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

[firefly333]

I priced out those loft suites once ... it seems it was close to $10,000 pp. Can you imagine the cost for two for a week... ESPECIALLY if you spend time in the casino (and you are already willing to drop $20K on the suite alone)!

 

We have one RCL sailing under our belt. It was a short cruise on the Sovereign of the Seas. It was an "OK" cruise. We would love to try the Oasis or Allure at some point. We'll get around to it eventually!

 

 

I just checked.. the Oasis for that week runs between $3,000 and $8,700 pp for a suite.

 

Tom

 

SOV doesnt count .. its retired and cabins are smaller than any of the new ships. If that is the only RCL cruise you have done, I see why you dont include them.

 

I do have Oasis booked twice coming up, but Im in a D balcony, the suites were too expensive for what I consider worth paying. We are in the middle of a bunch of suites though, where our D is located. So, hopefully I can peek in and get some pictures of suites on Oasis.

[firefly333]

To be (more) complete, here is RCL's listing of suite perks (does not include "junior" suites):

 

RCL:

 

 

Priority check-in

Personalized attention throughout the cruise with complimentary Concierge Club service on select ships

Reserved prime seating in the main theater for entertainment shows, Tom

 

While this is nice, I dont think it adequately says FREE drinks in the evening made to order.

 

You can also go into the lounge for breakfast away from the rest of the folks. Its much more than personalized service.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

A for effort though! I know that we are seriously re-thinking our suite on the Dream and switching to a balcony just to save the $$ to be able to do more on our cruise...

 

We have sailed in two aft corners (Cat 9) on the Dream, and one mid-ship suite. I would definitely not sail in a suite on a Dream class ship again... and I have even toyed with the idea of a Cove Balcony cabin if/when we sail on another!

 

SOV doesnt count .. its retired and cabins are smaller than any of the new ships. If that is the only RCL cruise you have done, I see why you dont include them.

 

..

 

Yep - I realized that when we sailed on her. It's better comparing it to the Sensation or other Fantasy class ship (in terms of age/size). Funny that, at one point, the Sovereign was the largest cruise ship in the world!!

 

Tom

[scubababy]

Well, we just got off RCCL's Mariner of the Seas 3 weeks ago.

 

We absolutely loved their suite services - mainly our personal concierge and the concierge lounge. Priority show tickets, private area around the pool, private breakfast area, and all of the other perks listed were wonderful.

 

We are the highest level with Carnival with over 30 cruises, and the higest level with Princess. It's been years since we cruised with RCCL (late 90's). The perks with RCCL suites will make us look at booking another suite. The perks for RCCL's past guest levels are so much better too - just about the same as suite level. They know how to treat their frequent travel guests!

 

But, pricewise, RCCL has always been so much more expensive.

 

We have been happy with the Platinum and suite perks with Carvinal as well as those with Princess. RCCL just steps it up a few notches.

 

The one thing I really missed on RCCL that we get with Carnival and Princess were the free laundry services (Addl service with our Platinum/frequent cruiser levels). For a cruise longer than 7 days, this is a really really nice perk.

 

Patti

Edited June 30, 2011 by scubababy

[firefly333]

But, pricewise, RCCL has always been so much more expensive.

 

Patti

 

RCL gives $200 off balcony cabins and up per cabin if you are at least diamond. They stepped this up to $225 if you book 6 months out I believe now. You also get double cruise credits in a JS and up, so diamond is not that far off for some. Id rather have $200 off the price of my cabin than free laundry.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

To add in one additional thing --

 

Celebrity has 3 levels in their past guest program:

 

Classic (1-4 tier credits)

Select (5-9)

Elite (10+)

 

Tier credits are earned by:

1 credit for the cruise

1 additional credit for booking a suite (or Concierge Class and AquaClass cabin)

1 additional credit for cruises of 12 + nights in length.

 

Thus it's quite easy to get to Elite. We were able to do that in 5 sailings.

 

Our FAVORITE perk is the 90 minutes of internet we EACH receive. So right off the bat we have 3 hours to use!

Elite Perks:

Elite Member Benefits* (After 10 earned tier credits)**

 

• Exclusive Captain's Club Celebration event

• Complimentary pressing of 2 garment items

• One complimentary bag of laundry (wash, dry, fold) on every sailing‡

• One standard bag of laundry (wash, dry, fold) at a discounted price of $20 on all Celebrity cruises of 12 nights or longer

• Complimentary dry cleaning of 1 garment item

• Complimentary 90 minute Internet package (can be applied towards a larger Internet package)

• Access to the Captain's Club Lounge for coffeehouse style breakfast and evening social hour (open daily except embarkation and the evening of the Senior Officers’ Cocktail Party)

• Complimentary access to Persian Garden (on one (1) port day of your choice, while the ship is in port)

 

Perks are nice to have - not required, and they don't come without effort (and cost)... but again, NICE to have!

 

Tom

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

RCL gives $200 off balcony cabins and up per cabin if you are at least diamond. They stepped this up to $225 if you book 6 months out I believe now. You also get double cruise credits in a JS and up, so diamond is not that far off for some. Id rather have $200 off the price of my cabin than free laundry.

 

Food for thought! Since RCL is smart enough to extend privileges between the lines - from what I understand our Elite status with Celebrity brings us to the Diamond level with RCL. Can I assume that would earn us the $200 off as well?

 

(Yet another suggestion I have made to Carnival...)

 

Tom

Edited June 30, 2011 by Tom-n-Cheryl

[firefly333]

Food for thought! Since RCL is smart enough to extend privileges between the lines - from what I understand our Elite status with Celebrity brings us to the Diamond level with RCL. Can I assume that would earn us the $200 off as well?

 

(Yet another suggestion I have made to Carnival...)

 

Tom

 

I would assume so. Im the reverse.. calling up celebrity to move to Elite, when I turn diamond on RCL after oasis this fall.

 

If you are elite on Celebrity you would yes be diamond on RCL.

 

But the really good stuff doesnt come until diamond plus.. all ships that have a concierge diamond lounge let in diamond plus, only diamond on freedom class and higher for the free drinks.

 

the free upgrades used to be diamond plus only .. but now it says diamonds can call up too, about 3 weeks before sailing and you can move one category up if there are 3 or more unbooked cabins in the category above you. they used to take the top 3 loyalty people on your cruise. Not sure if its still just 3 .. so no chance for me.

 

PS about the loft suites .. everyone I know got them as a free upgrade.

 

I think its intangibles as the above that count a lot.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

...

 

PS about the loft suites .. everyone I know got them as a free upgrade.

 

...

 

I was really wondering how they find that many people each week to pay those prices!!

 

On NCL - the "Casinos at Sea" program is definitely better than Carnival's. We got $1,200 off our suite on the Epic for last February. For the one coming up, we got about $2,000 OFF!

 

On Celebrity - we received (from the Blue Chip Club - casino dept) a free Thanksgiving cruise on the Constellation (PLUS it gave us two of our tier credit points!) and on the Solstice last year -- FREE, though we paid the difference to upgrade to a suite.

 

Carnival.... COME ON !! :)

 

Tom

Edited June 30, 2011 by Tom-n-Cheryl

[shazzie44]

Thanks Tom you must of read my mind was just trying to do research about perks in suites yesterday when low and behold it is here in the morning. Looking to take another cruise for our 30th wedding anniverary and with the pics of the Epic villa I think I have found it. Awesome thanks.

[kyrisong1]

We've never booked a suite, because we really don't need all the perks, and frankly I'd rather spend my money on shopping.

But when we were on Celebrity, we love, love, loved the concierge class because of the full breakfast on the balcony. We utilized it every morning!!!

Also the Cova cafe was a nice treat on sea days, with the wonderful almond or chocolate Crossiants being free!!! But it sure did tempt us to buy the cappacino!!!

Lovely!! Cheers, Carole

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Thanks Tom you must of read my mind was just trying to do research about perks in suites yesterday when low and behold it is here in the morning. Looking to take another cruise for our 30th wedding anniverary and with the pics of the Epic villa I think I have found it. Awesome thanks.

 

Glad I could help out!

 

CONGRATULATIONS!!

 

Tom

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

We've never booked a suite, because we really don't need all the perks, and frankly I'd rather spend my money on shopping.

But when we were on Celebrity, we love, love, loved the concierge class because of the full breakfast on the balcony. We utilized it every morning!!!

Also the Cova cafe was a nice treat on sea days, with the wonderful almond or chocolate Crossiants being free!!! But it sure did tempt us to buy the cappacino!!!

Lovely!! Cheers, Carole

 

On Celebrity the Concierge Class cabins are a great value. You receive several added benefits (including a special breakfast room service card) as well as that extra tier point of cruise credit!

 

 

 

 

Tom

[Sargent_Schultz]

Keep in mind that some of these ships have several different suite levels. Some, especially on lines other than Carnival, have suites which are quite large (up to 3 bedrooms - Garden Villa on NCL).

 

I picked our sail week on the Epic as an example. It is the week following Thanksgiving, and I am showing the lowest and highest suite level (per person before fees and taxes):

 

NCL Epic...........$2500....$4700

NCL Pearl..........$1560....$8830 (Garden Villa)

Celebrity Eclipse $1950....$7300

Ruby Princess.....$2150....$2550

Carnival Dream...$1350....$1950

 

Quite the range!!

 

Tom

 

Carnival is still the value leader!

 

How stupid would it be for them to compete against themselves (Princess)?

 

Carnival Corp is financially solid - enjoy NCL while it lasts. Celebrity does have a better smoking policy, however.

[mommyto2girls]

Great chart...we did the 2 bedroom Courtyard Villa twice out of NYC on the Jewel this year..and we love the perks, the courtyard especially our Concierge and Butler (we are still in touch with them) and the whole concept. We have not sailed anything but suites for quite a few years now. I think the suite perks on HAL are pretty nice...I love their Neptune Lounge, and free laundry. We are going back to Carnival in January to cruise out of San Juan, please tell me I still get my fruit everyday in my Suite on the Victory!

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Carnival is still the value leader!

 

How stupid would it be for them to compete against themselves (Princess)?

 

Carnival Corp is financially solid - enjoy NCL while it lasts. Celebrity does have a better smoking policy, however.

 

There are, without a doubt, pros and cons to them all.

 

You can BET I will TOTALLY enjoy NCL - no matter how long it lasts! ;)

 

Tom

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

... We are going back to Carnival in January to cruise out of San Juan, please tell me I still get my fruit everyday in my Suite on the Victory!

 

Only if some department on the ship chooses to send you a basket... We'll usually get one from the casino, and occasionally the HD. But I don't recall any daily fruit in suites on Carnival. I think that they are now of the opinion that you can get all that you want for yourself on Lido deck.

 

They are, after all, the "value leader"! :D

 

Tom

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

...Celebrity does have a better smoking policy, however.

 

Agreed - the best! I had no idea what a casino would smell like, without the base scent of cigarettes! :)

 

Unfortunately, on the Solstice, it didn't smell of MONEY!

 

Tom

Edited June 30, 2011 by Tom-n-Cheryl

[Sargent_Schultz]

 

On NCL - the "Casinos at Sea" program is definitely better than Carnival's. We got $1,200 off our suite on the Epic for last February. For the one coming up, we got about $2,000 OFF!

 

Both NCL and Harrah's have a huge common investor that rescued both and would like to maybe get a return on investment. No surprise there.

 

I DON'T want Carnival to be anything other than what it is - the best value out there. Carnival Corp has other brands if you want to pay for more perks (e.g. Princess). I don't want or need the perks, nor do I want or need to subsidize you or others.

 

Carnival is not an elitist line and didn't get to where they are today by catering to the wealthy - mass market is what they are all about and which is why they survive when others fail.

[shazzie44]

Hi, just another quick question did they allow just the 2 of you in that Villa or did u have to have to have the whole 6. I'm hoping they wouldnt bump you out if there were other people with bigger familys who needed the room.

 

Thanks in advance Sharyn

[Sargent_Schultz]

We are going back to Carnival in January to cruise out of San Juan, please tell me I still get my fruit everyday in my Suite on the Victory!

 

You can arrange to have one sent to your suite everyday or even twice a day for far less than the price differential.

[Sargent_Schultz]

Hi, just another quick question did they allow just the 2 of you in that Villa or did u have to have to have the whole 6. I'm hoping they wouldnt bump you out if there were other people with bigger familys who needed the room.

 

Thanks in advance Sharyn

 

Bumping would not be entirely appropriate for an elitist line to do. A bribe would be more in line, but only with permission, of course.

[iluvdoxies]

Loved this comparison! I'm trying to figure out what we are going to do next year for our 10th Anniversary. Some of the suite perks sound fabulous and similar to our land vacations.

 

We got married at Sandals Negril, He wants to go back like we did on our 5th Anniversary, and stay in the swim up suite again ($15K - 14 days :eek::eek:). I am trying to look for something a little more reasonable.

 

At Sandals, we had 2 butlers and a cell phone to contact them at anytime...sweet! We did not use them to unpack our luggage, but they would have if requested. We didn't have to be chair hogs, they did it for us everyday and our names were printed out on a "reserved" card :D I better quit thinking about it, as I am slowly talking myself into going again.

 

OMG 15K for 14 days ????? No way would I spend that for a hotel suite !

[shazzie44]

Thanks didnt want to just book for 2 then find out they might need it for family of 6.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Bumping would not be entirely appropriate for an elitist line to do. A bribe would be more in line, but only with permission, of course.

 

How about knocking it off...

 

Using words like "elitist" in such a fashion is unbecoming.

 

Tom

Edited June 30, 2011 by Tom-n-Cheryl