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

[Linda the Book Lover]

Linda the Book Lover -

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

I have never cruised and everything is new.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

 

I called room service for coffee. In the AM the cold breakfast items (such as breads, cereal, fruit, juice) and coffee or tea are also delivered for free. There is a card you place on the door knob and you circle the time for delivery.

 

I stayed in a suite on the Paradise and the Inspiration for the balcony since there are no balcony cabins on those ships. Check out threads about the Pride for more information on what others have noted. We also got the FTTF so we could drop off our bags and enjoy our made-up cabin right away. It is worth every cent ($50 for entire cabin occupants) in my opinion.

[Jana60]

I called room service for coffee. In the AM the cold breakfast items (such as breads, cereal, fruit, juice) and coffee or tea are also delivered for free. There is a card you place on the door knob and you circle the time for delivery.

 

I stayed in a suite on the Paradise and the Inspiration for the balcony since there are no balcony cabins on those ships. Check out threads about the Pride for more information on what others have noted. We also got the FTTF so we could drop off our bags and enjoy our made-up cabin right away. It is worth every cent ($50 for entire cabin occupants) in my opinion.

 

With Carnival if you leave the card on the door the night before they do bring breakfast and coffee pretty promptly but they have so few staff on the room service crew now that if you place an order in the morning, (if you receive it at all), it takes 45-60 minutes. It really bothered me because I don't like to have to set an alarm clock in order to wake up to drink my coffee when I'm on vacation but if I did not set an alarm after turning that card in on the door I would not have woken up when they do that faint little tap at the door in the morning!

Edited March 3, 2016 by Jana60

[5sonz]

Thanks!

I'm sure it will work out. There is other things I can be worrying about.

I just don't want to get dressed to go in search of coffee.

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

I called room service for coffee. In the AM the cold breakfast items (such as breads, cereal, fruit, juice) and coffee or tea are also delivered for free. There is a card you place on the door knob and you circle the time for delivery.

...

 

THANKS for the reminder. This too is a MAJOR negative for Carnival when compared to other lines (suites at least, though I think it applies to most lines non-suites as well)... and that's:

 

Carnival only has COLD food items available for breakfast (via room service). At least for suites they should get with the program and offer eggs, bacon, etc !!

 

... again THANKS for the reminder - I've been communicating that to them for years to no avail!

 

Tom

Edited March 3, 2016 by Tom-n-Cheryl

[Sundiego]

Tom, thanks for updating this thread! I know for awhile you were a big fan of the suite life on NCL but notice in your recap of sailed cruises that you kind of gave up on them after 7 cruises? Is that just a coincidence or is there something that started to fall flat for you?

 

I'm curious because we have enjoyed the Haven but are looking to branch out. So appreciate any thoughts you might have!

 

~Denise

[PAPERBKWRITER]

Looks like Carnival has some catching up to do.

[academytim]

Its funny. My wife and I are fairly young (38/28) in comparison with most "suite" cruisers. We have been on 3 cruises in the last 2 years, all in Suites. Our first "suite" cruise was on the Carnival Freedom in an Ocean Suite. It was a fantastic cruise and we loved every minute of it. Wonderful vacation.

 

We had a cruise booked on Carnival for our honeymoon in March last year, however the cruise was cancelled and there was not an itinerary that interested us that lined up with the date we needed on Carnival. We then booked with NCL in a Deluxe Owner's Suite on the Dawn out of New Orleans.

 

Now obviously, a honeymoon is very special event in and of itself...but the "suite life" on NCL was amazing. We were literally treated like a King and Queen the entire time we were on the ship. From the Butler/Concierge, reserved seating for shows, specialty dining served to us in our Suite, breakfast/lunch at Cagneys, etc, etc, etc. It was a truly amazing week.

 

Our last Cruise was back with Carnival in an Extended Balcony Grand Suite. We had a nice cruise, and it wasn't a bad vacation by any means whatsoever. But after having been spoiled with the perks on NCL...we decided that we would no longer book Suites on Carnival. The cost difference between a Balcony and Suite is simply not worth it when you compare the amenities provided on other lines.

 

We still enjoy Carnival, and are sailing in 2 weeks on the Conquest. However we are in a standard Balcony.

 

 

Shortly after getting back from our NCL cruise, I pondered on Carnival's forums why Carnival doesn't provide any perks for their Suite guests other than priority boarding. I was essentially chastised for being an "elitist" and that I am not Carnivals demographic, and if I wanted perks I should go on HAL or Princess.

 

My reply to this was that I would think I'm precisely the demographic that Carnival would want to go after. Young cruisers with enough disposable income to cruise often...and who are willing to pay for a Suite. They continued to just repeat the same thing over and over...about how thats not the type of customer that Carnival cares about.

 

Funny that now it appears that they do care a little about my "type" of customer, as they realize that the perks provided for booking a suite on their line is wholly inadequate when compared with their competitors. I'm very interested to hear what new perks will be provided to Suite customers on Carnival. Perhaps we will book another suite with them in the future after all.

Edited March 4, 2016 by academytim

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Its funny. My wife and I are fairly young (38/28) in comparison with most "suite" cruisers. We have been on 3 cruises in the last 2 years, all in Suites. Our first "suite" cruise was on the Carnival Freedom in an Ocean Suite. It was a fantastic cruise and we loved every minute of it. Wonderful vacation.

 

We had a cruise booked on Carnival for our honeymoon in March last year, however the cruise was cancelled and there was not an itinerary that interested us that lined up with the date we needed on Carnival. We then booked with NCL in a Deluxe Owner's Suite on the Dawn out of New Orleans.

 

Now obviously, a honeymoon is very special event in and of itself...but the "suite life" on NCL was amazing. We were literally treated like a King and Queen the entire time we were on the ship. From the Butler/Concierge, reserved seating for shows, specialty dining served to us in our Suite, breakfast/lunch at Cagneys, etc, etc, etc. It was a truly amazing week.

 

Our last Cruise was back with Carnival in an Extended Balcony Grand Suite. We had a nice cruise, and it wasn't a bad vacation by any means whatsoever. But after having been spoiled with the perks on NCL...we decided that we would no longer book Suites on Carnival. The cost difference between a Balcony and Suite is simply not worth it when you compare the amenities provided on other lines.

 

We still enjoy Carnival, and are sailing in 2 weeks on the Conquest. However we are in a standard Balcony.

 

 

Shortly after getting back from our NCL cruise, I pondered on Carnival's forums why Carnival doesn't provide any perks for their Suite guests other than priority boarding. I was essentially chastised for being an "elitist" and that I am not Carnivals demographic, and if I wanted perks I should go on HAL or Princess.

 

My reply to this was that I would think I'm precisely the demographic that Carnival would want to go after. Young cruisers with enough disposable income to cruise often...and who are willing to pay for a Suite. They continued to just repeat the same thing over and over...about how thats not the type of customer that Carnival cares about.

 

Funny that now it appears that they do care a little about my "type" of customer, as they realize that the perks provided for booking a suite on their line is wholly inadequate when compared with their competitors. I'm very interested to hear what new perks will be provided to Suite customers on Carnival. Perhaps we will book another suite with them in the future after all.

 

Yep... sadly there's a segment of people on the boards (mainly Carnival for whatever reason) that deem anyone in a suite who expects more than those in steerage (their words!) to be elitist. :(

 

Tom

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Tom, thanks for updating this thread! I know for awhile you were a big fan of the suite life on NCL but notice in your recap of sailed cruises that you kind of gave up on them after 7 cruises? Is that just a coincidence or is there something that started to fall flat for you?

 

I'm curious because we have enjoyed the Haven but are looking to branch out. So appreciate any thoughts you might have!

 

~Denise

 

I have not given up on NCL... in fact, prior to booking the Allure for a couple months out, I had 2 different NCL cruises on hold (though their casino dept) - the Escape and Getaway!! Ended up going with the Allure as a "Royal Suite" opened up, booked through their casino dept and save a few grand!! :) Just a better fit this go around, even though 1 more good suite sailing on NCL and I'm Platinum... eventually !!

 

Tom

[winddawn]

THANKS for the reminder. This too is a MAJOR negative for Carnival when compared to other lines (suites at least, though I think it applies to most lines non-suites as well)... and that's:

 

Carnival only has COLD food items available for breakfast (via room service). At least for suites they should get with the program and offer eggs, bacon, etc !!

 

... again THANKS for the reminder - I've been communicating that to them for years to no avail!

 

Tom

This!! I totally agree with everything you've pointed out in this thread. For what you pay in other categories on Carnival, I think you get pretty good value. But when I shell out extra for a suite, I expect to get something in return for that investment other than a few extra square feet in the cabin. I sailed another line last year too and very much enjoyed the hot food from room service breakfast, a thermostat that actually provided cool air when I adjusted it downward, and other special services (yes, I enjoyed lobster delivered to my cabin on formal night included in the cruise fare!).

 

Carnival could do way better in the service and options provided with suites!

[kgb46]

This!! I totally agree with everything you've pointed out in this thread. For what you pay in other categories on Carnival, I think you get pretty good value. But when I shell out extra for a suite, I expect to get something in return for that investment other than a few extra square feet in the cabin. I sailed another line last year too and very much enjoyed the hot food from room service breakfast, a thermostat that actually provided cool air when I adjusted it downward, and other special services (yes, I enjoyed lobster delivered to my cabin on formal night included in the cruise fare!).

 

Carnival could do way better in the service and options provided with suites!

I have a suite booked on the Magic for next April (LONG way out) and am looking forward to see what they do.

[kgb46]

I have a suite booked on the Magic for next April (LONG way out) and am looking forward to see what they do.

 

I just checked a price on a NCL suite sailing during the same time frame that I will be on Carnival. Ocean Suite will be running a little over $3000 for a 7 day cruise. NCL Haven Suite (least expensive) for 3 of us was over $7700. I know they offer a lot of perks but over $4000 in cost difference? A butler to put away my panties and free drinks are not worth that kind of money.

[christyran1228]

Its funny. My wife and I are fairly young (38/28) in comparison with most "suite" cruisers. We have been on 3 cruises in the last 2 years, all in Suites. Our first "suite" cruise was on the Carnival Freedom in an Ocean Suite. It was a fantastic cruise and we loved every minute of it. Wonderful vacation.

 

We had a cruise booked on Carnival for our honeymoon in March last year, however the cruise was cancelled and there was not an itinerary that interested us that lined up with the date we needed on Carnival. We then booked with NCL in a Deluxe Owner's Suite on the Dawn out of New Orleans.

 

Now obviously, a honeymoon is very special event in and of itself...but the "suite life" on NCL was amazing. We were literally treated like a King and Queen the entire time we were on the ship. From the Butler/Concierge, reserved seating for shows, specialty dining served to us in our Suite, breakfast/lunch at Cagneys, etc, etc, etc. It was a truly amazing week.

 

Our last Cruise was back with Carnival in an Extended Balcony Grand Suite. We had a nice cruise, and it wasn't a bad vacation by any means whatsoever. But after having been spoiled with the perks on NCL...we decided that we would no longer book Suites on Carnival. The cost difference between a Balcony and Suite is simply not worth it when you compare the amenities provided on other lines.

 

We still enjoy Carnival, and are sailing in 2 weeks on the Conquest. However we are in a standard Balcony.

 

 

Shortly after getting back from our NCL cruise, I pondered on Carnival's forums why Carnival doesn't provide any perks for their Suite guests other than priority boarding. I was essentially chastised for being an "elitist" and that I am not Carnivals demographic, and if I wanted perks I should go on HAL or Princess.

 

My reply to this was that I would think I'm precisely the demographic that Carnival would want to go after. Young cruisers with enough disposable income to cruise often...and who are willing to pay for a Suite. They continued to just repeat the same thing over and over...about how thats not the type of customer that Carnival cares about.

 

Funny that now it appears that they do care a little about my "type" of customer, as they realize that the perks provided for booking a suite on their line is wholly inadequate when compared with their competitors. I'm very interested to hear what new perks will be provided to Suite customers on Carnival. Perhaps we will book another suite with them in the future after all.

 

I don't know what you could possibly mean, no perks?!

 

On our Triumph Voyage just this passed month in our Ocean Suite we were treated to a herd of young teens trampling down the stairs and halls at all hours, and a lovely Symphony of fellow suite guests dragging their balcony furniture around non-stop until they aquired just the right feng shui ... unfortunately I don't think they found it, because the dragging never stopped. Or the door slamming, but I digress.

 

And an over-eager room steward who was constantly trying to get us out of the cabin so he could tidy it. It was kind of annoying, but that young man was definitely out to prove WE COULD HAVE 2-a-day service! lol

 

We didn't feel like dressing up all week for dinner, so I can't say about the American Feast menu, but since we ate at the buffet and the same food was there I can say it really was outstanding.

 

I won't pay for another OS on Carnival ... the one we had on the Triumph was TINY, so we weren't even paying for much extra space.

 

We will stick to all the way forward balconies - much less foot traffic. (And price tag, plus you get way more perks with just a $60 FTTF upcharge)

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

I just checked a price on a NCL suite sailing during the same time frame that I will be on Carnival. Ocean Suite will be running a little over $3000 for a 7 day cruise. NCL Haven Suite (least expensive) for 3 of us was over $7700. I know they offer a lot of perks but over $4000 in cost difference? A butler to put away my panties and free drinks are not worth that kind of money.

 

I'm guessing you were comparing the Magic (2011) to either the Escape (2015) or Getaway (2014)?

 

Being in the Haven is like a ship within a ship. There's a suite only restaurant, bar, gym area, pool, sun deck, etc. Those areas are less crowded than the rest of the ship (and of the Magic), with a more upscale feel. You're paying more for that, not just the butler. Both the Escape and Getaway have public spaces, shows, and restaurants which really stand out, IMHO. This too is what you're paying extra for.

 

Having said that - I fully think that Carnival has a nice product, it's doing well, and there's no reason that shouldn't continue. I personally LOVE their steakhouse, having dined in there well over 100 times. It's one of the best values as far as specialty restaurants at sea. :)

 

Celebrity, NCL, and Royal Caribbean all have a wide selection of suites - many of which are not inexpensive. Often, all those lines have promotions whereby one can get (especially when booking suites) beverage packages, internet, gratuities and such "free" with your cabin. We all know it's rolled into the price though. Many people like that more all-inclusive type approach. Others are not concerned with that - and are looking for the most streamlined approach. It's all a matter of personal choice.

 

Tom

[Sundiego]

I have not given up on NCL... in fact, prior to booking the Allure for a couple months out, I had 2 different NCL cruises on hold (though their casino dept) - the Escape and Getaway!! Ended up going with the Allure as a "Royal Suite" opened up, booked through their casino dept and save a few grand!! :) Just a better fit this go around, even though 1 more good suite sailing on NCL and I'm Platinum... eventually !!

 

Tom

 

Thanks for the reply Tom!

 

~Denise

[SUSIEK]

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?

 

RE: Loyalty Program.

Yes. We matched our Celebrity Elite which equaled their MSC Black. Below is the link that gives you the info.

 

https://www.msccruisesusa.com/en-us/MSC-Voyagers-Club/Loyalty-Match-Program.aspx

 

Here are the benefits in their Loyalty program:

 

https://www.msccruisesusa.com/en-us/MSC-Voyagers-Club/Voyagers-Club.aspx

[jabberjaw070596]

Oh My...apparently someone decided to quote this thread on John Heald's Facebook page and it has started an uproar with all the comments. :(

[sjn911]

Great, they should be fair.... Tom and Cheryl are astute comparison cruisers and not always doing the same one at all....and give a lot to the cruise industry!!

 

They enjoy everything and have have great experience over time on the differences and many changes. They are perfect because they notice details but are not "snobby".

 

I hope Carnival learns what small things they could offer in their Suites to up the experience, without it being as expensive or as amenity laden as other more upscale/different concept lines.

Edited March 4, 2016 by sjn911

[Emptynesternow]

Oh My...apparently someone decided to quote this thread on John Heald's Facebook page and it has started an uproar with all the comments. :(

 

Thank you Tom n Cheryl for posting the differences..it is nice to know the comparison. Not everyone wants or can afford a suite but it can be on someone's "bucket list." I can afford one but don't always choose to do so.

 

That being said.... Bob, who wrote about your post really stuck his foot up his butt. His comment "People who book suites are of a higher caliber and spend more $$$." I find that comment offensive! It also does a disservice to what you posted...an informational one. Talk about looking down at folks!

 

Unless Bob is willing to fork over the $$$$ to everyone so they can have a suite he needs to get a life.

[I Luv Crusin]

I assume that there are a few reasons - possibly including, but not limited to:

 

> Carnival knows that there are many other lines which offer a wide range of suite perks, and they don't want to try and compete for that guest.

> Carnival may feel that a sufficient number of their (demographic) guests would not appreciate such perks (to the tune of what it might cost).

> Carnival might feel that a % of their guests could feel intimidated by having a subset of suite guests onboard who are being treated differently - and not be able to understand or factor that in. An example being the Platinum line at Guest Services. I can't tell you how many times I have used that line and then received direct comments (negative, I might add) or "the evil eye" from people in the regular line. I am sure those people are in the minority - though perhaps there are more of them on Carnival.

> Carnival does not want to put the time, effort, or expense into changing their current profitable system. Case in point: Look at their past guest loyalty program. Changes have been promised for years now (as being "right around the corner") and yet nothing has changed. A glacial pace indeed.

 

Who knows? !! :confused:

 

Tom

 

Tom,

I really appreciate your time and effort that went into this comparison. I would like to see dollar amounts attached to similar suites. I am one that would spend $1200 for a suite when I can get a balcony for 600-800. It will be interesting what the benefits Carnival comes up with and the cost.

[I Luv Crusin]

Oh My...apparently someone decided to quote this thread on John Heald's Facebook page and it has started an uproar with all the comments. :(

 

And I feel they mislead the purpose of Tom's hard work!

[academytim]

I just checked a price on a NCL suite sailing during the same time frame that I will be on Carnival. Ocean Suite will be running a little over $3000 for a 7 day cruise. NCL Haven Suite (least expensive) for 3 of us was over $7700. I know they offer a lot of perks but over $4000 in cost difference? A butler to put away my panties and free drinks are not worth that kind of money.

 

We stayed in the Deluxe Owners Suite on NCL Dawn for 1800/person. 7 days.

 

We are currently booked on the Conquest for 8 days. We are in a balcony, but a suite is $1750/person.

 

NCL came with all of the listed amenities as well as 3 bottles of liquor (of our choosing) and fresh mixers brought to the room every day. The room was also 700 square feet.

 

 

Again, we like Carnival...but the value is much greater for Suites on other lines.

[cruizinisthebest]

This thread is fine and the context in which it started years ago. The problem with whoever wrote John - whoever Bob is - is him throwing in that people who book suites are "higher caliber" guests than those who don't. I don't know where he got that sentiment but naturally it rubs people the wrong way. If you can afford a suite and want one, get it. But don't think for a second that you're better than anyone else. People really should stop running to JHs page speaking for other people. I've seen nothing demonstrating that Tom or Cheryl are like this though I don't know them.

 

In fact the suite perks are lacking in Carnival. We got upgraded to one once. And unless or until that changes, I wouldn't seriously entertain getting one whether it was in my budget or not. Bob should have stuck to the substance of this thread instead of injecting a supposed status for booking a suite.

[Emptynesternow]

This thread is fine and the context in which it started years ago. The problem with whoever wrote John - whoever Bob is - is him throwing in that people who book suites are "higher caliber" guests than those who don't. I don't know where he got that sentiment but naturally it rubs people the wrong way. If you can afford a suite and want one, get it. But don't think for a second that you're better than anyone else. People really should stop running to JHs page speaking for other people. I've seen nothing demonstrating that Tom or Cheryl are like this though I don't know them.

 

In fact the suite perks are lacking in Carnival. We got upgraded to one once. And unless or until that changes, I wouldn't seriously entertain getting one whether it was in my budget or not. Bob should have stuck to the substance of this thread instead of injecting a supposed status for booking a suite.

 

 

Well said

[sjn911]

Well sad to read further...IMHO... most people can see people's true colors and preferences and see the gift of this thread..I don't go over there...well said cruizenisthebest.

Edited March 4, 2016 by sjn911