Penthouse Suite on Pride of America

[mets550]

We just upgraded on our honeymoon cruise to a Penthouse Suite and are curious what the suite is like and what sort of extra amenities we can expect. Is there a concierge lounge? What type of special events do we get invited to? What does the butler do? And the concierge? Any pictures or video would also be appreciated. Thanks!

[SMerritt]

Which NCL ship are you sailing on?

[mets550]

Which NCL ship are you sailing on?

 

Pride of America.

[Bullies3]

We were in a penthouse on the POA in August (2013). Upon arrival at the terminal we were escorted to the suite lounge for check in. There are light refreshments there. Some of the butlers came to the room to meet their clients for the week. When it was time for boarding, the suite level group was escorted on to the ship by the concierge ahead of the masses (we were the first 2 on the ship). Once on the ship you meet in the bar adjacent to Cagneys for a champagne toast and briefing about the "suite life". There were also people there to book dinner reservations or excursions. After this it's on to Cagneys for lunch. You can eat breakfast and lunch in Cagneys every day. There is no "concierge lounge" on the POA. The only other extra was a meet and great in the Library with the senior officers. The butler will do just about anything you ask of him or her ie., serve meals in your room or whatever else you may need. The butler will also bring snacks to your room every afternoon. We saw the concierge in Cagney's every morning. He was helpful with any question or need you may have. At the end of the cruise our butler escorted us off the ship when we wanted and ahead of the masses. Enjoy!

[puddles99]

Which suite are you in?

 

We sailed in 10000 a year ago and had a wonderful time. Bullies3 did a nice job of summarizing the perks. We found that the concierge wasn't as helpful as we've experienced on other NCL ships, but our butler was absolutely fantastic and more than made up for what was lacking from the concierge. You can read more about our adventure (and find pictures) in the review I have linked in my signature below.

 

Enjoy!

[Bullies3]

We were in 12500, right next to the captain's suite near the bridge. Yes, we felt the same way about the concierge. I believe his name was James.

[mets550]

Thanks so much all. Very helpful.

 

Puddle--I see that your review mentions a pre-cruise concierge. What is that?

[mets550]

Also, what does the special Cagney's lunch include? Is it open right when you get on the ship? Is this better food than just going to the buffet for lunch, or is it the same food but in a different setting? Thanks.

[Bullies3]

Don't mean to but in on your question to Puddle, but I have the answer... Call the pre-concierge about 30 days prior to your cruise. They go over your reservation and handle any special requests you may have for the room (I asked for two buckets of ice) and what type pillows you'd like. They can also make dinner reservations if you choose specialty restraunts. The number is: 855-625-4283, have your reservation number handy to give to them.

 

Yes, is open when you board the ship and I feel Cagney's is much better food served in a calm and nice setting. It's very relaxing to have a nice meal (served to you) and a drink without dealing with the masses at the buffet pushing, butting in front of you and then fighting for a seat. Basically, some act like they haven't eaten in weeks...

[mets550]

Don't mean to but in on your question to Puddle, but I have the answer... Call the pre-concierge about 30 days prior to your cruise. They go over your reservation and handle any special requests you may have for the room (I asked for two buckets of ice) and what type pillows you'd like. They can also make dinner reservations if you choose specialty restraunts. The number is: 855-625-4283, have your reservation number handy to give to them.

 

Yes, is open when you board the ship and I feel Cagney's is much better food served in a calm and nice setting. It's very relaxing to have a nice meal (served to you) and a drink without dealing with the masses at the buffet pushing, butting in front of you and then fighting for a seat. Basically, some act like they haven't eaten in weeks...

 

Perfect! Thanks for this info!

[Bullies3]

Hey Mets, driving up to the pier this Saturday 5/24 for a cruise on the Gem. I see it's fleet week and there's tours of the navy ships beginning at 8am. Other than that do you think the city will be cleared out for Memorial Day weekend or lots of traffic for fleet week? Gonna come into town via the Lincoln Tunnel.

[puddles99]

Don't mean to but in on your question to Puddle, but I have the answer... Call the pre-concierge about 30 days prior to your cruise. They go over your reservation and handle any special requests you may have for the room (I asked for two buckets of ice) and what type pillows you'd like. They can also make dinner reservations if you choose specialty restraunts. The number is: 855-625-4283, have your reservation number handy to give to them.

 

Yes, is open when you board the ship and I feel Cagney's is much better food served in a calm and nice setting. It's very relaxing to have a nice meal (served to you) and a drink without dealing with the masses at the buffet pushing, butting in front of you and then fighting for a seat. Basically, some act like they haven't eaten in weeks...

 

No apology required - you pretty much had it covered! :) A few more details:

You can also reach the pre-cruise concierge via email at NorwegianConciergeDesk@ncl.com - be sure to reference your reservation number in the subject line. You can contact them at anytime - suite passengers can now book dining and entertainment 100 days before sailing.

 

Hope that helps!

[mets550]

No apology required - you pretty much had it covered! :) A few more details:

You can also reach the pre-cruise concierge via email at NorwegianConciergeDesk@ncl.com - be sure to reference your reservation number in the subject line. You can contact them at anytime - suite passengers can now book dining and entertainment 100 days before sailing.

 

Hope that helps!

 

Thanks for the advice. Is there any benefit to doing it through them rather than on my own?

[mets550]

Hey Mets, driving up to the pier this Saturday 5/24 for a cruise on the Gem. I see it's fleet week and there's tours of the navy ships beginning at 8am. Other than that do you think the city will be cleared out for Memorial Day weekend or lots of traffic for fleet week? Gonna come into town via the Lincoln Tunnel.

 

Hard to predict. Holiday weekends tend to be more congested regardless, even if people are generally leaving versus coming. I'm not sure what type of traffic fleet week will generate, but I'd imagine you should be okay getting in and to the pier. What time are you planning on arriving? You are probably better off the earlier you come.

[Bullies3]

Live outside Atlantic City, gonna leave around 8 am which would put us in the city around 10 am. Don't think there will be much traffic on the GS Parkway around that time, I just wasn't sure about the Lincoln Tunnel on a holiday wknd.

[puddles99]

Thanks for the advice. Is there any benefit to doing it through them rather than on my own?

 

This is just my opinion (your mileage may vary!), but I think it's just as easy to book dining / entertainment on your own unless you have multiple suites and are looking to link the dining reservations, etc. I've found the pre-cruise concierge to be most helpful with suite-related requests such as cleaning out the refrigerator, specific snack / coffee preferences, extra pillow / towel requests, etc. I've also booked decorations and pre-ordered cakes through the concierge for reservations other than my own (most recently for my in-laws suite - I knew their reservation number but wouldn't have been able to book that online).

 

Hope that helps!