What's your favorite suite perk?

[bhopal21]

20-24 suites, and about 6 on average go to Sabatinis on a given morning. A 25% utilization rate. If that's the top perk, then maybe the suite perks in general are just not a game-changer? Or maybe people's actions would list a different perk as the favorite?

 

Where did you get the information that only 6 suites utilize the perk?

 

I would have thought it was much higher.

 

A game changer no, as we stayed in a suite even before the Sabatini's perk.

 

Mike:)

[Iamcruzin]

I was in a full suite on Celebrity last year and the perks were no better than Princess, and actually worse since we didn't even get any laundry discount, let alone free laundry. And this was a 14 day cruise so we had to pay alot for laundry or do it in the bathroom. And they don't even have self-serve laundromats! No minibar setup, no dry cleaning, no free Persian Gardens, or formal night corsage. :rolleyes:

 

 

 

The butler was useless, gave us lots of wrong advice and just cost more in gratuities. The steward and his asst. were more helpful. The butler said we would be charged to eat in Blu but the manager in Blu said "no", it's for suites as well as Aqua.

 

 

 

Check out the Princess suite perks at the Princess website. You might be surprised at what you find! ;)

 

 

 

 

Celebrity has just introduced a new suite experience this past spring. It includes a new Suite restaurant called Luminea

[tetleytea]

Although it should be a great perk as it is on other lines, we found the Concierge Lounge meh on the Regal. :(

 

I can see the lounge being meh, but it does come with the coffee machine; so that saves me the price of a coffee card. Plus it's not just the lounge, but the concierge. She was very helpful. Price in the minutes I saved on the internet--probably talking about $25.

 

A couple of port days, our breakfast in Sabatinis became instead breakfast with the concierge. Works for me: I don't need a world-class eggs benedict every day. I do, however, need to ask my tour operator about something that day. And who says you can't buy your friends? :)

Edited July 31, 2015 by tetleytea

[Bimmer09]

We agree with all of the "special perks" listed above and would add there is just something about the "Special Pampering that goes with Breakfast at Sabatini's"

 

Sabatini's Breakfast is my favorite perk too.

 

Norris

[shredie]

I can see the lounge being meh, but it does come with the coffee machine; so that saves me the price of a coffee card. Plus it's not just the lounge, but the concierge. She was very helpful. Price in the minutes I saved on the internet--probably talking about $25.

 

Keep in mind that not every suite perk is available on every ship. Royal/Regal are different from the Grand class ships, for instance.

[Christine Frances]

Celebrity has just introduced a new suite experience this past spring. It includes a new Suite restaurant called Luminea

 

The top suites on X include as well:

 

Unlimited internet

Prem Beverage Pkg

Butler

Dedicated private restaurant (Luminae) for BL&D

Unlimited dining in Specialty Restaurants

Access to Micheal's Club

Complimentary Mini Bar

Stateroom set up of comp 2 bottles of liquor

Fresh flowers in room

 

plus priority embark/debark etc

[Bimmer09]

Typically 20-24 suites on a grand class ship and Sabatini's is open two hours or so pretty much explains it to me.

 

Not everyone is going to or can take advantage of it.

 

We are always there when they open at 730 with typically one or two other couples.

 

Mike:)

 

Mike, we never miss a chance to have breakfast in Sabatini's and always get there at 9 a.m. At that time we usually see 3 to 4 tables occupied. I see 6 covers served as a very low number and the only way to check it is to sit outside the front door and count as people go in-maybe I won't bother.

 

I will ask the waiters on my next cruise and see what they say.

 

Late risers probably hit the buffet (I hit it at 5.30 a.m) or order room service.

 

On the Ocean Princess I saw 6 tables occupied at the 9 a.m hour a few times and some of those were four tops (so more than 12 Suite pax).

 

The perk is there if you want it-and I personally wouldn't miss it (unless it went away!)

 

Norris

[Iamcruzin]

The top suites on X include as well:

 

 

 

Unlimited internet

 

Prem Beverage Pkg

 

Butler

 

Dedicated private restaurant (Luminae) for BL&D

 

Unlimited dining in Specialty Restaurants

 

Access to Micheal's Club

 

Complimentary Mini Bar

 

Stateroom set up of comp 2 bottles of liquor

 

Fresh flowers in room

 

 

 

plus priority embark/debark etc

 

 

Thanks for listing the rest of the perks. I didn't have the strength. I guess my point is that I would only book a suite on Princess for space and comfort. The perks are not compelling enough to get me to spend that kind of money.

[Mrs.Gosse]

I have seen people come in after us and leave before us in Sabatini's. That means some people order any quicker than others. There is not that small of a window to assume that everyone is in there at the same time you. Not to mention about two or three mornings we either get room service or if we are traveling with our family who is not in a suitr we eat breakfast with them. I'm sure many people in a suite are dining with their families or children who are staying in more standard guest room and I don't think so we should judge the quality of that perk based on something like that..

[Iamcruzin]

I have seen people come in after us and leave before us in Sabatini's. That means some people order any quicker than others. There is not that small of a window to assume that everyone is in there at the same time you. Not to mention about two or three mornings we either get room service or if we are traveling with our family who is not in a suitr we eat breakfast with them. I'm sure many people in a suite are dining with their families or children who are staying in more standard guest room and I don't think so we should judge the quality of that perk based on something like that..

 

 

Is there a big difference between the Sabatini's menu and the MDR breakfast menu? What special items do they serve?

[bhopal21]

Mike, we never miss a chance to have breakfast in Sabatini's and always get there at 9 a.m. At that time we usually see 3 to 4 tables occupied. I see 6 covers served as a very low number and the only way to check it is to sit outside the front door and count as people go in-maybe I won't bother.

 

 

Norris

 

I agree.

 

We were onboard the Island Princess years ago when breakfast at Sabatini's began and have only missed twice since then due to an early shorex.;)

 

Mike:)

[cr8tiv1]

Is there a big difference between the Sabatini's menu and the MDR breakfast menu? What special items do they serve?

 

To address the occupancy rate for breakfast. If I am not the first person there (for the window nearest the promenade deck/window), then I've seen at least 8 couples sitting in booths.

 

On several cruises, I've had breakfast with my suite mates down the hall and you do see the same familiar faces almost every day.

 

As for the menu: standard entrees are eggs benedict in a glass cup, Belgium waffles, fresh fruit platter, fancy yogurt, smoothies, eggs any way you want it, most meats, (not so good) hash browns, the same assortment of danishes offered in the MDR, good bread for toast, mimosas, specialty coffees/hot chocolate, AND almost anything else you would like. I've asked for crab and avocado omelets, any omelet you would like, someone request Pico De Gallo. I've asked for Hawaiian Papaya and just watermelon. and the list goes on.

 

I haven't decided if it is the spoiling or the food that I like best. I've never seen it full to capacity where they would have to turn anyone away. They do not rush you through a meal. Just a really nice place to start your day.

 

In my opinion, it is one of the best perks since most everything else i get for being Elite.

Edited August 1, 2015 by cr8tiv1

[Sunviking]

IMHO if you are also an Elite Princess cruiser, the only perk worth anything is the breakfast at Sabatini's. Yes, it's nice to be able to order room service breakfast on the last morning, but when we have, that has been unremarkable. The mini-bowl of nuts that replaced free internet didn't cut it. (BTW we never shared our internet with anyone and didn't stay logged on all the time lest anyone comment that was the reason unlimited internet was eliminated.) The principle reason we book a suite now is for the additional space. We spend a great deal of time in our cabin and little time in lounges, shows or casinos.

[Mrs.Gosse]

We have only eaten in the main dining room once, because we always have just gone to Sabatini's or done the buffet. My absolute favorite thing from the special room service breakfast menu and Sabatini's both is the Alpine muesli. It is shredded fruit, yogurt and granola. I order it almost every day. I have an egg allergy so breakfast is rough on me when we go out and this is perfect! The Belgian waffles are absolutely superb! My husband always orders off menu. Nothing fancy just eggs over medium, and meat and bread along with the waffles or something on the menu as well. Everything is cooked to order but they also treat you so special the way they offer you pastries and drinks. That is a large part of it. Something else I love about being in a suite is that you get a specialized breakfast menu that has new items every day. It's not just a continental breakfast or basic eggs dishes. That was where I first had the muesli. It often has a very fancy variation of eggs benedict or pancakes on it.

[swm5495678]

Sabatini's hands down!

 

The lobster and king crab omelet was fantastic!

[Go-Bucks!]

Celebrity has just introduced a new suite experience this past spring. It includes a new Suite restaurant called Luminea

 

 

Yes, I know but it still doesn't make up for the things I enjoy using that Celebrity doesn't provide. Doesn't mean I don't like Celebrity - have a 2016 cruise booked with them.

 

BTW, my favorite Princess suite perk is the Thermal Suites, then Sabitini's and free laundry. Love the aft suites!

Edited August 1, 2015 by Go-Bucks!

[Gabby1162]

I booked our first aft suite on The Grand for our honeymoon cruise in November! Thanks for all the info!

[crochetcruise]

Sabatini's hands down!

 

The lobster and king crab omelet was fantastic!

 

Note made on my Cruise Notepad re Breakfast at Sabatini's-Lobster and king crab omelette to try. I had thought about scrambled eggs, this sounds wonderfully decadent!

 

I've also noted to get a half bottle of Korbel (I think that's the 1 previously mentioned about getting it to mix with OJ from room service on the last morning to simulate a Mimosa. If I'm wrong, someone will politely clarify where I got confused. :D A former work colleague is sailing solo in an inside stateroom on Plaza deck, I'm in the Handicapped Window Suite and have told him I should be able to order Room Service to my Suite on Disembarkation morning, so he'd better join me, and I planned to get some Korbel and give him an imitation (no bartender here) Mimosa-he sure won't mind! Would I get 2 glasses out of a half bottle please? Not much of a tippler here, but planning to enjoy within strict self-imposed limits re leaving a certain amount of time between alcoholic drinks, having multiple Mocktails and Sodas AND bringing a particular type of snack food that is very filling-previously tested when drinking alcohol-with me, and taking some exercise exploring the ship between alcoholic drinks. There's LOTS to see, taste and do on board!

[Nancyquilts]

They serve half bottles with the ultimate balcony breakfast, so you will be able to get two glasses from it. Off the subject, we have your suite for a cruise the end of August. We'll take good care of it for you. I'm really looking forward to the level entrance to the bathroom and other aids there.

[spyro1952]

Definitely Sabitini's. My first suite experience was in a WS on a TA a few years back and I was alone in the suite. I loved going to Sabitini's first thing with my book enjoying my breakfast in peace and quiet.

[Go-Bucks!]

I booked our first aft suite on The Grand for our honeymoon cruise in November! Thanks for all the info!

 

 

We'll be in an aft suite on the next cruise after yours on Nov. 25! Have a wonderful honeymoon. :D

[Gabby1162]

We'll be in an aft suite on the next cruise after yours on Nov. 25! Have a wonderful honeymoon. :D

 

Thank you so much!

[crochetcruise]

They serve half bottles with the ultimate balcony breakfast, so you will be able to get two glasses from it. Off the subject, we have your suite for a cruise the end of August. We'll take good care of it for you. I'm really looking forward to the level entrance to the bathroom and other aids there.

 

THANK YOU! Nancyquilts. Yes, the level access to the bathroom is a great help at time, when nature wants to move too fast IYKWIM?

 

My friend is amazed at the wide variety of knowledge so generously shared here on Cruise Critic. He's still working full-time, I had to retire on Medical Grounds-well I claimed that, I just didn't like the new company that was taking over the old company, wasn't favourably impressed with their attitude towards basic communication! On the Reception Desk, I was right at the coalface, and experienced their lack of "basic skills" on several occasions. And yes, I DID take a "wicked" delight in showing them what to do several times! The Human Resources Officer got caught out with the photocopier-told her to wait until I could get up and come to her as I couldn't see the controls clearly from the front desk! Went to her, and talked her through using the machine, being honest that I could "do" it myself, just wasn't confident in "talking her through it." Well I must have done something right, she had absolute success 1st time, much to her surprise.

 

She didn't know I had refused to sign on with the new company, that day was actually my last shift at work. Says a lot that she couldn't be bothered to learn the names of the new workers, especially the Admin staff with whom she'd be working closely. I've no regrets about walking out, I'm better off health-wise and financially! It was costing me $10 a day out of my Government Benefit just to work, I decided it wasn't worth the stress.

 

Do enjoy your cruise.

[ernieb]

This will be our first suite on Princess. We have previously sailed in suites on HAL and had breakfast in the Pinnacle Grill which we thought was wonderful. I'm wondering how others that have experienced both breakfast in Sabatini's and the Pinnacle would compare the two.

Also, from what I have read, it looks like the hours for breakfast in Sabatini's is from 7:30 till 9:30. Is that consistent each day or does it vary depending arrival in ports? The staff of the Pinnacle became very accustomed to us arriving at the last minute.

[Nancyquilts]

This will be our first suite on Princess. We have previously sailed in suites on HAL and had breakfast in the Pinnacle Grill which we thought was wonderful. I'm wondering how others that have experienced both breakfast in Sabatini's and the Pinnacle would compare the two.

Also, from what I have read, it looks like the hours for breakfast in Sabatini's is from 7:30 till 9:30. Is that consistent each day or does it vary depending arrival in ports? The staff of the Pinnacle became very accustomed to us arriving at the last minute.

 

I thought sea days ran an hour later.