Perks for suites

[cruisenfever]

Not self defeating...an opinion. Sorry that I am ruffling feathers. I still do not feel they are being fair when access to public venues is restricted according to cabin . When will they expand to alienate those who have inside cabins? That is all I am saying.

If you are referring to Labadee.........did you know that if there are any cabana's available at Barefoot Beach after contacting Suite Guests (who have to pay to enjoy them), you are able to contact the Concierge on board and have your name put on a wait list.:D Of course, the wait list priority goes by C&A level.

[Eng23]

Not self defeating...an opinion. Sorry that I am ruffling feathers. I still do not feel they are being fair when access to public venues is restricted according to cabin . When will they expand to alienate those who have inside cabins? That is all I am saying.

What public areas are restricted? I have never stayed in a suite but I can partake of any of the public venues with no restrictions. I do not consider an area reserved for suite guests to be a public area. It is a reserved area for a reason. If you use the pool area as an example, there is the area for suite guests and then the rest of the pool area is open to everyone. Everyone has the same use of the pool area regardless of wether they are in a suite or not. In Labadee there is an area for suite guests with accompanying perks, I have the rest of the resort to go where I want. I don't consider the suite guests beach a public area.

 

Suite guests have a reserved seating area in the main theater's. I have hundreds of other seats to choose from and as another posted stated 10 minutes prior to a shows start that area is then open to all. I guess I just am not understanding your logic.

[Ourusualbeach]

Not self defeating...an opinion. Sorry that I am ruffling feathers. I still do not feel they are being fair when access to public venues is restricted according to cabin . When will they expand to alienate those who have inside cabins? That is all I am saying.

 

they are not alienating those that have inside cabins. There are less than 100 suites on the ships and the balconies, insides and outsides have access to most everywhere that they do, the big exception being the CL lounge but I forgot you have access to the DL lounge. Also the cabanas on Labadee but all the guests can go there. Everyone can go to the shows and just like at the shows front row tickets cost more. Everyone can go to Labadee and as far as the food people can also choose where to et based on how much it costs.

 

Sounds to me like you woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning looking for a fight and the score is in, you didn't have a single post supporting your view.

[Steeler Nation At Sea]

To the OP, do you really believe the purchase of a suite on a mass market cruise line delineates an "upper class" from a "lower class"? This is simply a purchasing choice of a package of benefits and not a matter of class.

 

You and I can enjoy the same cruise vacation, whether we choose to purchase the package or not. Hardly a "class" thing and I struggle to understand why you feel differently or slighted. I would argue the same to any suite cruisers who equate the purchase with class. I find snobbery is just bad manners.

 

Most importantly, you and I can afford this vacation. Many, many are not so fortunate.

[PCWalton1]

Nope...a balcony is in the privacy of your cabin...not in your face at all...Not roped off public areas with signs and ropes that keep people out. Labadee had walls and a gate with a guard at the gate to only admit suite folks. Check it out on your next cruise.

 

I have seen these paid for privileges on each of our cruises though never experienced it since we have never had higher than a JS.

I guess I need to be more attentive on the ships as I didn't realize what they were getting was 'in my face'. I will do a better job of paying attention next cruise. :rolleyes:

[spookwife]

Not self defeating...an opinion. Sorry that I am ruffling feathers. I still do not feel they are being fair when access to public venues is restricted according to cabin . When will they expand to alienate those who have inside cabins? That is all I am saying.

 

 

good gravy.

 

they are not restricting inside cabins from access, they are simply granting additional amenities to those in suites.

 

everybody has access to the same buffets, the lounges, the main pools the MDR, the Spa, the casino, the shops , the lifeboats, the private islands.

 

 

suites merely have a few extra things to which they are entitled to.

[goneclear]

RCCL has resorted to a two class system on their ships. True, the Crown and Anchor society, of which I am Diamond, gives perks to repeat cruisers. This delineation has always been sufficient. I have cruised in suites in the past and will do again. I just disembarked from EOS...Those in suites were given the following;

1. Special seating at the pools

2. Reserved and roped off area in the Palace Theater

3. Breakfast and lunch options in Portofino

4. Separate area in Labadee that included an over the top buffet lunch with Butler service.

There may have been others but these were the "in your face" perks.

While I realize that those in suites do pay extra for their cabins, I thought the class system in cruises ended years ago. What is next...Those in an inside cabin not being allowed in the dining room? Are we moving towards steerage class? Really RCCL, what gives? I am writing a letter to the cruise line to address this.

 

Let us know how your complaint letter works out for you. I guess you can also try other cruise lines till you find what fits your fancy. Got to tell you, when ever I can afford it I do splurge on a suite and I sure enjoy the perks.

[sharktums]

The OP is just looking for a fight. This comes up on the board every couple of months and is usually a troll or just someone trying to kick up sand.

 

None of the stuff was a detriment to you, we live in a capitalist society where you get what you pay for. Deal with it.

[emeraldcity]

So ... you're cruising on a fabulous floating palace and attentive staff is seeing to your every whim. Why is it that you're not just enjoying yourself instead of obsessing about a small roped off-area?

 

I've made plans to go hang out in the Viking Crown on occasion and found it closed for some special function. It made so little impact on me that I can't even remember what ship or what cruise.

[MrCruzdoggie]

I love sailing in a suite. I get a kick out of hearing the doorbell ring and find a nice surprise to enjoy. Yes, we certainly pay more but as in all things in my life, "you usually get what you pay for".... Plan to continue cruising in a suite.

 

 

Agree 100%..............We do from Balcony to Owner's Suite.........I want the perks when we pay for it........

 

OP...................It's ok relax.................

[Jasp 0401]

RCCL has resorted to a two class system on their ships. True, the Crown and Anchor society, of which I am Diamond, gives perks to repeat cruisers. This delineation has always been sufficient. I have cruised in suites in the past and will do again. I just disembarked from EOS...Those in suites were given the following;

1. Special seating at the pools

2. Reserved and roped off area in the Palace Theater

3. Breakfast and lunch options in Portofino

4. Separate area in Labadee that included an over the top buffet lunch with Butler service.

There may have been others but these were the "in your face" perks.

While I realize that those in suites do pay extra for their cabins, I thought the class system in cruises ended years ago. What is next...Those in an inside cabin not being allowed in the dining room? Are we moving towards steerage class? Really RCCL, what gives? I am writing a letter to the cruise line to address this.

I am sorry you feel this way. I like to cruises in suites because I like some of the perks and the larger cabin. I have friends that cruise in inside cabins and we sit together in bars and dinning rooms etc.Do I think I am first class and that they are 3rd class because they are in a inside cabin. No of course not and they don't think so either. I think it is wonderful that RCCL are offering their customers so many choices on how best to spend their holiday.

[jenninlaca]

Regarding the Labadee comment, I really don't agree that the lunch buffet was "over the top." We ate it a few weeks ago not because we stayed in a suite but because we had booked a hillside cabana which gave us access to Barefoot beach and the better buffet. That was part of the value of paying $225 for a cabana. I would get the cabana again but I was not very impressed with the buffet. Food was average at best and there was nothing "over the top" about it. It included shrimp and scallop skewers but other than that it was very similar to the regular buffet that everyone gets. And the buffet does not have private butler service - you have waiters for the cabanas and at your chairs on Barefoot beach which is nice but that big of a deal. There are waiters taking drink orders all over the ship for all guests.

 

Obviously RCI is a business and has determined that by offering various perks including reserved seating, etc. they can entice people to upgrade to suites. For some cruisers those extra perks are a bigger reason to book than simply the cabin. People who don't care about the perks are unlikely to pay the extra money. As many have mentioned, its a choice. Its not as if it is difficult for regular passengers to get into the shows or eating venues. Seems like much ado about nothing.

[Cindy]

I guess I just am not understanding your logic.

 

I think the logic was to whine because somebody who paid thousands of dollars more got something they didn't.:rolleyes:

OP, it's called capitalism, and I like it! We cruise in a suite, and I expect more than just additional square footage and an early boarding position for my fare. If it bothers you so much, perhaps you could try the only mass market line I know of that doesn't offer extensive perks to suite guests -- Carnival.

Offering perks must be working out OK for the cruise line...suites on my cruise next April have been sold out for over two months!:D

[RichYak]

...I still do not feel they are being fair when access to public venues is restricted according to cabin ...

This is a silly argument. There are no "public venues" on any cruise ship. You pay a cruise a cruise fare and sign a contract simply to board. If one pays more, they have access to areas of the ship that others don't.

[Sweetest Sin]

Regarding the Labadee comment, I really don't agree that the lunch buffet was "over the top." We ate it a few weeks ago not because we stayed in a suite but because we had booked a hillside cabana which gave us access to Barefoot beach and the better buffet. That was part of the value of paying $225 for a cabana. I would get the cabana again but I was not very impressed with the buffet. Food was average at best and there was nothing "over the top" about it. It included shrimp and scallop skewers but other than that it was very similar to the regular buffet that everyone gets. And the buffet does not have private butler service - you have waiters for the cabanas and at your chairs on Barefoot beach which is nice but that big of a deal. There are waiters taking drink orders all over the ship for all guests.

 

Obviously RCI is a business and has determined that by offering various perks including reserved seating, etc. they can entice people to upgrade to suites. For some cruisers those extra perks are a bigger reason to book than simply the cabin. People who don't care about the perks are unlikely to pay the extra money. As many have mentioned, its a choice. Its not as if it is difficult for regular passengers to get into the shows or eating venues. Seems like much ado about nothing.

 

I agree with you about the buffet. This was the first cruise that we have been suite guests. Barefoot Beach was nice, but the buffet was far from over the top, unless you consider burgers, dogs and corn on the cob extravagant. :rolleyes:

 

As far as some of the other complaints, the area designated for suite guests on the pool deck was not anywhere near the pools, but it did have nicer lounges. And yes, there is designated seating at the theaters.

[JasonV1]

I would hope the people in suites get more for what they pay, it is a significant cost difference.

 

I cruise in cheaper cabins so I can cruise *more*. I'd rather have an additional week or two at sea every year than those extra perks.

 

The cheapest cabin on the boat still affords you a really nice vacation that you can't get anywhere else. Not saying that those suite perks aren't nice, but they aren't required in order for you to enjoy yourself.

 

This is really no different than someone who can afford really expensive excursions, the all you can drink package, or eat in a specialty restaurant for every meal. All of which come at a significant cost that not everyone can afford.

 

I still think the NCL Epic has the most interesting of suite (well, "Courtyard Villa") perks with the "Villa Courtyard". That is probably the most exclusive of things I have ever seen on any cruise ship.

[Polarbear Pa]

I don't see a problem you get what you pay for. If you want the perks stay in the suites and pay for the extras you get. We have always since the first cruise stayed in a balcony or JS. We prefer these doesn't bother us what others get its our vacation and we do it our way. If you want perks pay for them.

[grand isle joe]

I don't see a problem you get what you pay for. If you want the perks stay in the suites and pay for the extras you get. We have always since the first cruise stayed in a balcony or JS. We prefer these doesn't bother us what others get its our vacation and we do it our way. If you want perks pay for them.

 

 

 

...makes sense to me BUT you see society today and there are a lot of people who want all the "bennies" and not pay a dime for them.....GIMMEE.....GIMMEE...GIMMEEEEE.......should be our national anthem.........:cool:

[clott]

Robinob. You say you are diamond and have sailed in suites and will again. So if the perks are such a problem why don't you cruise in an inside cabin. Why, because you enjoy the perks as much as anyone else that uses them. If it bothered you that much why didnt you ask them to move you to a lower cabin.

 

We have chosen the past few cruises to sail in grand suites and my husband and I really enjoy the few extra perks we get. You are so worried about the pool well most of the time the areas are away from the pool. In the theater most of them are in the back or on the second level. If you don't like it then it's your decision to go on another cruiseline. Guess I don't understand why you are complaining about something but you still choose to use it. I get so tired of hearing people complain on here. Seems that is all that's on here now. If you don't like it then pick another line. I promise you will find something to complain about on there as well.

 

I really don't care what cabin anyone picks to cruise in. We like suites and that is what we choose to pay for and I will enjoy everything I get with that. We have a great time when we cruise. I don't look to see what other people have that I don't because I don't care. It's that simple

[tlatrice]

When my son was 3 I enrolled him in a sports program at the local YMCA. And their motto is "Everyone plays, everyone wins". That's fine when kids are 3 - 5 years old. But the problem is, people don't seem to outgrow it.

 

In REAL life, everybody DOESN'T get a turn. And everybody certainly doesn't win. You're not always guaranteed to have everything you want simply because you showed up.

 

You noted that you've booked suites in the past. SO because you didn't book one this time, and subsequently didn't get the suite perks, then RCI is somehow unfair because you couldn't afford to or chose not to pay for the perks?

 

Political correctness run amok. SMH...

[Raptor2010]

Have you experienced the differences yet? I did last week and this was the first time in all my years of cruising. Sorry, I do not agree with what is being done. On a plane you pay for a larger seat...on a cruise you pay for a larger room. This room will come with a butler service, different room service menus, complimentary drinks, etc. BUT...Not separation in all other areas.

 

Well then, the solution is easy, don't book a suite. We DO like the perks and the bigger rooms so for us, it is great and if RCCL wants to give us separate areas, then so be it :D I don't see what you have your knickers in a wad about, live and let live dude ;)

[Big_G]

Hey don't look at me. I only book suites for the luggage tag mailer. :(;)

[grand isle joe]

Hey don't look at me. I only book suites for the luggage tag mailer. :(;)

 

 

Wow Big G, I book suites for the doorbell..........:D

[parrotfeathers]

I think my next cruise I will eat on the ship when we are at Labadee. The barbeque really isn't really that tasty. I wonder if any of the ship restaurants are open that day (Liberty)?

[Big_G]

Wow Big G, I book suites for the doorbell..........:D

 

Sorry not a fan of the doorbell. Had to train the wife not to ring it every time she came in the damn cabin. Between her and bar service checking on the 'mini-bar' I couldn't catch an afternoon nap if I my life depended on it. :D Happy sailing Joe. ;)