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

[CruiseVivaLady]

Well, it's not like they're Lurch or something... :D

 

Honestly though, you needn't utilize their services if you don't desire. They are not like true butlers - they have several cabins that they are responsible for. Though I will admit, the first one we ever had (Celebrity Century) always seemed to be very close by. They will tempt you will all sorts of tasty treats!

 

 

 

... and set up tasty (FULL) breakfast for two on your balcony:

 

 

 

 

 

 

OK -- enough of this... now I am starting to get HUNGRY!

Tom

 

The set-up on the balcony looks like CruiseViva life to me:D. Having a butler seems like a well-deserved reward. Thanks for sharing the pics.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

The set-up on the balcony looks like CruiseViva life to me:D. Having a butler seems like a well-deserved reward. Thanks for sharing the pics.

 

You're welcome ! :)

 

Tom

[tncap]

It might be on the website but it's not on the ship. No priority Debarkation on the Splendor in July. Only priority embarkation is provided otherwise you need to purchase FTTF even when in a suite.

 

Priority debarkation was offered to those in suites last week on the Dream.

[travler27]

I found this one Carnival's site today: (http://www.carnival.com/core/faq.aspx?icid=CC_Footer_88)

 

Priority Debarkation

 

In addition, Platinum and Diamond guests and those traveling in deluxe suite accommodations will receive a debarkation letter offering a choice of how they would prefer to disembark the ship. They will be given the option of Self Assist (where offered) or Priority Debarkation; for Priority Debarkation, the guest will receive special luggage tags which will entitle them to debark.

 

All you get at debark is a low group number. You don't get escorted off early with the Platinum's like you did before FTTF. And on embark you just get on early, you still can't access your cabin any earlier than everybody else. There really are no suite perks on Carnival.

Edited September 16, 2014 by travler27

[crochetcruise]

Are there any special "perks" when booking a suite with Royal Caribbean?

 

Thanks, this is great, useful information. Again thank you for taking the time and trouble to share the information. Happy future cruising to you!

 

Crochetcruise :cool:

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

I've got a couple of Royal Caribbean sailings booked - and, after seeing the perks associated with the cabins, thought of this thread. Realizing that Royal Caribbean was not initially included, it seems appropriate to add them here as opposed to starting a new thread. I've yet to go back and see how the lines I originally mentioned have changed (perk wise), but that's on my agenda!

 

HERE is where you'll find the details for all levels of Royal Caribbean suites, so I'll just post the top tier (Star Class) perks below. Quite impressive if you ask me. Granted, none of these perks come without a cost - and that's where the higher fares come into play. Still, it's nice to essentially have an all inclusive experience!

 

Star Class Amenities:

 

Daily Gratuities Included

Ultimate Beverage Package

Royal Refreshment Beverage Package

Complimentary Specialty Restaurants

All Day Access to Coastal Kitchen

Special In-Suite Dining

Suite Lounge

In-Suite Hand Crafted Cocktail Service

Mini-Bar

Specialty Bottled Water

Nespresso Coffee Maker Service

Complimentary VOOM Internet Service

Complimentary Fitness Class

Complimentary Spa Thermal Room Access (7 day pass)

Exclusive Access to Signature Activities

Complimentary in-room movies

Luxury Bathroom Amenities featuring luxury brands: Hermes, Feragamo and L'Occitane

Duxiana Mattress

Frette Linens, Towels and Bath Robes

Luxury Pillowtop Mattress

Welcome Amenity

 

Royal Genie Services

Royal Genie Service (Your wish Is our command)

Customized welcome gift

Food & Beverage requests

In-Room Dining Requests

Complimentary Laundry & Pressing Services

Escort Guests On and Off Ship

 

Concierge Services (Pre-cruise & Onboard)

Meet all guests

Priority Reservations

Priority Theater Seats

Access to Suite Sun Deck

Access to exclusive suite beach on private islands

Priority embarkation & debarkation

Handle special requests

 

--------------------

 

Needless to say, Carnival has no interest in playing the "keep up with the Joneses" perks game. What they're doing works well for them, as evidenced by their continued success. It's just nice to see that other lines are willing to step in and offer attractive alternatives. :)

 

 

Tom

[Linda the Book Lover]

Thanks Tom for sharing Royal Caribbean suite perks especially the quick link. I have to admit being spoiled by NCL so it is hard for me to think of other lines. Yep we have an aft wrap penthouse booked again. ;) We have stayed in Carnival Suites (smaller ships that do not have a balcony) which are not even close to suite perks given by other lines.

 

Our Butler never unpacks for us...LOL

Edited March 2, 2016 by Linda the Book Lover

[boopsahoy]

On NCL you also have the opportunity to eat in Cagney's for breakfast and lunch. Cagney's is one of the specialty restaurants that is extra charge for dinner. It is used during the day for breakfast and lunch by suite passengers only at no extra charge. This is one of the reasons we booked a suite for our upcoming cruise on NCL. The thought of a quiet breakfast and lunch is appealing to us. I believe the menu is different than the one in the main dining rooms.

 

Yes it is a different menu. We love that perk and that's the reason we get a suite! My only complaint (and I am not really complaining!) is that the menu never changes except the soup of the day. It would be nice, especially on a 10 day cruise, if there was a special every day.

[dramaqueenjan]

John Heald said today he will have new info in coming days on new suite perks

[Linda the Book Lover]

John Heald said today he will have new info in coming days on new suite perks

 

Now this should be interesting.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

John Heald said today he will have new info in coming days on new suite perks

 

Now this should be interesting.

 

Agreed !

 

Seeing that they manage to get close to 7 grand for the Captain's Suites on the ships which have them (for a 7 night sailing), I think that they certainly could justify throwing a bone or two to those sailing in them.

 

I'd guess perhaps a beverage package and a night in the steakhouse... internet would be an easy "give" too. I'd imagine that they would need to have different benefits as well - as some suites are basically pretty cheap, and thus it might not make economic sense for Carnival to give higher level perks to those.

 

I'll just add that maybe... MAYBE Carnival will finally do something which I've repeatedly suggested: Give additional VIFP points/sailing credit to those in suites !!!

 

OK... (maybe) I'm still dreaming, but hope springs eternal - (I'd LOVE to see Carnival up their game) !! :)

 

Tom

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

...

Seeing that they manage to get close to 7 grand for the Captain's Suites on the ships which have them (for a 7 night sailing), I think that they certainly could justify throwing a bone or two to those sailing in them.

...

 

Perhaps they're already starting to "price adjust" to account for what they might be "adding" perk wise. Can't say I've ever seen a cabin for two (dummy booking) on a 7 night Carnival cruise hit this $$ level. :eek:

 

 

 

 

Tom

[Poseidon Patty]

Just got off the Carnival Freedom, Saturday, after a 7 day cruise in a Captain's Suite. Yes, that price is pretty accurate.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Just got off the Carnival Freedom, Saturday, after a 7 day cruise in a Captain's Suite. Yes, that price is pretty accurate.

 

I paid around 6K a couple of times, and then paid $500pp once and $700pp another time (casino rate).

 

For the kind of money they're getting now, there's no reason not to spend those same dollars on a line which will reward you with substantial perks... at least in my opinion (having tried multiple lines and experienced their programs).

 

Tom

Edited March 3, 2016 by Tom-n-Cheryl

[BigB0882]

This is just embarrassing for Carnival. I have always heard their Suite perks were lacking but seeing a list with direct comparison to multiple other cruise lines really makes it stand out. Literally the ONLY thing on on the Carnival list that is even a true perk is the whirlpool tub as the other rooms don't have that. Everything else you find in all rooms on board with the exception, perhaps, of the vanity that I don't think is in interior rooms. Why doesn't Carnival do more for their Suite guests? Are their suites cheaper than other lines? Maybe they don't think their guests are looking for that type of service on Carnival? Carnival is a cheaper cruise line, after all.

[Jana60]

Are the items listed all complementary or do you have to pay for these in addition to the price of the suite? Is The universal beverage package and universal dining package included in the sweet perks for Norwegian?

[LaCal]

Are the items listed all complementary or do you have to pay for these in addition to the price of the suite? Is The universal beverage package and universal dining package included in the sweet perks for Norwegian?

 

Those perks are free Jana......Also NCL has been adding in anywhere from 2-4 additional perks including your pick of their Cheers pkg, Specialty dining, $50 credit shore excursion in each port and a few more

 

We basically only stay in suites now and Carnival is Soooo way behind the times

[Cushing985]

Odd .. never crossed my mind to have a butler unpack. I think people use them to schedule things like excursions, or if they want to eat in a pay restaurant a specific night, even if its full, the butler can get them in.

 

Never once have I read someone used the butler to unpack... I guess they would though if you asked them to. .. If thats what you wanted them to do.

I spend some time on the Celebrity boards and most people who have suites that come with butlers unpack their own bags. Like most, they don't want a stranger pawing through their undies and whatever.

 

I doubt seriously if I would even use a butler other than making reservations or arranging excursions.

[glassman352]

We have been on 2 Carnival cruises and always have had an OV suite. We get it for the extra room size. The perks (what little there are) are not involved in the decision. We book so far ahead we always get FTTF also - main reason is getting to the room as soon as we board. Always book excursions through Carnival so early tender is not important. We always get the CHEERS package so if this is offered on other lines as part of their suite package and the price comes out relatively the same, we may check it out!!

Edited March 3, 2016 by glassman352

[boopsahoy]

I spend some time on the Celebrity boards and most people who have suites that come with butlers unpack their own bags. Like most, they don't want a stranger pawing through their undies and whatever.

 

I doubt seriously if I would even use a butler other than making reservations or arranging excursions.

 

Imagine its around 11pm and youre in your suite and you decide to watch a movie-mmmm chicken wings would be nice right now-well call your butler! :D

[SUSIEK]

MSC has some nice perks: We are booked in May in an Aurea Suite. Price was comparable to Carnival and Royal but with extra perks. It also included a $300 OBC.

 

They also have a Loyalty Match Program. They match whatever your level is on another line to their equivalent. (not necessary to book a suite for this benefit)

 

Aurea package: Suites and Balcony Cabins

 

Our “Aurea” fares offer all the benefits of the “Fantastica” Experience, plus a variety of extra privileges.

 

* Prestigious cabins with view, in the bow on the higher decks

* 24-hour unlimited drinks (alcoholic, non-alcoholic, specialty coffees, water)

*Spa package with a spa welcome cocktail, one massage of your choice from the spa menu, tanning shower, private wellness consultation and free access to the Thermal Area throughout the cruise (available only for adults)

* Complimentary set of wellbeing products

* Exclusive access to the private solarium, in a reserved area

* Dinner in a reserved area of the restaurant with “My Choice Dining” flexible times

* Priority boarding

* MSC Club points to earn discounts and other benefits on subsequent cruises

 

 

For the high rollers....LOL - Royal Suites, Executive & Family Suites and Deluxe Suites -

 

The epitome of elegance and luxury at sea, the MSC Yacht Club offers a cruise experience like no other. Lavishly appointed suites, an exclusive 24-hour butler service and a dedicated concierge are only the start.

 

* Luxurious suites with memory foam mattresses, Egyptian cotton sheets, pillow menu, marble bathroom, plasma TV and minibar

* All-inclusive MSC Yacht Club restaurant with open dining times

* Soft drinks, cocktails, beer, wine and spirits included at all MSC Yacht Club venues and from the minibar in every suite

* Access to the Top Sail Lounge and The One Sun Deck private complex, equipped with swimming pool, whirlpool baths, solarium and bar

* Private lift to the MSC Aurea Spa

* Top Sail Lounge with a selection of drinks, delicious finger food and desserts, afternoon tea time and midnight sweets for a late night treat included

* MSC Club points to earn discounts and other benefits on subsequent cruises

Edited March 3, 2016 by SUSIEK

[brookie848]

I spend some time on the Celebrity boards and most people who have suites that come with butlers unpack their own bags. Like most, they don't want a stranger pawing through their undies and whatever.

 

I doubt seriously if I would even use a butler other than making reservations or arranging excursions.

 

On NCL, you have a butler that takes care of things inside your cabin (daily snack delivery, room service) and you have a concierge staff that takes care of reservations throughout the ship.

 

We rarely use our butler besides the daily snack deliveries, but we did have breakfast delivered once to our room last week before an early (6:50!) excursion meet time and had him bring us a pizza before disembarking at another port.

 

Honestly, I keep looking at other cruise lines, but none of the suite benefits compare to what NCL offers, especially when combined with the overall casualness of the cruise line. My husband wears a tie to work every day. He wants to be able to wear shorts to dinner at night -- which he did a couple of times in the Haven (suite) restaurant. For us, it is a perfect mix of benefits and casualness.

[5sonz]

So, we will be staying in the Vista suite in Nov on the Pride.

I was looking forward to coffee on the balcony. But no coffee maker?

Is this still true? I noticed the original post was years ago, perhaps it has changed?

I just assumed coffee makers are standard....

 

 

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[Linda the Book Lover]

Tom, I love your line Give additional VIFP points/sailing credit to those in suites !!!

 

Are you listening Carnival?

 

5snoz - Two years ago in the Inspiration there was not a coffee machine in our suite. I just called for the coffee.

 

SUSIEK - MSC matches points such as if you have the number of points for platinum on one line you automatically gain the same number of points on MSC? Which lines do they acknowledge as being their equivalent?

[5sonz]

Linda the Book Lover -

Did you call room service for coffee? Or room steward?

I have never cruised and everything is new.

 

 

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