RCCL Suite Perks vs Celebrity

[JEDIKNIGHT]

I've never been on RCCL - so was hoping some folks here have done suites on both X and Royal Carib.

 

Of course I can see the lists on their respective websites and the biggest difference I can see is X has a butler - while RCCL does not.

 

The small perks I love about X suites, especially Penthouse/Royals:

 

*Embark-Debark is seamless. It's like strolling in and out of a small neighborhood place. Very very easy.

 

*Priority debark for shore excursion - same thing, short or no line.

 

*Reserved seating at shows.

 

How does Royal Carib "compare" to X on those 3 categories?

 

Thanks

[squidward]

I've done both, and while I prefer X overall, I think the butler is overrated. The concierges on RCL have always been way more impressive than the butlers on X. For example, once, on RCL, the concierge escorted us off the ship via private elevator in the morning when we were at port.

 

The concierge knows how to do everything, and has a computer to do anything that guest relations would do. The Concierge Lounge, for suite guests on RCL, is much better than anything X has come up with.

 

Boarding the ship on X is a little nicer, since you get to go to a lounge while the cabins are getting ready, and you get more of a VIP experience throughout the process.

 

Not sure about the reserved seating at shows, since I've never had a problem getting good seats at any show on either line.

:)

[Mikeandme]

I've done both, and while I prefer X overall, I think the butler is overrated. The concierges on RCL have always been way more impressive than the butlers on X. For example, once, on RCL, the concierge escorted us off the ship via private elevator in the morning when we were at port.

 

The concierge knows how to do everything, and has a computer to do anything that guest relations would do. The Concierge Lounge, for suite guests on RCL, is much better than anything X has come up with.

 

Boarding the ship on X is a little nicer, since you get to go to a lounge while the cabins are getting ready, and you get more of a VIP experience throughout the process.

 

Not sure about the reserved seating at shows, since I've never had a problem getting good seats at any show on either line.

:)

DH and I had early entry (to get better choice of seating) at the ice show. We didn't try for any other shows. I agree that the concierge was very good. Be aware, though, that things in general are not up to X. People laugh when I bring it up, and I do bring it up, that you will not get a pen and a pad in an OS. I like to write down names of people I meet while on board in order to help me to remember them. I thought it was an oversight when I asked our stateroom attendant about this. I was given a pen with no logo on it and no cap to cover the tip. I was on my own to find paper. Needless to say, no tote bag will await your arrival.

[need2bespoiled]

I've done both, and while I prefer X overall, I think the butler is overrated. The concierges on RCL have always been way more impressive than the butlers on X. For example, once, on RCL, the concierge escorted us off the ship via private elevator in the morning when we were at port.

 

The concierge knows how to do everything, and has a computer to do anything that guest relations would do. The Concierge Lounge, for suite guests on RCL, is much better than anything X has come up with.

 

Boarding the ship on X is a little nicer, since you get to go to a lounge while the cabins are getting ready, and you get more of a VIP experience throughout the process.

 

Not sure about the reserved seating at shows, since I've never had a problem getting good seats at any show on either line.

:)

 

 

The new Michael's club concierge ion Celebrity did exactly this in August (express elevator escort off ship), same onto ship plus a specialty restaurant lunch. They also have a computer now to perform all guest relations functions and much more so now the Butler's can simply take care of cabin needs.

 

The concurs lounge had ok food, good drinks and a number of private parties and entertainment. It was quite nice.

 

I interested to hear responses as we have a short RCCL cruise booked in March when we happen to be in FL with some days free.

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[rickdent]

We have experienced several Concierge lounges on Royal, and now recently (Aug-Sept 2014) on X Reflection. On Royal, Serenade had the most spacious and user friendly lounge, with dedicated bar, outdoor access, and a number of lounge tables/chairs. The other Royal CL's were cramped and crowded, although the level of service from the staff and concierge was very high. The concierge on several ships was very helpful and attentive to our needs.

But the Michael's Club concierge, Lenny, was BY FAR the most attentive, considerate we have ever seen. We witnessed his tact in defusing guest temper flare ups, and he made a point of recognizing us around the ship outside the lounge, as well as the typical concierge duties of making spa and specialty restaurant reservations. With a concierge like him, there was little additional value to butler service.

As for Michaels Club, we enjoyed the atmosphere (although there are no windows or outside access). We got to know the staff better there than on Royal since the lounge is open for cocktails from 5.00 until 11.45 pm as opposed to Royal's 5-8.30pm.

The liquor selection was also outstanding vs. Royal's "stock" liquors (the bartender even procured a vodka we requested from another bar for the duration of our cruise).

Another super benefit of Michaels Club was the 24 hour access to the lounge's coolers with bottled water and soft drinks, of which we availed ourselves every day.

We liked all the CL experiences, ranking Reflection #1 and Serenade very close behind.

[GigemAggies]

We think Michaels Club is the best suite perk by far. The dedicated concierge for Michaels Club is much more attentive because he/she only handles the top 3 levels of suites so not as many people to care for. And you can't beat the 24 hour access.

However, we still find the Concierge on RCCL to be very good too!