VIP Priority Plus

[rochelle_s]

I think the whole point of this new $99 VIP package that people are upset about is the water down of the suite amenities that people that pay good money for. I don't want my suite amenities that I paid for to be compromised by overcrowding and also my concigier service to be bogged down by the $99 requests.

 

For people that get upgraded for a cheaper fare I have no problem with that because the ship still has a limited number of suites but when you start adding standard balconies to this it will only hurt the people that paid for the suites and probably the level of service will be compromised because of adding more rooms to the mix.

 

 

I understand that you would have concerns. I don't think there should be any worry about the concierge as these services are not included in the package.

 

Perhaps KateQ22003 will come back and tell us a little more about her recent experience on the the Dawn doing a back to back.

 

On the first week she was in a balcony cabin, saw the sign advertising the new package and from what I can determine did not avail herself of the opportunity to purchase it despite the fact that the pleasure of eating in Cagney's is one of the main reasons she purchases a suite. I am curious why the package did not appeal to her that she did not sign up.

 

On the second leg of her B2B she was staying in a suite with all the perks available and has not said that Cagney's was ever difficult to get into on her trip or that it was overcrowded. Nor did she state any issues with the concierge that you fear might be a problem.

 

She has stated that it was the dollar value, or the perceived lessening of it, that has impacted her cruise experience. Perhaps she could elaborate more if there were any affects felt on the ship her second week not related to anything monetary.

 

I believe Kate is in a position to provide the best first hand knowledge about what it was actually like on the ship with this new program.

 

 

Rochelle

[maywell]

Can someone point where the concierge, butler, priority embarkment, personal expresso machine, specialty dining delivery from like Moderno or Le Bistro, and Haven access including the courtyard and Haven MDR are included in the $99 VIP package- please let me know because none of that is included. Everything that in the VIP package look like stuff even people in interior rooms wouldn't mind paying $99 at all - and in the grand scheme of things, are you really caring that 10-30 other couples / family maybe joining you for breakfast or lunch and it may not even be at the same time?

[luvcruzing]

Because people didn't know about this before lot of them wouldn't pay the $99 once they were already on board so it probably had very little impact on recent cruisers. But now that people are aware of this in advance of their curtains they can budget for it and plan to take advantage of it.

 

This is exactly what I was thinking, plus, the fact that not everyone who cruises is a member of Cruise Critic.

[KateQ22003]

I understand that you would have concerns. I don't think there should be any worry about the concierge as these services are not included in the package.

 

Perhaps KateQ22003 will come back and tell us a little more about her recent experience on the the Dawn doing a back to back.

 

On the first week she was in a balcony cabin, saw the sign advertising the new package and from what I can determine did not avail herself of the opportunity to purchase it despite the fact that the pleasure of eating in Cagney's is one of the main reasons she purchases a suite. I am curious why the package did not appeal to her that she did not sign up.

 

On the second leg of her B2B she was staying in a suite with all the perks available and has not said that Cagney's was ever difficult to get into on her trip or that it was overcrowded. Nor did she state any issues with the concierge that you fear might be a problem.

 

She has stated that it was the dollar value, or the perceived lessening of it, that has impacted her cruise experience. Perhaps she could elaborate more if there were any affects felt on the ship her second week not related to anything monetary.

 

I believe Kate is in a position to provide the best first hand knowledge about what it was actually like on the ship with this new program.

 

 

Rochelle

 

I can answer these questions. The reason I didn't pay the $99 the first week was because I was traveling with other people in balcony rooms. It wouldn't have made any sense to eat at Cagney's when they weren't interested. We went to the Venetian instead, which was quite nice.

 

The second week in the suite was great, as usual. We did Cagney's almost every morning and never had to wait, but we were there when the doors opened (we are early birds). It was never crowded, but it wasn't empty either. I would say about 3/4 full. Keep in mind too, this is a new program so who knows how many VIP passes they actually sold.

 

Comparing the two weeks, and seeing that package offer, would I pay $3000 more for a suite going forward? Not unless I was traveling with a big group and needed the room. The value of the suite just isn't there now for me. We all assign different values to different things in our lives; for me, the value of a suite was in the perks offered. If I can now get 90% of the perks and save myself $2800, that's another cruise.

[CasinoCruzGirl]

I can answer these questions. The reason I didn't pay the $99 the first week was because I was traveling with other people in balcony rooms. It wouldn't have made any sense to eat at Cagney's when they weren't interested. We went to the Venetian instead, which was quite nice.

 

The second week in the suite was great, as usual. We did Cagney's almost every morning and never had to wait, but we were there when the doors opened (we are early birds). It was never crowded, but it wasn't empty either. I would say about 3/4 full. Keep in mind too, this is a new program so who knows how many VIP passes they actually sold.

 

Comparing the two weeks, and seeing that package offer, would I pay $3000 more for a suite going forward? Not unless I was traveling with a big group and needed the room. The value of the suite just isn't there now for me. We all assign different values to different things in our lives; for me, the value of a suite was in the perks offered. If I can now get 90% of the perks and save myself $2800, that's another cruise.

 

Wish you had asked how many were sold but we will have to wait and see what others say and report back. Better wear your running shoes if you want to buy the package on your next cruise that you take and are not in a suite unless you truly don't care about any of them which I think you did state aside earlier except for dining in cagneys. Let me ask you this if you sail on one of the larger ships will you get a suite because there is no cagneys dining involved?

[rochelle_s]

I can answer these questions. The reason I didn't pay the $99 the first week was because I was traveling with other people in balcony rooms. It wouldn't have made any sense to eat at Cagney's when they weren't interested. We went to the Venetian instead, which was quite nice.

 

The second week in the suite was great, as usual. We did Cagney's almost every morning and never had to wait, but we were there when the doors opened (we are early birds). It was never crowded, but it wasn't empty either. I would say about 3/4 full. Keep in mind too, this is a new program so who knows how many VIP passes they actually sold.

 

Comparing the two weeks, and seeing that package offer, would I pay $3000 more for a suite going forward? Not unless I was traveling with a big group and needed the room. The value of the suite just isn't there now for me. We all assign different values to different things in our lives; for me, the value of a suite was in the perks offered. If I can now get 90% of the perks and save myself $2800, that's another cruise.

 

 

Thanks for coming back to share your first hand knowledge. I think it might provide a little relief to some who are envisioning Cagney's being over run with all these other folks now being in the venue. But like you say it is early days yet and perhaps its popularity will increase (or not). Hopefully others will come back and share their first hand experiences as well.

 

Interesting to note though it does seem that all concern is for the breakfast time slot. I don't recall anyone commenting either way in regards to lunch.

 

 

Rochelle

[mydreamvacation]

Thanks for coming back to share your first hand knowledge. I think it might provide a little relief to some who are envisioning Cagney's being over run with all these other folks now being in the venue. But like you say it is early days yet and perhaps its popularity will increase (or not). Hopefully others will come back and share their first hand experiences as well.

 

Interesting to note though it does seem that all concern is for the breakfast time slot. I don't recall anyone commenting either way in regards to lunch.

 

 

Rochelle

For us in the Baltics we will be off the ship at lunch doing very long day excursions my main concern is the hierarchy of priority disembarkation and how priority will be for breakfast. I'm going off on 13 hour excursions I want to have a good breakfast. There's already a lot of suites on the star now adding in mini suites and balconies to Cagney's which is not that huge of a room could be problematic. We were on the pride of America in the owner suite we ate at lazy J their version of Cagney's for breakfast daily and it was always packed. I wish NCL would come back and enlighten us as to how many of these passes there going to be selling. I know the star is being upgraded in March I guess I can just hope they add a Haven in but I'm quite doubtful about that.

[philip_eunice1]

We are in are forties and always stay in what are called high end suites we do this for room, perks and room situation

Having read this thread it confirms what we knew already that many people who stay in suites have visions of grandeur that said certainly not all so if the cap fits wear it

Do I care that someone who has paid $99 for the right to Eat in cagneys and I have to wait 10 mins no I'm on vacation

Feel free to flame I really don't care it will confirm what I already think and be carefull you don't disappear up your own backside

 

 

 

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Edited September 24, 2014 by philip_eunice1

[maywell]

We are in are forties and always stay in what are called high end suites we do this for room, perks and room situation

Having read this thread it confirms what we knew already that many people who stay in suites have visions of grandeur that said certainly not all so if the cap fits wear it

Do I care that someone who has paid $99 for the right to Eat in cagneys and I have to wait 10 mins no I'm on vacation

Feel free to flame I really don't care it will confirm what I already think and be carefull you don't disappear up your own backside

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

No, you're right - the same ones complaining about it are going to whine that soloers in the studio lounge pretty much get free snacks, free expresso machine, bartender (solo meet & greet each day), wine machine, soda machine and room service. Its so trivial when you look at the big picture - the suite perks are way better than $99 VIP package even on the non-Breakaway/Epic ships. If FootballParent didn't ask about it, no one would had know that its been going on for weeks, not day or a week, weeks on those. Someone please pull up a recent review regarding the overcrowding and problems of the Cagney breakfast & lunch on those ships due to the VIP package? Honestly, I trying to see the problem and I don't - let bygones be bygones and enjoy your vacation.

[njhorseman]

Is this new?

 

I have been Platinum for several years and I just get handed a group boarding card like everyone else when I arrive at the port, based upon when I arrived.

 

At least in NY if you check in at the Platinum counter you get a much lower boarding number than someone arriving at the same time and checking in at the counter for the general public. When we haven't been in a suite and checked in as Platinum we've gotten boarding number 3, while #20 and higher were being handed out at the general check in counter which meant we boarded almost immediately after suite guests, so we did effectively get priority boarding.

[KateQ22003]

Wish you had asked how many were sold but we will have to wait and see what others say and report back. Better wear your running shoes if you want to buy the package on your next cruise that you take and are not in a suite unless you truly don't care about any of them which I think you did state aside earlier except for dining in cagneys. Let me ask you this if you sail on one of the larger ships will you get a suite because there is no cagneys dining involved?

 

I really didn't give it that much thought at the time; I thought maybe it was a promotion just for that sailing because it wasn't sold out. I probably would not sail on one of the larger ships because I like the smaller ships better, but if I ever do, I won't get a suite. I will just pay the $99 for the perks. I am actually going to start researching suites on other lines; maybe it's time to spread my wings a little bit!

[dexddd]

Thanks for coming back to share your first hand knowledge. I think it might provide a little relief to some who are envisioning Cagney's being over run with all these other folks now being in the venue. But like you say it is early days yet and perhaps its popularity will increase (or not). Hopefully others will come back and share their first hand experiences as well.

 

Interesting to note though it does seem that all concern is for the breakfast time slot. I don't recall anyone commenting either way in regards to lunch.

 

 

Rochelle

 

I doubt lunch would be much of a problem based on our experiences. Other than the first day when it is busy, typically not that full for lunch. Besides, the lunch menu really isn't that great IMO.

[dexddd]

I really didn't give it that much thought at the time; I thought maybe it was a promotion just for that sailing because it wasn't sold out. I probably would not sail on one of the larger ships because I like the smaller ships better, but if I ever do, I won't get a suite. I will just pay the $99 for the perks. I am actually going to start researching suites on other lines; maybe it's time to spread my wings a little bit!

 

Some of the lines seemed to be enhancing their suite benefits. I was looking at Celebrity a few months back and they are rolling out some things starting around the 1st of the year as I recall. Some of the benefits varied a bit by room category but what I recall of what they were doing it was something pretty decent.

[Clay Clayton]

Besides, the lunch menu really isn't that great IMO.

 

 

another example of different tastes! LOL I could have eaten the swordfish sandwich every day.....and the rissoto was as good as any I had when I lived in Italy.

[dexddd]

Just so we can get off this whole fresh squeezed OJ snag . NCL offers BOTH

concentrate and fresh squeezed OJ . Hence the question , "which is this" ??

 

Sometimes you need to get past the cover to read the book.. ;)

 

And the fresh squeezed OJ had a charge like $3 or $4.

[jmele999]

Without hijacking the thread, I would like to turn this discussion into something more positive, which will hopefully highlight why people are upset about the VIP package.

Excluding Haven perks, what is your favorite/most valuable VIP perk as a suite guest?

I have excluded the Haven perks because not all of the suites have access to the Haven, but feel free to add Haven perks to your list.

Here are mine.

1) Bigger room and upgraded amenities

2) Breakfast and lunch at a private venue

3) Priority embarkation/tendering/disembarkation

4) Butler

5) Concierge

6) Captain reception

7) Afternoon snacks

Edited September 24, 2014 by jmele999

[tel2]

We are in are forties and always stay in what are called high end suites we do this for room, perks and room situation

Having read this thread it confirms what we knew already that many people who stay in suites have visions of grandeur that said certainly not all so if the cap fits wear it

Do I care that someone who has paid $99 for the right to Eat in cagneys and I have to wait 10 mins no I'm on vacation

Feel free to flame I really don't care it will confirm what I already think and be carefull you don't disappear up your own backside

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

I agree. We are Platinum. I recently became CAS VIP. So, whether or not I stayed in a suite, I generally had B&L at Cagneys, a concierge, treats in room every day, priority embarkation and priority tendering etc. Do I generally forgo a suite because I get many of the suite perks in a less expensive room? No, of course not. I actually find it hard to believe that the only reason people stay in a suite is for these perks. Before I got any discount or perk from CAS, I generally chose a mid-level suite. Sometimes I chose a lower level suite (Penthouse), and sometimes just a mini-suite or aft balcony. Since I started booking thru CAS, I generally do the same. I make that decision based on the price, the size of the room/bathroom I want or need, the itinerary and whether it is one on which I would like Haven access, how many sea days there are, i.e., how much time I think we will actually be in the cabin, the people I am traveling with and what they can afford, and a multitude of other factors. Although admittedly the Lavazza machine is a spectacular suite perk for me (I am a real coffee snob and trouping down to the cafe every morning to get real coffee when I'm not in a suite is a real annoyance....) I would hardly claim that I book a Suite for the coffee pot, or the breakfast or lunch venue, or any other single perk. No offense, but that just sounds ridiculous to me.

 

For those of you that claim that priority tendering and Cagneys are the only real reasons you book a Suite, then you should see this promotion as a huge cost-saver and benefit for you. You can now book a balcony and for $198. get those same perks and save thousands of dollars, so why are you complaining? For those of you who say it will cause you to cease booking suites, great. I have actually changed my first choice of sailing date because the suite I wanted was not available, so that will hopefully open more suites up for others of us that wish to book them. And next week I am in a balcony because the cruise was a last minute decision, the ship is totally sold out, and the only choices left when I booked were inside or balcony. So, if many of you decide it is no longer worth it to book a suite, I am quite sure there are plenty of us that book suites for a multitude of other reasons that will scarf them up quickly. I doubt NCL will see any fewer suites booked as a result of this promotion.

 

Terry

[mpk218]

Without hijacking the thread, I would like to turn this discussion into something more positive, which will hopefully highlight why people are upset about the VIP package.

Excluding Haven perks, what is your favorite/most valuable VIP perk as a suite guest?

I have excluded the Haven perks because not all of the suites have access to the Haven, but feel free to add Haven perks to your list.

Here are mine.

1) Bigger room and upgraded amenities

2) Breakfast and lunch at a private venue

3) Priority embarkation/tendering/disembarkation

4) Butler

5) Concierge

6) Captain reception

7) Afternoon snacks

 

 

For me , from your list , 3 / 2 / 1 the rest I can do without ;)

[CasinoCruzGirl]

I agree. We are Platinum. I recently became CAS VIP. So, whether or not I stayed in a suite, I generally had B&L at Cagneys, a concierge, treats in room every day, priority embarkation and priority tendering etc. Do I generally forgo a suite because I get many of the suite perks in a less expensive room? No, of course not. I actually find it hard to believe that the only reason people stay in a suite is for these perks. Before I got any discount or perk from CAS, I generally chose a mid-level suite. Sometimes I chose a lower level suite (Penthouse), and sometimes just a mini-suite or aft balcony. Since I started booking thru CAS, I generally do the same. I make that decision based on the price, the size of the room/bathroom I want or need, the itinerary and whether it is one on which I would like Haven access, how many sea days there are, i.e., how much time I think we will actually be in the cabin, the people I am traveling with and what they can afford, and a multitude of other factors. Although admittedly the Lavazza machine is a spectacular suite perk for me (I am a real coffee snob and trouping down to the cafe every morning to get real coffee when I'm not in a suite is a real annoyance....) I would hardly claim that I book a Suite for the coffee pot, or the breakfast or lunch venue, or any other single perk. No offense, but that just sounds ridiculous to me.

 

For those of you that claim that priority tendering and Cagneys are the only real reasons you book a Suite, then you should see this promotion as a huge cost-saver and benefit for you. You can now book a balcony and for $198. get those same perks and save thousands of dollars, so why are you complaining? For those of you who say it will cause you to cease booking suites, great. I have actually changed my first choice of sailing date because the suite I wanted was not available, so that will hopefully open more suites up for others of us that wish to book them. And next week I am in a balcony because the cruise was a last minute decision, the ship is totally sold out, and the only choices left when I booked were inside or balcony. So, if many of you decide it is no longer worth it to book a suite, I am quite sure there are plenty of us that book suites for a multitude of other reasons that will scarf them up quickly. I doubt NCL will see any fewer suites booked as a result of this promotion.

 

Terry

 

Terry best post of the entire 14 page thread mine included. 😀

[rhinomike]

For those of you that want to cancel your suites and save money....

 

 

I will be on the Dawn in a few months. I wanted a suite but they were all booked. I have 2 connecting ocean views. Please cancel and take your chances with the $99 VIP upgrade. I will upgrade to your suite. :D

[philip_eunice1]

For those of you that want to cancel your suites and save money....

 

 

 

 

 

I will be on the Dawn in a few months. I wanted a suite but they were all booked. I have 2 connecting ocean views. Please cancel and take your chances with the $99 VIP upgrade. I will upgrade to your suite. :D

 

 

Lol

 

 

 

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[tel2]

Terry best post of the entire 14 page thread mine included. 😀

 

Thank you!

[garycarla]

... already a lot of suites on the star now adding in mini suites and balconies to Cagney's which is not that huge of a room could be problematic....

 

 

They are not adding in all the balcony and mini suites. Not sure where you read that.

[njhorseman]

They are not adding in all the balcony and mini suites. Not sure where you read that.

 

The poster didn't use the word "all". You added word that in. It is being offered to balcony and mini suite passengers. No one knows the maximum number of packages NCL will sell.

[maywell]

The poster didn't use the word "all". You added word that in. It is being offered to balcony and mini suite passengers. No one knows the maximum number of packages NCL will sell.

Also forgot, its 1st come 1st serve just like Vibe passes.