Upper Suite Benefits

[danceswithphones]

28 minutes ago, CruisinShips said:

"Upper suite"

Royal Suite and above...

[Whinenowine]

13 hours ago, chemmo said:

Agree!

 

We always struggle to get butlers to understand we want a ‘small selection of…’. Also we want our small selection ‘instead of’ not ‘as well as’ the standard delivery of afternoon snacks. As you say, such a pity when things go to waste.
 

Somehow we do always manage to find a small hole to fill…it would be rude not to…

Agreed!  Some days there were TWO plates of treats...one savory and one sweet.  But it's because of these delicious afternoon snacks that I always insisted on walking to al Bacio myself (multiple times a day)--to get in some additional steps in anticipation of the extra afternoon calories...!

[morpheusofthesea]

3 hours ago, danceswithphones said:

I've seen photos of these laid out on the bed and already monogrammed. I forgot to ask the Shoreside Concierge about them. Do you think it's worth the effort to reach out about these? I'll never hear the end of it if DW doesn't get her PJ's. 

Yes.

[Jeremiah1212]

10 hours ago, morpheusofthesea said:

Robes in closet everyone gets to use but must leave behind. Wrapped, packaged are gifts that may be monogrammed, but we opted for no monogramming so as to gift them. Some posters at the time, just last year, boasted of receiving both monogrammed robes and pjs. It turns out that just at that time the switch to only monogramed pjs was taking place. Had to ask specifically for the presentation of robes of concierges, saying that recent social media poster got both from their concierges for this same cabin category. Concierges asked for post. We supplied post and they checked post and acquiesced to our request. Turns out that one must be a social media 'darling' hosting a Celebrity cruise forum site to be fawned over and receiving these special gifts from now on.

 

 

They do have internal VIP designations, regardless of cabin, that they may choose to grant people, especially those that give them a ton of free publicity. They likely received other gifts that you did not receive either. 

 

4 hours ago, danceswithphones said:

I've seen photos of these laid out on the bed and already monogrammed. I forgot to ask the Shoreside Concierge about them. Do you think it's worth the effort to reach out about these? I'll never hear the end of it if DW doesn't get her PJ's. 

 

The document I have shows the monogrammed pajamas are only available on Apex. That doesn't make a lot of sense to me but I haven't seen them much lately either. 

[t18c97]

We got monogrammed PJ on the Millennium in August in a RS.

Edited October 24, 2022 by t18c97

[morpheusofthesea]

 

1 hour ago, Jeremiah1212 said:

They do have internal VIP designations, regardless of cabin, that they may choose to grant people, especially those that give them a ton of free publicity. They likely received other gifts that you did not receive either.

In all likelihood. But not knowing is easier to swallow than reading about all the freebies we were not offered. More important are the six defining attributes of luxury cruising that were highlighted by Anne Kalosh in her article in Seatrade Cruise News. #1 On demand caviar #2 small intimate ships, all suite with balcony 600-700 guests #3 All adult only sophisticated experience #4 Exclusivity, buying attention from staff #5 inclusive, wifi, drinks, gratuities, mini bar, specialty dining (only extras are excursions and spa treatments) #6 cabanas included with top suites.

Edited October 24, 2022 by morpheusofthesea

[morpheusofthesea]

We enjoy the 'ship within a ship' concept better on the E class where the Retreat dedicated restaurant is just a couple of decks away, rather than Luminae on deck 3 and our suite deck 12, especially not wanting to get into crowded elevators. The  E-class Retreat affords one some big ship entertainment venues besides an oasis away from the 'congestion' (Retreat). Spend most of my days on the balcony. Hoping to spend the rest of our lives checking out the other cruise lines suites. Found we do not wear the robes or pjs anyway and it is not polite to refuse any gift. Also appreciate the cruise lines that give their most loyal clients, that do not book suites, their own venue for drinks and dinner freeing up congested suite venues.

[SusieAV8R]

15 hours ago, morpheusofthesea said:

Robes in closet everyone gets to use but must leave behind. Wrapped, packaged are gifts that may be monogrammed, but we opted for no monogramming so as to gift them. Some posters at the time, just last year, boasted of receiving both monogrammed robes and pjs. It turns out that just at that time the switch to only monogramed pjs was taking place. Had to ask specifically for the presentation of robes of concierges, saying that recent social media poster got both from their concierges for this same cabin category. Concierges asked for post. We supplied post and they checked post and acquiesced to our request. Turns out that one must be a social media 'darling' hosting a Celebrity cruise forum site to be fawned over and receiving these special gifts from now on.

Makes sense, since our last 3 cruises in the PS over the past 12 months did not include any type of robe but those hanging in the closets.

[SusieAV8R]

6 hours ago, CruisinShips said:

Forgive me for this newbie (to Celebrity) question...is a Celebrity Suite (on the Equinox in my case) considered and "Upper suite", or no?

No.

[morpheusofthesea]

9 hours ago, danceswithphones said:

I've seen photos of these laid out on the bed and already monogrammed. I forgot to ask the Shoreside Concierge about them. Do you think it's worth the effort to reach out about these? I'll never hear the end of it if DW doesn't get her PJ's. 

Just have both pairs monogrammed with her initials.

[Cruise Gopher]

We are in a PS next month, and I really want two of the robes to take home. Does anyone know if they will sell two new ones? I know on some cruise lines you can buy them. 

[canderson]

30 minutes ago, Cruise Gopher said:

We are in a PS next month, and I really want two of the robes to take home. Does anyone know if they will sell two new ones? I know on some cruise lines you can buy them. 

Ask your Butler for two new in bag and I think you'll have no trouble coming home with a pair -- BUT be sure to leave yourself both luggage space and weight allowance!  These bear no resemblance to the standard Celebrity robes.

[morpheusofthesea]

Also, "The towels are so thick there I could hardly close my suitcase." Yogi Berra

[Kilroyshere]

14 hours ago, morpheusofthesea said:

. More important are the six defining attributes of luxury cruising that were highlighted by Anne Kalosh in her article in Seatrade Cruise News. #1 On demand caviar #2 small intimate ships, all suite with balcony 600-700 guests #3 All adult only sophisticated experience #4 Exclusivity, buying attention from staff #5 inclusive, wifi, drinks, gratuities, mini bar, specialty dining (only extras are excursions and spa treatments) #6 cabanas included with top suites.

You invoke a question we're asking ourselves regarding 5-Star upscale, small ship, premium service we know is delivered versus Premium X Suites.

 

We get all 6 of the amenities you mention and much more, in a regular veranda room on upscale premium cruise lines for similar cost per day of a large Celebrity Upper Suite cost.

 

We're long-time frequent cruisers on Regent and Seabourn cruise lines. We've sailed Seadream and Silversea (A Royal Caribbean property), but in our opinion they're not close to the superior service and amenities afforded on upscale Regent and Seabourn.

 

 

The multi-class service on a single ship (e.g.; Retreat, Aqua, Concierge, Tourist) with various up-charges and restricted venues is not a cruise direction we like. Ocean liners of years past had different classes and they went away. Cunard (Carnival) may still do that.

 

The multi-class cruise ships seem to be returning as on-board revenue generators beyond cabin fares for the cruise line, more than a feature for cruisers.

 

Just our opinion and worth every cent ya paid for it. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Begs the question if the

Edited October 25, 2022 by Kilroyshere

[danceswithphones]

An upper level suite on Celebrity is perfect for us. We cruise in jeans and t-shirts. I don't want to dress up or spend 10+ days on a cruise. I would feel out of place on Regent. We will advance to Elite next month after our 4th sailing on X. I'm in my comfort zone. 

[prmssk]

10 hours ago, canderson said:

Ask your Butler for two new in bag and I think you'll have no trouble coming home with a pair -- BUT be sure to leave yourself both luggage space and weight allowance!  These bear no resemblance to the standard Celebrity robes.

This is our plan (in less than 2 weeks) hoping we have a butler who is willing and able to snag a couple for us.

[morpheusofthesea]

21 minutes ago, prmssk said:

This is our plan (in less than 2 weeks) hoping we have a butler who is willing and able to snag a couple for us.

Do not blame the butler. Ours replied with the standard "We switched to pjs." Told him to go to his superiors. Concierge came to cabin with same reply. I retorted that others report they received both pjs and robes for booking this same penthouse though on the Silhouette. Told her to go to her superior and if he or she cannot accommodate us, just bring us 2 new wrapped robes and charge our account. We got the  robes as the card indicates on the piano in post #238 "with the compliments off". The three people on the compliment card were tipped each $100 cash for their gesture.

  

Edited October 25, 2022 by morpheusofthesea

[prmssk]

1 minute ago, morpheusofthesea said:

Do not blame the butler. Ours replied with the standard "We switched to pjs." Told him to go to his superiors. Concierge came to cabin with same reply. I retorted that others report they received both pjs and robes for booking this same penthouse though on the Silhouette. Told her to go to her superior and if he or she cannot accommodate us, just bring us 2 new wrapped robes and charge our account. We got the  robes as the card indicates on the piano in post #238 "with the compliments off". The three people on the compliment card were tipped each $100 cash for their gesture.

Absolutely, we will not blame the butler.  And if they can't give them to us, that's just how it will be.

[morpheusofthesea]

1 hour ago, Kilroyshere said:

We're long-time frequent cruisers on Regent

Yes. We are very new to the suite category having cruised the world in cabins, 2 lower on the inside. We began creeping up into suite class in 2018 on familiar cruiselines, RCCL, NCL, Celebrity, MSC. The 'Goldilocks' cabin is for us one with a separate bedroom, a walk-in shower (can no longer climb into tubs), and a balcony with overhand and room to 'spread out'}. I tend to live in the cabin all day long. Though we have never developed a taste for caviar, exotic food or drink we have greatly enjoyed the powers of a great butler that can reserve us certain seats in the theatre, a maitre d' that will reserve us our choice of table and his best waiters. We booked a Master Suite on the Regent Mariner  and a Grand Suite on the new Regent Grandeur to compare. Also a Pinnacle suite on Holland's Nieu Amsterdam. Do not have much status on any particular line, but appreciate Celebrity not 'congesting' the suite venues with loyal non-suite Zeniths as does RCCL. MSC has been great in their Yacht Club so we booked a Grand Penthouse on their new Explora 1. Will report back my observations, God willing.

Edited October 25, 2022 by morpheusofthesea

[morpheusofthesea]

1 hour ago, Kilroyshere said:

Just our opinion and worth every cent ya paid for it. 

 

1 hour ago, danceswithphones said:

An upper level suite on Celebrity is perfect for us. We cruise in jeans and t-shirts. I don't want to dress up or spend 10+ days on a cruise

Exactly. Thank goodness we have choice in different cruise lines appealing to different segments of society. DW is most content in the Retreat and the Yacht Club as am I. I just have a wanderlust not driven by freebies and levels. There are so many choices and so little time.

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

18 hours ago, Jeremiah1212 said:

 

The document I have shows the monogrammed pajamas are only available on Apex. That doesn't make a lot of sense to me but I haven't seen them much lately either. 

 

I'm currently on Summit and I received the PJs.  Told the suite concierge I'm awash in PJs and I'd really prefer a robe.  Will see what happens on the next leg.

[Beachlover1989]

On 10/5/2022 at 8:01 PM, maggipie said:

We won't be on Solstice until March, but already received an email last month from:

Zora Breazeale
ConciergeZora@celebrity.com
1.877.RETREAT (Prompt #3)

And re gelato, on our Summit cruise in June, it was hit and miss, but no big deal, we signed when asked to, and stellar retreat concierges Mar & Penelope were on the lookout to take care of the   (many 😁) charges that appeared.

Mar and Penelope are the best!!!

[flviking]

7 hours ago, morpheusofthesea said:

Yes. We are very new to the suite category having cruised the world in cabins, 2 lower on the inside. We began creeping up into suite class in 2018 on familiar cruiselines, RCCL, NCL, Celebrity, MSC. The 'Goldilocks' cabin is for us one with a separate bedroom, a walk-in shower (can no longer climb into tubs), and a balcony with overhand and room to 'spread out'}. I tend to live in the cabin all day long. Though we have never developed a taste for caviar, exotic food or drink we have greatly enjoyed the powers of a great butler that can reserve us certain seats in the theatre, a maitre d' that will reserve us our choice of table and his best waiters. We booked a Master Suite on the Regent Mariner  and a Grand Suite on the new Regent Grandeur to compare. Also a Pinnacle suite on Holland's Nieu Amsterdam. Do not have much status on any particular line, but appreciate Celebrity not 'congesting' the suite venues with loyal non-suite Zeniths as does RCCL. MSC has been great in their Yacht Club so we booked a Grand Penthouse on their new Explora 1. Will report back my observations, God willing.

Absolutely agree on RCCL and their Pinnacles.  Just think of how little spend is required to get there. Then consider the Celebrity spend required to get to Zenith.  We won't book a suite on RCCL after we spent $1500+/day and couldn't get within an hour of our preferred dinner time in Coastal Kitchen because it was full of Pinnacles.  I have no problem with loyalty perks. During my working days I was the beneficiary of many upgrades from Delta.  I am quite certain though that I never displaced a passenger who bought a first class ticket.  So Celebrity suites have me hooked.  And I don't have a strict dress code!

[morpheusofthesea]

31 minutes ago, flviking said:

  We won't book a suite on RCCL after we spent $1500+/day and couldn't get within an hour of our preferred dinner time in Coastal Kitchen because it was full of Pinnacles.

Thank you. But one must be very careful to be very specific as to the type of Pinnacle we are referring to.... NON SUITE Pinnacle passengers. We also will pass on RCCL until they give these loyalists their own lounge for drinks and restaurant for meals.

 P.S. These Pinnacles also have a tendency to butt in front of everyone in line waiting to get into a venue. I wouldn't mind if they had a butler escort them to the front of the line, then we all know they are really entitled. 

Edited October 25, 2022 by morpheusofthesea
P.S.

[morpheusofthesea]

Here is another suite benefit that we received from MSC that 'was' lacking on Celebrity and RCCL. We are given our key cards at checkin with MSC and one now has the 'power' to go directly to an already cleaned cabin and drop off ones carry on luggage, and then zip off to the Top Sail Lounge for a drink before lunch in the YC restaurant. On RCCL one cannot access the Coastal Kitchen without key card (got to the doors and no concierge was on duty to let us in and no B2B's would bother getting up to open the doors) (they might even have been non suite Pinnacles for all we know in the CK). The key cards are either outside or inside cabin, but hallway doors are closed off to passengers as the cabins are being cleaned. On Celebrity we had to drag our carry ons to the Retreat Lounge then to the Luminae, then to the cabin to retrieve our key cards. Will check out the new Beyond next month sailing in an RS to see if anything has changed.

  P.S. It's the little details that make a big difference in a cruise vacation.

Edited October 25, 2022 by morpheusofthesea
P.S.