Possible new dining option for suite guests

[Gracie115]

I find Blu over rated :rolleyes:

 

I find it FAR better than the MDR for food, for service and ESPECIALLY for ambiance. I can hear my DH talk, we can have long leisurely dinners, we've never had a problem with being squeezed next to other people, we've been able to pick our tables because we are flexible about dining times.....it is the biggest reason we came back to X after a 7 year hiatus.....I would be very disappointed to see it disappear....

[yayvacation!]

Since we only cruise in Suites i of course love the idea of having special dining just for suite passengers, or some type of unlimited specialty dining being available. As far as a special breakfast place goes, you can order anything you want to be brought to you and eat on your balcony so why take up ship space for a suites breakfast / lunch area?

 

I try to avoid the MDR anyway, and really I don't find BLU all that special. We did eat there 3 or 4 times on the last cruise (14 nights), but I wasn't all that blown away by it. And the desserts were TERRIBLE.

[kitty9]

Many refer to Cunard in this thread but I'm intrigued how many of the posters have experience of Cunard ships. I feel that the reality is not how it is widely, incorrectly perceived.

 

Just like the specialty places on X. If you pay more you get to dine somewhere different. If separate dining is so objectionable X should close Tuscan, Murano etc as it seems to be at odds with their guests wishes.

 

Early in this thread NCL was also discussed for their 'class' system, but I've not heard anyone write they dislike that system equally.

 

Well, I have cruised on Cunard, both the wonderful QE2 a couple of times and QM2, twice in QG and other times in regular staterooms. To be honest, I found the QG to not be all that special. When you pay so much money for a "special" dining room, one does not expect to see the exact same menu as in the MDR. Yes, you have the ala carte menu, which doesn't change at all during a cruise, but again, for the money paid, you expect a completely different menu.

 

Then you have the Grill only bar/lounge and a separate deck area for sunning that's closed to everyone else. So, if that's not a class system, I don't know what is. The only reason we cruised in the QG was because it was on our mom's bucket list and it was something she really wanted, so off we went despite our reservations against the QG.

[phoenix_dream]

Reading over this thread again, I notice people keep talking about suite passengers needing to get more because they pay more. Agreed. But don't they already get more?? They get a butler, they get a considerably larger room (especially some S1's), they get a better bathroom with a tub, larger closets, access to Blu for breakfast and dinner (as available), a free specialty dinner, a separate check-in line, and the list goes on. If the room is 1/3 again as big (not sure of the exact math, just throwing out an estimate) and they pay 1/3 more than say an AQ room, plus already get the perks mentioned, why is there a feeling they should get more? Just wondering what the thinking is? I have no issue with people paying more getting more, but it just seems to me they already are:)

[galavant3]

Reading over this thread again, I notice people keep talking about suite passengers needing to get more because they pay more. Agreed. But don't they already get more?? They get a butler, they get a considerably larger room (especially some S1's), they get a better bathroom with a tub, larger closets, access to Blu for breakfast and dinner (as available), a free specialty dinner, a separate check-in line, and the list goes on. If the room is 1/3 again as big (not sure of the exact math, just throwing out an estimate) and they pay 1/3 more than say an AQ room, plus already get the perks mentioned, why is there a feeling they should get more? Just wondering what the thinking is? I have no issue with people paying more getting more, but it just seems to me they already are:)

 

Agreed. I was assuming (correctly or not) that Celebrity was looking for ways to attract more suite passengers and that's why the separate dining room became an issue. Not sure why I thought that. I just did.

[Jetswdo]

I would suspect that Bistro is the most busy in am and at lunch. If Celebrity insists on using it for Suite passengers, why not just between 7:00 and 9:00 for dinner, with same menu as Blu?

 

I was on the Reflection last June, aqua class. I ate at the Bistro 2 times for a wonderful lunch. Many ship's officers were eating in there as well. Wouldn't it make more sense, just to take a small portion from regular main dining room for suite guests and set it up like Blu? And Suite guests can order from both Blu or MDR menus, etc.

 

Dh and I will be on the Summit next year in June for Bermuda cruise. We will already miss the Lawn Club Grille. We might rethink this cruise if Bistro will be removed. And yes, we may book a sky suite, if not aqua (just for Blu)

[hulamoon]

I like bistro and would miss it. Another vote for michaels club.

 

There must be other nice touches that can be offered. Dinner served in suites already exists. If they did the nice one I read about on princess and doubled up the specialty resturants that would be also be interesting.

 

We have received coffee from butlers but they can't do tea as they go to the oceanview bar for it. And we just won't ask for it when on a lower deck because it is a lot of walking for them. So I can see why a coffe machine would be worth it. Hopefully better than kerug.

 

This will be interesting.

[Texed]

I didn't not receieve the survey.

 

I didn't either, and I am hurt. :cool:

[Charles4515]

Well, I have cruised on Cunard, both the wonderful QE2 a couple of times and QM2, twice in QG and other times in regular staterooms. To be honest, I found the QG to not be all that special. When you pay so much money for a "special" dining room, one does not expect to see the exact same menu as in the MDR. Yes, you have the ala carte menu, which doesn't change at all during a cruise, but again, for the money paid, you expect a completely different menu.

 

Then you have the Grill only bar/lounge and a separate deck area for sunning that's closed to everyone else. So, if that's not a class system, I don't know what is. The only reason we cruised in the QG was because it was on our mom's bucket list and it was something she really wanted, so off we went despite our reservations against the QG.

 

A class system is something you are born into, not something you can buy into. In a class system even wealthy people are not usually accepted if they were not born into the top class. I sailed on Cunard but did not do the Queens Grill. I could have done it, all I would have had to do was pay the fare for it. I don't think I was treated differently than on Celebrity or other cruise lines. It is not a cast system, it is you get more if you pay more. Like when I buy a car. I have the option to add on leather seats, climate control etc. or not.

 

Honestly I did feel put out when Royal Caribbean made Barefoot beach on Labadee suite only. That is the best beach on Labadee and where I had always gone. Bistro at Five though, meh. I like it but I won't feel put out about it if they use it. Whenever I was there it was definitely underutilized.

Edited February 6, 2014 by Charles4515

[yayvacation!]

Reading over this thread again, I notice people keep talking about suite passengers needing to get more because they pay more. Agreed. But don't they already get more?? They get a butler, they get a considerably larger room (especially some S1's), they get a better bathroom with a tub, larger closets, access to Blu for breakfast and dinner (as available), a free specialty dinner, a separate check-in line, and the list goes on. If the room is 1/3 again as big (not sure of the exact math, just throwing out an estimate) and they pay 1/3 more than say an AQ room, plus already get the perks mentioned, why is there a feeling they should get more? Just wondering what the thinking is? I have no issue with people paying more getting more, but it just seems to me they already are:)

 

This is true we do get a little more as suite guests, but my own personal thought is that the suites should get every single thing the lower category rooms get plus something.

 

AQ gets a special restaurant and water and tea in the room, so why shouldn't a suite get those exact same things?

[petersonwith3]

I would love the idea of a suites only BLD venue - especially if it was smart casual the entire cruise! That would be a guaranteed way to get me to book suites every time!

[HappyTvlr]

If they just gave the suites "free" access to the specialty restaurants, would you be ok with that? Everyone has access to those restaurants as long as they pay for it either by increased fare or by the day.

 

Hasn't this been the case for Aqua class for quite a while? They pay more for an exclusive dining experience.

 

Also, many of the smaller all inclusive lines simply don't have the space to add extra "suite" dining. I'm not convinced that if it was possible, they wouldn't do it. Plus on those ships, eveyone is paying, what I consider to be, "suite prices". In fact, most refer to all cabins as "suites".

 

The simple answer is I would be fine with any perks for suites that don't interfere with non-suite guests being able to access the entire ship. As for Blu, I think that this is on the slippery slope but the price is often the same or close to that of CC so I see that as an option to upgrade to get into the restaurant. With regard to R&S, you are correct that everyone is paying for an entire upscale package. The result is that all guests are at level pegging which is why I said this is not a reasonable comparison to the hypothetical Celebrity situation of allowing access to certain venues based solely on room type.

[purrlinda]

Honestly, if they removed Bistro on 5, I would probably stop cruising Celebrity. This might sound petty, but it's my favorite place to dine on the ship. It's quiet, the food is simple, and it's a lovely space. I hope this doesn't happen.

[Chunky2219]

Firstly, let me say that I'd hate to see the demise of Bistro on Five. We only use it a few times every cruise, but enjoy the change of venue and the food. It's great for lunch on port days. I guess the fact that seems always to be almost empty when we go there is what has sealed its fate.

 

On the plus side, having a dedicated restaurant for suite guests is a superb idea, and would make DW and I sail Celebrity much more often. Providing, that it's a definate step up in food like the Cunard Grills, not just a sop to elitism that doesn't exist. A separate restaurant with MDR food wouldn't float my boat.

 

Let me trample on a few myths here and now. Cunard doesn't have a class system - you'd be hard pushed to spot a suite guest on a Cunard ship, other than seeing one discreetly slip the key card in the elevator for the top floor. No sir, suite guests are much harder to spot than Celebrity Elite's and they certainly make less noise about it.

 

Cunard has a system where people who are willing to pay for cabin real estate also like excellent food that they can turn up for when they like, rather than being coralled into sittings. They value having a somellier who will turn up just after they've chosen food from the menu, rather than before they even get comfortable in a seat and then never comes back if a choice isn't made immediately. If there's not much on tonight's dreary menu that excites them, they value being able to ask for something different, even if it's just a burger or a curry.

 

Cunard suite guests don't get reserved seating in the theatre (unlike Celebrity), they have to turn up early like everyone else. Most don't even get tender priorities. Like I said, you'd be hard pushed to spot one. So for those who've "avoided the Cunard experience because of the blatent class system", you might be surprised if you actually let your unfounded prejudice drop and took a look.

 

Here's the thing...... Celebrity ships are great, just the right size. The entertainment is top notch. The suites are excellent and the butlers are are good as any ship I've been on. But the only way to get food that matches the price tag of the expensive real estate is to splash out every night on speciality dining. Which is a bit rubbish when you're already paying 10x as much as anyone else for the simple priviledge of transport between ports.

 

I wish they'd sent me the survey, I'd have voted strongly for it. And I promise, the only way you'll know I'm in a suite is if you see me coming out of the door, or walking into the restaurant.

 

 

.

Edited February 6, 2014 by Chunky2219
typo

[galavant3]

The simple answer is I would be fine with any perks for suites that don't interfere with non-suite guests being able to access the entire ship.

 

I guess that will be the challenge. How to keep suite passengers paying top dollar while keeping the masses happy.

 

I doubt I would cruise Celebrity if it weren't for Blu so I can appreciate the wishes of suite passengers to have upgraded dining.

[Yorkshire-Pudding]

I have been reading this thread from its inception and have found the commentary quite fascinating. Any proposed change by Celebrity will be because the market in which they operate now requires suite only dining. It is not about a class system, taking things away from non-suite passengers and other comments. It is plain simple economics.

 

I am looking to book a cruise to the Baltics and sailing from the UK. I have a choice of Celebrity, Cunard, Royal Caribbean, P&O, Princess and I am sure there are others I have missed. The ports of call are pretty much the same and the cost differential between the various companies for some of the top suites is not substantially different. So how do you make a choice. I have sailed in suites for all my three cruises yes the facilities are important but so to are the extras offered can be the deciding factor between one cruise line and the other. In the case of Cunard and NCL, their product comes with suite only dining, butler etc. With Royal Caribbean no private dining but speciality restaurant access for breakfast and lunch, there is a concierge lounge with some food items, very reasonable coffee and complimentary drinks in the early evening, concierge services, private deck area on the larger ships. At NCL there is the Haven, a ship within a ship.

 

What does Celebrity offer. No concierge lounge except maybe Michaels later in the year. Well, my understanding from the boards is that at the discretion of individual hotel directors, those in the Royal Suite and above may get the some Elite vouchers and some of the Elite benefits. Ok there is a butler, but we are not the most demanding family so we would only use them for early morning tea (We British like a cup of tea). There is no suite dining area but you may on a availability basis get access to Blu in the evenings for $5. On formal nights there is access to a suite-only seating in the theatre. On Royal it is every night. On NCL you are escorted by the concierge before the theatre opens and can pick any seat. My point is that there are many things offered by competitors which Celebrity does not and they need to catch up to remain competitive. Its not a question of entitlement but the benchmark offerings of the market they compete in and the norm. Why choose Celebrity if you can get more bang for your buck with someone else. It is my opinion that the problem Celebrity has is that they created is Blu. No other cruise line to the best of my knowledge has class specific dining for that level cabin and none have followed suit in adding one. Celebrity can't remove it but it needs to add more for suites as the market dictates. Suite passengers matter to the company. Make no mistake, the changes to the Captain Club and how points are allocated based on cabin class shows that Celebrity now recognises those that spend more. I suspect there will be further changes in the future.

[hulamoon]

A travel agent tells me there are better lines for suites. I suppose I have known this but none the less I am satisfied with the experience on celebrity. I do experience some mental torture deciding between AQ and suites each and every cruise. While some suite guests have never had issues with eating in Blu we have occasionally. I too, have put on evaluations that AQ amenities seem greater than suite ones, for sky suites anyway.

 

I do hope out of all of this they stop the silly five dollar tip charge slip given for suite guests eating in Blu. Call it a fee, call it a fine. Call it anything except tips because mine are prepaid and it bothers me Blu staff are somehow not able to access my prepaid tips.

 

I would have liked to get an evaluation too!

[seasheils]

Perks for suite guests are nice and I must say I enjoy Blu (when I've had the opportunity) and Bistro on 5. That said, I'd hate to see X move to a class sytem like Cunard.

 

 

I so agree with this! We refuse to sail on Cunard simply because of their "class system." We sometimes book suites, sometimes AQ, sometimes regular balconies and enjoy all of them. But this is the 21st Century, Celebrity, so let's not go back in time to a class system.

[seasheils]

As a person who has been in suites on Princess, Celebrity, and Holland America ships, I am unsettled by this idea. In fact, I am hesitating about going on a Cunard cruise because they have such a blatant class system with separate dining rooms for Queen and Princess suites. I understand that even being in a suite is elitist to some extent, as is travelling first class or business. I am not against hierarchies and I am not against people getting what they pay for; but I am against pretention. I actually felt a tad uncomfortable using the Concierge Lounge on Holland America ships. Please, Celebrity do not emulate Cunard that, to me, has a very outdated British class system. I can understand giving suite guests the option of eating in the specialty restaurants, but I am uncomfortable with what amounts to a caste system. Just my opinion.

 

I agree---well said!

[phoenix_dream]

Firstly, let me say that I'd hate to see the demise of Bistro on Five. We only use it a few times every cruise, but enjoy the change of venue and the food. It's great for lunch on port days. I guess the fact that seems always to be almost empty when we go there is what has sealed its fate.

 

On the plus side, having a dedicated restaurant for suite guests is a superb idea, and would make DW and I sail Celebrity much more often. Providing, that it's a definate step up in food like the Cunard Grills, not just a sop to elitism that doesn't exist. A separate restaurant with MDR food wouldn't float my boat.

 

Let me trample on a few myths here and now. Cunard doesn't have a class system - you'd be hard pushed to spot a suite guest on a Cunard ship, other than seeing one discreetly slip the key card in the elevator for the top floor. No sir, suite guests are much harder to spot than Celebrity Elite's and they certainly make less noise about it.

 

Cunard has a system where people who are willing to pay for cabin real estate also like excellent food that they can turn up for when they like, rather than being coralled into sittings. They value having a somellier who will turn up just after they've chosen food from the menu, rather than before they even get comfortable in a seat and then never comes back if a choice isn't made immediately. If there's not much on tonight's dreary menu that excites them, they value being able to ask for something different, even if it's just a burger or a curry.

 

Cunard suite guests don't get reserved seating in the theatre (unlike Celebrity), they have to turn up early like everyone else. Most don't even get tender priorities. Like I said, you'd be hard pushed to spot one. So for those who've "avoided the Cunard experience because of the blatent class system", you might be surprised if you actually let your unfounded prejudice drop and took a look.

 

Here's the thing...... Celebrity ships are great, just the right size. The entertainment is top notch. The suites are excellent and the butlers are are good as any ship I've been on. But the only way to get food that matches the price tag of the expensive real estate is to splash out every night on speciality dining. Which is a bit rubbish when you're already paying 10x as much as anyone else for the simple priviledge of transport between ports.

 

I wish they'd sent me the survey, I'd have voted strongly for it. And I promise, the only way you'll know I'm in a suite is if you see me coming out of the door, or walking into the restaurant.

 

 

.

 

Oh, so much I want to say but I'll stick to a few points. First, in what fantasyland do you pay 10X more than anyone else for suites?? Perhaps the highest level suite on rare occasions may go for that much more and perhaps that is what you sail, but generally you are talking about 1/3 more than most balconies, CC, or AQ for the vast majority of suites. And you are also paying that extra amount for more than 'the simple privilege of transport....'. You get a lot more room, a butler, a free Specialty dinner, etc., etc. You are already getting quite a bit more for your money beyond the 'transport' that everyone is getting.

 

And just for the record, the cruising majority also like all the nice service and excellent food you mentioned in one of your paragraphs. It is a shame we need to go to specialty restaurants to get it sometimes.

[Chitown12562]

It seems as though the masses are saying, "I'm fine with suite guests getting perks as long as I don't see them". I guess it's bad enough to have to walk by Blu thinking you are not welcomed there. Hearing how good the food is makes them feel like they are missing out and it's not fair.

 

Personally I would love to cruise in a suite, but financially I doesn't work for me at this time. And I think it's a great idea to have a restaurant for suite guest. Maybe it will give me more of an incentive to get a suite some day.

 

Till then I'll have to just enjoy my AQ cabin. :D

[MizDemeanor]

We did asking about exclusive restaurant preferences.

 

How about you? Did you get yours too???

 

:p

[asnaleah]

Talk in these boards indicates that many suite guests frequent Blu every nght. Our last AQ cruise had varying lengths of wait for Blu and we learned by casual conversation with folks in front of or behind us that they were suite guests, not AQ guests.

 

A dedicated suite dining room will free up Blu for the purpose for which it was intended. A dedicated dining room ( for the three meals) will start to make a clear distinction between accommodations ( as is the case on some other lines ) and may cause some confusion with families/friends traveling together when perhaps one member is in a suite, and others are not.

 

If the statement about Bistro on 5 is correct, I will be disappointed ( as we go to Bistro on 5 on most cruises) but honestly it is usually empty.

 

Interesting to see what will eventually happen.

 

M

As long as suite passengers can still eat at Blu, it might be a nice change. We enjoy bistro on 5, but it is usually empty.

[asnaleah]

I guess that will be the challenge. How to keep suite passengers paying top dollar while keeping the masses happy.

 

I doubt I would cruise Celebrity if it weren't for Blu so I can appreciate the wishes of suite passengers to have upgraded dining.

Without Blu, we would cruise another line. The MDR doesn't cut, and the specialty restaurants need to change their menus. Boring.

[MizDemeanor]

We were advised by the HD on the Equinox that they are doing away with Bistro on Five & that will become a dining room for Suite Guests.

 

Jusr found this thread. Have to go through the rest of the pages..

 

Not sure how this got vetted out yet to date but Bistro is a great stand alone venue and too small. Unless you have cruised suites on other lines you can't really undertstand what you are missing on Celebrity thinking this way about Bistro.