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

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Tom,

 

I'd love to do it, but don't know how. Can you educate me?

 

You would need to navigate back to the first page of this thread, and copy the address. Then you'd need to go to the NCL page and click on NEW THREAD. At that point, you would make a title for the thread and post your initial comments. Within those comments you would need to paste in the copied address (from the first page of this thread) using the little "globe/paperclip" icon, making sure that anything which is in the pop-up box to begin with (http/.. etc) is fully replaced by the web address of the first page of this thread.

 

GOOD LUCK! :)

 

Tom

[mpk218]

We have booked suites on several lines . NCL is far and above our preferred (mainstream ) cruise line.

If you are booked in a suite with NCL And you ask for (almost) anything , they will bend over six ways to Sunday to accommodate. Really.;)

[dnl_in_Illinois]

You would need to navigate back to the first page of this thread, and copy the address. Then you'd need to go to the NCL page and click on NEW THREAD. At that point, you would make a title for the thread and post your initial comments. Within those comments you would need to paste in the copied address (from the first page of this thread) using the little "globe/paperclip" icon, making sure that anything which is in the pop-up box to begin with (http/.. etc) is fully replaced by the web address of the first page of this thread.

 

GOOD LUCK! :)

 

Tom

 

Tom, thanks for this. I will take a look. Can you help me with my questions here: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=30265459&postcount=55

 

The post is in this same thread - just buried among the "conversation".

 

Dave

[halos]

We have booked suites on several lines . NCL is far and above our preferred (mainstream ) cruise line.

If you are booked in a suite with NCL And you ask for (almost) anything , they will bend over six ways to Sunday to accommodate. Really.;)

 

Do you want to know the honest truth?? NCL bends over the same way for all passengers. I haven't had a suite (yet) on NCL, but I swear that has been my experience.

Between my first cruise with them in 2007 and the second one in 2009, the changes in service on board were dramatic, and it gets better with each consecutive sailing.

Unless I am just very lucky....

Edited August 21, 2011 by halos

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Tom, thanks for this. I will take a look. Can you help me with my questions here: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=30265459&postcount=55

 

The post is in this same thread - just buried among the "conversation".

 

Dave

 

Quote from that thread:

 

We're sailing on the Pearl in January 2012 and have booked one of the Garden Villa Suites -- 14500. As I have done reading about the suite offerings that have been generously posted by past NCL suite users, particularly the GV suites -- I read a couple of things that I have questions about. Perhaps someone who has sailed more recently can answer for us:

• Embarking - it has been said that you are escorted directly to your suite. There was no boarding time connected with the comment. Is this still the practice - assuming one arrives at the pier around noon?
  
• Disembarking - NCL has the concierge escort you as far as the port permits. Still the practice?
  
• Free limo to airport is provided. Since I am traveling with my Florida siblings, we will drive and park off the cruise port grounds. I wonder if the limo would drive us to our car?
  
• Dining - it is said that suite passengers have access to Cagney’s at no charge for breakfast and lunch. Is this still the practice?
  
• Dining - it is said that GV suite passengers are provided dinner at one of specialty restaurants for one dinner. Is this still the practice?
  
• I assume that if we wish to invite non-suite guests to our GV during the cruise that we could make arrangements for that through the concierge or butler. Can anyone confirm that?
  

Those are my questions. I will greatly appreciate any and all information you may be able to provide. It will help with our planning and understanding of what to expect. Thanks!

 

Regarding being escorted to your suite upon check-in: This is the case unless the cabins are not ready yet. On the Epic, this was the case - so we went as a small group (suite guests and escort) and took a tour of the suite complex - followed by lunch in the Epic Club.

 

I don't recall how far we were escorted off the ship on the Epic - not as far as luggage pick-up or customs.

 

Never having stayed in a GV, I can't say how flexible the limo driver would be. But my guess is that a detour (to a closer place than the airport) should not be a problem. Let me know how that works out!

 

Yes, suite guests are treated to breakfast and lunch in Cagney's (Epic Club on the Epic). This is a very nice perk!!

 

I have no idea regarding a free specialty dinner w/GV accommodations.

 

It would not hurt to clear guests coming to your GV prior to the event - thus showing that you respect the "rules" so to speak, though I am sure that many just have their guests follow them up.

 

Have a GREAT time! :)

 

Tom

[dnl_in_Illinois]

Quote from that thread:

 

 

 

Regarding being escorted to your suite upon check-in: This is the case unless the cabins are not ready yet. On the Epic, this was the case - so we went as a small group (suite guests and escort) and took a tour of the suite complex - followed by lunch in the Epic Club.

 

I don't recall how far we were escorted off the ship on the Epic - not as far as luggage pick-up or customs.

 

Never having stayed in a GV, I can't say how flexible the limo driver would be. But my guess is that a detour (to a closer place than the airport) should not be a problem. Let me know how that works out!

 

Yes, suite guests are treated to breakfast and lunch in Cagney's (Epic Club on the Epic). This is a very nice perk!!

 

I have no idea regarding a free specialty dinner w/GV accommodations.

 

It would not hurt to clear guests coming to your GV prior to the event - thus showing that you respect the "rules" so to speak, though I am sure that many just have their guests follow them up.

 

Have a GREAT time! :)

 

Tom

 

Tom, thanks so much. You're a knowledgable contributor to the CC boards and I'm sure there are many who appreciate that! Me too. Dave K.

 

PS: If I follow through with inviting guests of any number I'll discuss with the concierge and provide a list if that is appropriate. Good suggestion.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Tom, thanks so much. You're a knowledgable contributor to the CC boards and I'm sure there are many who appreciate that! Me too. Dave K.

 

PS: If I follow through with inviting guests of any number I'll discuss with the concierge and provide a list if that is appropriate. Good suggestion.

 

You're more than welcome -- now if I could just figure out some way to get "click credit" for those who read my posts! :D

 

Tom

[mafig]

Do you want to know the honest truth?? NCL bends over the same way for all passengers. I haven't had a suite (yet) on NCL, but I swear that has been my experience

 

We were in a suite last year and I have to say I felt out concierge did let us down a bit.

However, we're booked in another suite on NCL for January, so the overall experience was good...

It is funny though, that our minor disappointments still stay with us, maybe our expectations were so high, based on posts here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unless I am just very lucky....

 

Or we just caught our Conceirge (and his assistant) on bad days.

[cruiseat50]

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).

Are mini suites entitled to these amenities? Sorry if it has been asked... haven't read through the whole thread and just curious. We are NCL loyalists but ya' never know... ;)

Edited August 21, 2011 by cruiseat50

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

...

Are mini suites entitled to these amenities? Sorry if it has been asked... haven't read through the whole thread and just curious. We are NCL loyalists but ya' never know... ;)

 

My "guess" would be no, though I can't say for sure.

 

It would be, perhaps, less confusing if cruise lines would RENAME: Mini-Suite >>>> to >>> "Not-Quite-Suites" or "Pseudo-Suites" or simply "Largest-or -Nicest-Non-Suite-Cabin-Available" !! ;)

 

Tom

[cruiseat50]

My "guess" would be no, though I can't say for sure.

 

It would be, perhaps, less confusing if cruise lines would RENAME: Mini-Suite >>>> to >>> "Not-Quite-Suites" or "Pseudo-Suites" or simply "Largest-or -Nicest-Non-Suite-Cabin-Available" !! ;)

 

Tom

 

I kind of figured so but will call if I really get tempted.

 

Rename: Wannabee suites.:D

[Kristi Williamson]

That is AWESOME info Tom-n-Cheryl! Thanks so much for taking the time to do this. Definitely saving this one!

[Balconymaven]

Tom,

 

Last night I followed your instructions and was successful posting it on the NCL board; thanks. But it is not there this morning! There were even comments posted to it then. Is CC still having technical troubles? :confused:

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Tom,

 

Last night I followed your instructions and was successful posting it on the NCL board; thanks. But it is not there this morning! There were even comments posted to it then. Is CC still having technical troubles? :confused:

 

They SURE are... not sure what all it is impacting though. When I go, for example, to look at your post history - it indicates your LAST post was something like 4 days ago...!

 

Tom

[halos]

Or we just caught our Conceirge (and his assistant) on bad days.

 

I'm sure it happens...I have seen posts from disappointed NCL cruisers in regard to consierge or butler service....most seem positive though.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

I'm sure it happens...I have seen posts from disappointed NCL cruisers in regard to consierge or butler service....most seem positive though.

 

I can't say we ever met our Concierge on the Sky, though our Butler was always available. On the Epic, being staying within the suite complex, we saw her almost every day - our Butler was very good.

 

On our cruises with Celebrity, I would say that most of the Butlers were good to very good - a couple were not "all that" (promising and forgetting multiple things).

 

Tom

[halos]

I can't say we ever met our Concierge on the Sky, though our Butler was always available. On the Epic, being staying within the suite complex, we saw her almost every day - our Butler was very good.

 

On our cruises with Celebrity, I would say that most of the Butlers were good to very good - a couple were not "all that" (promising and forgetting multiple things).

 

Tom

We had a consierge class cabin when we sailed Celebrity...so no butler, but the consierge (which was basically a steward with very few cabins to take care of so your service was AMAZING) was just unforgettable. He was so awesome (His name was Anil) and I know I have said this before, but we were on that ship for about 5 or 6 days before we ever even opened our own cabin door. He'd see us coming down the hall and he'd jump out with his key and open the door.

The care he took with us was just surrreal. It was an amazing experience

 

Service like that you just don't forget...

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

... but we were on that ship for about 5 or 6 days before we ever even opened our own cabin door. He'd see us coming down the hall and he'd jump out with his key and open the door.

...

 

We've had a couple like that... it's almost SPOOKY how they can appear out of nowhere! :D

 

Tom

[toby #1]

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 would have no problem having a butler unpacking for me. One less thing for me to do. I may have to try that cruise line next.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

I would have no problem having a butler unpacking for me. One less thing for me to do. I may have to try that cruise line next.

 

For that, if you wish, and plenty of other reasons. If you are used to Carnival suites, and what you get with those - you will be blown away with NCL!

 

Tom

[jacsar]

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.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

...No complimentary seatings at the specialty restaurants and almost all of them have a cover-charge (150 Central Park was $50 pp). ...

 

Thanks for the report. I would also be a little let down after laying out $15K !

 

I had no idea that some of the specialty options had reached that price point. For $50 pp (on top of the cruise fare) I would expect the experience to be PERFECT, especially knowing what $25-35 will get you on Celebrity, NCL, and Carnival.

 

On Celebrity, as I think I posted early on, you are entitled to a free meal in a specialty restaurant when booked in a suite. On NCL, you have specialty Breakfast and Lunch included - and on the Epic dinner (every night in the Epic Club) as well!

 

Thanks again,

 

Tom

[halos]

Thanks for the report. I would also be a little let down after laying out $15K !

 

 

I agree.

 

jacsar, thanks for your post....if and when I sail RCI again, I will know not to consider a suite.

[TTinAZ]

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.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

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.

 

I can't help you there - perhaps someone else will have some insight on this.

 

Tom