First Suite experience recap

[Andy C]

22 hours ago, cindivan said:

I will not enter into a debate of who deserves to be where.     But it does affect my cruise planning. If we do a suite on RC in low season it will be with some trepidation. We will most likely never make pinnacle, and we feel suite privileges are diluted when there are a lot of pinnacles sailing.  Not saying it’s right or wrong, just our observation. We always get the drink package so it’s not about free drinks or even the suite lounge.  It’s more about CK and suite/pinnacle deck areas. 

 

Soon on to be empty nesters we will be doing more cruises with Celebrity and other lines  where suite guests rarely compete with non-suite guests for “suite privileges.”  

 

As a suite guest on Celebrity you will not have to compete for suite privileges with non suite paying guests like on Royal.  You will also never see a Zenith wearing a little gold lapel pin because it does not exist on Celebrity.  

[George C]

2 minutes ago, Andy C said:

 

As a suite guest on Celebrity you will not have to compete for suite privileges with non suite paying guests like on Royal.  You will also never see a Zenith wearing a little gold lapel pin because it does not exist on Celebrity.  

I done 7 full suites on rccl and basically perfer rccl but suite perfer so much better on celebrity suite lounge is open from early morning to about midnight with free drinks all day , great service, never saw there suite lounge crowded , food in there suite is wat better than CK. And all there ships have a suite restaurant.

[Mikew0805]

On 5/20/2019 at 6:44 PM, John&LaLa said:

 

I'm probably oversensitive 😉

But speaking in near absolutes is rarely a good idea.

 

FWIW, choosing an inside to save money really isnt that big a savings once you hit Diamond. The balcony discount often brings the two on par. Especially on a ship with Neighborhood balconies 

I don't get all of this bickering. If Royal says Pinnacle is allowed in the SL.. then there is nothing more to be said. Maybe... one could buy their own cruise line and make the rules.

 

On that list of things I saw earlier:

 

Most live within driving

Most eat every meal in CK

Most stay inside cabins

Most got there via extra points from old system

Most dont spend money onboard

 

First I do not get the "old system" thing. When they recalculated mine, and I had a mix of cruises 4-15 nights, the new total was exactly the number of days I had spent on board.

 

People sure are judgmental. So one should have to feel bad because they live close, or because they choose an inside cabin... or better yet.. because they don't buy a bunch of crap on board that they do not need? I sail in insides all the time, because I want to. Actually, there are two sailings coming up that the casino gave me an upgrade to a balcony for no charge, and I am already thinking that I am going to be annoyed. (I hope not) When you don't go to bed until 2-3am, it's really nice sleeping in, in a cold dark room.

 

I will likely never stay in a suite, I do not need all that room, and I cannot see why I should spend $1000's more for something I do not even want. I will likely never be Pinnacle either. Looks like I will be just shy of 300 points come the end of next year, if my booking patterns continue. IF.. big IF.. I ever do become Pinnacle, I will certainly not be concerned with what others think I should not be entitled to... because if the owner of the ship says I am entitled to something, well... the end. 

[Lady Hudson]

22 hours ago, John&LaLa said:

 

Semantics. 

 

We also spend money on jewelry 💎, specialty dining, excursions, airfare ✈️ , and even alcohol.  I just prefer to buy it ala carte. 🍺

 

Those type of comments are mainly there as jabs, painting a very broad, unflattering picture of a a group.

 

In my opinion.

We, as APs, (almost Pinnacle — need 23 points) spend quite a lot as well.  We purchase specialty dining, Internet plan, and the biggie — lose lots in the casino.  So even though we are not in a suite we still spend quite a bit onboard.  It all evens out.  Sure some may only pay gratuities and purchase nothing else but I do not think that is the norm. Katherine

Edited May 22, 2019 by Lady Hudson

[yogimax]

1 hour ago, Merion_Mom said:

 

Concierge Lounge

Jewel

Radiance

Brilliance

Serenade

Vision

Grandeur

Rhapsody

Enchantment 

 

13 Concierge Lounges

Looks like 8 of the 13 are on the smallest ships in the fleet where there are fewer suites.  What do you think the trend is as only larger ships are being built?  It's obvious that RCCL is marketing to suite guests and ignoring the loyalty of D+

[John&LaLa]

7 minutes ago, yogimax said:

Looks like 8 of the 13 are on the smallest ships in the fleet where there are fewer suites.  What do you think the trend is as only larger ships are being built?  It's obvious that RCCL is marketing to suite guests and ignoring the loyalty of D+

 

You could always start a crusade to boot the Diamonds out of the Diamond Club

[tvo7]

13 hours ago, CasinoCruzGirl said:

I plan on tipping every time we get room service in our CL

How much should you tip for room service in a suite?  One dollar an entree? 

[John&LaLa]

13 minutes ago, tvo7 said:

How much should you tip for room service in a suite?  One dollar an entree? 

 

$5 per cart seems fair

Tip again if they come pick it all up

Edited May 22, 2019 by John&LaLa

[Snowbird_in_training]

1 hour ago, Andy C said:

 

Glad you understand now and thank you for sharing your experience.  I think many will find it invaluable.

I really understood the basics of the whole experience from reading your reviews.  Very educational.  

 

As I expected when I hit the submit button, I was criticized by some for simply expressing how I saw things.  It’s okay, hopefully they feel better about themselves.  

 

It’s always nice, “in my opinion”, to have several points of view. 

[John&LaLa]

1 hour ago, Snowbird_in_training said:

I really understood the basics of the whole experience from reading your reviews.  Very educational.  

 

As I expected when I hit the submit button, I was criticized by some for simply expressing how I saw things.  It’s okay, hopefully they feel better about themselves.  

 

It’s always nice, “in my opinion”, to have several points of view. 

 

You likely expected it because you demeaned an entire group of passengers. 😿

 

In my opinion 😉

Edited May 22, 2019 by John&LaLa

[crochetcruise]

19 hours ago, John&LaLa said:

 

Poached eggs with farro

 

 

Grilled chicken w/gouda and hot fries

 

 

Scallops appetizer 

 

 

Extra lobster tails. Tiny, but well prepared

 

 

Lobster martini salad

 

 

Pasta Carbonara 

 

 

Chocolate mouse in florentine basket

 

 

Grilled prawns

 

 

Scallops and risotto 

 

 

Egg white omelets 

 

 

Serrano ham wrapped dates

 

 

Margherita flatbread

 

 

Shrimp and spinach salad

 

 

Adult refreshments at lunch

 

 

Banana split

 

 

Anniversary cake

 

 

Grilled cauliflower steak

 

 

Lamb chops, they were good, trust me. 😉

 

 

Now I'm hungry

 

You're making ME hungry! Several plates I could easily devour-correction, happily consume, there!

[Snowbird_in_training]

7 hours ago, John&LaLa said:

 

You likely expected it because you demeaned an entire group of passengers. 😿

 

In my opinion 😉

Let’s you and I just agree to disagree. What I posted is what I experienced on one cruise.    

 

For some reason, I rub you the wrong way.

 

  This isn’t an easy place to post in the first place, and likely I won’t again.   

 

Happy Cruising everyone! 

 

 

[Andy C]

25 minutes ago, Snowbird_in_training said:

Let’s you and I just agree to disagree. What I posted is what I experienced on one cruise.    

 

For some reason, I rub you the wrong way.

 

  This isn’t an easy place to post in the first place, and likely I won’t again.   

 

Happy Cruising everyone! 

 

 

 

Sorry for the HARASSMENT you have experienced on this thread by several posters.  Stick around.  Many people have altered their travel plans because of what I have reported on these boards.  If you can help someone avoid what you experienced on your trip it will all be worth it.  We all work hard for our vacation dollars to then end up wasting them on Royal Suite Class when you can't even enjoy the advertised benefits because you are competing with NSPPs.  

 

Those who disagree with you are the beneficiaries of this boondoggle.  I look forward to hearing more about your future cruises. 

 

#welcometothecrusade!

 

 

Edited May 22, 2019 by Andy C

[Lionesss]

11 hours ago, ladysail2 said:

I have already for my cruise that’s 8 months away.  

 

  

 

How were you able to make reservations so far out?

 

Thank you ahead of time.

[Mikew0805]

47 minutes ago, Andy C said:

 

Sorry for the HARASSMENT you have experienced on this thread by several posters.  Stick around.  Many people have altered their travel plans because of what I have reported on these boards.  If you can help someone avoid what you experienced on your trip it will all be worth it.  We all work hard for our vacation dollars to then end up wasting them on Royal Suite Class when you can't even enjoy the advertised benefits because you are competing with NSPPs.  

 

Those who disagree with you are the beneficiaries of this boondoggle.  I look forward to hearing more about your future cruises. 

 

#welcometothecrusade!

 

 

I disagree - I am not benefitting in any way, and likely never will?

 

What exactly does NSPPs stand for. I know who you are referring to; Non suite Pinnacles.. I just do not know what the extra P is for?

[John&LaLa]

5 minutes ago, Mikew0805 said:

I disagree - I am not benefitting in any way, and likely never will?

 

What exactly does NSPPs stand for. I know who you are referring to; Non suite Pinnacles.. I just do not know what the extra P is for?

 

Paying

 

It's just a dig to diminish them

[Mikew0805]

6 minutes ago, John&LaLa said:

 

Paying

 

It's just a dig to diminish them

So the extra P is pointless. I think all would assume if one is not in a suite, they are not paying for one? Actually the whole thing is pointless really. 

[ladysail2]

1 hour ago, Lionesss said:

How were you able to make reservations so far out?

 

Thank you ahead of time.

The Dining options were available in my Cruise Planner, so I went ahead and reserved some dining options.  Nothing else was available at this time.

[ladysail2]

Here’s something interesting.....benefit #20 of the Crown and Anchor Society Member Benefits..........”Pinnacle Members are entitled to exclusive privileges. Access to the Suite Lounge is limited to Pinnacle Club Members and Suite Guests Only”

 

Those of you who don’t like the Pinns in the SL, take it up with Management, don’t take it out on the Pinns. They have as much right to be in there as you do...whether you like it or not. By showing your dislike for NSPP in the SL, you’re showing how shallow, undignified, and distasteful you, as a person, are.  

[NewfieGuy1972]

Yet another thread that has gone off the rails!

[davekathy]

14 hours ago, Andy C said:

 

As a suite guest on Celebrity you will not have to compete for suite privileges with non suite paying guests like on Royal.  You will also never see a Zenith wearing a little gold lapel pin because it does not exist on Celebrity.  

 Michael's Club is for both Suite guests and Zenith members. 

Edited May 22, 2019 by davekathy

[davekathy]

14 hours ago, Merion_Mom said:

 

Let's see how that works out.

 

Suite Lounge

 

Oasis

Allure

Harmony

Symphony

Liberty

Independence

Adventure

Mariner

Navigator

 

 

Concierge Lounge

 

Quantum

Anthem

Ovation

Voyager

Explorer

Jewel

Radiance

Brilliance

Serenade

Vision

Grandeur

Rhapsody

Enchantment

 

(Majesty & Empress have no dedicated lounges of any kind)  )(Spectrum is sui generis)

 

9 Suite Lounges -------- 13 Concierge Lounges

Currently no SL on the Freedom. CL and DL. 

[SilkySal]

13 hours ago, John&LaLa said:

 

You could always start a crusade to boot the Diamonds out of the Diamond Club

Feeling a bit feisty there, aren't ya?😏 On another note, after looking at the foody shots, I am seriously considering upgrading our balcony on Rhapsody next February to a suite just so we can experience CK! Heck, it's my birthday, so I'm sure DH will be ok with it!🙄 

Probably not!😞

 

[George C]

Rhapsody is one of the many rccl ships without a CK

[John&LaLa]

7 minutes ago, SilkySal said:

Feeling a bit feisty there, aren't ya?😏 On another note, after looking at the foody shots, I am seriously considering upgrading our balcony on Rhapsody next February to a suite just so we can experience CK! Heck, it's my birthday, so I'm sure DH will be ok with it!🙄 

Probably not!😞

 

 

Sorry, Rhapsody doesn't have CK

 

My Diamond comment was tongue in cheek. 😉