Dawn/Star: Impact of 180 More Suite Passengers

[Us2inFL]

The Star added 30 deck 12 suites all with butler and concierge service. With the max of 6 passengers per suite, you're talking about 180 more people who are eligible for concierge service, Cagney's mornings, specialty dining reservations, special reserved area in the theater etc.

 

I am not one of those "make sure I get my share" kind of people, but would that extra passenger demand over-tax the facilities and concierge staff on a ship?

 

When they "stretch" a ship, they add additional cabins but they also add additional public space.

 

When NCL converted the enormous lounge and public spaces on deck 12 on the Star (and soon to be eviscerated Dawn) and added their 30 new suites, did they do so at the cost of comfort to the passengers?

[swedish weave]

The Star added 30 deck 12 suites all with butler and concierge service. With the max of 6 passengers per suite, you're talking about 180 more people who are eligible for concierge service, Cagney's mornings, specialty dining reservations, special reserved area in the theater etc.

 

I am not one of those "make sure I get my share" kind of people, but would that extra passenger demand over-tax the facilities and concierge staff on a ship?

 

When they "stretch" a ship, they add additional cabins but they also add additional public space.

 

When NCL converted the enormous lounge and public spaces on deck 12 on the Star (and soon to be eviscerated Dawn) and added their 30 new suites, did they do so at the cost of comfort to the passengers?

 

I have not noticed any loss of comfort spaces. The biggest controversy seems to be the relocation of the Spinnaker which now holds more people than it did before the change. They now have four meeting rooms on deck 12, and I have seen some people using the Endless Summer to play cards and games during the day when the restaurant is not open. the Blue Lagoon is very spacious and much nicer in its new location.

 

I am sure the Concierge is busier now than before but he seems to handle the extra people well. I believe your figures stating 180 people are inflated, and the word "eviscerated" portrays a negative tone to your post.

 

Personally, I like the changes made to the Star.

[Us2inFL]

I believe your figures stating 180 people are inflated

 

There are 30 new suites and about 20 interior staterooms on deck 12 that were never there before. I haven't looked at the new plans, but were any staterooms removed to provide new public space?

 

There can be a max of 180 more suite passengers and 260 more total passengers than before.

 

I've never been on Dawn or Star for that matter. Just wondering how 180 more potential morning diners affect a space like Cagney's? BTW, where is the new Spinnaker, I can't seem to find it on the deck plans.

 

Stretched ships generally have enhanced space, adding more passengers to the same size ship, and taking away considerable public space in the process does seem like a negative.

 

(We booked before finding out about deck 12 renovation; it won't change our decision to cruise on this ship and date.)

[SeaShark]

Personally, I like the changes made to the Star.

 

 

 

They made changes to the Star?? :eek:

 

 

Why didn't anyone tell ME? :confused:

 

 

 

 

 

;)

[swedish weave]

They made changes to the Star?? :eek:

 

 

Why didn't anyone tell ME? :confused:

 

 

 

 

 

;)

 

If you snooze, you lose !!!!:p

[swedish weave]

There are 30 new suites and about 20 interior staterooms on deck 12 that were never there before. I haven't looked at the new plans, but were any staterooms removed to provide new public space?

 

There can be a max of 180 more suite passengers and 260 more total passengers than before.

 

I've never been on Dawn or Star for that matter. Just wondering how 180 more potential morning diners affect a space like Cagney's? BTW, where is the new Spinnaker, I can't seem to find it on the deck plans.

 

Stretched ships generally have enhanced space, adding more passengers to the same size ship, and taking away considerable public space in the process does seem like a negative.

 

(We booked before finding out about deck 12 renovation; it won't change our decision to cruise on this ship and date.)

 

The Spinnaker was moved to deck 7 aft where the shops were located. The other areas on deck 12 that are now cabins were meeting rooms and card rooms, and the theater. The library is still in the original location.

 

Cagney's doesn't seem to be crowded during breakfast and lunch. Although it is a great perk, not everyone uses it. Some like the buffet, and some use the MDR.

 

I can see no negative impact on the Star changes. The areas that were converted were under utilized and empty or used by very few people most of the time. I still find many places on the Star to relax.

[Us2inFL]

Thanks, I have never been on a cruise that I didn't thoroughly enjoy.

[mr&mrscruiselover]

We were on the Star last May and did not find the ship over-crowded and were always seated promptly in Cagney's where we ate breakfast and lunch eveyday.

 

Sherri and Clay

[coffeebean]

The Spinnaker was moved to deck 7 aft where the shops were located. The other areas on deck 12 that are now cabins were meeting rooms and card rooms, and the theater. The library is still in the original location.

 

Cagney's doesn't seem to be crowded during breakfast and lunch. Although it is a great perk, not everyone uses it. Some like the buffet, and some use the MDR.

 

I can see no negative impact on the Star changes. The areas that were converted were under utilized and empty or used by very few people most of the time. I still find many places on the Star to relax.

Space for cabins was taken from the theater ? I can't imagine how that was done.

[Suite Heart]

I was on the STAR in late January 2011. Had a 2BR, 2 BTH penthouse suite. (There's a whirlpool in the master bath. Whee!) Enjoyed the services of the butler and concierge, and also the perk of Cagney's for quite a few breakfasts and lunches. Always had VERY attentive service in Cagney's (thank you, Vigny, Wilson, Dennis, Leo, and Isogani!) and there was neither overcrowding nor a wait for seating.

 

If there was any overload of passengers because of added staterooms, it certainly wasn't noticeable. The concierge was always able to get reservations in the specialty restaurants for me, and even preferred seating in the Stardust for all of the best shows. (As a matter of fact, I got seating in the Owner's & Villa Suite reserved area most nights.)

 

BTW, there were a number of us lamenting the moving of the Spinnaker to Deck 7 at the rear of the ship. No windows at all. But on the night of the White Hot Party, no one seemed to care:p

 

Suite Heart

 

P.S. If you get Patrick as your concierge, you will have the BEST cruise ever. He was there for me from the time I boarded the Star until disembarkation, when he personally escorted me down the gangway.

[swedish weave]

Space for cabins was taken from the theater ? I can't imagine how that was done.

 

Demolition --

Elimination --

[JohnIreland]

Space for cabins was taken from the theater ? I can't imagine how that was done.

 

Movie theatre, not the main show one.

[retired rascal]

We were in an Owners Suite after the renovations on Deck 12. Cagney's did not seem to be all that crowded at B or L. There were always seats available. I did notice that on the maitre d's podium there was a list of cabins in rank order.....'top 10,' 'next 20' etc....and the higher on the list, the more likely of a window seat if there was one. We didn't care. I think the Concierge is more impacted....requires he/she be SUPER organized and a very very good communicator. It is not necessarily 180 more people. Not every cabin can have the maximum number of people because there is a limit for the whole ship for any sailing. I think on our cruise 90% of the new cabins had two adults only....some of the larger ones had young children or babies. It was a long cruise and not during school vacation so only one or two school age kids.

[Springwater21]

back last week from Star, we were in the penthouse with balcony 12512 deck 12, just 2 of us. I met folks who had the family suites, holds 6, but only had 4. We ate almost every morning in Cagneys-maybe suite passengers sleep in, cause at 7:30-8:00 there were only about 3 couples most days. And we always got a window seat..watching the joggers just made me tired!!LOL.

We had Patrick as concierge, he was super. Henry was our butler-fantastic in every respect.

We really enjoyed ourselves. Only went to one show(we are not show goers). Met lots of really nice people from all over the world..

Only time the atrium seemed crowed was the 10.00 sale day!! everyone looking for the "bargains".haha Dona

[goldmom]

I've been on the Dawn and was recently on the Star. As far as the impact of the new suites, I didn't notice any difference or lack of service. The only thing that was different from other ships that we've been on is that the main area of Cagney's was used for breakfast and lunch (possibly because of the potential of more suite guests), whereas on other ships they used the smaller Cagney's area through the Star Bar.

[Corkybob]

The Star added 30 deck 12 suites all with butler and concierge service. With the max of 6 passengers per suite, you're talking about 180 more people who are eligible for concierge service, Cagney's mornings, specialty dining reservations, special reserved area in the theater etc.

 

I am not one of those "make sure I get my share" kind of people, but would that extra passenger demand over-tax the facilities and concierge staff on a ship?

 

When they "stretch" a ship, they add additional cabins but they also add additional public space.

 

When NCL converted the enormous lounge and public spaces on deck 12 on the Star (and soon to be eviscerated Dawn) and added their 30 new suites, did they do so at the cost of comfort to the passengers?

I was on the Star in Nov. The change of the Spinnaker lounge is one without windows, which we missed because on 'at sea' days it is nice to have a place inside to sit and read or watch the games and still have windows to the passing scenes and daylight.

This is a disappointment to us. We are currently leaving on the Dawn, so it is before the renovations to their lounge, thank you.!

Corkybob

[Two if by Sea]

I did notice that on the maitre d's podium there was a list of cabins in rank order.....'top 10,' 'next 20' etc

 

Which ones are included in the top 10 and the next 20? How many are there altogether?

 

Also: on the Dawn, where does the Concierge live if you want to ask him/her for reservations or other services during the day?

 

Thanks.

[Hikini]

We sailed on the Star last September after the renovations and were lucky to have one of the new suites. While it said it COULD sleep 6, we didn't have that many in ours. And we have the same suite booked again for only 2 people, in spite of the possibility of 6. So 180 is an inflated number.

 

We did not notice any difference in Cagney's and never had to wait for a table at breakfast or lunch.

 

Yes, there were grumblers about the absence of the Spinnaker Lounge in its previous location, as well as the elimination of the movie theater and the game room. It didn't impact us because we were in a suite, however, if we were in an inside room, I would have been less happy with the absence of the Spinnaker in its old location with the floor to ceiling windows.

 

The Blue Lagoon being moved to its new space is a good move, as it accomodates more people now, as well as having a nicer viewing area while dining.

 

They can't please everyone. And the bottom line is just that - this is a business and they are doing what they can to increase the bottom line.

[beachmama]

We have never been on the Star and thinking about getting a pent house aft cabin on the 8th floor... My question is do you think we will hear alot of noise from the Spinnaker since they moved it to the aft?? Thank you for any info. you can give me...:)

[BikerAl]

I don't believe the concierge will be overworked, or the ones on the Jewel class ships would be now. Remember, this brings the number of suite passengers about equal to the Jewel class ships which have the courtyard suites.

 

Al

[terrymtex01]

We were on the Star last May and did not find the ship over-crowded and were always seated promptly in Cagney's where we ate breakfast and lunch eveyday.

 

Sherri and Clay

 

We were on this same cruise as Sherri and Clay and enjoyed many breakfasts and lunches sitting at a table next to them or at least near them. Great people. We never noticed an over crowding of Cagney's for breakfast or lunch either. I recently read an actual article, but did not save the link (which makes me sick) that talked about the additional staff that was brought onto the Star and will be brought onto the Dawn because of the new suites, just to make sure there is no drop in service or quality for the suite guests. There will still be only one Concierge, but he/she will probably have an extra assistant. To be candid, the assistants do most of the "foot work" for the Concierge anyway. So I doubt any change there will be noticed. Also, they are bringing on a number of extra Butlers and Room Stewards. So there should be no effect felt there. Finally, we have never sailed on any NCL cruise where Cagney's was crowded for breakfast or lunch. Sometimes it might be getting close to full, but I never noticed that people where having to wait for a table. This is all with only 1/2 of Cagney's being used for breakfast or lunch. They still have an entire 1/2 they could open up if the space is needed.

 

We have never been on the Star and thinking about getting a pent house aft cabin on the 8th floor... My question is do you think we will hear alot of noise from the Spinnaker since they moved it to the aft?? Thank you for any info. you can give me...:)

 

Beachmama.... Honestly I really hope you end up booking a penthouse on deck 9 or 10. While you may luck out and get a suite on deck 8 where you do not hear the noise from below, I would hate for your cruise to be affected by the noise if it was avoidable by being able to book deck 9 or 10. If you book one of the corner aft penthouses on deck 10 you get a much larger balcony anyway. 8-). You will give up a little bit of the stateroom area for that larger balcony, but it's worth it.

[beachmama]

We were on this same cruise as Sherri and Clay and enjoyed many breakfasts and lunches sitting at a table next to them or at least near them. Great people. We never noticed an over crowding of Cagney's for breakfast or lunch either. I recently read an actual article, but did not save the link (which makes me sick) that talked about the additional staff that was brought onto the Star and will be brought onto the Dawn because of the new suites, just to make sure there is no drop in service or quality for the suite guests. There will still be only one Concierge, but he/she will probably have an extra assistant. To be candid, the assistants do most of the "foot work" for the Concierge anyway. So I doubt any change there will be noticed. Also, they are bringing on a number of extra Butlers and Room Stewards. So there should be no effect felt there. Finally, we have never sailed on any NCL cruise where Cagney's was crowded for breakfast or lunch. Sometimes it might be getting close to full, but I never noticed that people where having to wait for a table. This is all with only 1/2 of Cagney's being used for breakfast or lunch. They still have an entire 1/2 they could open up if the space is needed.

 

 

 

Beachmama.... Honestly I really hope you end up booking a penthouse on deck 9 or 10. While you may luck out and get a suite on deck 8 where you do not hear the noise from below, I would hate for your cruise to be affected by the noise if it was avoidable by being able to book deck 9 or 10. If you book one of the corner aft penthouses on deck 10 you get a much larger balcony anyway. 8-). You will give up a little bit of the stateroom area for that larger balcony, but it's worth it.

 

 

Thanks Terry, for your response..but I just booked one on deck 8 corner aft, deck 9 corners were full already, and were talking April 2012...I will just bring my ear plugs if it gets to bad... : )

[halos]

We were on this same cruise as Sherri and Clay and enjoyed many breakfasts and lunches sitting at a table next to them or at least near them. Great people. We never noticed an over crowding of Cagney's for breakfast or lunch either. I recently read an actual article, but did not save the link (which makes me sick) that talked about the additional staff that was brought onto the Star and will be brought onto the Dawn because of the new suites, just to make sure there is no drop in service or quality for the suite guests. There will still be only one Concierge, but he/she will probably have an extra assistant. To be candid, the assistants do most of the "foot work" for the Concierge anyway. So I doubt any change there will be noticed. Also, they are bringing on a number of extra Butlers and Room Stewards. So there should be no effect felt there. Finally, we have never sailed on any NCL cruise where Cagney's was crowded for breakfast or lunch. Sometimes it might be getting close to full, but I never noticed that people where having to wait for a table. This is all with only 1/2 of Cagney's being used for breakfast or lunch. They still have an entire 1/2 they could open up if the space is needed.

 

 

 

Beachmama.... Honestly I really hope you end up booking a penthouse on deck 9 or 10. While you may luck out and get a suite on deck 8 where you do not hear the noise from below, I would hate for your cruise to be affected by the noise if it was avoidable by being able to book deck 9 or 10. If you book one of the corner aft penthouses on deck 10 you get a much larger balcony anyway. 8-). You will give up a little bit of the stateroom area for that larger balcony, but it's worth it.

 

You're always full of fabulous tidbits of information and facts!! Thanks :)

[coffeebean]

Movie theatre, not the main show one.

Now that makes sense. Thanks.