NEW Suite Upgrades....

[39august]

Breakfast made to order in a specialty restaurant is a suite perk on RCI as well, on Radiance, Voyager and Freedom class ships and I believe Enchantment. Don't know about the Vision class ships.

Edited March 23, 2015 by 39august

[jules815]

Princess and NCL have suites dine for breakfast in their specialty restaurants which is a wonderful perk. Personalized service and anything that they can make for you they will, just ask. The food is served hot.

 

This is actually one of my favorite suite perks on RCI. We've enjoyed it on Brilliance and Liberty. In fact, on Liberty a few weeks ago (spring break cruise), I was often the only person in Chops for breakfast, and had 2-3 waiters hovering to make sure I had everything I needed.

 

We've always enjoyed breakfast in the MDR, but this is a bit nicer. I would be very disappointed if they got rid of this perk.

[Cindy]

Breakfast made to order in a specialty restaurant is a suite perk on RCI as well, on Radiance, Voyager and Freedom class ships and I believe Enchantment. Don't know about the Vision class ships.

 

 

It was NOT a perk on the Serenade, and I really missed it. There was a suite area in the dining room, but it wasn't even remotely as nice as having the gold card breakfast in Chops.

 

It was a comparison of the suite perks on the Serenade to the suite perks on the Oasis that made me realize there really needs to be some consistency throughout the fleet. The CL on Serenade was wonderful, but other than that and the suite cocktail party (which was really more of a luncheon) I thought the perks were lacking. It would be nice to know there is a minimum set of expectations that passengers can anticipate regardless of the ship.

 

Another pet peeve of mine is suite balcony furniture. I really dislike having to petition for a lounge chair when I'm in a suite, but that's what we had to do on the Navigator. Balcony furniture, like perks, should be standard across the fleet (providing the balcony can accommodate it). It shouldn't take several hours of effort to get a lounger on a suite balcony, and I might add that in my opinion said loungers shouldn't be cast-off pool furniture!:p

Edited March 23, 2015 by Cindy

[brookie848]

I forgot to ask, is the inclusion of beverage packages and dining just a current promotion or is it always included when booking a Haven suite?

 

 

The dining and beverage packages are part of the current promotion, along with $300/cabin OBC. Also included are the daily gratuities and for many sailings, friends and family sail free (passengers 3-8 in the same cabin).

 

On NCL's newest ships (Epic and newer), there is a dedicated private restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. On the older ships, one of the specialty restaurants is open to suite guests for breakfast and lunch.

 

Regarding the concierge desk, there are several members of the concierge staff available most of the waking day. They escort you to shows and depending on the port, will escort you off the ship (we got the escort off at all three of our ports on our last cruise). In addition, you have a butler (in addition to your steward) that handles things inside the cabin for you. While we don't use the butler (besides accepting the delivery of the late-afternoon snacks), it's nice to know that it is available.

 

We discovered that we are suite cruisers and I would love for RCI to offer something similar to what NCL is offering. Until they do, I can't justify spending the money for a suite even if I'm intrigued by the ships.

[critterchick]

Yes-and forgot to add:

One of the complaints here is that so many seem to not be able to have enough face to face interactions or time with the concierge if they need something. Seems NCL has one at a desk at all times in the Haven[except very late evenings and early mornings of course] for assistance to just about everything. Not during cocktail hours when the room is jam packed full. That gets a big like button from me!!

We'll see if it is as good on paper as it is the real deal!!! ;)

 

The Concierge is also on duty in the morning until 10:00 or 11:00, depending on the ship, when there are few guests in the CL (in my experience, anyway). Since there's only one, it's not reasonable to expect him or her to work from 8:00 am to 8:00pm, and RCI is likely too cheap to put extra staff to work during the day.

 

I know that on Radiance, a call from a suite was identified as such at Guest Services and answered before other calls, so perhaps that is their workaround for not having somebody on duty at all times. A friend had some plumbing issues and couldn't get through, so I brought her down to my cabin and the call was answered right away.

[mconthehighseas]

Even if a concierge is not "on duty", i.e. in the lounge, you can still call her/him and leave a message to get the service you need. And don't forget that you can email them prior to your cruise if you need something.

[Debde]

The Concierge is also on duty in the morning until 10:00 or 11:00, depending on the ship, when there are few guests in the CL (in my experience, anyway). Since there's only one, it's not reasonable to expect him or her to work from 8:00 am to 8:00pm, and RCI is likely too cheap to put extra staff to work during the day.

 

Yes. Like I said earlier. Always knew if I want a face to face to see them in the morning. It's quiet and usually hardly anyone in there. Its a zoo in the evenings at times.

I think this is where Royal really needs to re-think this whole concierge service and might just need two or more to be available at the desk always available to help. No one should be expected to work all day and night. To be able to answer e-mails, reserve dinners, escorts off the ship, help with excursions and all those other small things that arise is really a two person job at minimum IMHO. Not only are some required to handle suite guests, they also have pinnacle and diamond plus guests. Sorry, its just wrong of Royal to expect one person to handle that job. I think it should be concierge staff and not person. Then again, I'm talking from the consumer end of this and I'll bet corporate looks at things another way!:(

You probably hit the nail on the head with the cheap comment!!:)

[Camlott]

Yes-and forgot to add:

Seems NCL has one at a desk at all times in the Haven[except very late evenings and early mornings of course] for assistance to just about everything. Not during cocktail hours when the room is jam packed full. That gets a big like button from me!!

We'll see if it is as good on paper as it is the real deal!!! ;)

 

We tried an NCL suite last summer based on all the rave reviews I read here on CC. We did enjoy the suite and the amenities, however our experience definitely did not match many of the reviews and gushing I read about.

 

We loved having breakfast and lunch available in the steakhouse, but the butler was a complete bust. We met him on boarding day and he delivered the required daily snacks, but that was it. The one small request we made, he never did (asked for milk to use in the in-room espresso machine). I just got my own milk and kept it in the refrigerator.

 

The in-room espresso machine was my favorite suite perk. I ended up getting one like it when we got home!

 

We would sail in an NCL suite again, but only if the price and itinerary were right. I prefer RCI's suite perks based on our experience and hope that anything new that they introduce is not a cutback disguised as an added perk!

[Wickets]

Hopefully Royal will copy Celebrity on the suite benefits. We did cruise on Summit last fall instead of Jewel. We booked Alaska on Solstice because of Michaels and the suite dining program. We have had Brllliance booked for September, but are really thinking about what we would be giving up.

[Jasp 0401]

Have a friend who has tried many different cruise companies and only ever cruises in suites . She did like the espresso machine in NCL but hated the butler .She said she prefers RCI customer service so loves to cruise with them more. She has never had a problem with being able to talk to Concierge if she needed too.As she always goes up in the morning because in the evening the room is always full and he or she is just to busy.She also drops them notes and they have called when they have been free.

When we cruise we book all our own restaurants and tours so only talk to the concierge in passing to ask him how his day has been.

I would love them to introduce as a suite perk a better coffee machine in each suite. Also to be able to go to 1 free specialty restaurant per cruise. My friend said they need to have 1 concierge for the suite guest I Diamond and 1 for Diamond+ and Pinnacle members.Then concierges would be able to give more personal service to the ones that need it.

[suzyluvs2cruise]

Breakfast made to order in a specialty restaurant is a suite perk on RCI as well, on Radiance, Voyager and Freedom class ships and I believe Enchantment. Don't know about the Vision class ships.

 

It was NOT a perk on the Serenade, and I really missed it. There was a suite area in the dining room, but it wasn't even remotely as nice as having the gold card breakfast in Chops.

 

I'm currently on Radiance. No Gold Card breakfast in a Specialty Restaurant and no gold card area in the dining room for breakfast and/or lunch. Last year on Legend they had an area on deck 5 for Gold Card holders for both breakfast and lunch. A great perk and not hard to do.

[Jasp 0401]

I'm currently on Radiance. No Gold Card breakfast in a Specialty Restaurant and no gold card area in the dining room for breakfast and/or lunch. Last year on Legend they had an area on deck 5 for Gold Card holders for both breakfast and lunch. A great perk and not hard to do.

I agree with you it would be great perk if they could do breakfast on all their ships. On Radiance they only have it in the CL which is a lovely room but the table and chair set up is not designed for eating at.

Edited March 23, 2015 by Jasp 0401

[Sun and Fun]

I have been following this thread as we will be in an owner's suite on the Freedom of the Seas next January. Is RCI really planning on upgrading their suite perks or is this speculation or wishful thinking?

[SherriZ366]

The Concierge is also on duty in the morning until 10:00 or 11:00, depending on the ship, when there are few guests in the CL (in my experience, anyway). Since there's only one, it's not reasonable to expect him or her to work from 8:00 am to 8:00pm, and RCI is likely too cheap to put extra staff to work during the day.

 

I know that on Radiance, a call from a suite was identified as such at Guest Services and answered before other calls, so perhaps that is their workaround for not having somebody on duty at all times. A friend had some plumbing issues and couldn't get through, so I brought her down to my cabin and the call was answered right away.

Agree that morning is best if you have a special request for a concierge. I am usually in the lounge in the AM as I like the coffee machine and the lox, bagel and cream cheese on the buffet.

 

Another time (not as quiet as AM) is right after first seating begins as the lounges empty out especially for cruises that original in central FL.

[SeasTheDay12]

Even if a concierge is not "on duty", i.e. in the lounge, you can still call her/him and leave a message to get the service you need. And don't forget that you can email them prior to your cruise if you need something.

 

 

May I ask what is the email address for the suite concierge on Serenade of the Seas?

Thanks!

Debra

[Debde]

Another time (not as quiet as AM) is right after first seating begins as the lounges empty out especially for cruises that original in central FL.

 

Totally agree about early AM but just me and not directed at you SherriZ but this is a statement, used by so many that makes me shake my head. Knowing this all to be too true and one time put my key card in the door-it opened and a sardine can appeared and a passenger turned her head and said, and I quote...'too busy, come back later'.

Now after hearing that and being we can go with the flow and headed off on our merry way, I always thought, I wonder how some Royal suite guests would feel after a cruise that can easily cost way over 10K feel.:eek:

At that point, the concierge should be off duty and let the LA be in there with a captive audience to talk them into booking again!!!:p

 

I have to point out my Brilliance cruise once again because as the Concierge had happy hour upstairs in the Hollywood Odyssey-he sat at his desk on deck 10 handling requests in a quiet room and he could take care of customers properly. Still the best set up at the time with a CL the size of a large matchbook!!

 

Royal has some work to do as we all wait patiently for this announcement!!:)

[lattelady]

May I ask what is the email address for the suite concierge on Serenade of the Seas?

Thanks!

Debra

 

 

SR_Concierge@rccl.com

 

Alan was the concierge on the 2/7 sailing.

[Debde]

May I ask what is the email address for the suite concierge on Serenade of the Seas?

Thanks!

Debra

 

There is a thread and someone keeps track of all of them. This is the spreadsheet they have made with all contact information. Hope the link works for you.

 

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1hKBiGZ9Gqcp2G2owtX3RyQy7yQ0ijgxCL0nPjQKK8j4/edit?pli=1#gid=0

[lovelife]

I know that on Radiance, a call from a suite was identified as such at Guest Services and answered before other calls, so perhaps that is their workaround for not having somebody on duty at all times. A friend had some plumbing issues and couldn't get through, so I brought her down to my cabin and the call was answered right away.

 

This was not the case on my most recent Allure cruise in a full suite. My three calls to Guest Services were never answered after a couple dozen rings each. I had to go down there and get in line to ask a question!! :mad:

[TheInnocentAge]

There is a thread and someone keeps track of all of them. This is the spreadsheet they have made with all contact information. Hope the link works for you.

 

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1hKBiGZ9Gqcp2G2owtX3RyQy7yQ0ijgxCL0nPjQKK8j4/edit?pli=1#gid=0

 

Good info, thanks!

[SeasTheDay12]

There is a thread and someone keeps track of all of them. This is the spreadsheet they have made with all contact information. Hope the link works for you.

 

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1hKBiGZ9Gqcp2G2owtX3RyQy7yQ0ijgxCL0nPjQKK8j4/edit?pli=1#gid=0

 

 

Thank you for all the good info!

Debra

[SeasTheDay12]

SR_Concierge@rccl.com

 

 

 

Alan was the concierge on the 2/7 sailing.

 

 

Thanks lattelady.

Debra

[scanditaly]

I had tried to copy it, but the page was mostly protected.

 

Here is what I could get:

 

Let's say that this cruise line decided to call their suite program "Royal Suite Class".

 

"Royal Suite Class" would be broken down into 3 tier levels. Tier 3 suite guests have access to some benefits, Tier 2 guests have access to even more benefits, and Tier 1 guests have access to all benefits.

 

Below are a list of name combinations for the suite program tiers (Tier 1 | Tier 2 | Tier 3).

On the scale of 1 to 10 given below (10 being 'I like this a lot'), please let us know how much you like each of the suite program tier names.

 

I was given quite a list to choose from. Here are some examples that I just copied down: Kingdom, orchid, cayman, butler, island, cay, lotus, sky, star, sea....

 

Here's what I chose

 

You selected Lotus | Orchid | Jasmine as your favorite.

Please tell us what you like about these names.

 

I almost did not open the survey, thinking it might be spam, but I'm glad I did. Some of the other questions were related to what services I might like, and those questions were very very similar to what Celebrity offers.

[Kokomo91165]

I had tried to copy it, but the page was mostly protected.

 

Here is what I could get:

 

Let's say that this cruise line decided to call their suite program "Royal Suite Class".

 

"Royal Suite Class" would be broken down into 3 tier levels. Tier 3 suite guests have access to some benefits, Tier 2 guests have access to even more benefits, and Tier 1 guests have access to all benefits.

 

Below are a list of name combinations for the suite program tiers (Tier 1 | Tier 2 | Tier 3).

On the scale of 1 to 10 given below (10 being 'I like this a lot'), please let us know how much you like each of the suite program tier names.

 

I was given quite a list to choose from. Here are some examples that I just copied down: Kingdom, orchid, cayman, butler, island, cay, lotus, sky, star, sea....

 

Here's what I chose

 

You selected Lotus | Orchid | Jasmine as your favorite.

Please tell us what you like about these names.

 

I almost did not open the survey, thinking it might be spam, but I'm glad I did. Some of the other questions were related to what services I might like, and those questions were very very similar to what Celebrity offers.

 

I was online last night seeing if Alaska cruises had been released when I decided to check out some of the suites. I clicked through two pages where I came to what seemed like a new page listing that OS would receive 3 cruise points per night and RS 4 cruise points per night Now that page is gone!! Has anyone else seen this?

[melbur]

Received our email from the concierge onboard Grandeur. It indicates there is a private suite breakfast in Giovanni's now, which was not the case last time we were on there. That's a nice addition to the program.