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

[silygirl77]

Those are some amazing perks thanks for sharing them. Your post made me look into booking a cruise on another cruise line and then I saw the prices. The prices of a suite in those cruise lines are higher than carnival. That's why there are more perks probably.

[Sargent_Schultz]

Those are some amazing perks thanks for sharing them. Your post made me look into booking a cruise on another cruise line and then I saw the prices. The prices of a suite in those cruise lines are higher than carnival. That's why there are more perks probably.

 

 

Yes. The suites may be larger in some cases, and NCL has some amazing suites, but IMO that is not target market of Carnival.

 

Yes, on other cruise lines, you may get what you over pay for. :p

[jessemon]

Disclaimer (for those who see everyone as having an agenda!): The following lists are only to serve for comparative purposes for anyone who is interested. It is NOT intended to be critical of Carnival, but rather to show what perks other lines treat their suite guests to. Note that some of the listed "perks" are standard in ALL cabins, thus are simply filler. Some of these are really impressive, others are just fluff. For example, I don't want the butler to unpack my luggage!! Please note that the extra perks are not without cost! In some cases a substantial premium (several hundred to thousands more) is required. Generally though, you get what you pay for. Whether that is of "value" to you, is your call.

 

 

CLICK on the cruise line name to link to their website:

 

CARNIVAL:

 

 

A spacious room, that includes VIP check-in during embarkation

 

Stateroom amenities:

 

• Whirlpool bath
  
• Vanity dressing table
  
• Television
  
• Soft, comfortable, and cozy linens
  
• Hairdryer/Bathrobes
  
• 24-hour stateroom service
  
• Ample closet and drawer space
  

================================================

 

NCL:

 

Special Services

> Distinctive Keycard

> Butler and concierge service

> Butler to unpack your luggage

> Access to Concierge Lounge

Eats, Treats & Libations

> Champagne, custom selection of liquor, fruit, bottled water and sodas (Owner’s suite and above)

> Sparkling wine, bottled water and fruit

> Mini-Bar and espresso/cappuccino machine

> 24-hour room service with special suite menu

> Full in-room breakfast menu

> Treats delivered right to your door each night

> Invitations to exclusive breakfast, lunch, and cocktail party

Thoughtful Touches

> Fresh flower arrangement

> Bliss collection by NCL pillow-top mattress

> Fine linens, feather duvet and pillow menu

> Plush bath robes, slippers and towels

> Access to exclusive Courtyard area with private pool, sundeck, hot tub and fitness area (on ships with Courtyard)

Arrival and Departure

> Priority embarkation and disembarkation

> Escort to suite

> Priority boarding of tenders to shore

> Priority Complimentary limousine service from pier to airport (Garden Villa only)

 

=====================================

 

PRINCESS:

 

Suite Amenities:

In-Room Amenities:

· Luxury mattresses

· Luxury ivory satin pinstripe bed linens

· Fluffy duvets in place of blankets

· Luggage protector on bed at embarkation

· Luxury bathrobes

· Luxury towels

· Pillow menu - option of feather or therapeutic pillows

· Massage shower heads

· Luxury bathroom amenities (shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, bath gel, plus new lip balm, gel eye mask, bath salts and loofah mitts)

· Facial mist (choice of scents)

· Complimentary slippers

· Fresh flower arrangement

· Complimentary corsage and boutonniere on first formal night

· Complimentary mini-bar - one-time set up

· Combined DVD/CD Players

· DVD Library - each vessel has a 100-title DVD library available to suite passengers

· Halo light magnifying vanity mirrors on vanity Upgraded room amenities, including ice bucket and tray, leather wallet for cruise card, high quality pen, combined clothes brush, lint remover and shoe horn, shoe cleaning mitt, sewing kit, white cloth laundry bag, black cloth shoe shining bag

· Complimentary Princess tote bag

· Umbrella for use during the cruise

Services:

· Expedited embarkation process

· Preferred Anytime DiningSM reservations

· Personal shore excursion reservations

· Complimentary laundry and dry cleaning service

· Complimentary shoe polishing service

Dining Services:

· Welcome glass of champagne at embarkation

· Extended room service menu (extended breakfast, lunch, dinner offering)

· In-suite afternoon tea service

· Passenger's choice of deluxe canapés, delivered daily

Onboard Activities:

· Complimentary internet access in onboard Internet Cafes (wireless internet connection not included).

· Private portrait sitting

· Complimentary use of the thermal suite in the Lotus Spa (Emerald Princess, Caribbean Princess, Crown Princess, Sapphire Princess, Diamond Princess, Star Princess, Coral Princess and Island Princess).

 

==============================================

 

CELEBRITY:

 

All Suites Include:

One complimentary (Specialty) dining reservation per suite for cruises of up to seven nights

Two complimentary dining reservations per suite for cruises of eight nights or longer

Butler at your service

Complimentary 24-hour room service

Priority check-in

Luggage delivery

Priority tender service

Welcome bottle of sparkling wine, fresh fruit & flowers

Assistance with packing and unpacking

Full in-suite breakfast, lunch & dinner service

In-suite afternoon tea service

Complimentary espresso & cappuccino (in suite)

Evening hors d'oeuvres, daily

Main & specialty restaurant seating preferences

100% Egyptian cotton oversized bath towels

Plush Frette® bathrobes

Complimentary shoeshine service

Celebrity tote bag

Delivery of requested board games

Dual voltage 110/220 AC

Bathroom accessories & hair dryer

Fresh cut flowers

Complimentary beach towel service

Plentiful storage space in your bathroom

Thermostat-controlled air-conditioning

Interactive television system to view & select shore excursions, order room service & watch movies*

Individual safe

Direct-dial telephone

Laundry service*

Mini-bar*

 

*Additional charges apply.

 

==============================================

 

I hope that some people will find this informative/helpful.

 

Tom

 

Tom I don't even have to look....

Carnival is giving the biggest yuck for the buck....:D:eek::p

PS: Been on all these lines for those that wanna flame....

Edited July 10, 2011 by jessemon

[jessemon]

Sgt is correct. It's advisable to at least make a pseudo post so as to appear to be in compliance ;)

Agreed Tom on bumping a post properly...

And I guess we have a new "sheriff/moderator" on the boards...LOL....Even the real mods like Mach and Randy don't care about bumping up an informative thread such as this..... :rolleyes::

Edited July 10, 2011 by jessemon

[iluvdoxies]

Agreed Tom on bumping a post properly...

And I guess we have a new "sheriff/moderator" on the boards...LOL....Even the real mods like Mach and Randy don't care about bumping up an informative thread such as this..... :rolleyes::

 

He'a a control freak with too much time on his hands.

[jessemon]

Yes. The suites may be larger in some cases, and NCL has some amazing suites, but IMO that is not target market of Carnival.

 

Yes, on other cruise lines, you may get what you over pay for. :p

Same cruise out of Tampa same date for both lines on Dec 4...

NCL 405sf suite is $2418...

Carnival 360sf suite is $2420...

Seems to me NCL is giving me more for my money.....Carnival I guess is making us pick up the soap...;)

[midwifejen]

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

All I can say is, WOW! :eek:

[iluvdoxies]

Hi there Tom !

 

Was reading Don's review of the Epic and I really think we will book that sometime next winter. I have a couple of questions

 

what do the mini-suites have for perks ( I think that's what they are called ?)

 

How much for Cirque or Blue Man shows ?

 

thanks in advance.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Hi there Tom !

 

Was reading Don's review of the Epic and I really think we will book that sometime next winter. I have a couple of questions

 

what do the mini-suites have for perks ( I think that's what they are called ?)

 

How much for Cirque or Blue Man shows ?

 

thanks in advance.

 

The mini-suites, other than being perhaps a bit larger or better appointed, unfortunately do not receive any of the perks which (full) suites get.

 

The Cirque Dreams (dinner show) seating is $20 and $30. The difference on cost is based on the seat location. After reading a few reviews, we opted for the upper level seating ($20) which was opposite the stairs, and had great seats. Most people assume the $30 seats are better, but they looked rather cramped down on the floor level. The upper seating is right against the circular rail looking down - only 1 row deep! There are no assigned seats, so it's a matter of getting there early to pick your spot. If you book a suite, you will be escorted in before all the people who have been lining up for 30+ minutes outside - having been escorted from the concierge in the courtyard area. The meal itself is just "so-so", but all in all, it is worth the $20 - at least in my opinion!

 

There is also a Murder Mystery Lunch in the same location (Speigel Tent) though it is only on the floor level. That is $20, the food again is just OK, but it's a fun way to spend a lunch!

 

The Blue Man Group is FREE - so it's the best deal!! They also have "Legends in Concert" which was (FREE) entertaining. On our sailing it was Neil Diamond (sounded and looked like a young Neil Diamond), Aretha Franklin - she had a voice to be sure!, and Janet Jackson - just so-so (and I didn't really think of her as a "legend").

 

 

Tom

[mafig]

Don't forget that on NCL many of the suites come with very generous OBC.

 

We just booked an entry-level suite on Norwegian and we've ended up with $525 shipboard credit!

[MMMD]

It's because of researching the 'Suite' perks of all the lines that we chose NCL.

 

One of the best perks (that isn't mentioned) is the exclusive use of Cagney's Steakhouse for breakfast & lunch at no additional charge.

 

The restaurant has a separate and special menu for each seating and was wonderful.

 

This perk also allows you to eat there on embarkation day, which made for a relaxing and lovely way to start our cruise.

 

I'd like to try other cruise lines, but will probably stay with NCL because of their perks.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

It's because of researching the 'Suite' perks of all the lines that we chose NCL.

 

One of the best perks (that isn't mentioned) is the exclusive use of Cagney's Steakhouse for breakfast & lunch at no additional charge.

 

The restaurant has a separate and special menu for each seating and was wonderful.

 

This perk also allows you to eat there on embarkation day, which made for a relaxing and lovely way to start our cruise.

 

I'd like to try other cruise lines, but will probably stay with NCL because of their perks.

 

Cagney's is a treat - the breakfast and lunches served there (and in the Epic Club on, of course, the Epic) are WAY better than what you might find in the buffet or MDR!

 

Looking back at the listed NCL perks, I think they throw people off track by saying you receive "invitations" to the exclusive lunch and breakfast... there are no invitations given for that (as far Ias I know), but they did escort us there on the Epic, along with a guided tour of the Courtyard complex immediately after boarding. That is a much more relaxing place to enjoy a nice meal than the hectic buffet on that first day!

 

...

NCL:

...

Eats, Treats & Libations

...

> Invitations to exclusive breakfast, lunch, and cocktail party

...

 

Tom

[halos]

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.

 

Just booked an average-gal cabin on an upcoming NCL cruise. The price for the balcony cabin winds up being $114 pp/pd

 

I also booked a PH suite (least expensive of the suites) on an upcoming NCL cruise...price was close to double that pp/pd...the perks are SO worth it.

 

...and, of course there are others who like T&C can book those CY Villas :)

 

I think most of the folks on the NCL boards here would giggle if they saw you referring to them as wealthy. I guarantee the folks who sail Regent, Crystal and any luxury line would laugh their butts off at that comment.

 

It seems NCL caters to all wallets...and I still wonder why it uspets you so, when others post anything good about any other line besides CCL?????:confused:

 

FWIW, I seriously doubt NCL is going anywhere anytime soon. They're designing/building a new ship as I write this.

Edited July 20, 2011 by halos

[Spurs Fans]

We just returned from the July 10 sailing of Sensation. We were in one of the two Penthouse Suites. I will post a full review later, but here were the perks we received. Personal check in, personal escort to our suite upon early arrival (it was ready for immediate use), a bathroom tray of toothpaste, razor blades and assorted soaps. That was about it for the four day cruise. No trays of food or anything else during the cruise (which was fine with us.)

[halos]

Yep. Perhaps some people just have BAD days, or they are just not careful about how things might come across to others. I have, on multiple occasions, been told that I am a snob, stuck up, self-important, privileged, condescending, arrogant, etc.... just based on "real world experiences" I have relayed on here. I have only really been ticked at a couple of people here over the last (let me check) 8 years. They have to REALLY be trying to push buttons, or were either very rude or caustic. They seem to have gone away, and it's not because I put them on ignore. Others, I have simply come to realize, are always up for a (pointless) debate or seem to enjoying finding some fault in something I/anyone have/has to say.

 

Tom

 

Some people seem to just handle jealousy that way. Personally, I may not ever see the inside of a GV on NCL, but I sure as hell am happy for anyone else who gets to be in one.

 

Tom, why don't you look ahead...We're sailing the Sun in Feb of 2013 and would love for you and C to join us :)

[tiggerman101]

Some people seem to just handle jealousy that way. Personally, I may not ever see the inside of a GV on NCL, but I sure as hell am happy for anyone else who gets to be in one.

 

Tom, why don't you look ahead...We're sailing the Sun in Feb of 2013 and would love for you and C to join us :)

 

Too funny. Wade and I are stalking a Sun suite cruise then. Which one is it? Wade and I really want to get back to the suite life on NCL. We loved it so much last time.

 

As far as the comment about additional OBC,,,,We got $300 when we booked our suite. It was for a 12 day Europe cruise and it really helped out.

[halos]

Don't forget that on NCL many of the suites come with very generous OBC.

 

We just booked an entry-level suite on Norwegian and we've ended up with $525 shipboard credit!

 

GOOD POINT!!!!!

I forgot about that :D

On our 9/2012 Dawn cruise to Bermuda we have $700 OBC...for the PH (cheaper) suite.

 

 

$150 of that came to us because NCL gives you $150 obc on your 6th cruise with them (moving up a tier from bronze to silver)

My DH also gets that OBC for moving up a tier...we could not apply both to one sailing, so we applied his to our 2013 cruise.

(we have $425 obc for that one...just a regular balcony cabin)

 

*note* not all that OBC on those cruises is from NCL. Some is from the TA ;))

 

 

Too funny. Wade and I are stalking a Sun suite cruise then. Which one is it? Wade and I really want to get back to the suite life on NCL. We loved it so much last time.

 

 

 

As far as the comment about additional OBC,,,,We got $300 when we booked our suite. It was for a 12 day Europe cruise and it really helped out.

 

 

 

can you wait until 2013????? Feb is a great time to cruise and it's an 11 day itinerary :) We'll have to talk about it while cruising to Hawaii :)

Edited July 20, 2011 by halos

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Some people seem to just handle jealousy that way. Personally, I may not ever see the inside of a GV on NCL, but I sure as hell am happy for anyone else who gets to be in one.

 

Tom, why don't you look ahead...We're sailing the Sun in Feb of 2013 and would love for you and C to join us :)

 

That's a tempting itinerary (had looked at this one last week), and at $2,000 pp for 11 days in a suite, not a bad deal either!! I'll add that to my list of "possibles"!

 

 

 

 

Tom

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

We just returned from the July 10 sailing of Sensation. We were in one of the two Penthouse Suites. I will post a full review later, but here were the perks we received. Personal check in, personal escort to our suite upon early arrival (it was ready for immediate use), a bathroom tray of toothpaste, razor blades and assorted soaps. That was about it for the four day cruise. No trays of food or anything else during the cruise (which was fine with us.)

 

Yep - the space is great, the perks... well...

 

HERE is a link to a short report I made after staying in S2 a couple of years ago.

 

Are they booking that mainly now via upsell calls? It used to be I could call a week or two prior and they always seemed to be available. Not so much anymore!

 

Tom

[iluvdoxies]

The mini-suites, other than being perhaps a bit larger or better appointed, unfortunately do not receive any of the perks which (full) suites get.

 

The Cirque Dreams (dinner show) seating is $20 and $30. The difference on cost is based on the seat location. After reading a few reviews, we opted for the upper level seating ($20) which was opposite the stairs, and had great seats. Most people assume the $30 seats are better, but they looked rather cramped down on the floor level. The upper seating is right against the circular rail looking down - only 1 row deep! There are no assigned seats, so it's a matter of getting there early to pick your spot. If you book a suite, you will be escorted in before all the people who have been lining up for 30+ minutes outside - having been escorted from the concierge in the courtyard area. The meal itself is just "so-so", but all in all, it is worth the $20 - at least in my opinion!

 

There is also a Murder Mystery Lunch in the same location (Speigel Tent) though it is only on the floor level. That is $20, the food again is just OK, but it's a fun way to spend a lunch!

 

The Blue Man Group is FREE - so it's the best deal!! They also have "Legends in Concert" which was (FREE) entertaining. On our sailing it was Neil Diamond (sounded and looked like a young Neil Diamond), Aretha Franklin - she had a voice to be sure!, and Janet Jackson - just so-so (and I didn't really think of her as a "legend").

 

 

Tom

 

Thanls so much for the info- may have to spring for a full suite then lol.

 

The price for Cirque is very reasonable---

 

I sailed NCL back in the 80's, the Skyward, SOuthward and some others cant remember, wonder if if call guest svcs they can track my past cruises with them ?

[halos]

wonder if if call guest svcs they can track my past cruises with them ?

 

If they were prior to 1995, I think not...Check the LATITUDES link on their web site :)

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

...

Tom, why don't you look ahead...We're sailing the Sun in Feb of 2013 and would love for you and C to join us :)

 

I was just noticing that the Sun, just like the Sky, only has a sports bar rather than a Blue Lagoon or O'Sheehan's (LINK to dining options across the fleet). Thus they only break out the wings and such after 5pm! I loved the wings on the Sky (Longboard's), but I wanted them when they were not open (mid to late afternoon). The wings were not as good on the Epic, but were available 24/7 along with a great assortment of other stuff.

 

More things to ponder!!

 

Tom

[halos]

I was just noticing that the Sun, just like the Sky, only has a sports bar rather than a Blue Lagoon or O'Sheehan's (LINK to dining options across the fleet). Thus they only break out the wings and such after 5pm! I loved the wings on the Sky (Longboard's), but I wanted them when they were not open (mid to late afternoon). The wings were not as good on the Epic, but were available 24/7 along with a great assortment of other stuff.

 

More things to ponder!!

 

Tom

 

I think (although I am not sure...) that the Sun is getting a refurb. If that is true, that may mean they'll put in a Blue Lagoon. I'll have to look into it more.

 

EDITED: I just posted the question over on the NCL boards.

Edited July 20, 2011 by halos

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

I think (although I am not sure...) that the Sun is getting a refurb. If that is true, that may mean they'll put in a Blue Lagoon. I'll have to look into it more.

 

Let me know what you find out!

 

Tom

[halos]

Let me know what you find out!

 

Tom

 

I just looked at NCL's web site.

It seems the ship was just refurbed in Jan and there is no Blue lagoon...sorry :o

I don't know how I'm gonna break this news to my husband LOL!!!