scmexico Posted May 15, 2012 #26 Share Posted May 15, 2012 We usually go most most nights. We have met some great people at this function. It is so relaxing to sit back and watch the wake as the world rolls by. We have AT dining so it works well for us. Actually it is a little early but we adjust. The DOD is usually very good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pam in CA Posted May 15, 2012 #27 Share Posted May 15, 2012 Last month I was never asked for my card when entering, so I did not need to sneak in or lie about it. Had I been asked by anyone I would have surely told the thruth.If you've earned the perk by being Platinum, Elite or booked a full suite, you shouldn't have to sneak in. If asked, I'm sure you would have showed them your card. Nothing to lie about. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeromep Posted May 15, 2012 #28 Share Posted May 15, 2012 It is pretty much open to anyone who shows up. Usually there is just a sign on a table somewhere that says elite lounge. If there is someone there just tell them you are in a suite as you walk in. Not when we were on the Ruby in April. The first night we showed up we were asked to present the invite/schedule/menu which was in our suite at embarkation. The following nights we were not asked for our invite, but the waiters were the same all nights, so they recognized us. We used the lounge about 4 evenings out of a 7 day cruise. It was a nice perk, very relaxing and a great way to start the evening. We found the food offered to be plentiful and very tasty. We were not disappointed. Nobody seems to mention the suite perk of breakfast in Sabatini's. We did that every morning without fail. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonikal Posted May 15, 2012 #29 Share Posted May 15, 2012 We just returned from the Emerald's TA and were disappointed that they had moved the event down to Fusion. It was much better when it was located at Skywalkers with a more congenial seating arrangement. I realize that there are now such large numbers of Elites and Platinums which made the space too small. However, it has backfired because we only went once and others also did not attend as often as when it was at Skywalkers. Not sure what the solution is, but sitting in the dark atmosphere of Fusion just isn't very inviting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare JimmyVWine Posted May 15, 2012 #30 Share Posted May 15, 2012 ...I realize that there are now such large numbers of Elites and Platinums which made the space too small. However, it has backfired because we only went once and others also did not attend as often as when it was at Skywalkers. Sounds like the old Yogi Berra quote: "Nobody goes there any more. It's too crowded!" As for sneaking in...I don't get it. Why try to cheat the system when all you are getting is the option of buying a cocktail and some free food? You can buy a cocktail at no fewer than a dozen other places on the ship and free food is all around you. If they were pouring free Dom Perignon, then I could see the why people would try to sneak under the tent. But the offerings don't warrant the trouble. Seems to me (without actually ever having been to the Elite Lounge), that the real "benefit" is the opportunity to meet and greet with other well-traveled Princess loyalists. I definitely can see the benefit in that. But if you sneak in and start up a conversation with the true Elites, you will quickly be exposed as a cheat and probably scorned. Why risk the embarassment? Is it really worth it to sit by yourself with your free cheese with your head on a swivel hoping that no one has detected your ruse? Too much stress while on vacation. Hopping off the soap box now.:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mnbruce Posted May 15, 2012 #31 Share Posted May 15, 2012 If you've earned the perk by being Platinum, Elite or booked a full suite, you shouldn't have to sneak in. If asked, I'm sure you would have showed them your card. Nothing to lie about. As I stated previously, I was invited up there by the staff, otherwise I would have never gone up there. I'm sure they saw my Gold card though when I ordered drinks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pam in CA Posted May 15, 2012 #32 Share Posted May 15, 2012 As I stated previously, I was invited up there by the staff, otherwise I would have never gone up there. I'm sure they saw my Gold card though when I ordered drinks.If an officer invited you, that's fine. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caribill Posted May 15, 2012 #33 Share Posted May 15, 2012 Not when we were on the Ruby in April. The first night we showed up we were asked to present the invite/schedule/menu which was in our suite at embarkation. I am surprised anybody carries the invite with them. I would assume that almost everybody leaves it in their cabins. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fathercop Posted May 15, 2012 #34 Share Posted May 15, 2012 I am surprised anybody carries the invite with them. I would assume that almost everybody leaves it in their cabins. I never carry my invite, but I was asked on one cruise to show my cruise card one time upon entering Skywalkers. I was asked in a very friendly and respectful manner. Like many others, I do not believe that people should take advantage of perks not entitled to them. I, also, feel that Princess should do a better job of politely monitoring those perks that they give to passengers. These are perks that I earned. It is not fair to indiscriminately wave requirements. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
highheel girl Posted May 15, 2012 #35 Share Posted May 15, 2012 I never carry my invite, but I was asked on one cruise to show my cruise card one time upon entering Skywalkers. . Thats because you look so young Rich. :p Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mnbruce Posted May 15, 2012 #36 Share Posted May 15, 2012 If an officer invited you, that's fine. :) It was not officer, but it must have been fine, otherwise I would not have been invited. While I am a super special kind of guy, :), they would not take the chance of hurting their employment status just to have me up there. I can honestly tell you I asked many times before going up there whether there was any possiblility of any of them getting in trouble for having me up there. It was only after they convined me that there would be not problem did I go up there. No way I would take any chance of hurting these good people just to go up there and pay those high prices for drinks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dorisis Posted May 16, 2012 #37 Share Posted May 16, 2012 Since the drinks are not free, one DOES need to present their card whsn ordering a drink.~Doris~ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
qm2lover Posted May 16, 2012 #38 Share Posted May 16, 2012 If you are travelling with family who are not Elite, can you take them into the Elite lounge? Can they partake of any of the food etc? Where is the Elite lounge on Grand ? Many thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pam in CA Posted May 16, 2012 #39 Share Posted May 16, 2012 If you are travelling with family who are not Elite, can you take them into the Elite lounge? Can they partake of any of the food etc? Where is the Elite lounge on Grand ? Many thanks. Yes, you can take them with you... within reason. If you're traveling with two other people who aren't Elite, I don't see a problem. If you're traveling with 20, that would not be OK. What I've done in the past when traveling with family members or friends who weren't Platinum or Elite is to sit near the section roped off for the "lounge" and go and get a small plate of goodies for the group. I didn't feel comfortable sitting in the area that's designated for those who have earned the perk nor did they feel comfortable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cnd crsr Posted May 16, 2012 #40 Share Posted May 16, 2012 This function is held in the new ONE 5 lounge on the Grand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DreaminginFlorida Posted May 16, 2012 #41 Share Posted May 16, 2012 Just off the Star this past Sunday. We were asked to see our card on the first evening only. And as Bill posted the drink of the day was 5.00. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OZdownunder2013 Posted September 26, 2013 #42 Share Posted September 26, 2013 We love it. We have found Elite lounges are often empty, and no-one goes. In Australia we wear lanyards with our cruise card hole-punched. Every one can see your card - and if you are Elite - so you dont get asked for it. I notice on Princess in UK and in USA & Sth America - the locals carry their cruise card in their wallets. Aussies lock their wallets in the safe - you dont need it. Cruise card on a lanyard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oxo Posted September 26, 2013 #43 Share Posted September 26, 2013 (edited) Sounds like the old Yogi Berra quote: "Nobody goes there any more. It's too crowded!" As for sneaking in...I don't get it. Why try to cheat the system when all you are getting is the option of buying a cocktail and some free food? You can buy a cocktail at no fewer than a dozen other places on the ship and free food is all around you. If they were pouring free Dom Perignon, then I could see the why people would try to sneak under the tent. But the offerings don't warrant the trouble. Seems to me (without actually ever having been to the Elite Lounge), that the real "benefit" is the opportunity to meet and greet with other well-traveled Princess loyalists. I definitely can see the benefit in that. But if you sneak in and start up a conversation with the true Elites, you will quickly be exposed as a cheat and probably scorned. Why risk the embarassment? Is it really worth it to sit by yourself with your free cheese with your head on a swivel hoping that no one has detected your ruse? Too much stress while on vacation. Hopping off the soap box now.:) You said it all! I totally agree with your remarks. Who would anyone try to sneak into an area that is selling 1 drink at $5 plus offering some snacks when you can go anywhere on the ship and get your drink of choice for maybe a BUCK or so more and find much more food selections? I really don't see how they can call this an Elite Lounge/benefit. That is why very few people go to this marked off area on the ship. Edited September 26, 2013 by Oxo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DebJ14 Posted September 26, 2013 #44 Share Posted September 26, 2013 Maybe they should do what Royal Caribbean does. They have a Concierge Lounge for those in Grand suites and above and Pinnacle guests. They serve complimentary cocktails or wine and appetizers in the evening. The Concierge lounge is always available. Room keys for those eligible to use the lounge are pre-set. No need to check ID or worry about others crashing the party for the free drinks. They also serve Continental breakfast there as well as a food presentation around lunchtime. You can also have complimentary espresso, cappucino, hot chocolate, etc. 24 hrs a day. They have a separate diamond event every evening for Diamond and Diamond + members. On newer ships and during remodels they are adding Diamond lounges. Suite guests also can get a cooked to order breakfast and lunch in one of the alternative dining venues daily. It is a wonderful system along with the reserved chairs at the pool, theater and ice shows for those in suites. The room keys are gold in color for those eligible for the suite perks and they do check at the pool and and other reserved seating venues and ask guests to leave who are not entitled to the perks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shogun Posted September 26, 2013 #45 Share Posted September 26, 2013 Hi All One perk we have never used, have visited a few times to see what was on offer, but not stayed. yours Shogun Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Go-Bucks! Posted September 27, 2013 #46 Share Posted September 27, 2013 (edited) It is pretty much open to anyone who shows up. No, it's not. While most of the time there isn't anyone at the door to check, it's not open to anyone who shows up. If there is someone there just tell them you are in a suite as you walk in. What a disturbing comment!! So sad to see someone on CC with such a lack of character. :( We really enjoy this time of relaxation before going to dinner. The food is excellent and we love sitting up there in Skywalker's to watch sailaway. I've never seen anyone checking cruise cards and there's usually fewer than 20 people in the room. Love this perk! Edited September 27, 2013 by Go-Bucks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OCruisers Posted September 27, 2013 #47 Share Posted September 27, 2013 DH never wants to go ... had rather go to his favorite bar ... so while we've always been able to go, we never have. :o LuLu ~~~~~ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
christinelee Posted September 27, 2013 #48 Share Posted September 27, 2013 Sample Elite, Platinum and Suite pre- dinner drinks and hors d’oeuvres Princess Cruisesescape completely WE welcome you to join us on specialty selected evenings this cruise between the hours of 5:00pm and 7:00 pm in the (selected area of your ship) for drink specials and complimentary pre dinner hors d’oeuvres. Sunday Shrimp Fountain with American Cocktail Sauce Cocktail of the Evening Cosmopolitan $5.00 Monday Smoked Salmon with Toast Points. Onion Rings, Capers and Lemon Cocktail of the Day Chairman of the Board $5.00 Tuesday Wheel of Stilton with Port Wine Walnut Baguette Cocktail of the Day Port Wine $5.00 Thursday Herb-Marinated Goat’s Cheese w/ Crisp Rosemary Flatbread and Tomato Bruschetta Cocktail of the Day Brezza Marina $5.00 Friday Freshly Made Guacamole With Tortilla Chips Cocktail of the Day El Mejor Margarita $5.00 Saturday Assorted Sushi with Soy Sauce Wasabi and Pickled Ginger Cocktail of the Day Japanese Slipper - $5.00 Sunday Beef Steak Tar tare With Melba Toast Cocktail of the Day Chivas Regal Rob Roy $5.00 Monday Authentic Mexican Salsa With Tortilla Chips Cocktail of the Day Mojito - $5.99 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruise&travelgirl Posted September 29, 2013 #49 Share Posted September 29, 2013 We will be on the Star in a couple months... will the elite cocktail area be in Skywalkers on this ship? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrivesLikeMario Posted September 29, 2013 #50 Share Posted September 29, 2013 It is pretty much open to anyone who shows up. Usually there is just a sign on a table somewhere that says elite lounge. If there is someone there just tell them you are in a suite as you walk in. We've had our cards checked very carefully on some ships and on others, no one ever checked them. Once, we had a crew member tell us, "This is for Elites only!". lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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