SUITE PERKS (Compared): Carnival, NCL, Princess, Celebrity

[TTinAZ]

Yeah I couldn't get an answer over on RCL forum.:(

[Jumbiecruiser]

We are just home today from a week on the Allure in suite 9330 (aquatheater which are 2 bed 2 bath). This was our first time with RCL and I'm not sure if we'll sail with them again. We paid approximately $15,000 for the room (tips not included). The room itself was fantastic, the huge deck was amazing. The master and second bedroom were nice but it doesn't look comparable to the pictures posted here of the Epic. We were greatly disappointed by the perks. We did use a separate Suite check in which was essentially a shorter screening line and ended up in the usual check in line. There was no escort to our suite and we had to find it ourselves (although we were well aware where it would be from booking). I believe we received several small deliveries of canapes and fruit at random times during the cruise, but there was no VIP seating for shows or restaurants.

 

There is a section for suite guests in all show arenas. Very easy to find with signs posted.

 

 

We used the concierge lounge when we could but we also have two small children which made us uncomfortable as we were always worried they would be too loud or make a mess.

 

And this is Royal Caribbean's fault? They make the lounge available for suite and Diamond Plus guests. Free cocktails in the evening.

 

There is no complimentary internet.

 

Nope, the free internet is for Crown and Anchor guests depending on past guest level.

 

No beverage perks other than free drinks in the concierge lounge. No complimentary seatings at the specialty restaurants and almost all of them have a cover-charge (150 Central Park was $50 pp).

 

True but this is known by reading Royals site. They don't have to give away free dinners to their suite guests. The cabins book themselves.

 

We met our concierge once at a VIP sail-away party and never saw him again.

 

The Concierges are on duty certain times of the day and you can call them at anytime and leave a message. It's not the concierges job to chase you down. There are over 100 suites on the Oasis and Allure.

 

We didn't use our main dining hall as we couldn't expect our 2 and 4 year old to sit through 1 - 2 hr meals each day. We made a mistake and pre-paid our tips. We didn't realize they were applied at the time we purchased the cruise which meant that for us, we paid approximately 1400 in tips to people we never once saw (Head waiter, assistant waiter and waiter). We were pretty bummed out about that. Lesson learned.

 

$1400.00 in gratuities? Not believing that. I know what the gratuities are for a a suite per person and no way were your gratuities that much. I am calling this BS. Also, you did not know that your two children would not sit in the MDR for meals but you pre-paid your gratuities anyway? You're right, lesson learned. :rolleyes:

 

The toiletries were unimpressive and were never replenished during our cruise even when I removed the lotion and such from the bathroom.

 

The toiletries are Gilchrist and Soames. Not sure what the issue would be but they are better than most cruise lines. I also have a hard time believing that they were not refilled.

 

We were really disappointed by the parades in that kids had no special viewing area and both my children were unable to see either of the two parades because there were so many adults in the way. We were told to come early but there was very little seating on the promenade deck.

 

So you think that you deserved a special area for parade viewing? Get there before everyone else if you want you and your kids to see the parades. It's a huge area. Again not the Royals fault.

 

We also experienced long waits for face painting and balloon animals due to ADULTS in the lines. I know these things are trivial but when travelling with a cruise line promoting DreamWorks we expected more.

 

Again BS. Sorry but you think that it should be for kids only??

 

 

We did receive a complimentary seating for photos but when we went to book they were full and we weren't able to use it at all. Disembarkation was a mess. Suite guests have early disembarkation but so does a standard portion of regular passengers, which meant that the process was as chaotic as ever.

 

Oasis and Allure have the easiest debarkation of any ships.

 

We couldn't find a porter to help with our luggage at all. The ship was beautiful but we preferred the more subtle stylings of smaller ships. We missed the art auctions and other events from Princess and in general the ship felt more 'mall' like than ship. Having paid so much we expected more personal service and what we received was pretty much par with everyone else and I'm pretty sure they didn't pay that much! Essentially we paid a lot for the room and large deck. All in all it was a great vacation but next time we'll spend a bit more wisely. Having read all this I'm going to look at NCL for the next trip! It sounds like those perks were more what we were hoping for. In the end it's about value for money spent and we don't feel we received it.

 

Oh and can I add...what is it with POP on cruise lines? I'm sick of paying extra and having to go to "special" locations with my "special" cup or sticker only to feel like I'm pestering someone.

 

Glad that you are trying something else but I suggest Seabourn or Silver Seas for your attitude. I have to post this over on the Royal board. This is as good as it gets.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

...True but this is known by reading Royals site. They don't have to give away free dinners to their suite guests. The cabins book themselves...

 

I don't think that Celebrity "has to give away free dinners to their suite guests" in order to book their cabins either. They add that in as a "thank you"/perk - as far as I am aware. I certainly wouldn't choose any line over another (or cabin type) based solely on that... but everything does add up!

 

Tom

[johneeo]

We are just home today from a week on the Allure in suite 9330 (aquatheater which are 2 bed 2 bath). This was our first time with RCL and I'm not sure if we'll sail with them again. We paid approximately $15,000 for the room (tips not included). The room itself was fantastic, the huge deck was amazing. The master and second bedroom were nice but it doesn't look comparable to the pictures posted here of the Epic. We were greatly disappointed by the perks. We did use a separate Suite check in which was essentially a shorter screening line and ended up in the usual check in line. There was no escort to our suite and we had to find it ourselves (although we were well aware where it would be from booking). I believe we received several small deliveries of canapes and fruit at random times during the cruise, but there was no VIP seating for shows or restaurants. We used the concierge lounge when we could but we also have two small children which made us uncomfortable as we were always worried they would be too loud or make a mess. There is no complimentary internet. No beverage perks other than free drinks in the concierge lounge. No complimentary seatings at the specialty restaurants and almost all of them have a cover-charge (150 Central Park was $50 pp). We met our concierge once at a VIP sail-away party and never saw him again. We didn't use our main dining hall as we couldn't expect our 2 and 4 year old to sit through 1 - 2 hr meals each day. We made a mistake and pre-paid our tips. We didn't realize they were applied at the time we purchased the cruise which meant that for us, we paid approximately 1400 in tips to people we never once saw (Head waiter, assistant waiter and waiter). We were pretty bummed out about that. Lesson learned. The toiletries were unimpressive and were never replenished during our cruise even when I removed the lotion and such from the bathroom. We were really disappointed by the parades in that kids had no special viewing area and both my children were unable to see either of the two parades because there were so many adults in the way. We were told to come early but there was very little seating on the promenade deck. We also experienced long waits for face painting and balloon animals due to ADULTS in the lines. I know these things are trivial but when travelling with a cruise line promoting DreamWorks we expected more. We did receive a complimentary seating for photos but when we went to book they were full and we weren't able to use it at all. Disembarkation was a mess. Suite guests have early disembarkation but so does a standard portion of regular passengers, which meant that the process was as chaotic as ever. We couldn't find a porter to help with our luggage at all. The ship was beautiful but we preferred the more subtle stylings of smaller ships. We missed the art auctions and other events from Princess and in general the ship felt more 'mall' like than ship. Having paid so much we expected more personal service and what we received was pretty much par with everyone else and I'm pretty sure they didn't pay that much! Essentially we paid a lot for the room and large deck. All in all it was a great vacation but next time we'll spend a bit more wisely. Having read all this I'm going to look at NCL for the next trip! It sounds like those perks were more what we were hoping for. In the end it's about value for money spent and we don't feel we received it.

 

Oh and can I add...what is it with POP on cruise lines? I'm sick of paying extra and having to go to "special" locations with my "special" cup or sticker only to feel like I'm pestering someone.

 

Paragraphs are our friends.

[sherilyn70]

we paid approximately 1400 in tips to people we never once saw (Head waiter, assistant waiter and waiter).

 

Wow... that's pretty impressive. how did you manage to get 14 people into one room?

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

...I have to post this over on the Royal board.

 

Apparently, we can mark this as done... ;)

 

Tom

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Yeah I couldn't get an answer over on RCL forum.:(

 

Perhaps you can now... :D

 

Tom

[Cruzaholic41]

We are just home today from a week on the Allure in suite 9330 (aquatheater which are 2 bed 2 bath).

 

(150 Central Park was $50 pp).

 

..we paid approximately 1400 in tips to people we never once saw (Head waiter, assistant waiter and waiter).

 

Ok, Here's what I would like to know. Please explain how you paid 1400 in tips, and how did you only see your waiter and assistant waiter once? That is not possible.

 

Plus, 150 Central Park costs $40 pp, not $50.

[DiamondSuiteCruiser]

I posted a question on the RCL forum. But no answers. Does anyone have ANY useful info on the family suite? I am looking at it for my parent's 50th in 2013. They don't have prices out yet but was wondering if anyone had any idea of the cost and if it is worth it. I would really like the family, my DH and I two teen boys and my parents to be together.

 

You need to post on the RCL Thread noton Carnival, same goes for the OP!

[DiamondSuiteCruiser]

Glad that you are trying something else but I suggest Seabourn or Silver Seas for your attitude. I have to post this over on the Royal board. This is as good as it gets.

 

We always book Owners suites or Royal suites, and have never had a bad experience. We have always had reserved seating at the shows, at the pool, special tours of the bridge, have been escorted off the ship in ports to the front of the line for a tender. Again, Never had a bad experience on Royal. Maybe you were expecting too much or maybe it showed in your body language. I'm sure if you asked for more lotion, they would have gladly obliged. I've never had to ask, but then again I treat people with respect.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

... Essentially we paid a lot for the room and large deck. All in all it was a great vacation but next time we'll spend a bit more wisely. ...

 

Glad that you had a great time, even with some of the surprises or disappointments.

 

...Maybe you were expecting too much or maybe it showed in your body language. I'm sure if you asked for more lotion, they would have gladly obliged. I've never had to ask, but then again I treat people with respect.

 

I understand what you are saying, but it almost implied (and I don't think that this was your intent) that they, conversely, may not have treated someone with respect.

 

Tom

[Blondie008]

We always book Owners suites or Royal suites, and have never had a bad experience. We have always had reserved seating at the shows, at the pool, special tours of the bridge, have been escorted off the ship in ports to the front of the line for a tender. Again, Never had a bad experience on Royal. Maybe you were expecting too much or maybe it showed in your body language. I'm sure if you asked for more lotion, they would have gladly obliged. I've never had to ask, but then again I treat people with respect.

 

I had the Royal Suite (the ONLY ONE!) on Explorer of the seas, lousy service, lousy cruise, wouldnt do it again! 12 nghts = 15k GBP, plus three cabins for family..biggest waste of money EVER!!! RCI got our money once, never will again... and hey, nowt wrong with our body language for sure! NO Butler, and the so called specialist cabin steward..seen better in an inside cabin... concierge club room...ambience of a library on a dull Tuesday afternoon... totally empathise with this poster who said it wasnt up to much.. 100% agree! RCI suites? NEVER again!

[Blondie008]

Booked a cruise the other day, for a big "zero" birthday, all about ports this time, dates were important, and no fly cruise....wanna party in Amsterdam, and go mad in Hamberg :D oh and Ice bar in Oslo!! Booked a suite without asking about perks..after "the horse was bolted" so to speak, pleasantly surprised to find:

 

f you want the very best cruise cabin, one of our suites is the prefect choice. We will do all in our power to ensure that your cruise is not just a holiday, but a dream come true. In addition to the normal services and facilities provided in every cabin, Guests booking one of our apartments (Suite, Panorama Suite, Gran Suite, Samsara Suite and Wellness Suite) enjoy a number of exclusive privileges that will make their holiday even more enjoyable.

services provided by your cabin steward or Butler

help in unpacking your luggage and stowing your clothes in wardrobes;

assistance in booking Excursions and making appointments in the Beauty Salon, Spa and Club Restaurant;

shoe cleaning;

help in packing baggage at the end of the cruise.

in the Suite itself

a bottle of Italian sparkling wine;

a selection of cold canapés;

a basket of fresh fruit, renewed every day;

choice of the pillow best suited to your needs, from the "Pillow Menu" displayed on your bed;

daily delivery of the lunch and dinner menus, with the possibility of having meals served in your Suite on request;

bathrobe and slippers for you to use for the duration of the cruise;

kit of bath products to pamper your skin.

at the Restaurant

choice of the table you prefer in the area reserved for Suite clients (subject to availability);

an invitation for 2 people to the Club Restaurant, where you will be offered the Gourmet Menu (only on ships having a Club Restaurant).

and...

an invitation to the VIP cocktail party;

priority in leaving ship at the end of the cruise.

 

 

Well done Costa Cruises!

[Blondie008]

We are just home today from a week on the Allure in suite 9330 (aquatheater which are 2 bed 2 bath). This was our first time with RCL and I'm not sure if we'll sail with them again. We paid approximately $15,000 for the room (tips not included). The room itself was fantastic, the huge deck was amazing. The master and second bedroom were nice but it doesn't look comparable to the pictures posted here of the Epic. We were greatly disappointed by the perks. We did use a separate Suite check in which was essentially a shorter screening line and ended up in the usual check in line. There was no escort to our suite and we had to find it ourselves (although we were well aware where it would be from booking). I believe we received several small deliveries of canapes and fruit at random times during the cruise, but there was no VIP seating for shows or restaurants. We used the concierge lounge when we could but we also have two small children which made us uncomfortable as we were always worried they would be too loud or make a mess. There is no complimentary internet. No beverage perks other than free drinks in the concierge lounge. No complimentary seatings at the specialty restaurants and almost all of them have a cover-charge (150 Central Park was $50 pp). We met our concierge once at a VIP sail-away party and never saw him again. We didn't use our main dining hall as we couldn't expect our 2 and 4 year old to sit through 1 - 2 hr meals each day. We made a mistake and pre-paid our tips. We didn't realize they were applied at the time we purchased the cruise which meant that for us, we paid approximately 1400 in tips to people we never once saw (Head waiter, assistant waiter and waiter). We were pretty bummed out about that. Lesson learned. The toiletries were unimpressive and were never replenished during our cruise even when I removed the lotion and such from the bathroom. We were really disappointed by the parades in that kids had no special viewing area and both my children were unable to see either of the two parades because there were so many adults in the way. We were told to come early but there was very little seating on the promenade deck. We also experienced long waits for face painting and balloon animals due to ADULTS in the lines. I know these things are trivial but when travelling with a cruise line promoting DreamWorks we expected more. We did receive a complimentary seating for photos but when we went to book they were full and we weren't able to use it at all. Disembarkation was a mess. Suite guests have early disembarkation but so does a standard portion of regular passengers, which meant that the process was as chaotic as ever. We couldn't find a porter to help with our luggage at all. The ship was beautiful but we preferred the more subtle stylings of smaller ships. We missed the art auctions and other events from Princess and in general the ship felt more 'mall' like than ship. Having paid so much we expected more personal service and what we received was pretty much par with everyone else and I'm pretty sure they didn't pay that much! Essentially we paid a lot for the room and large deck. All in all it was a great vacation but next time we'll spend a bit more wisely. Having read all this I'm going to look at NCL for the next trip! It sounds like those perks were more what we were hoping for. In the end it's about value for money spent and we don't feel we received it.

 

Oh and can I add...what is it with POP on cruise lines? I'm sick of paying extra and having to go to "special" locations with my "special" cup or sticker only to feel like I'm pestering someone.

 

Been there done it and 100% agree!!! And WE wont go back for more either!!

[halos]

You need to post on the RCL Thread noton Carnival, same goes for the OP!

 

 

Wow....Cruise Critic enlisted a new moderator????

 

 

:rolleyes:

[mitchpam]

Wow....Cruise Critic enlisted a new moderator????

 

 

:rolleyes:

 

But her body language is good and she treats others with respect. I think people need to read their posts from someone elses perspective sometimes. I am interested in reading about the actual suite services that people feel they *actually* recieved, or *didn't* recieve relative to the price that they paid. I am AMAZED that a $15,000 suite did not produce a "thrilled" result... too bad :(

[NotWthOutablcony]

We just got off the Sapphire Princess a few months back and had a wonderful upgrade to a suite! We enjoyed every amenity possible and daydream about the wonderful afternoon tea (or in our case) coffee, and the full dining room menus to order room service from. It was an incredible experience and I would have to say, is well worth the extra $$ if you're ever able to swing it. I SO wish Carnival had as good of a program as Princess, we would probably book suites instead of the balcony rooms, the experience was just amazing! Really made up for Princess' lack of entertainment, wonderful service and staff though!

[johneeo]

But her body language is good and she treats others with respect. I think people need to read their posts from someone elses perspective sometimes. I am interested in reading about the actual suite services that people feel they *actually* recieved, or *didn't* recieve relative to the price that they paid. I am AMAZED that a $15,000 suite did not produce a "thrilled" result... too bad :(

 

I am more amazed that someone would pay $15,000 for a cruise.

[halos]

But her body language is good and she treats others with respect.

 

I guess that makes up for the lack of comprehension :rolleyes:...she somehow totally disregarded these two statements:

I posted a question on the RCL forum. But no answers. Does anyone have ANY useful info on the family suite?

Yeah I couldn't get an answer over on RCL forum.:(

And why the OP should have posted this thread over on the RCI boards and not here is just something I don't get either....

 

 

Blondie...when are you scheduled to sail on that Costa Cruise?? I can't wait to hear what you think of it... and the suite perks sound realy nice!!! I hope you have a great time! :)

 

I am more amazed that someone would pay $15,000 for a cruise.

Why?? It was a suite (and it was RCI, which is pretty pricey to start with) plus we have no clue how many people she paid for...it may have been her family.

If I had the funds to have a suite for every cruise and spend $15k on it, I certainly would do it....no doubt about it.

I'm one powerball win away the way I see it. :p :D :p

Edited September 27, 2011 by halos

[mitchpam]

I am more amazed that someone would pay $15,000 for a cruise.

 

Yeah, in my dreams I could do it... I have looked into the Regent cruises before, but when I found out the price for the "all inclusive" I was astounded!! Some of the suites on the "regular" cruise ships can get pretty pricey though and that surprised me in my research too. We are splurging on a Spa suite on the Dream, but that is way, way, way, way less than $15 grand... but hopefully not a once in a lifetime thing either :) I think I wouldn't mind persuing a suite that "works for me" ;)

[Blondie008]

I guess that makes up for the lack of comprehension :rolleyes:...she somehow totally disregarded these two statements:

 

 

And why the OP should have posted this thread over on the RCI boards and not here is just something I don't get either....

 

 

Blondie...when are you scheduled to sail on that Costa Cruise?? I can't wait to hear what you think of it... and the suite perks sound realy nice!!! I hope you have a great time! :)

 

Thanks Halos! Sorry, I prob only picked up on some of this thread but so associated with the crap of RCI's suite perks:)

I am going for my 50th:eek: WAS gonna have a mega glam rock party, but now, downsized the party as found a no fly cruise to some fab ports where party is big time..8 nights... amsterdam, overnight on Hamberg, then theres copenhagen, oslo (ice bar what a laugh that will be!)... my birthday is May 30, gonna drive down, overnight and party with friends in London on May 30, and board ship May 31, aaaaaaaah well... If I'm gonna be fifty..might as well celebrate it as much as commiserate it:D Booked it on a 5 minute whim:eek: I cruise caribbean all the time, weather in carib in May is lousy, med is ten a penny (for us!)... loved the Paris, denmark, germany holland things... and hey..I do a great "VOLARI"! I love cruising from UK ports, just hate UK cruising, so this for us, mulit cultural, fab party ports... nice weather...and hey..those suite perks are great huh! Got our Carnival in January in between...but so pleased now to have my big FIVE ZERO sorted!now...pass the fillers and the botox!)

[Blondie008]

I am more amazed that someone would pay $15,000 for a cruise.

 

We paid more than that:eek: we thought it would be a once on a lifetime experience. We kind of guess our (nor son in law) would propose on board, and our daughter lives 6000 miles from us. We thought, for ONCE, lets book THE Royal suite, and share our suite with the family (who were in various surrounding cabins and suites) as THIS would be a once on a lifetime..

You would not believe the experience we had..it was the PITS!!!!

We learned from it... never again...

Carnival cruise next up..just us two for first back 2 back have an aft cabin, then 2nd leg a normal suite..

Yup...we work hard play hard..but never forget that 15k (GBP!!!!) waste!

Wish I had taken an inside, and handed 14K out at the first port of call to a well deserved school!

Of ALL of our cruises, this was 2nd to worst..without a doubt..

happier times in a basic cabin on a basic cruisline...

sometimes even 15K doesnt buy happy times!!

I have pictures of the suite, and to look at them..huh..you might envy us..

DONT!!!

Phonecalls every moment..constant complaints, could not open our door without checkin the peephole as people would stand behind the oak door trying to see in..

Grand piano..do NOT play it!!!!!

Gurgly smelly water system

Rude arrogant cabin steward (ehhh 15k no butler!)

Oooooooh more than I will say as it just brings back mad memories!

We did it to share, to make special times with our family....

regret it to this day..

sure..the 15k is gone now.. hey...thats life...

We worked for it, we blew it...

never never never again:D

[Blondie008]

We always book Owners suites or Royal suites, and have never had a bad experience. We have always had reserved seating at the shows, at the pool, special tours of the bridge, have been escorted off the ship in ports to the front of the line for a tender. Again, Never had a bad experience on Royal. Maybe you were expecting too much or maybe it showed in your body language. I'm sure if you asked for more lotion, they would have gladly obliged. I've never had to ask, but then again I treat people with respect.

 

And another thing? Seriously? Did you really use those reserved cordoned off seats at the pool :eek: And same in theatres? Goldfish in bowl springs to mind! How to get 2800 passengers to hate you in an instant! Nah, we might have had the Royal Suite, but stools by the bar were fine by us! As for tours of the bridge, we have dined with Captains of ships more times than I can count..but fortunately, I KNOW its not down to money or suite, just down to US..DH and I.. (they call us people magnets!)... (who cares about tours of the bridge..) I have PARTIED on bridges till dawn with ALL walks of life! I dont need escorted from a ship (well...perhaps some times there might have been good reason to escort me off a ship LOL!), and yes, we did get escorted on the ship before all other passengers which I will say was nice just for the reason we surprised our family..

betcha you LOVED the free booze in the library - sorry I mean concierge Lounge? What a drip of a place that was.... wet weekend springs to mind...

Royal? yeah..royally Pd off we were:D

Edited September 27, 2011 by Blondie008

[debache]

And another thing? Seriously? Did you really use those reserved cordoned off seats at the pool :eek: And same in theatres? Goldfish in bowl springs to mind! How to get 2800 passengers to hate you in an instant! Nah, we might have had the Royal Suite, but stools by the bar were fine by us! As for tours of the bridge, we have dined with Captains of ships more times than I can count..but fortunately, I KNOW its not down to money or suite, just down to US..DH and I.. (they call us people magnets!)... (who cares about tours of the bridge..) I have PARTIED on bridges till dawn with ALL walks of life! I dont need escorted from a ship (well...perhaps some times there might have been good reason to escort me off a ship LOL!), and yes, we did get escorted on the ship before all other passengers which I will say was nice just for the reason we surprised our family..

betcha you LOVED the free booze in the library - sorry I mean concierge Lounge? What a drip of a place that was.... wet weekend springs to mind...

Royal? yeah..royally Pd off we were:D

 

Thank you...totally made me laugh out loud...I am not sure if you meant it to be funny, but it sure is...

[TTinAZ]

You need to post on the RCL Thread noton Carnival, same goes for the OP!

 

UHHHH I did as I said and got NO response and thought JUST maybe someone on this thread would have some information since it was a thread about SUITES!! Guess I was wrong :confused::rolleyes: sheesh.