Questions for Suite Passengers

[NYGirl1002]

I have already booked an OV for my cruise in November on the Jewel. It's just myself and my special needs daughter (29). Both of us love cruises.

 

Anyway I've been reading reviews here and I'm seeing most all of them are people with suites. Due to the jealousy factor...I want to upgrade to a room that will allow butler/concierge service. The SF category (Penthouse) seems to be the way to go as the price is right. My PCP told me it will add another $100 per passenger OBC to my $130 already. I also plan on booking a FCC for the Breakaway next year so I will probably get another $100 OBC.

 

So..if we do book this it will be one of the aft penthouses. I have a choice of decks 8 9 or 10. There are only a couple left so I want to do this tonight.

 

What are the amenities? I know about Cagney's for breakfast/lunch but that is not listed on NCL's list of amenities.

 

Also, is there a benefit to upgrading with NCL or should I move it over to a travel agent for more perks. Can this be done?

 

I was hoping you guys would talk me into booking it.

 

Thanks

[Journey11]

One quick tip learned from this site. The aft penthouse suites on deck 10 are the most sought after because their balconies are so much larger than the other two decks. I would reserve a penthouse suite on deck 10 asap before they get away.

[janvino]

The perks are good. At least Cagneys is worth it alone IMHO:D The aft penthouse is awesome as far as I'm concerned but keep that a secret otherwise everyone will want one. ;)The sound of the wake is mesmerizing. Its like you are on your own private ship. BTW the balconies of the aft penthouses on deck 10 are usually bigger. I think they hold 2 lounge chairs. No need to search for 2 together on the public decks you will have your own. Add a butler and concierge to take care of all the details and your own espresso/coffee machine in the am. What more could one want. The bed is actually larger than a queen as my sister and I share without any problems. But beware, it's true that once you cruise in a suite you will be spoiled forever. Buyer beware!!!!:rolleyes:

[tel2]

One thing that you might want to be aware of, although it may not make any difference to you. In the penthouse suites, both aft and forward, the queen bed does NOT separate into two twins. So either you need to share the bed, or there is a loveseat - rather comfortable -- that can be made into a separate bed. Also, we did the Jewel in an aft penthouse - 10666 -- and I agree that the 10th deck penthouses have the largest decks.

 

Terry

[InTheCruisingYearsOfLife]

... So..if we do book this it will be one of the aft penthouses. I have a choice of decks 8 9 or 10. ...

 

I haven't been on Jewel, but looking at the deck plans, I think any of those aft penthouses would be great. Nothing particularly noisy above or below any of those.

 

What are the amenities? I know about Cagney's for breakfast/lunch but that is not listed on NCL's list of amenities.

 

You can find the full list easily enough, but Cagney's is a major one.

 

You will get priority embarkation (including a comfortable unrushed VIP lounge and a personal escort onto the ship), priority debarkation, and priority tendering (if any of your ports require that). (I do not know to what degree these benefits would be redundant with the preferential treatment that I would hope is afforded to you anyway by virtue of your DD having special needs.)

 

The penthouses are really lovely. You'll have a great coffee maker, priority restaurant reservations through your concierge.

 

Also, is there a benefit to upgrading with NCL or should I move it over to a travel agent for more perks. Can this be done? ...

 

I'm inclined to give that a try some time soon, but so far I have preferred the attention of an NCL PCC. I've also believed (correctly or not) that for logistical reasons the prospects for getting the blessings of the Upgrade Fairy are better for direct NCL bookers than for those who go through travel agents.

[palmyrafan]

You also get the VIP queue lines upon embarkation at the Pier. You get to bypass the long lines. You also get priority debarkation in the ports with tenders.

 

You will have reserved seating in the theatre as well. The concierge will work their magic and can get you into the restaurants of your choice. They are also great for helping you plan what to do in each port.

 

Room service by the butler is awesome. One evening, DH and I were hungry but didn't want to go to a particular restaurant. Our butler asked us what sounded good to eat and we told her. Ends up, one item wasn't on any of the menus but she still got it for us!

 

On one of our cruises to Alaska, we had a lady in a wheelchair who would eat at Cagney's for breakfast. The concierge, on the first morning, asked her to pick out which table she would like to sit at during the cruise. When she did, he put a reserved sign on it and said the table was solely for she and her husband for whenever they wanted to dine, breakfast, lunch or dinner. No one else was allowed to use that table for the entire cruise.

 

I have to agree with the others, that once you cruise the suite life, you will be spoiled and never want to cruise any other way!

 

Enjoy your cruise!

[tne1106]

Hey!

 

We haven't had our first cruise yet, but we are booked into a suite thanks to others talking it up here and our own families. Here's a like I found digging around listing suite perks by category.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1462312

 

Here's the section that talks about the penthouses (DH and I are going in a Jewel forward facing, sounds like yours is going to be aft)

 

PENTHOUSES ~ SC, SD, SE, SF, SJ

Embarkation

Personal escort to stateroom

Metallic color key card

1 Full bottle of Sparkling Wine (House) w/compliments of NCL card

1 Floral Arrangement

Fruit Bowl *

1 Bottle of Spring Water

 

 

* Replenished upon consumption

 

 

Bath Amenities

Cotton ball & Q-Tip Caddie

Bath salts, presented in container, shell scoop

Loofah, cello wrapped, no logo

Elemis brand products presented on tray:

Pure Shine Shampoo 40ml

Pro-Vitamin Conditioner 40ml

Sharp Shower Gel 40ml

Vitamin Rich Body Lotion 40ml

Pure Zest boxed Soap 80g

Pure Zest boxed Soap 50g

Shower Cap, paper envelope

 

 

Other

Butler and Concierge Service

Access to Star Bar Day Lounge

Daily Breakfast and Lunch in Cagney's

Pillow menu selection (tent card on night stand)

DVD and CD Player

DVD & CD Library, with DVD movie library binder

Deluxe Coffee/Espresso/Cappuccino Machine serving Lavazza coffee

China cups/saucers, espresso cups, teaspoons

Coffee/Tea pod dispenser accompanying Lavazza Coffee Machines

Bathroom Scale

Clock

Bath Robes (Plush Terry Robe-Waffle Design)

Slippers, Standard

Feather Pillows, Queen/Euro

Feather Duvet Insert

Upgraded linen - 300TC with Embroidery

Towels including oversized bath towel

Long stem barware, 2 each or 1 per person, space available.

Full Breakfast Menu

24 Hour Room Service Menu (Suite Menu)

Food turn down amenity delivered each night

Priority restaurant reservations

Priority embarkation and disembarkation

In Suite Dining

 

Of course, the usual saying about details may change or vary applies here, but you get the idea! Happy sailing!

[NYGirl1002]

Thank you all for your input!! I just called my PCP and upgraded. There was only one left on deck 10 and it was 10666 so I told him to take it. Wouldn't you know just as he was about to click it..it disappeared!! So he put me on deck 9 aft. We will just have to make do with the smaller balcony. If my husband was alive we'd need the larger balcony but just the two of us girls don't care. Also we are cruising in November so we won't be able to use the balcony at least on the first day down and last day up. He said he will keep on the lookout in case somebody just put a hold on it and will move me if it becomes available.

 

My daughter has no physical issues. She's mentally challenged but in great physical shape having a black belt in karate and has tons of gold medals for skiing. I'm the one not in great physical shape. LOL

 

I love the idea of priority tendering!! Can the concierge help us get to the Chef's table too?

 

I didn't think it was possible but I'm more excited than I was about this cruise now.

[tne1106]

Thank you all for your input!! I just called my PCP and upgraded. There was only one left on deck 10 and it was 10666 so I told him to take it. Wouldn't you know just as he was about to click it..it disappeared!! So he put me on deck 9 aft. We will just have to make do with the smaller balcony. If my husband was alive we'd need the larger balcony but just the two of us girls don't care. Also we are cruising in November so we won't be able to use the balcony at least on the first day down and last day up. He said he will keep on the lookout in case somebody just put a hold on it and will move me if it becomes available.

 

My daughter has no physical issues. She's mentally challenged but in great physical shape having a black belt in karate and has tons of gold medals for skiing. I'm the one not in great physical shape. LOL

 

I love the idea of priority tendering!! Can the concierge help us get to the Chef's table too?

 

I didn't think it was possible but I'm more excited than I was about this cruise now.

 

According to my parents who sailed earlier this year, that concierge can get you just about anything :D. You'll get to see your concierge before even getting on the ship, for something like chefs table, I'd tell them right then and there you want in on it.

 

Only one thing to watch on the upgrade, the Butler and Concierge are not in the tip pool that the daily service charge goes to, so be prepared to tip them as you see fit. :)

[philatiger]

Thank you all for your input!! I just called my PCP and upgraded. There was only one left on deck 10 and it was 10666 so I told him to take it. Wouldn't you know just as he was about to click it..it disappeared!! So he put me on deck 9 aft. We will just have to make do with the smaller balcony. If my husband was alive we'd need the larger balcony but just the two of us girls don't care. Also we are cruising in November so we won't be able to use the balcony at least on the first day down and last day up. He said he will keep on the lookout in case somebody just put a hold on it and will move me if it becomes available.

 

My daughter has no physical issues. She's mentally challenged but in great physical shape having a black belt in karate and has tons of gold medals for skiing. I'm the one not in great physical shape. LOL

 

I love the idea of priority tendering!! Can the concierge help us get to the Chef's table too?

 

I didn't think it was possible but I'm more excited than I was about this cruise now.

 

Keep checking, that cabin may pop back up. Congrats on the suite... you will love it.

[tne1106]

Oh, and Pooh! You sail right after us! We're the 4th! Maybe we'll get to wave to each other, us leaving and you boarding!:D

[NYGirl1002]

Oh Tne it would have been fun to already know someone from this thread. My roll call thread is a dud :( Also thank you so much for the list of amenities! I saw it on another post and I was trying to find that post. I'm so glad you posted in here for me.

 

I knew about the extra tipping just from reading on here.

 

What is the Star Bar Day Lounge? What do they have in there? Is it free?

 

Also, is there free soda/water involved?

[tne1106]

Oh Tne it would have been fun to already know someone from this thread. My roll call thread is a dud :(

Mine is running hot and cold too. Some don't pick up till after final payment is due, so be patient. :) I'll try to befriend whoever is in your room on our cruise and make sure they treat the room right lol ;)

Also thank you so much for the list of amenities! I saw it on another post and I was trying to find that post. I'm so glad you posted in here for me. I bookmarked it when I found it lol. It is not mine, and eventually I am sure it will be outdated, but until then it is worth sharing! Every time I go to it I want a garden villa though lol:D

 

I knew about the extra tipping just from reading on here.

 

What is the Star Bar Day Lounge? What do they have in there? Is it free?

According to my research( asking my parents lol) it was just an lounge area that was used by the concierge and suite guests during the day. they never went in themselves, so others will have better answers.

 

Also, is there free soda/water involved? You get one free bottle in the suite at boarding, rest you would pay for (bottled anyhow, tap is free). Soda plan is extra, I think about $49 for the cruise. From reading here, my DH and I are planning to bring a case of H2O with us.

 

You are going to have a blast! Hope that level 10 opens up for you!

[GemPrincess]

So..if we do book this it will be one of the aft penthouses. I have a choice of decks 8 9 or 10. There are only a couple left so I want to do this tonight.

 

What are the amenities? I know about Cagney's for breakfast/lunch but that is not listed on NCL's list of amenities.

 

Also, is there a benefit to upgrading with NCL or should I move it over to a travel agent for more perks. Can this be done?

 

I was hoping you guys would talk me into booking it.

 

Thanks

 

I have loved my suite on the Jewel. It was Deck 8 aft, as I love being aft on the wake. I also liked being 1 floor above the dining room, and you can take the elevator to either 7 or 6 [if there are any mobility issues]. I could also get my soda refills at the Blue Lagoon that is open all night long.

 

I think you can not go wrong with any of the suites. Its just a matter of preference.

 

After they spoil you with all the service, its hard to travel any other way, or to go back to normal life.

[OnTheGoMom921]

Oh Tne it would have been fun to already know someone from this thread. My roll call thread is a dud :( Also thank you so much for the list of amenities! I saw it on another post and I was trying to find that post. I'm so glad you posted in here for me.

 

I knew about the extra tipping just from reading on here.

 

What is the Star Bar Day Lounge? What do they have in there? Is it free?

 

Also, is there free soda/water involved?

 

No free soda in an SF, but iced tea, lemonade and flavored waters are available free on the ship. There will be a free bottled water in your suite as well. You will love your coffee machine as well.

 

The star bar is just outside Cagneys, and on the Gem, our Concierge would be housed there during the day. Sort of like his office. Not sure if your concierge will use it on the Jewel. In the evening, you can get a special, half off martinis, during happy hour. Very quiet venue when we were there. Nice piano player, we sat a few minutes while we were waiting for our table at Cagneys.

 

Enjoy your cruise! If you end up getting SF 10666, check out my review of the Gem, we were in the same suite on that ship.

 

~Michele..the link below is to my review with pictures including room and balcony

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1667955

[GemPrincess]

No free soda in an SF

 

I buy a soda card always. Once I thought it was too expensive so I skipped the soda card, but spent far more money paying for each drink.

[GemPrincess]

No free soda in an SF... If you end up getting SF 10666

 

I always buy a soda card and then have as many refills as I like for the entire cruise. The 1st cruise I thought it was too expensive so I skipped the soda card, but spent far more money paying for each drink.

 

BTW, Cabin 10666 is in the same location on Deck 10, that my suite was on Deck 8

[NYGirl1002]

Guess what? My PCP is on the ball and I just received the new booking info for Suite 10666!!! I am so happy.

 

I had gotten a soda card for my daughter on our very first cruise with HAL to Alaska. I had gotten my husband and I a wine card (for glasses of wine - great idea and well worth it) all before we even boarded.

 

Well she drank one glass of soda a day! What a waste of money. Same thing on Carnival

 

On Princess I didn't even bother buying it for her as I brought wine onboard for myself. She drank iced tea and a soda here and there.

 

However!! Disney has free soda and I found that we both drank a lot of it. I'm thinking of getting both of us soda cards on NCL.

 

OntheGoMom, I had read your review already but I just checked it again to see the pictures of my new room. It should be great for just my daughter and myself. I like the fact that you had the same itinerary as we have.

 

Thank you all for your well wishes. This forum has become my favorite on cruise critic. I am especially loving the influx of reviews lately. I am a review reading fiend!!!

[NYGirl1002]

OMG I just checked my roll call and like every single post except mine is somebody with kids..who's got 4 kids..who's got 3 kids... I sure hope there's enough adult areas on this ship.

 

I believe my cruise is one of the "kids cruise free" cruises.

[fergusonvt]

After reading this thread I talked myself into another suite. Just switched my cruise to 1/12/2014 on then Jewel out of NOLA and booked another deck 10 aft Ph.

 

Sent from my LePanII using Tapatalk 2

[NYGirl1002]

I guess I paid it forward to you fergusonvt. I'm telling you just keep reading this forum..how could you NOT book a suite.

 

I like the idea of the seat saving in the theater too!

[PatJim]

One thing to watch out for in an aft penthouse or any aft balcony cabin, is the soot from the ship's funnel. By about mid-week, you should ask someone to wipe/hose down the balcony. I always draped my bathrobe over the lounge chair (or sat down wearing it early mornings), and made sure the railing was wiped off before leaning on it. I've read that others didn't have this problem, but we did. Just want you to be aware, so you don't run up a dry cleaning bill.

[GemPrincess]

OMG I just checked my roll call and like every single post except mine is somebody with kids..who's got 4 kids..who's got 3 kids... I sure hope there's enough adult areas on this ship.

 

I believe my cruise is one of the "kids cruise free" cruises.

 

The Kids Program is so good that you barely see any kids around. Even the GEM & JEWEL that go into Port Canaveral out of NYC, hence families on their way to Disney World, we barely saw the kids around, and when we did, the were well organizaed on a scavenger hunt or some activity.

 

When we took my sister's kids along with us on cruises, we had a hard time getting them to show up at our table for dinner as they were having so much fun with their new friends, and all the activities.

[GemPrincess]

I like the idea of the seat saving in the theater too!

 

Not only seat saving, but prime balcony seats, stage side

[RareBird]

Just a note for you, penthouse suite bedroom beds have king mattresses that do not split. One other person mentioned that also but you didn't reply so want to make sure you understood.

 

We were booked on one of those kids sail free cruises and really no big deal it was not bad.