Suite not Sweet

[Susie51]

Contact the hotel manager. It is amazing what can be accomplished. Even as an inside guest the hotel manager helped me on Spirit 2010 and also, on Jewel 2011.

 

As a suite passenger in 2012 on Pearl, our concierge/butler was extremely helpful as well as our room steward. No need to contact the hotel manager on that cruise.

 

Sorry your suite experience wasn't sweet.

[cruis247g]

We have had mixed experiences as well. On one trip, when we were In the garden villa, our butler was so good that we joked that he must be psychic! On a trip a summer ago, we had a completely opposite experience - simple requests weren't met (e.g., skim milk so I could make a latte never arrived, ice was rarely provided, etc). Most of the time, it falls in the middle.

[cupcake1222]

Thanks for all the feedback/suggestions. Maybe we will try one more time before giving up on it. Either way, we enjoy cruising and we really like NCL, so we will be cruising with them again in the future.

[lisakoivu]

We had a suite once on the Jewel and I just simply did not see what the big deal was. But we're the type of vacationers that want to be "left alone", so I chalked it up to us not being suite material. This was not a Haven suite, so other than the butler perk, no big deal.

 

Our butler was perfectly pleasant, left the snacks (when we remembered to turn the DND sign off), but that was it. It was okay with us, we never asked him for anything, but I think maybe it's us.

 

We didn't think Cagney's was anything special. We ate lunch there on embarkation day and the first breakfast. The breakfast was the same as the garden cafe - so why bother? We never had dinner there, just couldn't see the point. I too had been excited about all the perks I read on CC, but at the end of the day, once I had access to them, I was too lazy to be bothered. So I just won't pay for a suite again - no big deal. Maybe you're just not a suite person. I think it raises a person's expectations so high, and then disappointment. I'm glad you still enjoy ncl

[garycarla]

Two night cruise to nowhere.

(sorry, but that sums up MOST of the issues)

[cruzsnooze]

On day one he would introduce himself and day two say good bye. I wouldn't expect anything on a 2 day cruise.

[cruisetraveler2]

I'm sorry it came across as complaining. We had great weekend and lots of fun. I'll continue to cruise NCL. I just see so many posts about how wonderful the perks are with the suite, how attentive the butler and concierge can be, etc. and that wasn't the case on either of my cruises. I do think it was very strange that the butler didn't even come by to introduce himself. That doesn't seem to be the norm for most experiences in a suite. I was just stating what my experience was and it was quiet different from most. Sorry if you felt I was complaining that I didn't get something. It wasn't a big deal, just different from what I've read. : )

 

 

OP, you have every right to come on cruise critic and share your experience. I knew from reading on this board what to expect with our suite. Our butler was ok but certainly not exceptional. It is nice if they come by the first day and introduce themselves but that is not always the case. I finally called on the second day to get her to show us how to work the coffee machine. My DH and I are very low maintenance but I think sometimes other guests can be very demanding and the butler can be very busy. However, you have paid a premium for this experience.

 

The concierge was a pleasant surprise. We never required her services but she greeted us by name each day at Cagneys. That definitely added to the overall cruise experience. We ended up tipping her the same as the butler. I think reading about some peoples exceptional experiences can sometimes set us up for disappointment. Butlers and concierges and not all created equal.

[njhorseman]

We had a suite once on the Jewel and I just simply did not see what the big deal was. But we're the type of vacationers that want to be "left alone", so I chalked it up to us not being suite material. This was not a Haven suite, so other than the butler perk, no big deal.

 

Our butler was perfectly pleasant, left the snacks (when we remembered to turn the DND sign off), but that was it. It was okay with us, we never asked him for anything, but I think maybe it's us.

 

We didn't think Cagney's was anything special. We ate lunch there on embarkation day and the first breakfast. The breakfast was the same as the garden cafe - so why bother? We never had dinner there, just couldn't see the point. I too had been excited about all the perks I read on CC, but at the end of the day, once I had access to them, I was too lazy to be bothered. So I just won't pay for a suite again - no big deal. Maybe you're just not a suite person. I think it raises a person's expectations so high, and then disappointment. I'm glad you still enjoy ncl

 

It's not true that breakfast in Cagney's is the same as in the Garden Cafe.

 

You won't find crab cakes benedict, pancakes with walnut butter and caramelized bananas, Tahitian vanilla challah French toast, smoked salmon frittata, seafood in brioche, or steak and eggs in the buffet...or the MDR for that matter.

 

The lunch menu also has numerous items you can't get elsewhere on the ship.

 

And what does dinner in Cagney's have to do with being a suite passenger? You don't get dinner in Cagney's for being a suite passenger.

 

Apparently you didn't even bother to read the menu...a symptom of your self-proclaimed laziness perhaps?

 

We also like to be left alone. That doesn't prevent us from enjoying Cagney's and our suite.

 

I just don't understand your saying you were excited by the perks and then didn't bother to take advantage of them. That's not the fault of the quality of the perks.

[maywell]

Sorry that happen to you, I hope you have better experiences with other room categories when it comes to one / 2 night cruises. To me, suites / balconies are best enjoyed over 7 days and longer because you actually have time to set into a routine and/or change of scenery due to another port stop that is not your home port. That and having the time to actually see the perks in actions after the 3rd day and more helps too.

[Iluvcruising2]

We will be sailing for 10 Nights in a 2bedroom Family Suite on the NCL Jade next week. (non-Haven)

 

Excited.

 

First time on NCL.

 

Will try out all the suite perks.

[FireEater]

OP, I understand your comments. My 1 and only NCL cruise was a 3 day weekend getaway in a suite to see if we would want a 7 day suite life experience. Our butler was ok, but not nearly as great as I hear on here about others. He did not want to go get us pretzel rolls saying he knew nothing about them. After explaining, he still did not want to pursue it. I sicked the concierge on him. 1 hour later, he was knocking on the door with a plate of those pretzel rolls. Our coffee machine was missing in the room as well. He did not go find out what that was about either. I did find out from the room steward the answer.

 

Now the concierge, she was top notch, but the butler needed a refresher training session.

 

The service and attitude of all the other staff made up for our lackluster butler so we are booked in another NCL suite for next April. :)

[lisakoivu]

It's not true that breakfast in Cagney's is the same as in the Garden Cafe.

 

You won't find crab cakes benedict, pancakes with walnut butter and caramelized bananas, Tahitian vanilla challah French toast, smoked salmon frittata, seafood in brioche, or steak and eggs in the buffet...or the MDR for that matter.

 

The lunch menu also has numerous items you can't get elsewhere on the ship.

 

And what does dinner in Cagney's have to do with being a suite passenger? You don't get dinner in Cagney's for being a suite passenger.

 

Apparently you didn't even bother to read the menu...a symptom of your self-proclaimed laziness perhaps?

 

We also like to be left alone. That doesn't prevent us from enjoying Cagney's and our suite.

 

I just don't understand your saying you were excited by the perks and then didn't bother to take advantage of them. That's not the fault of the quality of the perks.

 

Nope, it's not the fault of anybody. I think you misunderstood my post. The point of my post was to reassure the OP that you don't HAVE to like the suite. The suite perks are great - just not for everyone. It's a question of whether or not certain people's personality match the suite life. Mine doesn't. So maybe the OP's doesn't either. That was my only point. There's nothing on the menu that's worth waiting an hour to be served for breakast FOR ME. We have never dined in a specialty restaurant. We found the constant attention of the concierge when we were trying to eat in Cagney's annoying. Some would love it. We found it silly to have to bother the butler in the middle of the night to order a pizza rather than room service. It just made us uncomfortable, almost, to access the perks. Clearly this is OUR problem, but my point is, why get a suite if you feel that way? This is not about fault. It's about personality. Sorry if I gave offense to those who love the suite perks. This thread is about the OP, who feels confused about her reaction to suite perks, and I am giving another perspective.

[njhorseman]

Nope, it's not the fault of anybody. I think you misunderstood my post. The point of my post was to reassure the OP that you don't HAVE to like the suite. The suite perks are great - just not for everyone. It's a question of whether or not certain people's personality match the suite life. Mine doesn't. So maybe the OP's doesn't either. That was my only point. There's nothing on the menu that's worth waiting an hour to be served for breakast FOR ME. We have never dined in a specialty restaurant. We found the constant attention of the concierge when we were trying to eat in Cagney's annoying. Some would love it. We found it silly to have to bother the butler in the middle of the night to order a pizza rather than room service. It just made us uncomfortable, almost, to access the perks. Clearly this is OUR problem, but my point is, why get a suite if you feel that way? This is not about fault. It's about personality. Sorry if I gave offense to those who love the suite perks. This thread is about the OP, who feels confused about her reaction to suite perks, and I am giving another perspective.

 

You presented factual inaccuracies in order to justify your feelings and conclusions. As the saying goes, you're entitled to your opinions, but not entitled to your own set of facts. You also admitted you were "too lazy to be bothered" with suite perks.

 

PS...we've never waited an hour to be served breakfast. If that was the case on your lone visit there it's unfortunate, but please don't imply it's the norm, because it isn't.

 

Your conclusion that the experience isn't for you is fine. The way you presented/justified it, not so fine. It reminded me of posters who complain they hated their NCL cruise because the dinner menu in the MDR is the same every night.

Edited November 25, 2014 by njhorseman

[lisakoivu]

Wow.

Edited November 25, 2014 by lisakoivu

[Docalbe]

Wow.

 

Sometimes people on CC can be pretty mean with thier words... I just don't get it...

Attacks are what happens in WAR not on CC... Some people feel that's the only way to get thier point a cross.... IMHO!!!!!!! Why are some people so mean with words.... But you got it right WOW!!!!!!:confused::confused:

[Beaver1975]

Sometimes people on CC can be pretty mean with thier words... I just don't get it...

Attacks are what happens in WAR not on CC... Some people feel that's the only way to get thier point a cross.... IMHO!!!!!!! Why are some people so mean with words.... But you got it right WOW!!!!!!:confused::confused:

 

 

Really?

 

Correcting factual inaccuracies are not attacks.

[Docalbe]

Really?

 

Correcting factual inaccuracies are not attacks.

 

It's MHO.... Thank you..

[njhorseman]

Really?

 

Correcting factual inaccuracies are not attacks.

 

Right. It's incredible how many people fail to distinguish facts from opinions and somehow think it's just fine and dandy to justify their opinions by using factual inaccuracies.

Edited November 25, 2014 by njhorseman

[maywell]

Right. It's incredible how many people fail to distinguish facts from opinions and somehow think it's just fine and dandy to justify their opinions by using factual inaccuracies.

Or forgetting that everyone is going to have differing opinions about the same subject / situation. Nor everyone has to agree with other person's opinion / thoughts.

 

I'm of the opinion that a 2 night CTN is enough time to enjoy an interior room let alone a suite. Nor do I think the best food / cuisine is going to be served at 2 night compare to a 4 day or more. Even the activities and entertainment is not going to be the same level as well but you what know what - The heck would I know? I'm the type of person who lowers their expectations on vacation and life because fantasy doesn't match reality nor does every thing runs as smoothly as it should. But thats me, everyone else probably have expects more. * shrug*

 

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[Docalbe]

Or forgetting that everyone is going to have differing opinions about the same subject / situation. Nor everyone has to agree with other person's opinion / thoughts.

 

I'm of the opinion that a 2 night CTN is enough time to enjoy an interior room let alone a suite. Nor do I think the best food / cuisine is going to be served at 2 night compare to a 4 day or more. Even the activities and entertainment is not going to be the same level as well but you what know what - The heck would I know? I'm the type of person who lowers their expectations on vacation and life because fantasy doesn't match reality nor does every thing runs as smoothly as it should. But thats me, everyone else probably have expects more. * shrug*

 

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Sitting back and looking at both sides I see the PROS & CONS... With that said This is a GREAT thread(IMHO) Let's stay with the thread.. Otherwise the host will close it down!!!!:o:o:(:(

[maywell]

Or forgetting that everyone is going to have differing opinions about the same subject / situation. Nor everyone has to agree with other person's opinion / thoughts.

 

I'm of the opinion that a 2 night CTN is enough time to enjoy an interior room let alone a suite. Nor do I think the best food / cuisine is going to be served at 2 night compare to a 4 day or more. Even the activities and entertainment is not going to be the same level as well but you what know what - The heck would I know? I'm the type of person who lowers their expectations on vacation and life because fantasy doesn't match reality nor does every thing runs as smoothly as it should. But thats me, everyone else probably have expects more. * shrug*

 

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Sitting back and looking at both sides I see the PROS & CONS... With that said This is a GREAT thread(IMHO) Let's stay with the thread.. Otherwise the host will close it down!!!!:o:o:(:(

I had meant to put 'not' in my original post - hard to proofread paragraphs on a cell phone.[emoji53] But yes, there are pros and cons to the OP's situation : PRO - get to see the major things a cruise / ship has to offer like casino and specialty dining. CON - Might not be able to enjoy or experience the fringe benefits of the cruise line in a short amount of time (2 nights) or use of some facilities like the sundeck.

 

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[gcjstri]

My DH and i have been in Suites in at least 6 different cruises. We love the suites, not just for the perks. We love the big cabins. We stayed in an Aft Suite on the Sun and it has a livingroom area and a seperate bedroom area and a wonderful bathroom with a wirlpool tub and a hugh wrap around balcony. I think just being in the large suite makes it well worth paying the extra money for. MY DH and i are booked in an SC 2 bedroom family suite on the Jewel April 2015 and cannot wiat. Just MHO

 

cindi ;)

[maja651]

OP - I am sorry your experience in the suites was not up to standards. I too would have been disappointed with your experiences

 

Our first experience in a suite was ok, but not fabulous. Our butler did the basics, but did not do anything above and beyond. Not to say he was bad, he was just not great. The concierge on that trip was AWFUL. He pretty much ignored us, even when we had requests. We chalked it up to the fact we were in the cheapest suite, and just dealt with it.

 

Now, compare that experience to our last 2 and there is really no comparison. We adored Adrian, our concierge on the Epic, and also loved Leo our butler on that cruise. BOTH made that cruise amazing. No lines for anything thanks to Adrian, and Leo was a psychic anticipating our needs about the same time as we needed them! We were in the lowly cheap suite on that cruise too, so that was when we realized it is not the category of the suite that matters, it is the staff working them.

 

We also had a great experience with out butler Lucky on the Getaway. We requested the types of snacks we liked, and he brought them. He LISTENED to us, which right there, is what makes a good butler, or a good service person in general. We tend to ask for what we like though, and are not afraid to speak up. I think that helps a lot when you are receiving top end type of service. Don't be shy, they want to know how to make you happy! :)

[KJsNana]

Being a newbie here on CC and also to the cruising world, all the info, whether good or bad has been enlightening and has also given us information on how to handle our cruise or any expectations on the Dawn Dec 14th in a suite. With that being said, I hate to hear that OP had a bad personal experience with the suite perks 2x. I guess maybe I and DH are looking at it from a different perspective....bigger cabin and balcony with the suite perks being an "extra" thing to look forward to. Are we looking at it the wrong way (first time in a suite)??

[cupcake1222]

I appreciate all the different perspectives. Our first cruise was in a penthouse suite (room 10500). It was a 9 night cruise out of Barcelona on the Jade. This recent one was a 2 night on the Dawn out of New Orleans in a 2 bedroom suite (room 11520). In between these two cruises, we also did a 7 night on the Jewel out of New Orleans in a balcony cabin.

 

Although the suite perks and attention from the butler wasn't what I had anticipated on either of my "suite" cruises, I LOVED the rooms, especially the two bedroom! It was fabulous!