusive anymore.

 

The net result IMHO, appears to be that some (not all) who previously enjoyed their exclusive loyalty perks do not feel as appreciated as they did in the past. The Elite breakfast is not a buffet anymore but a multi-tiered stand, the nightly event often vouchers. Unlike Royal they do not have their own lounge but a moveable event. Add to that the Captain's Club points allocations now essentially being based on the more you spend on your cabin, the more points you get and all these changes have perhaps left a bitter taste for some. Only those that pony up (to use an American term) for the most expensive cabins it seems will be lavished with all kinds of goodies and priorities some of which will extend outside the cabin irrespective of their previous cruising history with Celebrity.

 

I have an MBA in Finance and absolutely understand the need and reasons for change. The announcement of Suite Class was the dealmaker for our booking and I hope that this faith leads to a happy cruise for my family and I next year. As many have commented, how Celebrity chooses to provide amenities to passengers is really a matter for them, their shareholders and those that choose to avail themselves of its products. IMO, I find the idea of what you get is what you pay for to be an honest and open approach. Its stated, its clear, open to all and the buyer can rationally decide what they are willing to pay to be refreshing. It does not matter who your friends are, what contacts you may have, how many times you have sailed, its about the Benjamin's.

 

It does not matter how many times many of you say that Celebrity had to change in the market place, there will always be a group who that feel slighted IMHO although they will deny this, but it is human nature. Now I may get flamed for these comments but such is life.

 

A balanced summary from someone new to Celebrity. Until the recent changes, Celebrity rewarded those who sailed with them most often rather than those who were most profitable for the company. Many of these frequent cruisers were quite open about not spending much on board or pre-/post-cruise with the company. They expected to be rewarded from just turning up. Understandably, but not justifiably, they are miffed that others are being recognised with additional perks. Some supermarkets in the UK recognised a long time ago that it is profitable to recognise customer loyalty BUT they do not reward you from crossing the threshold of their stores. Rather they reward according to how much you spend.

Just my $.02 here. ;)

 

In reality, suite guests always have received benefits that extended outside their cabin. In addition to priority boarding, disembarkation, and tendering, they have a butler! A butler is like having your own private concierge. Need tickets to a sold-out excursion (?) -- he's the man to see! Can't get the seating times you want for specialty restaurant reservations(?) -- talk to your butler! Want to try dining in Blu (?) -- your butler can get you in! :cool:

 

So, suite guests have always had lots of perks -- but they weren't as "in your face" as they are now. Separate dining rooms, roped-off seating in the theater, exclusive access to Michael's lounge -- those are all things that other passengers are likely to notice. Whereas the butlers just quietly went about getting their passengers things that they wanted. Personally -- I kind of liked it that way. :)

But it is okay to have a spearate dining room for Aqua class and it is okay to have separate dining area for Elite breakfast and exclusive events for Elite and Elite+, that are roped off to the rest of the passengers, and exclusive events for cruise critic meet and greets. Aren't they pretty much much the same in theory? I'm happy for what anyone gets, no matter if it is in front of me or behind the scenes.

But it is okay to have a spearate dining room for Aqua class and it is okay to have separate dining area for Elite breakfast and exclusive events for Elite and Elite+, that are roped off to the rest of the passengers, and exclusive events for cruise critic meet and greets. Aren't they pretty much much the same in theory? I'm happy for what anyone gets, no matter if it is in front of me or behind the scenes.

 

Interesting twist on your comment about roped off areas. On our recent Constellation cruise the Captains Club area for the evening cocktail hour was roped off but not how you may think. In the Reflections lounge the prime seating area near the windows was reserved for NON CC passengers. Elites were relegated to an interior space away from the great views. Last year on the Silhouette the entire lounge was reserved just for CC members.

Interesting twist on your comment about roped off areas. On our recent Constellation cruise the Captains Club area for the evening cocktail hour was roped off but not how you may think. In the Reflections lounge the prime seating area near the windows was reserved for NON CC passengers. Elites were relegated to an interior space away from the great views. Last year on the Silhouette the entire lounge was reserved just for CC members.

A venue can be closed or partially closed for Captain's Club or Cruise Critic in different ways. The point I was trying to make is that some complain about Michael's Club being closed to all but suite and Zenith passengers, but anything closed off to the majority of the passengers for their events is okay. Some on here have suggested that Michael's Club should be for Elite, Elites+ and Zenith...don't you wonder why that would be okay, but being closed off to only suites and Zenith passengers is not. Maybe because those suggesting it are Elites and Elite+'s. Instead of people having an issue with what others are getting, why not just enjoy what they are getting and not worry about what some one else is getting.

But it is okay to have a spearate dining room for Aqua class and it is okay to have separate dining area for Elite breakfast and exclusive events for Elite and Elite+, that are roped off to the rest of the passengers, and exclusive events for cruise critic meet and greets. Aren't they pretty much much the same in theory? I'm happy for what anyone gets, no matter if it is in front of me or behind the scenes.

 

As always NLH, you make a very good point. :) Perhaps I can be more specific about the point that I was trying to make:

 

Our first cruise on X was in a suite, and we had a fabulous butler. As I said in my previous post, it was like having a private concierge. But it was all done discreetly -- nothing that screamed "Look at me people -- I'm in a suite -- aren't I special?" But the last time we sailed in a suite, our butler made a big point about that night's production show, and how the "best" theater seats were being reserved for suite guests. That night, when we went to the show, our butler saw us coming into the theater. He rushed up the aisle, and escorted us down to a section of roped-off seats. And, while I'll admit that they were the best seats in the house, the whole experience was a tad embarrassing. :o

And, while I'll admit that they were the best seats in the house, the whole experience was a tad embarrassing. :o

I would not be embarrassed at all... It's stated as a perk and you have every right to it.

 

In the past I visited Universal Studios and stayed onsite because if you did you got to go thru a special line for every ride. It cut hours off the big rides and 20-30 minutes off others. It was fantastic and I did not feel embarrassed even once. I paid for it because of the prices for the rooms.

As always NLH, you make a very good point. :) Perhaps I can be more specific about the point that I was trying to make:

 

Our first cruise on X was in a suite, and we had a fabulous butler. As I said in my previous post, it was like having a private concierge. But it was all done discreetly -- nothing that screamed "Look at me people -- I'm in a suite -- aren't I special?" But the last time we sailed in a suite, our butler made a big point about that night's production show, and how the "best" theater seats were being reserved for suite guests. That night, when we went to the show, our butler saw us coming into the theater. He rushed up the aisle, and escorted us down to a section of roped-off seats. And, while I'll admit that they were the best seats in the house, the whole experience was a tad embarrassing. :o

Real easy to solve, just tell your Butler that you would like to seat yourself. I too would be uncomfortable having anyone parade me to my seat, but some people love it, so I say let them enjoy it. Just because things are offered, it doesn't mean you have to partake in everything. Edited August 1, 2014 by NLH Arizona

Real easy to solve, just tell your Butler that you would like to seat yourself. I too would be uncomfortable having anyone parade me to my seat, but some people love it, so I say let them enjoy it. Just because things are offered, it doesn't mean you have to partake in everything.

 

LOL -- that's the funny part. We had not told our butler that we were going to the show, because we can always find good seats on our own. But, when he saw us come into the theater -- he ran up the aisle to greet us. I thought it would have appeared rude to refuse the seats -- and, they were really good seats! :cool:

 

And, I do understand (and agree) with folks who say "You paid for it, you deserve it, just enjoy it." I just don't like having a big fuss made over me. (Although my DH might disagree with that last part! ;))

:o Whoops -- sorry -- duplicate post!

Edited August 2, 2014 by wwcruisers

LOL -- that's the funny part. We had not told our butler that we were going to the show, because we can always find good seats on our own. But, when he saw us come into the theater -- he ran up the aisle to greet us. I thought it would have appeared rude to refuse the seats -- and, they were really good seats! :cool:

 

And, I do understand (and agree) with folks who say "You paid for it, you deserve it, just enjoy it." I just don't like having a big fuss made over me. (Although my DH might disagree with that last part! ;))

 

Not telling your butler that you are going to the theatre and requesting that he did not seat you are two very different things. Butlers cannot read minds. He had told you about the perk offered. You had failed to communicate your preferences.

Not telling your butler that you are going to the theatre and requesting that he did not seat you are two very different things. Butlers cannot read minds. He had told you about the perk offered. You had failed to communicate your preferences.

 

Actually -- I didn't fail to communicate anything -- and I didn't expect anyone to read my mind. I was simply explaining what happened.

I've been rich and I've been poor. Rich is better.

I've been rich and I've been poor. Rich is better.

An understatement for sure:eek:!

 

Was talking the other day to a fellow avid cruiser. The topic was the growing trend to providing passengers who book a suite amenities outside the cabin itself. Collectively we have heard things like Michael's Club admittance, priority everything and more depending on the line.

 

Seemed to be two positions on the matter:

 

1. Passengers who book a suite get nicer accommodations. It should end there and not extend to things like priority theatre seating and the like. Places like Michaels Club should either be open to all, ala Perry Grant piano bar OR reserved for the most frequent sailing passengers. Over time, Elites, etc. return more profit to the cruise line than a first time passenger who happens to have the bucks to pay for a suite. They gamble, drink expensive drinks and take expensive tours ONCE, frequent sailers do it five, ten or twenty times or more. They are the ones who should get the extras.
   
2. Passengers who book a suite pay a great deal of money. For that money they should get whatever extras the cruise line can throw their way. The suite experience together with all the ancillary perks helps insure that high roller suite passenger will come back time and time again.
   

 

Where do you stand?

I would lean towards #2 as I am not sure you can fully create all the value the cruise line needs/wants to provide to be able to charge the price they want within the cabin walls for the suite experience. I just don't want segregation of public facilities where non suite passengers are prohibited from using an empty pool lounger, for example, as it has to remain vacant/not used due to the possible use by a suite passenger as one of their perks. I have no problem of all kinds of perks out of sight though. Do not like roped off area in full view. Just me!:)

 

I am also concerned that previously available public space that was available to all passengers will in the future be reserved for suite or frequent passengers. I have to admit we have used Michaels Club when it was reserved for Captains Club members and is now for only Suite and Pinnacle members which will now exclude me, so I can now be on the other side of this exclusion. :roll eyes:

I would lean towards #2 as I am not sure you can fully create all the value the cruise line needs/wants to provide to be able to charge the price they want within the cabin walls for the suite experience. I just don't want segregation of public facilities where non suite passengers are prohibited from using an empty pool lounger, for example, as it has to remain vacant/not used due to the possible use by a suite passenger as one of their perks. I have no problem of all kinds of perks out of sight though. Do not like roped off area in full view. Just me!:)

 

I am also concerned that previously available public space that was available to all passengers will in the future be reserved for suite or frequent passengers. I have to admit we have used Michaels Club when it was reserved for Captains Club members and is now for only Suite and Pinnacle members which will now exclude me, so I can now be on the other side of this exclusion. :roll eyes:

I actually like how some of the cruise lines have made their suite area. NCL for example with The Haven area. A non-suite passenger can not access the area. They have their own pool and deck area, which has a bar and they have their own restaurant. That solves the problem of those that would be jealous, because they can see what the suite passengers are getting or better yet, what they are not getting.

 

Thank you for your second paragraph. I think some can't see the forest for the trees. They think it is okay to block something off for their event, but when it happens to them there is an issue. I could probably guarantee you that if they closed Michael's Club off to only Elite and above Captain's Club members (which BTW has been suggested on here), anyone that complained would be told that it is the way it should be, because we are loyal and cruise a lot and it is the right thing to do. When the shoe is on the other foot, it doesn't always feel the same.

I actually like how some of the cruise lines have made their suite area. NCL for example with The Haven area. A non-suite passenger can not access the area. They have their own pool and deck area, which has a bar and they have their own restaurant. That solves the problem of those that would be jealous, because they can see what the suite passengers are getting or better yet, what they are not getting.

 

Thank you for your second paragraph. I think some can't see the forest for the trees. They think it is okay to block something off for their event, but when it happens to them there is an issue. I could probably guarantee you that if they closed Michael's Club off to only Elite and above Captain's Club members (which BTW has been suggested on here), anyone that complained would be told that it is the way it should be, because we are loyal and cruise a lot and it is the right thing to do. When the shoe is on the other foot, it doesn't always feel the same.

 

Funny thing about Michael's Club, it was the original location for the Elite cocktail hour. I usuallly never went there -- too dark and it got crowded easily. And, after X moved the Elite event to a larger lounge (on most ship), I never really saw anyone in Michael's. :confused: So, I'm somewhat amused by the howls of protest over Michael's now being used as the Zenith/Suite club. :rolleyes:

 

And, I think it will be interesting to see just how well the "Haven" concept works on NCL. Sounds like they are trying to copy Cunard.

Funny thing about Michael's Club, it was the original location for the Elite cocktail hour. I usuallly never went there -- too dark and it got crowded easily. And, after X moved the Elite event to a larger lounge (on most ship), I never really saw anyone in Michael's. :confused: So, I'm somewhat amused by the howls of protest over Michael's now being used as the Zenith/Suite club. :rolleyes:

 

And, I think it will be interesting to see just how well the "Haven" concept works on NCL. Sounds like they are trying to copy Cunard.

 

 

For sure it will be interesting to see how it works. As you mention, Michaels Club got crowded early with Captains Club members that now use the larger lounge up top. I too have never seen Michaels Club busy other than Captains Club events, other private events or Perry Grant entertaining in there on the Constellation M class ship when he was on M class.

Edited August 2, 2014 by shipshape sam

Funny thing about Michael's Club, it was the original location for the Elite cocktail hour. I usuallly never went there -- too dark and it got crowded easily. And, after X moved the Elite event to a larger lounge (on most ship), I never really saw anyone in Michael's. :confused: So, I'm somewhat amused by the howls of protest over Michael's now being used as the Zenith/Suite club. :rolleyes:

 

And, I think it will be interesting to see just how well the "Haven" concept works on NCL. Sounds like they are trying to copy Cunard.

I'm amazed at how many people say they always went to Michael's Club, especially when it went empty most of the time.

 

The Haven, as far as I can see now, is doing very well. I toured a couple of the Haven suites and the Haven area is amazing. The cruise I went on, when I saw the suites, The Haven was totally booked. Even though I thought it was amazing, I was in a non-Haven aft penthouse suite and was very satisified. I wouldn't like being segregated away from everyone, because I'm a big people watcher and love being around and meeting others, but that is just me and some of those I talked with during my tour, said they hardly left the area. What is good for one, doesn't always appeal to another and that is why I think choices are a good thing.