Advice on Penthouse suite 10502 on the Star

[fozzyfoz]

we just took a paid upgrade for our Oct cruise form a JS to AC pnthouse suite (bigger room, bigger balcony). Just wondering if anyone has stayed in that suite and can give their opinions on the good and bad of that front of the boat suite - was it very windy on the balcony, what was butler and concierge service like, what type of treats did you get in the afternoon, etc. Thanks

[KatWag]

Absolutely amazing room!!! DH surprised me for my 40th birthday and upgraded us.

 

You do get a good bit of wind on the balcony and that was the only downside. Also, you will hear the wind whistle when the ship is moving at night because the wind really whips against the bulkhead door (a steel door into the cabin). You won't be able to leave your balcony door open at night when you are moving.

 

You have the same view as the bridge - you'll find a sign asking that you keep the drapes closed at night so the light doesn't disrupt things on the bridge.

 

Gorgeous floor to ceiling windows looking out. Teak loungers on the verandah. Great closet, dressing area, bath is incredible.

 

Little surprises left periodically - choc covered strawberries, canapes, etc.

 

Special "Suites only" cocktail party / VIP tender tix / Get escorted through immigration BEFORE anyone else. Your concierge will make your reservations. Butler was John for us - amazing guy. He was really super. WHen you order room service, the butler first comes in and lays a white linen cloth on your dining table. (It seats four and is a very nice size). Then he serves your meal.

 

We actually used the butler much more than the concierge. I've read other posters report the exact opposite, though.

 

Enjoy your trip.

[fozzyfoz]

You do get a good bit of wind on the balcony and that was the only downside. Also, you will hear the wind whistle when the ship is moving at night because the wind really whips against the bulkhead door (a steel door into the cabin). You won't be able to leave your balcony door open at night when you are moving.

You have the same view as the bridge - you'll find a sign asking that you keep the drapes closed at night so the light doesn't disrupt things on the bridge.

 

KatWag: Thanks for the info. Just a few clarifying questions...

 

Is there a glass balcony door AND a steel bulkhead door? Also, where is the bulkhead door, inside or outside the room (and exactly what is it's purpose that it had to be closed at night)?

 

I was planning on using the balcony to lay out (instead of fighting the masses for position on the pool deck) in your experience is it too windy to do that? Is it windy at all times when the ship is moving or are there varying degrees (is it dependant on weather and/or speed of the ship?

 

Sounds like between having a steel door and having to keep the drapes shut for the bridge and it being very windy it kind of defeats the purpose of having that room (at least for our purposes).

 

When and where was the VIP party held and did you get a special invitiation your had to bring to the party?

[DCT61]

The door is a regular exterior type swinging door. It is solid and has no window. There is however, a sealed window roughly floor to ceiling and about 4' wide, next to the door. The steel bulkhead door is outside the regular door (kind of like a "screen door" would be) it has a hook and can be kept in the open position. It does not have to be kept closed at all times (unless there are heavy/stormy seas). The balcony railing is sold steel about 3' high with a smaller glass/teak rail above that. When you would be laying down, your head would be below the railing and thus avoiding the wind. BE ADVISED this balcony is overlooked by the bridge one deck above. As for the light from the room at night, this is typical on all ships...even occupants of cabins along the sides toward the front usually are asked to keep their curtains closed. This doesnt mean you cant turn off your lights and open the curtains though.

[mkitchy]

We'll also be sailing in Oct. in AC cabin 10000. Just wondering if the square footage of 10500 is similar to ours. We chose this cabin over 9500 because we've read the cabins are larger. Any truth to this? Just wondering, as we still have the option to switch to a larger balcony deck nine AC cabin. Anybody happen to have any photos of one of the AC cabins? Thanks for any info.

[DCT61]

Suites 10000 and 10500 are mirror images of each other. From what Ive read, suites on deck 10 are larger with smaller decks (depthwise) suites on deck 9 are smaller with larger decks (depthwise) If youll notice on the photo above the 2 suites in the center appear to be larger than those next to them, due to the "bay window" (angled window) under the bridge extension.

[mkitchy]

bump

[Oppgaard]

Does cabin 10000, AC, have a whirlpool tub?