Best "Suite Class" Perk?

[complawyer]

we have gotten letters from ncl about concierge services. my wife needs to drink gator-ade to offset leg cramps, and they were able to allow us to bring a 6-pack on board with us.

 

if youre in a suite, you get a special area to check in. usually, the concierge or the butler meets you t here and takes you directly to your room,cagneys or monderno for lunch. we were on the jade from athens april 8th, and our concierge (bruno) was the best. on a scale o 1-10,he was a 15! onsome ncl ships with a haven, they also have a desk set up. also, if your cruise isnt until md june, you have loads of time before you need to worry about the letter.

[lx200gps]

3 hours ago, complawyer said:

we have gotten letters from ncl about concierge services. my wife needs to drink gator-ade to offset leg cramps, and they were able to allow us to bring a 6-pack on board with us.

 

if youre in a suite, you get a special area to check in. usually, the concierge or the butler meets you t here and takes you directly to your room,cagneys or monderno for lunch. we were on the jade from athens april 8th, and our concierge (bruno) was the best. on a scale o 1-10,he was a 15! onsome ncl ships with a haven, they also have a desk set up. also, if your cruise isnt until md june, you have loads of time before you need to worry about the letter.

Thanks, I guess we'll stand by to hear from them, we're still 6 weeks away. Unfortunately, we'll be on the Joy, which has recently seen the loss of many of the best perqs for suite guests. The biggest loss is the cancellation of the breakfast and lunch in La Cucina. We're only in a "Penthouse Suite with Balcony", one category  below the Haven. which we couldn't justify as the perqs there for us, do'nt come close to justifying the staggering extra cost. I'm curious to see whether our Concierge will be useful for the remaining perqs, like priority on&off, booking reservations etc. I've seen some threads here where folks claim trying to even find their Concierge was like a snipe hunt.

[JGmf]

5 hours ago, lx200gps said:

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?

Hi there.

I don't recall a stand-alone concierge letter pre-cruise.  We did receive 'priority' labeled luggage tags prior to the cruise, maybe 4 weeks prior?  Perhaps that letter mentioned the concierge.

 

I'm guessing the Joy will be no more than 2/3 full when you sail, like on my trip, and if so, we didn't need reservations for any show.  For dining, I did change my dining reservations from what I had previously booked.  I connected with the concierge phone number that was in our room letter.  That said, there were always tables available in specialty dining; and I don't think there were any/many turned away if they showed up on a whim (except for Teppanyaki of course).

 

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[JGmf]

3 hours ago, complawyer said:

if youre in a suite, you get a special area to check in. usually, the concierge or the butler meets you t here and takes you directly to your room,cagneys or monderno for lunch. we were on the jade from athens april 8th, and our concierge (bruno) was the best.

 

What you are saying above may apply to your room class, suspect Haven, but not on the suites on the Joy, boarding out of Manhattan.  There, at Pier 88, at the end of April, there as a line for the Haven, well marked, a line for Platinum, hidden, and then everyone else.  Thereafter, first come first serve to board.

[scooter6139]

We also have an SC class Suite on Joy for a short December Mexico sailing.  I am patiently watching the prices on all the Haven rooms they have (both in the area and on other decks), waiting for pricing to drop.  If it happens will be much closer to October would be my guess.  Just going from the SC cabin to the next door HJ cabin is almost $800-900 total for two.  If/when it gets closer to $300-500 I'll make the move.

[lx200gps]

16 hours ago, scooter6139 said:

We also have an SC class Suite on Joy for a short December Mexico sailing.  I am patiently watching the prices on all the Haven rooms they have (both in the area and on other decks), waiting for pricing to drop.  If it happens will be much closer to October would be my guess.  Just going from the SC cabin to the next door HJ cabin is almost $800-900 total for two.  If/when it gets closer to $300-500 I'll make the move.

Interesting data point, thanks. We're on the Joy for a week in mid-June in an SC, and we are being carpet bombed by NCL asking us to submit our upgrade offer. Right now, the cheapest upgrade would be going from our SC to an HJ, which as near as I can tell, is the same cabin we have, but with the Haven perqs. The minimum bid currently is around $US255/pp. As we are NCL newbies, are you saying that we may see a drop in the price for the offered upgrade? If so, we may be tempted if the price goes down closer to sail date. At more than $700 Canadian dollars for the two of us, the current upgrade price would not be worth it for us, but might be worthwhile if it goes down.

[lx200gps]

17 hours ago, JGmf said:

Hi there.

I don't recall a stand-alone concierge letter pre-cruise.  We did receive 'priority' labeled luggage tags prior to the cruise, maybe 4 weeks prior?  Perhaps that letter mentioned the concierge.

 

I'm guessing the Joy will be no more than 2/3 full when you sail, like on my trip, and if so, we didn't need reservations for any show.  For dining, I did change my dining reservations from what I had previously booked.  I connected with the concierge phone number that was in our room letter.  That said, there were always tables available in specialty dining; and I don't think there were any/many turned away if they showed up on a whim (except for Teppanyaki of course).

 

Enjoy your cruise!

 

Thanks a bunch. We are still a few weeks away from Check In, but can I assume that our luggage tags will be available for printing at that time? IIRC, I've seen it said here on CC that some folks receive their luggage tags by mail ahead of time? We are not expecting a formal letter in the mail from the Concierge service, but I had thought they send an Email to guests before the cruise; I guess I'm misunderstanding how it works. We are not expecting any issues with booking additional restaurant meals, and/or modifying the ones we already have. We've already booked our limit of 4 ahead of time and adding the additional 2 will be easy.  If you are saying that there is no physical Concierge and we have to make a phone call, we will  plan to head straight to whatever location on the ship that restaurant bookings are handled when we first board, which I believe is Teppanyaki. We always prefer to eat as early as possible anyway, as the specialty restaurants are always at their quietest at the time they open, and eating early should allow us to get to the first shows

[vacation44]

18 hours ago, JGmf said:

 

What you are saying above may apply to your room class, suspect Haven, but not on the suites on the Joy, boarding out of Manhattan.  There, at Pier 88, at the end of April, there as a line for the Haven, well marked, a line for Platinum, hidden, and then everyone else.  Thereafter, first come first serve to board.

 

I get that there is not a separate line for suite (non Haven) guests for the check in process at the NYC terminal; however, once you are checked in, why would you not still have priority embarkation?  Boarding for suite guests should be before general boarding so why was that not allowed?

[Clambake77]

On 5/1/2022 at 2:34 PM, 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.

What cabin # did you have? And did you mean the PPV movies were free in the suite?

thank you,

[CleverUserNameHere]

Just an Update:

 

When we got our luggage tags the letter came with an email for the concierge which said that we could contact them prior to sailing with any requests. I sent them an email with two requests: that they empty the mini fridge prior to boarding and that they provide a pack and play/crib mattress. Two days later I got an email back stating that the SP Family suite no longer has butler service and that I can talk to my room steward about any requests after we board.

 

I am super excited about the Nespresso machine in the room though! 

[JGmf]

On 5/3/2022 at 9:39 AM, vacation44 said:

I get that there is not a separate line for suite (non Haven) guests for the check in process at the NYC terminal; however, once you are checked in, why would you not still have priority embarkation?  Boarding for suite guests should be before general boarding so why was that not allowed?

 

Beats me why embarkation was a free-for-all.  I was a triple threat: Platinum, staying in a suite, booking by Casinos At Sea.  In the before-times, we had our pick as to which line we used to embark.  Last week, in NYC at least, it was a bum rush, one queue.

 

3 hours ago, Clambake77 said:

What cabin # did you have? And did you mean the PPV movies were free in the suite?

thank you,

 

SP coded family suite - 11527.  Yes, PPV free.  Wanted to watch "Spiderman: No Way Home" and/or "Belfast", but opted to use the precious time to drink on the Waterfront.

 

 

[lx200gps]

3 hours ago, CleverUserNameHere said:

Just an Update:

 

When we got our luggage tags the letter came with an email for the concierge which said that we could contact them prior to sailing with any requests. I sent them an email with two requests: that they empty the mini fridge prior to boarding and that they provide a pack and play/crib mattress. Two days later I got an email back stating that the SP Family suite no longer has butler service and that I can talk to my room steward about any requests after we board.

 

I am super excited about the Nespresso machine in the room though! 

Interesting, they actually mailed you luggage tags ahead of time? How far in advance did they arrive, was it after you checked in on the website? We're still a few weeks away from checkin for our June 12 trip in an SC cabin, which we only booked  a month ago.

[mking8288]

@lx200gps Bonjour - we book ours on less than a month ago with the cruise less than 4 weeks out, the colored priority luggage tags & letter were prepared the next day, which we received about a week later ... been sitting here.  Email contact info for the pre-cruise concierge to help with dining reservations included there - that was before we started/able to begin online check-in (at 21 days) to complete everything.  

 

Two printed tags (only) with the adhesive backing for each person in the suite ... going to print 2 extra ones per checked bag, 1 for the 2nd. luggage handle and a backup one inside.  

[lx200gps]

9 hours ago, mking8288 said:

@lx200gps Bonjour - we book ours on less than a month ago with the cruise less than 4 weeks out, the colored priority luggage tags & letter were prepared the next day, which we received about a week later ... been sitting here.  Email contact info for the pre-cruise concierge to help with dining reservations included there - that was before we started/able to begin online check-in (at 21 days) to complete everything.  

 

Two printed tags (only) with the adhesive backing for each person in the suite ... going to print 2 extra ones per checked bag, 1 for the 2nd. luggage handle and a backup one inside.  

Excellent, thanks. Looks like we'll stand by and wait for their arrival. Despite driving down, we're traveling rather light this time, one suitcase each, so only two tags will be fine.

[CleverUserNameHere]

11 hours ago, mking8288 said:

@lx200gps Bonjour - we book ours on less than a month ago with the cruise less than 4 weeks out, the colored priority luggage tags & letter were prepared the next day, which we received about a week later ... been sitting here.  Email contact info for the pre-cruise concierge to help with dining reservations included there - that was before we started/able to begin online check-in (at 21 days) to complete everything.  

 

Two printed tags (only) with the adhesive backing for each person in the suite ... going to print 2 extra ones per checked bag, 1 for the 2nd. luggage handle and a backup one inside.  

 

We got 16 for 3 adults and 1 child...

[CleverUserNameHere]

17 hours ago, lx200gps said:

Interesting, they actually mailed you luggage tags ahead of time? How far in advance did they arrive, was it after you checked in on the website? We're still a few weeks away from checkin for our June 12 trip in an SC cabin, which we only booked  a month ago.

 

You can't check in until 21 days out. I think we got ours about 6 weeks prior.

[lx200gps]

1 hour ago, CleverUserNameHere said:

 

You can't check in until 21 days out. I think we got ours about 6 weeks prior.

Our check in is still a few weeks away, but we only booked a month ago for a trip which is currently 38 days away.  Based on this, I would expect our "package" is on its way. Thx for the confirmation

[latebloomer56]

On 4/6/2022 at 8:14 AM, vacation44 said:

 

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.

 

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.  

 

 

So this breakfast and lunch suite option is being removed on the Joy only? Is that because they have a Haven restaurant and non haven suite guest are not allowed?

I'm concerned because this perk is a favorite of all five of us, but on the Pearl we were skipping the 2 bedroom suite in the haven and doing just the 2 bedroom suite on deck 11. Without this perk might as well just get 2 connecting balcony cabins.

Thanks

[vacation44]

1 hour ago, latebloomer56 said:

So this breakfast and lunch suite option is being removed on the Joy only? Is that because they have a Haven restaurant and non haven suite guest are not allowed?

I'm concerned because this perk is a favorite of all five of us, but on the Pearl we were skipping the 2 bedroom suite in the haven and doing just the 2 bedroom suite on deck 11. Without this perk might as well just get 2 connecting balcony cabins.

 

Yes, this amenity was taken away from the Joy only.   I was originally told it was a staffing issue.  Who knows the truth.

[latebloomer56]

14 hours ago, vacation44 said:

Yes, this amenity was taken away from the Joy only.   I was originally told it was a staffing issue.  Who knows the truth.

Thanks I will be sure when booking on any other ship we still have this perk. I love breakfast and it is so peaceful having this in Moderno's. Don't do the lunch to often because you can only eat just so much food, but our sons and grandson enjoy Cagneys sometimes.

[scooter6139]

On 5/3/2022 at 6:04 AM, lx200gps said:

The minimum bid currently is around $US255/pp. As we are NCL newbies, are you saying that we may see a drop in the price for the offered upgrade? If so, we may be tempted if the price goes down closer to sail date. At more than $700 Canadian dollars for the two of us, the current upgrade price would not be worth it for us, but might be worthwhile if it goes down.

 

Comparing the photo's and cabin video's, they appear almost identical to me.  So that would mean the extra $$$ is just for the Haven upgrades.  I don't think access to the Haven area and perks for $400+ per person is worth it, but that is just my opinion.  I have no idea if those prices will go down though, just hope it does a bit.  FYI -  I pulled most of these prices from the Costco Travel website, as it includes double occupancy combined with taxes and fees.  

[vacation44]

On 5/3/2022 at 9:04 AM, lx200gps said:

Interesting data point, thanks. We're on the Joy for a week in mid-June in an SC, and we are being carpet bombed by NCL asking us to submit our upgrade offer. Right now, the cheapest upgrade would be going from our SC to an HJ, which as near as I can tell, is the same cabin we have, but with the Haven perqs. The minimum bid currently is around $US255/pp. As we are NCL newbies, are you saying that we may see a drop in the price for the offered upgrade? If so, we may be tempted if the price goes down closer to sail date. At more than $700 Canadian dollars for the two of us, the current upgrade price would not be worth it for us, but might be worthwhile if it goes down.

For our last cruise this past February, we originally booked a non-Haven Suite.   Two months before sailing, it was cheaper for us to upgrade ourselves directly than the minimum upgrade bid through the bidding process.     I would check the price everyday.

 

We are also in a non-Haven Suite again this September and if the price is right, will do the same again.

[lx200gps]

17 hours ago, scooter6139 said:

 

Comparing the photo's and cabin video's, they appear almost identical to me.  So that would mean the extra $$$ is just for the Haven upgrades.  I don't think access to the Haven area and perks for $400+ per person is worth it, but that is just my opinion.  I have no idea if those prices will go down though, just hope it does a bit.  FYI -  I pulled most of these prices from the Costco Travel website, as it includes double occupancy combined with taxes and fees.  

Absolutely agree. The cabins do appear to be pretty much the same, and we won't use most of the Haven perqs except probably for breakfast in the dedicated dining room. Certainly not worth the huge added cost. And prices for the upgrade are exactly the same as they were weeks ago, so we're going to keep the SC cabin. I check the trip price regularly, and although our category is now sold out for our sailing, the price for the lowest Haven suite (the same size cabin) has skyrocketed.