Upper Suite Benefits

[Guest 4-2-N-8]

I just want to once put in a pair of socks for laundry.

[danceswithphones]

Just off the Beyond. Enjoyed our Edge Villa. Butler walked us to our specialty dining each evening. I spent a good bit of time in the 'plunge pool' each evening. We were escorted directly to our suite upon arriving at 11:00. Got our PJ's! 

[Guest 4-2-N-8]

4 hours ago, danceswithphones said:

Just off the Beyond. Enjoyed our Edge Villa. Butler walked us to our specialty dining each evening. I spent a good bit of time in the 'plunge pool' each evening. We were escorted directly to our suite upon arriving at 11:00. Got our PJ's! 

I will insist on robes over PJs until they come through (or I'll hunt them down on my sea days). 😅

 

Good Intel, Dances. Thank you.

 

Questions, if I may:

 

1. Was it so busy (or chaotic) on board that escort is needed?

 

2. How was retreat sundeck/pool/bar seating availability on sea days?

 

3. Is access to Retreat lounge directly (or near directly) available from the EV, as is the Retreat sundeck?

 

4. Can plunge pool maintain water temp well? I understand it is not heated, but rather water temp regulated only by temp of water as it comes from tap.

 

I've got two Beyond EV staterooms on upcoming trips (7-night Caribbean in January and an 11-night Mediterranean in August). Expectation is warm weather enough to use the balcony.

 

Appreciate your time.

Edited November 15, 2022 by 4-2-N-8

[love2crews.]

Are there any perks for inside access behind the scenes tours?  Or do we need to sign up for those through the cruise planner?

[danceswithphones]

4-2-N-8  

 

1. Escort was not needed. However, he spoke to the person at the entrance and we magically got prime seating.

 

2. Usual chair hogs on Retreat Sundeck. Pool and bar not crowded at all. Edge Villa served as its own sundeck. 

 

3. There a Crew Only door right by the entrance to 15106. It was key access but never really shut. We used it. 

 

4. Plunge pool had a control panel for temp, bubbles, mood lighting. I damn near lived in it.

 

 

[Guest 4-2-N-8]

8 minutes ago, danceswithphones said:

4-2-N-8  

 

1. Escort was not needed. However, he spoke to the person at the entrance and we magically got prime seating.

 

2. Usual chair hogs on Retreat Sundeck. Pool and bar not crowded at all. Edge Villa served as its own sundeck. 

 

3. There a Crew Only door right by the entrance to 15106. It was key access but never really shut. We used it. 

 

4. Plunge pool had a control panel for temp, bubbles, mood lighting. I damn near lived in it.

 

 

Beautiful!

 

Looking forward to it. Access to the lounge for quick drink runs will be awesome. 

 

TY.

[danceswithphones]

1 hour ago, 4-2-N-8 said:

Looking forward to it.

This is the patio in front of the door to 15106 on Deck 16. Door is a bit heavy but after all, it is a sea door. Leads to the master bath and bedroom. Not much in the way of this on the port side. The four on starboard have the patio/porch. 

 

[Guest 4-2-N-8]

15 minutes ago, danceswithphones said:

This is the patio in front of the door to 15106 on Deck 16. Door is a bit heavy but after all, it is a sea door. Leads to the master bath and bedroom. Not much in the way of this on the port side. The four on starboard have the patio/porch. 

 

I'm doing one EV port side and on following cruise starboard side.

[canderson]

On 11/10/2022 at 6:33 PM, SusieAV8R said:

 

... and our 11 night cruise on Constellation in November 2021, both in PH, were fabulous, with outstanding service from the Luminae Maitre' D' to our Butler and Suite Attendant (Both cruises were well below 50% capacity).

We were just ahead of you in November 2021 on Constellation for the restart cruises, and they were without question our best Celebrity cruises ever.  Were you in the starboard or port PH?

[SusieAV8R]

3 minutes ago, canderson said:

We were just ahead of you in November 2021 on Constellation for the restart cruises, and they were without question our best Celebrity cruises ever.  Were you in the starboard or port PH?

 

3 minutes ago, canderson said:

We were just ahead of you in November 2021 on Constellation for the restart cruises, and they were without question our best Celebrity cruises ever.  Were you in the starboard or port PH?

Cool!  We were on Starboard (6148). It was such a great cruise, we booked another 50+ days in the PH.  Last booked cruise is April 2024.  (Really think reduced capacity had a lot to do with DH and I enjoying those 2021 cruises so much.)

 

3 minutes ago, canderson said:

We were just ahead of you in November 2021 on Constellation for the restart cruises, and they were without question our best Celebrity cruises ever.  Were you in the starboard or port PH?

 

[George C]

We were on edge second cruise in July 2021 in penthouse only half full but suites were full , then did royal suite on summit in February, looking forward to beyond but sky suite will be strange but it has a great balcony, corner aft.

[Laurab23]

On 11/14/2022 at 2:36 AM, sbcs5390 said:

Dry cleaning, pressing, and laundry are included.  Regular laundered items come back pressed and neatly hung on a hanger - usually you find your butler has hung them in the closet for you while you were out. And your “smalls” left in a Celebrity pouch on your bed. You can state preference for water temp / drying. 

You really request water and drying temp? So no shrinkage? They must do them in seperate washers and dryers from the masses. Never knew this. Could change my packing next year in a PH.

 

Laura

[Guest 4-2-N-8]

5 minutes ago, Laurab23 said:

You really request water and drying temp? So no shrinkage? They must do them in seperate washers and dryers from the masses. Never knew this. Could change my packing next year in a PH.

 

Laura

I'm bringing my extended family laundry to my Mediterranean cruise to get it all done on the ship.

 

Then again, I'll need to pay for extra luggage to carry all that laundry. Well, then there's the extra baggage fee on the flight. hmmm.

 

What the heck, I'm doing it! 😅

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

21 minutes ago, 4-2-N-8 said:

I'm bringing my extended family laundry to my Mediterranean cruise to get it all done on the ship.

 

Then again, I'll need to pay for extra luggage to carry all that laundry. Well, then there's the extra baggage fee on the flight. hmmm.

 

What the heck, I'm doing it! 😅

 

Just charter a flight - no extra charges then.  😉

 

Tom

[Guest 4-2-N-8]

14 minutes ago, Tom-n-Cheryl said:

 

Just charter a flight - no extra charges then.  😉

 

Tom

Good call. I'm taking then my neighbor's laundry, too!

[banjineer]

Just off the Reflection in a Royal Suite:

 

- no PJs or robes to take with us

- Butler had 13 suites but still provided good service

   (and 18 suites on the next cruise due to a less than full staff of Butlers)

- Free gelato (staff had a list of cabins that weren't charged)

- Invitation to the bridge to watch a port departure one evening with champagne - fun to see once but

    not very exciting and probably wouldn't do it again.

- Had laundry done 3 times with no charge.   Shirts, t-shirts, and pants all hung on hangars

 

[Laurab23]

1 hour ago, banjineer said:

Just off the Reflection in a Royal Suite:

 

- no PJs or robes to take with us

- Butler had 13 suites but still provided good service

   (and 18 suites on the next cruise due to a less than full staff of Butlers)

- Free gelato (staff had a list of cabins that weren't charged)

- Invitation to the bridge to watch a port departure one evening with champagne - fun to see once but

    not very exciting and probably wouldn't do it again.

- Had laundry done 3 times with no charge.   Shirts, t-shirts, and pants all hung on hangars

 

For your laundry could you choose water and dryer temp? 

 

Laura

[sbcs5390]

7 hours ago, Laurab23 said:

You really request water and drying temp? So no shrinkage? They must do them in seperate washers and dryers from the masses. Never knew this. Could change my packing next year in a PH.

 

Laura

I think on one load I forgot to write it in and didn't notice any shrinkage. But yes, was told you can do that and I did write it in and think butler confirmed it or was standing with me when I filled out the ticket once (of course he also said he could do that for me). I usually do warm wash and cool(er) dry at home and that's along the lines of what I wrote in. 

[Laurab23]

Just now, sbcs5390 said:

I think on one load I forgot to write it in and didn't notice any shrinkage. But yes, was told you can do that and I did write it in and think butler confirmed it or was standing with me when I filled out the ticket once (of course he also said he could do that for me). I usually do warm wash and cool(er) dry at home and that's along the lines of what I wrote in. 

Thank you!

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

11 hours ago, banjineer said:

...

- Butler had 13 suites but still provided good service

   (and 18 suites on the next cruise due to a less than full staff of Butlers)

...

 

 

Darn, that's the wrong direction they're going in. No matter, come Sunday we'll jump onboard and have a great time. Any idea if that reduction in butler staff was owing to some of them opting out of work this week due to the nature of the current sailing?

 

Thanks for the update!

 

Tom

[canderson]

14 hours ago, banjineer said:

Just off the Reflection in a Royal Suite:

 

- no PJs or robes to take with us

- Butler had 13 suites but still provided good service

   (and 18 suites on the next cruise due to a less than full staff of Butlers)

- Free gelato (staff had a list of cabins that weren't charged)

- Invitation to the bridge to watch a port departure one evening with champagne - fun to see once but

    not very exciting and probably wouldn't do it again.

- Had laundry done 3 times with no charge.   Shirts, t-shirts, and pants all hung on hangars

 

Hello, next door neighbor!

 

Yes, Dina handled our few requests very well, but we did not ask for much.  Did you know that the waiter Vincent down in Luminae was her husband?  The 'family' took good care of us!

 

I got a chuckle out of all of my t-shirts being returned on hangers!  That was a first.  On prior cruises, they came back as the expected wash-and-fold.

 

At least there won't be much laundry for the butler's to deal with on this current cruise! 😲

 

Edited November 17, 2022 by canderson
typoz

[bartnath]

On 11/13/2022 at 7:06 PM, Relaxinginthesun said:

  
Have sailed in RS several times and Star Class on RCCL and have never been denied date and time of a dinner request including changes made the same day. Only exception was Chefs Table on RCCL. But they only do that a couple of times each cruise. Also, the Shore Concierge will contact you directly 7-10 days before the cruise and you can make reservations through them. Also they will take your preferences for the mini-bar, bar set up, pillow preferences, etc.   
 

FYI. You will love Eden.  You will also really enjoy the RS. The bathroom is  amazing. DW and I  recently sailed on Apex. PM me is you would like some actual pics of the RS or have any question. 

 

Thanks very much to you and everyone else for the info! I'm hoping my TA has his tour videos up soon, but I may reach out if I get too anxious to see some views 😄

[banjineer]

22 hours ago, canderson said:

Hello, next door neighbor!

 

Yes, Dina handled our few requests very well, but we did not ask for much.  Did you know that the waiter Vincent down in Luminae was her husband?  The 'family' took good care of us!

 

I got a chuckle out of all of my t-shirts being returned on hangers!  That was a first.  On prior cruises, they came back as the expected wash-and-fold.

 

At least there won't be much laundry for the butler's to deal with on this current cruise! 😲

 

Hi to you!   We didn't know about the Dina/Vincent connection.   We had Jean in Luminae and he was very good.   Although we didn't eat much in Luminae because the food delivery was so slow.  Hoping it was better later in the cruise but we didn't go back.   We really enjoyed the Lawn Club and had several dinners there. 

[Guest 4-2-N-8]

On 11/10/2022 at 2:40 PM, prmssk said:

So after following this thread so closely, now that we are on our way back to Tampa as our cruise comes to an end, I thought I would share my experience.  We are in the penthouse on the Constellation.  This was our first upper suite and quite a splurge for us (as it probably is for most).  The room blew us out of the water.  I'm not sure you can beat the deck of the penthouse on an M class ship.  Our embarkation day was also truly amazing.  All I had to do was mention penthouse, and they were escorting us around all the lines of people and to the head of the security line, which was a huge benefit as the coast guard inspection really delayed boarding (this was Tampa's return to the US from Europe).  Upon boarding, we were escorted by Concierge Kaya to our room and then to Luminae for lunch.  Luminae staff have been amazing.

 

And before I go on to the issues we had, we truly had an amazing cruise and I'm glad we did it.  But I'm really disappointed in our butler and even the concierge.  Our port changed from Belize to Costa Maya and with the change from a tender port to a docked port, I wanted to be able to watch sail away and so immediately upon boarding asked the concierge to change our Tuscan Grill reservation.  We were told there was not any availability until much later than we wanted to eat.

 

Our butler didn't check in with us until late afternoon on embarkation day and when he did, he was clearly in a hurry and more concerned with making sure we understood that any room service we ordered would arrive cold.  He also told us he had just boarded that day but that he had previously been a Butler on the Eclipse.  We handed him a sheet of our requests as he ran out which included basic things like a fruit bowl, limes, and afternoon snack preferences,  He clearly didn't even read the sheet until at least day 3 (and it was a five day cruise).  We had to follow up several times on the things that mattered to us and some things never got fulfilled.  Fairly early on the Retreat Manager did stop in.  She caught us off guard so we weren't ready to respond but we did hesitate and mention a number of requests that hadn't been fulfilled like the fruit bowl.  She managed to send someone else up with a fruit bowl but never checked in again and honestly we didn't want to spend more of our vacation chasing down requests.

 

We got way too many treats in the room yesterday but absolutely nothing any of the other days.

 

We asked if we could get robes to take home and when we followed up yesterday, our Butler's response was, "didn't I tell you that was approved?" and then he looked to our room steward and said it was his area.  He said if we don't get packaged robes, we should just take the ones we have been using.  Packaged robes have not arrived yet and we have already done most of our packing.

 

Maybe my expectations were too high after reading others' experiences but I didn't expect to have to continuously be following up on things.  I'm still really glad we did this.  The Scarlet Lady did a full turn just off our balcony yesterday morning which was absolutely magnificent to watch.  And we docked right the Infinity in Cozumel who arrived after us and left before us.  So we truly had some memorably experiences in this suite.  But I don't think I would book an upper suite again for the amenities after this experience.

Trying out Celebrity in 2023 to see how it stacks up against others.

 

I've got two trips in 2023, both in Beyond EVs. One in Caribbean the other in Mediterranean. No need to be toted around the ship. That seems ostentatious. Or, is there so much chaos on Celebrity ships that a guide is essential?

 

I just want a decent balcony room within close proximity to the pool and a bar, which the EVs appear best to that end.

 

Luminae, based upon what I have read in many threads from this site, seems to be throttled often by the Sky/Celebrity suite crowd. As I understand it, those class of staterooms do not include dining elsewhere?

 

I've booked specialty dining every night to avoid what sounds like Luminae chaos and a limited menu. Planning specialties also for lunches.

 

Might try Luminae for breakfast since it is in close proximity to my rooms.

 

Having said all this, I'm willing to consume an entire sea day hunting down a pair of (by all accounts) "must have" robes. What in the heck are these made of that people will chide staff to get their hands on them?

 

The simple things...😀

Edited November 19, 2022 by 4-2-N-8

[C-Dragons]

17 minutes ago, 4-2-N-8 said:

Trying out Celebrity in 2023 to see how it stacks up against others.

 

I've got two trips in 2023, both in Beyond EVs. One in Caribbean the other in Mediterranean. No need to be toted around the ship. That seems ostentatious. Or, is there so much chaos on Celebrity ships that a guide is essential?

 

When sailing in Suites we have never been escorted to a dining venue on any cruise. Although occasionally we have seen others, dressed to the nines, being escorted by their butlers. Apparently they wished to be noticed. Different strokes for different folks.

 

Having said all this, I'm willing to consume an entire sea day hunting down a pair of (by all accounts) "must have" robes. What in the heck are these made of that people will chide staff to get their hands on them?

 

 The robes are not too hard, just look in your stateroom closet.  😉
Years ago on the first cruise that X introduced the robes we liked them so much we asked if we could purchase a pair (new of course). They said yes, we used our on board credit, and still use them today. They are made by a French company of good quality material. Yes, the simple things.🍷

 

The simple things...😀