Those who have sailed in suites- questions about perks etc.

I have looked at our sailing on the Norwegian Sky. For $700 total ($350/person)- we could get an aft suite on deck 8. We are currently in an aft balcony deck 10. We have only cruised one other time- on this ship in an aft balcony.

So here's my question- for a 4-night cruise (one whole day at sea, one whole day/night in Havana, and one day at Great Stirrup Cay), what kind of value would the extra $700 give me? This is a special 20th anniversary trip, so I'm not completely against spending the money on the nice suite. But- I don't really understand all the perks of "suite life."

We don't like crowds, which is why we love the aft balcony room. We might even consider staying on the ship for most of the Great Stirrup Cay day.

Do we get things like "free" upgraded dining? Free bottles of champagne? Fruit in the room?

What are added expenses regarding extra tips for the butler/concierge?

Thanks in advance.

I have looked at our sailing on the Norwegian Sky. For $700 total ($350/person)- we could get an aft suite on deck 8. We are currently in an aft balcony deck 10. We have only cruised one other time- on this ship in an aft balcony.

 

So here's my question- for a 4-night cruise (one whole day at sea, one whole day/night in Havana, and one day at Great Stirrup Cay), what kind of value would the extra $700 give me? This is a special 20th anniversary trip, so I'm not completely against spending the money on the nice suite. But- I don't really understand all the perks of "suite life."

 

We don't like crowds, which is why we love the aft balcony room. We might even consider staying on the ship for most of the Great Stirrup Cay day.

 

Do we get things like "free" upgraded dining? Free bottles of champagne? Fruit in the room?

 

What are added expenses regarding extra tips for the butler/concierge?

 

Thanks in advance.

The DSC is higher in a suite by a few dollars per person per day. The DSC does NOT cover the butler or concierge. Those can be tipped as you see fit depending on how much you use them. You also get breakfast and lunch for suite personnel only in a different dining room. You don't get real champagne unless you upgrade all the way to owners suite and above. You do get priority for embarking and disembarking at each stop.

Below is the link to the suite amenities page on the NCL website. There are three headers to scroll over that will describe all the benefits.

https://www.ncl.com/why-cruise-norwegian/cruise-accommodations/cruise-suites-and-penthouses

We usually pick a suite because we like the separate bedroom area. We have different sleep patterns and it's nice to have door to close off the living area from the bedroom. We also like the separate restaurant for breakfast and lunch - especially nice on holiday season cruises. I can't think of a suite perk we don't like, but only you can decide if they are worth the extra cash to you.

Hi

Are you aware that a cabin on eight might be above a lounge or theatre? It may not matter for you but some might not like the possible noise at night. I thought I would mention it.

Yes- I know it is right over the Stardust lounge- which is likely why the aft suites on the 8th floor are still available. However, I was on this floor in an aft balcony (17 years ago) and there was very little noise. Right now, we are in a 10th floor aft balcony and I am more worried about the scraping of chairs from the outdoor buffet directly above it.

Yes- I know it is right over the Stardust lounge- which is likely why the aft suites on the 8th floor are still available. However, I was on this floor in an aft balcony (17 years ago) and there was very little noise. Right now, we are in a 10th floor aft balcony and I am more worried about the scraping of chairs from the outdoor buffet directly above it.

Get it! I figured it didn’t hurt to mention. My DW and I are hooked on the suite life. I’m sure whatever you decide it will be a great cruise. Happy Sailing!

We like suites and the extras that come with them. But there is the extra expense with the butler/concierge tips and extra daily service charge. For a 4 day Havana cruise, I personally don't think I would do it. For a longer cruise, yes.

Thank you for that insight. One problem may be that once we cruise in a suite, we would likely really feel let down with a non-suite cruise. Not that we are frequent cruisers. Still- the future expense is something.

I have to say though- the idea of having access to Cagney's for breakfast and lunch is awfully tempting. Not to mention the space and that amazing balcony! Or- a shower that is not enclosed by a shower curtain that sticks to you.

I've not been on the Sky so not familiar with its suites. We never have much need for the services of the butler and concierge when cruising. But, they are there if you do want anything. And, you will have snacks or whatever you might want delivered daily if you wish. Yes, the specialty restaurant breakfast and lunch is nice. We are always too full to have ever done the lunch though. Also, if you arrive at the port early, before boarding begins, you will go to a suite check in area and waiting lounge with snacks available. And then you will be escorted by the concierge on the ship when it is ready. Great Stirrup Cay is a tender stop. The concierge will escort you to a faster tender boarding location if you wish. We've never done so since we like to eat in the dining rooms usually, however, the butler will serve you in your room if you wish. Suites don't pay the room service extra charge. So you can get a full breakfast delivered by the butler if you wish. Yea. suites do spoil you. And we do like the stern locations looking off the back of the ships.

Well- never mind. There were two available earlier and now they are gone. :(

Wow- what a crazy day. My TA spent a long time working on getting this deal done for me. The rooms would show up when I did a search, and then disappear. After more than an hour, my TA was able to secure an aft suite for me. This may have to be our last cruise (because it will spoil us completely)- but it seems fitting that our first was on this ship 17 years ago- and now we are returning to celebrate our 20th anniversary. I am beyond excited!!!