Comparing Celebrity and HAL suites

[BoiseIdahoSpud]

We like sailing in suites (for the size mostly but also the service). The deluxe suites on HAL seem to be better value for money.

 

Comparing the HAL Vista Class to X Millenium Class (pretty comparable in size and ammenities shipwide), a HAL SA, SB, or SC equivalent (size, room layout, amenities) on X would require booking a Royal Suite. The prices aren't even close.

 

We have not sailed in a suite on X but know that they come with "European Buttler Service". We love the HAL Neptune Lounge service and there is not an equivalent service on X to my knowledge.

 

We have sailed Celebrity and HAL and like both for different reasons. We're sailing in a deluxe suite on HAL again in February of 2009 but are looking at booking the Solstice for December of 2009.

 

Thanks!

Pete

[CathyCruises]

Was there a question in there?

[BoiseIdahoSpud]

Was there a question in there?

 

 

So the question is...does anyone on the Celebrity board have suite experience on both HAL and X? If so, would you be willing to share any observations that would help us make a suite cat decision for a Solstice Sailing in dec of 09?

 

Does that help?:)

[Mr&MrsBee]

Go Broncos. Used to live in Meridian. Sorry to change the subject but 1st time I've seen a Spud response.

[tech-lab]

Pete: We just returned from the Westerdam (suite 5190sc). Whenever we sail --X-- we have been in a Sky suite. I will give you my two cents.

 

As far as size goes, HA has --X-- beat hands down. HA suites are twice the size. The balcony on HA was the best we have ever had. Table with 4 chairs for dining, two loungers and two chairs with ottamans and side table.

 

As far as perks and service go, I think the butler service on --X-- is more personnel. Your butler will do anything that the staff at the lounge will do and you dont have to leave your suite. On the Westerdam, everytime you wanted expresso or a reservation for dinner you had to walk down to the lounge and wait for the coincerge to help you. On --X--, you call your butler and whatever you need he takes care of. He stops by your cabin so offen that we seldom had to pick up the phone. If we wanted privacy, we just put the sign out and he wouldnt stop.

 

I wish HA would add butlers to there suites than they would have it all.

 

Ann

[our turn]

We have sailed in the royal suite on the Millennium, the Penthouse suite on the Westerdam and a SC corner aft deluxe suite on the Eurodam. There are things we loved about each one and would be hard pressed to pick a favorite.

 

HAL is the best value for the money where size is concerned. We were able to sail in the penthouse for about the same amount we spent on the royal suite with X. The SC corner aft was less than half what we paid for the royal suite. That being said, we still give a slight edge to X for service and we thought the food in the main dining room much better on X.

 

Royal Suite on X - We loved the butler service! Xavier, our butler was fabulous. He was just a phone call away and never failed to meet every request promptly. Maria, the room steward was also very good. They both seemed to anticipate our needs/wishes and were never intrusive.

We liked that the bedroom was private from the rest of the suite. The dining area was very nice for room service - always set with nice linens and china. The living area was very comfortable and the verandah a nice size. We ejoyed the jacuzzi tub in the bathroom and especially on the verandah which was very private. There was very limited programming on the TV and the pay-per-view was expensive.

 

Penthouse on HAL - We loved the elegance and spaciousness of this suite. This suite is the size of an apartment! We experienced top-notch service from the moment we arrived at the pier. An escort was provided who led us to a side entrance and walked us through the process and straight to our cabin. There were 2 gorgeous flower arrangments and gifts of champagne and chocolate covered strawberries from the captain and hotel manager. There is a large living room with a sofa, coffee table, chair and comfy recliner. The dining area is perfect for room service and is stocked with lovely crystal.

 

The bedroom can be completely closed off and has the most comfortable king size bed. The linens and pillow selection are heavenly. The bathroom is magnificent. The marble over-sized jacuzzi is habit-forming! The toilet and bidet are in a separate room along with a sink. The bathroom has double sinks and a separate shower with all sorts of attachments. There were closets, cabinets and drawers to spare. The guest bathroom is very convenient and the butler's pantry has a microwave, sink and fullsize refrigerator. The balcony has 2 loungers, banquet table and 2 chairs with ottomans. The jacuzzi will easily hold 4 people.

 

SC Deluxe Veranda Suite on HAL - Spacious and tastefully decorated although there was no separate sleeping area. The king size bed again had the comfortable linens and pillows that HAL is famous for. On the Eurodam, the TV is mounted at the front edge of the desk. We found this inconvenient because it blocks the window and renders the desk useless. The TV does swivel so it can be viewed from either the bed or the sofa. The dressing area is well-lit and has plently of mirrors. The bathroom is a good size with double sinks, a whirlpool tub and separate shower. There was plently of storage.

 

The aft veranda is wonderful, our favorite location so far. There were 2 chairs with ottomans, a small table between, a large table with 4 chairs and around the corner were 2 loungers. The Eurodam veranda is quite a bit smaller than the Vista class but still very spacious. It was a bit tight getting around the table, but we moved 2 chairs and were fine. Absolutely incredible views and very quiet and private.

 

Suite check-in is very quick and well-organized. The Neptune Lounge is quite a walk when staying in the aft corner suite on the 4th floor but we still used it quite often. Patrica, the concierge was very nice and professional. She handled reservations, made change and answered billing questions. We had no need to visit the front desk. The future cruise consultants also were available to suite guests in the NL for a couple of ours. There were a couple of events for suite guests hosted by the capatin held in there as well.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Kim

[CathyCruises]

Go Broncos. Used to live in Meridian. Sorry to change the subject but 1st time I've seen a Spud response.

 

 

He's not the only one! I live in beautiful downtown Teton Valley, ID. There are a few of us spud cruises out here!

 

Cathy

[dadsbdaycruiser]

I've stayed on a SC suite on HAL... it is very nice and I think of it as closer to the Queen's Grill Suite we stayed on the Queen Mary (but a little bigger). Well appointed, it was very nice (although QM2 does have a lot more "extra" amenities for the deluxe rooms then either HAL or X).

 

We stayed on both a Royal Suite and Celebrity Suite on X... and my dad was in a penthouse suite on X. The penthouse suites on the M class ships are great... the balcony is truly wonderful, if that is something you care about. There was wasted space in the PS, but for entertaining it was great. I liked the Royal suite, and the 2 room layout worked well for us (we had the adjoining CC room). We were very happy, and had a good sized balcony. Went on a Northern European cruise, and I had no complaints. I felt it was bigger then HAL. There was no lounge with Celebrity which is a drawback. The Celebrity Suite is my favorite layout... it is great for entertaining, dressing and I really liked it... I spent 12 days aboard Millennium in one, and was very happy... however, there is no balcony- but the bow shaped window made up for it especially in colder weather climes.

[BoiseIdahoSpud]

This is all very useful information so thanks to all! :) Very much appreciated. We love sailing HAL and =X=.

 

Will the =X= butler handle your bill and final settlement like the NL on HAL?

 

The two room suite config on =X= would be ideal for us but we may have to book an SS or CS guar to see if we can get an upgrade. $$$$

 

RE: Broncos - kudos to them. Gotta give them the credit they deserve. But I'm a loyal Vandal. Goes back nearly 100 years in my family.:)

[our turn]

This is all very useful information so thanks to all! :) Very much appreciated. We love sailing HAL and =X=.

 

Will the =X= butler handle your bill and final settlement like the NL on HAL?

 

The two room suite config on =X= would be ideal for us but we may have to book an SS or CS guar to see if we can get an upgrade. $$$$

 

RE: Broncos - kudos to them. Gotta give them the credit they deserve. But I'm a loyal Vandal. Goes back nearly 100 years in my family.:)

 

We didn't have any issues with our bill on X so not sure if the butler would be able to help in that area. He was a liason with maintenance for us. We had a problem with the jets in the whirlpool in our bathroom. Five minutes after I called, he and a maintenance worker were at our door. He poured me a glass of wine and suggested that I enjoy the balcony while the problem was solved. A few minutes later he came out and said the problem was fixed and had even redrawn the bath.

 

I agree that the separate bedroom is a much better layout even for a couple. I completely understand the $$$$ issue. The only reason we tried HAL was because for the same money we paid for the RS on the Millennium we were able to book the PH on the Westerdam. At this point we would sail either line.

 

Kim

[dadsbdaycruiser]

Don't be afraid to book the Celebrity Suite... I think you appreciate the views more from it and I thought I would miss the balcony but didn't at all, and I actually think the layout is better then the Royal Suite in some ways- more of the space is allocated to the sitting area versus the bedroom, and in both I thought the closets were great. If you need two rooms I'd go that route versus the Sky Suite (which is a step down from HAL).

[Fang]

I have never sailed on HAL. Before kids, my wife and I would always book a suite on X.

 

We have been in Sky Suites, Royal Suites and Penthouse Suite (on Century).

 

IMHO, the Royal Suite on the M class ships are fantastic. I really like the Butler service. It has always been very personal and first class.