Sky Class included wifi

[chill6x6]

It's kinda what you get used to...

I thought PRIORITY BOARDING was awesome when I was in my first suite on Carnival!

THEN...I got priority boarding, INCLUDED room service, designated seating at shows, breakfast dining venue, designated seating around the pool, a concierge lounge with a drinks/eats from 5-8(or so) on Royal! I was overwhelmed! That's still pretty good! Pinnacles have somewhat lessened the suite experience of CK and the SL. 

Then came suites on Celebrity and the Haven on Norwegian. The butler kinda makes a pretty big difference! Royal doesn't haven anything to compete with the Haven or the Retreat.

 

[George C]

36 minutes ago, chill6x6 said:

It's kinda what you get used to...

I thought PRIORITY BOARDING was awesome when I was in my first suite on Carnival!

THEN...I got priority boarding, INCLUDED room service, designated seating at shows, breakfast dining venue, designated seating around the pool, a concierge lounge with a drinks/eats from 5-8(or so) on Royal! I was overwhelmed! That's still pretty good! Pinnacles have somewhat lessened the suite experience of CK and the SL. 

Then came suites on Celebrity and the Haven on Norwegian. The butler kinda makes a pretty big difference! Royal doesn't haven anything to compete with the Haven or the Retreat.

 

You can add in MSC yacht club to that list totally far superior to rccl , in general better than celebrity except for there suite dining room .Have had negative things are previous ncl cruises but have read positive things on Haven.

[chill6x6]

3 minutes ago, George C said:

You can add in MSC yacht club to that list totally far superior to rccl , in general better than celebrity except for there suite dining room .Have had negative things are previous ncl cruises but have read positive things on Haven.

I've even had MSC Yacht Club cruises BOOKED...but cancelled! LOL! Kinda concerned if we will like the FOOD! HAHA

You'd like the Haven experience.  I like it just as well as Celebrity.  Haven butlers seem a little more personable.

[George C]

5 hours ago, chill6x6 said:

I've even had MSC Yacht Club cruises BOOKED...but cancelled! LOL! Kinda concerned if we will like the FOOD! HAHA

You'd like the Haven experience.  I like it just as well as Celebrity.  Haven butlers seem a little more personable.

Yacht club let’s you override the elevators so it goes directly to your floor, also butler escorts you to shows ! He even carried our drinks from suite lounge to suite restaurant. Yacht club had live music most of the night . Will have to consider haven. If you are into really top shelf drinks like Johnny Walker blue you can upgrade your free drink package to include everything they sell by the glass, I thought it was well with the 18 a day extra.

[bajathree]

8 hours ago, George C said:

I totally disagree, rccl has recently kept diminishing the suite values on lower class ships. Celebrity has basically same perks on all there ships . After my last grand suite on allure I pretty sure I will be sailing either celebrity or MSC yacht club in the future. It can’t cost extra to add some of these perks . I have done 8 suites on my last 8 rccl cruises, seems to me they currently only care about the top suites.

You really cant compare the suite class on Celebrity to that on RCCL....especially if you sail Edge class where you have a much more enhanced suite experience.

[topnole]

10 hours ago, George C said:

Do you ever travel in suites , doubt that you do , When I started there were no oasis class , I just dislike some of the recent changes to suite perks , which you seem to have no knowledge of . 

Did they take away the suite benefits on Allure?   What exactly are suggesting the changes involve?  And what knowledge am I lacking on suite benefits with Royal?
 

No idea why you doubt my experience in suites?  I also don’t need to boast about sailing in suites.  But I have plenty of experiences including suites on Oasis, Allure, Harmony, as well as Freedom class and Voyager class. Haven’t done suites on the older ships because I don’t sail on them anymore.  I’ve been in Sky class many times and Star Class a few times.  Our next cruise this year we are going Star Class again.  
 

Of course Freedom Class and Navigator didn’t involve suite class benefits.  Just the gold card and the more minimal benefits of that.  I’ve also sailed in varying types of inside cabins and balcony cabins, and pretty much every type of cabin on the big ships.  Pretty sure I have a pretty good feel for what the suites provide and don’t provide regardless of what you think.  
 

 

[topnole]

2 hours ago, bajathree said:

You really cant compare the suite class on Celebrity to that on RCCL....especially if you sail Edge class where you have a much more enhanced suite experience.

How do the prices compare?  

[George C]

11 minutes ago, topnole said:

Did they take away the suite benefits on Allure?   What exactly are suggesting the changes involve?  And what knowledge am I lacking on suite benefits with Royal?
 

No idea why you doubt my experience in suites?  I also don’t need to boast about sailing in suites.  But I have plenty of experiences including suites on Oasis, Allure, Harmony, as well as Freedom class and Voyager class. Haven’t done suites on the older ships because I don’t sail on them anymore.  I’ve been in Sky class many times and Star Class a few times.  Our next cruise this year we are going Star Class again.  
 

Of course Freedom Class and Navigator didn’t involve suite class benefits.  Just the gold card and the more minimal benefits of that.  I’ve also sailed in varying types of inside cabins and balcony cabins, and pretty much every type of cabin on the big ships.  Pretty sure I have a pretty good feel for what the suites provide and don’t provide regardless of what you think.  
 

 

I was totally disappointed that reserved seats for ice show , aqua show , etc were taken away . Most likely will do celebrity or MSc yacht club in future. Seems rccl prefers star class and dropped the reserved seats I had on all my previous cruises. I rather do the higher end suites on celebrity like royal on my next cruise next month.

[bajathree]

22 minutes ago, topnole said:

How do the prices compare?  

I usually find them similiar if comparing similar size/age ships between the 2 lines. Also a sky suite on Celebrity ....which is basically a junior suite on Royal ....gets full suite perks unlike Royal.

Edited January 19, 2022 by bajathree

[topnole]

5 minutes ago, George C said:

I was totally disappointed that reserved seats for ice show , aqua show , etc were taken away . Most likely will do celebrity or MSc yacht club in future. Seems rccl prefers star class and dropped the reserved seats I had on all my previous cruises. I rather do the higher end suites on celebrity like royal on my next cruise next month.

Seems to me the change for show seating is a pandemic issue.  My guess is that will return back to prior method when things normalize.  You can always book star class if you want the high suite level experience.  It is definitely a great way to go, and believe me, you will feel like you are catered to if that is what you want.  

[topnole]

2 minutes ago, bajathree said:

I usually find them similiar if comparing similar size/age ships between the 2 lines. Also a sky suite on Celebrity ....which is basically a junior suite on Royal ....gets full suite perks unlike Royal.

This has me curious.  Why do so many do suites on Royal if you get so much more on Celebrity?  Seems like a no brainer if the price is similar but you get so much more on this sister cruise line.  Something just doesn’t add up to me.  Are the celebrity ships inferior?   The passengers are just clueless?   Seems the market would’ve corrected itself long ago if the product was much better for

the same price.  

[bajathree]

2 hours ago, topnole said:

This has me curious.  Why do so many do suites on Royal if you get so much more on Celebrity?  Seems like a no brainer if the price is similar but you get so much more on this sister cruise line.  Something just doesn’t add up to me.  Are the celebrity ships inferior?   The passengers are just clueless?   Seems the market would’ve corrected itself long ago if the product was much better for

the same price.  

Two different experiences.....Royal has all the bells and whistles for families while Celebrity doesn't. Families generally want all the water slides...ice skating...rock climbing and such that Celebrity doesn't provide. 

[topnole]

39 minutes ago, bajathree said:

Two different experiences.....Royal has all the bells and whistles for families while Celebrity doesn't. Families generally want all the water slides...ice skating...rock climbing and such that Celebrity doesn't provide. 

Given all those bells and whistles are included for all categories, it is Interesting that families pay more for less suite benefits relative to those  without families (or more typically empty nesters/retired) in Celebrity.   If I didn’t love the flowrider and my kids were grown, I would definitely do Celebrity if the suite benefits are that much better than sky class on Royal.   Again, seems like a no brainer to me.  

[topnole]

19 hours ago, chill6x6 said:

It's kinda what you get used to...

I thought PRIORITY BOARDING was awesome when I was in my first suite on Carnival!

THEN...I got priority boarding, INCLUDED room service, designated seating at shows, breakfast dining venue, designated seating around the pool, a concierge lounge with a drinks/eats from 5-8(or so) on Royal! I was overwhelmed! That's still pretty good! Pinnacles have somewhat lessened the suite experience of CK and the SL. 

Then came suites on Celebrity and the Haven on Norwegian. The butler kinda makes a pretty big difference! Royal doesn't haven anything to compete with the Haven or the Retreat.

 

Have you done star class on Royal?   I would have trouble imagining that doesn’t compare.  I know Royal doesn’t have a private suite pool area, but the star class experience is pretty much more than I could even want.  Personal escorts on and off and they bring your bags with you as you are boarding.  Just so easy.  Front row seats for everything.  Show up right at the last minute and the genie snaps her fingers and the bartender has a drink for you quick a d is there for you when ever you want after that.  Dinner wherever you want and the time that you want every time.  It was the best cruise experiences I’ve had in terms of service and having everything you could possibly want in a vacation.  Yes it is expensive, but it is pretty high level service.  

[RoperDK]

4 hours ago, topnole said:

Given all those bells and whistles are included for all categories, it is Interesting that families pay more for less suite benefits relative to those  without families (or more typically empty nesters/retired) in Celebrity.   If I didn’t love the flowrider and my kids were grown, I would definitely do Celebrity if the suite benefits are that much better than sky class on Royal.   Again, seems like a no brainer to me.  

We have been considering a Sky Suite on Celebrity Edge class because the pricing is better than Sky class on RCCL.  I've asked several Celebrity cruisers what they did for enjoyment during their cruise.  Most said they relaxed, read, lay out by the pool, eat, and drink.  We are too old for most of the activities on Royal, but we do enjoy watching and the fun vibe.  Our perception is that we would be bored on Celebrity.  Still gathering info so perhaps our perception is wrong.    

[barbeyg]

8 hours ago, topnole said:

This has me curious.  Why do so many do suites on Royal if you get so much more on Celebrity?  Seems like a no brainer if the price is similar but you get so much more on this sister cruise line.  Something just doesn’t add up to me.  Are the celebrity ships inferior?   The passengers are just clueless?   Seems the market would’ve corrected itself long ago if the product was much better for

the same price.  

I’ve priced Celebrity to RCI for suites a number of times. The minimal suite on Celebrity typically is the size of a JS, with full suite benefits, and typically the price of a GS on Royal. So it is pricier.  We will probably sail Celebrity one day, but will keep an eye out for better bargains than I’ve found so far. Of course, the all-inclusive aspect of Celebrity includes drinks, but there really isn’t any added benefit to us, because we don’t buy drink packages.  

[chill6x6]

1 hour ago, topnole said:

Have you done star class on Royal?   I would have trouble imagining that doesn’t compare.  I know Royal doesn’t have a private suite pool area, but the star class experience is pretty much more than I could even want.  Personal escorts on and off and they bring your bags with you as you are boarding.  Just so easy.  Front row seats for everything.  Show up right at the last minute and the genie snaps her fingers and the bartender has a drink for you quick a d is there for you when ever you want after that.  Dinner wherever you want and the time that you want every time.  It was the best cruise experiences I’ve had in terms of service and having everything you could possibly want in a vacation.  Yes it is expensive, but it is pretty high level service.  

I actually have a 2BR ATS coming up in March on Oasis! We are looking forward to it! We had a 2BR GS initially and when I saw the 2BR ATS available I jumped on it.  For three of us it wasn't THAT much more expensive considering you get, well, everything included!

9 hours ago, topnole said:

This has me curious.  Why do so many do suites on Royal if you get so much more on Celebrity?  Seems like a no brainer if the price is similar but you get so much more on this sister cruise line.  Something just doesn’t add up to me.  Are the celebrity ships inferior?   The passengers are just clueless?   Seems the market would’ve corrected itself long ago if the product was much better for

the same price.  

For me, it's actually a few reasons. So one thing Royal has is itinerary choices. Carnival and Royal are the best here. No doubt Royal has a better suite program than Carnival so Royal it is. 

Next is cabin choices. Usually at LEAST four choices of suites and on the larger ships even more! Lastly for me it balcony size. I don't think Royal even has a suite that has a crappy balcony.  If it has a balcony it's a nice one with nice balcony furniture. If one isn't carful and doesn't know what they are booking you can very easily end up with a pathetic balcony on Celebrity with a Sky Suite(I do CS) or on NCL in a Haven Courtyard Penthouse.  Something I just enjoy watching the world go my in my own lounger on my own balcony! 

[topnole]

4 minutes ago, chill6x6 said:

I actually have a 2BR ATS coming up in March on Oasis! We are looking forward to it! We had a 2BR GS initially and when I saw the 2BR ATS available I jumped on it.  For three of us it wasn't THAT much more expensive considering you get, well, everything included!

For me, it's actually a few reasons. So one thing Royal has is itinerary choices. Carnival and Royal are the best here. No doubt Royal has a better suite program than Carnival so Royal it is. 

Next is cabin choices. Usually at LEAST four choices of suites and on the larger ships even more! Lastly for me it balcony size. I don't think Royal even has a suite that has a crappy balcony.  If it has a balcony it's a nice one with nice balcony furniture. If one isn't carful and doesn't know what they are booking you can very easily end up with a pathetic balcony on Celebrity with a Sky Suite(I do CS) or on NCL in a Haven Courtyard Penthouse.  Something I just enjoy watching the world go my in my own lounger on my own balcony! 

You will love the aqua suite.  What deck are you on?

 

I agree with what you said.  We were eyeing the 2BR GS and the price difference for the 2BR AQS wasn’t that much more so our next cruise we are doing the same.  Plus, I got

the deck 8 suite which is the largest inside and has a much bigger balcony.  I’ve done deck 10 with just the wife and that was fine, but watching the aqua shows from that high isn’t as good as deck 8.  Done deck 9 with the family and that is great too, but still deck 8 was nicer when we had several of us.  So I’m happy to get deck 8 again.  I imagine you will love having the genie and all the benefits that come with that.  
 

My favorite is that they keep my fridge full of beers all the time.  It is great having an endless supply to enjoy on the balcony for a show or just relaxing during the afternoon.  

[chill6x6]

12 hours ago, topnole said:

You will love the aqua suite.  What deck are you on?

 

I agree with what you said.  We were eyeing the 2BR GS and the price difference for the 2BR AQS wasn’t that much more so our next cruise we are doing the same.  Plus, I got

the deck 8 suite which is the largest inside and has a much bigger balcony.  I’ve done deck 10 with just the wife and that was fine, but watching the aqua shows from that high isn’t as good as deck 8.  Done deck 9 with the family and that is great too, but still deck 8 was nicer when we had several of us.  So I’m happy to get deck 8 again.  I imagine you will love having the genie and all the benefits that come with that.  
 

My favorite is that they keep my fridge full of beers all the time.  It is great having an endless supply to enjoy on the balcony for a show or just relaxing during the afternoon.  

Deck 10.  I've been watching for one on deck 8 or 9 but nada. Currently a JS is the only suite still available. 

[topnole]

3 minutes ago, chill6x6 said:

Deck 10.  I've been watching for one on deck 8 or 9 but nada. Currently a JS is the only suite still available. 

Keep looking.  The price difference for deck 8 is worth it.  But deck 10 is still awesome.  Still 2 chase loungers on the aft part of balcony, still a full sized dining table, and still a bar with 3 stools overlooking the theater.  It is still a massive balcony, just smaller than deck 8.  
 

The bedrooms are the same, just a smaller family room and on deck 8 the indoor dining table is in a nook as opposed to a smaller table area that is pretty much part of the family room.  But if I hadn’t done deck 8 I’d still think it was incredible.  So you will love it either way.  I’d say if you have 2-4 the space difference won’t matter much.  If you have 6 (adults/older kids) or more I would try hard for deck 8.  
 

We have 6 this time on deck 8 and 3 will be kids.  I’m glad I have deck just for the space.  

 

 

[topnole]

40 minutes ago, chill6x6 said:

Deck 10.  I've been watching for one on deck 8 or 9 but nada. Currently a JS is the only suite still available. 

 

[chill6x6]

Looks pretty good to me! Thanks for the pics!

 

[topnole]

8 minutes ago, chill6x6 said:

Looks pretty good to me! Thanks for the pics!

 

Yeah.  Another great thing about these balconies is that there is almost always somewhere with sun, but also always places with shade.  So you can be comfortable no matter your preferences or time of day.  
 

I remember our first GS years ago and ordering breakfast to eat on the balcony. The sun was so brutal we gave up after about 30 seconds.   In this cabin you usually have shade and shelter so you can eat many meals on the balcony in comfort.  This to me might be a big plus if Covid is a concern.  I plan on having several meals out there on our upcoming trip.  When it was just two of us we tended to eat less on the balcony, but with more of us it will be more fun to order in.  
 

 

[topnole]

17 minutes ago, chill6x6 said:

Looks pretty good to me! Thanks for the pics!

 

And by the way, this was oasis.  So 50/50 this will be your exact cabin.  

[chill6x6]

Looks like 10330...that's it!