Anyone in a Sky Suite thinking to go down a level?

[jean87510]

27 minutes ago, DaKahuna said:

 

 I was late booking this cruise and there were only two cabin choices available - Aqua Sky Suite or Penthouse and I choked on the price of the Penthouse.  There were less expensive sailings but they did not fit our schedule.  

 

 This is the first time since 2009 that I have not had at least one Celebrity and one Royal Caribbean cruise scheduled.  Whether we sail Celebrity again will depend on my DW but if we do it will most likely be Aqua or Concierge, I am pretty sure that, unless price concessions occur to make Celebrity more price competitive, we will not be in a quite.  I'll know more after our MSC YC sailing in February.

 

We felt the same.  We moved a sailing and downgraded to a veranda from a Reflection sky suite rather than lose the deposit.  Took a $200 penalty but saved thousands.  The rep tried talking me into AQ or Concierge for a 3 day cruise and I declined.  I am one of the few people who does not like Blu at all and it just is not worth the extra money.  Unless Celebrity lowers their prices for the Retreat or suites, we will sail in insides, OV or gty balconies.  I love Celebrity and it is my favorite cruise line but I will not pay those prices.  

[RichYak]

34 minutes ago, DaKahuna said:

I was late booking this cruise and there were only two cabin choices available - Aqua Sky Suite or Penthouse and I choked on the price of the Penthouse.  There were less expensive sailings but they did not fit our schedule.  

I would keep checking. Cabins always come and go. Once I decided to book that cruise, it took me about a week of checking X's website a few times a day before a suitable veranda cabin became available. After I was booked, I kept checking for occasional Sky Suites that became available--way too expensive, over $1500pd around $20k total. It wasn't until right after final payment that SS prices dropped to reality.

[zitsky]

If Blu offered lunch I think it would be even better.  But then it would be similar to Luminae.

[buncosquad]

51 minutes ago, DaKahuna said:

 

 I was late booking this cruise and there were only two cabin choices available - Aqua Sky Suite or Penthouse and I choked on the price of the Penthouse.  There were less expensive sailings but they did not fit our schedule.  

 

 This is the first time since 2009 that I have not had at least one Celebrity and one Royal Caribbean cruise scheduled.  Whether we sail Celebrity again will depend on my DW but if we do it will most likely be Aqua or Concierge, I am pretty sure that, unless price concessions occur to make Celebrity more price competitive, we will not be in a quite.  I'll know more after our MSC YC sailing in February.

 

What did the PH go for?

 

I'm on an 11-night Southern Caribbean/Half Panama Canal transit where the PH (both still available) are going for $21k or so per person. So $42k all in for two, which is just under $4k night.

 

That is a hotel room, transportation, all dining, drinks, and entertainment. And in a real suite.

 

IMO, they know their demographic. I think it's a fair price for what you get. Not everyone can afford it, or is willing to pay it. I get that. But, not everyone can afford a McLaren, or will pay it. 

 

I've also got a 20-night southbound Tatitian Treasures booked, and for that the price per night is markedly less. I think maybe fewer takers because it requires about a month to do that itinerary, coming and going all in.

[DaKahuna]

29 minutes ago, RichYak said:

I would keep checking. Cabins always come and go. Once I decided to book that cruise, it took me about a week of checking X's website a few times a day before a suitable veranda cabin became available. After I was booked, I kept checking for occasional Sky Suites that became available--way too expensive, over $1500pd around $20k total. It wasn't until right after final payment that SS prices dropped to reality.

 

 i have continued to check the prices for our cruise and every time I have see a Sky Suite come available it has been the same price or more as ours.  Last Penthouse I saw was $20K pp;.  I will continue to keep checking as we are still over a month away from our final payment date. 

 

Edited December 4, 2023 by DaKahuna

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

2 hours ago, Team Stag said:

VV installed a new CEO in September (when the previous one retired).  In some of his early interviews, he shared his focus will be transitioning from launching a new cruise line to profitability.  Since then, I have also seen a reduction of discounts and booking promotions.  I'm guessing some more changes are headed down the line for VV.

 

2 hours ago, Tom-n-Cheryl said:

 

That wasn't a very long tenure - probably had a nice retirement package/incentive !

 

"Profitability"... we all know what that means !  😉

 

Tom

 

Funny - just read an article on CNN regarding Virgin Galactic (how Branson indicated he's not putting any more of his money into the company) which included the following quote:

 

Branson was quoted in an article posted by the Financial Times on Sunday as saying that his investment company — Virgin Group — hasn’t been in the best financial shape because of the pandemic.

-----

 

Branson was originally also involved with (what is now Brightline) a few years ago, and ended up pulling out. (NEWS)

 

But wait, there's more, he was also going to build a Hyperloop test facility in WV - which also ended up being pie-in-the sky.

 

Perhaps his eyes are too big for his stomach, or wallet...

 

Tom

[raineyo]

We recently downgraded ourselves.  

[RichYak]

3 hours ago, DaKahuna said:

 i have continued to check the prices for our cruise and every time I have see a Sky Suite come available it has been the same price or more as ours. 

Sorry, my earlier comment wasn't clear. I doubt SS fares will come down until after final pmt.

 

I meant for you to keep checking for a regular veranda cabin to open up so you can downgrade. This way, if SS fares go down after final payment like my sailing, you can upgrade back for the lower price. Of course, you would need to be committed to sailing in a regular veranda cabin in case things don't go as I described. For me it's worth the risk instead of being locked in at $20k for a sky suite.

[DaKahuna]

53 minutes ago, RichYak said:

Sorry, my earlier comment wasn't clear. I doubt SS fares will come down until after final pmt.

 

I meant for you to keep checking for a regular veranda cabin to open up so you can downgrade. This way, if SS fares go down after final payment like my sailing, you can upgrade back for the lower price. Of course, you would need to be committed to sailing in a regular veranda cabin in case things don't go as I described. For me it's worth the risk instead of being locked in at $20k for a sky suite.

 

Downgrading is not an option at the present time.  My DW had me promise a few years ago that when we sailed Celebrity she would be eating in Luminae (have the same promise for Oasis/Quantum Class and Coastal Kitchen).  My plan is  - Use the Millennium cruise to see if I can convince her to go back to Aqua or Concierge.  Otherwise, I believe our days on Celebrity are over for the immediate future. Who knows, I may win the PowerBall / Mega Millions and change my mind. 

 

[goofysmom99]

I priced a range cabins at base fare for two on the 2024 Silhouette 13-night TA out of Barcelona:  

 

Veranda  $1610

Concierge  $1908

Aqua  $4533

S1  $11007

 

That's a whopping ↑$2923 difference between a veranda (V2) and aqua (A2), especially since the cabins are the same size!  You gotta really like Blu for close to $3K.  From my own experience, the larger S1 cabin, the Retreat, and Luminae aren't worth ↑$9397.  Heck for the V2 price, booking two adjoining cabins (2-room suite with 2 bathrooms and double balcony) and dining every night in a specialty (Murano, Tuscan, Lawn Club, The Porch, Sushi on 5, Le Petit Chef) would still leave plenty on the table for airfare.  BTW, those fares would be $200 less for vets.  So yes, if I were still traveling with DH, we'd downgrade from a suite to two adjoining verandas.  Doesn't work on E-class, and not as well on M-class, but it'd definitely be my sweet 'suite' spot on S-class.

[Ex-Airbalancer]

8 minutes ago, goofysmom99 said:

I priced a range cabins at base fare for two on the 2024 Silhouette 13-night TA out of Barcelona:  

 

Veranda  $1610

Concierge  $1908

Aqua  $4533

S1  $11007

 

That's a whopping ↑$2923 difference between a veranda (V2) and aqua (A2), especially since the cabins are the same size!  You gotta really like Blu for close to $3K.  From my own experience, the larger S1 cabin, the Retreat, and Luminae aren't worth ↑$9397.  Heck for the V2 price, booking two adjoining cabins (2-room suite with 2 bathrooms and double balcony) and dining every night in a specialty (Murano, Tuscan, Lawn Club, The Porch, Sushi on 5, Le Petit Chef) would still leave plenty on the table for airfare.  BTW, those fares would be $200 less for vets.  So yes, if I were still traveling with DH, we'd downgrade from a suite to two adjoining verandas.  Doesn't work on E-class, and not as well on M-class, but it'd definitely be my sweet 'suite' spot on S-class.

You should look at Equinox TA in Nov 2024 , we have a basic cruise V2 cabin with taxes and port fees for $1666CAD, a S1 is $12,900 CAD with drinks, wifi and tips , that is heck of difference 

 

 

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

1 hour ago, goofysmom99 said:

I priced a range cabins at base fare for two on the 2024 Silhouette 13-night TA out of Barcelona:  

 

Veranda  $1610

Concierge  $1908

Aqua  $4533

S1  $11007

 

That's a whopping ↑$2923 difference between a veranda (V2) and aqua (A2), especially since the cabins are the same size!  You gotta really like Blu for close to $3K.  From my own experience, the larger S1 cabin, the Retreat, and Luminae aren't worth ↑$9397.  Heck for the V2 price, booking two adjoining cabins (2-room suite with 2 bathrooms and double balcony) and dining every night in a specialty (Murano, Tuscan, Lawn Club, The Porch, Sushi on 5, Le Petit Chef) would still leave plenty on the table for airfare.  BTW, those fares would be $200 less for vets.  So yes, if I were still traveling with DH, we'd downgrade from a suite to two adjoining verandas.  Doesn't work on E-class, and not as well on M-class, but it'd definitely be my sweet 'suite' spot on S-class.

 

Good point about the big $ jump to AQ. I don't value the spa benefits enough to justify that amount of $ either. Wait though... you do get a nicer shower/bedding/shampoo?  😉

 

Man - I could hit it pretty hard in the casino before I even get to the "suite level" expense, let along an upper level suite!

 

Tom

[Lastdance]

Good Morning from Dominica, the rain forest island!  We are onboard Beyond in the Caribbean after 35+ years and staying in the Retreat(Sky Suite)since we booked when first released.  it is very different without a butler, both negative and positive.  Our room steward is very nice and super busy, so if you want anything special like ice, certain times for cleaning etc., as you need to call the head butler.  I asked for a lounger and was first told no, but then yes; they do not want you have one unless you are in a Sunset Suite.  Anyway, I haven’t received one yet!  I was told that a person fell and got hurt, so they are not on verandas any longer.  You can have one in an SV.  No one is trying to do everything for you, so you are pretty much left alone.

 

 We did end up booking a Sky Suite and SV for a TA/b2b onboard for October, 2025, receiving a total of 500 OBC.  I did not plan on booking Apex, or any cruise at all, but thought the itineraries were quite nice and the ship disembarks in Cape Canaveral, close to friends and family.  I still have not sailed Oceania, but am looking forward to it.  I enjoy European cruises much more due to diversity weather, history and culture, but that’s just me.  If I did not have an SV booked for Ascent next fall, I would not cruise the Caribbean another time.  The Retreat Lounge has been a great experience, mostly due to a suite concierge that I befriended last time on Beyond in May!  The overall experience, except maybe for a TA, is just not worth it in a suite, but that is subjective like food. 

 

      This was our view looking to the left on our balcony in Roseau.

Edited December 5, 2023 by Lastdance

[JDPCruisers]

16 minutes ago, Lastdance said:

Good Morning from Dominica, the rain forest island!  We are onboard Beyond in the Caribbean after 35+ years and staying in the Retreat(Sky Suite)since we booked when first released.  it is very different without a butler, both negative and positive.  Our room steward is very nice and super busy, so if you want anything special like ice, certain times for cleaning etc., as you need to call the head butler.  I asked for a lounger and was first told no, but then yes; they do not want you have one unless you are in a Sunset Suite.  Anyway, I haven’t received one yet!  I was told that a person fell and got hurt, so they are not on verandas any longer.  You can have one in an SV.  No one is trying to do everything for you, so you are pretty much left alone.

 

 We did end up booking a Sky Suite and SV for a TA/b2b onboard for October, 2025, receiving a total of 500 OBC.  I did not plan on booking Apex, or any cruise at all, but thought the itineraries were quite nice and the ship disembarks in Cape Canaveral, close to friends and family.  I still have not sailed Oceania, but am looking forward to it.  I enjoy European cruises much more due to diversity weather, history and culture, but that’s just me.  If I did not have an SV booked for Ascent next fall, I would not cruise the Caribbean another time.  The Retreat Lounge has been a great experience, mostly due to a suite concierge that I befriended last time on Beyond in May!  The overall experience, except maybe for a TA, is just not worth it in a suite, but that is subjective like food. 

 

      This was our view looking to the left on our balcony in Roseau.

Have you met the head butler? Are you able to request certain services such as canapes in the early evening before dinner, ice bucket replenished daily, extra towels if needed, things along those lines that were standard place in SS before the changes?

[billc23]

23 hours ago, DaKahuna said:

 

 i have continued to check the prices for our cruise and every time I have see a Sky Suite come available it has been the same price or more as ours.  Last Penthouse I saw was $20K pp;.  I will continue to keep checking as we are still over a month away from our final payment date. 

 

The M class Penthouse is amazing way to travel through the Panama canal! 8 times the size of a SS and very dedicated service throughout the ship. Great balcony, and being on deck 6 keeps you close to the water. We were asked to allow the canal workers to attach the mules from our balcony. They came up the back stairwell. 

 

[Lastdance]

22 hours ago, JDPCruisers said:

Have you met the head butler? Are you able to request certain services such as canapes in the early evening before dinner, ice bucket replenished daily, extra towels if needed, things along those lines that were standard place in SS before the changes?

Yes, we met the head butler the first day, but still no lounger.  However, it has been raining at night a lot.  another yes, as you can request what you want, but it must be requested; you cannot expect anything to just happen!  Everything is “on request!"

[Lastdance]

On 12/4/2023 at 4:35 PM, Tom-n-Cheryl said:

 

Good point about the big $ jump to AQ. I don't value the spa benefits enough to justify that amount of $ either. Wait though... you do get a nicer shower/bedding/shampoo?  😉

 

Man - I could hit it pretty hard in the casino before I even get to the "suite level" expense, let along an upper level suite!

 

Tom

Lots of different prices out there on various ships/classes,  I have already had a price increase on my 2025 bookings, but hoping for the other way!  I would only bid for an upper level suite, as we just would not use all the amenities, especially at those prices, but that’s just us.  We do not care about the spa either, so AQ is out for us.  My DH is laughing because I have so much booked now, but keep dreaming that it is way too much.  Of course it is not and all cruises are already paid for in my travel account, but my mind at night is reacting to the higher pricing in Europe!  I may start gambling soon...hahahaha!

[JDPCruisers]

5 hours ago, Lastdance said:

Yes, we met the head butler the first day, but still no lounger.  However, it has been raining at night a lot.  another yes, as you can request what you want, but it must be requested; you cannot expect anything to just happen!  Everything is “on request!"

Thanks. So, who do you request from the head butler, the concierges (or are they Retreat Hosts now), or the room attendant?

[Lastdance]

31 minutes ago, JDPCruisers said:

Thanks. So, who do you request from the head butler, the concierges (or are they Retreat Hosts now), or the room attendant?

We make requests through our cabin/suite attendant, but you can do either on Beyond.  Our suite concierge is great too, but she seems to be able to answer questions about your account, services regarding OBC from Celebrity and TA’s, not to mention questions on various topics.  We have not had any real issues at all so far.

[JDPCruisers]

14 minutes ago, Lastdance said:

We make requests through our cabin/suite attendant, but you can do either on Beyond.  Our suite concierge is great too, but she seems to be able to answer questions about your account, services regarding OBC from Celebrity and TA’s, not to mention questions on various topics.  We have not had any real issues at all so far.

Thanks for continuing to answer by questions!

[Baynanno1]

2 hours ago, JDPCruisers said:

Thanks. So, who do you request from the head butler, the concierges (or are they Retreat Hosts now), or the room attendant?

When in a Sky Suite, your Room Attendant changes hats when he/she enters your room and becomes your Retreat Host - printed on his/her card for Sky Suites.

[zitsky]

1 hour ago, Baynanno1 said:

When in a Sky Suite, your Room Attendant changes hats when he/she enters your room and becomes your Retreat Host - printed on his/her card for Sky Suites.

I have a business card that says I am King of the Universe.  It doesn’t make it true.

[Lastdance]

3 hours ago, Baynanno1 said:

When in a Sky Suite, your Room Attendant changes hats when he/she enters your room and becomes your Retreat Host - printed on his/her card for Sky Suites.

I will tell him that; it will definitely make him laugh, as he is so busy cleaning 16+ suites!  I will say that when I call the head butler’s phone, I always get a quick and cheerful answer!  

 

Not trying to deflate your answer, but ours is really too busy...he is always smiling and running back and forth...I am definitely giving all three categories equal opportunity, so I do not overload on anyone.  

Edited December 7, 2023 by Lastdance

[Lastdance]

2 hours ago, zitsky said:

I have a business card that says I am King of the Universe.  It doesn’t make it true.

 

 

Some will question, but others will believe!😘

[RichYak]

12 minutes ago, Lastdance said:

I will tell him that; it will definitely make him laugh, as he is so busy cleaning 16+ suites!

Don't. It's actually not a joke. When he cleans Sky Suites, he's called a "Retreat Host". When he cleans regular cabins, he's a stateroom attendant. Same person, same job function, just a different title to make the Sky Suite guests forget they no longer have a dedicated butler.