Possible new dining option for suite guests

[phoenix_dream]

OK, I'll jump in here! It is not fantasyland, we have easily paid more than 10x what many others on the same cruise have paid to be in a suite. Everyone in a suite gets the perks you have listed - those who have paid "about 1/3 more than most balconies" to be in a Sky suite to those who have paid a great deal more to be in a higher-end suite.

 

Before you start judging, everyone has their own reasons for chosing their on board accommodation. For us, the other expenses around a cruise are such that it makes no economic sense to cruise frequently in a balcony stateroom. It is only having an exceptional experience that make spending the money we have to spend to cruise justifiable. [We have had to spend more getting to the airport pre-cruise than most people have spent on their cruise.]

 

The good thing is that people in our position appear to be profitable for the cruise lines and most want to attract us with appealing perks. At the moment, Celebrity appear to be saying that they like to attract people to Aqua Class with their own dining room but they care less about those in suites. Strange how Blu for Aqua Class is acceptable [despite using that "C" word] but the same thing for suites is a "return" to a "class system".

I am not sure what you think I am 'judging' as I am expressing a difference of opinion, as you are to me. As I admittedly normally do not sail in suites, before I opened my big mouth and risked sticking my foot in it, out of curiosity I went on the Celebrity website and priced out some of the most expensive cruises I could find. As a general statement, even the Penthouse suites were at most 6 or 7X higher than the lowest price room. As the average person does not stay in the lowest price room, the difference goes down to 4 or 5X higher than the general masses pay. Now of course there are exceptions and of course I cannot say that you have never paid 10X more. But unless the Celebrity website is posting false prices I would say the vast majority of people who stay in suites pay nowhere near 10X more.

 

Keep in mind also that (I presume) the perks being talked about apply to all suites, not just the upper two categories (although who knows what it will be in the end). That makes the price differential even lower. I still contend suite guests are already getting alot more for their money. The extra real estate alone is worth alot of $$$ to the cruise lines, as their increasing creation of revenue generating areas proves. I am not against people getting their money's worth - pay more; get more.

 

I also think you may be doing a little 'judging' yourself as regards Blu. Blu was created when Aqua Class was created as part of an entire concept of a more 'spa-like' experience. It went hand in hand with other spa-related perks like use of the Persian Gardens and so forth. Suite guests got certain perks for their extra $$, and AQ guests got certain perks for theirs. That is why people don't feel the same way about it (although on the boards there is a certain amount of frustration about having a venue off-limits to everyone else, particularly with newer cruisers who do not understand how it came to be). It was always meant to be part of the AQ experience, just like larger rooms, butlers, etc. were always meant to be a part of the suite experience. The fact that now Celebrity is considering adding even more for the suite guests, and likely by doing so taking away venues from the masses is why this is more controversial.

[Gracie115]

Not true of the M Class ships.

 

all they took was a section of the MDR...one side of 2nd floor......and took nothing from other cruisers because the rest of the MDR was still there....not the same as the idea of COMPLETELY eliminating Bistro on Five for a suite only venue....

[MizDemeanor]

Two NCL ships were enough for me to determine that they don't measure up to Celebrity. Different strokes. Also about complaining. I seem to remember you doing plenty of that right here on this board. I guess misery loves company. ;) Enjoy your cruises on NCL. NCL = Carnival when it comes to quality. Been there done that and don't need it again.

 

That's funny, the analogy of making NCL equal to Carnival for me as if the way it is for you = the way it must be for me too.

 

By the way, which NCL ships have you been on that you have expereicned The Haven?

 

:rolleyes:

Edited February 8, 2014 by MizDemeanor

[MizDemeanor]

Anyhow, I think its great that Celebrity is reaching out to guests/past guests and trying to play catch-up. If they can. I guess they now know that people seek service levels and amentities that loyalty and points don't provide to suite guests on Celebrity ships at this time.

 

It's clear to me that they know they have lost focus on this segment of guests and for those here who have so clearly pointed out to illustrate, that the suite guests, have been marginalized in so much favor of the AQ concept dining.

[Charles4515]

That's funny, the analogy of making NCL equal to Carnival for me as if the way it is for you = the way it must be for me too.

 

By the way, which NCL ships have you been on that you have expereicned The Haven?

 

:rolleyes:

 

Staying in the Haven would not convince me that NCL is not a third rate cruise line. The ships were the most crowded I have been on. Both Dawn and Breakaway. On Breakaway the casino is the center of the main public areas and can't be avoided. Plus it opens out so the smoke leaks out to those public areas. Makes for a smokey ship. And unreal, they had the casino as a muster station, and people were smoking. I had to walk thru it to get to my muster station. Luckily it was not my muster station.

 

Except for the large balcony the suite was only fair compared to others I have seen. And the large balcony might have been because it was an aft balcony.

Edited February 8, 2014 by Charles4515

[ABoatNerd]

A good evening:

 

Eliminating a poorly patronized venue and assigning it to suite guests makes economic sense. This is part of the segmentation of experience in all parts of western society based on what you are willing to pay. No issue. Pay what you want for a different bundle of goods and services.

 

I am posting because cruise lines are how hypocrites - they have come full circle from beacons of equality to class segmentation based on the $. All in one generation.

 

In the 1970's when the newly emerging cruise lines were shrilling that Cunard and the French Line had class distinction because of exclusive dining rooms assigned by room category, the cruise lines were posturing that they represented the "future" - ie we are all "equal". Hence the emergence of the MDR - everyone ate there irregardless of the price of your cabin.

 

There you go Cunard, French Line - look how modern we are!

 

To prove the newly fledgling cruise industries point, NCL bought the S.S. France.

 

Move on to 2012 to 2014. The "mass market" cruise lines are now trending back to the Cunard and French Line configuration - separate dining rooms, separate celebrations all based on your "category". As other posters have noted, not the luxury lines. Interesting.

 

Celebrity's red carpet service for suite guests, kicking guests from the Sky lounge so they can host an Elite event, Aqua dining, and now Suite only dining is trending towards the earlier class segmentation as configured on the earlier liners - where your dining experience and segment celebrations were based on what you spent. Back then, however, there was a social segmentation as well as a money segmentation.

 

Celebrity protectors on this site can only do so much - NCL is well on their way to having a class segmentation based on $. So it is slightly different today - segmentation based on $ not necessarily "social class". It may end up that Celebrity segments "guests" into specific dining venues and rooms based on time allotments - the restrictions on the use of current public rooms is not a good omen for the retention of the earlier version of cruising - the cruise ship is available for all - that appears to be dead on mass cruise lines.

 

So for me, now that Celebrity is busy, busy, creating categories of guests and assigning exclusive dining venues, restricting the use of public rooms and eliminating venues previously available to all (Bistro on 5), it opens up the field to other cruise service providers - it is away from exclusively Celebrity and onto Cunard for the first time - the June 5 Transatlantic in Princess Grill class. It will be no different an experience than what Celebrity is actively constructing - except, Cunard is not chasing the "modern luxury" urbanite.

 

Cunard vs Celebrity - less of a difference than there used to be.

 

The cruise industry is NOT what it was in the beginning - normal evolution - the cruise industry has sold out to the $ and become a lot like Cunard and the French Line - their so called enemies in the past.

 

But in the end, we are blessed to be able to choose which cruise experience we want - many have no such choices.

 

There is an old saying "those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it" - right on Celebrity.

 

Happy and Safe Sailing to all

 

ABoatNerd

[Charles4515]

 

So for me, now that Celebrity is busy, busy, creating categories of guests and assigning exclusive dining venues, restricting the use of public rooms and eliminating venues previously available to all (Bistro on 5), it opens up the field to other cruise service providers - it is away from exclusively Celebrity and onto Cunard for the first time - the June 5 Transatlantic in Princess Grill class. It will be no different an experience than what Celebrity is actively constructing - except, Cunard is not chasing the "modern luxury" urbanite.

 

Cunard vs Celebrity - less of a difference than there used to be.

 

 

It will be different experience. A Cunard transatlantic is not a cruise. It is an ocean liner experience. Certainly true that Cunard is not chasing the modern luxury urbanite, i.e. yuppies. What it is chasing is.....well you will find out!

[Cruising89143]

Staying in the Haven would not convince me that NCL is not a third rate cruise line. The ships were the most crowded I have been on. Both Dawn and Breakaway. On Breakaway the casino is the center of the main public areas and can't be avoided. Plus it opens out so the smoke leaks out to those public areas. Makes for a smokey ship. And unreal, they had the casino as a muster station, and people were smoking. I had to walk thru it to get to my muster station. Luckily it was not my muster station.

 

Except for the large balcony the suite was only fair compared to others I have seen. And the large balcony might have been because it was an aft balcony.

 

The Haven does not interest me in the least. An area with a pool the size of a bathtub located in an enclosed area is not special to me. Again I found NCL quality to be on the level of Carnival with Carnival having better food in the MDR. We always book suites but I cruise more than for just the stateroom. The rest of the ship has to match that. NCL did not. For the ones that like it then go for it.

 

Back to the subject of this thread. If X decides to make the change we may try it but I have my doubts that this is going to happen.

[MizDemeanor]

The Haven does not interest me in the least. An area with a pool the size of a bathtub located in an enclosed area is not special to me. Again I found NCL quality to be on the level of Carnival with Carnival having better food in the MDR. We always book suites but I cruise more than for just the stateroom. The rest of the ship has to match that. NCL did not. For the ones that like it then go for it.

 

Back to the subject of this thread. If X decides to make the change we may try it but I have my doubts that this is going to happen.

 

The private pool area is enclosed similar to The Solarium on Celebrity ships which is a very well used area. Just like The Solarium on the Celebrity ships. And there is a retractable glass dome. So if one enjoys the solitude of the away from the masses at the main pool, the area is quite peaceful. There are also hot tubs and cabanas in this private area. Included and adjacent to this solarium area is a private sun deck as well. Coffees and teas and waters are there throughout the day for guests to enjoy and there are bar servers dedicated to this area if anyone cares for bar service. Also, fresh fruit skewers are passed for enjoyment.

 

In addition spa services can be booked right in this area without having to go to the spa. The Spa staff is right there for The Haven guests.

 

One is waited on hand and foot.

 

Just so you know what there is in this area that makes it special aside from the fine dining.

 

And the pools are a bit larger than bathtubs. ;) if one wants to really swim, there are larger main pools for that. This is an area for relaxing.

[Project_gal]

all they took was a section of the MDR...one side of 2nd floor......and took nothing from other cruisers because the rest of the MDR was still there....not the same as the idea of COMPLETELY eliminating Bistro on Five for a suite only venue....

 

No, what I meant was that Bistro on Five has not always been on M-Class ships.

 

I was not referring to Blu. However, the addition of Blu and Select Dining did, in my opinion, take something away from the MDR on M Class ships. I really dislike the lower floor of the MDR because I find the vibration and noise on that level extremely unpleasant. It is much of the reason we no longer use the MDR.

[Gracie115]

No, what I meant was that Bistro on Five has not always been on M-Class ships.

 

I was not referring to Blu. However, the addition of Blu and Select Dining did, in my opinion, take something away from the MDR on M Class ships. I really dislike the lower floor of the MDR because I find the vibration and noise on that level extremely unpleasant. It is much of the reason we no longer use the MDR.

 

ah.. I see....and can't deny the vibration, although I must say I forgot about it...have not eaten in MDR on lower floor in over a decade...but I do remember the vibration....

 

one of the biggest reasons we prefer Blu is because of the ambiance, or "Lack of noise" we can hear each other talk....we always found the MDR very noisy too....

[chamima]

We've been out of town (on a cruise!) since the beginning of February so haven't seen any updates on this but in today's Exciting Deals they talk about new suite dining options.

Since the Search feature isn't working I thought I'd ask on here if anyone knew what this meant?

(BTW - for the first time (for us) dining in Blu was overcrowded, hectic and noisy so if moving the suites to a new dining room would alleviate that we'd be thrilled!)

[Cruise a holic]

We've been out of town (on a cruise!) since the beginning of February so haven't seen any updates on this but in today's Exciting Deals they talk about new suite dining options.

Since the Search feature isn't working I thought I'd ask on here if anyone knew what this meant?

(BTW - for the first time (for us) dining in Blu was overcrowded, hectic and noisy so if moving the suites to a new dining room would alleviate that we'd be thrilled!)

 

I agree. We used to book AQ or Suites, but now because of the reasons you mentioned above, take the speciality dining package- unlimited. It costs $29. per day- but you have unlimited access to speciality restaurants. You can book a less expensive cabin :) then AQ or a Suite and enjoy the sp restaurants and come out spending much less.

[rodan]

I think its ridiculous that Celebrity is thinking of creating a special dining area for suites. On the M class shps she added Blu and it took a big chunk out of the dining area by way of the main dining room on the second floor. For the S class ships this was not a problem. Instead of taking away precious space from the rest of the ship to create a restaurant for suites why not give them some free nights in the speciality dining rooms. For every 7 day cruise give them 2-3 nights to use any specility dining room or if thats not enough let them eat there for free every night. This makes more sense to me. Just my two cents.

 

Rodan

[chamima]

They aren't "thinking of it" - they're doing it as of April 1st.

Just wondered if anyone knew what this entailed.

 

 

CELEBRITY SUITE CLASS

Starting in April of 2015, we're taking the Celebrity Cruises suite life to the next level and taking modern luxury vacationing to the height of indulgence. Introducing the Suite Class experience, where everything you already love about indulging in the sweet life while on vacation is enhanced even more. It's more exclusive. There are more luxurious amenities. And, you'll enjoy more extraordinary services.

 

We're making living the suite life on board even sweeter. To learn more or book your next vacation call 1-888-305-9153, click here, or contact your local travel agent.

 

 

 

Coming April 2015:

Dedicated private restaurant reserved exclusively for all Suite Class guests morning, noon and night

[patty1955]

We're just off Reflection and someone from Guest Relations told us that the Bisto will become Suite dining and Michael's Club will be combined with the Wine area.

[cle-guy]

We're just off Reflection and someone from Guest Relations told us that the Bisto will become Suite dining and Michael's Club will be combined with the Wine area.

 

With search down, I can't find it, but in a recent thread within the last week or so the Official Celebrity rep chimed in and said that Bistro IS NOT going away to make room for suite guests private dining.

[C-Dragons]

With search down, I can't find it, but in a recent thread within the last week or so the Official Celebrity rep chimed in and said that Bistro IS NOT going away to make room for suite guests private dining.

Yes, I remember reading that too.

[CHEZMARYLOU]

With search down, I can't find it, but in a recent thread within the last week or so the Official Celebrity rep chimed in and said that Bistro IS NOT going away to make room for suite guests private dining.

 

Yes, I remember reading that too.

 

Yes, Celebrity did say that several times, including posts on facebook. But, the post you're referring to included the phrase "at this time". Sounds like they either don't know where to put the suites only restaurant or have not decided among various options.

 

Here's the quote from Celebrity: "We wanted to let you know that this is a rumor, and is not true. We have no plans to get rid of Cellar Masters or Bistro on Five at this time. Hope that clears up any confusion!"

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1997845

 

 

Mary Lou

Edited March 3, 2014 by CHEZMARYLOU

[Oville]

Check out this tread, last line of post 2. It was posted by ~Cruisenut~ today.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2001476

Edited March 3, 2014 by Oville

[H2O_traveler]

Below at the end of my comments is the excerpt from the Celebrity website detailing "The New Suite Class" perk additions. So for everyone on this thread that was so adamant that Celebrity was not building a "classification" system, you may want to contact Celebrity and tell them that... because all the propaganda surrounding the changes not only references a different "Classification" but actually calls it that in the title of it too.

 

It appears that Celebrity has awoken to the "80/20 Rule" (80% of your business comes from the top 20% of your clients)... I am just surprised that Michael Bayley was so flippant with his comment of: "We know that suite guests value privacy, personalized service, exclusive access and flexibility, and providing them with their own unique benefits"

I didn't realize only Suite Guests valued such things...

 

A couple of points:

1) The survey seems bias if it was only sent to former Suite Guests. I'm guessing that only a very select few people when asked would answer "No" to if they would like more perks and benefits for the higher price they pay. In reviewing this thread it appears that only the people that have previously stayed in a "Suite" were sent this survey. Did any previous guests that had never stayed in a "Suite" receive the survey and if so was it the same sample size?

 

2) If a new ship was built with a "Suite Class" only lounge and restaurant then great... But that's not what's happening is it. Michaels Lounge is a general venue that will now be for "Suite Guests" only. The general population is losing space to have it given to a different group of individuals which I think will rub general population the wrong way. We love Bistro on 5 but I agree with everyone that it is usually empty. That being said, it is a premium pay restaraunt so if they want to convert a profit losing area to a perk where they can utilize the space better then I have no problem with that. I also do not have a problem with Celebrity offering free internet and premium beverage packages to their Suite Guests because once again it is not taking anything away from another group.. But... I do have a problem with them roping off special areas in the theatre and taking away Michaels Lounge because those were previously open to everyone as part of your cruise cost. Build a new ship with "Box Seating" and a private lounge if you want to segregate your various classification levels but don't take from the general to give to the elite on an existing build.

 

3) Aqua Class... If Celebrity truly wants to call it a "Healthy" alternative and has no problem with different classifications for what people pay for then why not incorporate true health perks with it. If Aqua Class = Health then grant Aqua access priority access to health not just "priority reservations" for paid services such as massage and spa. Example: Waive the surcharges for the fitness classes if you are Aqua Class or offer private fitness classes only available to that group. Why as aqua Class should we pay an extra $25pp per class. That adds up quickly if both guests enjoy classes such as spin...

 

Now let me be a little "tongue in cheek" by suggesting the same logic that was used to the "Suite Guests" for "Aqua Guests": Can you imagine the uproar in the general public if spaces in the workout facility were all of a sudden roped off for Aqua Class guests only... But isn't that what they are doing in the theatre??? It's very frustrating at the start of a cruise every time we go into the gym and there are no treadmills or bikes available because people have good intentions of "working off" the buffet damage. Usually by day 3 this group of people fade away and only those of us that are use to working out on daily basis remain. My suggestion may seem outrageous but is it not along the same logic as "Suite Guest" perks? BTW - I was only making a point with this suggestion, not actually suggesting it.

 

Whether or not we agree with Celebrity's newest system it definitely will create a classification system while sailing with them. So for all of you in Suite Class (a.k.a top 20%)...Congratulations and for all of you NOT in Suite Class (a.k.a lower 80%)...I'm sorry but you'll have to decide if this matters to you.

 

Here is the excerpt I was referring to from the Celebrity Site:

 

The new Suite Class will include:

 

Private dining - A dedicated private restaurant reserved exclusively for all Suite Class guests will be available morning, noon and night. Each meal will feature unique menus that offer sumptuous dishes not available anywhere else onboard. Guests can truly immerse themselves in the local culture with specially crafted menus inspired by the local destination, and enjoy the world's best ingredients. Memorable and inspiring dishes will be served, from locally caught seafood, to the freshest pasta. The Suite Class chef can provide a tailor-made experience to suite guests and prepare a dish to their liking, and the Cellar Master - Celebrity's head sommelier - will select from more than 450 wines to provide the perfect pairing.

 

Premium 'all in' benefits - Premium beverages, dining across all specialty restaurants, unlimited internet access and a private bar with water, sodas and beers will all be complimentary for guests staying in Royal, Penthouse and Reflection suites.

 

VIP lounge - A private VIP lounge, Michael's Club, will be available to guests staying in Celebrity, Signature, Royal, Penthouse and Reflection suites. A dedicated Concierge service and unique food and beverage experiences by Celebrity's James Beard-featured chef will be provided to guests.

 

"Our guests are accustomed to exceptional quality and service, and for those wishing to further indulge in the very best while on vacation we have launched 'Suite Class', specially designed to appeal to the most discerning vacationer,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises. "We know that suite guests value privacy, personalized service, exclusive access and flexibility, and providing them with their own unique benefits, such as a dedicated restaurant with a dining experience like no other, is just another way that we are significantly elevating the guest's vacation with us."

[petersonwith3]

There are many areas of the ship that we 'pay for' that we do not use. For example, the spa, the kids areas, etc. I have no problem with the new benefits that will come with a price. I stay in suites some times and other times an inside cabin will do.

 

I will continue to spend money on cruises with great itineraries and great benefits. This new suite offering sounds like a dream come true to me. Additionally, Celebrity is diversifing their ships to ensure that they can cater to all shapes and sizes, which is great, unlike some of the luxury lines which force luxury or nothing.

[grandpaiscruising]

Celebrity has been doing a lot of things rights so we can only hope this move will be positive. They will not turn into a Cunard, which has formal nights every other night.

 

HAL 56 days, RCCL 104 points, NCL 28 days, Princess 214 days, Royal 14 :):)days, Cunard 49 days, Celebrity 570 points

[Project_gal]

Received from UK Captain's Club yesterday:

 

"The dedicated private restaurant will be located in the main dining room, where an area will be converted exclusively for this restaurant."

[sperkins921]

Well it looks like one common guess was right- the sky suite people are the new red headed stepchildren of the suite class. Notice that they only mention all suite guests having access to the new dining room. When it comes to the lounge and other things, those in the 'cheap' seats appear to get left out.

 

Normally, I would not care as I generally don't book a suite. Not because I can't, but because I prefer to be able to travel more and as long as I have a balcony, a good book, and a drink (be it tea coffee stronger) I can have a good relaxing time. However, X recently made a snafu on a reservation of mine- the future cruise sales agent completely canceled one of our ressies about 3 weeks after we booked it with NO authority from us or our TA to do so. Ironically enough, an X CSR confirmed that the room was re-booked literally less than 5 minutes later by the same agent and PIF by another couple. A little money changing hands perhaps? We had booked an aft facing A1 on the Summit, and as part of the apology process, we were bumped up to a S1 cabin.

 

I was looking forward to Blu again as I do prefer it for dinner and it is the reason we booked an A1 cabin in the first place. But I was just getting excited about enjoying an S1 and still getting Blu for dinner when I stumbled upon this thread. Even were I not an S1 guest, I would not care if they got their own dining room. Why not, AQ has theirs, and far fewer people are in an uproar over it.

 

But it's odd to me, that X would exempt SS's from the VIP lounge. Why? Certainly there are more SS's than the remaining suites combined? Or at least as many SS's as the remaining suites combined? A SS certainly is not cheap either. So why exclude them? It's like saying "well, we know you booked a suite to get the benefits, but you didn't book *enough* of a suite for us to think you're worthy of receiving said benefits".........

 

I'm not so sure that I would willingly pay the differential from A1 to S2/S1 given that attitude.