Perks for Grand suite??

[George C]

We just upgraded to a GS , never did suite on RCCL , what are the perks and what is your favorite perk?? ( we do get some nice perks since we are diamond), we are on NOS this Sunday

[Clarea]

We just upgraded to a GS , never did suite on RCCL , what are the perks and what is your favorite perk?? ( we do get some nice perks since we are diamond), we are on NOS this Sunday

 

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/contentWithHero.do?pagename=enhanced_program_for_suite_guests

[Ambiverol]

We just upgraded to a GS , never did suite on RCCL , what are the perks and what is your favorite perk?? ( we do get some nice perks since we are diamond), we are on NOS this Sunday

 

My favorite part is simply the extra space. The balcony is huge. The bathroom is big with nicer soap/shampoo. The concierge lounge is important to some people, but we don't go because I don't like to wear pants in the Caribbean (shorts only, not naked!). You get the diamond happy hour anyway, so it's not a huge deal for you. We don't have any wacky requests, so we don't utilize the concierge for anything.

 

Ordering room service from the MDR menu is a nice touch (and you don't have to wear pants...or shorts!).

 

You get a gold sea pass card and access to a special sun deck (bigger ships anyway, not sure about older ones). I think there is reserved seating at shows too.

 

Double cruise points.

 

Door bell.

 

Large bar area.

[joepeka]

My favorite part is simply the extra space. The balcony is huge. The bathroom is big with nicer soap/shampoo. The concierge lounge is important to some people, but we don't go because I don't like to wear pants in the Caribbean (shorts only, not naked!). You get the diamond happy hour anyway, so it's not a huge deal for you. We don't have any wacky requests, so we don't utilize the concierge for anything.

 

Ordering room service from the MDR menu is a nice touch (and you don't have to wear pants...or shorts!).

 

You get a gold sea pass card and access to a special sun deck (bigger ships anyway, not sure about older ones). I think there is reserved seating at shows too.

 

Double cruise points.

 

Door bell.

Large bar area.

 

We thought this was really interesting. We've been in suites on other lines but never had a door bell. Every time it rang, we looked at each other like "what is that??" :)

[cruiserking]

We just upgraded to a GS , never did suite on RCCL , what are the perks and what is your favorite perk?? ( we do get some nice perks since we are diamond), we are on NOS this Sunday

 

Our first cruise aboard Royal Caribbean in February was in a Grand Suite, we adored it and have already booked another GS for next February on Grandeur.

 

We were really fond of the Concierge Lounge. As a Diamond member you have experienced this already with a separate lounge. We loved this separate lounge to enjoy cappuccino in the morning and pre-dinner hors doeuvres and cocktails.

 

Portofino was a cozy, bright and welcoming sanctuary to enjoy breakfast each day. We have always breakfasted in the MDR aboard ships but, the intimate feeling at Portofino with only one or two other tables was a true pleasure and the service was excellent.

 

Each afternoon or evening we would find a new invitation to a special dinner or cocktail party aboard ship or ashore. There was always something exciting lurking around a bend. We were pampered and treated like royalty.

 

The room itself is indeed grand with plenty of space to relax in, lots of storage for clothing, a lovely large balcony and vast roomy bathroom. The Grand Suite is a soothing elixir that win you over in one sweet sip.

 

Jonathan

[DCPIV]

One other "perk," if you can call it that, is that they tend to be much more responsive to complaints you may have.

 

On one cruise, we had some workmen outside our stateroom who were yelling and banging on pipes and the wall all night long. The front desk was not willing to do anything more than apologize. After pressing the matter further through the Concierge, I had a little love chat with the Hotel Manager a couple of days later. He resolved the situation to our satisfaction, but he also mentioned that he was able to do what he did because we were suite guests.

 

Take that for what you will. In RC's defense, that is the only time we've had a severe complaint, like that.

 

On a lighter note, even if you do not take advantage of the Concierge Lounge in the evening, it's nice to have access to it during the day for coffee or just a quiet place. The Concierge also can help you with other matters that may come up, such as if you want to make restaurant reservations or excursion changes on the fly.

 

 

D

[George C]

 

Portofino was a cozy, bright and welcoming sanctuary to enjoy breakfast each day. We have always breakfasted in the MDR aboard ships but, the intimate feeling at Portofino with only one or two other tables was a true pleasure and the service was excellent.

 

Jonathan

 

Thanks everyone, the breakfast sounds great we did a suite a couple of times on Hal and breakfast at a really nice resturant was such a great way to start the day. Just a couple of days to go.

[suebcoop]

One of my favorite perks...Barefoot Beach in Labadee :)

Sue

[scooter90]

We had a GS on our recent Explorer tour.

 

Portofinos....embarkation day -- as a suite guest, you can take your food from the Windjammer and eat in Portofinos. This made it easier for us with our carry-on luggage. We were able to secure a table in Portofinos and then get our food and relax until our cabin was ready. There are attendants in Portofinos who will get you a non-alcholic beverage.

 

Portofinos -- for breakfast. This was nice because we don't like going to the MDR as we like to sit by ourselves (husband is diabled and uncomfortable around those he can't communicate with). We tried to steer clear of the Windjammer for meals other than embarkation day due to noro virus opportunities (personal choice).

 

MDR menu in our suite when the dining room is open - we took advantage of this for a few bfasts.

 

We received goodie trays 3 or 4 of the days onboard. The first day (fruit), first formal night (tray of chocolate covered strawberries), another day it was a cheese tray. I think there was one more but I don't recall what it was.

 

Almost every sea day there was an invitation to something.

 

Large balcony, large full bathroom, large cabin.

 

Priority tender times (if your cruise goes to a tender port).

 

Concierge Lounge -- some days I would go in there and read or watch the news during the day. Our cruise was in cooler weather and we didn't get much use of the pool decks and the indoor locations were pretty crowded. Plus sometimes I just wanted to get some alone time. During the day the lounge was pretty deserted and quiet.

 

Debarking - we met in the Schooner Bar and the concierge escorted us off the ship via a comandeered elevator....from Schooner Bar to home was 1 hr, 50 minutes....awesome!

 

I'm sure there are more but these are what I can think of off the top of my head.

[poncho1973]

Door bell.

 

We had the last normal stateroom before you hit the big suites on a cruise and we heard the guy complaining that kids were hitting the doorbell regularly as we were walking down the hall.

 

Not sure that would be a "perk" to me.

 

 

ETA:

Not sure if the kids were even his own or others. Just overhearing it in the hallway doesn't do much for story accuracy.

Edited April 23, 2014 by poncho1973

[kleo30]

We really liked the ability to order from the MDR menu for room service. At least once we'd have dinner on the balcony. They do bring all the courses at the same time. We just asked them to set them up on the bar. They did set the table with a white tablecloth.

 

Also the concierge lounge coffee and evening drinks (although we went to the overflow lounge on Explorer), and the reserved pool seats were things we liked.

 

If you are going to Labadee, Barefoot Beach is really nice, too.

 

My husband enjoyed the bridge tour both times we had a GS.

 

ETA: After reading the previous replies I wanted to add the invitations to things. There was a cocktail party one night for suite and pinnacle guests. We had a beautiful buffet dinner in the WJ one night. They set aside a portion of the WJ and set the tables really nicely, had a gorgeous dinner, with wine and champagne being served by servers, and several officers in attendance. It was really nice.

 

Breakfast in Portofino is really nice, too, but we like breakfast on the balcony most days.

Edited April 23, 2014 by kleo30

[Ambiverol]

 

My husband enjoyed the bridge tour both times we had a GS.

 

 

I've never done a bridge tour when I've stayed in a suite, but it sounds interesting. How would one go about doing this? Do you ask the concierge, does he come to you, is there a pamphlet of some sort that I missed? I'm sailing in a suite on Allure in 2 weeks, and would like to check that out.

 

Also, to those of you who have had the concierge walk you off...how does that work? I imagine everyone meets in a predetermined location and gets walked to the front of the line for one final "ping" at which point everyone is on their own? I can't imagine this including the customs line too...if so, I may have to do it!

 

Thanks.

[Clarea]

I've never done a bridge tour when I've stayed in a suite, but it sounds interesting. How would one go about doing this? Do you ask the concierge, does he come to you, is there a pamphlet of some sort that I missed? I'm sailing in a suite on Allure in 2 weeks, and would like to check that out.

 

Also, to those of you who have had the concierge walk you off...how does that work? I imagine everyone meets in a predetermined location and gets walked to the front of the line for one final "ping" at which point everyone is on their own? I can't imagine this including the customs line too...if so, I may have to do it!

 

Thanks.

Yes, talk to the Concierge about behind the scenes tours.

 

Reagrding being walked off, you will meet in a specific area for suite guests and leave the ship as a group. I've seen some Concierges stay will the group through customs, but not all do this. You will be notified via the "As You Depart" letter the place and time for suite guests to meet for disembarkation.

[LuvCats!]

I've been debating about JS vs. GS. Great information from all of you so far--I have just a couple of questions:

 

Is the bridge/behind the scenes tour free if you are in a GS?

 

What kind of breakfast is it in Portofino's? Full breakfast like MDR or is it a buffet similar to WJ?

 

Oh, and last... the concierge lounges... do they have plenty of windows with tables or comfy seating by the windows?

[Clarea]

I've been debating about JS vs. GS. Great information from all of you so far--I have just a couple of questions:

 

Is the bridge/behind the scenes tour free if you are in a GS?

 

What kind of breakfast is it in Portofino's? Full breakfast like MDR or is it a buffet similar to WJ?

 

Oh, and last... the concierge lounges... do they have plenty of windows with tables or comfy seating by the windows?

The bridge tour is complimentary for guests in a GS.

 

Concierge Lounge windows depends on the ship.

[JimAOk1945]

the concierge lounges... do they have plenty of windows with tables or comfy seating by the windows?

 

When we were on the Radiance of the Seas for our southbound Alaska cruise, the CL was located across the hall from the DL. It had a wonderful view with floor to ceiling windows on one side of the room. It was great!

 

However, on the Mariner of the Seas and Adventure of the Seas the location was mid ship with no windows at all.

 

The location varies from ship to ship. You can find the location on the deck plans for each ship on the Royal Caribbean website.

 

We have enjoyed sailing in GS twice and OS twice with one more OS next year. We enjoy all the perks!

 

Happy sailing to all!

[LuvCats!]

When we were on the Radiance of the Seas for our southbound Alaska cruise, the CL was located across the hall from the DL. It had a wonderful view with floor to ceiling windows on one side of the room. It was great!

 

However, on the Mariner of the Seas and Adventure of the Seas the location was mid ship with no windows at all.

 

The location varies from ship to ship. You can find the location on the deck plans for each ship on the Royal Caribbean website.

 

We have enjoyed sailing in GS twice and OS twice with one more OS next year. We enjoy all the perks!

 

Happy sailing to all!

 

Thank you both for your quick responses.

 

I'm looking at a med cruise on the Rhapsody hopefully in Oct 2015. I found a concierge club on deck 11. I'm not sure if that is the same as CL or not? No DL for us... this will only be our 2nd cruise. :)

[Clarea]

Thank you both for your quick responses.

 

I'm looking at a med cruise on the Rhapsody hopefully in Oct 2015. I found a concierge club on deck 11. I'm not sure if that is the same as CL or not? No DL for us... this will only be our 2nd cruise. :)

Concierge Club and Concierge Lounge are the same thing. Royal can't figure out which term to use, so you see both.

[karmacats]

My favorite part is simply the extra space. The balcony is huge. The bathroom is big with nicer soap/shampoo. The concierge lounge is important to some people, but we don't go because I don't like to wear pants in the Caribbean (shorts only, not naked!).

 

Laughing about the naked comment, but I'm confused. We were in a Crown Loft Suite on Allure in Jan and wore shorts in the concierge lounge all the time. There were plenty of other folks in shorts, too.

 

Also, does anyone know if Liberty concierge guests can bring their Windjammer lunches into one of the specialty restaurants, or get breakfast in one of them? And if so, can we bring a guest who's traveling with us but not in concierge? We know she can't come with us into the lounge, but I'd never heard about getting to sit in the specialty restaurants before (our only previous suite experience was on Allure, and there you can just eat in the CL). We're on Liberty in 2 days (woo hoo! :D ) and this was a last-minute booking so I haven't had much chance to research. We're in an OS, if that matters.

 

Thanks! You guys are awesome.

[ppfqp]

Laughing about the naked comment, but I'm confused. We were in a Crown Loft Suite on Allure in Jan and wore shorts in the concierge lounge all the time. There were plenty of other folks in shorts, too.

 

Also, does anyone know if Liberty concierge guests can bring their Windjammer lunches into one of the specialty restaurants, or get breakfast in one of them? And if so, can we bring a guest who's traveling with us but not in concierge? We know she can't come with us into the lounge, but I'd never heard about getting to sit in the specialty restaurants before (our only previous suite experience was on Allure, and there you can just eat in the CL). We're on Liberty in 2 days (woo hoo! :D ) and this was a last-minute booking so I haven't had much chance to research. We're in an OS, if that matters.

 

Thanks! You guys are awesome.

 

Yes, on Liberty you can order breakfast in Chops as well as bring lunch from the Windjammer. (Don't think that was available on embarkation day though.) But they do ask to see your gold card, so I'm not sure about bringing in other people.

[louv2000]

My fav perks--in no particular order:

 

eggs benedict in Portofino's

quiet atmosphere in Portofino's

capuccino machine in the lounge

2 loungers on the balcony--so relaxing

MDR menu in the room--loved this on formal night

 

and the space! no more shuffling past each other to navigate the room while getting dressed, etc. Fantastic!

[Cindy]

We had the last normal stateroom before you hit the big suites on a cruise and we heard the guy complaining that kids were hitting the doorbell regularly as we were walking down the hall.

 

Not sure that would be a "perk" to me.

 

 

ETA:

Not sure if the kids were even his own or others. Just overhearing it in the hallway doesn't do much for story accuracy.

 

On the Navigator, there are now switches inside the suites to disable the doorbells. I had never seen those before, so I assume they were added during the refurb.

[Ambiverol]

Laughing about the naked comment, but I'm confused. We were in a Crown Loft Suite on Allure in Jan and wore shorts in the concierge lounge all the time. There were plenty of other folks in shorts, too.

 

We've stayed in suites before, but only spent one evening (two years ago) in the CL. It was too stuffy for us, but we realize that can vary greatly between each sailing. We have popped in to use the coffee machine late morning and it's usually deserted.

 

I think the "official" rule is smart casual, no swimwear, and no bare feet. I can handle the last two. Smart Casual, to me, means something like khaki pants, polo or button up shirt, and real shoes. It may be more relaxed in the daytime, but it seems like I'd feel out of place in the evening wearing shorts. I don't look like a slob (...khaki shorts, polo shirt, sandals), just like a young guy on vacation in the Caribbean, where it's 90 degrees.

 

We are in an owners suite on Allure in 2 weeks. Maybe I'll do some recon early in the cruise. I'll suck it up, throw on some khakis, and see what the evening attire is like in the lounge. I don't want to feel like the dirtbag of the group. So, if shorts would feel out of place, no big deal, there are plenty of other places to spend the evening.

 

Hey, it's not like I'm trying to wear a lanyard in there!

[karmacats]

Yes, on Liberty you can order breakfast in Chops as well as bring lunch from the Windjammer. (Don't think that was available on embarkation day though.) But they do ask to see your gold card, so I'm not sure about bringing in other people.

 

Thanks for the info! I guess I'll find out soon enough about bringing our friend. ;) On Allure our friends were also staying in a suite, so we didn't have to worry about it.

 

We've stayed in suites before, but only spent one evening (two years ago) in the CL. It was too stuffy for us, but we realize that can vary greatly between each sailing. We have popped in to use the coffee machine late morning and it's usually deserted.

 

I think the "official" rule is smart casual, no swimwear, and no bare feet. I can handle the last two. Smart Casual, to me, means something like khaki pants, polo or button up shirt, and real shoes. It may be more relaxed in the daytime, but it seems like I'd feel out of place in the evening wearing shorts. I don't look like a slob (...khaki shorts, polo shirt, sandals), just like a young guy on vacation in the Caribbean, where it's 90 degrees.

 

We are in an owners suite on Allure in 2 weeks. Maybe I'll do some recon early in the cruise. I'll suck it up, throw on some khakis, and see what the evening attire is like in the lounge. I don't want to feel like the dirtbag of the group. So, if shorts would feel out of place, no big deal, there are plenty of other places to spend the evening.

 

Hey, it's not like I'm trying to wear a lanyard in there!

 

Based on our Allure cruise, if you're in khakis you're way ahead of the game. :D We went to the evening happy hour 2 or 3 times, wore shorts (nice ones, but still shorts), and didn't feel out of place. It may depend on the sailing, though. I hope you get to enjoy the lounge - it's got a great view! our friends on that sailing were in an OS, and it was huge.

[MNfamilycruiser]

The bridge tour is complimentary for guests in a GS.

 

Concierge Lounge windows depends on the ship.

 

I didn't know about the bridge tour! Thanks for the information. We were in an OS on Adventure 2012 - one where the CL was inside with no windows - and never crowded. But it was a very port intensive cruise - so I don't even know when we would have had time.

 

This year we will have 2 sea days - hoping I can drag dh out of the casino to go ;) On Radiance the CL is up with plenty of windows and views - I am expecting it to be much busier.

Edited April 24, 2014 by MNfamilycruiser