writerjoe

Hi,

 

Going on the Bermuda cruise lastvweek in May/first days of June. Anyone who has been in these cabins before: does the piano use floppy disks to play, of CDs? The reason I ask is because I might pick up some self-playing music on eBay before we criuse. I suspect it is a Yamaha Disklavier driven by 3 1/2 inch floppy disks.

 

Thanks!

We returned yesterday from 11 days in the penthouse on Reflection. It was a CD-based Yamaha. The existing disc had a nice variety of music with over 100 songs. We had it playing daily.

We booked the reflection suite for the next cruise and will miss piano.

Last year (Royal Suite-Silhouette) I received a phone call about 3 weeks before our cruise. This year (Penthouse Suite-Reflection) I received an email on January 5th. Our cruise is on January 29th.

I suppose I'm getting excited about our upcoming cruise! LOL!

Hence this question: When Reflection docks in Cartagena, Columbia in February of 2018... which side of the ship will be dockside?

 

Is this a Captain dependant decision, or is it decided by the Port Authority?

 

The ship is scheduled to be there over night, so I'm curious! ;)

We are on the same cruise (port side). Here is an image of the port:

The banquette seating in Luminae on Silhouette was very comfortable. The tables are close enough together that you can have a conversation with the people next to you, but without being so close that it's intrusive.

On Silhouette in December we had a bridge tour and lunch with the Captain and officers, included RS, PH and Zenith cruisers.

 

Nothing similar on Millennium this month but we were invited to dine with the Captain.

I think those little things make the difference. On our last cruise we had a bridge tour for RS & PH, followed by lunch in Blu, which was closed except for our large table of 20. It was a really fun and lively lunch. The captain actually had his favorite dish from home prepared for us. At the end they took a group photo, which was waiting for us in our cabin along with a copy of the captain's recipe.

We ended up making multiple friends at that lunch with whom we still stay in contact (including Mike and Carol who have contributed to this thread). Those experiences are what make a good cruise something more.

I will say nothing about the physical PH. Chemmo has said it all except, perhaps, that the guest bathroom impresses everyone when they think it is the only one. You could move the baby grand piano into the main bathroom and still invite guests to the party. My husband loves the huge shower.

 

Do not worry that the PH will be too large for you. In my opinion, that could be true of the M-class PH but the flow/design of the S-class PH really works. It is a very easy suite to stay in.

 

We have never cruised in a RS on an S-class suite but have done M-class RS and PHs on both classes. On our last RS cruise, we spent a great deal of time with the two PH couples for the whole cruise. We really did notice the difference in the way guests in the two levels of suite were treated. Nothing concrete but a completely different experience when an officer or crew member mistook us for a PH guest. OK, this was before the new suite class but, in theory, the perks were exactly the same for both suites. And, it was a difficult, post-refit cruise on a ship that was not really ready. Officers and crew were really pushed and service level was way down - except for the PH guests.

 

We have not sailed in a RS since (just PH) and have found that, each time, they have managed to surprise us with some extra-special thoughtfulness. Again, it is nothing tangible but when you actually stop to think about it, it is very special. Each cruise, we think that there is nothing else that they could do but, so far, they have managed it. It has kept us coming back.

Thanks for the great feedback. We felt very special on our last cruise in the RS. If they match it this time in the PH, we will be happy.

Have sailed in both (RS last year and PH this year, both on Eclipse) and the services/amenities are the same. It's really just the size difference. It's like being in a floating apartment. The bedroom and closet are a dream and so spacious vs. the RS bedroom which I found a bit cramped. The master bathroom alone is equal to the size of some cabins with the best shower I've ever experienced on a ship or in a hotel (and it's set up for two!). The balcony is massive and has multiple loungers instead of the one on the RS balcony so both guests can have one. And the PH has the enormous living area that is great for entertaining if you are traveling with others or want to invite over some people from your roll call. You'll love it!

Thanks so much. Out of curiosity, did your concierge on either cruise set up any special ship tours or a private lunch with officers for RS & PH suite guests? I'm wondering if that is something our last concierge did on his own or if it is becoming a new standard.

There will be no imposition....

 

we are in California,but I went to school in Minnesota (8 years) ,and came to Madison for a football game (gophers and badgers) !!

Fantastic! Looking forward to meeting.

Hi Writerjoe

 

Decided to add my comments for you (even though Chemmo said it all!!) because we are on same cruise as you are on Reflection (Jan. 29). Like you we had RS first and had absolutely no complaints.... since there are just 2 of you,extra "space " and guest bathroom (in PS) are really not needed. However,I think both of you will really enjoy the BIG shower in master bathroom...and the extra space in bedroom.

I thought balcony at RS was more than adequate..... No difference in perks ,and I thought we had as good a service in RS ....Anyway,hope to see you on the cruise....we are in Signature suite this time

Thank you so much. We'd love to see your signature suite onboard if it's not an imposition.

We've sailed in CS and RS on both M and S class ships. We prefer the CS and RS on the S class ships. Never sailed in the Penthouse suite but have been a guest in the PS on M class several times and it is amazing, especially the balcony. Have never seen the PS on S class ships.

 

There is a subtle difference between CS & RS, not sure if there would be a difference between PH & RS but there probably is. Looking to book a PH for our 50th on Millennium if still sailing Alaska when we celebrate that milestone.

The size differences between suites on S-class ships are pretty significant. CS is the size of 2 standard cabins. RS is three. And the penthouse is 6 standard cabins.

After many very happy RS cruises S class we had our first S class PH experience on the Eclipse in April/May (we had previously experienced M class PH).

 

The S class PH is quite simply a fantasy of light and space. The floor to ceiling windows are fantastic. It has the only bathroom I have ever felt I exercised in moving from shower to sink!

 

We are so glad we have experienced an S class PH (thanks Project gal for the recommendation), however, for our next cruise we are happily back in a RS...

 

Hard to put the difference into words...I guess the RS has everything you need but the S class PH offers a different level of decadence of space and light. If you can afford the PH, just go for it, if you don't you will never really know...We will never regret experiencing it even if we never do it again.

 

We have cruised a few PH on M class (very different experience) and several S class RS as well as the Eclipse PH mentioned.

 

 

In terms of additional perks, unsure...never felt neglected in a RS....I do think a lot depends on your butler and concierge....I also think when you are in a PH you may feel more confident asking for 'that little bit more'....

 

 

Not an easy choice, the cost of a PH is significantly more than a RS...I can only say we have really enjoyed experiencing it!

Thank you for the great response. We had a fantastic butler and concierge on our first cruise who made the experience in RS a pretty amazing one. Hopefully we feel the same way this cruise in the PS.

Hey Joe, it's Carol from our last cruise. I'm pretty sure all the perks are the same. We saw Sharon's penthouse

suite. It was HUGE. The balcony was a lot larger but the hot tub is the same bath tub size. There could

be some other perks I'm not aware of though. Enjoy!!! Let me know how it was after you sail.:)

Carol, I don't think we will ever be able to top that cruise! I'm hoping they do another private lunch with the officers for everyone in RS and PS. Can't wait to hear about your upcoming cruise.

Our first ever cruise was in an RS on Silhouette for a 9-night Mediterranean last September. We were VERY happy with the suite and the level of service. I booked our second cruise as an 11-night Ultimate Caribbean this coming January on Reflection, however, there was only SS and CS available. I booked the last CS with the hope that an RS would eventually open up. Well, the penthouse become available, so I booked it. This is definitely more cabin than we need for the two of us. Has anyone sailed in both RS and PS? We can still wait and see if an RS becomes available and downgrade before final payment is due. Are there other un-advertised perks of PS over the RS?

I've only stayed in a Royal Suite previously, so the minibar was complimentary. Our next cruise is in a Celebrity Suite. Are there charges for non-alcoholic beverages from the minibar?

The suite experience on Celebrity is fantastic.

Breakfast in Luminae is excellent, however on port days we have room service in the suite. Fill out your breakfast card the night before. You don't need to order off the menu. I like eggs benedict with smoked salmon, fresh fruit, coffee and a danish... not on the menu, no problem.

We visited Michael's Club once or twice a day. The cocktail server will get to know you quickly. They have a full bar and if they don't have what you want, they will get it from another bar on the ship.

If you like cookies and milk before bed, just let the butler know and he will have it there nightly.

The best thing about the larger suites is the comfortable outdoor lounge. Get an extra blanket and pillow and sleep out under the stars. It's an amazing experience.

Writerjoe - can I ask the length of your cruise, I'm trying to roughly gage for cash tipping. Our next cruise is a CS for 15 nights. Thank you.

We were on a 9 night cruise out of Rome.

Our butler Orlando on Celebrity Silhouette was just fantastic. We were in a Royal Suite and he went above and beyond. Tips were included, but we tipped extra to the following:

$200 for our butler

$100 for our cabin steward

$50 for our Michael's Club server

$50 for the Michael's Club concierge

$20 for each of the Luminae servers

Celebrity Silhouette Royal Suite Butler

Bar set up: We had requested a bottle of Grey Goose Vodka and Bombay Sapphire Gin. We like Moscow Mules, so our butler kept the bar stocked with ginger beer and fresh limes. Also San Pellegrino, Evian, Stella Artois and Diet Coke were stocked daily.

Bedding: We requested 2 extra pillows and an extra blanket to be used when one of us decided to sleep on the balcony lounge.

Breakfast served in the room: cappuccinos and smoked salmon eggs benedict (not on the menu) daily. Along with fresh fruit and pastries.

Laundry: Because we had been traveling for a month we had a lot of laundry. Our butler had us leave two large piles of clothing: laundry and dry cleaning. He told us he'd fill out the paperwork. Everything was done to perfection.

Late night snacks: We stay up late so our butler always arranged either a shrimp cocktail or cheese plate to be left in our refrigerator. Also a plate of cookies and milk.

Technology: Our butler had our ipad connected to our living room television.

Orlando was fantastic and attentive. We hope to have him again.

We used nicolarometransfer.com and could not be happier. All transfers were just for 2 of us.

They provided our transfer from FCO to Fendi Suites Hotel.

Then a transfer from Fendi to Civitavecchia.

And then transfer after the cruise back to Fendi Suites in Rome. While many were waiting for their transfers, he was one of a few drivers that was waiting for us when we stepped off the boat.

The rates were extremely reasonable and a very friendly driver. When I realized I had left my hdmi cable on the cruise, he stopped on the way into Rome and ran in a store to pick me up another cable while we waited in the comfort of the car. Unbelievable service.

We were on Silhouette in September for a 9-night cruise out of Rome. On our first sea day we were invited to a bridge tour and Captain's lunch with all the other Royal and Penthouse suite passengers. The Captain and six other senior officers were there. It was held in Blu, which was closed to other passengers, so it was wonderfully quiet. We were sat around a large square banquet table, which made it easy to talk to the people next to you and also have the captain speak to the group. All the crew was very interesting and engaged. It was a fantastic afternoon with a special menu, including one dish prepared from the Captain's home recipe. At the end a photo was taken of the group. It was delivered to each of our suites along with a copy of the captain's recipe.

Perhaps the best part is that we bonded with the group and now had familiar faces to see in Michael's Club and Luminae. We've stayed in touch with some of the people from that lunch. It made our first cruise very memorable.

We were on Silhouette for a 9-night cruise out of Rome in September. We had a Royal Suite and spent a lot of time in Michael's Club and Luminae. We got to know the other Royal Suite and Penthouse Suite passengers very well. We didn't see anyone in a tuxedo. I would have felt very over dressed if I had wore one.

We were in a Royal Suite on Celebrity Silhouette in September. We had most breakfasts in our suite, however, I do recommend Luminae for sea days. They do a fantastic job for breakfast. In our suite we usually ordered items that weren't on the menu... eggs benedict with smoked salmon, cheese danish, pineapple. Whatever we wanted, our butler was happy to arrange

Has anyone met the new Concierge in Michaels Club on the Silhouette. Her name is Niko.

 

When we get on board do I give her a note of any requests we may have whilst on the cruise.

 

Many thanks

We just got off Silhouette in Rome a couple weeks ago and the MC concierge was Lawrence. He was fantastic. When does Niko start?

Was just contacted by the shoreside concierge for Celebrity Silhouette. We are booked in a RS on 9/15. She could not have been more accommodating and personable.

She said our Michael's Club concierge will be Lawrence. Has anyone sailed with him before?

Is 1:30pm too late to arrive at the port of Civitavecchia and still have time for lunch in Luminae? We are in a Royal Suite, so hopefully check-in goes quickly.