Upper Suite Benefits

[SusieAV8R]

On 9/1/2022 at 10:13 AM, Whinenowine said:

Yeah it’s so bizarre and situational. This was the case for us on the Edge back in April when shoreside was useless and the ship was out of many things. But on Millie earlier this month our shoreside concierge was very good and I got all my requests (which was actually a pleasant surprise, as I’m a realist). In fact I asked for champagne in lieu of my second liquor bottle, either Veuve, or if they didn’t have that, then Moët….I found a bottle of both in my fridge. Can’t complain at all.

My experience, since cruising resumed after the year+ shutdown has been that there is not so much a disconnect between shoreside concierges and a specific ship but a supply chain issue.  That is, consider the country your ship is departing from versus the fact that Celebrity is basically based in Florida.  Aside:  yes, I have encountered less than optimal shoreside concierges but I keep a list of those who work well with me and I reach back to one of them to ensure our requests are fulfilled.  I have not been disappointed when we arrive in our suite.

[SusieAV8R]

On 8/24/2022 at 4:29 PM, chemmo said:

I think your time line explains many things….We were on Silhouette last year where there was nothing like the ‘extras’ we had previously experienced. Hence, on my previous reply mentioning officers cocktail evening, invitations to dine, behind the scenes tours etc may not happen…We had no issues with the reduced offerings. Understandable for so many reasons. 

 

We should have been cruising shortly and would totally understand if some things were still limited. However, if you are following Jim’s recent reports the Zenith lunch has been resurrected so hopefully other little extras will return soon…

 

In my previous response I did mention something about the Suite Manager…It was something like ‘after an initial meeting you would not expect to  see him him unless there is a problem’…Even taking into account shortages reported on many reviews some things on your cruise were obviously lacking…Absolutely no idea why you never received canopies…All I can suggest to the OP is that if ( hopefully not) he hits the point (you obviously did) to ask for an appointment with the suite manager and simply list the disappointments…
 

Whilst I am aware you did meet with the suite manager re your maintenance issue did you raise your concerns before that with your PRH or the concierge? What was their response?

 

Totally agree with you comment on lack of flowers…we can remember the beautiful bunch of roses becoming buds in a box to now, nothing, when you cruise in higher suites. Definitely a miss in modern luxury from our viewpoint too.

 

All I can add to the many previous bits of advice given is if you feel ‘underwhelmed’ by the suite experience let staff know. 

 

 

 

 

I think we could easily have had the same experience with afternoon canapés on our PH cruise several weeks ago that you experienced but I have started reading off a list of what we'd like mid-afternoon, (specifically, plate of cheese/meats or fruit or whatever you would like mid-afternoon), when the Butler introduces himself/herself (yes, we have had a female butler) on embarkation date.  (I like the poster's suggestion regarding making a list in advance and handing it directly to the Butler on that initial encounter; it would have save us some of the "correction factor" recently.). 

[t18c97]

When we had a CS earlier this year we were not offered to select any liquor/wine selection before boarding. Once on board our Retreat host offered to get is a bottle and kept us supplied during the cruise. I don't know if this was  supposed to be how it was supposed to work or he just wanted a larger tip. For the mini fridge he said we could have anything in there for free except for the mini bottles of liquor on the door, those he would have to charge for. 

[canderson]

23 minutes ago, t18c97 said:

When we had a CS earlier this year we were not offered to select any liquor/wine selection before boarding. Once on board our Retreat host offered to get is a bottle and kept us supplied during the cruise. I don't know if this was  supposed to be how it was supposed to work or he just wanted a larger tip. For the mini fridge he said we could have anything in there for free except for the mini bottles of liquor on the door, those he would have to charge for. 

You had  generous PRH.  Those bennies are normally afforded to RS and above.  Hope he got that good tip!

[SusieAV8R]

On 9/1/2022 at 5:38 PM, Whinenowine said:

In 2022 we were in a CS on the Edge in April and a PH on Millie last month…..I found the service very good on the Edge, but not excellent.   Whereas I can’t speak highly enough about our butler, steward, Luminae staff, Sushi on 5 staff and Tuscan Grille staff. Not sure if that was the ship, the staff or the suite difference…..I think all of the above. 

 

23 hours ago, SusieAV8R said:

Our experience in CS was that the mini bar was only stocked with specific beverages, like wine, if the additional beverage package had beeb purchased. (Check the Celebrity website but I believe they will permit EACH guest to bring up to 2 bottles of wine on board.  There is no corkage fee if you want to drink that wine at dinner rather than in your CS.)   Shoreside Concierge will contact you about 10 days before you sail.  I believe you may be dealing with Alex and she is super helpful, so ask her. 

It's been our experience that RS & PS guests generally enjoy superior service to CS guests on M-class ships.  We have sailed as CS & RS guests on S-class and we received better service as RS, but CS service was still good.  We are booked in PS on Equinox September 2023, so we will be able to make some comparison between the suites.

 

[wineoclock]

We were in 1611 on Equinox. You’ll enjoy it. Lovely ship. 

[SusieAV8R]

14 hours ago, wineoclock said:

We were in 1611 on Equinox. You’ll enjoy it. Lovely ship. 

We're in 1616.   We are excited about sailing on her since we have only sailed in M-class since the restart of cruising.  If everything goes well, we hit Zenith on that cruise.

[SusieAV8R]

On 8/25/2022 at 8:25 PM, sbcs5390 said:

No, it isn’t. 

 

On 8/25/2022 at 8:25 PM, sbcs5390 said:

No, it isn’t. 

Is the Chefs Table an unofficial perk for RS and PS.....ask and you are included, don't ask and you are not?

[SusieAV8R]

On 8/25/2022 at 10:20 PM, chemmo said:

We draft a list for the shoreside concierge about a month prior to cruising. After a phone call we email the list, we have found this much more reliable than relying on verbal messages.

 

Things we ask for….

Spirit choice (basically any two bottles from the premium list)

Beer and soda selection.

Pillow choice

Kettle and tea tray

Sometimes a fruit bowl

Dining requests

 

Never requested a Peleton bike…you could discuss with the shoreside concierge but they may say they can not sort and you need to request after boarding. It could be there are health and safety reasons why this cannot be sorted but worth asking.

 

Sincere best wishes for a fantastic cruise…

Yes, we make the similar requests.  We also ask our shoreside concierge for at least 2 extra blankets,  the type of bottled water we prefer and daily slices of limes to go with the Coronas or rum and diet cokes while on Board.  We could wait until we arrived on Board, but one cruise, there was a shortage of limes.  (I have learned about "advance notice")

[MaraS]

On 8/24/2022 at 2:01 AM, chemmo said:

We have cruised many times in RS and PH.

 

Service has always been good but sometimes is  outstanding. The difference, in our experience, seems to be related to staff experience/effort and individual ship general running.

 

Personal Retreat Hosts…

 

Good ones will do everything you ask.

Excellent ones will do everything you ask and provide a few treats.

Outstanding ones will almost ‘read’ you and predict what you may want, exceptional experience.

 

Retreat Lounge Concierges…

 

Standard ones will run a range of activities that suite guests will be invited to. 
Good ones will approach you first day and later in the cruise to ask if there is anything you want.

Excellent ones will suggest a few things (extra) they could arrange for you.

Exceptional ones will (somehow) know what you may like and suggest and provide a few treats.

 

Retreat Managers…

 

In our experience after a possible quick introduction they are not usually involved in your day to day experience. However, if you do have a difficulty with any aspect of the suite experience, they are there if needed. 

 

Other staff…

 

The Captain…On some cruises we have been on we have been personally greeted and been invited to dine with them (pre covid). This has happened when we have cruised in both RS and PH. On other cruises we have been invited to a lunchtime officers meal in Blu last sea day after a bridge tour (all RS, PH guests and a couple of others). Some Captains and officers are definitely more interactive with guests. We have been on cruises where officers have not been visible and others where, mid cruise, we have been approached by the F&B manager or the Hotel manager to ask how our cruise is going…

 

The advice I would give to all new higher suite cruisers is to communicate to staff exactly what would make your cruise special. Unless you get the ‘exceptional’ staff if you don’t request things staff may think you don’t want. There have been reviews where suite guests have said their Personal Retreat Host has done nothing. Not realising that they need to use the phone and ask. PRH rarely just ‘knock on’ to see if you want anything, they respect your privacy. Equally, concierge staff may assume there is nothing you want if you don’t talk to them.
 

Just  a few examples of things you may request…

 

From your Personal Retreat Host…

 

Additional simple suite amenities like fruit bowls.

Customised snacks daily.

In suite ‘special event meal’ (give at least 24 hours warning).

Private cocktail party (give at least 24 hours warning).

 

From your Concierge….

 

Behind the scenes tours in a small group (theatre, galley, bridge…).

Escort off the ship at difficult ports and end of cruise.

Dining with an officer (not necessarily the Captain).

 

 

OP in our experience, Spa services are not usually provided. As the spas are not run by Celebrity this is not surprising.

 

OP I suggest you ensure you have a fantastic cruise by doing the following….

 

When you are approached by the Shoreside concierge pre cruise draft an email listing your bar set up preferences, pillow preferences and any other room amenities you may like (we always ask for a kettle and tea tray).

 

On boarding chat to your PRH about your daily requests and generally anything you may want to arrange later in the cruise. If you do want to arrange a special in suite meal or a party give your PRH some warning. Obviously this is not necessary for in suite general room service.

 

Early in your cruise chat to the concierge about events you would enjoy like behind the scenes tours. You can also say you would like to dine with an officer. Please be aware these activities may not be happening owing to covid restrictions.

 

If at any point in your cruise you want something, ask!

 

 

That’s a great Review….

[chemmo]

4 hours ago, MaraS said:

That’s a great Review….

So glad you found it useful. When we first cruised in a suite we didn’t know what to expect. We asked several questions on CC and were very grateful to find out a bit before boarding. Now it is time for us to try to ‘give a bit back’. The two main points I hope came through were that you do need to communicate your wishes to staff and that there are some differences between ships.

 

 

[wineoclock]

I’m hoping I can ask for a kettle & teatray in CS. I need my morning tea before I’m human!

[chemmo]

8 minutes ago, wineoclock said:

I’m hoping I can ask for a kettle & teatray in CS. I need my morning tea before I’m human!

We ask for this every cruise. We put this request on our email to the shoreside concierge. I think contact with CS can be a bit hit and miss so if you aren’t contacted ask your butler on boarding. We have had some set ups fancier than others. 

[wineoclock]

Thank you. I’ve had it done in PH but will see if the service is the same in CS. 

[canderson]

On 9/7/2022 at 1:11 AM, wineoclock said:

I’m hoping I can ask for a kettle & teatray in CS. I need my morning tea before I’m human!

Best bring your own PG or Yorkshire along if you prefer the 'good stuff'.

 

Since this thread garners visits from more who might know...

 

Has anyone seen butler Anu anywhere since he was on Constellation some months back?  Positively outstanding, and keep hoping to run across him again.

[wineoclock]

I’m more of a twinings gal! Or tetley depending on my mood 😂

[chemmo]

2 hours ago, wineoclock said:

I’m more of a twinings gal! Or tetley depending on my mood 😂

Confession time we always bring some PG tips…

[JDPCruisers]

Yes, we did get contacted by Alex on Friday and she is very helpful. 

[Midlo]

Have not read all of the posts on this thread so I apologize if I repeat something already said. We’ve cruised in PS or  RS on our last 6 cruises, All pre Covid. Our next is in a ps on Equinox on Oct 6. I’ll report afterwards if there is any change. What I’ve learned over the years is to set your expectations on the first day with your butler. This doesn’t mean you have to be a jerk but if you don’t tell them what you want they will have to guess and some are better at that than others. When I got afternoon canapés that I liked I took photos and shared them with the butler on a future cruise. I remember seeing him study the picture to make sure he got it. We got a plate of shrimp cocktail, a plate of little sandwiches, and deserts every afternoon because he knew that is what we wanted.
We’ve had suite managers insist on escorting us off the ship at the end of the cruise, right through customs and to the taxi line. Almost embarrassing. Also remember once where the suite manager saw our name on the list and was waiting for us when we entered the ship to greet us and escort us personally to our room. Another time we were in Murano and the manager told us we only needed to let our butler know we wanted to dine there on any given night and he would personally make sure we got a premium table, no reservation needed.

You may pay a premium for the upper suites and whether it is worth it or not is relative to your situation. But whether it meets your expectations or not has a lot to do with you letting them know what you want.

[SusieAV8R]

5 minutes ago, Midlo said:

Have not read all of the posts on this thread so I apologize if I repeat something already said. We’ve cruised in PS or  RS on our last 6 cruises, All pre Covid. Our next is in a ps on Equinox on Oct 6. I’ll report afterwards if there is any change. What I’ve learned over the years is to set your expectations on the first day with your butler. This doesn’t mean you have to be a jerk but if you don’t tell them what you want they will have to guess and some are better at that than others. When I got afternoon canapés that I liked I took photos and shared them with the butler on a future cruise. I remember seeing him study the picture to make sure he got it. We got a plate of shrimp cocktail, a plate of little sandwiches, and deserts every afternoon because he knew that is what we wanted.
We’ve had suite managers insist on escorting us off the ship at the end of the cruise, right through customs and to the taxi line. Almost embarrassing. Also remember once where the suite manager saw our name on the list and was waiting for us when we entered the ship to greet us and escort us personally to our room. Another time we were in Murano and the manager told us we only needed to let our butler know we wanted to dine there on any given night and he would personally make sure we got a premium table, no reservation needed.

You may pay a premium for the upper suites and whether it is worth it or not is relative to your situation. But whether it meets your expectations or not has a lot to do with you letting them know what you want.

I concur.  Your last sentence says it all!!

[Midlo]

I just finished reading most of the posts on this interesting thread. I think a lot of new RS or PS cruisers may be intimidated or afraid to speak up to let the butler know what they want. The butlers, on the other hand, may think that you’re easy and choose to do next to nothing. Sit down with them on the first day and talk about what they can do, what you would like, and what would exceed your expectations. I’ve discovered that especially in the PS, they will do whatever they can to exceed your expectations. 
A funny story. On one cruise the butler told me the occupant before us in the PS was so entitled he requested that the captain turn the ship around in port because he didn’t like his view from the veranda. He was insistent that it was his right and he was entitled to the best view. Obviously they didn’t do it, but it has been my experience that short of that, they will try to do everything within their power to meet or exceed reasonable requests.

[wineoclock]

1 hour ago, Midlo said:

Have not read all of the posts on this thread so I apologize if I repeat something already said. We’ve cruised in PS or  RS on our last 6 cruises, All pre Covid. Our next is in a ps on Equinox on Oct 6. I’ll report afterwards if there is any change. What I’ve learned over the years is to set your expectations on the first day with your butler. This doesn’t mean you have to be a jerk but if you don’t tell them what you want they will have to guess and some are better at that than others. When I got afternoon canapés that I liked I took photos and shared them with the butler on a future cruise. I remember seeing him study the picture to make sure he got it. We got a plate of shrimp cocktail, a plate of little sandwiches, and deserts every afternoon because he knew that is what we wanted.
We’ve had suite managers insist on escorting us off the ship at the end of the cruise, right through customs and to the taxi line. Almost embarrassing. Also remember once where the suite manager saw our name on the list and was waiting for us when we entered the ship to greet us and escort us personally to our room. Another time we were in Murano and the manager told us we only needed to let our butler know we wanted to dine there on any given night and he would personally make sure we got a premium table, no reservation needed.

You may pay a premium for the upper suites and whether it is worth it or not is relative to your situation. But whether it meets your expectations or not has a lot to do with you letting them know what you want.

Completely agree. Tell your butler what you need. They generally don’t say no. 

[SusieAV8R]

On 9/1/2022 at 5:58 PM, t18c97 said:

Yes we did and they were great. The wife wanted to have a small pre dinner gathering and  Nicasio got some food and wine for us. 

Question:  Was your food delivered hot (or reasonably so) when you ordered from Tuscan or had your Butler bring it to you?  We are thinking of doing this in our pending PS cruise but I can't seem to get breakfast Eggs Benedict delivered to our PS suite  reasonably hot, thus the question.

[prmssk]

I have really been enjoying this thread.  We will have our first penthouse experience on the Constellation in  early November.  I have been taking notes so we can be prepared to talk to the shoreside concierge when we hear from them and then our butler when we embark.  I've told my husband that if he is ever looking for me during the cruise, he should always check the balcony first!  🙂

[LGW59]

8 minutes ago, prmssk said:

I have really been enjoying this thread.  We will have our first penthouse experience on the Constellation in  early November.  I have been taking notes so we can be prepared to talk to the shoreside concierge when we hear from them and then our butler when we embark.  I've told my husband that if he is ever looking for me during the cruise, he should always check the balcony first!  🙂

Me too!  Thus far I've only stayed in a SS on EDGE, and LOVED it.  Will soon be in an EDGE EV, late October for a TA.  So looking forward to the experience.