NCL GEM Upgrade to 2 Bedroom Family Suite from Aft Penthouse

[JazzItUp4u]

The price of the SF Suite (Aft Penthouse) on the Gem has fallen to $1649 pp from the $1999 pp I paid for it earlier. There has also been a reduction in the two bedroom family suite making it only $600 more than I have already paid. It is just my DW and I on this sailing celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary.

 

We don't really need the extra bedroom, but the 2 bathrooms and living area seems to be a huge upgrade for the money. I also noticed that the Haven version of the room is available for $1600 more.. From what I can tell, the only difference between the two is that one has Haven access, the other does not.

 

For those of you whom have had the pleasure of sailing in these cabins, would you recommend making any of these upgrades. Is the Haven experience on the Gem worthy of the extra $1600 cost? Is the two bedroom suite without the Haven a better bet at an extra $600, or is the aft view worth keeping? I know it is all subjective, but value your experienced opinions.

 

I know it is their right to change prices, but paying $700 more than the guy next to me hurts a bit. It is after final payment, and they have offered me an extra $175 dollar OBC if I stay in my current room. Considering that they do not have to do anything, I am extremely grateful for their generosity :).

 

Thank You!

[Carnac767]

We love the two-br suite on Gem. We've had the SC several times. You'll love the extra space and the master bath. The SF is nice but the SC is even better, IMHO.

[abbyar]

I can't help as we are sailing NCL for the first time May 30th.... but may I ask which sailing has dropped in price? The May 30th increased a few weeks ago, and despite there being 6 2-bedroom suites available, I cannot get a "deal" on any of them, although I'd definitely pay $1600 to upgrade to the Suite life.

Personally, I much prefer additional services when affordable. The idea of having a butler who can bring food from different restaurants is especially appealing, but I'm a foodie. We're also big coffee drinkers, and dh especially enjoys espresso, so I know when we do cruise in a suite the Lavazza machine will receive regular use. We do have a Star Suite booked next February, but the relatively last minute pricing on the Gem out of NYC only allowed a mini-suite in our budget for this trip, unless of course a more afforadable price on the suite becomes available.

[JazzItUp4u]

I can't help as we are sailing NCL for the first time May 30th.... but may I ask which sailing has dropped in price? The May 30th increased a few weeks ago, and despite there being 6 2-bedroom suites available, I cannot get a "deal" on any of them, although I'd definitely pay $1600 to upgrade to the Suite life.

Personally, I much prefer additional services when affordable. The idea of having a butler who can bring food from different restaurants is especially appealing, but I'm a foodie. We're also big coffee drinkers, and dh especially enjoys espresso, so I know when we do cruise in a suite the Lavazza machine will receive regular use. We do have a Star Suite booked next February, but the relatively last minute pricing on the Gem out of NYC only allowed a mini-suite in our budget for this trip, unless of course a more afforadable price on the suite becomes available.

 

It is for the May 2nd sailing. The Aft Penthouse went down $350 per person. It was a huge drop in my opinion. Happy for anyone who gets that price, but just a little envious.. lol

[abbyar]

I wonder why that sailing has dropped so much - we were flexible with dates, and originally chose the May 30th b/c it was lower priced than the dates around it.

 

Personally, unless you much prefer an aft stateroom, I'd upgrade. But, given that NCL is offering a nice OBC, you may prefer to have extra spa time. That is, of course, assuming you have the current promotions offered, so won't be using that OBC on drinks or specialty restaurants.

[JazzItUp4u]

We did get the main promotions, UDP, UBP, and OBC.. In fact, due to some customer service issues we had, we are actually going on the cruise with a total of $475 OBC.. Not even sure what we will spend it on considering most stuff is included and we have already paid for all of our shore excursions and prepaid gratuities.. Wish I can use it toward the upgrade..lol Maybe spa passes? Idk.. but I am sure we will figure it out.:cool:

 

As far as the price drop, probably just due to inventory.. I am thinking that they had a harder time selling the higher priced rooms.

Edited April 18, 2015 by JazzItUp4u

[peg013]

We did get the main promotions, UDP, UBP, and OBC.. In fact, due to some customer service issues we had, we are actually going on the cruise with a total of $475 OBC.. Not even sure what we will spend it on considering most stuff is included and we have already paid for all of our shore excursions and prepaid gratuities.. Wish I can use it toward the upgrade..lol Maybe spa passes? Idk.. but I am sure we will figure it out.:cool:

 

As far as the price drop, probably just due to inventory.. I am thinking that they had a harder time selling the higher priced rooms.

 

You can use it in the shops but my recommendation is use at least $300 of it to buy at two Freestyle Cruise Rewards. That way your next two deposits will be on total funded by NCL. (Unless in an upper level suite)

[AlaskaAtLast]

With just 2 people, I'd take the OBC they are offering and stay put. You don't really need the extra space and while I've never had an aft cabin, it sounds wonderful from the experiences shared on here.

As far as not knowing what to do with the OBC, worse case scenario, you can cash it out in the casino for just a 3% charge or use some of it to tip the butler and concierge.

 

Have fun and don't worry too much about someone else getting a better price. You were content with the price when you booked it and they offered you some OBC (even though they didn't have to). Relax and enjoy your cruise!

[mommyto2girls]

We love the extra space, great dining table and the extra bathroom. All depends on your priorities.

[jjikids]

We usually stay in SF but upgraded to SC for next year for the 10 day cruise. We figured we would like a second bathroom even though it is just the two of us. In your case, I would take the OBC. You can use it to tip the butler and concierge.

[rtn]

Have stayed in both and would definitely take the 2 bedroom family suite over the aft penthouse. There's so much extra room to enjoy. We even requested loungers for the balcony...it was heaven. Enjoy your cruise!

[goldmom]

I'd probably go for the 2 bedroom suite for the extra space. I also love that you can close off the bedroom with the door and it's very quiet. Works well if one of you is up early and one wants to sleep in or take a nap!

 

Also, just make sure that you are not losing any of your promos if you upgrade. Sometimes it is put in as a cancellation and re-booking.

[JazzItUp4u]

I thank everyone for their advice. We have decided to move up to the two bedroom. They were also kind enough to let us keep the extra OBC as well. It turned out to be a win-win for us.

 

Although we might have received an upsell call, the chances were small and we think this room will be a better fit for the experience that we are looking for... Thank you all for sharing with us and helping us make a decision.

[computerworks]

Timely...

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2198656

 

 

:p

[Carnac767]

You will love that suite.