Another Thread :) . This Time I Have a Suite Question

[TracieABD]

Hi-

Sorry to keep inundating you questions, but I do promise, if ya'all ever decide to sail on Princess, I will do my best to answer all of your questions!

 

This is my question: We are in a Penthouse Suite (10012) on the Spirit. Does the concierge call us in advance of the cruise? How far in advance?

 

Maybe I am just dreaming this...

 

Thanks!

TL

[NLH Arizona]

Hi-

Sorry to keep inundating you questions, but I do promise, if ya'all ever decide to sail on Princess, I will do my best to answer all of your questions!

 

This is my question: We are in a Penthouse Suite (10012) on the Spirit. Does the concierge call us in advance of the cruise? How far in advance?

 

Maybe I am just dreaming this...

 

Thanks!

TL

I was in a suite last week and never got a call from the pre-concierge, so I called them at 55 days out and made some reservations, picked pillow type, etc. They told me that no one had put in a request for me to get a call or the letter which had my luggage tags.

[WaldosPepper]

You are not dreaming. When you receive your "Welcome Aboard" packet in the mail, it will have a booklet of information, which also contains your luggage tags in the center of it, Accompanying that booklet will be a letter from the Pre-Cruise Concierge service, which will give you a phone number and an email address, so that you can contact them whichever way you prefer.

 

I like to make my first contact by phone, so I can speak to a live person. Then I ask for a confirmation email outlining my requests. This way, I have in writing what I have requested (more for my own uses, so I know if I forgot anything :o ) but I also have a way to ensure that all the things I (think) I requested appear. If anything is missing I reply to the email with the details I need to add, and then request another confirmation.

 

It works perfectly for me, and I have yet to board a ship and not have all of my requests taken care of. Others report less favorable results, so be aware that this is by no means foolproof. ;)

 

Don't hesitate to ask questions. That's what we're all here for!

 

:)

[TracieABD]

You are not dreaming. When you receive your "Welcome Aboard" packet in the mail, it will have a booklet of information, which also contains your luggage tags in the center of it, Accompanying that booklet will be a letter from the Pre-Cruise Concierge service, which will give you a phone number and an email address, so that you can contact them whichever way you prefer.

 

I like to make my first contact by phone, so I can speak to a live person. Then I ask for a confirmation email outlining my requests. This way, I have in writing what I have requested (more for my own uses, so I know if I forgot anything :o ) but I also have a way to ensure that all the things I (think) I requested appear. If anything is missing I reply to the email with the details I need to add, and then request another confirmation.

 

It works perfectly for me, and I have yet to board a ship and not have all of my requests taken care of. Others report less favorable results, so be aware that this is by no means foolproof. ;)

 

Don't hesitate to ask questions. That's what we're all here for!

 

:)

Thank you so much, W-Pep! Your information on NCL suites is vast and helpful! About how long before you sail does the packet come?

 

I am a little excited. ;) Can you tell?

[ohiotek]

My packet came about 40 days before the cruise but now it only has the luggage tags and a letter with the pre-concierge email and phone #. It also refers you to the web site to read the Welcome Aboard Booklet.

 

The pre-concierge is very helpful. I recommend calling and he/she will walk you step by step through the list of choices. You can also make any special requests at that time.

 

Enjoy.

 

Only 13 days till our cruise!!!! :D

[WaldosPepper]

Thank you so much, W-Pep! Your information on NCL suites is vast and helpful! About how long before you sail does the packet come?

 

I am a little excited. ;) Can you tell?

 

Yeah... I can tell! :D It's okay, though, because I get as giddy as a schoolgirl every time I book another suite, so your anticipation is completely normal, as far as I'm concerned. ;)

 

The packet usually arrives somewhere between 30 and 45 days before sailing. Plenty of time to make the arrangements you wish.

 

Enjoy your suite. I have a distinct feeling you will be sailing NCL again, and soon will forget all about that other line you "used" to sail.

 

:)

[WaldosPepper]

Also, in case you haven't seen it yet - here's the latest and most up-to-date version of my suite perks listing...

 

Suite categories are designated by the letter “S,” followed by a number (Haven suites) or letter (Non-Haven suites). Stateroom categories not beginning with the letter S do not receive perks.

 

• Haven suites have access to the Haven regardless of where they are situated on the ship. The Haven has its own pool, hot tub, sauna, and sundeck. Some have their own restaurant and bar within the Haven complex. Some Haven's also have a retractable roof over the central area. Haven configuration varies based on ship class/generation

 

• All suites have complimentary access to a private restaurant for breakfast and lunch.

 

• All suites have Butler and Concierge service. The Concierge can assist with dining reservations, shore excursion booking and guidance in many other areas. He or she also provides delivery of invitations and information to the suite, and performs all escorts on and off the ship. The Butler provides delivery of daily amenities, meals en suite, replenishes coffee and other supplies, and oversees the maintenance of the suite. Gratuity should be based upon services provided.

 

• All suites receive invitations to a special cocktail reception with the Captain and other Officers.

 

• All suites receive priority embarkation {including express through security and check-in, as well as a private lounge with various amenities to enjoy while awaiting escort aboard} and disembarkation {which includes a private area to gather, and escort off the ship & directly to the VIP Luggage area and Porter Services}, as well as priority tendering.

 

• All suites receive one bottle of Sparkling Wine, one large bottle of water, a bowl of fresh fruit (replenished upon consumption) and a fresh flower arrangement in their suite. (Note: Garden Villas, Deluxe Owner's Suites and Owner's Suites receive Champagne instead of Sparkling Wine)

 

• Garden Villa's receive 6 bottles of alcohol with unlimited mixers, soda and water, while Deluxe Owner's Suites and Owner's Suites each receive 3 bottles of alcohol with unlimited mixers, soda and water. All other categories do not receive complimentary liquor.

 

• All suites are provided with a variety of Elemis brand toiletries.

 

• All suites are equipped with a Coffee/Cappuccino/Espresso Machine (Most are Lavazza pod-style machines), however the Sun has Lavazza machines in the Owner’s Suites, but drip-style coffee brewers in all other suites (these suites cannot accommodate these devices).

 

• All suites have access to the Pre-Cruise Concierge service, which helps to coordinate your individual selections on pillow types, coffee and tea preferences, and a variety of special requests.

 

• All suites (except the SG and SJ suites on Deck 12 of the Star and some suites on the Sun) have a portable phone, which can be used throughout the ship.

 

• All suites are equipped with the "Bliss Bed" which truly lives up to its name, fitted with upgraded bedding. Also provided with upgraded bathrobes, as well as slippers.

 

• All suites have an expanded Room Service menu. Essentially, order whatever you want, and if it is available on the ship you will have it.

 

• Some suites have access to a reserved section of the theater on some ships, based upon stateroom category, as well as other factors, which can vary from sailing to sailing.

 

 

Prepare to be pampered royally.

 

:)

[francina]

The welcome page. If you have people at different address will each one get the package.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 2

[tdc2673]

I sail this Sunday. Never got my packet. I called a week ago and was told "a request was never put in for a welcome packet" for me. :confused: I have seen quite a few reports of this recently. Don't know what the breakdown is lately but no biggie. I called and they got me my welcome letter via email (after second call). It was too late to get my luggage tags but again not that big of a deal, I just printed and laminated myself. So lesson to take away is if you do not have at 30 days out by all means call them right away. The first person I got definitely needed a lesson in customer service and did not follow through but the second person I spoke with was wonderful. Her name is Adrian. If you have trouble and need to call, maybe ask for her. Hopefully yours will come as it should and you will not need to call.

 

Enjoy your cruise! I am counting the minutes until mine!!:D

[Artemis]

WaldosPepper, thanks so much for preparing and sharing that suite benefits list!

[WaldosPepper]

The welcome page. If you have people at different address will each one get the package.

 

Huh??? Are you asking a question or making a statement?

 

In our experience - three times in a row - only the person who's name appears first on the reservation will receive the packet and luggage tags.

 

WaldosPepper, thanks so much for preparing and sharing that suite benefits list!

 

My pleasure. It has evolved considerably since its first go-round. I continually add to it, and make adjustments based upon helpful info from other cc members, etc. Very glad that it is helpful to so many people!

 

:)

[jtvmi77]

Also, in case you haven't seen it yet - here's the latest and most up-to-date version of my suite perks listing...

 

Suite categories are designated by the letter “S,” followed by a number (Haven suites) or letter (Non-Haven suites). Stateroom categories not beginning with the letter S do not receive perks.

 

• Haven suites have access to the Haven regardless of where they are situated on the ship. The Haven has its own pool, hot tub, sauna, and sundeck. Some have their own restaurant and bar within the Haven complex. Some Haven's also have a retractable roof over the central area. Haven configuration varies based on ship class/generation

 

• All suites have complimentary access to a private restaurant for breakfast and lunch.

 

• All suites have Butler and Concierge service. The Concierge can assist with dining reservations, shore excursion booking and guidance in many other areas. He or she also provides delivery of invitations and information to the suite, and performs all escorts on and off the ship. The Butler provides delivery of daily amenities, meals en suite, replenishes coffee and other supplies, and oversees the maintenance of the suite. Gratuity should be based upon services provided.

 

• All suites receive invitations to a special cocktail reception with the Captain and other Officers.

 

• All suites receive priority embarkation {including express through security and check-in, as well as a private lounge with various amenities to enjoy while awaiting escort aboard} and disembarkation {which includes a private area to gather, and escort off the ship & directly to the VIP Luggage area and Porter Services}, as well as priority tendering.

 

• All suites receive one bottle of Sparkling Wine, one large bottle of water, a bowl of fresh fruit (replenished upon consumption) and a fresh flower arrangement in their suite. (Note: Garden Villas, Deluxe Owner's Suites and Owner's Suites receive Champagne instead of Sparkling Wine)

 

• Garden Villa's receive 6 bottles of alcohol with unlimited mixers, soda and water, while Deluxe Owner's Suites and Owner's Suites each receive 3 bottles of alcohol with unlimited mixers, soda and water. All other categories do not receive complimentary liquor.

 

• All suites are provided with a variety of Elemis brand toiletries.

 

• All suites are equipped with a Coffee/Cappuccino/Espresso Machine (Most are Lavazza pod-style machines), however the Sun has Lavazza machines in the Owner’s Suites, but drip-style coffee brewers in all other suites (these suites cannot accommodate these devices).

 

• All suites have access to the Pre-Cruise Concierge service, which helps to coordinate your individual selections on pillow types, coffee and tea preferences, and a variety of special requests.

 

• All suites (except the SG and SJ suites on Deck 12 of the Star and some suites on the Sun) have a portable phone, which can be used throughout the ship.

 

• All suites are equipped with the "Bliss Bed" which truly lives up to its name, fitted with upgraded bedding. Also provided with upgraded bathrobes, as well as slippers.

 

• All suites have an expanded Room Service menu. Essentially, order whatever you want, and if it is available on the ship you will have it.

 

• Some suites have access to a reserved section of the theater on some ships, based upon stateroom category, as well as other factors, which can vary from sailing to sailing.

 

 

Prepare to be pampered royally.

 

:)

 

My wife and I have done about 6 or 7 cruises, and wanted to go kind of big on our next one. We've never done a suite before, but have sailed on Celebrity, Princess, HAL, Disney, and Royal. I sailed on the three-night NCL Sky a couple of years ago with two guy friends (bachelor weekend before I got married). We shared an inside cabin. I got a very good vibe from the line, even though we were doing about the most economical cruise possible. Technically, this was not my first NCL experience, because as a kid I went on Starward and Windward, if anyone remembers those.

 

Based on what is posted here, and on other threads, it really seemed like NCL offers the most for suite guests. We booked an Owner's Suite on Pearl for Alaska this July (a place neither of us have been).

 

This is where I think CC is very helpful in sharing info, because I would not have thought to book NCL for our cruise had posters not shared this kind of stuff. We are pretty excited about the trip.

Edited November 19, 2013 by jtvmi77

[nlsoftly]

Have a wonderful, amazing time!!! DH and I love the "sweet" life on NCL!

[Cruisevirgin1965]

We too are in our first suite next summer on the Spirit on the 12 night Grand Med cruise. Very excited. I definitely appreciate the list of 'suite perks". I do have a question though, everyone talks about these daily treats that are brought to your cabin, but how does one even know what to ask for? I'm sure we will love anything but keep hearing to just ask for what you want as far as these daily treats go and I keep thinking what in the world would I even request??? For instance I know my mom loves M&Ms and my sister craves potato chips, can we really ask for these things? :D

I'm sure I have way bigger issues to plan and think about but am curious. Thanks!

[WaldosPepper]

My wife and I have done about 6 or 7 cruises, and wanted to go kind of big on our next one. We've never done a suite before, but have sailed on Celebrity, Princess, HAL, Disney, and Royal. I sailed on the three-night NCL Sky a couple of years ago with two guy friends (bachelor weekend before I got married). We shared an inside cabin. I got a very good vibe from the line, even though we were doing about the most economical cruise possible. Technically, this was not my first NCL experience, because as a kid I went on Starward and Windward, if anyone remembers those.

 

Based on what is posted here, and on other threads, it really seemed like NCL offers the most for suite guests. We booked an Owner's Suite on Pearl for Alaska this July (a place neither of us have been).

This is where I think CC is very helpful in sharing info, because I would not have thought to book NCL for our cruise had posters not shared this kind of stuff. We are pretty excited about the trip.

 

An OS on an Alaska sailing = pure heaven! Besides all the wonderful suite perks, you've got forward and side balconies - and essentially a wall of windows in the living area if it's just too chilly to be outdoors taking in the sights. You're going to love the perks, but you are REALLY going to love that suite. Even the bathroom is fabulous. ;)

 

We too are in our first suite next summer on the Spirit on the 12 night Grand Med cruise. Very excited. I definitely appreciate the list of 'suite perks". I do have a question though, everyone talks about these daily treats that are brought to your cabin, but how does one even know what to ask for? I'm sure we will love anything but keep hearing to just ask for what you want as far as these daily treats go and I keep thinking what in the world would I even request??? For instance I know my mom loves M&Ms and my sister craves potato chips, can we really ask for these things? :D

I'm sure I have way bigger issues to plan and think about but am curious. Thanks!

 

The daily treats are anything from small sandwiches to cheese & crackers, canapes, chocolates, cookies, sliced fruit, etc. If there is something you would prefer, by all means let your Butler know and they'll be happy to bring that.

 

As far as M&Ms and Chips - if you let your Butler know that members of your party like those items, they'll make sure there is a bowl of them in your suite at all times. ;)

 

Enjoy!

[socrdad]

Originally Posted by jtvmi77 View Post

My wife and I have done about 6 or 7 cruises, and wanted to go kind of big on our next one. We've never done a suite before, but have sailed on Celebrity, Princess, HAL, Disney, and Royal. I sailed on the three-night NCL Sky a couple of years ago with two guy friends (bachelor weekend before I got married). We shared an inside cabin. I got a very good vibe from the line, even though we were doing about the most economical cruise possible. Technically, this was not my first NCL experience, because as a kid I went on Starward and Windward, if anyone remembers those.

 

Based on what is posted here, and on other threads, it really seemed like NCL offers the most for suite guests. We booked an Owner's Suite on Pearl for Alaska this July (a place neither of us have been).

 

This is where I think CC is very helpful in sharing info, because I would not have thought to book NCL for our cruise had posters not shared this kind of stuff. We are pretty excited about the trip.

 

For our first "Suite" experience we were upgraded to the Owner's Suite on the Pearl in March 2012 on a Caribbean Cruise. The "Suite" life and room surpassed our expectations and was incredible. We talked about what a fabulous suite this would be for an Alaskan Cruise. You are definitely in for a treat. I cannot imagine a better suite for an Alaskan Cruise than the Owner's Suite on the Pearl!! You can check out our room tour at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xT0Pk4XG64. Enjoy your trip!

[jtvmi77]

I think the wife and I looked at that video before booking. :D

 

We are going to be in 10504, but I imagine it's pretty similar.

 

Thanks for posting on youtube.

[jtvmi77]

An OS on an Alaska sailing = pure heaven! Besides all the wonderful suite perks, you've got forward and side balconies - and essentially a wall of windows in the living area if it's just too chilly to be outdoors taking in the sights. You're going to love the perks, but you are REALLY going to love that suite. Even the bathroom is fabulous. ;)

 

 

Yeah, the front-facing balcony will hopefully be nice at the Glacier Bay stop. We picked Pearl over Jewel because most of the folks on here said that the stop at GB was a highlight. Here's hoping the weather will be on board with us.

 

That main bathroom looks crazy awesome. I'm excited about the shower jets. I stayed at Caesars in Vegas a bunch of years ago and it had something similar, and I still remember it fondly.