NEW Suite Upgrades....

[jillpra]

Sailing with RC for the first time in a GS on the Freedon in August after cruising Carnival (10 times). Would love to see suites get early luggage delivery by say 3 p.m.? Just a thought!

[critterchick]

I have been saying that for months. access to a concierge for the usual assistance can be accomplished by giving them a desk over by Loyalty and Next Cruises.

 

Loyalty and Next cruise will be split into two separate functions again (I think they already are). I wonder if some concierge services will be part of the Loyalty Ambassador's position going forward?

 

 

Since we did a B2B and did not have a suite on the first leg [booked last minute] we were able to compare the experience on the same ship. [serenade]

 

The CL is nicer than the DL. [at least on the serenade] While only one section has an ocean view, there is a large outdoor seating area. It was never crowded. Also, the bartender was very attentive and engaging. The Concierge was very attentive. We tend to stay mostly to ourselves on a cruise. But, the Concierge seemed to always be talking to us and even coming to our suite to deal with something. [i.e. bringing us our tickets for an excursion, checking to make sure DH tux was pressed on formal night, etc] When we saw we had a door bell on our cabin we laughed. We thought who will ever ring that? But, it seemed to ring all the time. [cabin steward, concierge, room service bringing suite treats almost each day, laundry etc]

 

If Alan was the CL Concierge, be aware that he was filling in for Nizar, the regular Concierge who just came back from vacation. Alan is normally the DL Concierge, so if he had been there, he would have taken excellent care of you as well. I will say that usually the CL Concierge is more experienced and therefore better at his or her job than the DL Concierge, but there are notable exceptions to that rule, Alan being one.

 

We have never had a personal visit from either Alan or Nizar, though - perhaps we were out when they came by.:)

[irishgal432]

Hot off the presses:

 

http://creative.rccl.com/Sales/Royal/Shore_Ex/15043862_NEW_Shorex_Trade_Flyer.pdf

 

At the bottom of the flyer has an ambiguous category called Crown and Anchor and Suite by invitation only shore excursions.

[helenb]

Hot off the presses:

 

http://creative.rccl.com/Sales/Royal/Shore_Ex/15043862_NEW_Shorex_Trade_Flyer.pdf

 

At the bottom of the flyer has an ambiguous category called Crown and Anchor and Suite by invitation only shore excursions.

 

I wonder how early these 'invitations' will be sent out. i like to arrange our excursions ASAP, especially if I'm planning on a private excursion. The invitation does me no good if I've already committed to something else.

[Don Pedro]

I have been saying that for months. access to a concierge for the usual assistance can be accomplished by giving them a desk over by Loyalty and Next Cruises.

 

I think the separation is being done more to free the future sales consultant up to do more sales than anything else. Having the loyalty ambassador perform concierge duties seems a bit far fetched if he/she is responsible for all the crown and anchors onboard. There is no way one person can do all that. The concierge is a part of guest services so what has actually been accomplished besides creating more sales. Seems a bit hocus pocus to me.

[Trekker954]

Here are a few extra perks at D+ that I could think of:

 

1- Behind the Scenes Tour (instead of paying for it)

2- Personalized Gift/Amenity

3- Priority Seating at theater, Ice Show and Aqua Theater on select ships

4- Preferred seating locations (near windows if you prefer) in MDR for all in your linked party as well.

5- Royal Caribbean logo ID tags (not a real big deal to me)

 

To me 1,3,4 are nice 2 is fine and 5 means nothing (since I have plenty of ID tags and usually know who I am, anyway--LOL)

 

Add to that a slightly larger balcony discount, I believe.

 

As a D+, that means you cruise a lot. Exactly how many Behind the Scene tours have you been on. For me, been there done that. Its exactly the same tour regardless of ship.

The personalized gift - ugh. and again priority seating for shows that I've seen already too many times.

 

The DL is far too crowded, the diamond concierge is pulled too thin and I've never had a D concierge offer to escort me off a ship when I had a time sensative excursion or flight to catch. And the bar service is far better in the CL than in the DL. And we like to sit in the lounge rather than the regular bars. I've yet to ever use my three free drinks in a public bar.

 

And $25 extra for a balcony discount hardly matters and not at all if I do not have a balcony.

 

I just find it to be a slap in the face. What a shame RCI downgrades us in such a way. Its been hard enough to stay the course with them with services going down hill.

[Spurschick]

I do think that Royal has been lagging when it comes to suite perks. Celebrity and NCL have real amenities for booking a suite.

CELEBRITY:

Features and Highlights

European-trained butler service to help you pack/unpack, make spa appointments, dinner reservations, shore excursions and more

Reserved theatre seating on formal nights

Full in-suite breakfast, lunch & dinner service

Afternoon canapés and tea service

Complimentary daily in-suite espresso and cappuccino

One complimentary dinner for all guests in suite (cruise of 6 or 7 nights) and two complimentary dinners for all guests in suite (cruise of 8 nights or more) in a specialty restaurant*

Priority check-in & debarkation

Priority tender service

Main & specialty restaurant seating preferences

Luxury bath amenities

Plush bathrobe

Oversized 100% cotton bath towels

Pillow menu

Fresh Flowers

Spacious veranda

Hansgrohe® showerhead

Coming April 2015:

Dedicated private restaurant reserved exclusively for all Suite Class guests morning, noon and night

 

NCL:

 

Exclusive Amenities

Special Services

 

Distinctive keycard

Butler & concierge service

Butler to unpack your luggage

 

Eats, Treats and Libations

 

Champagne, custom selection of liquor**, fruit, bottled water and sodas

Sparkling wine, bottled water and fruit on Embarkation Day

Mini-bar and espresso/cappuccino machine

24-hour Room Service

Specialty dining delivered to your suite from any restaurant (cover charges apply)

Treats delivered right to your door each night

 

Thoughtful Touches

 

Bliss Collection by Norwegian™ pillow-top mattress

Fine linens, feather duvet and pillow menu

Plush bathrobes, slippers and towels

 

Arrival and Departure

 

Priority embarkation and disembarkation

Escort to suite

Priority boarding of tenders to shore

Complimentary limousine service from pier to airport***

 

I'd like to see RCI really look at other Suite amenities and revamp theirs for the better. Before our cruise preferably. ;)

 

 

After Celebrity revamped their program, higher level suites now get unlimited free internet, complimentary drinks packages and unlimited speciality dining. Which is even better again:D

Edited April 15, 2015 by Spurschick

[Debde]

I wonder how early these 'invitations' will be sent out. i like to arrange our excursions ASAP, especially if I'm planning on a private excursion. The invitation does me no good if I've already committed to something else.

 

I'm pretty sure when this new invitation only excursion is officially rolled out, all will be explained.

 

 

I think the separation is being done more to free the future sales consultant up to do more sales than anything else. Having the loyalty ambassador perform concierge duties seems a bit far fetched if he/she is responsible for all the crown and anchors onboard. There is no way one person can do all that. The concierge is a part of guest services so what has actually been accomplished besides creating more sales. Seems a bit hocus pocus to me.

 

I think you are correct that the future sales consultant will be just that but I am also thinking that being this was said:

 

I was told the concierge will soon have their own dedicated staff to provide more efficient response to suite guests. These won't be butlers per se, but will be able to handle tasks more quickly and efficiently than the concierge.

could it be that the LA's will be part of the concierge dedicated staff possibly????

[Tony O]

Hot off the presses:

 

http://creative.rccl.com/Sales/Royal/Shore_Ex/15043862_NEW_Shorex_Trade_Flyer.pdf

 

At the bottom of the flyer has an ambiguous category called Crown and Anchor and Suite by invitation only shore excursions.

 

On the flyer it states select suite guest. I wonder who they might be ?

[Trekker954]

 

One perk we are looking forward to [stil 40 points from D+] is the free bag of laundry. [1 for DH and 1 for me] We like longer cruises and not paying for laundry will save us money. :D

 

 

Just want you to know the free laundry is limited to the wash and fold special. Only undies, swimsuits, shorts/t-shirts, gym clothes pjs. No slacks, jeans, dress shirts or the like.

[Spurschick]

On the flyer it states select suite guest. I wonder who they might be ?

 

Probably means excludes JS's

[wolfganghowell]

Trekker - I think you misinterpreted that post. They were explaining what some of the CURRENT D+ privileges were. No one's face has been slapped...yet. ;)

[critterchick]

I think the separation is being done more to free the future sales consultant up to do more sales than anything else. Having the loyalty ambassador perform concierge duties seems a bit far fetched if he/she is responsible for all the crown and anchors onboard. There is no way one person can do all that. The concierge is a part of guest services so what has actually been accomplished besides creating more sales. Seems a bit hocus pocus to me.

 

I don't think it's farfetched at all - the LA is going to part of the Guest Services team (at least that's how it was explained to us on Serenade in February), so it seems quite logical to think that s/he could handle some of the issues that arise relative to one's stay on the ship. Perhaps it wouldn't rise to the level of making dinner or show reservations, but in resolving cabin issues, for example.

[ladysail2]

 

One perk we are looking forward to [stil 40 points from D+] is the free bag of laundry. [1 for DH and 1 for me] We like longer cruises and not paying for laundry will save us money. :D

 

The 'free' bag of laundry is just wash and fold. No ironing of anything. And, it can only include socks, underwear, pyjamas, bathing suits, undershirts, etc. No shirts, pants, blouses, dresses, etc. It's nice to get that 'under' stuff done, but you still have to have the 'good' clothes washed and paid for. :D

[Spurschick]

 

The 'free' bag of laundry is just wash and fold. No ironing of anything. And, it can only include socks, underwear, pyjamas, bathing suits, undershirts, etc. No shirts, pants, blouses, dresses, etc. It's nice to get that 'under' stuff done, but you still have to have the 'good' clothes washed and paid for. :D

 

As stated a few posts above in post 51 this,we all agree, is what current D+ benefit is. The laundry being refered to is what people are hoping for regarding the new suite benefits, not the loyalty benefits. A lot of people are confusing them seeing the wash and fold package already exists to some guests.

 

When a thread starts on suites, then C&A benefits start getting discussed it can get confusing to follow:D

Edited April 16, 2015 by Spurschick

[rubrrick]

I don't think it's farfetched at all - the LA is going to part of the Guest Services team (at least that's how it was explained to us on Serenade in February), so it seems quite logical to think that s/he could handle some of the issues that arise relative to one's stay on the ship. Perhaps it wouldn't rise to the level of making dinner or show reservations, but in resolving cabin issues, for example.

 

You are correct Jean. The Loyalty Ambassador will now have a separate space (on the Vision a couple of weeks ago, it was by the shore ex desk) and was being trained by the old Loyalty Ambassador, now just the name of FCC, or Future Cruise Consultant.

 

It will take some time for everything to fall into place........and, knowing Royal Caribbean, it will kind of bump into being, with maybe more bumbs than just smoothness, or the word of the year..........transparency.

 

Rick

[B-52]

 

Just want you to know the free laundry is limited to the wash and fold special. Only undies, swimsuits, shorts/t-shirts, gym clothes pjs. No slacks, jeans, dress shirts or the like.

 

 

basically all I wear on a cruise....only wear slacks and a shirt when going to dinner...then back into shorts and t-shirts immediately after...no more formals for us either...

So the wash and fold mid way through the cruise is really helpful....

Edited April 16, 2015 by B-52

[Proseknitic]

Oh well... as long as i get egg and bacon somewhere im happy

Currently on the Serenade - there is a gold card breakfast available in Chops. Buffet plus a menu. I remember also it being Chops on the Independence which offered both breakfast and lunch (so would assume that Liberty and Freedom might be similar). I was on the Legend last year and simply am drawing a blank. Our group of friends was so mixed as far as C&A level that we primarily hung out in the Solarium and used the Park Cafe.

 

The Chaos (Oasis of the Seas on the West Bound Transatlantic) used Chops for the D+ and above breakfast and lunch since the renovations of the suites lounge wasn't complete. Plus that lounge was available only for gold card during the day.

 

But bacon and eggs? Main Dining Room, Gold Card breakfast, Windjammer (choice of US, Canadian or English)

 

-Holly

no pigs, not me. But there are very good omelet makers in all venues

[Clarea]

.... I was on the Legend last year and simply am drawing a blank. ...

All I can remember on Legend was a special area for gold card holders on the top deck of the MDR.

[CVU]

When on Indy in Jan/Feb Chops became $20 for lunch.

 

I was told they did a breakfast but don't know if it was hot. Wasn't PC then. I heard complaints that PCs did not have the same lunch they just had on Liberty, when they got on Indy.

 

We enjoyed Chops too for breakfast and lunch on the 'Chaos of Oasis' TA:D

They had no CL then and no CK built.

[suzyluvs2cruise]

All I can remember on Legend was a special area for gold card holders on the top deck of the MDR.

 

On Legend there was an area on deck 5 for Gold Card holders for both breakfast and lunch.

 

On our recent Radiance cruises they didn't have a special area in the MDR for Gold Card holders for breakfast and/or lunch and there was no breakfast in Chops. We weren't the only ones who missed this......

[cricketts]

We weren't the only ones who missed this......

 

I hope RCCL is following this thread, and realizes that the inconsistency of perks is a big problem!

 

Benefits can change between ships of different classes - very understandable with the size and layout differences. Differences within the same class of ship make no sense. Regardless, all passengers should know what to expect!

 

More idol chatter as we await an announcement of the changes.

[Cigar King]

If RCI is reading this thread, I'd love them to have perks for suites, and only for suites. It's a bit disappointing to read that there are perks being made available to Pinnacle members that are not available to suites.

[jules815]

If RCI is reading this thread, I'd love them to have perks for suites, and only for suites. It's a bit disappointing to read that there are perks being made available to Pinnacle members that are not available to suites.

 

Other than the free internet, are the perks for Pinnacle and Suites the same?

[Debde]

If RCI is reading this thread, I'd love them to have perks for suites, and only for suites. It's a bit disappointing to read that there are perks being made available to Pinnacle members that are not available to suites.

 

If you're referring to the free internet-it could be that they look at that as a loyalty perk and not a suite perk. I say why not!!

 

Actually-I go on a cruise to get away from it all and turn everything off and do not care to go online. Now Pinnacle guests may opt to do those live updates Royal likes telling everyone on CC what a great time they are having!!;):)