Are suites worth it?

[Redking]

3 hours ago, Redtravel said:

We are elite plus. We have sailed in every category except inside.  Many years ago, my TA told me that booking a suite on a mass market ship is not a good choice. If you have the money, book on a ship that has all suites.  While we still sail occasionally on Celebrity , mostly verandas, we have moved on to other cruise lines.  

This is really interesting point. In recent times we've considering making this move only to realise that we like the 'feel' of being on a large ship. Admittedly we've not made the change to put it to the test, but for now our instinct takes us back to the ship within a ship option.

[rmalbers]

21 minutes ago, Redking said:

This is really interesting point. In recent times we've considering making this move only to realise that we like the 'feel' of being on a large ship. Admittedly we've not made the change to put it to the test, but for now our instinct takes us back to the ship within a ship option.

I can see that, there is a lot more going on with a bigger ship.  The great part is that will all the major lines having the 'ship within the ship' thing now you have it made for choices, and hopefully good deals! 

[George C]

7 minutes ago, rmalbers said:

I can see that, there is a lot more going on with a bigger ship.  The great part is that will all the major lines having the 'ship within the ship' thing now you have it made for choices, and hopefully good deals! 

What other line has a true ship within a ship other than MSc yacht club. They have all there cabins/suites in that area. Celebrity has the suites all over the ship , on my beyond cruise I have a true aft corner suite and will walk the length of the ship to get to retreat and Luminae, good thing I need the exercise 😁, but at least celebrity has similar suite perks across there fleet. Very little entertainment in retreat area, rarely see a musician play there.

[Redking]

8 minutes ago, George C said:

What other line has a true ship within a ship other than MSc yacht club. They have all there cabins/suites in that area. Celebrity has the suites all over the ship , on my beyond cruise I have a true aft corner suite and will walk the length of the ship to get to retreat and Luminae, good thing I need the exercise 😁, but at least celebrity has similar suite perks across there fleet. Very little entertainment in retreat area, rarely see a musician play there.

Disappointing to hear about the lack of entertainment in the Retreat Lounge. We've enjoyed some great entertainment in Michael's Club.

[rmalbers]

11 minutes ago, George C said:

What other line has a true ship within a ship other than MSc yacht club. They have all there cabins/suites in that area. Celebrity has the suites all over the ship , on my beyond cruise I have a true aft corner suite and will walk the length of the ship to get to retreat and Luminae, good thing I need the exercise 😁, but at least celebrity has similar suite perks across there fleet. Very little entertainment in retreat area, rarely see a musician play there.

I guess I thought: NCL - The Haven , RCL - Star Class, I think even Carnival has something on there newest ships, but anyway, it's a big trend. 

[Denny01]

I’ve Not gone Suites/Retreats yet, have one booked for our Edge TransAtlantic. Did this because I’d seen the ads and comments on CC about the E-Class. With a TA and its lots of at-sea days, it seemed this was the type of itinerary to give it a go. 

 

We don’t spend a good deal of time, except the obvious, in our SRs. We enjoy balconies and although we love to dine out, we aren’t ‘foodies’. We tried Aqua Class one time, but decided the dining experience was fine, but not enough of a step up from what we enjoy at the MDRs and a specialty restaurant tossed in a few times. So the larger spaces of a Suite and the Luminae will be fun to try, but its more the Retreat spaces of the E-class we are thinking about. We loved the 4 MDRs of the Edge/Apex, so we’ll just see. 

 

I always joked that I didn’t’ want to even consider a Suite because ‘once your seen Kansas City, you’ll never want to go home!’  Use to do the Oceanview, then went Balcony, and never went back. 

 

I did enjoy Michaels Club when it was not just for Suite guests, so that maybe a special thing on the other ships, we’ll just see how our TA in Oct goes and how much we like the Retreat experience. 

 

Den

[sakigemcam]

We think about your points every time we book and with the exception of the food, just feel it's not worth it. A verandah is non-negotiable, because how often do we get to sit over the ocean in our bathrobes just staring at the sea? Overall we spend very little time in our actual cabins and feel if we were in a Suite we would limit ourselves to the fewer Suite spaces when we enjoy so many across the ships - too many to list.

DH would probably insist we spend more time in a suite or the suite areas bc we paid for it, and would get all conflicted lol. 

If we want better cuisine we can do so on land - we love eating outdoors for breakfast and lunch at the buffet, and it's fun to mix things up with the specialties we enjoy (not all of them). 

Just make my bed, feed me,  treat me better than I'm treated at work and I'm good - and we can use the other funds for more travel or say, a nice piece of bling 😉 

Edited January 25, 2022 by sakigemcam

[Denny01]

As for the Ship within a Ship and not going ‘out’ of the Suites special section that is on NCL and MSC as I understand, I find the full Celebrity ships to be an experience I want to enjoy, not one area. I’ve seen more than a few  comments on Lines such as MSC that the posters would never book a standard SR, only a Suite because the rest of the ship and even the clientele wasn’t that desirable.

 

Not looking for an exclusive separation, just want to give it a go. Is it worth the cost of almost another cruise? And we did a small luxury line. Enjoyed it, but again, not enough to step into it exclusively.

 

All very personal….with lots of biases and suppositions….on my part! 

 

Den 

[sakigemcam]

5 hours ago, HBDave said:

I think it comes down to disposable income. For the cost of a Suite on one cruise you could go on 2 - 3 cruises in a veranda. Quality vs Quantity.

 

I had two fiends go on sperate vacations to Hawaii at the same time. The one with money, stayed at the Four Seasons and the one with less money stayed at the Best Western. When they returned the one who stayed at the Four Seasons was complaining about everything. The one who stayed at the Best Western said she had the time of her life. I guess it all comes down to expectations and your attitude. 

I love this analogy! We were just in Hawaii and spent 6 days at an Airbnb and 4 at the Four Seasons (closer to the wedding festivities). We had an incredible deal at the FS but we were barely there. Stunning hotel, amazing service, but just not worth the money (and I did want to take the bed and bedding home with us). It was a shorter walk to the ocean from our Airbnb than our FS room, although we had an ocean view at FS with a large, beautiful verandah. When we left we were frustrated we couldn't spend more time there. We'd feel the same way in the suite space - too much to do outside the suite and dedicated suite spaces. 

BTW it came to $1200 for 6 nights at Airbnb and $1600 for 3 nights at FS!

[graphicguy]

This was this past summer when I was making the same decision between a Concierge or Aqua cabin and the Retreat.

 

So, the delta between those and the Retreat was about $1,400.  But, the Retreat added $600 OBC, the upgrade to Premium Drink Package (~$225) and the Internet Streaming package upgrade (~$150)...I may be a little off on these numbers as I'm going from memory.  It ended up being a little more economical in the Retreat once you add everything else in.

 

I liked the specialty coffees and juices on the Premium Package, also.

 

Plus, you get Luminae, the private pool and pool bar, the Retreat Lounge, the Concierges, etc.

 

I actually think the prices I quoted above are low.

 

Agree with @Denny01!  The "ship within a ship" concept you experience in the NCL Haven and MSC Yacht Club (have sailed in both) are more separatist than on Celebrity.  Some like that.  Some don't.  I prefer Celebrity's approach of being more of an extra (exclusive) space and an extra level of service, as well as the top levels of drinks and food the ship offers to Retreat.

 

We didn't leave the NCL Haven much.  That was more of a feeling to stay away from the crowds, than anything else.

 

Celebrity, at least right now, doesn't have much in the way of crowds anywhere on the ship.

 

But, is it worth it to you?  Only one person can answer that question.

Edited January 25, 2022 by graphicguy

[Denny01]

11 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

This was this past summer when I was making the same decision between a Concierge or Aqua cabin and the Retreat.

 

So, the delta between those and the Retreat was about $1,400.  But, the Retreat added $600 OBC, the upgrade to Premium Drink Package (~$225) and the Internet Streaming package upgrade (~$150)...I may be a little off on these numbers as I'm going from memory.  It ended up being a little more economical in the Retreat once you add everything else in.

 

I liked the specialty coffees and juices on the Premium Package, also.

 

Plus, you get Luminae, the private pool and pool bar, the Retreat Lounge, the Concierges, etc.

 

I actually think the prices I quoted above are low.

 

Agree with @Denny01!  The "ship within a ship" concept you experience in the NCL Haven and MSC Yacht Club (have sailed in both) are more separatist than on Celebrity.  Some like that.  Some don't.  I prefer Celebrity's approach of being more of an extra (exclusive) space and an extra level of service, as well as the top levels of drinks and food the ship offers to Retreat.

 

We didn't leave the NCL Haven much.  That was more of a feeling to stay away from the crowds, than anything else.

 

Celebrity, at least right now, doesn't have much in the way of crowds anywhere on the ship.

 

But, is it worth it to you?  Only one person can answer that question.

great Info. And I agree that it’s the added items that I want to try, not the separation from.  And I was hoping that the Retreat Lounge would be a place to really enjoy meeting others and talking up cruising and so on. Kind of what we had with the Elite Happy Hrs in the Sky Observation Lounge back when. So thought that would be a very nice plus. More open to join others. 

 

We’ll see how it works.

 

den

[NCHPcruiser]

10 hours ago, Redtravel said:

We are elite plus. We have sailed in every category except inside.  Many years ago, my TA told me that booking a suite on a mass market ship is not a good choice. If you have the money, book on a ship that has all suites.  While we still sail occasionally on Celebrity , mostly verandas, we have moved on to other cruise lines.  

For us, after cruising Crystal (in a suite), we found we really missed the atmosphere and various entertainment options available on Celebrity (elite plus).    At least on Crystal, the entertainment tended to appeal to an older audience and from what friends tell us, it is very much the same on Regent and Silversea.   We like to dance, but not ballroom.    Although Crystal is no longer an option, we might have sailed with them again if we wanted a very laid back cruise but otherwise a suite on Celebrity with the many varied options available is perfect!

 

[chemmo]

Paying for a suite is probably worth it if….

 

You will enjoy a nicer cabin, bathroom and balcony.

You will enjoy a more upscale dining experience.

You will enjoy time in the suite venues (Retreat Lounge and Retreat Deck).

You like to priority board.

You do enjoy a more personal level of service.

You are travelling with older children (third adult) and would benefit from extra space.

 

Paying for a suite is probably not worth it if…

 

You spend very little time in your room.

Your cruise is far more about itinerary than the ship.

You are generally happy with the MDR and an occasional speciality visit.

You like spending time in all parts of the ship rather than at one or two specific venues.

You find boarding no issue.

You like to do things for yourself, you do not want/need a higher level of service.

 

We have changed over time…We initially cruised to see the world. Our port days were about long excursions and we were happy on sea days to simply lie poolside. Each ship was a new adventure and we would visit all venues. We could easily stand in line and see to ourselves…

 

25+ years of cruising and now the ship is frequently our destination. We spend more time in our room and on our own balcony. Our favourite evening entertainment is fine dining in nice quiet restaurants. We are at the stage in life where  standing and queuing is hard and love being able to avoid lines. We also really appreciate the butler sorting things for us.

 

We stay with Celebrity because we still love having a good sized ship to enjoy but also like having the ‘club like’ Retreat venues.

 

Definitely no right or wrong answer to this question! Many fellow guests we have spoken to over the years swap back and forward from standard rooms to suites depending on what they want from that specific cruise…A pampered crash out worth the upgrade! An interesting port heavy itinerary not worth it!

Edited January 26, 2022 by chemmo

[terrydtx]

15 hours ago, graphicguy said:

This was this past summer when I was making the same decision between a Concierge or Aqua cabin and the Retreat.

 

So, the delta between those and the Retreat was about $1,400.  But, the Retreat added $600 OBC, the upgrade to Premium Drink Package (~$225) and the Internet Streaming package upgrade (~$150)...I may be a little off on these numbers as I'm going from memory.  It ended up being a little more economical in the Retreat once you add everything else in.

We did the same on our Equinox cruise last August, having loved Aqua Class in prior cruises, we added up the extra amenities cost, like you, and there was very little difference in cost, so we booked an Aft facing SS. On our 2024 New Zealand cruise on the Edge there was only a $1200pp cost difference between an Aqua cabin and our booked Sky Suite. The larger, nicer room and having a Butler and priority boarding more than made up for the difference in cost. We now will only sail with Celebrity in Sky Suites and the Retreat going forward. We have 39 nights booked in Sky Suites on the Edge and Apex in the next 2 years. We found on Sea days we spent more time in our nice cabin and larger balcony with a suite. 

 

We are also considering the possibility of adding another one on the Edge this August in the Mediterranean if our Oceania Baltic cruise gets canceled with the possible hostilities in Russia and the Ukraine.

Edited January 26, 2022 by terrydtx

[jagoffee]

20 hours ago, Ken the cruiser said:

Sorry, for us the answer is now "not really" unless we can get a corner aft-facing sky suite with all the perks for less than $325 pp/day.

 

Why? We really have no need for a butler, hanging out in the Retreat Lounge or outside up on the Retreat Deck. But, if you like having access to those services, book your suite as early as you can as the per person prices do seem to creep up starting around 6 months after the itineraries are first posted.

 

BTW our next cruise is on the Reflection in a couple of weeks in a corner aft-facing SS cabin with all of the perks at a price of $274 pp/day, so it can be done.

 

Enjoy what is likely to be your last Celebrity experience.  $325 a person with the Indulge package in an Aft Corner Sky suite (old S1) is long gone.  Was you cruise a L&S?  We will know for sure after the market settles.  I affectionately recall being able to get a RS with the four perks for $500 a person.

[TeeRick]

Gotta love these "worth it" threads.  Simple answer for me.  Worth it to me and my DW.  Our money our preference.  No other opinion here matters to our decision. 

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

1 hour ago, jagoffee said:

Enjoy what is likely to be your last Celebrity experience.  $325 a person with the Indulge package in an Aft Corner Sky suite (old S1) is long gone.  Was you cruise a L&S?  We will know for sure after the market settles.  I affectionately recall being able to get a RS with the four perks for $500 a person.

 

Celebrity (Blue Chip Club) has been sending out offers to me for free balcony cabins on many sailings, even though I have not spent a penny in their casino in over 5 years. At any rate, I was able to upgrade my offer and managed an RS on the Reflection next month for ~$285/night/pp. I know it's nowhere near apples to apples but, from my perspective, I'll take it and run with it !!  🙂

 

Tom

[jagoffee]

15 minutes ago, Tom-n-Cheryl said:

 

Celebrity (Blue Chip Club) has been sending out offers to me for free balcony cabins on many sailings, even though I have not spent a penny in their casino in over 5 years. At any rate, I was able to upgrade my offer and managed an RS on the Reflection next month for ~$285/night/pp. I know it's nowhere near apples to apples but, from my perspective, I'll take it and run with it !!  🙂

 

Tom

So would I.

Congratulations.  Enjoy.

Edited January 26, 2022 by jagoffee

[Ken the cruiser]

1 hour ago, jagoffee said:

Enjoy what is likely to be your last Celebrity experience.  $325 a person with the Indulge package in an Aft Corner Sky suite (old S1) is long gone.  Was you cruise a L&S?  We will know for sure after the market settles.  I affectionately recall being able to get a RS with the four perks for $500 a person.

You're probably right. We were able to book a S2 on all 3 legs of our Edge B3B in August for under $325, but those were low since cruising was just starting back up. Yes, the first leg of our upcoming Reflection cruise was a L&S for $185 pp/day (discounting the suite $300 pp OBC) with the second leg purchased a few months ago at $289 pp/day (discounting the suite $400 pp OBC).

 

[uktog]

`is the suite bathroom nicer - I am not sure because unless I go for a Royal Suite I do not have the benefit of a walk in shower.  To me, the aqua bathrooms have always been nicer

[FiremedicMike151]

I have a friend who sailed in the haven on NCL and my wife and I have been wanting to try one of the higher end experiences for some time.  We settled on the retreat for our first celebrity cruise coming up in October, a quick 4 night cruise that we're using to whet our appetite for celebrity.

 

We always book balconies but have never booked a suite before (gold on carnival).  Definitely looking forward to the experience, but I honestly suspect we'll head back to normal verandas after this.  I'm not a super penny pincher, but the retreat costs on the 6+ day cruises are just obscenely priced..

 

[Pinboy]

On 1/25/2022 at 9:57 AM, CruiseRQA said:

I don't think the value added is generally worth the price but I will consider it depending on pricing.    And the stock market!

Really, only you can decide --- However , 

You say, "  I don't think the value added is generally worth the price ".

There's your answer.  So, why pay more ?

Also, If the stock market's volatility has an influence on your decision , perhaps you should forgo a suite. 

Either way, I hope you enjoy your cruise . 

 

 

 

 

[grandgeezer]

1 hour ago, Ken the cruiser said:

You're probably right. We were able to book a S2 on all 3 legs of our Edge B3B in August for under $325, but those were low since cruising was just starting back up. Yes, the first leg of our upcoming Reflection cruise was a L&S for $185 pp/day (discounting the suite $300 pp OBC) with the second leg purchased a few months ago at $289 pp/day (discounting the suite $400 pp OBC).

 

I don’t know why you would consider the obc a discount, it’s use it or lose it. It’s still money that has to be spent, not taken home. Just my take on it.

[FiremedicMike151]

7 minutes ago, grandgeezer said:

I don’t know why you would consider the obc a discount, it’s use it or lose it. It’s still money that has to be spent, not taken home. Just my take on it.

Can you play the casino trick on Celebrity?

[chemmo]

3 hours ago, TeeRick said:

Gotta love these "worth it" threads.  Simple answer for me.  Worth it to me and my DW.  Our money our preference.  No other opinion here matters to our decision. 

 

Totally agree…I do keep commenting on these threads as we are aware for some couples it is the choice of…

 

A suite experience, no more holidays this year 

vs

A still nice room and a week away still somewhere nice

vs

Two cruises in lesser accommodation but perhaps the opportunity to do a b2b…

 

….As you say just choose what your DW (and you) want…Exactly what we do!