New Suite Benefits - Sky Suites get Michael's Club Access

[cle-guy]

I just think its pretty crappy that people assume the current awesome, professionally trained concierges as they say, all of a sudden are going to become failures in their jobs when these changes happen.

 

I like to think that as professionals they know how to manage their day, ask for assistance when needed, and communicate with their superiors in a way to ensure their guests are well taken care of.

 

Doormen at large hotels in China are able to know every ones name as you walk in the door to a large hotel, where turnover happens daily, I believe concierges on a ship can handle 150 people that turnover once a week. Heck, I've had a doorman at a Marriott hotel in Toronto recall me by name a year later.

 

Just because YOU are incapable of learning people's names and remembering ind providing great service, does not mean there's not a certain "breed" of people who love their jobs in the hospitality industry who can't.

[jules815]

In anticipation of our upcoming cruise on Connie, which btw, still has LOTS of cabins available, I've been doing some Celebrity research.

 

Has Michael's Club always been a lounge for suites and top tier cruisers? I've found references on some websites describing Michael's Club as a craft beer lounge. When did they make the change? Also, is MC for suites and Zenith only, or are Elite Plus welcome as well? Do they have anything similar to a Diamond lounge for Elite and E+ guests?

[Cruise a holic]

In anticipation of our upcoming cruise on Connie, which btw, still has LOTS of cabins available, I've been doing some Celebrity research.

 

Has Michael's Club always been a lounge for suites and top tier cruisers? I've found references on some websites describing Michael's Club as a craft beer lounge. When did they make the change? Also, is MC for suites and Zenith only, or are Elite Plus welcome as well? Do they have anything similar to a Diamond lounge for Elite and E+ guests?

 

We sailed on the Summit last year and Michael's club was for Suites (celebrity, royal and Penthouse & zenith) only. So I would "assume" that the change was since some time in 2014.

 

If you are an Elite member you have access to cocktail receptions, typically daily in the Sky lounges. You also get other perks including a continental breakfast with cappuccino in a designated restaurant daily.

[need2bespoiled]

I just think its pretty crappy that people assume the current awesome, professionally trained concierges as they say, all of a sudden are going to become failures in their jobs when these changes happen.

 

I like to think that as professionals they know how to manage their day, ask for assistance when needed, and communicate with their superiors in a way to ensure their guests are well taken care of.

 

Doormen at large hotels in China are able to know every ones name as you walk in the door to a large hotel, where turnover happens daily, I believe concierges on a ship can handle 150 people that turnover once a week. Heck, I've had a doorman at a Marriott hotel in Toronto recall me by name a year later.

 

Just because YOU are incapable of learning people's names and remembering ind providing great service, does not mean there's not a certain "breed" of people who love their jobs in the hospitality industry who can't.

 

You know I agree. Another more relevant example: They hosts in the MDR know many of the guests pretty quickly into the cruise, or even closer, in Luminae they get to know you pretty quickly, EXACT same number of guests.

 

In anticipation of our upcoming cruise on Connie, which btw, still has LOTS of cabins available, I've been doing some Celebrity research.

 

Has Michael's Club always been a lounge for suites and top tier cruisers? I've found references on some websites describing Michael's Club as a craft beer lounge. When did they make the change? Also, is MC for suites and Zenith only, or are Elite Plus welcome as well? Do they have anything similar to a Diamond lounge for Elite and E+ guests?

 

Michae's club has always been a lounge, but was publicly open until April 2014. It has been a cigar bar, craft beer location and and has been used for the "elite lounge" which closed it from the public from 5-7pm each evening, but was open (when it had open hours, which was always debated) to the public otherwise.

 

Upper level suites (CS and above) become Elite members for the cruise and are generally invited to any elite functions, including the cocktail hour from 5-7pm, or if that doesn't happen, they get the drink coupons offered if a large number of Elite/Elite+ are onboard. There is an entire list of benefits that is pretty accurate and includes free laundry, internet minutes/discounts on packages, casino bets, discounted spa access, discounted wine and more. Not everything is available on shorter cruises.

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

Edited November 16, 2015 by need2bespoiled

[tangerinebunny]

Most of us understand that how much you spend on a cruise has nothing to do with who you are. We all spend enough to get what we want from a vacation.

 

But we all know that Celebrity has in the past been a bit slow on board adjusting to decisions that corporate makes. And there may be a period of adjustment.

 

MC for all suites is a great perk only if it's worth visiting. No one at this point knows what it will be like. I'm going to hope for the best outcome and hope that the kinks are worked out before our 2016 cruise.

 

But kinks or not, I'm going to do my best to have a great time.

 

btw, the new Celebrity promotion that started today was mentioned on this thread. I called today and rebooked our 2016 cruise for a $1000 saving! Thanks for mentioning it.

Edited November 16, 2015 by tangerinebunny

[need2bespoiled]

 

SNIP

 

btw, the new Celebrity promotion that started today was mentioned on this thread. I called today and rebooked our 2016 cruise for a $1000 saving! Thanks for mentioning it.

 

We saved $500 on one sailing, received more perks (unlimited internet) and a premium beverage package instead of a classic package (in a CS), so it was a benefit to us as well :) It is a B2B, too bad the following cruise was not eligible (Suez Repo).

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

[cle-guy]

Most of us understand that how much you spend on a cruise has nothing to do with who you are. We all spend enough to get what we want from a vacation.

 

But we all know that Celebrity has in the past been a bit slow on board adjusting to decisions that corporate makes. And there may be a period of adjustment.

 

MC for all suites is a great perk only if it's worth visiting. No one at this point knows what it will be like. I'm going to hope for the best outcome and hope that the kinks are worked out before our 2016 cruise.

 

But kinks or not, I'm going to do my best to have a great time.

 

btw, the new Celebrity promotion that started today was mentioned on this thread. I called today and rebooked our 2016 cruise for a $1000 saving! Thanks for mentioning it.

 

 

The Skysuite I have been watching on an 5 night eclipse sailing went up $150 pp today.

Edited November 16, 2015 by cle-guy

[cybx]

The Skysuite I have been watching on an 5 night eclipse sailing went up $150 pp today.

I noticed a few Sky suites go up $150pp on 7 night sailings to Bermuda and the Caribbean as well. I'm currently booked with a "free" Go Better on my cruise in a S2. Seems another $150pp to get the Go Best is a no-brainer as we were going to pay to upgrade to the premium beverage package. Time to call the TA.

Edited November 16, 2015 by cybx

[doublin9]

Took a look at prices for Caribbean cruises February to April 2017 in a suite and lo and behold there are no suites available on any date during that time! I really find that hard to believe.

[cle-guy]

Took a look at prices for Caribbean cruises February to April 2017 in a suite and lo and behold there are no suites available on any date during that time! I really find that hard to believe.

 

If you were looking at Summit, it is in the middle of some redeployments at that period, so may be affecting it. There are at least 2 maybe 3 full charters happening.

 

I just checked Reflection, and although the X site does show no suites, other sites show plenty. It has to be a website issue, maybe still updating pricing or something.

[bonedoc7]

It is definitely a website issue. If you try to book a suite with the new promotion it shows sold out.

[Cruise a holic]

Most of us understand that how much you spend on a cruise has nothing to do with who you are. We all spend enough to get what we want from a vacation.

 

But we all know that Celebrity has in the past been a bit slow on board adjusting to decisions that corporate makes. And there may be a period of adjustment.

 

MC for all suites is a great perk only if it's worth visiting. No one at this point knows what it will be like. I'm going to hope for the best outcome and hope that the kinks are worked out before our 2016 cruise.

 

But kinks or not, I'm going to do my best to have a great time.

 

btw, the new Celebrity promotion that started today was mentioned on this thread. I called today and rebooked our 2016 cruise for a $1000 saving! Thanks for mentioning it.

 

Thanks for mentioning the promotion also!! I just called and saved $600!

[jenniebnyc]

Sailing in a CS on Reflection in January. I was really looking forward to some quiet/civilized time in MC during the cruise. A little nervous now that Sky Suites are permitted to use MC. Wouldn't be concerned on other ships but since Reflection needs to take into account double the amount of Sky Suites (former AQ Suites), I anticipate it is going to be mayhem in MC around dinnertime. Would love to hear from X on how they plan on handling the crowds since not all ships are created equal when implementing this new benefit. Does anyone have a photo of MC on Reflection? Does anyone know the legal limit of guests that can use MC at one time vs. the number of suites passengert that might be on the ship?

 

Anyone know what they mean by "NEW" Bulgari products? Are they larger in size? Maybe the green version (I hope!)?

 

Anyone have the inside info of the NEW food items we will receive in the suites daily? I will be very happy to see the 2 tortilla chips (refrigerated and soggy) and teaspoon of hummus disappear! LOL

 

Thanks

[need2bespoiled]

Sailing in a CS on Reflection in January. I was really looking forward to some quiet/civilized time in MC during the cruise. A little nervous now that Sky Suites are permitted to use MC. Wouldn't be concerned on other ships but since Reflection needs to take into account double the amount of Sky Suites (former AQ Suites), I anticipate it is going to be mayhem in MC around dinnertime. Would love to hear from X on how they plan on handling the crowds since not all ships are created equal when implementing this new benefit. Does anyone have a photo of MC on Reflection? Does anyone know the legal limit of guests that can use MC at one time vs. the number of suites passengert that might be on the ship?

 

Anyone know what they mean by "NEW" Bulgari products? Are they larger in size? Maybe the green version (I hope!)?

 

Anyone have the inside info of the NEW food items we will receive in the suites daily? I will be very happy to see the 2 tortilla chips (refrigerated and soggy) and teaspoon of hummus disappear! LOL

 

Thanks

 

All good questions but with no experience, it is hard to know. As far images, I am sure you can find them on a web search in google images. Micahael's club is essentially the same on all S-Class which is smaller than M-Class.

 

I read one press release that said new Bulgari formulation. We did get green once on Millenium, was nice, but not that much difference. It is one thing I am not looking forward to on our cruise on Dec 5. I will MISS the Bulgari if they don't have it yet :(

 

Obviously the last "new" food wasn't very good. Lots of room for improvement there and that is why we ask for shrimp and cheese and crackers alternating daily and often get scones and cream (one great English delight).

 

As has been done previously, I hope they roll out some of these new benefits early. I am definitely going to be reporting back on the new Terrace on infinity, and of course, Cle-Guy has some requests to see the loo in the RS and PH and I am going to try and help him with some pics of the crapper ;)

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

[cle-guy]

Does anyone know the legal limit of guests that can use MC at one time vs. the number of suites passengert that might be on the ship?

 

I don't think public spaces on ships have "legal limits" on their occupancy as land-based venues do.

 

I surmise this just from attending Muster Drills in Rendezvous lounge, where it ends up every set taken, and standing room only, packed boy to body on M class ships for example. I have a hard time believing if there was a "legal limit" that it would allow for body-to body contact and blocking of the hallways in and out of the area.

 

I think ships just have an overall "souls on board" capacity to be mindful of.

 

I counted about 70 seats in Michaels club on Eclipse including bar seats, pub tables, sofas and tub chairs, perhaps up to 80, this does not account for standing by the bar or at the high-top tables that only have 2 chairs at them, where 2-3 others could stand along side.

[doublin9]

Thank you, Cle-guy! I'll try to book through my Ta.

[jenniebnyc]

All good questions but with no experience, it is hard to know. As far images, I am sure you can find them on a web search in google images. Micahael's club is essentially the same on all S-Class which is smaller than M-Class.

 

I read one press release that said new Bulgari formulation. We did get green once on Millenium, was nice, but not that much difference. It is one thing I am not looking forward to on our cruise on Dec 5. I will MISS the Bulgari if they don't have it yet :(

 

Obviously the last "new" food wasn't very good. Lots of room for improvement there and that is why we ask for shrimp and cheese and crackers alternating daily and often get scones and cream (one great English delight).

 

As has been done previously, I hope they roll out some of these new benefits early. I am definitely going to be reporting back on the new Terrace on infinity, and of course, Cle-Guy has some requests to see the loo in the RS and PH and I am going to try and help him with some pics of the crapper ;)

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

 

LOL! Thanks!

[BrendaJ]

For people who are concerned that Michael's Club will be too crowded, I think many are forgetting one thing; the BBB program (or whatever it is called) was just recently released, and many people who previously never had a beverage package are going to have one included with their fare now.

 

I can't help but think that many who previously spent a lot of time in Michael's Club did so mainly for the included beverages. When most people have the option of a "free" beverage package, they may choose to have drinks elsewhere.

 

Although we certainly enjoyed the company of the lovely Michael's Club concierge on the Summit earlier this year, the room itself did nothing for me and we spent very little time there. I would not have dreamed of sitting in that dark empty room when there were so many other, more lively places to go on the ship.

[cle-guy]

I am definitely going to be reporting back on the new Terrace on infinity, and of course, Cle-Guy has some requests to see the loo in the RS and PH and I am going to try and help him with some pics of the crapper ;)

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

 

We don't know that the "New seating in Suite Bathrooms" means a new toilet, now do we? Perhaps they have placed a nice lounge chair in there so our partner may sit and chat us up while we handle business? Inquiring minds want to know!

 

:D

[need2bespoiled]

For people who are concerned that Michael's Club will be too crowded, I think many are forgetting one thing; the BBB program (or whatever it is called) was just recently released, and many people who previously never had a beverage package are going to have one included with their fare now.

 

I can't help but think that many who previously spent a lot of time in Michael's Club did so mainly for the included beverages. When most people have the option of a "free" beverage package, they may choose to have drinks elsewhere.

 

Although we certainly enjoyed the company of the lovely Michael's Club concierge on the Summit earlier this year, the room itself did nothing for me and we spent very little time there. I would not have dreamed of sitting in that dark empty room when there were so many other, more lively places to go on the ship.

 

I don't disagree, except on TAs, and Repos where the new promotion with all of the benefits apply. Many of those sailings had many suites booked before BBB came out (which I'm not even sure applied to TAs, etc). Maybe they'll have to adjust this on those cruises.

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

 

P.S. yeah, that's it Cle-Guy ;)

Edited November 16, 2015 by need2bespoiled

[BrendaJ]

I don't disagree, except on TAs, and Repos where the new promotion with all of the benefits apply. Many of those sailings had many suites booked before BBB came out (which I'm not even sure applied to TAs, etc). Maybe they'll have to adjust this on those cruises.

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

 

P.S. yeah, that's it Cle-Guy ;)

 

That is definitely a good point. All the sailings excluded from the offers will probably have large crowds in Michael's, similar to the Elite events on those sailings. It appears that many people are willing to fight the crowds in order to get a free beverage.

[Project_gal]

For people who are concerned that Michael's Club will be too crowded, I think many are forgetting one thing; the BBB program (or whatever it is called) was just recently released, and many people who previously never had a beverage package are going to have one included with their fare now.

 

I can't help but think that many who previously spent a lot of time in Michael's Club did so mainly for the included beverages. When most people have the option of a "free" beverage package, they may choose to have drinks elsewhere.

 

Although we certainly enjoyed the company of the lovely Michael's Club concierge on the Summit earlier this year, the room itself did nothing for me and we spent very little time there. I would not have dreamed of sitting in that dark empty room when there were so many other, more lively places to go on the ship.

 

As those in RS and higher have the premium beverage package, only those in CS, Zeniths and VIP may not have had any beverage package. Michael's Club is not used because of free drinks but because the ambiance and company were good.

[Gordoncruickshank]

As those in RS and higher have the premium beverage package, only those in CS, Zeniths and VIP may not have had any beverage package. Michael's Club is not used because of free drinks but because the ambiance and company were good.

Zeniths do get a classic beverage package as part of their benefits.

[need2bespoiled]

As those in RS and higher have the premium beverage package, only those in CS, Zeniths and VIP may not have had any beverage package. Michael's Club is not used because of free drinks but because the ambiance and company were good.

 

I think this is only true. We have almost always had a beverage package, but we had one sailing in a CS when we didn't and we definitely stopped by more often to grab a bottle of water, have a coffee on coming back onboard or even more likely to not go to the martini bar to wait and pay when it was quick and free in Michael's. It didn't always drive us in but it definitely was an influenced. It removed the "nickel and dimed" feeling from those in a CS (and now SS) on those sailings without a package.

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

[Orator]

Zeniths do get a classic beverage package as part of their benefits.

 

Zeniths receive the Premium Package.

The problem of overcrowding will be mainly on the S Class ships,particularity Reflection. Some talk about using "staggered hours" for different groups. MC on current Connie cruise is pretty packed in the evenings. I can tell you that at least on this cruise it's not about drinks, but rather some very lively discussion.