Possible new dining option for suite guests

[Smiles3usa]

Sounds exactly like the dinning system on Cunard. The exact reason I refuse to sail the line. I thought the folks paid more for suites for the accommodations? Too many off limits areas of the ship and who will want to sail in steerage?

[cle-guy]

I couldn't care less about breakfast or lunch. I enjoy Oceanview for these meals, or in room dining.

 

I love the idea of any specialty restaurant any night. It sounds awesome, but honestly after a Couple cruises, I'm just as happy in MDR.

 

Perhaps make part of the select dining space a special place for suite guests within the MDR would be a nice solution to the Bistro on 5 issue. MDR always runs anyhow, so just make a special section, like BLU for more intimate dining. Then they can do all 3 meals there for Suite guests, and take the pressure off BLU.

 

I'd simply LOVE it of they'd put Keurig Coffee Makers in the suites....!

[sunshine nana]

I really dislike having to go to the buffet (too much like the school cafeteria). I was disappointed when Princess and Celebrity stopped having lunch in the MDR on port days. Many times, we would be back on the ship for lunch after an am excursion and really enjoyed the peace and quiet. NCL has a separate dining room for breakfast and lunch and it was the best suite perk!

[jackdiamond]

Sharon, vis-a-vis your request, I do believe that you are mistaken. Orv, a very fine post.

[luv2trvlnow]

I felt the same way when I went to the Toyota dealer and I couldn't get a Lexus for the same price as a Camry.

 

Life is not fair, I'm not sure why people think it is. Those that spend more get more, it's pretty simple. I can't quite get my head around people having trouble with the idea that a company's best customers(those that are spending the most money) get special treatment. It doesn't diminish my experience at all. There are still plenty of restaurants to get excellent food from.

 

I think you will see cruise lines catering more to those that spend on board and less to those to see how cheaply they can get by.

I don't believe people think they should get a Lexus for the same price as a Camry. But they also are not told that there are special roads just for the Lexus and equal cars, and all the others are not allowed.

I think they would get rid of Bistro on 5 because it only brings in $5pp while the other specialty restaurants charge much more.

Sharon

[TobyKnits]

Both my Celebrity cruises have been in Sky Suites. While I mostly eat breakfast in Blu, my husband and I prefer the MDR for dinner because we like the conversation with our tablemates and prefer to sit at a large table. We also prefer having the same waiters every night. I don't see where adding a dedicated restaurant for suite guests makes any sense at all.

 

If we go to 2 specialty restaurants in a 10-17 day cruise that is enough for us. Partly because we like sitting with our MDR table and partly because we've actually had better food in the MDR than some of the dishes in the specialty restaurants.

 

The changes described by the original poster would do nothing to encourage us to continue booking at the suite level.

[Pilot70D]

I just got this same survey this afternoon but have not yet filled it out. We are Elite and we are suite guests but that's immaterial. I for one would be disappointed if the Bistro on 5 disappeared. We liked the smaller venue with a relaxed atmosphere. We also liked the smaller meals (excellent quality) that are served in the bistro.

 

We just did the New Years cruise on the Eclipse. On this cruise we purchased the Ultimate Dining Package and could therefore eat in any of the specialty restaurants without an additional charge. We ate lunch in the bistro approximately half the time. The other times we went to the buffet. There were several days when the bistro was completely full and others when it was virtually empty but the days when it was busy far outnumbered the empty days. By the way, we found the food and the service in the buffet to be excellent every time we ate there.

 

Looking at this issue for my own point of view, I don't care one way or the other if =X= sets up a private dining room for those occupying suites. If they do and I like it then fine, we'll eat there. If not then we'll eat in another venue. Still, we really like the existing Bistro on 5 and we hope that it doesn't go away.

 

I read several posts here about Blu not being as crowded if they did create a private dining room. We ate in Blu one time. On our voyage at least the quality in Blu for both food & service had slipped considerably. This same observation was voiced by some 10-15 other people who ate in Blu alll the time. I would hope that this gets corrected and that there always is room for those who are in AQ cabins.

 

Anyway. this is just my $0.02 worth. everyone have a good day out there and enjoy that next cruise.

;):);)

 

[luv2trvlnow]

Sharon, vis-a-vis your request, I do believe that you are mistaken. Orv, a very fine post.

I truly hope you are right. I have plenty of time before my cruise to see if I am mistaken. I will be reading this forum for good information so I can enjoy my cruise.

Sharon

[bob278]

A point I think may be missing is that I would bet that Sky Suites would not be included in this policy. If you look at how the VIP program was tested and how Captain's Club points are split out, I think only the higher-level suites will start getting more perks.

 

It seems to me that Celebrity is moving closer to Royal in how they consider Sky Suites to be more like a Junior Suite. People who pay more for those will truly be paying mostly for the larger accommodations. That's my observation/opinion for what it's worth. :cool:

[20pluscruises]

I am a newbie but the more I read about Celebrity on this forum the more I see a "class" distinction. Could we afford AQ or a suite? Yes! But I really don't feel I need to spend that much more for what I would get. It seems they are feeding on people's wanting to feel special (better).

 

I know that is going to ruffle a lot of people's feathers on this board. I understand that if you pay more you should get more. And you do. Bigger cabins and other amenities. But it is a shame to take something away from everyone and give it to a small group. I just may have to rethink whether we should take our 2 week cruise on the Eclipse next year. First I read all the talk about Elite, now talk that sounds like a class type of cruise. We are spending $4000 for this cruise and I don't want to go and be treated like I am an inferior person.

 

Please tell me that I am mistaken. That this in not the case. But reading this forum sure gives a non suite newbie the feeling that they just don't belong. I don't know if you all know how it sounds to someone who hasn't cruised on Celebrity before.

 

Sharon

 

I don't pay more to feel better...I pay more because the food is better. imho

[JHU]

If Celebrity is reading this, please don't get rid of Bistro on Five! Not opposed to restaurant for suite guests, but can you please put it somewhere else?

 

 

Agreed. I love the Bistro on Five. This new suite-only dining room is starting to sound like Cunard; will those not in suites or not in aqua class going to be considered steerage? :mad:

[jackdiamond]

A goodly portion of this thread is a sad commentary on the attitude of so many in today's world of entitlement. Sadly most of those folks denigrate achievers. By the way, do any of you people take umbrage at Bill Gates' boat or abode?

[TMLAalum]

We've only been in a suite once (SS1) but received the survey. Of the two choices I prefer option 2 which is B & L in a special restaurant and dinner in specialty restaurants. We enjoyed the MDR, liked having a chance to dine in Blu and our complimentary meals in the specialty restuarants. I feel a separate dining area for Suite guests would be very isolating! Especially if it didn't apply to the Sky Suites, how many guests would actually be eligible- 44 to 60??

 

I must admit we've not yet tried Bistro on Five.

 

If Bistro on five is going to be changed, I'd like to see it become a port-of-call specialty restaurant featuring dishes from the region, e.g. Russian cuisine on the Baltic itinerary etc. rather than a "suite" private venue.

[Yorkshire-Pudding]

First to Vulcan1971, you will absolutely love the Haven on the Epic. Completed an Italian cruise staying in a 2 bed villa. Wonderful experience from being escorted to our suite on arrival, breakfast in the Haven restaurant and very good butler service.

 

I have not yet sailed on Celebrity but have enjoyed the suite life on Royal Caribbean and NCL. I am presently trying to decide between Celebrity or Cunard for a multi-generational 14 night cruise to the Baltics in Summer 2015 so have been studying these boards with a great deal of interest. There is not much difference in cost between staying in the Royal Suite on Celebrity or Queens Grill on Cunard. The issue is more how to keep my teenage son entertained and the likely "average age" of passengers (my 82 year old mother in law will be travelling with us and she likes a mixed crowd).

 

From an outsider perspective, I am confused by Aqua cabins and the provision of private dining in Blu yet the passengers paying the highest fares having access only on a space available basis and dining at an additional cost of $5 each in the evenings. I know some would argue that suite passengers are paying for square footage but that is an over simplification of why folks pay to stay in suites. Maybe I have missed something about the Celebrity product but it does not make sense.

 

Its not about a class system, as a British national I know all about that. It is interesting that many refer to Cunard and class system yet NCL which is a mass market provider offers not only suite passenger dining facilities and different food but markets the Haven as a ship within a ship (there is even a lift where the doors open on to the Haven sun deck only with use of the suite passengers key card although other passengers can use it to access other decks) yet no one talks about them as operating a class system. Interesting.

 

Please do it.

[Hockeylovinmom]

This is a nice idea, but wonder how well it will work. I've stayed in The Haven on one of Norwegian's ships (will be there again at the end of the month on the Epic) and that private retreat is a wonderful experience as a suite guest. Norwegian really knows how to take care of suite passengers. I'd be really excited if Celebrity moved to that concept. The Epic has the private dining room for suite guests physically located in The Haven, so it is truly private and exclusive. I can report back on some details in early March if anyone is interested.

 

 

Walter

 

Sent from my Samsung Note 2 on the T-Mobile 4G LTE Network

 

This is so true. We have had outstanding experiences as suite guests on NCL. We are now eagerly anticipating our first experience with Celebrity in AQ class!

Truly, I think a designated dining room for suite guests would be a great perk.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

Edited February 3, 2014 by Hockeylovinmom

[d4m]

As a person who has been in suites on Princess, Celebrity, and Holland America ships, I am unsettled by this idea. In fact, I am hesitating about going on a Cunard cruise because they have such a blatant class system with separate dining rooms for Queen and Princess suites. I understand that even being in a suite is elitist to some extent, as is travelling first class or business. I am not against hierarchies and I am not against people getting what they pay for; but I am against pretention. I actually felt a tad uncomfortable using the Concierge Lounge on Holland America ships. Please, Celebrity do not emulate Cunard that, to me, has a very outdated British class system. I can understand giving suite guests the option of eating in the specialty restaurants, but I am uncomfortable with what amounts to a caste system. Just my opinion.

 

Perfect post IMHO

[insidecabin]

There never has been a "class" system on ships it has always been about the money.

 

IF you could pay you could always go 1st or now in a suite or grill(cunard) or haven(NCL) and get special treatment.

 

The more the pay the better the experience people expect to get.

 

If you want to cut out your perceived "class" system stuff that will means

 

no more priority embarkation.

no more priority tender tickets.

no more priority restaurant reservations.

no more reserved areas in the theatres.

no more jumping the queue on select dining

...

[galavant3]

I look at it this way. I love sitting in first class when I fly, but not enough to pay to sit there. I feel the same way about suites. I'm sure I would really enjoy a suite but I'm just not willing to pay the premium.

 

However, to me, access to Blu is well worth the added cost so I will book Aqua Class whenever possible.

 

Everyone has the option of choosing whatever cabin they want and receiving the benefits associated with that cabin. It seems as if everyone wants to pay the lowest possible cost but receive the highest level of benefits.

 

Personally, I think the a dining room for suite passengers is great idea...even though it is unlikely I'll ever eat there.

[retired067]

First to Vulcan1971, you will absolutely love the Haven on the Epic. Completed an Italian cruise staying in a 2 bed villa. Wonderful experience from being escorted to our suite on arrival, breakfast in the Haven restaurant and very good butler service.

 

I have not yet sailed on Celebrity but have enjoyed the suite life on Royal Caribbean and NCL. I am presently trying to decide between Celebrity or Cunard for a multi-generational 14 night cruise to the Baltics in Summer 2015 so have been studying these boards with a great deal of interest. There is not much difference in cost between staying in the Royal Suite on Celebrity or Queens Grill on Cunard. The issue is more how to keep my teenage son entertained and the likely "average age" of passengers (my 82 year old mother in law will be travelling with us and she likes a mixed crowd).

 

From an outsider perspective, I am confused by Aqua cabins and the provision of private dining in Blu yet the passengers paying the highest fares having access only on a space available basis and dining at an additional cost of $5 each in the evenings. I know some would argue that suite passengers are paying for square footage but that is an over simplification of why folks pay to stay in suites. Maybe I have missed something about the Celebrity product but it does not make sense.

 

Its not about a class system, as a British national I know all about that. It is interesting that many refer to Cunard and class system yet NCL which is a mass market provider offers not only suite passenger dining facilities and different food but markets the Haven as a ship within a ship (there is even a lift where the doors open on to the Haven sun deck only with use of the suite passengers key card although other passengers can use it to access other decks) yet no one talks about them as operating a class system. Interesting.

 

Please do it.

 

Thanks, you summed it up pretty good. I don't why people get so upset when they think some is going to get some thing more than them, even if that person pays more. Give the suite guests their restaurant and do away with Bistro on Five, the times we have been there, we were the only ones there and it was uncomfortable with the staff standing around watching you eat. I know I will get flamed but the food for me sucks.

[koolforkatz]

From an outsider perspective, I am confused by Aqua cabins and the provision of private dining in Blu yet the passengers paying the highest fares having access only on a space available basis and dining at an additional cost of $5 each in the evenings. I know some would argue that suite passengers are paying for square footage but that is an over simplification of why folks pay to stay in suites. Maybe I have missed something about the Celebrity product but it does not make sense.

 

I believe the whole original marketing idea behind Blu was to complement the spa focus for the Aqua Class category, i.e. complimentary access to Persian Gardens, on-demand wellness programming (does anybody use this?), etc. Blu is meant to be "clean" (per Celebrity's website) or "healthy choice" food. It is part of the whole Aqua Class package designed for Aqua Class guests.

[If only]

Any word on when? Hope its still there in September so we can dine there a few more times before they take it away... :(

 

We were told when it goes to dry dock it apparently will only take a couple of weeks. Apparently even thoughBistro on Five is used the first day of the cruise it is not busy the rest of the time. The Suite's restaurant is going to be tested on the Equinox first, before they roll it out if they do.

[Adammara]

If we cruise again, we have decided that we would be cruising with Cunard in Princess Grill Class, rather than Aqua/Blu. IMO Celebrity have devalued Blu since its concept, especially on Reflection. Even on our last cruise in Aqua in 2012, more tables had been squeezed in Blu, and now I read of waiting for a table, overworked waiters both of which we never encountered.

 

Cunard suite offer you single seat dining, morning noon and night, at the same table all cruise long, something that appeals to us, as we prefer to dine alone. Not a snob, just a shop assistant that became the manager, and took a big gable in his 50's and bought the business when the owners wished to sell.

 

We have had 2 or 3 cruises a year, and that budget would buy us a one cruise a year on Cunard Grill class, simply because it is offering us a cruise more along the lines we desire.

 

Richard

[fredflint]

I think the original poster left out one small part it was a 2 part survey one with a new dining room but free specialty, DID NOT mention BLU, or specialty for a small fee.

 

I feel the reason is to get the pressure off of BLU, and offer Suite guests another perk that has value, the butler is not really worth anything in my opinion.

 

I stayed in a AQ class suite on the Reflection and it was really nice and being able to have my own dining room like BLU for all 3 meals would be great.

 

For me Bistro on 5 has been so so with slow service.

[drarill]

This is so true. We have had outstanding experiences as suite guests on NCL. We are now eagerly anticipating our first experience with Celebrity in AQ class!

Truly, I think a designated dining room for suite guests would be a great perk.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

We have been fortunate enough to enjoy the suite life in NCL, RCCL, Disney Cruise line and Celebrity. NCL knows how to treat their suite guests. One of our favorite perks was having breakfast and lunch in Cagney's. For those of you unfamiliar with NCL, Cagney's is a specialty restaurant available to everyone for dinner, and is used only by suite guests for breakfast and lunch, even on embarkation day. I think that having a dining room for breakfast and lunch for suite guests would be a great perk, but it doesn't mean that they have to take away Bistro on 5. Why can't they use Muranos or Qsine for that purpose? :confused::confused:

[deise17311]

So they are going to take away a restaurant (Bistro on five) that is available to everyone and give it to just suite guests? Somehow I think the non-suite guests aren't coming out ahead in that deal. I already feel cheated that us Untouchables cannot go to Blu.

 

We paid $6,000 for our last suite...don't feel cheated...