Best "Suite Class" Perk?

[CleverUserNameHere]

Hello all! 

 

We are sailing on the Joy out of New York to Bermuda on May 29th. This is our first time on Norwegian, and our first time travelling with our toddler! Since we are travelling with our toddler and my MIL (to watch said toddler), we booked the Family Inside Suite for the room and privacy that the two bedrooms provide. The room seems like it's crazy cool and HUGE for a cruise ship (at 500 sq feet it's 1/3 the size of our actual house!) and when I booked it I didn't really take note that 'Family Suite' meant 'Suite Class.' I know the Haven has the real perks, but what exactly does the suite provide? There are mentions online to the 'concierge service', but what is that exactly? Is there a separate seating area for shows? A separate area in the MDR? Priority boarding?

 

What do you consider the most valuable "suite class" perk? Thanks!

[MoCruiseFan]

A "Family Suite" on the Joy is indeed a "full" suite with all the trimmings (as opposed to a club balcony suite which is merely an upscale balcony cabin).  With the family suite comes a VIP breakfast and lunch (most often in Cagneys/Moderno) which is a good step above the standard meals.  Butler and Concierge are also included.  They will be bringing al kinds of tasty goodies to your cabin daily and can assist with dining and show reservations.  You will also get priority debarkation.  If you do self walk off (do not put your luggage out the last night), simply go to the prescribed VIP debarkation spot (usually the theater) and you will be escorted to the front of the debarkation line when you are ready to go home.

[complawyer]

downside of family suite is no balcony. for me that's a must and if no balcony its a major deal breaker.

 

you have a concierge, and he can make dinner/show/shore excursions (in most cases) even if some are already booked.

 

however even with the goodies (butler, special designated dining area) the best part for me is the ability of the concierge to get me off the ship, to my luggage and into a cab within 15- 20 minutes. some people dont mind waiting, have a leisurely breakfast then  mosey off the ship, i want to avoid standing in line with a few 1000 of my closest friends. ive posted this before,  for me, that's worth the price of admission.  

 

caveat.. some ships  offer both 'HAVEN SUITES"  and regular suites. although the cabin are virtually identical, if your ship has a "haven complex" with it's own pool and bar area, and you have a regular suite, you wont have access to the complex per se, but can eat in t he specialty designated restaurants and have the use of butler/concierge. the cabins designated suites are less money than the haven.  asper above these are not the club balcony suites, which are a completely different animaal

[philatiger]

The two big perks for us are:

1. The ability to get on and off the ship quickly and not have to stand in long lines.

2. Breakfast and lunch in Cagneys/Moderno is another huge plus. We can avoid all the craziness at the buffet and we find it much quieter and relaxing than the dining rooms.

[vacation44]

10 hours ago, MoCruiseFan said:

A "Family Suite" on the Joy is indeed a "full" suite with all the trimmings (as opposed to a club balcony suite which is merely an upscale balcony cabin).  With the family suite comes a VIP breakfast and lunch (most often in Cagneys/Moderno) which is a good step above the standard meals.  Butler and Concierge are also included.  They will be bringing al kinds of tasty goodies to your cabin daily and can assist with dining and show reservations.  You will also get priority debarkation.  If you do self walk off (do not put your luggage out the last night), simply go to the prescribed VIP debarkation spot (usually the theater) and you will be escorted to the front of the debarkation line when you are ready to go home.

 

I hate to be the bearer of bad news..........In December 2021, NCL took away the majority of the non Haven suite amenities for the Joy only.    Breakfast and Lunch are no longer included in a delegated specialty restaurant, no Butler, no unlimited room service, and Concierge only for reservations for dining.   They did keep the priority boarding, robes and better bath supplies as well as now offering room service free twice.    There are a couple of threads on the boards about this change.

 

10 hours ago, CleverUserNameHere said:

Hello all! 

 

We are sailing on the Joy out of New York to Bermuda on May 29th. This is our first time on Norwegian, and our first time travelling with our toddler! Since we are travelling with our toddler and my MIL (to watch said toddler), we booked the Family Inside Suite for the room and privacy that the two bedrooms provide. The room seems like it's crazy cool and HUGE for a cruise ship (at 500 sq feet it's 1/3 the size of our actual house!) and when I booked it I didn't really take note that 'Family Suite' meant 'Suite Class.' I know the Haven has the real perks, but what exactly does the suite provide? There are mentions online to the 'concierge service', but what is that exactly? Is there a separate seating area for shows? A separate area in the MDR? Priority boarding?

 

What do you consider the most valuable "suite class" perk? Thanks!

If you booked before the change, then I would e-mail the address on the other threads.   We were able to get $200 OBC to appease us.     We ended up upgrading ourselves to Haven when the price dropped significantly and got to keep the $200 OBC.

 

I still do think the Family Inside Suite is a good value for all of the room it provides as well as two bathrooms.  

 

 

[Sailing12Away]

Depending on if the perk still exists or not, we always enjoyed getting breakfast delivered to the room - especially on port days. Get to relax in the room without having to battle at the buffet for seats, and can go at our pace.

[CleverUserNameHere]

8 hours ago, Sailing12Away said:

Depending on if the perk still exists or not, we always enjoyed getting breakfast delivered to the room - especially on port days. Get to relax in the room without having to battle at the buffet for seats, and can go at our pace.

 

Does room service not exist any more on cruise ships? I saw that the room included "24 hour room service" but I have always remembered that to be the case on all three cruises I have taken since 2015

[Hutcha]

8 hours ago, CleverUserNameHere said:

 

Does room service not exist any more on cruise ships? I saw that the room included "24 hour room service" but I have always remembered that to be the case on all three cruises I have taken since 2015

If it's not included, there's a $9.95 service charge

[vacation44]

9 hours ago, CleverUserNameHere said:

 

Does room service not exist any more on cruise ships? I saw that the room included "24 hour room service" but I have always remembered that to be the case on all three cruises I have taken since 2015

These suites include two free room service deliveries.  However, the morning ones are free if you order the continental breakfast I believe.

[GeezerCouple]

We especially enjoy having breakfast delivered.  Sometimes, we wake up to the smell of coffee and bacon... and perhaps the very gentle clinking of some tableware.

Those Butlers are pros, and they can handle "intruding without intruding".

If we are still in bed, if we say good morning, so will the Butler, and they'll tailor their response to our verbal activity, or lack thereof.  If we are mostly asleep and say nothing, neither do they, but those aromas... we don't stay in bed for long.

We've learned that this works well even when the so-called "suite" is really just one large room.  When there is a separate bedroom, then it's a bit more obvious how it would work.

 

In our letter to our Butler on the first day, we tell them that the "Privacy" notice is NOT for them, but for everyone else.  IF we want them to stay out, we'll bolt the door, but that's rare.  So if they are bringing in breakfast at our preferred time, or a nice dinner from a specialty restaurant, they just knock or ring a bell, and generally pause briefly, and then walk in with <whatever>.

 

The room service luxury makes it a really special holiday for us,

The dinners are especially nice if we are tired from an active day.  I have some mobility issues, so it's especially nice to have this choice.

 

DH also loves getting platters of his favorite fruits.  However, we usually need to tell them to "cut back, please".  When  DH eats what they bring, the next day, they bring more.  And then more... Next thing we knew, there were two family sized platters, and just two of us.  Those may be healthy calories (or not!), but they are still calories. 🙂 

BTW, they are very good about customizing the 'treats' if you just let them know.  As with all of the Butler's services, they can't read your mind, so you need to "help them to help you".  Almost all of them clearly do want to do a good job.  

 

The special breakfasts and lunches are also very nice.  It's just a quieter experience than in a large dining room etc.  We've never been in a Haven with a restaurant, because we just don't want to be on such a huge ship.  But from the discussions (and photos), we are sure we would thoroughly enjoy those restaurants. 

 

When we were on the Sun (no Haven), we had the OS (which really should be called a DOS in our minds).  We had a very wide forward view (and a huge, wide balcony with a hot tub), and it was an Alaska cruise, so the scenery...!!!  We pretty much stayed in our suite unless we were off on some special excursion, and had our meals right in front of the wall of windows.

(The Sun had a rather odd deck/floor plan, but it was one of our favorite cruises, and we loved that suite.  We hope to be back, but... so many cruises, so little time. 🙂 )

 

GC

[vacation44]

Again, the OP will not have Butler service or treats delivered daily.  Or a special restaurant for breakfast and lunch.

[GeezerCouple]

9 minutes ago, vacation44 said:

Again, the OP will not have Butler service or treats delivered daily.  Or a special restaurant for breakfast and lunch.

That may be.

 

However, given that the full thread here is titled "Best "Suite Class" Perk?" I would expect that others reading this will be interested in what "Suite Class Perks" might be available or, especially, what others judge as "best".

When we were just getting started on NCL and "suite class", we were certainly looking for as much information as we could find, wherever we could find it.

 

A huge problem remains:  NCL continues to use "suite" as names of accommodations that are not, in fact, considered eligible for "suite perks".  That simply asks - no, begs - for disappointments.

There would have been nothing "wrong" with calling what they called a "mini-suite" (which is NOT a "suite" per NCL) something like "deluxe balcony" or such... unless NCL's goal is at least partially a bait and switch approach.  I don't know if they are more clueless than need be, or if they are really doing it deliberately. 😠

GC

[cruiseinfoseeker]

1 hour ago, vacation44 said:

These suites include two free room service deliveries.  However, the morning ones are free if you order the continental breakfast I believe.

Are you speaking from experience regarding the two time fee waivers of room service surchage in the SC ? (on Joy)

I'm not counting on even that so it would be nice if you have experienced it because (insert diety of choice) knows the NCL reps don't give accurate or consistent info. More consistently inaccurate 🥴

Edited April 7, 2022 by cruiseinfoseeker

[CleverUserNameHere]

10 hours ago, cruiseinfoseeker said:

Are you speaking from experience regarding the two time fee waivers of room service surchage in the SC ? (on Joy)

I'm not counting on even that so it would be nice if you have experienced it because (insert diety of choice) knows the NCL reps don't give accurate or consistent info. More consistently inaccurate 🥴

I just tried to chat with someone from NCL yesterday to try and get a clear picture of what exactly I can expect as a Suite guest and you know what they told me? I'll have to wait until I'm on board to find out 🤬

 

Good thing I booked the room for the separate bedrooms and space, not for the suite class... 

 

Coming from Royal Caribbean and Celebrity NCL sure seems a bit shady...

[JGmf]

I'm on the April 26 Joy to Bermuda in the SP family suite class (with 2 friends).  While I'll miss having a balcony, the privacy and space of 3 separate sleeping areas plus 2 bathrooms more than compensates for it. 

 

That said, like the OP, I was (and remain) confused about the remaining room service perk, if it exists at all. 

 

Regarding priority boarding, FWIW, our luggage tags have the word "priority" on it.

 

OP: when I return from my cruise I'll report back on what perks are included with the room.

[CleverUserNameHere]

37 minutes ago, JGmf said:

I'm on the April 26 Joy to Bermuda in the SP family suite class (with 2 friends).  While I'll miss having a balcony, the privacy and space of 3 separate sleeping areas plus 2 bathrooms more than compensates for it. 

 

That said, like the OP, I was (and remain) confused about the remaining room service perk, if it exists at all. 

 

Regarding priority boarding, FWIW, our luggage tags have the word "priority" on it.

 

OP: when I return from my cruise I'll report back on what perks are included with the room.

 

Please do let us know! Also, I believe that sailing stops in Norfolk, VA which is my neck of the woods. If you want any suggestions on what to do I'd be happy to help!

[vacation44]

18 hours ago, cruiseinfoseeker said:

Are you speaking from experience regarding the two time fee waivers of room service surchage in the SC ? (on Joy)

I'm not counting on even that so it would be nice if you have experienced it because (insert diety of choice) knows the NCL reps don't give accurate or consistent info. More consistently inaccurate 🥴

Unfortunately, no.    We ended up upgrading ourselves to a Haven Suite.    However, we do have another one booked this September and I am trying to get it in writing.  

[vacation44]

1 hour ago, JGmf said:

I'm on the April 26 Joy to Bermuda in the SP family suite class (with 2 friends).  While I'll miss having a balcony, the privacy and space of 3 separate sleeping areas plus 2 bathrooms more than compensates for it. 

 

That said, like the OP, I was (and remain) confused about the remaining room service perk, if it exists at all. 

 

Regarding priority boarding, FWIW, our luggage tags have the word "priority" on it.

 

OP: when I return from my cruise I'll report back on what perks are included with the room.

Great to hear about the luggage tags so at least we know the part about priority boarding is correct!

 

Even though a lot of the amenities are no longer included, I do still believe these suite cabins can be a good value in certain circumstances.  

 

Thank you for volunteering to report back after your cruise as you will be the first one who does after the change.    Have a great sailing!

[Dawnmcl123]

Here is the amenities for the suite and haven cabins. This was emailed to me from the Joy concierge a couple of weeks ago.

[CleverUserNameHere]

21 hours ago, Dawnmcl123 said:

Here is the amenities for the suite and haven cabins. This was emailed to me from the Joy concierge a couple of weeks ago.

 

OMG Thank you! This is exactly what I was looking for. The things that I think I'll care about the most is the priority boarding and Nespresso machine lol

[JGmf]

On 4/8/2022 at 11:30 AM, JGmf said:

OP: when I return from my cruise I'll report back on what perks are included with the room.

 

As promised, closing the loop on this...

 

I just got back this morning from staying int the NCL Joy family suite (SP). 

 

We were three adult friends all having our own private sleeping spaces with 2 full baths.  Yeah, no balcony, but more than offset by cost savings and affordable real estate.

 

As we know, there was no butler anymore, but we did have a letter from a concierge offering their services as part of our welcome stuff.  There was a Nespresso machine.

 

Nada on priority embarkation queuing that I saw, but maybe that was b/c leaving out of NYC with covid and Bermuda Travel Authorization lines and clumping, it was a minor mess.

 

There was, however, priority disembarkation, meaning, the yellow tags that get to leave first (in the event you want to have them take your luggage).  If you are walking off with your bags, there's no priority anything.

 

Movies were free.  On day one there was a snack tray of something (little sandwiches?) brought to all of these SP rooms.  I can't report back on room service, but I understand the room class allows on or two freebie (no service charge) deliveries.

 

The pillow were (too) fluffy; and they did have the overstuffed (what are we in the Arctic?) comforter.  Special, nicer toiletries in the bathrooms.

 

Overall, I highly recommend the room class.  It's a really nice value that can provide a highly appreciated mix of privacy and space.

[MacII]

On 4/5/2022 at 10:02 PM, MoCruiseFan said:

With the family suite comes a VIP breakfast and lunch (most often in Cagneys/Moderno) which is a good step above the standard meals.

We're on POA in a few weeks and it doesn't have a Haven restaurant so we're being told we can have Lunch and Dinner in Cagney's. Any additional feedback on that? I can't find menus anywhere. What kinds of things do they serve? Is it much better than what we would otherwise get in the MDR or elsewhere on ship? About half the restaurants are closed for our 5/21/22 sailing (Covid reduced staff and guests I suppose) so our options are rather limited.

[complawyer]

actually, i believe its breakfast and lunch, not dinner at cagneys.  menus dont change from day to day, and for the first few days lunch is great.  

 

breakfast, however is amazing. start off with a mimosa or a glass of champagne. the eggs benedict and french toast are fantastic, there is also a self serve buffet. you can have both, and although the menu doesnt change either, there is enough variety to keep almost everyone happy.

 

also a carafe of french press coffee is on every table.

 

its certainly much better than the regular buffet, although there are certainly many more choices if you choose the buffet. even when we choose the haven, we eat in the regular buffet, and the mdr at least twice.

 

its nice to mingle and see how the poor people are doing (lol!dont anyone get offended, just kidding)

[vacation44]

3 hours ago, JGmf said:

 

As promised, closing the loop on this...

 

I just got back this morning from staying int the NCL Joy family suite (SP). 

 

We were three adult friends all having our own private sleeping spaces with 2 full baths.  Yeah, no balcony, but more than offset by cost savings and affordable real estate.

 

As we know, there was no butler anymore, but we did have a letter from a concierge offering their services as part of our welcome stuff.  There was a Nespresso machine.

 

Nada on priority embarkation queuing that I saw, but maybe that was b/c leaving out of NYC with covid and Bermuda Travel Authorization lines and clumping, it was a minor mess.

 

There was, however, priority disembarkation, meaning, the yellow tags that get to leave first (in the event you want to have them take your luggage).  If you are walking off with your bags, there's no priority anything.

 

Movies were free.  On day one there was a snack tray of something (little sandwiches?) brought to all of these SP rooms.  I can't report back on room service, but I understand the room class allows on or two freebie (no service charge) deliveries.

 

The pillow were (too) fluffy; and they did have the overstuffed (what are we in the Arctic?) comforter.  Special, nicer toiletries in the bathrooms.

 

Overall, I highly recommend the room class.  It's a really nice value that can provide a highly appreciated mix of privacy and space.

Thank you for the report back and glad the suite worked out great.   

 

Do you know where the Vibe passes were being sold and if it was sold out?

[lx200gps]

19 hours ago, JGmf said:

 

As promised, closing the loop on this...

 

I just got back this morning from staying int the NCL Joy family suite (SP). 

 

We were three adult friends all having our own private sleeping spaces with 2 full baths.  Yeah, no balcony, but more than offset by cost savings and affordable real estate.

 

As we know, there was no butler anymore, but we did have a letter from a concierge offering their services as part of our welcome stuff.  There was a Nespresso machine.

 

Nada on priority embarkation queuing that I saw, but maybe that was b/c leaving out of NYC with covid and Bermuda Travel Authorization lines and clumping, it was a minor mess.

 

There was, however, priority disembarkation, meaning, the yellow tags that get to leave first (in the event you want to have them take your luggage).  If you are walking off with your bags, there's no priority anything.

 

Movies were free.  On day one there was a snack tray of something (little sandwiches?) brought to all of these SP rooms.  I can't report back on room service, but I understand the room class allows on or two freebie (no service charge) deliveries.

 

The pillow were (too) fluffy; and they did have the overstuffed (what are we in the Arctic?) comforter.  Special, nicer toiletries in the bathrooms.

 

Overall, I highly recommend the room class.  It's a really nice value that can provide a highly appreciated mix of privacy and space.

Thanks very much for the summary. We're in an SC category "Suite" on the Joy in mid-June, same class as yours, much smaller room but with a balcony. Question: Before sailing, did you ever receive any communications from the NCL Concierge, basically a pre-boarding version of the letter you received once on board? I thought I had read that we should receive a formal "Welcome Aboard" Email from them ahead of time and so far, nothing.  Also, did you ever take advantage of the Concierge priority reservation system for shows and dining, and if so, how did it work? And how did you physically connect with the Concierge once on board?