Courtyard Suites Access Restrictions? (Pearl)

[coup999]

If we book a courtyard suite on the Pearl, how can the rest of our group visit us? We heard that there are access restrictions to the area. We're traveling in a group of 12.

 

My guess is that they don't have an armed guard standing there checking everyone's ID, but practically speaking, how do people come visit us? Is there a phone outside the courtyard for people to call us to let them in?

 

Is it poor form to invite the rest of our group up for cocktails or whatever on the days the ship cruises the glaciers? It might get a bit noisy with 12 people, but just wondering if you guys think that would prompt some nasty stares from the other courtyard guests?

[cruisewmn]

If we book a courtyard suite on the Pearl, how can the rest of our group visit us? We heard that there are access restrictions to the area. We're traveling in a group of 12.

 

My guess is that they don't have an armed guard standing there checking everyone's ID, but practically speaking, how do people come visit us? Is there a phone outside the courtyard for people to call us to let them in?

 

Is it poor form to invite the rest of our group up for cocktails or whatever on the days the ship cruises the glaciers? It might get a bit noisy with 12 people, but just wondering if you guys think that would prompt some nasty stares from the other courtyard guests?

 

I've sailed in a CV twice -- you're going to love it! That said, it costs quite a bit to stay in one of these suites and one of the major perks is a less crowded space and more private environment.

 

You are more than welcome to bring others in your party to your suite (you'll have to bring them up in the elevator or open the stair door for them). In my opinion, and that told to me by the concierge, you should not entertain non-courtyard guests in the courtyard or on the sundecks.

[beachchick]

If we book a courtyard suite on the Pearl, how can the rest of our group visit us? We heard that there are access restrictions to the area. We're traveling in a group of 12.

 

Yes, access is restricted to only those staying in Courtyard Villas (A3/A4), Owner's Suites (AA/A2), and Garden Villas (A1). Your ship cards will be specially coded. You have to slip your card into a slot on the door leading up from Deck 13 and in the elevators to select Deck 14.

 

My guess is that they don't have an armed guard standing there checking everyone's ID, but practically speaking, how do people come visit us? Is there a phone outside the courtyard for people to call us to let them in?

 

Armed guards? No, but watchdogs (as it were) in the form of butlers who ensure that "visitors" don't ride up in the elevators with Courtyard pax and then try to access the Courtyard and Courtyard Sundeck. They also ensure that Courtyard pax aren't allowing their friends and family to use the Courtyard/Courtyard Sundeck. You will have to go down to meet your group and escort them from the door or elevator to your own suite. No, there is not a phone outside the Courtyard for people to call you; you need to make arrangements to go get them at a specific time.

 

Is it poor form to invite the rest of our group up for cocktails or whatever on the days the ship cruises the glaciers?

 

Not at all, as long as you host them in your Villa and on your private balcony. BTW, the A4 balconies are teeny tiny, the smallest my DH and I have ever had--and we normally cruise in the garden variety "regular" balcony cabin. Maybe six of you could stand on the balcony shoulder to shoulder. The A3 balconies are deeper by a few feet, but not substantially wider. There's really not enough room for 12 to share the balcony for viewing at the same time. OTOH, there's enough room to have your group mingling between the suite itself and the balcony.

 

It might get a bit noisy with 12 people, but just wondering if you guys think that would prompt some nasty stares from the other courtyard guests?

 

The only reason you'd get glares would be if you tried to have your entire group up on the private Courtyard Sundeck during the viewing. That deck is for Courtyard pax only. As you know, it costs a pretty penny to have the exclusive access, which includes knowing that you won't be elbow to elbow with a mob of people. The Courtyard itself is all "interior" to the ship (no outer view), so that's moot. But if you mean that you'd like to have your whole group use the private Courtyard facilities, you'll likely get more than glares. You'll have the other Courtyard pax talking to the bulter and then have your butler reminding you and your party that Courtyard access is restricted and asking you to either host them in your own Villa or for them to leave the Courtyard/Courtyard Sundeck. Your whole group is welcome in your own Villa any time you like. No other Courtyard pax would be giving you nasty stares because you'd be in your own Villa. The butler will even arrange the cocktail party for you if you like.

 

Enjoy!

 

beachchick

[insidecabin]

Phones on deck 13 are next to the elevators and on the reception desk next to cagnies.

 

There is a door on deck 13.5 for access to the courtyard which you would have to come and open.

[garycarla]

A few people - probably okay, even if not officially okay.

 

A group - no.

[noreddye]

I can see two sides to this question....

 

Positive: I can certainly understand of wanting to show the courtyard area to your family so maybe you can arrange for the butler or concierge to give a tour of the area. Your family might become so envious that on their next cruise with you they will pay for a suite in the courtyard villas.

 

Negative: As you know, you pay a premium price to be in a CY villa. The courtyard is a private, quiet environment and I would be unhappy if someone decided to bring 12 of their closest friends (or family) to enjoy an area that they had not pay for (courtyard area, decks, etc).

 

Enjoy your cruise and your time in the CY.

[Addictedtwo]

I could just imagine the chaos if you were allowed to bring families of 10/12 or more to private area to join in on the party.

So basically one big family books the GV or CV and the rest of the families inlaws, outlaws, middlelaws granparents, god parents etc all book inside cabins so that they get to take advantage of the courtyards that other guests pay for dearly. NOT!

[coup999]

Got it, thanks all. Probably not a good idea to book a Courtyard suite then.

[time2cruise1]

Got it, thanks all. Probably not a good idea to book a Courtyard suite then.

 

Book an AB. Same layout as an A3 but without the courtyard or better yet book an AA Owner's suite. All 12 can enjoy your two giant balconies and you can still use the courtyard. Take the $ you save and invest in shore excursions. The best excursions with planes, boats, and helicopters are expensive.

[DMH15]

You know guys, some people just don't know (like those of us who frequent CC) all of the protocol, like the Courtyard. When I took my second NCL cruise (first was way back on the Norway) friends invited us to their CV for lunch. They explained that they could show us the courtyard but had to entertain us ensuite only. I really would have not known if he had not explained. Of course, it makes perfect sense and I understand to keep the Courtyard (and Cagney's) "exclusive" they need to restrict it to those booked only. But as my friend kindly explained the ropes to me we should to others.

 

When we cruised on the Sun in an AC aft we had the choice of eating alone in Il Adagio (the breakfast and lunch suite restaurant) OR eating with friends (old and new) in non-suite venues, which we did several times, but not all. When you cruise with a group and you are the only one in a suite you are choosing to differentiate yourself from your group, it can't be helped. But your friends and relatives also made their choice too, so they should understand when you go your own way.

 

That being said, NCL suites are wonderful and the suite perks are great!

 

I hope you have a great cruise.

[beachchick]

Phones on deck 13 are next to the elevators and on the reception desk next to cagnies.

 

There is a door on deck 13.5 for access to the courtyard which you would have to come and open.

 

(Smacks forehead...) Of course! I was thinking about a "call the Courtyard" dedicated phone by the door or something. No reason they couldn't use the phones you mention to call a CV.

 

beachchick

[hat776]

This thread is similar to the one when the OP said she would be inviting her DD and SIL to Cagneys . But it seems this OP understands you can't invite folk to enjoy the courtyard.

[Why Knot Me]

Just got off the Gem in a Courtyard Villa. We invited new friends to enjoy wine, cheese and crackers in our suite with us, but never the Courtyard or private 15th deck area. We wanted to respect other guests and the area as it is deemed private. But, it was lovely to have them to our room.

[szdiver]

When we were on the Pearl, the 15th deck was divided into one side for CV suites and the other side was public for anyone - why not utilize that portion for your group? Not too many people knew it was there when we were on board. Have a great time.

[DMH15]

why knot me - I agree... When we visited friends for lunch in their cv on the jewel it was nice to see cy for a minute. Lunch in the cv was nice. So I have a perspective of it for future cruises. I would likewise hope my guests would understand.