Non Suite Guest using Suite Facilites

[rickechambers1@aol.com]

The Courtyard area is small and intimate, which is the very reason that my family books Courtyard Villas. Several suites have access to this area. If each one brought just one guest, you're looking at about 16 extra people in the Courtyard. Even if only half of these non-suite guests were there at one time, there would not be enough room for everyone to sit.

 

On my last cruise, my family booked two Courtyard Villas for over $16,000 for five people. I paid that premium for the Courtyard and all the amenities it has to offer. If I'm paying that kind of money for a 7 night cruise, I want my choice of seat in the Courtyard. Also, seating at Cagney's can get busy -- I've had to wait for a table on a couple of occasions. Sevice can be slow. It shouldn't be made even slower due to more guests.

 

For the record, we have traveled with friends who were not staying in the Courtyard. I brought them up for a visit in my suite, but we did not enter the Courtyard area. Except for that one visit, we met for dinner, drinks, and shows in the regular areas of the ship. It wasn't a big deal. I love NCL and think it provides excellent dining and relaxation in many different areas on the ship, not just the Courtyard. It's not a class system. Instead, think of it as paying a premium for the square footage of the Courtyard. It's like an extension of your cabin space. I don't go in other peoples' cabins, and they shouldn't go in mine -- or the Courtyard. You get what you pay for.

 

I concur on the privacy and exclusivity of personal space...if you are willing to pay a premium, you indeed deserve to get what you pay for. In fact, after much debate, I have been planning/booking vacations rather than cruises...I was excited to book either a CYV or DOS on Epic for my 40th birthday in January, but chose instead to go to a resort that can offer more space, privacy, and luxury for around $1,500/night---and hey, a 12 person jacuzzi on your balcony doesn't hurt either! :) [i wish Epic had a Garden Villa :( ]

[GigCrusier]

The Courtyard area is small and intimate, which is the very reason that my family books Courtyard Villas. Several suites have access to this area. If each one brought just one guest, you're looking at about 16 extra people in the Courtyard. Even if only half of these non-suite guests were there at one time, there would not be enough room for everyone to sit.

 

On my last cruise, my family booked two Courtyard Villas for over $16,000 for five people. I paid that premium for the Courtyard and all the amenities it has to offer. If I'm paying that kind of money for a 7 night cruise, I want my choice of seat in the Courtyard. Also, seating at Cagney's can get busy -- I've had to wait for a table on a couple of occasions. Sevice can be slow. It shouldn't be made even slower due to more guests.

 

For the record, we have traveled with friends who were not staying in the Courtyard. I brought them up for a visit in my suite, but we did not enter the Courtyard area. Except for that one visit, we met for dinner, drinks, and shows in the regular areas of the ship. It wasn't a big deal. I love NCL and think it provides excellent dining and relaxation in many different areas on the ship, not just the Courtyard. It's not a class system. Instead, think of it as paying a premium for the square footage of the Courtyard. It's like an extension of your cabin space. I don't go in other peoples' cabins, and they shouldn't go in mine -- or the Courtyard. You get what you pay for.

 

PERFECT!!! Very well said. I find it very interesting that the folks who have paid a premium for the suite perks want the perks to remain exclusive to suite paying guests. The opposing views are almost completly the people who have not exclusively booked a suite but another cabin as well as a suite and think they all deserve the suite benefits.

 

This seems like a pretty simple and direct concept, but some people in our society seems to have a "Me Me...additude". I can remember when I traveled in an inside cabin and just taking a cruise was a dream come true.

 

I am surprised the no one mentioned the perferred show seating. Last year on the Star we needed our concierge to escort us to the theater as almost every night people just ignored roped off area and had to be requested to select other seats.

 

Well - I am sure this thread will contiune to be intersting reading. :cool:

[beachchick]

I would agree - as long as guests (in small numbers of course) don't affect the overall ambiance of the CY or Cagney's it seems to me it would only be natural for those guests who have paid for those suites to allow their friends and family members to accompany them.

 

While this may not be exactly the same, several members of my husband's family own homes in a small gated community (less than 10 families). In the middle of the gated community there is a small park with a playground, fire pit, ramada, tennis courts etc. Each family who owns property in this community pays a hefty sum each year to maintain the park and it's facilities. As such, it's only natural that visitors are also allowed to use the park - provided they aren't causing problems (ie loud parties, damage to the lawn or facilities etc.) if they were to cause problems, be they guests or residents, they would be asked to return to their home.

 

While I realize the CY villa is not the same as a small private park for many reasons, there are similarities and I think many people here are being sticklers about rules.

 

The family who mentioned the AB and AF - maybe it's grandma and grandpa in the AF? If so, they may be along to help with the kids and give mom and dad a break. If they were to pay for a full suite such as an AE or AC their room wouldn't be nearly as close, so while they would be entitled to breakfast and lunch in Cagney's etc - it wouldn't be easy for them to relax in their own room and keep an eye on the kids while mom and dad go out for dinner or to a show.

 

In certain cases I think CY access etc should be granted. Not to say that all 25 grandkids should be allowed to use the CY area because grandpa booked an owner's suite but 1 or 2 visitors for every group of suite pax isn't going to damage the value of the suite perks. After all - how often are all the people who are entitled to CY access going to be using it at the same time?

 

I disagree that it's "natural" to think that it's fine to invite family and friends to the Courtyard or other suite facilities. You're right that it's not like a park in a gated community and it really does not have similarities. The Courtyards are sized and designed to accomodate a finite number of passengers. That is to say the maximum number of passengers that could be booked in the suites that have access, period. It cannot fit those suite passengers plus however many "family and friends" they want to invite. It absolutely would "damage" the value of the Courtyard if every suite passenger was allowed to invite even one guest because it would be akin to saying that it wouldn't be a problem to fit 100 people into 50 seats.

 

There's a reason for being a stickler when it comes to this rule and IMO, it's really not that difficult. It doesn't matter how often all the Courtyard eligible passengers might be there at the same time. The point is that the Courtyard is supposed to be available to them whenever they want without having to fight through the 30 non-Courtyard passengers that 30 other Courtyard passengers invited as guests. The Courtyard is advertised as a specific amenity with specific requirements and passengers have every right to expect that NCL will adhere to what they have promised.

 

 

EileenN: Yep, the suite life on NCL can be addictive. But we're with mbisson in that we have had no problem going back to our "usual" standard balcony cabin or mini-suite. No perks? Bummer for us, but we're pretty darn happy that we can cruise at all.

 

beachchick

[erdoran]

Y'know, I was noticing that there seems to be an attitude among CY guests with non-CY travel companions "I've paid for suite perks, why should I eat at the buffet or use the public facilities in order to be with my non-suite companions". Well, you chose to have a suite knowing that you were going to want to hang out with others who didn't. Invite them to your suite as much as you want! or share a meal or activity at a non-suite public area. Nobody says suite guests can't use the regular pools or MDR! Or, knowing that this was going to come up, just don't book a suite in the first place!

[Jumbiecruiser]

Over and over... people ask if they might be able to access the Courtyard or other Suite perks because they know someone in Suite or they have family in a suite.

 

Voice your thoughts now and maybe this could be the last time we see this topic? NOT!!!!!

 

:cool:

 

In a word "NO". If you want to use the perks then pay for it.

[Howdyx2]

Book the same to share the same perks. I wouldn't accept walking into a "standing room only" situation when I'm paying for space. MAYBE family/friends should be allowed a tour. I'm not loaded but, I see no reason to blur what is supposed to be exclusive. It's like asking to use the spacious living room of someone's Garden Villa. You shoudn't tread on someone elses dime. You'd hear me saying "Get out and come back when you can"

[time2cruise1]

Simple answer the courtyard is designed to support the limited number of guests that paid for it.

How many of you remember the thread started live from the Jade about a year or so ago when NCL tried an experiment for one cruise. They opened the courtyard to all penthouse passengers. The OP was begging for email contacts in Miami to save his family vacation that he planned for years. Not a seat to be had. The little pool packed with kids. Those booked in the courtyard in revolt. I am not sure the final outcome but at a minimum those who paid for the courtyard should have gotten refunds equal to the price difference of an AB.

[redsoxmom5]

I agree, I think this is fine. I think the real issue is that the CY is a small area and if every person booked in a suite with CY access used the CY at the same time there would be a lack of seats and this is for people who are allowed in the CY. If people start bringing in guests, then there really isn't enough room for the people who have paid extra for this perk.

 

I totally agree with this.

[JColquhoun]

Can an AC cat use the CV? I know their will be a party for us there.

Thanks

[goldmom]

All the suites will be invited to a cocktail party in the Courtyard, but AC suites do not have CY access. The Concierge will meet you and escort you up.

 

That's how they sucked us in. We were in an AE, went to the CY party and said "Ooh, this is really nice". Next time we booked the CY Villa!:D

[sjbdtz]

All the suites will be invited to a cocktail party in the Courtyard, but AC suites do not have CY access. The Concierge will meet you and escort you up.

 

That's how they sucked us in. We were in an AE, went to the CY party and said "Ooh, this is really nice". Next time we booked the CY Villa!:D

 

 

Except on the EPIC.. The ACs have courtyard access (don't they?)

[GigCrusier]

Except on the EPIC.. The ACs have courtyard access (don't they?)

Catagory "AC" ??? When I look online, the AC catagory is a "Penthouse". When you look at the Courtyard page, it states the following: With its own pool, hot tub and sundeck, the private courtyard ensures that you will never have to leave your already exclusive deck. Accessible to only those in the Deluxe Owner’s Suites, Owner’s Suites and Courtyard Villas, thanks to private key card access, it’s almost as private as your own personal cruise ship. The secluded courtyard also includes cabanas, hammocks, an exercise room and a steam room.

It does not mention catagory AE or Penthouse. My guess is that you don't get Courtyard Benefits.

 

BUT>>>>>>> the conflict is when you click on the Penthouse benefits, you are directed to another page and it talks about Penthouses located in the Courtyard complex and 7-penthouses on the aft deck with an * stating they are not part of the Villa Complex. Then one of the bullet points states: "Exclusive Access to the Courtyard area" - So my guess is YES you have access to the Court Yard.

 

http://www.epic.ncl.com/the-experience/accommodations/the-villas/

 

Confused yet?

[sjbdtz]

Catagory "AC" ??? When I look online, the AC catagory is a "Penthouse". When you look at the Courtyard page, it states the following: With its own pool, hot tub and sundeck, the private courtyard ensures that you will never have to leave your already exclusive deck. Accessible to only those in the Deluxe Owner’s Suites, Owner’s Suites and Courtyard Villas, thanks to private key card access, it’s almost as private as your own personal cruise ship. The secluded courtyard also includes cabanas, hammocks, an exercise room and a steam room.

It does not mention catagory AE or Penthouse. My guess is that you don't get Courtyard Benefits.

 

BUT>>>>>>> the conflict is when you click on the Penthouse benefits, you are directed to another page and it talks about Penthouses located in the Courtyard complex and 7-penthouses on the aft deck with an * stating they are not part of the Villa Complex. Then one of the bullet points states: "Exclusive Access to the Courtyard area" - So my guess is YES you have access to the Court Yard.

 

http://www.epic.ncl.com/the-experience/accommodations/the-villas/

 

Confused yet?

 

The ACs, and the SAs both have access to the Courtyard on the EPIC, according to NCL marketing.

[Uniall]

Catagory "AC" ??? When I look online, the AC catagory is a "Penthouse". When you look at the Courtyard page, it states the following: With its own pool, hot tub and sundeck, the private courtyard ensures that you will never have to leave your already exclusive deck. Accessible to only those in the Deluxe Owner’s Suites, Owner’s Suites and Courtyard Villas, thanks to private key card access, it’s almost as private as your own personal cruise ship. The secluded courtyard also includes cabanas, hammocks, an exercise room and a steam room.

It does not mention catagory AE or Penthouse. My guess is that you don't get Courtyard Benefits.

 

BUT>>>>>>> the conflict is when you click on the Penthouse benefits, you are directed to another page and it talks about Penthouses located in the Courtyard complex and 7-penthouses on the aft deck with an * stating they are not part of the Villa Complex. Then one of the bullet points states: "Exclusive Access to the Courtyard area" - So my guess is YES you have access to the Court Yard.

 

http://www.epic.ncl.com/the-experience/accommodations/the-villas/

 

Confused yet?

 

The ACs, and the SAs both have access to the Courtyard on the EPIC, according to NCL marketing.

 

 

The AC and SA designations will be changed to S-6 and S-5 and DO have access to the Courtyard and restaurant/bar. The * stating the S-6 (former AC) Aft Penthouses only refers to the fact that the cabins themselves are not physically located in the courtyard.

 

On the earlier Jewel clss ship's, Owners Suites were on decks 9 & 10 but had access to the courtyard. That perk has been extended to the former ACs and SA (Spa suites) not located in courtyard on the Epic.

 

Finally, let me say something about the misconception that ONLY suite guests are allowed in Cagney's for breakfast and lunch. It is also a perk for:

VIP guests, an ad hoc desigantion (e.g. Platinum member who usually books a suite but none were available) OR

 

A guest of a suite holder on slow day, with concierge approval (e.g. late breakfast or lunch in while in a port)

 

Finally, let me comment that, for me, the biggest suite perk is "in cabin dining" from ANY menu from ANY restaurant, served by your butler, alone or with guests.

[nderoche]

:eek: Oh my god I have taken people to Cagney's that didn't belong.:eek:

Oh my gosh I hope no finds out about this. I would be so embarrassed

to know I committed a crime against the perk police.

But then I just might do it again.:cool::D

I also like the idea that if you have a villa or close to it you can not

invite the rif-raf from below. After all they did not pay for the high life even if they are friends.

[Uniall]

:eek: Oh my god I have taken people to Cagney's that didn't belong.:eek:

Oh my gosh I hope no finds out about this. I would be so embarrassed

to know I committed a crime against the perk police.

But then I just might do it again.:cool::D

I also like the idea that if you have a villa or close to it you can not

invite the rif-raf from below. After all they did not pay for the high life even if they are friends.

 

I'm sorry if I didn't make myself clear, forgive me? You CAN do all of things on your wish list. Inviting friends to your Courtyard cabin is a given, any time. As for Cagney's, simply ask the concierge as a matter of courtesy and gentility.

[ldfox77]

Well, that gave me an idea for more money to be made by the cruiseline: offer X number of daypasses to non-suite people to be able to use the suite facilities for a single day--maybe 50-100 (people, not cabins--so if you are a family of 4, you need to get 4 passes--and just throwing numbers), half being given to suite people to give to friends/family (rotate who gets so a few suites don't hog them all, but you always have the opportunity to turn down--or keep and don't give them to anyone) and then make the remainder available to the "general public"--for a fee, say at a particular time in the morning (8-9 o'clock) and when they are gone they are gone and they expire at midnight. Would have to create an anti-scalping system, though. Maybe a by-name list of who has them. I would not buy one personally, but if one was comped me (well, enough for my family), I'd accept.

[Micchi]

Well, that gave me an idea for more money to be made by the cruiseline: offer X number of daypasses to non-suite people to be able to use the suite facilities for a single day--maybe 50-100 (people, not cabins--so if you are a family of 4, you need to get 4 passes--and just throwing numbers), half being given to suite people to give to friends/family (rotate who gets so a few suites don't hog them all, but you always have the opportunity to turn down--or keep and don't give them to anyone) and then make the remainder available to the "general public"--for a fee, say at a particular time in the morning (8-9 o'clock) and when they are gone they are gone and they expire at midnight. Would have to create an anti-scalping system, though. Maybe a by-name list of who has them. I would not buy one personally, but if one was comped me (well, enough for my family), I'd accept.

 

This is probably the most ridiculous idea I've ever heard on these boards.

[GigCrusier]

:eek: Oh my god I have taken people to Cagney's that didn't belong.:eek:

Oh my gosh I hope no finds out about this. I would be so embarrassed

to know I committed a crime against the perk police.

But then I just might do it again.:cool::D

I also like the idea that if you have a villa or close to it you can not

invite the rif-raf from below. After all they did not pay for the high life even if they are friends.

Now I have to report you to the Suite Police! LOL

[mbisson]

I'm sorry if I didn't make myself clear, forgive me? You CAN do all of things on your wish list. Inviting friends to your Courtyard cabin is a given, any time. As for Cagney's, simply ask the concierge as a matter of courtesy and gentility.

 

I've asked once. Had some friends on a ship and asked the concierge if it was ok to bring them to breakfast once. Answer was no==BUT, I realized what I requested was not the norm so I was totally fine with the 'no'

 

I don't think I would ever just show up with extra folks in tow (as I've seen some do). But I'm not gonna pass judgement on that either

[halos]

I hope one day to have this 'suite' dilema :D

Until then, I remain a basic balcony chic........

 

and M, I just want to say you are a stand-up guy.

[ldfox77]

I hope one day to have this 'suite' dilema :D

Until then, I remain a basic balcony chic........

 

 

and M, I just want to say you are a stand-up guy.

 

Me too, except my husband thinks we wil just be in cabin to s***, shower, shave, and sleep, so the inside is fine. Would be nice to spread out (3 kiddos, too, so we have 2 cabins booked). We will see after this cruise whether paying an extra grand is worth it.

[mbisson]

and M, I just want to say you are a stand-up guy.

 

If you see me in a bar after mass quantities of 'beverage' you may change your mind ;)

[halos]

If you see me in a bar after mass quantities of 'beverage' you may change your mind ;)

Even if you fall down, you're still a stand-up guy LOL! :D

[Uniall]

I've asked once. Had some friends on a ship and asked the concierge if it was ok to bring them to breakfast once. Answer was no==BUT, I realized what I requested was not the norm so I was totally fine with the 'no'

 

I don't think I would ever just show up with extra folks in tow (as I've seen some do). But I'm not gonna pass judgement on that either

 

Hi Mbisson

 

:confused:You've peaked my curiosity. Did you make your request on an "at sea" day as opposed to an in port day? What ship and itinerary? Did you ask prior to arrival?

 

;)The few times I've asked, I made the request the day before and had gotten to know the conceirge before hand.

 

Uniall