Should suite passengers get anything except their cabin.

[KW Cruisers]

We have always sailed in Aqua class and have only eaten in the MDR once throughout our past three Celebrity cruises. We enjoy BLU and the specialty restaurants (we usually book a package of 5 for our cruises). We have now booked an RS and a CS for our next two cruises. We are really looking forward to Michael's and the new suite dining room! At first we loved Aqua class for the Spa and the Turkish Bath, so much so that we had one built in our home; we now don't feel the need to go to the Spa, so larger suites win out over Aqua class.

 

I don't know why the topic of this thread is an issue - if you want the perks of a suite, then book a suite. It's that simple. If you don't want to pay for a CS or above, then don't complain about what they are being offered. Many people can't afford to go on cruises at all, never mind booking into a suite class. We should all be thankful for what our situations allow us. I'd love to try a top suite on Crystal, yet that likely won't happen-- but I don't begrudge those who can afford it.

 

Shawn

[CHEZMARYLOU]

We choose to sail only once per year on longer itineraries and enjoy sea days as much as ports. For these reasons, we usually book suites and are looking forward to the added amenities. On our Alaska cruise we were in Aqua Class and did not miss the suite life because of the itinerary.

 

Mary Lou

[PoppyandNana]

The one and only time that I sailed in a suite we had 3 evenings of being escorted to our seats in the theater by our Butler. I was not embarrassed at all nor did I feel like I was paraded to the roped off area. In fact I didn't notice one person noticing me :p everyone was too busy finding their seats, getting settled in for the entertainment, visiting with others, ordering drinks, etc. It was a very nice perk and one that I appreciated and the Butler told us how much the Butlers enjoy the process - it is fun for them too.

 

This entire thread was written by someone who has been bitten by the green eyed monster. I won't be elite until after my next cruise - do I spend 1 second of my cruise being jealous of those that are elite and above and what they are getting - heck no - I'm too busy enjoying MY EXPERIENCE. Our last cruise in an S1 was amazing but I'm just as excited about the next cruise in a C1 (yes I'm an aft addict). Will I be jealous of the suite dining room - no way. I hope to cruise in a suite again soon but until then - I'm a happy camper to just be onboard. :D

 

Jeesh dude get your facts right. I wrote the original piece, did you read it? I'm not sure I made any slant either way, oh I remember I didn't. Simply presented two perspectives on the issue. My collegegue and I thought it was an interesting dialogue with merits on both sides. Green eyed monster? What an......you fill in the blank.

[Don P]

I'm always amazed how a thread can grow out of control. Frankly I don't care where anybody sits or eats. My objections center around pool chair hogs and those individuals who try and reserve five or six seats before a show so their family and friends can gamble or whatever right up to the moment the curtain rises. LOL!!!

[Merriem]

Jeesh dude get your facts right. I wrote the original piece, did you read it? I'm not sure I made any slant either way, oh I remember I didn't. Simply presented two perspectives on the issue. My collegegue and I thought it was an interesting dialogue with merits on both sides. Green eyed monster? What an......you fill in the blank.

 

Sorry poppy, but you did this on purpose. So you got what you wanted!

[Adidas4fun]

Jeesh dude get your facts right. I wrote the original piece, did you read it? I'm not sure I made any slant either way, oh I remember I didn't. Simply presented two perspectives on the issue. My collegegue and I thought it was an interesting dialogue with merits on both sides. Green eyed monster? What an......you fill in the blank.

Facts? Why you dont let the facts get in the way of your own posts do you? So why do you expect it of others?

 

Anyway, there is only a miniscule difference between their assessment of you and the facts.

[USNUZULOOSE]

You know I have never even thought about what people get with suite's. So it does not bother me. I am a happy person to just sail. I get to sleep when I want. Get up when I want. Someone is cooking for me. I enjoy watching movies or just reading or watching what is out in the water.

 

For people who have the suite's that is great and they get to enjoy what ever perks they get.:)

[Jane2357]

Jeesh dude get your facts right. I wrote the original piece, did you read it? I'm not sure I made any slant either way, oh I remember I didn't. Simply presented two perspectives on the issue. My collegegue and I thought it was an interesting dialogue with merits on both sides. Green eyed monster? What an......you fill in the blank.

 

First off I'm not a "dude" - but the term brings back memories from the 70's so thanks for the laugh. :D Second I did read the original piece and I stand be my opinion. You admitted that you like to stir the pot - apparently you can't handle it when the pot gets hot so I think my comment has struck a nerve. So yes I'll fill in the blank "What an insightful comment". :p

[PoppyandNana]

First off I'm not a "dude" - but the term brings back memories from the 70's so thanks for the laugh. :D Second I did read the original piece and I stand be my opinion. You admitted that you like to stir the pot - apparently you can't handle it when the pot gets hot so I think my comment has struck a nerve. So yes I'll fill in the blank "What an insightful comment". :p

 

So tell me again where your opinion has merit or I was trying to stir the pot? Think I merely presented two sides of an issue without stating a position either way:

 

 

Was talking the other day to a fellow avid cruiser. The topic was the growing trend to providing passengers who book a suite amenities outside the cabin itself. Collectively we have heard things like Michael's Club admittance, priority everything and more depending on the line.

 

Seemed to be two positions on the matter:

Passengers who book a suite get nicer accommodations. It should end there and not extend to things like priority theatre seating and the like. Places like Michaels Club should either be open to all, ala Perry Grant piano bar OR reserved for the most frequent sailing passengers. Over time, Elites, etc. return more profit to the cruise line than a first time passenger who happens to have the bucks to pay for a suite. They gamble, drink expensive drinks and take expensive tours ONCE, frequent sailers do it five, ten or twenty times or more. They are the ones who should get the extras.

Passengers who book a suite pay a great deal of money. For that money they should get whatever extras the cruise line can throw their way. The suite experience together with all the ancillary perks helps insure that high roller suite passenger will come back time and time again.

 

Where do you stand?

 

If forced to pick one I would probably land on the side of suites get better accommodations for their money as do balcony categories over insides so therefore they don't merit substantial perks outside the four walls of their cabin. However, I clearly understand why suite passengers would feel they deserve more for the money. That said, following the logic balcony folks should get something more than OV. OV should get something more than insides.

[cle-guy]

 

If forced to pick one I would probably land on the side of suites get better accommodations for their money as do balcony categories over insides so therefore they don't merit substantial perks outside the four walls of their cabin. However, I clearly understand why suite passengers would feel they deserve more for the money. That said, following the logic balcony folks should get something more than OV. OV should get something more than insides.

 

And this is how it is. Aqua Veranda and Concierge Cabins are essentially the same things, hard-goods and space-wise. Yet they sell for different amounts, as they add amenities and perks. Outside the 4 walls, Aqua gets Spa access and BLU, concierge gets priority boarding and tendering...

 

Ocean view and Veranda cabins are the same things, except a veranda can open a door and use a lounger chair on a veranda, making the cabin feel more spacious. The lounger is an additional amenity an ocean view does not get.

 

The higher category cabin one books into, the more additional amenities they get

Edited August 5, 2014 by cle-guy

[PoppyandNana]

And this is how it is. Aqua Veranda and Concierge Cabins are essentially the same things, hard-goods and space-wise. Yet they sell for different amounts, as they add amenities and perks.

 

Ocean view and Veranda cabins are the same things, except a veranda can open a door and use a lounger chair on a veranda, making the cabin feel more spacious. The lounger is an additional amenity an ocean view does not get.

 

The higher category cabin one books into, the more additional amenities they get

 

 

Not quite sure but think this what I have been trying to convey. What would you suggest would be appropriate perks for OV over inside, balcony over OV and so forth up the chain of categories. Where does it end? Is it appropriate that suites get whatever and any cat below, be it CC, Aqua, standard balcony or whatever get only what is within the four walls of their cabin?

[fatbaldbloke]

This whole thread reminds me of a occasion a few months ago when we decided one night to have a change & eat in the MDR. We were given a table with 6 others & when I ordered some drinks I produced my Aqua card, much to the annoyance of a fellow diner. It was his belief that Celebrity have produced a " class system" which prevents everyone from being equal. It's my belief you have to pay for what you get. I miss Micheals Bar as it was the only area of the ship that you could have a drink without loud music thus allowing us to have a conversation. I however have no problems with MB now being for Suite holders only although there's never anyone in there which is a waste.

[Merriem]

[/b]

 

 

Not quite sure but think this what I have been trying to convey. What would you suggest would be appropriate perks for OV over inside, balcony over OV and so forth up the chain of categories. Where does it end? Is it appropriate that suites get whatever and any cat below, be it CC, Aqua, standard balcony or whatever get only what is within the four walls of their cabin?

 

For you...nothing! You get food, your room cleaned

[NLH Arizona]

This whole thread reminds me of a occasion a few months ago when we decided one night to have a change & eat in the MDR. We were given a table with 6 others & when I ordered some drinks I produced my Aqua card, much to the annoyance of a fellow diner. It was his belief that Celebrity have produced a " class system" which prevents everyone from being equal. It's my belief you have to pay for what you get. I miss Micheals Bar as it was the only area of the ship that you could have a drink without loud music thus allowing us to have a conversation. I however have no problems with MB now being for Suite holders only although there's never anyone in there which is a waste.

I think those that complain about a "class system" are those that are jealous and can't sail in that class of cabin. I'm sure if they were getting a perk for their cabin that others weren't, they would think it was warranted.

[cle-guy]

[/b]

 

 

Not quite sure but think this what I have been trying to convey. What would you suggest would be appropriate perks for OV over inside, balcony over OV and so forth up the chain of categories. Where does it end? Is it appropriate that suites get whatever and any cat below, be it CC, Aqua, standard balcony or whatever get only what is within the four walls of their cabin?

 

 

Not necessarily all categories need to have differentiation or additional amenities. Sometimes the difference in the cabin configuration itself is enough.

 

The difference between Inside OV and Veranda is there for price sensitive cruisers and is enough to differentiate them. Also the OV cabin has the perk or a view of the ocean outside the 4 walls of the cabin, that an inside does not.

 

Differences in amenities and perks outside the cabin start with mid range cabins, as I noted Concierge, Veranda and Aqua Class are exactly the same physical cabin (barring very minor differences) they vary based on amenities, some within the 4 walls, others outside (BLU, priority boarding and tendering, Spa services etc.)

 

Not ALL cabins with variances need to have additional outside perks, but some do.

 

It's all determined in reality by us, the cruisers, who decide we want these things at higher levels, or would seek other lines to cruise, until they are available here.

 

Carnival may be the line for you that suits your desire for equality in perks outside the cabin walls for all, as their suites do not have many if any real perks outside the cabins, but Celebrity has chosen to provide perks outside the cabins, differentiating themselves and their suite program from a line like Carnival. And these perks don't detract in any meaningful way from any other cruiser, and are in fact available to other cruisers who decide to budget and pay for them by seeking and paying for the level of service and perks they desire.

 

I've found an itinerary I am in love with in Carnival, but just can't see the value for money when paying for one of their suites, as it has no tangible perks for the relatively small difference in their cabin size. And this is not a knock on Carnival's service or food etc. I'm all about cabin configuration and amenities, and perks. I honestly feel food is food unless it is spoiled or rotten, which wouldn't happen on Carnival.

Edited August 5, 2014 by cle-guy

[Project_gal]

Over time, Elites, etc. return more profit to the cruise line than a first time passenger who happens to have the bucks to pay for a suite.

 

I just do not believe that this statement stands up.

 

Captain's Club points [especially the old system by which most people at the moment gained Elite status] rewarded presenteeism rather than profitability for Celebrity. Following Cruise Critic, as I do, it is clear that most frequent cruisers are not the high spenders. They have, after all, done it all before. In addition, those who cruise most frequently are likely to be those with easy access to a port. They are able to take advantage of last minute bargains and also likely to spend less with Celebrity pre- and post-cruise. Pre- and post-cruise, as well as on board, spend are not measured by Captain's Club points.

 

In developing the new suite perks, Celebrity were looking at how to attract and retain a more profitable cliental. I am aware of this because it was developed at the marketing conference on Constellation last year. At the time, we were sharing our butler with Michael Bayley and he gave us some insight into what the conference was about.

[need2bespoiled]

Not necessarily all categories need to have differentiation or additional amenities. Sometimes the difference in the cabin configuration itself is enough.

 

The difference between Inside OV and Veranda is there for price sensitive cruisers and is enough to differentiate them. Also the OV cabin has the perk or a view of the ocean outside the 4 walls of the cabin, that an inside does not.

 

Differences in amenities and perks outside the cabin start with mid range cabins, as I noted Concierge, Veranda and Aqua Class are exactly the same physical cabin (barring very minor differences) they vary based on amenities, some within the 4 walls, others outside (BLU, priority boarding and tendering, Spa services etc.)

 

I've seen lots of additional perks listed as OV and higher. Let's start with 1,2,3, as one example, but I have seen others.

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

[PoppyandNana]

Not necessarily all categories need to have differentiation or additional amenities. Sometimes the difference in the cabin configuration itself is enough.

 

The difference between Inside OV and Veranda is there for price sensitive cruisers and is enough to differentiate them. Also the OV cabin has the perk or a view of the ocean outside the 4 walls of the cabin, that an inside does not.

 

Differences in amenities and perks outside the cabin start with mid range cabins, as I noted Concierge, Veranda and Aqua Class are exactly the same physical cabin (barring very minor differences) they vary based on amenities, some within the 4 walls, others outside (BLU, priority boarding and tendering, Spa services etc.)

 

Not ALL cabins with variances need to have additional outside perks, but some do.

 

It's all determined in reality by us, the cruisers, who decide we want these things at higher levels, or would seek other lines to cruise, until they are available here.

 

Carnival may be the line for you that suits your desire for equality in perks outside the cabin walls for all, as their suites do not have many if any real perks outside the cabins, but Celebrity has chosen to provide perks outside the cabins, differentiating themselves and their suite program from a line like Carnival. And these perks don't detract in any meaningful way from any other cruiser, and are in fact available to other cruisers who decide to budget and pay for them by seeking and paying for the level of service and perks they desire.

 

I've found an itinerary I am in love with in Carnival, but just can't see the value for money when paying for one of their suites, as it has no tangible perks for the relatively small difference in their cabin size. And this is not a knock on Carnival's service or food etc. I'm all about cabin configuration and amenities, and perks. I honestly feel food is food unless it is spoiled or rotten, which wouldn't happen on Carnival.

 

 

Well articulated. With 670 points out of the 750 I need for Zenith I think we will stay with X. We have been on very mainstream line at one time or another but continue to come back to Celebrity. We like the food, the ambiance, the ships the crew and the type of passenger we relate to. Never stayed in a suite mainly because I can't see the overall value. I would need an instruction manual on what to do with a butler. I'd end up telling him to take the week off.

[PoppyandNana]

I just do not believe that this statement stands up.

 

Captain's Club points [especially the old system by which most people at the moment gained Elite status] rewarded presenteeism rather than profitability for Celebrity. Following Cruise Critic, as I do, it is clear that most frequent cruisers are not the high spenders. They have, after all, done it all before. In addition, those who cruise most frequently are likely to be those with easy access to a port. They are able to take advantage of last minute bargains and also likely to spend less with Celebrity pre- and post-cruise. Pre- and post-cruise, as well as on board, spend are not measured by Captain's Club points.

 

In developing the new suite perks, Celebrity were looking at how to attract and retain a more profitable cliental. I am aware of this because it was developed at the marketing conference on Constellation last year. At the time, we were sharing our butler with Michael Bayley and he gave us some insight into what the conference was about.

 

 

Thank you. The most insightful and rational treatise yet. Let's close the board on a high note.

[cle-guy]

With 670 points out of the 750 I need for Zenith I think we will stay with X.

 

Not to burst your bubble, but 750 Points is Elite Plus, Zenith doesn't happen till 3,000! :eek:

Edited August 5, 2014 by cle-guy

[PoppyandNana]

Not to burst your bubble, but 750 Points is Elite Plus, Zenith doesn't happen till 3,000! :eek:

 

Yea you're right. Guess I'll have to book a suite to get some extra perks.

[blindrid]

 

Was talking the other day to a fellow avid cruiser. The topic was the growing trend to providing passengers who book a suite amenities outside the cabin itself. Collectively we have heard things like Michael's Club admittance, priority everything and more depending on the line.

 

Seemed to be two positions on the matter:

 

1. Passengers who book a suite get nicer accommodations. It should end there and not extend to things like priority theatre seating and the like. Places like Michaels Club should either be open to all, ala Perry Grant piano bar OR reserved for the most frequent sailing passengers. Over time, Elites, etc. return more profit to the cruise line than a first time passenger who happens to have the bucks to pay for a suite. They gamble, drink expensive drinks and take expensive tours ONCE, frequent sailers do it five, ten or twenty times or more. They are the ones who should get the extras.
   
2. Passengers who book a suite pay a great deal of money. For that money they should get whatever extras the cruise line can throw their way. The suite experience together with all the ancillary perks helps insure that high roller suite passenger will come back time and time again.
   

 

Where do you stand?

 

IMHO, what a stupid question. You pay too much, you get more.

 

I suppose we all deserve first class seating on airplanes. :rolleyes:

 

Part of the 99%, I guess....We all deserve.....

[C 2 C]

In addition, those who cruise most frequently are likely to be those with easy access to a port.

 

Access is easy... 3 hours flying time to Florida, 6 to 9 hours from Europe, 5 hours from the west coast.

 

Not all frequent cruisers are close to a Celebrity port.

We detest flying and normally drive to our Florida departures... 1500 miles distant. Even Bayonne is a ten hour drive away. It's addiction, not distance from a port that made us rack up the points. ;)

[Project_gal]

Access is easy... 3 hours flying time to Florida, 6 to 9 hours from Europe, 5 hours from the west coast.

 

Not all frequent cruisers are close to a Celebrity port.

We detest flying and normally drive to our Florida departures... 1500 miles distant. Even Bayonne is a ten hour drive away. It's addiction, not distance from a port that made us rack up the points. ;)

 

There are always the exceptions that prove the rule! You have to accept that you are not the norm.

 

However, some of us are three hours and an overnight stay from an airport ....

Edited August 6, 2014 by Project_gal

[HappyTvlr]

I’m responding because I appreciate the OP’s question, and while the topic has been beat to death I feel strongly about what is happening with Celebrity. I fell in love with Celebrity on the Expedition where everyone had full access to the open bar and all public areas. This was my one and only suite experience on Celebrity, and I did so only because it was the last room available and my dates were not flexible. My second cruise was around New Zealand after back surgery. I needed a holiday, but could only walk short distances. I picked Celebrity based on my Expedition experience. I loved it, and got hooked on being lazy, spending heaps of time with my DH, and eating good food and enjoying countless G&Ts. The real issue for me is that Celebrity is changing, and I don’t like the direction they are going in by limiting public spaces. I am a firm believer that the price of the suite is primarily about getting nicer accommodation. I can easily afford a suite, but never spend much time in the room so could not justify the price. I do not have suite envy, or long for the day when I can afford one. I just wouldn’t use the space. I have heaps of hotel suite experience due to status upgrades, and I never use the space. The same goes with the cruise is that I drop my bags and go exploring. I have elite status, and the answer to the question posted earlier is that yes I will leave Celebrity if they continue to take away what is now public space. I have elite status because I have continued to choose Celebrity because I enjoy the service, food, bars, public spaces, no smoking policy, and general lack of children among other things. I do spend a lot of money on beverage packages, specialty restaurants, wine events, cooking classes, chef’s table dinners, fitness classes, spa treatments and shore excursions. I do not cruise to see different places in the world. My NZ cruise confirmed to me that cruising is a sampler. I have made 5 trips there for self-drive holidays, and the cruise didn’t even scratch the surface of this beautiful country. I travel extensively on land, and I cruise when I have an extra week or two and want to spend quality time with my spouse just relaxing, and eating and drinking too much if I am being honest. As I said, I will leave Celebrity if they continue to change because I don’t like the direction they are going. This doesn’t mean I don’t think they are justified in doing so based on financial decisions, but it will no longer work for me. If I have to pay a higher price for a room that I will not use just to be able to eat at any restaurant or sit in any bar, then I will look at other luxury lines that justify the price with a better total package that addresses my wants and needs.