Funtasticmom

Thanks CB at Sea and Rebecca. I think we are going to go with Disney and splurge a little. I haven't heard hardly anything bad about the Dream, except for the price. But in the end, you get what you pay for. I definitely want a memorable experience for my family. I really appreciate the honest replies.

Thank you for your reply. I have read from recent posts that you do not actually receive the perks that are promised. I was a little nervous.

My husband and I went on our first cruise last year with another couple. Now we want to plan a family cruise for next April (2015). Our children will be 4, 7, 11 and 12 by that time. We have looked at Disney Dream, but we feel our older children will not be entertained. They think all the costumes and shows will be directed more for the younger ones. On the other hand, we do not want our younger children to miss out on a magical experience only Disney can provide.

As a family of 6, we really want to book a suite, so we can be together. However on Disney, that could be quite expensive. Now we are looking at the Royal Caribbean Enchantment of the seas in a Royal Family Suite. The cost is comparable to two interior staterooms on the Dream.

Are the perks worth it on Royal Caribbean to book a suite over the Dream?

Is Disney so fabulous that it wouldn't matter if we were all together?

Would my older children enjoy all it has to offer or would they think it is "cheesy"?

Really torn here :confused:

Disclaimer (for those who see everyone as having an agenda!): The following lists are only to serve for comparative purposes for anyone who is interested. It is NOT intended to be critical of Carnival, but rather to show what perks other lines treat their suite guests to. Note that some of the listed "perks" are standard in ALL cabins, thus are simply filler. Some of these are really impressive, others are just fluff. For example, I don't want the butler to unpack my luggage!! Please note that the extra perks are not without cost! In some cases a substantial premium (several hundred to thousands more) is required. Generally though, you get what you pay for. Whether that is of "value" to you, is your call.

 

 

CLICK on the cruise line name to link to their website:

 

CARNIVAL:

 

 

A spacious room, that includes VIP check-in during embarkation

 

Stateroom amenities:

 

• Whirlpool bath
  
• Vanity dressing table
  
• Television
  
• Soft, comfortable, and cozy linens
  
• Hairdryer/Bathrobes
  
• 24-hour stateroom service
  
• Ample closet and drawer space
  

 

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NCL:

Special Services

> Distinctive Keycard

> Butler and concierge service

> Butler to unpack your luggage

> Access to Concierge Lounge

Eats, Treats & Libations

> Champagne, custom selection of liquor, fruit, bottled water and sodas (Owner’s suite and above)

> Sparkling wine, bottled water and fruit

> Mini-Bar and espresso/cappuccino machine

> 24-hour room service with special suite menu

> Full in-room breakfast menu

> Treats delivered right to your door each night

> Invitations to exclusive breakfast, lunch, and cocktail party

Thoughtful Touches

> Fresh flower arrangement

> Bliss collection by NCL pillow-top mattress

> Fine linens, feather duvet and pillow menu

> Plush bath robes, slippers and towels

> Access to exclusive Courtyard area with private pool, sundeck, hot tub and fitness area (on ships with Courtyard)

Arrival and Departure

> Priority embarkation and disembarkation

> Escort to suite

> Priority boarding of tenders to shore

> Priority Complimentary limousine service from pier to airport (Garden Villa only)

 

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PRINCESS:

 

Suite Amenities:

In-Room Amenities:

· Luxury mattresses

· Luxury ivory satin pinstripe bed linens

· Fluffy duvets in place of blankets

· Luggage protector on bed at embarkation

· Luxury bathrobes

· Luxury towels

· Pillow menu - option of feather or therapeutic pillows

· Massage shower heads

· Luxury bathroom amenities (shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, bath gel, plus new lip balm, gel eye mask, bath salts and loofah mitts)

· Facial mist (choice of scents)

· Complimentary slippers

· Fresh flower arrangement

· Complimentary corsage and boutonniere on first formal night

· Complimentary mini-bar - one-time set up

· Combined DVD/CD Players

· DVD Library - each vessel has a 100-title DVD library available to suite passengers

· Halo light magnifying vanity mirrors on vanity Upgraded room amenities, including ice bucket and tray, leather wallet for cruise card, high quality pen, combined clothes brush, lint remover and shoe horn, shoe cleaning mitt, sewing kit, white cloth laundry bag, black cloth shoe shining bag

· Complimentary Princess tote bag

· Umbrella for use during the cruise

Services:

· Expedited embarkation process

· Preferred Anytime DiningSM reservations

· Personal shore excursion reservations

· Complimentary laundry and dry cleaning service

· Complimentary shoe polishing service

Dining Services:

· Welcome glass of champagne at embarkation

· Extended room service menu (extended breakfast, lunch, dinner offering)

· In-suite afternoon tea service

· Passenger's choice of deluxe canapés, delivered daily

Onboard Activities:

· Complimentary internet access in onboard Internet Cafes (wireless internet connection not included).

· Private portrait sitting

· Complimentary use of the thermal suite in the Lotus Spa (Emerald Princess, Caribbean Princess, Crown Princess, Sapphire Princess, Diamond Princess, Star Princess, Coral Princess and Island Princess).

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CELEBRITY:

All Suites Include:

One complimentary (Specialty) dining reservation per suite for cruises of up to seven nights

Two complimentary dining reservations per suite for cruises of eight nights or longer

Butler at your service

Complimentary 24-hour room service

Priority check-in

Luggage delivery

Priority tender service

Welcome bottle of sparkling wine, fresh fruit & flowers

Assistance with packing and unpacking

Full in-suite breakfast, lunch & dinner service

In-suite afternoon tea service

Complimentary espresso & cappuccino (in suite)

Evening hors d'oeuvres, daily

Main & specialty restaurant seating preferences

100% Egyptian cotton oversized bath towels

Plush Frette® bathrobes

Complimentary shoeshine service

Celebrity tote bag

Delivery of requested board games

Dual voltage 110/220 AC

Bathroom accessories & hair dryer

Fresh cut flowers

Complimentary beach towel service

Plentiful storage space in your bathroom

Thermostat-controlled air-conditioning

Interactive television system to view & select shore excursions, order room service & watch movies*

Individual safe

Direct-dial telephone

Laundry service*

Mini-bar*

*Additional charges apply.

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I hope that some people will find this informative/helpful.

 

Tom

Are there any special "perks" when booking a suite with Royal Caribbean?