Embarkation process for suite passengers?

[Old As Dirt Mom]

Haven't been on Celebrity for many years. We are boarding the Solstice this summer in Seattle as RS passengers. I'd appreciate any info regarding the suite embarkation process both before and after boarding. Thank you!

[Old As Dirt Mom]

....As nobody was able to answer my question when I posted it in January, I will now answer it myself, as we have just returned from our Solstice cruise from Seattle to Alaska.

 

Of course this pertains only to Solstice out of Seattle, and are simply my own observations. We entered the terminal around 12:40pm for a 5pm departure:

 

Security screening: Grade - D

 

Upon entering the right hand doors (as you face the Smith Cove terminal at Pier 91) you will encounter stairs, signage, and personnel to guide you. Unfortunately, we encountered a gentleman who wasn't too competent, and he guided us in the wrong direction from the Elite and VIP line, so we ended up going through the main security line, which was very slow. At no time during that initial process before security, did any representatives look at our Express passes to determine whether we should be in the suite line for security. Security was a laborious, inefficient process. My husband ended up being scanned and his lap top scrutinized, which added another 10 minutes to the process.

 

My conclusion is that the Smith Cove Terminal at Pier 91 in Seattle is too small, and does not have the facilities, to adequately handle a ship as large as the Solstice. In retrospect, we should have boarded about an hour later, or perhaps arrived before 11am.

 

Check-In process: Grade - A

 

Finally, after security, there were Celebrity representatives to look at our Xpress passes, and who directed us to the suite check-in. We walked right up and were taken care of efficiently. Rose, the Captain's Club hostess, then escorted us directly to the ship and brought us to Michael's Club, the private lounge for guests in Celebrity, Royal, and Penthouse suites, as well as guests who are Zenith in Captain's Club. Samantha, the Michael's Club concierge, was there to greet us and invited us to partake of the appetizers and beverages that were available.

 

Michael's Club Lounge: Grade A +++

 

Open bar. Need I say more? A happy ending to the security process, and good beginning to the cruise, which was excellent.

[KW Cruisers]

 

Check-In process: Grade - A

 

Finally, after security, there were Celebrity representatives to look at our Xpress passes, and who directed us to the suite check-in. We walked right up and were taken care of efficiently. Rose, the Captain's Club hostess, then escorted us directly to the ship and brought us to Michael's Club, the private lounge for guests in Celebrity, Royal, and Penthouse suites, as well as guests who are Zenith in Captain's Club. Samantha, the Michael's Club concierge, was there to greet us and invited us to partake of the appetizers and beverages that were available.

 

Michael's Club Lounge: Grade A +++

 

Open bar. Need I say more? A happy ending to the security process, and good beginning to the cruise, which was excellent.

 

I'm very happy to hear this! We have booked a Royal Suite on the Constellation for next year (March/15), too bad it's a month before the whole "suite program" with the added benefits goes into effect :-(

 

We are really looking forward to it!

 

I have one additional question, that I would love to hear opinions on:

 

Since we will be in a RS (that comes with a bar set up I believe), and have access to Michael's (where drinks are complimentary)- Is it worth it selecting the drink package on 123 GO?

 

Cheers,

 

Shawn

[Old As Dirt Mom]

I'm very happy to hear this! We have booked a Royal Suite on the Constellation for next year (March/15), too bad it's a month before the whole "suite program" with the added benefits goes into effect :-(

 

We are really looking forward to it!

 

I have one additional question, that I would love to hear opinions on:

 

Since we will be in a RS (that comes with a bar set up I believe), and have access to Michael's (where drinks are complimentary)- Is it worth it selecting the drink package on 123 GO?

 

Cheers,

 

Shawn

 

Shawn, we did not purchase any drink package for our cruise. Between the bar set up, complimentary drinks at Michael's, and some additional wine from our travel agent, we just didn't see the need. However, that's our personal take, and we are not frequent Celebrity cruisers. If you like to spend more time at the bars and lounges throughout the ship, you might prefer to have a drink package. Just my two cents.

 

Edited to add: We did purchase wine for our meals at dinner at the various restaurants. We also received "Elite" coupons in our suite, which included some wine discounts if you purchase by the bottle.

Edited June 7, 2014 by middle-aged mom

[tnt10]

Michael's Club Lounge: Grade A +++

 

Open bar. Need I say more? A happy ending to the security process, and good beginning to the cruise, which was excellent.

 

Could you tell me how late you could stay in Michael's Club Lounge with the free drinks and appetizers? We have late seating in the MDR for dinner and would prefer to not have the comp. drinks cut off at 7:00 PM....

Thanks,

tnt

[Guernseycruiser]

Michaels Club is open 24/7. Appertizers were available pre dinner when we were eating at 8.30pm on the Silhouette.

Edited June 7, 2014 by Guernseycruiser

[Orator]

I'm very happy to hear this! We have booked a Royal Suite on the Constellation for next year (March/15), too bad it's a month before the whole "suite program" with the added benefits goes into effect :-(

 

We are really looking forward to it!

 

I have one additional question, that I would love to hear opinions on:

 

Since we will be in a RS (that comes with a bar set up I believe), and have access to Michael's (where drinks are complimentary)- Is it worth it selecting the drink package on 123 GO?

 

Cheers,

 

Shawn

 

Unlike the Elite Hour, you can take drinks from Michael's Club. The room was open all day and could take cans and bottled beverages any time I wished. Don't see a need to purchase an additional package, we are all different.

[dodger1964]

Not a deal breaker, but might push someone to chose the package...remember drink package covers more than alcohol.

 

I didn't think there were any special "metal detector" elite entry points. I thought the metal detectors were before the X reps could differentiate the different levels?

 

I haven't sailed from that specific terminal, so no first hand knowledge of it, I know in San Juan everyone uses the same and then once get into bldg u can go to special lines for check in.

[Orator]

Not a deal breaker, but might push someone to chose the package...remember drink package covers more than alcohol.

 

I didn't think there were any special "metal detector" elite entry points. I thought the metal detectors were before the X reps could differentiate the different levels?

 

I haven't sailed from that specific terminal, so no first hand knowledge of it, I know in San Juan everyone uses the same and then once get into bldg u can go to special lines for check in.

 

You can get more than alcohol in Michael's Club. They have Arizona Ice Tea, Evian, a variety of beers, Etc..

An escort who will take you through the boarding line and to Michael's Club meets you before you pick up your Seapass Card. This is now SOP for high Suites, VIPs and Zenith level passengers. This is all part of the new Suite program.

[smellywax]

Embarkation in Seattle was the only thing bad about our cruise this last month. It seemed like no one knew there left foot from their right. It was by far the worst embarkation I have ever had. But once we boarded, everything was wonderful!

[tnt10]

Michaels Club is open 24/7. Appertizers were available pre dinner when we were eating at 8.30pm on the Silhouette.

 

Nice to know. Where there complementary drinks still available for suite guests at that time as well?

Thanks,

tnt

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

Does anyone know why Celebrity quit using the Bell Street pier which was so convenient to downtown and started using Pier 91 which is out in the middle of nowhere?

 

[Boxerlover2]

My DH and I had a similar experience recently as the OP... right when we entered the right hand side doors to the port building. We were in Aqua and I am 100% sure there were two signs up that said Suites, Aqua, Concierge, and Elite going one way and the rest going the other. We were sent to the other, longer line. I questioned the person directing people and she very rudely told me we need to go through the line she sent us to. I don't mind waiting, but that's not the point. The point is that this process was disorganized. In this line, I believe, they were only checking for passports, but either personnel at the beginning and end of the line seem very unprofessional. The rest of the check in/boarding process was smooth.

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

[smellywax]

Does anyone know why Celebrity quit using the Bell Street pier which was so convenient to downtown and started using Pier 91 which is out in the middle of nowhere?

 

Didn't they start using it once they replaced the Mercury with the Solstice? Or did they have the solstice at Bell street? We always stayed at the downtown Marriott waterfront and loved how close it was. When we arrived to Pier 91 this time it was pouring rain and they wouldn't let us drop off luggage or get out at the entrance. They made the cab go to the end where buses from the previous cruise were. It was a mess!

[Guernseycruiser]

Nice to know. Where there complementary drinks still available for suite guests at that time as well?

Thanks,

tnt

Yes, complimentary drinks are available 24/7. If you want a coffee/hot chocolate etc, the barman will obtain this for you from Cafe Al Baccio for you.

[dodger1964]

Does anyone know why Celebrity quit using the Bell Street pier which was so convenient to downtown and started using Pier 91 which is out in the middle of nowhere?

 

 

I think this still accurate...They use both piers. Bell Street pier for older ship (infinitiy in our case a couple of years ago) and the pier 91 for new, larger ships (solstice currently).

[Ballard67]

....As nobody was able to answer my question when I posted it in January, I will now answer it myself, as we have just returned from our Solstice cruise from Seattle to Alaska.

 

Of course this pertains only to Solstice out of Seattle, and are simply my own observations. We entered the terminal around 12:40pm for a 5pm departure:

 

Security screening: Grade - D

 

Upon entering the right hand doors (as you face the Smith Cove terminal at Pier 91) you will encounter stairs, signage, and personnel to guide you. Unfortunately, we encountered a gentleman who wasn't too competent, and he guided us in the wrong direction from the Elite and VIP line, so we ended up going through the main security line, which was very slow. At no time during that initial process before security, did any representatives look at our Express passes to determine whether we should be in the suite line for security. Security was a laborious, inefficient process. My husband ended up being scanned and his lap top scrutinized, which added another 10 minutes to the process.

 

My conclusion is that the Smith Cove Terminal at Pier 91 in Seattle is too small, and does not have the facilities, to adequately handle a ship as large as the Solstice. In retrospect, we should have boarded about an hour later, or perhaps arrived before 11am.

 

Check-In process: Grade - A

 

Finally, after security, there were Celebrity representatives to look at our Xpress passes, and who directed us to the suite check-in. We walked right up and were taken care of efficiently. Rose, the Captain's Club hostess, then escorted us directly to the ship and brought us to Michael's Club, the private lounge for guests in Celebrity, Royal, and Penthouse suites, as well as guests who are Zenith in Captain's Club. Samantha, the Michael's Club concierge, was there to greet us and invited us to partake of the appetizers and beverages that were available.

 

Michael's Club Lounge: Grade A +++

 

Open bar. Need I say more? A happy ending to the security process, and good beginning to the cruise, which was excellent.

 

sorry the boarding did not go your way, but i think one experience does not condem the whole port. That port is way big enough, that port held Battleships and Aircraft carrers. Now Is it properly managed, that's really the question!. Really a bar and drinking Is your best grade, does not give much credit to your other grade,sorry just saying.

[Old As Dirt Mom]

sorry the boarding did not go your way, but i think one experience does not condem the whole port. That port is way big enough, that port held Battleships and Aircraft carrers. Now Is it properly managed, that's really the question!. Really a bar and drinking Is your best grade, does not give much credit to your other grade,sorry just saying.

 

I have cruised out of Smith Cove terminal at pier 91 since it first opened for the 2009 cruise season, and every year afterward. In fact, I toured the terminal with my travel agent and did a preview of the facility prior to its opening. Here is a link to my very impartial review at that time:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=973237

 

The information in the link above is of course applicable to that particular cruise season, and therefore is no longer 100% accurate. I simply include my review to indicate that I am quite familiar with that terminal.

 

Our experience with security on May 30th was the absolute worst I have ever encountered in the five years since Smith Cove terminal has been open. Sorry, just saying. The Solstice holds close to some 3000 passengers, which is a lot of people to process in just a few hours.

 

You don't know anything about me and my personal habits. I understand you work for security at Smith Cove Pier 91, and I would suggest that there is room for improvement in that department.

[Ballard67]

I have cruised out of Smith Cove terminal at pier 91 since it first opened for the 2009 cruise season, and every year afterward. In fact, I toured the terminal with my travel agent and did a preview of the facility prior to its opening. Here is a link to my very impartial review at that time:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=973237

 

The information in the link above is of course applicable to that particular cruise season, and therefore is no longer 100% accurate. I simply include my review to indicate that I am quite familiar with that terminal.

 

Our experience with security on May 30th was the absolute worst I have ever encountered in the five years since Smith Cove terminal has been open. Sorry, just saying. The Solstice holds close to some 3000 passengers, which is a lot of people to process in just a few hours.

 

You don't know anything about me and my personal habits. I understand you work for security at Smith Cove Pier 91, and I would suggest that there is room for improvement in that department.

 

oh ya no problem, your right I don't know you, and trust me i am will never try to judge LOL. On the same note don't judge on the one time on the Boat, the other problem is they load and off load two boats at the same time. On the flip side your experience, will give us alot of info to get there early, or later in the afternoon.:D