Club class experience Island Princess Jan 4 Panama

I will be very brief as I did not purchase internet and have only 20% power left on this tiny little iPhone. But I've read all the posts regarding Club Class in anticipation of this cruise where it is being offered.

We are in a full suite, so we have our choice of dining traditional (our usual preference is early) or anytime.

If you are club class mini or full suite anytime dining means you get to use the Bordeaux dining room CC area. There is no waiting and you go whenever you wish while they are open. This is for breakfast and dinner everyday and lunch on sea days only. It is the identical menu as MDR. There is a table side presentation for each meal. At breakfast they had crepes tableside one day and at dinner so far the tableside has been a carving station for the featured meat. Lamb one night and chateaubriand last night (omg it was perfect.... tender and perfectly cooked). We've only had one lunch in CC and tableside was veal tortilini (excellent).

Sanatini's is still superior for breakfast if you are a full suite passenger.

Here's what I love about CC. Everyone in CC has paid a substantial amount to be there (presumably ...we did for our suite and when I've priced the CC minis)special requests are greeted with a smile and "of course". I mean down to the smallest detail. For ex... a salad with lots of lettuce and a variety of veggies cakes, carrots, tomatoes, grilled chicken avocado. ..... I know it's fine to request things off menu in MDR but in CC I feel better about being " Sally" as in "When Harry Met Sally"

There is a low ratio of waitstaff to diners so the service is impeccable.

Also we left after dinner to catch the show and then returned for dessert. Lovely.

Love that we can eat at 7 give or take without reservations or waiting.

Okay battery is dead.over and out.

I will be very brief as I did not purchase internet and have only 20% power left on this tiny little iPhone. But I've read all the posts regarding Club Class in anticipation of this cruise where it is being offered.

We are in a full suite, so we have our choice of dining traditional (our usual preference is early) or anytime.

If you are club class mini or full suite anytime dining means you get to use the Bordeaux dining room CC area. There is no waiting and you go whenever you wish while they are open. This is for breakfast and dinner everyday and lunch on sea days only. It is the identical menu as MDR. There is a table side presentation for each meal. At breakfast they had crepes tableside one day and at dinner so far the tableside has been a carving station for the featured meat. Lamb one night and chateaubriand last night (omg it was perfect.... tender and perfectly cooked). We've only had one lunch in CC and tableside was veal tortilini (excellent).

 

Sanatini's is still superior for breakfast if you are a full suite passenger.

 

Here's what I love about CC. Everyone in CC has paid a substantial amount to be there (presumably ...we did for our suite and when I've priced the CC minis)special requests are greeted with a smile and "of course". I mean down to the smallest detail. For ex... a salad with lots of lettuce and a variety of veggies cakes, carrots, tomatoes, grilled chicken avocado. ..... I know it's fine to request things off menu in MDR but in CC I feel better about being " Sally" as in "When Harry Met Sally"

There is a low ratio of waitstaff to diners so the service is impeccable.

Also we left after dinner to catch the show and then returned for dessert. Lovely.

Love that we can eat at 7 give or take without reservations or waiting.

Okay battery is dead.over and out.

Thank you. We will be in a suite on Island in May. Sounds wonderful, can't wait.

Here's what I love about CC. Everyone in CC has paid a substantial amount to be there (presumably ...we did for our suite and when I've priced the CC minis)special requests are greeted with a smile and "of course".

I don't understand this point. Are you suggesting that reasonable requests made by people sailing in Inside cabins should be treated with less respect and accommodation? If this is truly the purpose and future of Club Class, then Princess will have taken a huge step back. I've experienced Cunard's class system and this Dude does not abide. But somehow I doubt that this is the outcome. Some other non-Club Class person may have made the same request and been accommodated. You just weren't there to see it. At least, I hope.

I don't understand this point. Are you suggesting that reasonable requests made by people sailing in Inside cabins should be treated with less respect and accommodation? If this is truly the purpose and future of Club Class, then Princess will have taken a huge step back. I've experienced Cunard's class system and this Dude does not abide. But somehow I doubt that this is the outcome. Some other non-Club Class person may have made the same request and been accommodated. You just weren't there to see it. At least, I hope.

I don't know if that's how OP intended it to sound, but yes, she seems to be saying that you don't deserve respect and special treatment if you haven't paid extra for it.

I don't understand this point. Are you suggesting that reasonable requests made by people sailing in Inside cabins should be treated with less respect and accommodation? If this is truly the purpose and future of Club Class, then Princess will have taken a huge step back. I've experienced Cunard's class system and this Dude does not abide. But somehow I doubt that this is the outcome. Some other non-Club Class person may have made the same request and been accommodated. You just weren't there to see it. At least, I hope.

That is the way I read it! The cruise lines are going to class the average cruiser right out of cruising :(

I don't know if that's how OP intended it to sound, but yes, she seems to be saying that you don't deserve respect and special treatment if you haven't paid extra for it.

I don't think the OP meant any harm either ,I think they were telling those that can afford all that extra stuff how great it is!

Just goes to show that the cruise lines are deliberately not serving their best to those who do not pay extra for it!

I heard more no's for reasonable requests my last cruise...but then again I was in an inside.

Thank you, OP, for your feedback.

So far I've read nothing but glowing reports about Club Class.:)

I don't understand this point. Are you suggesting that reasonable requests made by people sailing in Inside cabins should be treated with less respect and accommodation? If this is truly the purpose and future of Club Class, then Princess will have taken a huge step back. I've experienced Cunard's class system and this Dude does not abide. But somehow I doubt that this is the outcome. Some other non-Club Class person may have made the same request and been accommodated. You just weren't there to see it. At least, I hope.

We sailed on the Emerald from Barcelona to Fort Lauderdale in an obstructed ocean view cabin just over one year ago.

I had a major dental issue just before which made chewing anything very difficult. The first day we met with the maitre d (sp?) to explain and every night of that two weeks onboard, the head waiter discussed next night's meal and how he could accomodate me. Each evening when he personally brought my meal and checked back with me, it was obvious he was so pleased that he had made my dining experience a good one.

So, yes, jimmyvwine, my experience proves to me that a special request, presented reasonably regardless of how much you paid for your cabin will be met with every attempt to accomodate.

And of course, special thank you envelopes were distributed at the end of the cruise.

Have always been accommodated with our special requests at MDR. It's just the table side presentation where I see the main difference. I don't personally see the worth of paying the "substantial" amount for CC. I would still rather spend at specialty restaurant for a good dinner.

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I don't think the OP meant any harm either ,I think they were telling those that can afford all that extra stuff how great it is!

 

 

 

Just goes to show that the cruise lines are deliberately not serving their best to those who do not pay extra for it!

 

 

 

I heard more no's for reasonable requests my last cruise...but then again I was in an inside.

I'm not sure that was how it was meant either. I think she said she felt more comfortable asking for special requests.

There was a big ho-ha over on the Cunard boards just recently where they "upgraded" the Princess Grill menu (which is probably the most direct comparison to mini suite club class on Princess) as they no longer did special request off menu items. You had to be a full suite guest for that!

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I'm not sure that was how it was meant either. I think she said she felt more comfortable asking for special requests.

 

There was a big ho-ha over on the Cunard boards just recently where they "upgraded" the Princess Grill menu (which is probably the most direct comparison to mini suite club class on Princess) as they no longer did special request off menu items. You had to be a full suite guest for that!

 

 

 

Right that is they way I read it also... all cruise lines are moving to a more expanded class system ...sad!

I don't know if that's how OP intended it to sound, but yes, she seems to be saying that you don't deserve respect and special treatment if you haven't paid extra for it.

I DON'T UNDERSTAND YOUR ARGUMENT!!!

If you fly Premium Economy, Business, or First Class; is it reasonable that you will receive the same treatment of el-cheapo Coach Class passengers? If you stay in the "Concierge Floor" of a Hotel, are you disadvantaged by not getting free drinks/snacks in the Lounge? Again at the airport you don't get into the VIP Lounge, same at Casinos as well.

Folks, if you pay Denny's prices, you can't expect Ruth's Chris experience: nor can you, deride those who paid the money, to have an experience better than yours.

I would gladly pay more, for the dining standards of the 1980's-1990's without having to move to a luxury line like Crystal. I like bigger ships and want VIP treatment and Lux meals!

I will be very brief as I did not purchase internet and have only 20% power left on this tiny little iPhone. But I've read all the posts regarding Club Class in anticipation of this cruise where it is being offered.

We are in a full suite, so we have our choice of dining traditional (our usual preference is early) or anytime.

If you are club class mini or full suite anytime dining means you get to use the Bordeaux dining room CC area. There is no waiting and you go whenever you wish while they are open. This is for breakfast and dinner everyday and lunch on sea days only. It is the identical menu as MDR. There is a table side presentation for each meal. At breakfast they had crepes tableside one day and at dinner so far the tableside has been a carving station for the featured meat. Lamb one night and chateaubriand last night (omg it was perfect.... tender and perfectly cooked). We've only had one lunch in CC and tableside was veal tortilini (excellent).

 

Sanatini's is still superior for breakfast if you are a full suite passenger.

 

Here's what I love about CC. Everyone in CC has paid a substantial amount to be there (presumably ...we did for our suite and when I've priced the CC minis)special requests are greeted with a smile and "of course". I mean down to the smallest detail. For ex... a salad with lots of lettuce and a variety of veggies cakes, carrots, tomatoes, grilled chicken avocado. ..... I know it's fine to request things off menu in MDR but in CC I feel better about being " Sally" as in "When Harry Met Sally"

There is a low ratio of waitstaff to diners so the service is impeccable.

Also we left after dinner to catch the show and then returned for dessert. Lovely.

Love that we can eat at 7 give or take without reservations or waiting.

Okay battery is dead.over and out.

Thanks for the comments.

Enjoy the rest of your cruise.

I DON'T UNDERSTAND YOUR ARGUMENT!!!

 

 

If you fly Premium Economy, Business, or First Class; is it reasonable that you will receive the same treatment of el-cheapo Coach Class passengers? If you stay in the "Concierge Floor" of a Hotel, are you disadvantaged by not getting free drinks/snacks in the Lounge? Again at the airport you don't get into the VIP Lounge, same at Casinos as well.

 

Folks, if you pay Denny's prices, you can't expect Ruth's Chris experience: nor can you, deride those who paid the money, to have an experience better than yours.

 

I would gladly pay more, for the dining standards of the 1980's-1990's without having to move to a luxury line like Crystal. I like bigger ships and want VIP treatment and Lux meals!

Here we go again...I have no objection to anyone paying extra for things, but that should not mean that someone who doesn't pay more should be disrespected and ignored, which is what OP's post seemed to say (even though I think she just worded it awkwardly.) If you don't understand my argument, then I suggest you read my post more carefully.

Perhaps you do think that passengers who did not pay for Club Class should be treated rudely and given lousy service?

I DON'T UNDERSTAND YOUR ARGUMENT!!!

 

 

If you fly Premium Economy, Business, or First Class; is it reasonable that you will receive the same treatment of el-cheapo Coach Class passengers? If you stay in the "Concierge Floor" of a Hotel, are you disadvantaged by not getting free drinks/snacks in the Lounge? Again at the airport you don't get into the VIP Lounge, same at Casinos as well.

 

Folks, if you pay Denny's prices, you can't expect Ruth's Chris experience: nor can you, deride those who paid the money, to have an experience better than yours.

 

I would gladly pay more, for the dining standards of the 1980's-1990's without having to move to a luxury line like Crystal. I like bigger ships and want VIP treatment and Lux meals!

With all due respect ...If I go to Denny's I expect to be treated like any other customer. If I go to Ruth's Chris I expect to be treated like any other customer( Regardless of what I order, either place.) When I step on a cruise ship I expect to be treated like any other customer.

Thank you, OP, for your feedback.

 

So far I've read nothing but glowing reports about Club Class.:)

But seems to be coming at the cost of lower standards to everyone else.

But seems to be coming at the cost of lower standards to everyone else.

:( Yep!

Hi Gut!!!:D

Wow, just hit 2,000 posts only took me 11 years....lol

:( Yep!

 

Hi Gut!!!:D

 

Wow, just hit 2,000 posts only took me 11 years....lol

G'day Reader, obviously more a reader than a writer :D:cool:

But seems to be coming at the cost of lower standards to everyone else.

So with this new class system does it mean that in case of an emergency we wait til the "upper class" are evacuated?

G'day Reader, obviously more a reader than a writer :D:cool:

Love your Wit !:D

Hope Mrs. Gut is well,

Sorry off topic!

Reader

So with this new class system does it mean that in case of an emergency we wait til the "upper class" are evacuated?

Remains to be seen, what ever people will pay extra for they will institute. Will also erode services for those that do not pay extra.

Thanks for your info. We're club class on Ruby in February. Like your idea to return for dessert!

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But seems to be coming at the cost of lower standards to everyone else.

Well this true: have you flown AA, DL, UA recently? I think all the US airlines treat you in this manner and after one NCL cruise, I can attest to this on ships as well. Have you noticed the HUGE difference in treatment of passengers: on MSC, in Yacht Club, this is the new reality. These are the times we live in!

Love your Wit !:D

Hope Mrs. Gut is well,

 

Sorry off topic!

 

Reader

Yeah I think it's only the Aussie section that's allowed go off topic (and boy do some threads go off once business is done).

The lovely Mrs Gut says it's only half a wit, well I think that's what she means anyway:D.

Yeah I think it's only the Aussie section that's allowed go off topic (and boy do some threads go off once business is done).

 

The lovely Mrs Gut says it's only half a wit, well I think that's what she means anyway:D.[/quote

 

Always listen to the lovely MRS. Gut as she keeps you on track...well kind of!!:D:D:D