RCCL Star Service vs Celebrity Suite Class (Royal Suite+)

[Maven3]

If you do not try this you really do not know what you are missing. On two cruises, we have made good friends on board and hosted a dinner party in our PH suite. They have been truly memorable occasions we still speak of frequently.

Perhaps we will try it. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

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[Project_gal]

Perhaps we will try it. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

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Have an early discussion with your butler if you would like a special menu for your dinner.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

We thought we'd try to plan ahead for our Allure cruise last year and contacted them pre-cruise with a couple of requests (they initiate the contact). One of our ideal afternoons would be enjoying a couple of beers and tasty buffalo wings on our balcony.

 

I confirmed this with our Genie upon boarding and was told "no problem - just let me know which day you'd like to enjoy this". As I recall, they totally forgot us when that day came around ... perhaps I should have reminded them, but I didn't think it necessary. There were apologies, and I'm sure excuses, but then a date was set for the last sea day.

 

When the appointed time came around, no wings were in sight. I gave it 15 minutes and then called. "Yes, yes, they're being prepared". Again, there was some issue of chef problems or the like. Ok, ok... I called after another 15 minutes or so and was told that "they're on their way". YIPPIE I thought - we were about to enjoy a nice snack on our expansive/shady balcony !

 

After another 20+ minutes I figured that they would have been there. I called our Genie who came to our door - apologizing that OUR WINGS HAD BEEN DELIVERED TO ANOTHER CABIN. I didn't want to hear any more excuses - I was not rude, but I was not playing the "yes, yes, I understand" game either.

 

I would have thought, after all the misfires, that the Genie himself would have seen fit to be on point for this - even if that meant he hand delivered the order himself. Guess that's where delegating things can get you!

 

As I mentioned earlier, this was early on in the Royal Genie program, and I'll chalk this (and a couple other notable events) up to growing pains. But, you add this to their ridiculously restrictive alcohol policies, and it left a bitter taste in my mouth (again... like Cilantro does!). I had booked a RLS for our annual office cruise on the Oasis for the following year, along with several cabins for my staff - and ended up cancelling that. As nice as that cabin looked, the thought of sitting out on the balcony listening to all the action on the basketball court below interfering with our trying to enjoy the solitude of the sea just seemed like another source of irritation. If I'm going to shell out ~$20k for a cabin for a week, I have certain expectations!

 

Tom

[wrk2cruise]

Just off Equinox in a RS. I didn't ask but I don't believe the Gastro Pub food is included. They had a brunch in Tuscan Grill one day and I was surprised when I asked if it was included I was told no by the MCC and she even called someone to check.

 

We didn't use specialty's for anything as we had our favorite waiter in Luminae for the third cruise in a row. Service was spectacular.

[JFontaine]

PH on Celebrity -in cabin movies not included, and laundry appears to be an unadvertised amenity up to the discretion of the Michael's hostess. Another unadvertised amenity - I was asked when I would be boarding, I replied, and then - nothing. So I followed up and asked why, and was told so that the suite could be readied for immediate occupancy, and although the check-in desk was unaware, after a few calls we were allowed to go directly to the suite, at about noon.

[jagoffee]

Just off Equinox in a RS. I didn't ask but I don't believe the Gastro Pub food is included. They had a brunch in Tuscan Grill one day and I was surprised when I asked if it was included I was told no by the MCC and she even called someone to check.

 

We didn't use specialty's for anything as we had our favorite waiter in Luminae for the third cruise in a row. Service was spectacular.

 

I do not recall a brunch in Tuscan, but I know the special lunch was include on the Eclipse last January.

[wrk2cruise]

I do not recall a brunch in Tuscan, but I know the special lunch was include on the Eclipse last January.

 

 

 

They had a lunch in Morrano later in the week which was included.

 

The Tuscan brunch had the regular $25 up charge. Someone who went as a guest said there wasn't anything you couldn't get at the buffet but the presentation was nice.

 

I just thought it should have been included in upper suite amenities but wasn't

[groryjm]

They had a lunch in Morrano later in the week which was included.

 

The Tuscan brunch had the regular $25 up charge. Someone who went as a guest said there wasn't anything you couldn't get at the buffet but the presentation was nice.

 

I just thought it should have been included in upper suite amenities but wasn't

 

you would have thought with only 20 or so upper suite guests it would bit daft to charge as they could have eaten early at sushi on 5 for a greater cost to celebrity

Edited September 25, 2017 by groryjm

[jagoffee]

They had a lunch in Morrano later in the week which was included.

 

The Tuscan brunch had the regular $25 up charge. Someone who went as a guest said there wasn't anything you couldn't get at the buffet but the presentation was nice.

 

I just thought it should have been included in upper suite amenities but wasn't

 

I do agree that it is rather odd. As you may know Sushi on Five is included.

 

On the Reflection although dinner and Lunch in the Lawn Grill was included the special BBQ was not included.

[Maven3]

We thought we'd try to plan ahead for our Allure cruise last year and contacted them pre-cruise with a couple of requests (they initiate the contact). One of our ideal afternoons would be enjoying a couple of beers and tasty buffalo wings on .

... ...

 

As nice as that cabin looked, the thought of sitting out on the balcony listening to all the action on the basketball court below interfering with our trying to enjoy the solitude of the sea just seemed like another source of irritation. If I'm going to shell out ~$20k for a cabin for a week, I have certain expectations!

 

Tom

 

I had read about your wing debacle on another thread -- I agree that was ridiculous. They have wifi, look up how to make wings on recipes.com if you don’t know how to make them. They have Crystal hot sauce on the ship. Wing sauce is hot sauce & butter, equal parts. Fry (or bake) the wings, drench them sauce, bake 20 minutes, drench with more sauce & serve with a side of sauce + celery & blue chees dressing. -- it takes some time, but is not that difficult. Until I read your original post, I hadn't thought about that fact that I have never seen "buffalo wings" on a ship. It is something they should add, especially in the sports bar type area & during sporting events that are important to US cruisers. They would be a good buffet item too.

 

I also agree that looking out over a sports court is not for me. I want privacy (more than we usually get) and an unrestricted water view. The A1 - 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom Aquatheater suites have an 800 sq ft wrap around balcony (at least on Oasis & Allure, I haven't been on Harmony). The suites aren't as elegant as some of the other Star Class suites, but I find them great for a family or 2 couples. There is a slider off the master to that goes to the balcony. That area of the balcony isn't deep, but it is private & large enough for a couple chaise lounges. The A2 has the door in a different spot & isn't as appealing. The main area of the balcony looks over the Aquatheater & you can see the rock walls. I would rather watch what is going on in the Aquatheater than listen to thw bouncing balls in the sports court. Also, the Aquatheater has a show, belly flop contest, movie, whatever & it's done. It isn't that intrusive. The sports courts go morning til night.

 

I booked a Star Loft Suite on the Oasis next August for my birthday, there are two of them. One over looks the sports courts, the other the sea. If I couldn't have reserved #1718 with a balcony that looks over the water, I wouldn't have booked it.

 

I would love to be in a focus group that makes suggestions for suite layouts/locations on new ships (& 5 star hotels). I think many of the people designing them have never paid for a 5 star experience & don't know what we expect. I expect a lot more out of a cabin & the service that a companies it when I am $1k, $2k, or $3k+ a night for it. I could enjoy all the regular amenities of the ship for $200/night if I didn't care about service, crowds & amenities.

 

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[Maven3]

Just off Equinox in a RS. I didn't ask but I don't believe the Gastro Pub food is included. They had a brunch in Tuscan Grill one day and I was surprised when I asked if it was included I was told no by the MCC and she even called someone to check.

 

We didn't use specialty's for anything as we had our favorite waiter in Luminae for the third cruise in a row. Service was spectacular.

It doesn't make sense that the brunch wasn't included. I hate being nickeled & dimed -- even if I do have onboard credit.

 

Who is your favorite waiter in Luminae?

 

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[Maven3]

PH on Celebrity -in cabin movies not included, and laundry appears to be an unadvertised amenity up to the discretion of the Michael's hostess. Another unadvertised amenity - I was asked when I would be boarding, I replied, and then - nothing. So I followed up and asked why, and was told so that the suite could be readied for immediate occupancy, and although the check-in desk was unaware, after a few calls we were allowed to go directly to the suite, at about noon.

I like being able to get into the suites early. It's nice just to be able to drop things off. I have read you may leave carry-ons in MC, but I am not comfortable leaving my jewelry in there. I am not thrilled about leaving my laptop, but I would. I also do not like carrying my jewelry case around the ship, I would rather enjoy the ship & not worry about keeping track of my bag/purse/etc.

 

Were you just boarding at noon? Who finally let you in your suite?

 

I understand the suites may take a little longer to make up, especially if the previous guests linger. But I think it is reasonable to ask that they be ready by 11 AM. I liked being escorted on the Allure by the Genie, we did have to hang out in Coastal Kitchen for about 15 minutes while she took another family to their suite, but then it was through the locked doors & down the hall to our Aquatheater Suite. We were able to drop all our carry-ons, freshen up a bit, read all flyers, set up our wifi, and enjoy a beverage on our balcony -- all before noon. I like to make the most of my embarkation day, the last day always make me feel like they are trying to get us down the gang plank!

 

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[Tom-n-Cheryl]

I had read about your wing debacle on another thread -- I agree that was ridiculous. They have wifi, look up how to make wings on recipes.com if you don’t know how to make them. They have Crystal hot sauce on the ship. Wing sauce is hot sauce & butter, equal parts. Fry (or bake) the wings, drench them sauce, bake 20 minutes, drench with more sauce & serve with a side of sauce + celery & blue chees dressing. -- it takes some time, but is not that difficult. Until I read your original post, I hadn't thought about that fact that I have never seen "buffalo wings" on a ship. It is something they should add, especially in the sports bar type area & during sporting events that are important to US cruisers. They would be a good buffet item too.

 

I also agree that looking out over a sports court is not for me. I want privacy (more than we usually get) and an unrestricted water view. The A1 - 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom Aquatheater suites have an 800 sq ft wrap around balcony (at least on Oasis & Allure, I haven't been on Harmony). The suites aren't as elegant as some of the other Star Class suites, but I find them great for a family or 2 couples. There is a slider off the master to that goes to the balcony. That area of the balcony isn't deep, but it is private & large enough for a couple chaise lounges. The A2 has the door in a different spot & isn't as appealing. The main area of the balcony looks over the Aquatheater & you can see the rock walls. I would rather watch what is going on in the Aquatheater than listen to thw bouncing balls in the sports court. Also, the Aquatheater has a show, belly flop contest, movie, whatever & it's done. It isn't that intrusive. The sports courts go morning til night.

 

I booked a Star Loft Suite on the Oasis next August for my birthday, there are two of them. One over looks the sports courts, the other the sea. If I couldn't have reserved #1718 with a balcony that looks over the water, I wouldn't have booked it.

 

I would love to be in a focus group that makes suggestions for suite layouts/locations on new ships (& 5 star hotels). I think many of the people designing them have never paid for a 5 star experience & don't know what we expect. I expect a lot more out of a cabin & the service that a companies it when I am $1k, $2k, or $3k+ a night for it. I could enjoy all the regular amenities of the ship for $200/night if I didn't care about service, crowds & amenities.

 

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Thanks for the details on the Aquatheater suites. Every sailing I've ever looked at always shows just the 1 BR versions left. Is it partially because they reserve the 2 BR's for more than 2 in a cabin, or are those just the first to go?

 

Buffalo wings - NCL has that pretty well down, available daily on all their ships (that I'm aware of). Though they do vary in their preparation styles/sauces. Oddly, my favorites were on one of their "dumpier" ships, the Sky. I've had them as dinner more than once. Having said that, I'd be hard pressed to ever step foot on that ship again!

 

Tom

[Maven3]

Thanks for the details on the Aquatheater suites. Every sailing I've ever looked at always shows just the 1 BR versions left. Is it partially because they reserve the 2 BR's for more than 2 in a cabin, or are those just the first to go?

 

Buffalo wings - NCL has that pretty well down, available daily on all their ships (that I'm aware of). Though they do vary in their preparation styles/sauces. Oddly, my favorites were on one of their "dumpier" ships, the Sky. I've had them as dinner more than once. Having said that, I'd be hard pressed to ever step foot on that ship again!

 

Tom

The A1's do go fairly quickly but the bigger issue is, the Aquatheater Suites can't be booked online. You need a TA (RCCL rep) to reserve them. Technically you are supposed to have a minimum of 5 people in the suite. I have booked it with 4 & I have read of people getting it with only 2 people after the final payment was due. I assume someone canceled & that's how they were able to book it.

 

If you would like to reserve an A1, I would just tell your TA to keep checking for availability.

 

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[wrk2cruise]

It doesn't make sense that the brunch wasn't included. I hate being nickeled & dimed -- even if I do have onboard credit.

 

Who is your favorite waiter in Luminae?

 

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Nino, been with Celebrity over 20 years (before they were Celebrity)

[Maven3]

Nino, been with Celebrity over 20 years (before they were Celebrity)

 

 

 

Thanks for the info.

 

 

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[JFontaine]

I like being able to get into the suites early. It's nice just to be able to drop things off. I have read you may leave carry-ons in MC, but I am not comfortable leaving my jewelry in there. I am not thrilled about leaving my laptop, but I would. I also do not like carrying my jewelry case around the ship, I would rather enjoy the ship & not worry about keeping track of my bag/purse/etc.

 

Were you just boarding at noon? Who finally let you in your suite?

 

I understand the suites may take a little longer to make up, especially if the previous guests linger. But I think it is reasonable to ask that they be ready by 11 AM. I liked being escorted on the Allure by the Genie, we did have to hang out in Coastal Kitchen for about 15 minutes while she took another family to their suite, but then it was through the locked doors & down the hall to our Aquatheater Suite. We were able to drop all our carry-ons, freshen up a bit, read all flyers, set up our wifi, and enjoy a beverage on our balcony -- all before noon. I like to make the most of my embarkation day, the last day always make me feel like they are trying to get us down the gang plank!

 

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I don't get to ships before noon to avoid the rush. Another butler took us to our suite. They called someone on the ship to confirm suite was ready first. There was no note in the file, I had to explain that I was assured that the cabin would be ready at noon. They initially looked at me like I was crazy.

The rest of the first day did not go well. They asked for requests, confirmed them (all very simple and standard) and didn't deliver. And then didn't respond when I called on the ship. It was a very disappointing initial experience on this cruise. They need to get the suite manager system in place before they bring on the Edge. It's one thing to pay $1000 a day per person, and another to pay double that.

[Maven3]

They need to get the suite manager system in place before they bring on the Edge. It's one thing to pay $1000 a day per person, and another to pay double that.

 

I agree, if they do not fix the flaws with the suite amenities & service, Celebrity will be doing a lot of free upgrades to keep the Edge's beautiful suites occupied. There are a lot of options when we are spending $15-$40k on a 7-10 day vacation, if things don't go well, I may give them a 2nd chance, but never a 3rd.

 

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