First Time Suite Experience

[cresx]

Hello, our family just upgraded to a S4 Haven Suite on the Gem for the 4/9/13 cruise. This is our first suite. We are so excited. I have been reading about the perks, but we want to get the most out of the experience as possible. Any tips are welcomed. We typically get the Spa pass, but now are thinking we will skip that due to the fact that we have access to the Haven pool. Any thoughts? Any thoughts on how we should prep for the cruise differently now that we are in a suite? Also not sure on the tipping of the butler and concierge, or even how to utilize them. Thank you in advance.

[WaldosPepper]

Congratulations! :D

 

The Haven Courtyard is lovely, and chances are you will enjoy that area so much that you will not feel the need for the spa passes this time. I would suggest checking out the courtyard as soon as you can after boarding, and make your decision then. If you still wish to have spa passes, you can call the Concierge right away and he or she should be able to procurem the for you.

 

Here's a simple way to figure out how to utilize the Concierge and Butler: The Butler handles anything and everything within the walls of your suite, and the Concierge handles anything and everything outside those walls. If you enjoy a particular kind of snacks, be sure to let your Butler know so those can be provided. The Concierge will check in with you frequently, and can offer advice on shows, shore excursions, etc. They will also take care of any dining reservations, and will direct you to the reserved seating in the theater as well.

 

Tipping is an extremely personal thing, and although there is a ton of guidance available here, it is still up to your personal discretion to tip according to how much you feel you have utilized their services. The dollars you save if you choose not to purchase the spa passes will go a long way toward defraying those tips. ;)

 

Here's wishing you a fabulous time!

:D

[WaldosPepper]

Also, just in case you haven't seen this in other threads...

 

Here are a few tips to help you sort out the different types/levels of suites on NCL. Perks come with all full suite accommodations. Mini-suites do not fall into that category. Any stateroom category that starts with an "S" is considered a full suite.

 

1.) Some ships are equipped with a Haven, and some are not. Ships that are equipped with a Haven will have two levels of suite: Haven suites and non-Haven suites. Haven Suites are designated by the letter "S" followed by a number. Non-Haven Suites are designated by the letter "S" followed by a letter.

 

2) Haven suites have access to the Haven regardless of where they are situated on the ship. The Haven has its own pool, hot tub, sauna, and sundeck. Some Haven's also have a retractable roof over the central area.

 

3.) The Haven suites on Epic and the new-builds coming soon also have several other private areas as well.

 

4.) All suites have access to a private restaurant for breakfast and lunch.

 

5.) All suites have Butler and Concierge service.

 

6.) All suites receive invitations to a special cocktail reception with the Captain and other Officers.

 

7.) All suites receive priority embarkation and disembarkation, as well as priority tendering.

 

8.) All suites receive one bottle of Sparkling Wine, one large bottle of water, a bowl of fresh fruit (replenished upon consumption) and a fresh flower arrangement in their suite, along with treats delivered daily by the Butler. (Note: Garden Villas, Deluxe Owner's Suites and Owner's Suites receive Champagne instead of Sparkling Wine)

 

9.) Garden Villa's receive 6 bottles of alcohol with unlimited mixers, soda and water, while Deluxe Owner's Suites and Owner's Suites each receive 3 bottles of alcohol with unlimited mixers, soda and water.

 

10.) All suites are provided with a variety of Elemis brand toiletries.

 

11.) All suites are equipped with a Coffee/Cappuccino/Espresso Machine (Most are Lavazza pod-style machines, including Jewel now, however the Sun has Lavazza machines in the Owner’s Suites, but drip-style coffee brewers in all other suites.

 

12.) All suites have access to the Pre-Cruise Concierge service, which helps to coordinate your individual selections on pillow types, coffee and tea preferences, and a variety of special requests.

 

13.) All suites (except the SG and SJ suites on Deck 12 of the Star) have a portable phone which can be used throughout the ship.

 

14.) All suites are equipped with the "Bliss Bed" which truly lives up to its name.

 

15 All suites have an expanded Room Service menu.

[WaldosPepper]

And one last bit of advice...

 

When you arrive at the pier there will be NCL Reps at the entrance to the hall. You will want to approach the person standing at the far right, as that is the entrance for Suites and VIP's. They will check you off on their clipboard, and direct you to enter the special straight-line section of the roped-off area. This will take you directly to the security check-in (ahead of anyone who is waiting in the maze-like section). Once through security, you will be escorted to the correct check-in section, where you will complete your forms and have your photos taken. After this, you will be escorted to the Concierge Lounge where you will meet the Concierge and receive your key cards. Then you'll enjoy some coffee and pastries until you are escorted onboard.

 

Enjoy!

[Aurora2143]

Barbara...you make it sound sooooooooo good! I can't wait for my first NCL sweet suite experience in 53 more days! :)

[WaldosPepper]

Barbara...you make it sound sooooooooo good! I can't wait for my first NCL sweet suite experience in 53 more days! :)

 

... and I can't wait to hear all about it when you return! :D

[mi3stooges]

When you board, can you petty much go diectly to your cabin (suite)? I was thinking of taking my own luggage on (due to mine being lost when I left it in the hallway the night before departing on my last cruise. I'm a little gun shy right now)

[WaldosPepper]

When you board, can you petty much go diectly to your cabin (suite)? I was thinking of taking my own luggage on (due to mine being lost when I left it in the hallway the night before departing on my last cruise. I'm a little gun shy right now)

 

It depends entirely on when you board. If you are boarding early, you will most likely be escorted to Cagney's to have lunch while the Stewards finish. If you board later, you may be able to access your suite, but there is no guarantee.

 

I have never had an issue with my bags making it to the stateroom, and could not imagine starting off a wonderful cruise by lugging all that stuff around (or trying to stow it out of the way at Cagney's) :eek:

[cresx]

Thank you so much for all the information. We are so excited about the cruise. We have not told our children yet that we have upgraded.

[OnTheGoMom921]

I also mention to first time suite guests, bring a pen and some post-its. Leave any requests for your butler or steward. If there is anything "specific" you prefer (cookies and milk at 9 pm, chocolate covered strawberries are your favorite, honey for your tea, slippers and robe, extra ice, DVD's for kids) you can also phone your butler at any time, he will give you his extension. Please remember to ask your butler or concierge for anything, as they are not mind readers. You can have Cagney's breakfast/lunch delivered to your suite instead of going to restaurant. Your kids (you didn't mention their ages) might like a standing order for an ice cream sundae delivered to the suite after dinner, and yes, they CAN do that too! Have a wonderful time, you will be suite spoiled for life!

[cls711]

Hi cresx! We are on your your sailing too. One week to go! I also upgraded but to a non-haven penthouse since it's just hubby and me on this one. But now I'm considering moving again to an S4. If you don't mind, what category did you upgrade from and did you pay the difference between what you originally paid and the current listed price of the S4? Or did they work with you a little? You will love the Haven! Great for kids of all ages too! They will love the surprise! :)

[saleandsail]

Hi cresx! We are on your your sailing too. One week to go! I also upgraded but to a non-haven penthouse since it's just hubby and me on this one. But now I'm considering moving again to an S4. If you don't mind, what category did you upgrade from and did you pay the difference between what you originally paid and the current listed price of the S4? Or did they work with you a little? You will love the Haven! Great for kids of all ages too! They will love the surprise! :)

 

The ship is showing nothing available.

[cls711]

The ship is showing nothing available.

 

There is an S4 that disappears and comes back every few minutes. Lots of people kicking tires! :p

If you are interested in it too....grab it! Someone will get a great deal!

[cresx]

Hello, We did not get a great deal. We had an interior and a Mini-Suite. We traded them both in for the difference. We are so excited.

[cls711]

Hello, We did not get a great deal. We had an interior and a Mini-Suite. We traded them both in for the difference. We are so excited.

 

It's a great upgrade at any price. Enjoy! And we'll see ya aboard in 6 short days! :)

[mi3stooges]

It depends entirely on when you board. If you are boarding early, you will most likely be escorted to Cagney's to have lunch while the Stewards finish. If you board later, you may be able to access your suite, but there is no guarantee.

 

I have never had an issue with my bags making it to the stateroom, and could not imagine starting off a wonderful cruise by lugging all that stuff around (or trying to stow it out of the way at Cagney's) :eek:

 

no, lol...it was the other way around. At the end of the cruise, when you leave your luggage out at night and they take it to the pier, thats when I discovered my luggage missing!! From my cabin to the pier...it was missing. On a good note, I was called 2 days later they found it, but I learned a lesson!! I don't want it to leave my sight! (Nothing valuable in it, but it was all of value to me! ;) )

[WaldosPepper]

no, lol...it was the other way around. At the end of the cruise, when you leave your luggage out at night and they take it to the pier, thats when I discovered my luggage missing!! From my cabin to the pier...it was missing. On a good note, I was called 2 days later they found it, but I learned a lesson!! I don't want it to leave my sight! (Nothing valuable in it, but it was all of value to me! ;) )

 

Yes, I understood that, and remembered reading the thread where you detailed that. I'm sorry that happened to you. The point I was trying to make is that your luggage went missing because some other passenger took it by mistake, and then who knows what happened to it after that. During disembarkation, this can easily happen. However, during embarkation your luggage is taken directly into the secure area by the Porter, so there is very little that could happen to it (save perhaps the luggage tag falling off) which would keep it from arriving outside your door. Considering the hassle of lugging it to Cagney's, etc. I would not take my large luggage onboard with me. ;)

[cresx]

Again, thank you to all for your advice.

[mi3stooges]

Yes, I understood that, and remembered reading the thread where you detailed that. I'm sorry that happened to you. The point I was trying to make is that your luggage went missing because some other passenger took it by mistake, and then who knows what happened to it after that. During disembarkation, this can easily happen. However, during embarkation your luggage is taken directly into the secure area by the Porter, so there is very little that could happen to it (save perhaps the luggage tag falling off) which would keep it from arriving outside your door. Considering the hassle of lugging it to Cagney's, etc. I would not take my large luggage onboard with me. ;)

 

 

I "sea" :D

[cresx]

Since we just did the upgrade, and we are leaving next Tuesday, I do not think we will be suite luggage tags. Do you think that will matter?

[camz]

We upgraded at the last minute and did not have suite luggage tags. We just whited out or crossed out our old cabin number and wrote our new cabin number on the old tags. Everything worked out fine. Congratulations and enjoy! :)

[DMLyons]

We typically get the Spa pass, but now are thinking we will skip that due to the fact that we have access to the Haven pool. Any thoughts?

 

Only that it depends on WHY you usually book the spa pass.

 

If you're doing it to escape the hordes of small children at the main pool, you might still want to do it. Haven's pool is not adult only as the spa is supposed to be. If families with small children are staying in Haven, they have access to that pool area.

 

If you get the spa pass for less crowds at the pool, it might work for you to skip the spa pass, since Haven's pool should be limited to Haven passengers.

 

DML

[DMLyons]

However, during embarkation your luggage is taken directly into the secure area by the Porter, so there is very little that could happen to it (save perhaps the luggage tag falling off) which would keep it from arriving outside your door. Considering the hassle of lugging it to Cagney's, etc. I would not take my large luggage onboard with me. ;)

 

Usually this is true. One poor woman did have the experience of them accidentally dropping her luggage overboard (I don't believe that was NCL, but it was discussed on the NCL portion when we were talking about luggage horror stories and packing light). But those sorts of things are (like the luggage tag being ripped off) NOT your usual occurrence. :rolleyes:

 

But...and maybe I'm wrong here. I've been told that there is a limit on the size of luggage you can lug aboard, since it has to go through the imaging machine. Is that incorrect?

 

DML

[cabincop]

Have a great time. As far as tipping goes there are many threads about it some say 7-10 per person, so you have 4people, concierge depends on how much you use them about 50-100 I would say is good. I tip my butler and concierge around 100-150 and I sail solo. Have a great cruise

[Fishbait17]

Since we just did the upgrade, and we are leaving next Tuesday, I do not think we will be suite luggage tags. Do you think that will matter?

 

Doesn't matter at all. You can go to your E-Docs are reprint luggage tags with your new room number (you need to reprint your edocs anyway, as they have changed with your new room assignment). Then just follow the direction to fold and attach them or laminate or clear-tape them. Or you can wait until you get to the pier and fill some generic ones out. Or, if you got ones for your original cabin, you can use a sharpie to cross out your old cabin number and write in your new one. The printed ones work great and are the easiest though. Suite tags don't really make any difference in priority..

 

Robin