answer to ?? re suite vs cc class perks

[barbon2]

Hi,

Since seeing many posts on these boards re amenities for cc class re suites, I wrote to Celebrity's Captain's Club and received the follow response..Even though we do stay in a suite for size, I really do not think that it makes any sense that cc class pax get more perks than suites.

Barbara

 

 

 

Thank you for contacting our office regarding the recent email. We regret for any delay in our responding. As Captain's Club members, we especially value your patronage of Celebrity and appreciate this opportunity to respond to your concerns. We apologize for the misinformation that was communicated to you. The Suite guests do not get Concierge Class benefits. The two types of staterooms have two listings of amenities. If you would like further information on the benefits they are listed online under the stateroom descriptions. If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact the Captain's Club department and we will be more than happy to help.

 

Again, thank you for bringing your concerns to our attention. We especially look forward to the opportunity of welcoming you, as Captain's Club members, back onboard one of our ships in the near future.

[nu2sea]

Thanks for taking the time to write to Celebrity and then to provide their answer to the rest of us.

 

Susan

[Kitycaty]

In checking with Celebrity's "Resolution" Specialists Dept. (who I was "to'd" to about a week ago), regarding the disparity between the CC amenities and the "Suite" amenities, they confirmed verbally that "the folks who book suites will NOT receive the CC amenities", with the following verbatim explanation (rofl) :

 

"The reason Celebrity introduced Concierge Class, was that Celebrity wants their CC passengers to experience what their Suite passengers experience."

(That's rich, isn't it?!?!) Who're they trying to kid?!?!

 

I was also told (when I inquired as to where various storage areas were in our forthcoming suite), and asked some other questions regarding the lay-out of the suite, about the CC menu, and what type of pillows and mattress we actually would have, that "they can't guarantee any answers to these questions", because they, (the Resolution Specialists), "have to E-mail the staff aboard the Constellation to ask them these questions, and they can't guarantee any answers, because their staff has to take care of the passengers already on board." I was told that the onboard staff "answers questions like mine after hours, between 12 and 1 A.M. on their own time."

 

I think it's sad that the Celebrity's "Resolution Department" is not trained or qualified to answer questions of this nature, and one has to wait weeks while in the process of deciding what stateroom/suite to book, for information of this type, with the very real possibility of losing whatever accomodations we'd finally decide to take! I'm still waiting for answers to questions that will affect our final choice and this is what I was told, and I'm certain that due to the time element, we'll lose any aft CC staterooms that may be left for this cruise, by the time the Constellation staff sees fit to answer my queries...

 

(Booked in a CS for 3 weeks and afraid we're going to regret it...)

 

AAAaaarrrrrrggggggghhhhhhh! :mad:

 

B.J.

[nu2sea]

Hi B.J.!

 

You will not regret booking the CS for the TA leg of your cruise since you will have so many sea days. We took it for an Alaska cruise (pictures of our CS on Infinity, Connie's sister ship: http://community.webshots.com/user/ensgrigsby) and loved it so much we booked it for the crossing. With a stretch of six unbroken days at sea you will get a chance to really appreciate the suite.

 

We did go to the CC class (ah, but we got 6143! :) ) for the Baltic portion because that is a port intensive cruise, and we won't be spending as much time in our cabin.

 

Our trip to Alaska taught us that when we are busy doing shore excursions we just didn't spend enough time in the suite to justify the extra cost. But if I could afford it, I'd keep it for the full 3 weeks!

 

I think the CC amenities sound much better on paper than they really are. The flowers in our suite were the beautiful silk flowers that never brown and die, and they were in the living room, dining area, bedroom and bathroom. I ordered a bouquet of fresh flowers for $48 that lasted all week. The matress and pillows we had were fine. You already get the priority boarding, tendering, disembarking and dinner table choice as suite passengers.

 

Besides, if you give up the Celebrity Suite, who will all of us b2b'ers come visit?

 

Seriously, I do agree with you and Barbara that it is ludicrous to set up a CC class and then not offer the same benefits to suite passengers. I'm just not completely sure that those benefits are really there, or that they are really that good. I'll let you know by the time we get to Gdansk, but I already know that if I were lucky enough to be able to book a suite, I wouldn't give it up for them!

 

I'd be happy to answer any questions regarding suite layout and storage (gobs) that my memory will provide. The photos might help some.

 

Susan

[Kitycaty]

That's what we figured, too, Susan...we've got the CS booked for the entire trip, transatlantic and Baltic, because we found on our QM2 cruise which was also in May, the North Atlantic was simply too cold to use our lovely terrace and then when we arrived in the Mediterranean, we were too busy touring to use it very much at all, so we felt that the large floor to ceiling windows would definitely suffice.

 

Since you guys will be in CC, if the pillow they give me isn't comfortable, perhaps you can order an extra one, and I'll "borrow" it from you for the duration, (lol)! ;)

 

Sincerely,

Barb

[nu2sea]

Barb,

 

You can borrow our pillow any old time! :D

 

But I'll bet your butler will be able to rustle up one for you that's just as good! :)

 

:D

Susan

[Kitycaty]

P.S. - Who's the great photographer? The photos at that link are the best I've seen! I'm going to bed now, I've been up all night checking this stuff out! :p

 

Cordially,

Barb

[excitedofharpenden]

Love the pics Susan. The CS looks great.:) Which sorts if brings me to the way I feel. I really can't get stressed about what Concierge Class get that suite guests don't. I've never had a surprise with what we have got in a suite. It's always done exactly what it says on the tin and we have always enjoyed the extra space. Whether or not I get a fruit smoothy or a flower in the bathroom or a pillow menu is not going to make or break my cruise.

 

Incidentally, I have read on the boards that Celebrity are looking at aligning the benefits of the two, obviously after feedback, so that will hopefully end the matter.

 

Phil

[anca]

I copied and pasted this below regarding our Century Suite, sounds very much like the CC perks, am I missing something here?

 

Celebrity's Butler Service on Century

Celebrity's suites include European butler service, a Celebrity exclusive.

 

This service includes:

 

 

• Welcome champagne
  
• Daily fruit selection
  
• Fresh-cut flowers
  
• Daily hors d'oeuvres
  
• Menu of pillows - Conformance, Body, Goose, and Isotonic®
  
• Duvets and pillow-top mattresses
  
• Leather key holder, personalized stationery, a tote bag and umbrella
  
• Double-thick Frette bathrobes
  

 

Stateroom: 244 sq. ft.

 

Veranda: 69 sq. ft.

 

Features a floor-to-ceiling glass-paneled door, private veranda, two lower beds convertible to queen-size, sofa bed with sitting area and VCR.

 

Available on the Following Decks:

 

Please Select Penthouse Deck

 

Century Suite Indulgences

 

When you stay in Century Suite on Century you will receive these added amenities:

 

 

• 24-hour European butler service
  
• Priority check-in and departing
  
• Priority luggage delivery at boarding
  
• Welcome champagne
  
• Dining room seating preference
  
• Personalized stationery
  
• Celebrity tote bag
  
• 100% cotton oversized bath towels
  
• Complimentary use of bathrobes
  
• Private portrait sitting
  
• Opportunity to book in-suite massage
  
• Complimentary use of Thalassotherapy pool
  

[cruiseyguy]

Book for the room, not for the "amenities" (which are pretty lame).

[mikiew]

We are on 6106 on the Summit to Hawaii........in April, it appears that the lifeboats do not block any view. Thanks for the pictures. Very nice.

[cechase]

Anca, thank you for doing some research. The comments on this thread have been quite confusing to us. The gist of some of the posts seems to be that suite pax get less than the CC class pax.

 

That certainly has not been our experience in our Royal Suites on Mercury and Century. Other than the fact that our cabin is about 650 square feet, with separate bedroom, living room and dining area and a large walkin closet with a lighted vanity at the end - we have always arrived to a lovely fresh flower arrangment on the coffee table, a bottle of champagne being chilled, etc. We have our choice of pillows [which is a big thing for my DW], very thick robes, and the towels are to die over.

 

It is my impression that we get the same or more amenties than the CC class pax, including a very large veranda [with blue covered chaise lounges], with one sliding glass door on Century, and two doors on Mercury [although only one is a sliding glass door in the living room]. Our impression is that Celebrity takes great care to make the cruise for PH and RS pax memorable. On our last cruise on Century, just by chance we were able to see a printed VIP list on the maitre'd's desk outside of the dining room. It was a short one page listing, and we were on it! And the only reason for being included would be the fact that we were in a RS - we were at that time only Classic members of the Captain's Club.

[anca]

I booked for the suite and the amenities:)

I want my balcony, my pillows, flowers, fruit and anything else that will enhance my cruise (thank God hubby is willing to pay for it)

 

Whatever you are looking for in a cruise, I hope you all find it!

[Kitycaty]

Incidentally, I have read on the boards that Celebrity are looking at aligning the benefits of the two, obviously after feedback, so that will hopefully end the matter.

 

Phil

 

That is one of the purposes of this board, and others, Phil, and if it does its job, Celebrity will see the folly of what they're doing, and align the Concierge Class amenities with the Suite amenities ASAP, as does Cunard, and all other cruise lines who wish to keep their passengers returning!

 

On all other ships, the offering and advertising goes like this: Blank Class amenities PLUS bibbity, bobbity boo!

 

I'm anxious to see how this will be handled on our 3 week cruise, particularly since we booked without any knowledge of this disparity and now feel like we've been "fooled."

 

Liike you, Anca, I desire all of these things, particularly since we are past Celebrity CC pax, and have already experienced them! From what you've posted, it seems as if the Century is currently advertising both amenities for suite pax, but not on the Connie yet (I presume your listings were taken from a current catalogue or website...(?). I still feel that this is patently unfair, but, of course, you're all entitled to your various opinions, which are what makes the "cruising world go 'round" (lol)! ;)

[anca]

Yes, that description was right off our cabin number 1147, CS aft. for Century, Mediteranean Sept 12......coming very soon, I'm all packed, will let you know if all was the way it is promised (taking my laptop) I also contacted a previous cruiser via email and she explained a lot to me about her cabin 1149 and seems to be great;) ....

[Kitycaty]

Sure hope you're right, Anca as this would really make our cruise much happier... Keep us posted!!

Thanx,

Barb :D

[widget]

Interesting - listed right on the Celebrity website, the amenities for the same class of suites are different on different ships. For example, suites on Galaxy do not list some of the amenities (posted earlier) which are listed for suites on Century, such as choice of pillows and pillow-top mattresses. Not sure if this is indicative of a gradual transition occuring across all ships, or whether this is trying to "sweeten the deal" for certain ships, just like trying to differentiate the CC cabins from other balcony staterooms.

[Kitycaty]

I suspect, Widget, that if you check on the age of the ships, you'll find that they're offering the "new amenities" on their older ships, which don't book as quickly as their newest ones.

 

It would be smart marketing, and that's where it's at for these companies, but let it be known that they're not getting away with anything, 'cause we're wise! :mad:

 

Barb

[Ma Bell]

I guess it must just be fun to complain. I've been on 22 Celebrity cruises in suites, CC cabins, FV cabins and just balcony cabins. The suite amenities are nicer than any of the other cabins by far. It was very easy for me to read the Celebrity website and see what amenities are included with each level of service. I don't understand this feeling that you have been fooled.

 

I'm sure you'll enjoy your suite and your cruise unless you are so high maintenance that nothing pleases you. If there's something you really want, ask nicely and you'll probably be able to get it.

 

My experiences with Celebrity have been consistently great regardless of the level of accommodations. I really hope you enjoy your cruise.:)

[barbon2]

Hi,

Will be anxious to see how everyone makes out with their different accomodations. We have always booked a suite for the size, not for the butler or amenities. We did do the aft fv end cabin on the Infinity, and the space was wonderful. However, I just thought that it is totally ridiculous for CC class to have more amenities then the suite pax have. I have also concluded from reading these posts that it seems that certain butlers accomodate the suite pax better then others. When I first started sailing on Celebrity only the suite pax were entitled to early embarkation, etc., so amenities for suite pax were special. Today, many Captain's Club members (founders as we are and some of the top members, cc class) also get early embarkation, so many of the perks of suites are now available to just about anyone. We did an S suite on HAL and basically the main amenitiy was a concierge lounge some special parties, lunch, etc. Again, I book these cabins for the size, as most other perks are available for all pax as it should be. I know this is done to attract more pax to the various lines and for all lines to be competitive in the cruise market. Again, we are dealing with supply and demand. Celebrity is still our favorite line and we are looking forward on our cruise on the Constellation. I have no intention to change our cabin, was just wondering (and confused) in regard to the amenities.

Barbara

[nu2sea]

 

On all other ships, the offering and advertising goes like this: Blank Class amenities PLUS bibbity, bobbity boo!

 

 

I want some of that "bibbity, bobbity, boo" stuff!!!! :D :D

 

Thanks for the compliments on the photos, everyone. I took them myself as Ed tried to avoid the lens while shaking his head wondering "Why me, Lord? :rolleyes: "

 

He now admits they do bring back wonderful memories. ;)

 

Mikiew, the lifeboats are only noticeable if you walk right up to the windows and look straight down. They look, from shore, like they would be in the way, but they aren't. You will really enjoy it on the way to and while in the islands.

 

Susan

[Kitycaty]

I guess it must just be fun to complain. I've been on 22 Celebrity cruises in suites, CC cabins, FV cabins and just balcony cabins. The suite amenities are nicer than any of the other cabins by far. It was very easy for me to read the Celebrity website and see what amenities are included with each level of service. I don't understand this feeling that you have been fooled.

 

I'm sure you'll enjoy your suite and your cruise unless you are so high maintenance that nothing pleases you. If there's something you really want, ask nicely and you'll probably be able to get it.

 

 

You know, Ma Bell, perhaps you guys are such "seasoned cruisers", having "been on 22 Celebrity cruises," you can be a little cavalier about this, and no... it's no fun "to complain," particularly BEFORE you've left on a cruise, but I'm having some reservations regarding my booking, as stated previously, that in my opinion need to be addressed on this board and elsewhere!

 

However, I reserve the right to disagree with you, having been only on one Celebrity Cruise previously, and I think many on this board agree with me, and have the same feelings as I. Hey - that's what makes the world go 'round, as I stated previously!

 

...and, I always ask nicely for anything I want, and resent your implying that "I'm so high maintenance that nothing will please me." You don't even know me, and frankly, I think your comments above, and in some of your previous posts are unnecessary and mean-spirited.

 

:(

[medcoder]

Hi, Susan Nu2Sea- I had not considered that the lifeboats might block our view from our balcony. We are booked in SS 6122 on the Summit next month for 2 wk cruise of AK and W. Coast. Are there lifeboats on that deck? Didn't think so but have only see pics of the ship.

 

KityCat- I am so sorry you are feeling as if you have been fooled by X lines. I think that you will be pleased with the CS cabin from the pics that Susan sent. It is a beautiful cabin and you will enjoy your cruise tremendously I am sure. I understand the feeling of "hey, why are the CC pax getting more than I am in a suite." I have no answer for that and wonder somewhat myself since we have booked a SS for the space more than any other reason. We just don't care for the teeny tiny cabins w/just small showers in the baths. So, we always find a suite or penthouse or whatever the particular cruiseline calls their larger cabins with "full baths". It just works out well for us. I was thrilled to see a big walkin closet is in the SS. A gentleman from these boards was kind eough to send me photos of his cabin that is like ours will be. So, hopefully you end up having a great time and won't miss any of the amenities you feel you will be missing.

[gizmodog]

I have been in a sky suite, an FV, and regualr balcony cabins, and now have my first cc cabin booked to Hawaii in Feb. The sky suite amenities were wonderful, everything is done first class, the slightly larger cabin and the tub and shower are to me worth the extra money, along with the cappacino's and nicely set up breakfasts and dinners. The cc class does not get that.

Why not let them give the cc class some special perks for paying a little more, the cabin is still smaller and the bathroom leaves a little to be desired after having a larger one. Just cruising is pleasure enough for me. I am not going to worry about what the people in the cabin next to me are getting.

I understand that you feel you are paying top dollar for a suite and should get ALL the perks, but you are getting a LARGER cabin a BUTLER, and a nice comfortable BATHROOM among all of the other perks. You will be treated special, probably MORE special then the rest of the passengers and yet you are unhappy about a pillow and a couple single stemmed fresh flowers, and a breakfast menu that may offer just a little more? I guess I just don't get it!

[medcoder]

Hi, Gizmodog, Thanks for the thumbs up on the SS. We have never been on X before and I wondered what it is like. Well, after seeing the photos from the gentleman who kindly sent us some of his SS and hearing what you have to say...well, I guess I need to start packing. I have read on other threads how KityCat is upset and I can understand disappointment so will not make any judgements. But, all I can say, I can't wait and we are in a SS not a CS which looks wonderful from Susan's pics. Just great. We love to cruise and are looking forward to 2 weeks of stressfree glory! Our only concern at least mine is that 1. Delta doesn't go under before we leave 2. the weather, hurricanes, behave. We have to make it all the way from SW Florida to Vancouver. Other than that, we are ready to roll! thank you again for the great thumbs up.