Uncomfortable with the idea of Sanctuary!

[redozdachs]

We're just off of the Coral Princess for the second time. Between our cruises on board the Sanctuary had opened. I've not used it, so I may be unclear on the concept. But, as I understand it, this is an area that is set aside with plusher deck chairs and steward service. You pay an additional fee to use this area.

 

In concept this strikes me as moving back to the day's and lines when cruising was a classed affair. 1st class passenger's had run of the ship, the other classes were restricted to their specific areas. I think that if this is your style, there are lines that still do this. I prefer an experience without classes.

 

My second issue with the Sanctuary is that on the Coral at least, it is placed so that it is no longer possible to walk a complete circuit around the upper decks. I've not checked the deck plans on other Princess ships to see if that is the case with all Sanctuary's.

 

I've seen posts where other passenger's are looking forward to their days in the Sanctuary or complaints where they were unable to book. This makes me think that I am probably in the minority. But I don't understand what I am missing. I'm all for adult only space...the cruise lines have always set aside space for adults.

[Colo Cruiser]

On the upper deck on the Coral/Island you still had to cut through the inside even before the Sanctuary was in place.

[hubofhockey]

We're just off of the Coral Princess for the second time. Between our cruises on board the Sanctuary had opened. I've not used it, so I may be unclear on the concept. But, as I understand it, this is an area that is set aside with plusher deck chairs and steward service. You pay an additional fee to use this area.

 

In concept this strikes me as moving back to the day's and lines when cruising was a classed affair. 1st class passenger's had run of the ship, the other classes were restricted to their specific areas. I think that if this is your style, there are lines that still do this. I prefer an experience without classes.

 

My second issue with the Sanctuary is that on the Coral at least, it is placed so that it is no longer possible to walk a complete circuit around the upper decks. I've not checked the deck plans on other Princess ships to see if that is the case with all Sanctuary's.

 

I've seen posts where other passenger's are looking forward to their days in the Sanctuary or complaints where they were unable to book. This makes me think that I am probably in the minority. But I don't understand what I am missing. I'm all for adult only space...the cruise lines have always set aside space for adults.

 

I am not sure if you are in the minority at all. Most people are very happy just sitting in the regular lounge chairs.

[Jennygirl]

As a cruiser who has used the Sanctuary a few times I don't think it has anything at all to do with "classes". What is has to do with, for me, is not having to be in the main pool area with tons of people, kids running around and chair hogs. Don't get me wrong, I love a good party, but then there are times when I just want to be soothed, waited on and Lordy, those cushions are divine! L0L Do I mind paying the extra money? Not really. If it were for free, then it wouldnt be so special. You really shouldve booked it for 1/2 a day just to see what I'm talking about. My DH and my friends LOVE this place and we will be back there this July on the CB.

[bhopal21]

My second issue with the Sanctuary is that on the Coral at least, it is placed so that it is no longer possible to walk a complete circuit around the upper decks. I've not checked the deck plans on other Princess ships to see if that is the case with all Sanctuary's.

quote]

 

You can walk or jog around the Coral/Island on the Promenade deck.

 

Mike:)

[Times Prince]

As a cruiser who has used the Sanctuary a few times I don't think it has anything at all to do with "classes". What is has to do with, for me, is not having to be in the main pool area with tons of people, kids running around and chair hogs. Don't get me wrong, I love a good party, but then there are times when I just want to be soothed, waited on and Lordy, those cushions are divine! L0L Do I mind paying the extra money? Not really. If it were for free, then it wouldnt be so special.

As a cruiser who has not used the Sanctuary, I agree with the statement it doesn't have anything to do with "classes", unless one associates social classes with the ability to shell out more money for some nicer surroundings and freedom from youth intrusions / MUTS sound.

 

We have not found the Sanctuary to offer something compelling for us to buy, and then again, we don't book suites for our cabin either.

 

I am reminded of the quote that "they can't make you feel inferior unless you let them" (unknown author).

 

It really doesn't have anything to do with social class,

[cruise pup]

 

In concept this strikes me as moving back to the day's and lines when cruising was a classed affair. 1st class passenger's had run of the ship, the other classes were restricted to their specific areas. I think that if this is your style, there are lines that still do this. I prefer an experience without classes.

 

Class-restricted implies that it is limited to a particular stateroom category. Anyone wiling to pay the fee can use the Sanctuary regardless of what category they booked. The Sanctuary is just another money-making venture. The breakfast in Sabatini's is class-restricted to suite passengers. It cannot be accessed by any other passengers even for a fee from what I understand.

[Pam in CA]

I guess that if you don't feel comfortable with the Sanctuary, don't use it. It's entirely optional. And I agree that it has nothing to do with "class." To me, it's an area for those who don't want to have to look for or fight for a lounger, don't want to be run over by kids, and have a relatively quiet, peaceful place to relax. As has been said, if you want to walk around the deck, you always have the Promenade on the Coral/Island. From your post, I gather you also probably object to the Platinum/Elite lounge. What about Princess Cays? After all, that's an area in Eleuthera set aside as a playground for "rich" cruise passengers, as the media would put it.

[LisaroseNY]

I agree with the PP...the cushions on the loungers are to die for.

Personally, I have seen children in the "adults only" area of the pool/ship so for my husband and I, the Santurary is TRUELY an adult area for us to go and relax.

 

To each his own but we are glad there is the sanctuary on the ships that we have cruised on. :D

[BalconyGal]

I guess that if you don't feel comfortable with the Sanctuary, don't use it. It's entirely optional. And I agree that it has nothing to do with "class." To me, it's an area for those who don't want to have to look for or fight for a lounger, don't want to be run over by kids, and have a relatively quiet, peaceful place to relax. As has been said, if you want to walk around the deck, you always have the Promenade on the Coral/Island. From your post, I gather you also probably object to the Platinum/Elite lounge. What about Princess Cays? After all, that's an area in Eleuthera set aside as a playground for "rich" cruise passengers, as the media would put it.

I totally agree with Pam, as someone who has used the sanctuary I never had to search for a chair or listen to screaming kids or MUTS all day. It was just a relaxed, calm environment; which I gladly paid for and hope to have to opportunity to do so again.

[sultan_sfo]

I also feel a creeping class designation -- after all class designation means that one has to pay more to qualify for that class. Areas that were open to all are being converted to paid areas. Already the Skywalker is designated as Platinum / Elite during certain hours depriving other cruisers of all or part of that space. I am OK with Sabinitinis being made a breakfast place for suites. But on some ships, the deck area around Sabanitis is also cordoned off during breakfast hours. What next? Charge a fee to enter some selected bars, piazza, promenade deck and also to get traditional dining?

[Rosethorn40]

Besides being a revenue opportunity for the cruise line (And lets face it-the goal for all businesses is to increase the bottom line) the main reason to charge a fee is that if it was free it would become a madhouse with chair hogs "holding" seats, and others getting angry that they couldn't find a seat. Wouldn't be much of a Sanctuary if people were milling about trying to find a seat. I heard that when the Carnival Dream first launched that fights broke out in their Serenity Area, their answer to the Sanctuary, which has no extra charge. The fights were between those holding a chair, and those that wanted a chair.

 

As far as the "class" issue, I'm basically a hillbilly from West Virginia. As long as I am able to pony up $15 a day I have as much right to use the Sanctuary as someone who lives on Park Avenue. For me it's affordable luxury.

[Toto2Kansas]

IMHO, the Sanctuary has nothing at all to do with a 'class' system, just who is willing to pay the price for it. If it were a class system, it would only be available to those booking in the higher cabin categories. Where as with the Sanctuary, anyone can enter that is willing to pay the price for it. More a $$$$$ system, then a seperation of classes onboard. IMHO of course! :)

[Carolyn R]

I agree that the Sanctuary is not a class issue. The amenities and the peace and quiet are worth every penny. I have read many times on this board that people book a cabin without a balcony and reserve the Sanctuary for the entire cruise. I love the spa menu, the cucumber and lemon water, cool cloths, choice of sun or shade, as well as the very personable attendants. My favorite pool on the Grand class is the Lotus pool but on a sea day you are lucky to get a chair at any pool. That is when I like to book the Sanctuary.

[sultan33]

The Celebrity Solstice had an area called Solarium that provided plush lounging chairs and a soothing atmosphere. We used to go there from 4:00PM to 6:00PM to unwind before dinner. We missed that on our Caribbean Princess cruise.

[jbrambach]

I also feel a creeping class designation -- after all class designation means that one has to pay more to qualify for that class. Areas that were open to all are being converted to paid areas. Already the Skywalker is designated as Platinum / Elite during certain hours depriving other cruisers of all or part of that space. I am OK with Sabinitinis being made a breakfast place for suites. But on some ships, the deck area around Sabanitis is also cordoned off during breakfast hours. What next? Charge a fee to enter some selected bars, piazza, promenade deck and also to get traditional dining?

As far as Skywalkers, on the CB in Oct 09, other cruisers were still allowed to use the space, their was a special area for Platinum/Elite Cruisers to sit on one side, the other was for all other cruisers.

[beatriz22]

we were on ohoh ,emerald was it? the 7 day to mexico from L.A., last dec. we werent told anything about a fee and didnt see info reg that, it was towards the front of the ship but we didnt use it because it didnt get much sun, it was being blocked from the deck above, but if it wasnt in so much shade itd have been great , no screaming kids running jumping,..,a calm area to relax in ...we went up a deck away from the main kiddie land pool and not so crowded .. wonder if the fee thing something new this year or we just werent aware of any fees...?there shouldnt be fees to be in an area where one wants to want to relax, especially when no monitoring of unruly kids exists

[Hollybelle]

For the business it's quite simply about the bottom line. From a consumer standpoint, it's a matter of value and whether or not each individual finds the price worth what they get in return. I don't find enough value in it, but that's just me... I'm perfectly content in a lounger near one of the main pools and I'd rather spend that money on something else (like adult beverages :D). However, just because the Sanctuary doesn't appeal to me, it doesn't mean I begrudge those who choose to utilize it. And let's be real, if someone can afford to cruise, then he/she can afford the sanctuary IF he/she really wants to use it. Sure if the person is on a tight budget he/she might have to give up something else (like, say a shore excursion) for a weekly pass at the Sanctuary, but that's a choice. So in my opinion it's all about priorities and perceived value, not class.

[Buddy604]

Half a day is about all I can take doing the lounger thing, so for $10 I get peace and quiet, an mp3 player with soothing spa music, refreshing cloths, cold water, and a spa snack menu. That's less than the price of two cocktails, and, for me, far more enjoyable.

 

It's not a class thing anymore than the thermal spa, the hair dresser, the masseuse, Sabatini's or the steakhouse are.

[zacc]

I also feel a creeping class designation -- after all class designation means that one has to pay more to qualify for that class. Areas that were open to all are being converted to paid areas. Already the Skywalker is designated as Platinum / Elite during certain hours depriving other cruisers of all or part of that space. I am OK with Sabinitinis being made a breakfast place for suites. But on some ships, the deck area around Sabanitis is also cordoned off during breakfast hours. What next? Charge a fee to enter some selected bars, piazza, promenade deck and also to get traditional dining?

 

I really wanted to remain silent on this thread but some comments just scream you have to be kidding. Do you really think you can buy class???

Class is an extention of ones character, the interaction with and treatment of others, the ability to have an open mind when judging values, and a moral conviction toward right and wrong. I know people who don't have two nickels to rub together that have more class than most of the wealthy individuals that I know. Being willing to spend extra money for something is certainly much different than having that extra money to spend. Most preceive a vacation as an opportunity to treat "ones self." Following your logic I could become upper, upper class by going to the Sanctuary, having dinner at Sabatinis, doing the Ship tour, enjoying the Chefs Table and I almost forgot eating at the Crown Grill!!! Mom and Dad I have finally made it big!!!!:D

[sabookkeeper]

We're just off of the Coral Princess for the second time. Between our cruises on board the Sanctuary had opened. I've not used it, so I may be unclear on the concept. But, as I understand it, this is an area that is set aside with plusher deck chairs and steward service. You pay an additional fee to use this area.

 

In concept this strikes me as moving back to the day's and lines when cruising was a classed affair. 1st class passenger's had run of the ship, the other classes were restricted to their specific areas. I think that if this is your style, there are lines that still do this. I prefer an experience without classes.

 

My second issue with the Sanctuary is that on the Coral at least, it is placed so that it is no longer possible to walk a complete circuit around the upper decks. I've not checked the deck plans on other Princess ships to see if that is the case with all Sanctuary's.

 

I've seen posts where other passenger's are looking forward to their days in the Sanctuary or complaints where they were unable to book. This makes me think that I am probably in the minority. But I don't understand what I am missing. I'm all for adult only space...the cruise lines have always set aside space for adults.

We have booked Sanctuary for our last 3 cruises. We book an inside cabin on the Lido deck to save money and then book Sanctuary for the week. We only have to walk up one flight of stairs to get there. I do not believe it has anything to do with "classes" as it is available to everyone. Yes, there is an additional cost, but in my opinion it is worth it. When booking for the week, we select our lounger, which due to medical concerns has to be in the shade, and know that whenever we go up it is there waiting for us. It is nice and quiet which my DH and I enjoy. The service is excellant and by the 2nd to

3rd day the stewards recognize us and always have glasses of water ready to serve us. Basically it really is an individual's decision whether it is worth the extra money or not. We beieve it is.

 

Darlene

[RickEk]

we were on ohoh ,emerald was it? the 7 day to mexico from L.A., last dec. we werent told anything about a fee and didnt see info reg that, it was towards the front of the ship but we didnt use it because it didnt get much sun, it was being blocked from the deck above, but if it wasnt in so much shade itd have been great , no screaming kids running jumping,..,a calm area to relax in ...we went up a deck away from the main kiddie land pool and not so crowded .. wonder if the fee thing something new this year or we just werent aware of any fees...?there shouldnt be fees to be in an area where one wants to want to relax, especially when no monitoring of unruly kids exists

 

Well, you must mean the Sapphire Princess and she hasn't been "upgraded" with a Sanctuary yet. The area you're talking about is the Lotus Spa pool area which is free to all... even on those Grand-class ships that do have the Sanctuary.

[happytalk44]

I am frankly stunned over the "class" question. Being aboard a cruise ship is not spending your days in a socialist country. People PAY for the activity rather than having everyone be "granted" equal treatment. No different from someone living in town vs someone having the ability to live in a gated community. No one is being told they can't use it because of their "class".

[RickEk]

I am frankly stunned over the "class" question. Being aboard a cruise ship is not spending your days in a socialist country. People PAY for the activity rather than having everyone be "granted" equal treatment. No different from someone living in town vs someone having the ability to live in a gated community. No one is being told they can't use it because of their "class".

 

Well, Cunard still uses the "class" system onboard their ships. If you can pay more, you get an exclusive dining room and some more amenities... pay for "Queens Grill" and you'll also get a butler...

[happytalk44]

I still don't see that aspect as a "class system". I see that as perks and amenities for guests. People in suites get extras too but I sure don't deny them that ability to pay for the rooms that give them that perk. It only encourages me to be able to one day do it myself--if I CHOOSE-- instead of expecting someone to give it to me. Technically, in my book, the perks don't make up for the prices of those rooms. But, they can sure have the right to do that if they please. I have never been inside a Sanctuary on a but I believe folks have the right to decide for themselves what they can and can't afford and what to do with their money on a cruise ship or anywhere else.