NEW Cabin Class Category: Club Class Mini-Suite

[windsurferfirst]

So I called back and spoke to a different person who told me it is applicable to MA Mini suites which I have booked but on the Eastern Caribbean not the Western! I am even more confused now.

[asctony]

Yes, space has been taken from "normal" cruisers in Celebrity for Suite passenegrs only. In the main dining rooms, a very large thick wall was installed between the normal MDR and Luminae, taking floor space away. Tables in Luminae are also set further apart than in the normal MDR thus reducing even more the footprint for "normal" passengers. And Michael's Club, which on all ships was a piano bar anyone and everyone could enjoy, has become a suite only lounge - thus less space for "normal" passengers...

And on Infinity Class, with both Blu and Luminae sectioned off from the main dining room, it greatly reduces the footprint available for "normal" passengers, and has affected wait times for Select dining. And tables are much closer together than before either restaurant was added..

It's a wait and see how this pans out on Princess. Will it be sectioned off, or roped off or just a separate entrance or what? Who knows... Wait and see.

 

Your posting is totally correct. In fact, when they took space away from the MDR to build the Luminae, they also took one entry way into the MDR away from the MDR. So on that lower deck you must enter via one entry instead of two to get into the MDR. In addition, you have to weave your way through the tables, guests and waiters to go from one side of the MDR to the other. It is a MAZE.

[asctony]

During all of our cruises with Princess (17 so far) we always had "Dedicated wait staff" in any of the dining rooms but now I wonder if that will go away because according to the FAQ the "Dedicated wait staff" is now reserved for Club Class Mini & Full suites.:rolleyes:

 

2. What is Club Class Dining? It’s an exclusive, uniquely styled, dedicated area of the Main Dining Room available to Full Suite and Club Class Mini-Suite guests for dinner each evening as well as breakfast and lunch on sea days. Club Class Dining includes:

• Expedited seating with minimal to no wait • Private main dining room entrance with host • Dedicated wait staff • Exclusive menu options with Daily Chef’s Special • Table-side preparation

 

Also, some of the "Extra perks" mentioned were up until now included for all passengers. Does that mean we, Inside-Ocean view-Standard Balcony guests, are getting those things taken away??

 

PLUS, all the comforts of a Mini-Suite including:

• Welcome glass of champagne • Complimentary Fresh Fruit upon request • Separate seating area with a sofabed • Balcony with patio furniture • Evening bed turn-down, chocolates on your pillow • Walk in closet* • Two flat-panel televisions • Private bathroom with combination tub and shower • Massage showerhead • Luxury 100% cotton towels • Plush European Duvets • Shampoo, conditioner, body lotion • Satellite TV, refrigerator, hair dryer, safe, closet, phone and desk • 110-volt, 60-cycle alternating current (AC) with standard U.S. plug fittings • Twice daily housekeeping serviceTheo

 

Private main dining room entrance with host. Will that reduce the one entry door that we now use to enter the MDR? Or will they add another door for CCD?

Maybe I am totally confused? When we were on the Regal in Feb 2016 I remember getting these new benefits without being CC. LOL

Evening bed turn-down, chocolates on your pillow, Shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, Satellite TV, refrigerator, hair dryer, safe, closet, phone, 110-volt, 60-cycle alternating current (AC) with standard U.S. plug fittings, Twice daily housekeeping service - don't we get that now or will they only do it for CC?

[Woobstr112G]

This whole program looks like something that they should have rolled out with new ship designs as the new ships came on line. It appears very awkward to stuff this new program into existing ships that were not built for a class system.

 

Well said.....:):):)

 

Bob

[reedprincess]

Your posting is totally correct. In fact, when they took space away from the MDR to build the Luminae, they also took one entry way into the MDR away from the MDR. So on that lower deck you must enter via one entry instead of two to get into the MDR. In addition, you have to weave your way through the tables, guests and waiters to go from one side of the MDR to the other. It is a MAZE.

Yeah, really really dislike the MDR on Celebrity now. Our last sailing was this past March 20, and that MDR was unreal. Packed, LOUD, and very tight -absolutely brushing against people trying to get to your seat. Not pleasant. Besides which, the chairs are ridiculous - heavy and very deep - all the ladies at our table needed pillows to boost us forward enoigh in the chair to reach the table, and two of the guys needed such also. It's telling that the wait staff have such handy at a moment's notice..

Any future sailings on Celebrity for us will be in Blu simply for the smaller dining room, or with the ultimate dining package, although I don't see us going back any time soon...

[floridalover5623]

Private main dining room entrance with host. Will that reduce the one entry door that we now use to enter the MDR? Or will they add another door for CCD?

Maybe I am totally confused? When we were on the Regal in Feb 2016 I remember getting these new benefits without being CC. LOL

Evening bed turn-down, chocolates on your pillow, Shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, Satellite TV, refrigerator, hair dryer, safe, closet, phone, 110-volt, 60-cycle alternating current (AC) with standard U.S. plug fittings, Twice daily housekeeping service - don't we get that now or will they only do it for CC?

 

On the Royal there were 2 sets of doors- Port and Starboard. They were using 1 set for people who had the same tables reserved each night in the AT dining room. I'm guessing that they'll now use those doors strictly for the Club Class people.

[Renmar]

I'm well aware that that there are different levels for anything in live including different levels for cruising. We stayed with Princess because we liked the overall experience and the fact that pretty well everybody is treated the same whether you are sailing an inside or a full suite (OK, in a full suite you can get Sabatini breakfast). We could dine or lunch at any place with anybody.

 

Now with the introduction of "Club Class" this is changing and I for one can see me going to the dining room and being told "Sorry sir but steerage is on the left" and "No sir you can not have that steak because that one is reserved for passengers in a higher Class".

 

My only hope is that they will scrap this new "Class" otherwise we might be looking for a different cruise line where we can mingle with everybody at any time at any place.

 

We, my DW and I, will see how this all pans out on our next cruise we are planning for October.

 

Theo

[IECalCruiser]

We, my DW and I, will see how this all pans out on our next cruise we are planning for October.

 

Theo

The Club Class mini's don't roll out until after your October cruise but the Full Suite amenities lists the Club Class dining now. On some recent Patters there was something call "Enhanced Dining" and it is unclear if this is the Club Class dining available now for full suite passengers or something different.

[floridalover5623]

 

Now with the introduction of "Club Class" this is changing and I for one can see me going to the dining room and being told "Sorry sir but steerage is on the left" and "No sir you can not have that steak because that one is reserved for passengers in a higher Class".

 

My only hope is that they will scrap this new "Class" otherwise we might be looking for a different cruise line where we can mingle with everybody at any time at any place.

 

 

Theo

 

It's very possible that they'll have different menu's for the Club Class.

[RJ2002]

I'm going to be so upset if we lose Sabatini's every day for this.

 

There is no mention that the full suite breakfast is going away. Here is the current suite brochure.

 

http://www.princess.com/downloads/pdf/ships/PrincessSuite_eFlyer.pdf

 

As has been stated, the language for the full suite breakfast now reads:

 

Complimentary specialty dining mimosa breakfast (Daily)

 

The reference to Sabatini's has been changed to "specialty dining" because not all ships have Sabatini's.

 

As a side note, the reference to "luggage valet" seems to be gone now.

Edited May 12, 2016 by RJ2002

[EZ2CY]

Here’s my problem with the new “Suite/Club Class.” It’s just another example of the appalling trend we’re seeing all too often now: it’s not enough to receive “extras” for additional money paid, now being separated from “the masses” seems to be the goal. Princess could have offered expedited seating in the main dining room for the Club Class. Instead, it’s choosing to segregate the passengers into “most valued” and “everyone else.” In the same room, apparently, while providing a different menu and additional “service” to the more valued customers. And don’t get me started on the announcement that the suites will have “better” beds than the rest of the ship. What’s next? Me making my own bed in a verandah room?

 

Anyone who thinks this isn’t going to lead to poorer service being given to “non suite” passengers is a lot more optimistic than I am. I think it’s only a matter of time before certain elevators will be set aside for this group of “elevated” passenger, since apparently waiting for ANYTHING is a big no-no. And if they can figure out how to do it, I’ll bet Princess will set aside certain rest rooms as well. Certainly preferred seating for Movies Under the Stars is forthcoming. Entire decks, and most likely the top-most deck, will be blocked off from all but those who pay more to stay in a suite. I believe someone on the forum mentioned that at least one of the cruise lines already does this.

 

The attitude of the officers and crew will probably begin to reflect what the company has already decided as well. Money is everything, and it’s what separates us in their view. Eventually I think it will be the ONLY thing that matters to cruise ship lines like Princess, so everyone who has been treated like a “valuable” passenger due to line loyalty might want to start getting used to the idea of being treated like the rest of the new steerage class. Unless you also are willing to book a suite.

 

I’ve always cringed when a flight attendant announces that the restroom “in the front” is for first-class passengers only and “everyone else” should use the two in the back of the plane. And that curtain they draw closed between first-class and economy? That’s to make sure we “know our place.” Insulting? You bet.

 

I don’t know about the rest of you, but my place is no longer on Princess and it’s not because my husband and I can’t afford to book a suite. We are choosing not to under the new program Princess is initiating. Creating Classes based on wealth isn’t classy. Just sayin’.

[Murphey]

Well said...Money rarely equates "class".

Edited May 12, 2016 by Murphey

[shredie]

Anyone who thinks this isn’t going to lead to poorer service being given to “non suite” passengers is a lot more optimistic than I am.

 

I fear you are correct.

[reedprincess]

Here’s my problem with the new “Suite/Club Class.” It’s just another example of the appalling trend we’re seeing all too often now: it’s not enough to receive “extras” for additional money paid, now being separated from “the masses” seems to be the goal. Princess could have offered expedited seating in the main dining room for the Club Class. Instead, it’s choosing to segregate the passengers into “most valued” and “everyone else.” In the same room, apparently, while providing a different menu and additional “service” to the more valued customers. And don’t get me started on the announcement that the suites will have “better” beds than the rest of the ship. What’s next? Me making my own bed in a verandah room?

 

Anyone who thinks this isn’t going to lead to poorer service being given to “non suite” passengers is a lot more optimistic than I am. I think it’s only a matter of time before certain elevators will be set aside for this group of “elevated” passenger, since apparently waiting for ANYTHING is a big no-no. And if they can figure out how to do it, I’ll bet Princess will set aside certain rest rooms as well. Certainly preferred seating for Movies Under the Stars is forthcoming. Entire decks, and most likely the top-most deck, will be blocked off from all but those who pay more to stay in a suite. I believe someone on the forum mentioned that at least one of the cruise lines already does this.

 

The attitude of the officers and crew will probably begin to reflect what the company has already decided as well. Money is everything, and it’s what separates us in their view. Eventually I think it will be the ONLY thing that matters to cruise ship lines like Princess, so everyone who has been treated like a “valuable” passenger due to line loyalty might want to start getting used to the idea of being treated like the rest of the new steerage class. Unless you also are willing to book a suite.

 

I’ve always cringed when a flight attendant announces that the restroom “in the front” is for first-class passengers only and “everyone else” should use the two in the back of the plane. And that curtain they draw closed between first-class and economy? That’s to make sure we “know our place.” Insulting? You bet.

 

I don’t know about the rest of you, but my place is no longer on Princess and it’s not because my husband and I can’t afford to book a suite. We are choosing not to under the new program Princess is initiating. Creating Classes based on wealth isn’t classy. Just sayin’.

 

So who will you cruise with once this change happens? Royal Caribbean, NCL, Celebrity, MSC, Cunard, etc all already have suite only perks and areas designated suite only. Of the mass market lines, that leaves us Carnival, Holland America, P&O, and Costa maybe? who still have everything available to everyone... Are there other mass market lines I'm missing? (I'm not including the AI or luxury lines such as Regent or Crystal or Seabourne, etc as they are a different class of sailing already). Who is left in the mass market cruise business that isn't moving towards more perks for those who spend more?

[RocketMan275]

So who will you cruise with once this change happens? Royal Caribbean, NCL, Celebrity, MSC, Cunard, etc all already have suite only perks and areas designated suite only. Of the mass market lines, that leaves us Carnival, Holland America, P&O, and Costa maybe? who still have everything available to everyone... Are there other mass market lines I'm missing? (I'm not including the AI or luxury lines such as Regent or Crystal or Seabourne, etc as they are a different class of sailing already). Who is left in the mass market cruise business that isn't moving towards more perks for those who spend more?

 

Scratch Holland off the list too. They have the Neptune Lounge for suites only.

[oskidunker]

I like it.

[emileg]

Since the Club Class is strictly ATD dining, the dedicated wait staff is a new thing. In TD, we have always had our dedicated wait staff. I don't think that will change. It's going to be interesting to see how all of this impacts ATD and its dining rooms.

I am not sure Princess means that the wait staff is dedicated to specific passengers who sit at specific tables as in TD. I think what they mean is that the waiters are dedicated to working only in the club section of the dining room and will not be working in the rest of the MDR.

Edited May 12, 2016 by emileg

[Astro Flyer]

On the Royal there were 2 sets of doors- Port and Starboard. They were using 1 set for people who had the same tables reserved each night in the AT dining room. I'm guessing that they'll now use those doors strictly for the Club Class people.

 

On the various types of Grand-class ships there are doors on the starboard side that are closed but no lobby area like on the port side entrance. I've only seen the starboard side doors used to escort waiting passengers from a dining room to tenders.

 

Maybe they could discreetly use those normally closed starboard doors for Club Class passengers? Maybe have a special knock on the door to open a small viewing window to be admitted like the old speakeasies during prohibition? :p

[EZ2CY]

So who will you cruise with once this change happens? Royal Caribbean, NCL, Celebrity, MSC, Cunard, etc all already have suite only perks and areas designated suite only. Of the mass market lines, that leaves us Carnival, Holland America, P&O, and Costa maybe? who still have everything available to everyone... Are there other mass market lines I'm missing? (I'm not including the AI or luxury lines such as Regent or Crystal or Seabourne, etc as they are a different class of sailing already). Who is left in the mass market cruise business that isn't moving towards more perks for those who spend more?

 

Reedprincess, I really don't know the answer to that. Having been on HAL a number of times, and having been in the Neptune Lounge when once "upgraded", I do know that HAL is less "in your face" on this sort of thing (so far) than what Princess is proposing. Haven't been on any other lines, so would appreciate views from other members.

 

I was actually offended when I got the email from Princess announcing the Club Class. I went back to see why. Here are some examples (quotes taken directly from their site: http://www.princess.com/learn/ships/staterooms/club-class/

 

Descriptions:

 

"Enhanced. Elevated. Exclusive"

 

"you’re entitled to special treatment with coveted priority services and extra amenities."

 

"PRIVATE ENTRANCE WITH HOST

Exclusively for Club Class Mini-Suite and Suite guests, special Dining Room access gets you to your table quickly."

 

"An exclusive area of the Main Dining Room featuring expedited seating with minimal to no wait. You'll also enjoy expanded menu options, dedicated waitstaff, uniquely styled decor, table-side preparation and more!"

 

 

Honest to Pete, if they use the word EXCLUSIVE once more time I'm going to barf. Does anyone want to think about what "exclusive" actually means? "excluding or not admitting other things." Thanks Princess.

[reedprincess]

Reedprincess, I really don't know the answer to that. Having been on HAL a number of times, and having been in the Neptune Lounge when once "upgraded", I do know that HAL is less "in your face" on this sort of thing (so far) than what Princess is proposing. Haven't been on any other lines, so would appreciate views from other members.

 

I was actually offended when I got the email from Princess announcing the Club Class. I went back to see why. Here are some examples (quotes taken directly from their site: http://www.princess.com/learn/ships/staterooms/club-class/

 

Descriptions:

 

"Enhanced. Elevated. Exclusive"

 

"you’re entitled to special treatment with coveted priority services and extra amenities."

 

"PRIVATE ENTRANCE WITH HOST

Exclusively for Club Class Mini-Suite and Suite guests, special Dining Room access gets you to your table quickly."

 

"An exclusive area of the Main Dining Room featuring expedited seating with minimal to no wait. You'll also enjoy expanded menu options, dedicated waitstaff, uniquely styled decor, table-side preparation and more!"

 

 

Honest to Pete, if they use the word EXCLUSIVE once more time I'm going to barf. Does anyone want to think about what "exclusive" actually means? "excluding or not admitting other things." Thanks Princess.

 

I agree. A bit overdue with "exclusive, exclusive, exclusive"! It really is all hypothetical and speculative at this point as it's months before it's rolled out, so all we have is the very limited info released to go by.

I had forgot about the Neptune Lounge on HA - which is really what the Concierge Lounge on Royal Class for Princess is like. Unobtrusive, doesn't impact passenger flow, isn't taking space from any guest areas, etc. I can live with that, it's the removal of lounges or dining spaces etc for those who spend the big bucks that sticks in my craw, much as Celebrity and Royal Caribbean have done... MSC and NCL's Yacht Club and Haven respectively are quite separate areas, basically purpose built as such, so they didn't remove areas from other guests use, although admittedly it makes the balance of the ship's footprint smaller.

So really, just leaves Carnival and Costa without special areas only for the big spenders - who would have thought I would contemplate heading down the Carnival trail? Their egalitarian nature is quite appealing though.. Given the separate but unequal direction most lines seems to be taking.

[floridalover5623]

On the various types of Grand-class ships there are doors on the starboard side that are closed but no lobby area like on the port side entrance. I've only seen the starboard side doors used to escort waiting passengers from a dining room to tenders.

 

Maybe they could discreetly use those normally closed starboard doors for Club Class passengers? Maybe have a special knock on the door to open a small viewing window to be admitted like the old speakeasies during prohibition? :p

I still wondering if it will slow down the regular service in the AT dining room. It will mean that they have to reserve a certain number of tables all the time for their Club passengers. Normally they don't take reservations during the most busy times but now those tables will be out of action all the time.

As much as I don't like traditional, I seriously think I'm going to switch back to it if things get to bogged down.

Time will tell.

[happysnapper]

Can only comment on people cruising out of Australia. If you look around carefully most of us are average "run of the mill" people out to have a relaxing holiday and forget about the stresses of home/work. So most of us Aussies are really not interested in elitism, exclusive, preferential treatment. Just a fun, all round cruise, value for money, nice food, good company and a happy helpful crew. :cool:

[iceleven]

Forgive me if this has already been brought up but I can't bring myself to read all of these posts.

 

My one concern is the arrangements for seating in the dining room. Most cabins (including suites and mini-suites) contain only two passengers. Will this now require a slew of tables for just two? (Good luck with that) Can you imagine all the tables for two only 6 inches away from the couple on both sides of you? If using the ATD dining rooms, it doesn't seem likely there will be many offers/requests for "sharing" tables, or will there?

 

Second concern is how will people who are traveling with friends/family who are not ALSO in the new suites and now cannot indulge in the dining room with the Club Class folk. Often times its only during meals that families get together.

[iceleven]

Can only comment on people cruising out of Australia. If you look around carefully most of us are average "run of the mill" people out to have a relaxing holiday and forget about the stresses of home/work. So most of us Aussies are really not interested in elitism, exclusive, preferential treatment. Just a fun, all round cruise, value for money, nice food, good company and a happy helpful crew. :cool:

 

:) = the "like button"

[iceleven]

Scratch Holland off the list too. They have the Neptune Lounge for suites only.

 

But the Neptune Lounge is just an inside room that basically serves snacks and beverages. Certainly nothing to call "special." And yes, they offer concierge service for booking reservations. Again, still not such an important perk, IMO.