First Suite experience recap

[Milwaukee Eight]

8 hours ago, John&LaLa said:

 

We also spend money on jewelry 💎, specialty dining, excursions, airfare ✈️ , and even alcohol.  I just prefer to buy it ala carte. 🍺

 

And as part of the P cheer squad, do you honestly feel this is the norm for P’s?  I don’t. 

[Teeara]

17 minutes ago, John&LaLa said:

 

Hate to tell you this, but that TA is going to be a zoo. Hopefully they will do several overflow lounges and offer the Pinnacles breakfast and lunch in Chops. 

 

You can expect in excess of 200 Pinnacles and 2,000 Diamond and higher. The spring Oasis TA would have been a good judge of what to expect, but Allure will likely be more extreme since shes coming out fresh from drydock

 

We are doing the spring TA and I chose STAR class for that

I know that, John.  We've already got some Pins signed up on our Roll Call.  Then again, they owe me a seat and a drink in the SL for all my hard work on our website and spreadsheet ;o)

 

Couldn't do TA this year and I wanted to do it next year anyway.  400 year anniversary of my Mayflower ancestors crossing the pond, ya know!

 

We also chose the GS due to the "crowded" conditions onboard the ship for the TA.  If I want to hide I have plenty of space in my cabin and big balcony.

 

Oh, and thanks for the food porn.  I'm hungry now, too!

Edited May 21, 2019 by Teeara

[Milwaukee Eight]

53 minutes ago, Cru1s1ng2009 said:

What the heck do they serve in CK that is so amazing that people are arguing over it? I need to know

Atmosphere Casual View Service Relaxed

[Snowbird_in_training]

26 minutes ago, Teeara said:

How early was early for you?  I have a GS for next year's Allure WB TA and we plan on eating most meals in CK.  We aren't big drinkers, but a splurge on our cruise with a pre-dinner cocktail would be lovely.  I'm an early bird so how early should we show up to get a seat in the SL for our pre-dinner cocktail?

I have never been on a TA but from what I have read here, you’ll have a fairly large number of Pinnacle level cruisers.   One of them may be able to tell you about timing. 

 

I believe the cocktail hour began at 430.   We were never in the SL that early so I don’t know if it becomes crowded immediately or not.  Our dinner time in CK was 630.   We would show up in the SL 15 minutes or so prior.   It was usually pretty full.  The bar itself is small, 6 or 7 seats.   On the days we were in SL earlier than our dinner time, it was totally full, with people standing.    

[Milwaukee Eight]

5 minutes ago, Teeara said:

I know that, John.  We've already got some Pins signed up on our Roll Call.  Then again, they owe me a seat and a drink in the SL for all my hard work on our website and spreadsheet ;o)

Good luck with getting that seat. I seriously doubt they will give up their window seat for you. Have them buy you an upgrade drink, see how many volunteer for that. 

 

Please come back and report your GS experience on the Allure TA. 

[Cru1s1ng2009]

We do this about 20 times a day on cc. Maybe that's why I come back so often.

[John&LaLa]

30 minutes ago, Milwaukee Eight said:

The door says Suite Lounge. The deck plans indicate Suite Lounge. It’s the the Suite Deck. That’s a piece of paper probably printed to appease some P guests. 

 

You’re a great cheerleader. 

 

 

 

Signs subject to change. Just reporting what I see. You could do the same if you ever cruised again. 

 

I really dont see myself as a cheerleader,  more of a defender of the realm. 🤣

[John&LaLa]

33 minutes ago, Milwaukee Eight said:

And as part of the P cheer squad, do you honestly feel this is the norm for P’s?  I don’t. 

 

Not up to me to make that call

[Lionesss]

10 hours ago, yogimax said:

 When we are in the CL (soon to be extinct), we want to talk to folks who have other interests!

 

 

Thanks for sharing your views.

 

But, I do not understand what you meant by this part of your post.

 

I do not want to speak for you, but could it mean they are re-naming lounges?  Getting rid of lounges and loading drinks on sea pass cards?  Going to individual separate lounges....

 

Thanks 

 

 

[Teeara]

48 minutes ago, Milwaukee Eight said:

Good luck with getting that seat. I seriously doubt they will give up their window seat for you. Have them buy you an upgrade drink, see how many volunteer for that. 

 

Please come back and report your GS experience on the Allure TA. 

I guess I will just have to be there extra early ;o)

 

I definitely will.  I don't plan on doing another suite unless the cruise is 10 days or longer.  Jr. Suite is fine.

[CasinoCruzGirl]

15 hours ago, ladysail2 said:

 

I’m not being critical, but if Pinnacles are allowed in CK, one can’t complain because they are in there.  If Pinnacles filled up the Diamond Lounge, then there’s reason to complain because P’s have their own lounge.  Perhaps the P’s don’t want to pay the high prices of the specialty restaurants.  I guess you have to get there first.  It’s first come, first served. 

Reservations are required so make your reservations early

[CasinoCruzGirl]

10 hours ago, tvo7 said:

Do we need to tip the guy who delivers room service meals if we are in a suite?  I know it is free for Suite guests.

I plan on tipping every time we get room service in our CL

[yogimax]

57 minutes ago, Lionesss said:

 

 

Thanks for sharing your views.

 

But, I do not understand what you meant by this part of your post.

 

I do not want to speak for you, but could it mean they are re-naming lounges?  Getting rid of lounges and loading drinks on sea pass cards?  Going to individual separate lounges....

 

Thanks 

 

 

Many, if not most, of the ships in the fleet have already eliminated the Concierge Lounge.  When others go into dry dock they are converting them into suite lounges.  Sadly, this is another hit to Diamond Plus members.  Instead of sharing the CL with Pinnacles, we are now driven to share the overcrowded Diamond Lounges.  The rumor for years was that RCCL would ban Diamonds from their lounge and force them to use their 3 free drinks in other venues, but that has not happened.

[dodgestang]

Simple solution .... always sail star 🙂 since all drinks are included  you don’t have to crowd into one small location to get free booze during allotted hours.

 

if you are not sailing star pay for the drink package then you don’t have to crowd into one small location to get free booze during allotted hours.

 

🤡🤡🤡🤡

 

otherwise it’s just all sour grapes that it wasn’t easy enough for you to get your free stuff while all the other people trying to get their free stuff are in the way getting their free stuff.

Edited May 21, 2019 by dodgestang

[Teeara]

49 minutes ago, yogimax said:

Many, if not most, of the ships in the fleet have already eliminated the Concierge Lounge.  When others go into dry dock they are converting them into suite lounges.  Sadly, this is another hit to Diamond Plus members.  Instead of sharing the CL with Pinnacles, we are now driven to share the overcrowded Diamond Lounges.  The rumor for years was that RCCL would ban Diamonds from their lounge and force them to use their 3 free drinks in other venues, but that has not happened.

I guess I just don't understand why all the fuss about the DL.  I think the 3 free drinks in other venues is a fantastic idea.  "Spread the wealth" so to speak.  I would much rather be able to get a free drink at a venue I'm in rather than getting stuck in one location since I also understand you aren't allowed to take your drinks out of the DL (unless I'm wrong on that).  Plus, having the drinks at other venues allows Ds to stay with their non-D friends or family members.  I will finally reach Diamond status on our TA next year, but it sure won't be any fun to go to the DL without my roommate who will become a "lowly" Platinum on the TA.  But then again, I'm not a boozer cruiser so it isn't that important to me.

[Lionesss]

56 minutes ago, yogimax said:

Many, if not most, of the ships in the fleet have already eliminated the Concierge Lounge.  When others go into dry dock they are converting them into suite lounges.  

 

Thank you for your explanation.  

 

I have only sailed on Oasis class ships lately, except for Explorer to Alaska and now I understand.

 

Thanks

[yogimax]

16 minutes ago, Teeara said:

I guess I just don't understand why all the fuss about the DL.  I think the 3 free drinks in other venues is a fantastic idea.  "Spread the wealth" so to speak.  I would much rather be able to get a free drink at a venue I'm in rather than getting stuck in one location since I also understand you aren't allowed to take your drinks out of the DL (unless I'm wrong on that). 

Many have different thoughts about this.  We love the lounges because that is where we make new friends.  We can sit and socialize all we want.  As a matter of fact, as I think about it, just about all of the folks we still correspond with, resulted from meeting in the lounge. 

[yogimax]

20 minutes ago, Lionesss said:

 

Thank you for your explanation.  

You are welcome, from one cat lover to another!

 

[Snowbird_in_training]

42 minutes ago, Teeara said:

I guess I just don't understand why all the fuss about the DL.  I think the 3 free drinks in other venues is a fantastic idea.  "Spread the wealth" so to speak.  I would much rather be able to get a free drink at a venue I'm in rather than getting stuck in one location since I also understand you aren't allowed to take your drinks out of the DL (unless I'm wrong on that).  Plus, having the drinks at other venues allows Ds to stay with their non-D friends or family members.  I will finally reach Diamond status on our TA next year, but it sure won't be any fun to go to the DL without my roommate who will become a "lowly" Platinum on the TA.  But then again, I'm not a boozer cruiser so it isn't that important to me.

We bought the drink package so we weren’t in the lounge for free drinks.  It was just a nice, relaxed, comfortable, quiet place to talk.  We had made friends on day one with another couple who were also Sky.   We sat and talked with them in the SL and the other bars we frequented.  We didn’t drink all that much on this cruise, in fact, I’m sure Royal made out on our drinking.   There’s only so much you can consume.   

[FPP777]

John&LAlA

 

You have now convinced me to go at least 3 nights if not 4 to CK based on the photos. And many times for breakfast and lunch as well. That all looks awesome.

Edited May 21, 2019 by FPP777

[John&LaLa]

6 hours ago, FPP777 said:

John&LAlA

 

You have now convinced me to go at least 3 nights if not 4 to CK based on the photos. And many times for breakfast and lunch as well. That all looks awesome.

 

Lunch is awesomeness 

[Andy C]

I just mentioned to the boss about going on another RCI cruise and I got shut down immediately.  She had enough of the mediocre food and NSPPs.  

 

I tried to explain to her that someone on here told me I was paranoid and should get over things and said I was the leader of a crusade but that did nothing to sway her either.  I guess we're going to have to do what cultured people do and just travel to interesting places with nice museums and Michelin star restaurants.  

 

Godspeed finding a seat in the SL or a decent dining time in CK.  

Edited May 22, 2019 by Andy C

[ladysail2]

11 hours ago, CasinoCruzGirl said:

Reservations are required so make your reservations early

I have already for my cruise that’s 8 months away.  

 

Dont worry all you SSP’s out there.....I will refuse to sit by a window....I’ll make sure I eat at warp speed.....I’ll ask to sit near a stinky garbage pail or the bathroom or the noisy bussing station....just to make you feel that you deserve a better time in there than a Pinn...but do try to remember, we are allowed in there. And BTW...I will fly to the port, I’m in a balcony, I have shorex planned, and I always buy something on the ship esp this one, it’s my first one in this class.   

Happy?

[Andy C]

On 5/20/2019 at 6:34 PM, Snowbird_in_training said:

I think these are observations only.   The cruise itself was amazing.   I certainly  recall the bickering back and forth between a few posters regarding Pinnacles taking over SL.  After experiencing the Suite experience, I can certainly understand it better.  You pay a premium for the Suite experience, if it’s not available due to “NSPP” I now understand.     The staff onboard couldn’t gave been nicer.  

  

 

Glad you understand now and thank you for sharing your experience.  I think many will find it invaluable.

[Merion_Mom]

11 hours ago, yogimax said:

Many, if not most, of the ships in the fleet have already eliminated the Concierge Lounge.  When others go into dry dock they are converting them into suite lounges.  Sadly, this is another hit to Diamond Plus members.  Instead of sharing the CL with Pinnacles, we are now driven to share the overcrowded Diamond Lounges.  The rumor for years was that RCCL would ban Diamonds from their lounge and force them to use their 3 free drinks in other venues, but that has not happened.

 

Let's see how that works out.

 

Suite Lounge

 

Oasis

Allure

Harmony

Symphony

Liberty

Independence

Adventure

Mariner

Navigator

 

 

Concierge Lounge

 

Quantum

Anthem

Ovation

Voyager

Explorer

Jewel

Radiance

Brilliance

Serenade

Vision

Grandeur

Rhapsody

Enchantment

 

(Majesty & Empress have no dedicated lounges of any kind)  )(Spectrum is sui generis)

 

9 Suite Lounges -------- 13 Concierge Lounges