Unpopular post: Didn't care for the suite life

[NH Cruisers]

I always book the fanciest best and biggest room I am afford. I have never been able to afford more than a Mini. If I could I would always book full suites. To stay one night in a Motel 6 or one in a modern Marriott. Modern Marriott all the way. Same for a 7 day cruise, i'll book as much as I am willing to spend. If I were rich it would be all suites.

 

You never know. My last cruise I was stuck in my cabin from an illness most of the cruise. Damn glad it was a Mini and not an inside. I would have loved being in a full suite.

 

I think it all comes down to what you can afford and feel comfortable paying. How many folks would turn down a (Fantasy) suite upgrade from an inside or another lesser cabin. Not many I would think.

 

Jon

[Warmer Climes]

We have done nine cruises, the last two in suites. For me, the things I think are great about the suites are embarkation/debarkation because I hate to wait; extra room in the cabin; priority tendering. The things I don't use or think are overrated are Cagney's for breakfast and lunch- I'm with you, Signora, the buffet offers much more variety; butler and concierge (we make our own dinner reservations and don't eat in the cabin); reserved theater seating. I like the suites but I would be happy to be in a regular balcony, especially if I was traveling with just DH. Our next cruise is with Celebrity with two of our kids and we got two Aqua class cabins rather than a suite.

 

Barb

[davy jones]

We have never had a suite, but I think that I would feel funny with a butler and concierge. I can also take 2 cruises for the price of a suite.

[newmexicoNita]

Returned a few weeks ago from our Pearl cruise where we had booked a PH forward--first time in a suite and I didn't care for it (but DH did!). I think I like the small enclosed space of a regular cabin: cozier, safer. We felt like royalty but I kept thinking: "This isn't me!" Also, we spent a lot more time in our cabin (because it was so huge and comfortable) but less time exploring the ship and interacting with other passengers. Didn't feel like Cagney's was something special--more selection at the buffet. So next time around it's a plain ol' balcony for us members of the hoi polloi.

 

wow, yes, you are unusual. I wouldn't say your post is going to be unpopular but it will be a surprise. I think, one of our concerns, if we splurged for a suite would be spending too much time in the cabin as well. As for meals in Cagney's? this I disagree with you on. yes, the selection at the buffet is better, but the quality and service at breakfast and lunch in CAgney's is unbeatable. I will take that anyday over the buffet..

[bagpiper51]

well, time for my two cents worth. i have been in a suite twice now; owners suite on the sky and a suite on 10 day med cruise on the jade. for my wife and i, the suite is the only way we will go. we do not eat at buffets ever, either on land or at sea. the cagneys perk is probably the best perk of the suite life, in our opinion. we do not use the butler or concierge hardly at all. we enjoy the larger cabins and larger balconys. the wife loves to lay in bed and read while underway and i like to roam around and people watch. i think the bottom line is; to each his own. :)

[vent1020]

Here's MY two cents.

 

We were on the Epic last year in a small room with a balcony. It was my wife, me and our then 6 year old son and 1 year old daughter. It was tight and with a 1 year old, at times a NIGHTMARE.

 

We have booked a 2 bedroom family suite on the Dawn for Nov. of 2014. Our son will be 9 and our daughter almost 4. I think it will be a HUGE difference having the extra room.

 

So, I think having small children also makes a difference on the room you have.

 

Oh and I am SOOOOOO looking forward to eating at Cagney's for breakfast and lunch!!!!! And being able to order in food through the butler.

[vent1020]

Returned a few weeks ago from our Pearl cruise where we had booked a PH forward--first time in a suite and I didn't care for it (but DH did!). I think I like the small enclosed space of a regular cabin: cozier, safer. We felt like royalty but I kept thinking: "This isn't me!" Also, we spent a lot more time in our cabin (because it was so huge and comfortable) but less time exploring the ship and interacting with other passengers. Didn't feel like Cagney's was something special--more selection at the buffet. So next time around it's a plain ol' balcony for us members of the hoi polloi.

 

wow, yes, you are unusual. I wouldn't say your post is going to be unpopular but it will be a surprise. I think, one of our concerns, if we splurged for a suite would be spending too much time in the cabin as well. As for meals in Cagney's? this I disagree with you on. yes, the selection at the buffet is better, but the quality and service at breakfast and lunch in CAgney's is unbeatable. I will take that anyday over the buffet..

 

I agree with newmexicoNita. Yeah, you get more at the buffet, but that is like comparing Sizzler to Ruth's Chris. Sorry, but I'd take Ruth's Chris all day long compared to more of a selection at Sizzler.

[cooncat_mom]

Those of us who are not blown away by the suite life do exist! I do spend time in the cabin, though, and book suites when I can. On CCL, it's just a bigger cabin - I like space. We did our first NCL cruise in a Deck 10 aft PH. LOVED the balcony! Big enough for the family and would book it again. This fall we're booked in a new SJ Family suite - no balcony but large room and windows. DD and I don't do buffet ever, so Cagney's is a great perk. As for the rest, I do my own reservations, rarely use room service, don't need to be escorted anywhere and I actually stand on the Customer Service line rather than go ahead of everyone (most of my stuff isn't that important), so the butler and concierge can pay attention to other people. One of the reasons I've stuck to mass-market lines is that I don't really like to be fussed over. But I do like the suite cabins!

[shark with a laser]

I love the suite life! The first time we did an NCL suite, we weren't aware of any perks but the butler and concierge and the free bottles of liquor. When we were on the Jade, we learned about all of the perks beforehand. The only morning we didn't do breakfast at Cagney's was the first morning because we were too late. While the buffet may obviously have more variety, all of that is available at Cagney's. It was nice to chat with the concierge each morning and get recommendations on what to do that day in port, much better than the shopping recommendations that seem to be the only thing in the freestyle daily. She even suggested renting a car in one port because we hadn't booked any excursions and it was too late to join any. We would never have thought of that on our own in Italy. And although there was a new port nearly every day, we spent plenty of time in our suite. It was nice coming back from an exhausting day and being able to relax in our big, beautiful room or on our balcony on the front of the ship.

 

I won't say that a suite is the only way I'll travel, but when I can afford it, I'll certainly splurge. We've been saving for the suite coming up in May since we booked it last March.

[fergusonvt]

I agree with newmexicoNita. Yeah, you get more at the buffet, but that is like comparing Sizzler to Ruth's Chris. Sorry, but I'd take Ruth's Chris all day long compared to more of a selection at Sizzler.

 

 

My major complaint about the breakfast in Cagney's was that fact that my waffle when I received it was cold. The same waffle cooked in front of me at the buffet was piping hot. Granted I could have sent the Cagney's waffle back and waited another 20 minutes for a hot one but we had an excursion planned. Did I like sitting down in Cagney's and being waited on, you bet but for me breakfast is about the food. I want to eat and be done with it. Dinner is another matter altogether.

 

We also had an issue with our butler not bringing us what we asked for. Because of seafood and fish allergies that very first day we asked for no fish and asked for cheese and crackers, chocolate, fruit or basically anything other than fish. We received chocolates one day and the rest was fishy things. We only saw our concierge at check-in and never saw her again the entire cruise. Granted we didn't need her for anything and didn't contact her but I thought perhaps she might check in at least once. Even based on this experience the bigger balcony, getting on the ship earlier and the priority tenders are worth the extra money upon occasion. At the very minimum I must have a balcony.

[Doughboy139]

I can take one or leave it. We have another one booked for 2015 (8202) but only because I wanted to try out the forward SG's on the Sun. I booked it 100% for the balcony because size of the cabin doesn't matter nor does any of the other perks. I usually look to see what the prices are and decide from there. We too prefer the buffet for breakfast because the food was hotter and the selection was better.

Does the SUN have SG's ???

[Sorin174]

On one hand I can understand the OP's point. On the other hand I do enjoy the suite. The first time we booked an NCL we booked a mini suite, but I was really hating the fact we didn't get VIP boarding which we did on CCL. I hate waiting in line :mad: Then we got a call from, as others have called it, the upgrade fairy. They sold us on the front Penthouse so we went for it, then 2 weeks before our cruise we got another call wanting us to upgrade to the Owners suite on the front, we said what the heck, you only live once and I loved it! Our favorite part is that front facing balcony! My wife loves the fact that she doesn't have to fight for a good spot up top to sun herself, specially since that front deck gets sun almost all day, then you also have the balcony on the side you can use if it's raining or the sun gets too hot. I personally like breakfast at Cagneys, the buffet on NCL seems so disorganized, it seems like no matter where you start, you run into someone coming the opposite direction.

However, like some others have said, it is very expensive, and we do the Owners suite only about once every 2 years as a special treat for ourselves. Otherwise, we are happy with the mini suite.

[Mainah]

Does the SUN have SG's ???

 

Indeed it does. We are booked in the same cabin (8202), which is categorized as an SG, on the Sun this coming December.

[Doughboy139]

Indeed it does. We are booked in the same cabin (8202), which is categorized as an SG, on the Sun this coming December.

I stand to be corrected. Didn't realize the Sun had SG category. They are a nice suite - enjoy yours on your coming cruise.

[mom2tcdx2]

Personally if my pocketbook could afford it, I would sail in a suite every time. The perks on NCL are great (not so great with Carnival). The priority embarkation is nice, personally I thought Cagney's for breakfast was fantastic. Though on Princess in a suite, we had their specialty dining place for breakfast and didn't think it was anywhere near as nice as Cagney's. On Princess my mom also took advantage of their free laundry and we used the free wi-fi. Though I don't recall any free wi-fi on NCL.

 

Butler and Concierge I really didn't use, and our butler wasn't really all that great. He didn't really help us do many of the other perks we could have had. No nice breakfast or lunch in the cabin for us. Loved the extra room, we had a forward balcony and the balcony was amazing.

 

I so would have loved a suite for the TA cruise, with no port stops. Though the prices are insane, there is no way I can afford the prices they have the suites listed at. Last I checked over half of them are still available and we are 42 days from sailing.

[ibcnusoon]

Funny, I took my parents on their first cruise last year and although we were aft-facing balcony, they thought they were royalty! Just having an attentive room steward who made their beds and brought ice twice a day was mind boggling for them.

 

I could imagine if I upgraded them from a regular balcony to a suite on the Breakaway this year, having a butler and concerige as well as The Haven. I'm so tempted to surprise them ...

[DMH15]

I don't understand why anyone would book a suite on a normal "Port-a-Day" cruise.

 

The nature of these cruises drive you out of the suite daily. Why not book a "room" instead of a "suite" if you are leaving for a port stop every day anyway?

 

I personally prefer repositioning cruises with many sea days. I get to enjoy the ship and the suite along with all of the perks.

 

On these cruises I would go crazy if I was in an inside cabin and felt I had to leave the room to "see" if it is nice outside or to just find fresh air.

 

The nice thing is that the options are available for all cruises and you get to choose what fits you best.

 

Actually, I love returning to my suite after a long exhausting day in port. A shower or bath then into pjs and the butler brings Le Bistro to me!!!

[mom2tcdx2]

On our last Princess cruise we were offered an upsell from an oceanview to the window suites a couple weeks before sailing that we all jumped on. (We had 3 cabins). My son absolutely loved the suite, and has been complaining that we are now slumming again on our TA cruise. He doesn't wander the ship all that much so having the larger room had him in heaven. It was also the first for my parents and sister & BIL. They all just really enjoyed the extra space, larger bathroom. My husband and I have done 3 suites and I would so love to be able to do them all the time. Though I also realize I would rather cruise more often, but if I see a reasonable price for a suite I would be all over it.

[sverigecruiser]

I agree with newmexicoNita. Yeah, you get more at the buffet, but that is like comparing Sizzler to Ruth's Chris. Sorry, but I'd take Ruth's Chris all day long compared to more of a selection at Sizzler.

 

It's not really correct that you get more at the buffet. You can see more food if you go to the buffet but everything they have there, you can also get at Cagney's. If they don't have it, they send someone down to the buffet to get it for you.

[vent1020]

Actually, I love returning to my suite after a long exhausting day in port. A shower or bath then into pjs and the butler brings Le Bistro to me!!!

 

Now that's what I'm talking about. :D

[palmyrafan]

Actually, I love returning to my suite after a long exhausting day in port. A shower or bath then into pjs and the butler brings Le Bistro to me!!!

 

Amen to that sister!

 

We took my parents to Alaska on the Pearl 3 years ago and we had 2 Haven Suites. They thought they had won the lottery. They had never been on a cruise before, so we decided to surprise them with tickets to Alaska in a suite. They are still talking about the cruise and the suite!

 

Haven life is the only way for us!

[put me on a ship]

Loving this thread! My DH and I have been contemplating booking a suite on NCL....on a ship that has the Haven. We still haven't decided, but oh, so tempting! What we really like, is the private courtyard, pool area, and hot tubs that come with the suites, and breakfast and lunch in an area that is not available to the masses. Since we have already booked our 2013 cruises, I have been looking at 2014, and am so tempted to go ahead and book a suite, and surprise DH!!

[fergusonvt]

Indeed it does. We are booked in the same cabin (8202), which is categorized as an SG, on the Sun this coming December.

 

 

From pics I saw online it looks to me like this has a shower and a tub. Is that correct do you know?

[MsTabbyKats]

Returned a few weeks ago from our Pearl cruise where we had booked a PH forward--first time in a suite and I didn't care for it (but DH did!). I think I like the small enclosed space of a regular cabin: cozier, safer. We felt like royalty but I kept thinking: "This isn't me!" Also, we spent a lot more time in our cabin (because it was so huge and comfortable) but less time exploring the ship and interacting with other passengers. Didn't feel like Cagney's was something special--more selection at the buffet. So next time around it's a plain ol' balcony for us members of the hoi polloi.

 

I never booked a suite and never will, although I can afford it (maybe not spending money on things I don't need is why I can afford it).

 

Being treated like royalty doesn't make you royalty.

 

I like to be up and about with "the masses"....and I love being able to choose my food from right in front of me.

 

Give me a small cabin...and I'll save that bundle of money for a good time in the casino!

[kikki21]

I will be in a mini suite on the Jade in just over a week's time and although I know it's not a proper suite, I hope it will be just fine! :)

 

I do love my balcony on a cruise ship it has to be said and we are considering a suite of some kind on a ship for our honeymoon next year, just to have that experience!