Suite equality

[marsworth75]

Do all suites get the same level of service from the Concierge? I've been reading some reviews where it was posited that the lower priced suites, that might be an oxymoron, get less attention from the ship's Concierge than the really high end real estate.

Any thoughts or actual experiences?

[JimAOk1945]

I've been doing some reading on this subject while considering the possibility of booking a suite. From what I've been reading, there seems to be an inconsistency. Check it out on this thread where people give their experiences.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2011605

Edited March 22, 2014 by JimAOk1945

[RoutemanDan]

I had more attention from the concierge when I stayed in an AFT suite on the Jewel and a family suite on the Star than when I stayed in the Owners Suite on the Gem.

Depends on the concierge.

 

Jewel was John D'Souza, Star was Monika, Gem was Carlos.

I don't get the fuss made over Carlos.

[Ilovesailing]

Personally we don't use the concierge, we capable enough to make our own dinner reservations.

For tours we mostly do off ship and if we do have to do a tour we know in advance so we just fill out the forum and put into the excursion box.

For disembarking y'll receive a letter a day or two before stating your choices.

For shows we can do better getting our own seats rather than be put in the reserve area at the edge of the stage in the balcony.

[maja651]

I agree with routemandan. I think it depends on the concierge. We were in an aft penthouse suite on the Star and the Epic. On the Star, Patrick was the concierge and he completely ignored us. Not only that, he made us feel like we didn't deserve the perks of the suites. We saw him escort people from the owners suite to the main dining room, but he would not do that for us. We also saw him walking around Cagneys during lunch, talking to some, but not all, including us (he just ignored us). For priory debarkation, it was a big clustersfu. Let's just say we did not feel we got priority debarkation as we were supposed to. He got a tip of $0!

 

On the Epic on the other hand, Adrian was very nice, approachable and helpful. He did not have that aloof attitude Patrick had. We loved Adrian. He treated us very well, even though we were in the lowly aft penthouse. He got a nice tip:)

[jack300s]

I've been doing some reading on this subject while considering the possibility of booking a suite. From what I've been reading, there seems to be an inconsistency. Check it out on this thread where people give their experiences.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2011605

 

We did our first suite on the Gem this past September. We stayed in a Aft Penthouse Suite (SF). I believe this is the lowest priced suite.

 

We got great attention from both the butler and concierge.

 

The Butler came by two or three times a day checking on us to see if we needed anything. Bringing snacks in the afternoon. We ate breakfast in our suite a few times and food came right on time as requested. We had friends in our cabin playing a game of scrabble and watching a football game. We called the butler and ordered chicken wings, dip, chips, cheese sticks and they were brought right down from the restaurant. GREAT SERVICE!

 

The Concierge called every morning to check on us and see if we needed anything. He left information on priority treatment for our excursions, parties, helping us with priority tenders, etc. Every night like clockwork around 5:00pm he stopped by the check on us and see if we needed anything. Many times when eating breakfast or lunch, he stopped by to say hello and ask if everything was ok and if we needed anything. GREAT SERVICE!

 

For our first time in suite we were pampered and got plenty of attention...Hope this helps...

[JimAOk1945]

We did our first suite on the Gem this past September. We stayed in a Aft Penthouse Suite (SF). I believe this is the lowest priced suite.

 

We got great attention from both the butler and concierge.

 

The Butler came by two or three times a day checking on us to see if we needed anything. Bringing snacks in the afternoon. We ate breakfast in our suite a few times and food came right on time as requested. We had friends in our cabin playing a game of scrabble and watching a football game. We called the butler and ordered chicken wings, dip, chips, cheese sticks and they were brought right down from the restaurant. GREAT SERVICE!

 

The Concierge called every morning to check on us and see if we needed anything. He left information on priority treatment for our excursions, parties, helping us with priority tenders, etc. Every night like clockwork around 5:00pm he stopped by the check on us and see if we needed anything. Many times when eating breakfast or lunch, he stopped by to say hello and ask if everything was ok and if we needed anything. GREAT SERVICE!

 

For our first time in suite we were pampered and got plenty of attention...Hope this helps...

 

Yes, it does help. I appreciate you taking the time to write about your experiences. It is a good recommendation. Thanks!

[disfan13]

I had more attention from the concierge when I stayed in an AFT suite on the Jewel and a family suite on the Star than when I stayed in the Owners Suite on the Gem.

 

Depends on the concierge.

 

 

 

Jewel was John D'Souza, Star was Monika, Gem was Carlos.

 

I don't get the fuss made over Carlos.

 

 

Monica was awesome..

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

[Da-Painter]

On our last cruise, the Jewel in November, we were in an aft suite. John D'Souza was the concierge. On the first day, DW suitcase still had not arrived after 5PM. I called John to inquire, the suitcase was delivered within 10 minutes. Thats service.

 

We would get phone calls from John during the week, he would come through the various restaurants, Cagneys for breakfast & Lunch, the MDR and the speciality, during dinner to check on us and to see if he could do anything for us.

 

There are 20-30 suites on that ship, and he is really streched thin, to see everyone, and take care of everyone. He did a very good job. He was in charge of the Haven, took care of us for the chocolate buffett, departing the ship on the last day. He was a very busy person.

Its amazing he covered as much ground as he did.

 

We did not require his additional services much during the cruise.

We have also had concierges we saw once on the first or second day, and that was it. We never called on them.

 

Our Butler did a great job.

 

Maybe NCL needs 2 concierges, for these larger ships. I dont know that will happen. But whoever the concierge is, they better be on their feet 24 hours a day. For the most part, we have been happy with our service in the suites. ;)

[garycarla]

As you can see, I am a regular. We have also done suites a few times.

 

Just over the past few days is the first time I have seen this come up. And, in most of those conversations, Patrick's name came up.

 

We have never seen this issue, but....

[DevCruise]

We've done two suites.

 

A Penthouse with Leah on the Sky. She in my opinion really set the bar. We saw and talked with her every morning in Cagney's as well as running into her throughout the day.

 

Our next suite was an Aft and Forward (my parents) Penthouses on the Pearl with the famous Monica. We weren't impressed. Never once talked to her in Cagney's though we did see her in there. It did seem like she gravitated toward certain tables. Never saw her out and about on the ship. While both her and our butler "did their jobs", we really felt disappointed after our trip on the sky where they seemed to go above and beyond.

 

Maybe it's because of the number of suites on the Pearl versus the Sky?

[Demonyte]

Monica was awesome..

 

When we sailed on Star in 2012, we had several cruise friends in DOSs and the difference in Monica's service between them and us in SJ was very, very different. We hung around a lot with one couple from DOS and Monica was just fine when we were with them but when we met her alone, she totally ignored us.

 

Needless to say, I didn't like her too much.

Edited March 22, 2014 by Demonyte

[cmdchiefthom]

Leah aboard the Sun was the best concierge I've ever had, and Monika aboard the Epic was the absolute worst. Constancio aboard the Sun and Karin aboard the Pearl were the best butlers I have yet encountered. Other's I've had over the years since NCL adopted these services have been adequate. I pick my staterooms based on location, I always book suites, and expect the service and amenities promised. Other than Monika on the Epic, I've received great service as advertised, no matter what category of suite I've occupied. ;)

[esp13]

It's interesting how there are such different experiences. We were in our first suite on the Pearl in December of 2012 with Monica as our concierge. We were in an aft PH and thought she was great. She didn't call everyday or anything, but she always recognized us when we were out and about and asked us several times if everything was going okay. She was friendly and helpful when we needed something and I didn't notice any differences in how she treated us as opposed to anybody else.

 

This is not to say that those other experiences are wrong or anything. Just like anything else, experiences can vary widely sometimes.

[disfan13]

When we sailed on Star in 2012, we had several cruise friends in DOSs and the difference in Monica's service between them and us in SJ was very, very different. We hung around a lot with one couple from DOS and Monica was just fine when we were with them but when we met her alone, she totally ignored us.

 

Needless to say, I didn't like her too much.

 

I'm sorry! I wasn't in a suite but our best friends were in an SJ. Monica treated them wonderful as well as us when we were with or without our friends staying in the SJ.

[hateswaterloves2cruise]

I read a thread last night commenting on the difference of service in the suites. The first one we had was a 2bdrm suite on the Dawn, result of an upsell. I don't remember the butler's name but he wasn't remarkable. Carlos was the concierge and he basically ignored us. I had to call to find out about the priority tender to GSC and his asst took care of us. He did cater to the OS couple however, because we hung out with them (cc members) and he was VERY attentive.

Second suite was an aft penthouse on the Dawn about 4 years ago. Again butler was unremarkable. Concierge was John and he was very personable. Always greeted us and let us include our friends (in a balcony room) for early entry to choc buffet, etc.

We had a suite last year on the Dawn to Bermuda and Virginia was the concierge. She was not as visible, at least to us, but gave us great service when we asked. Our suite was an aft penthouse. Our butler was Jennifer and she was fantastic.

We have a 2 bdrm suite booked on the Dawn for this Sept to Bermuda and am looking forward to our cruise.

BTW - our friends (in a balcony rm) now book only suites;)

[cruis247g]

We've had a number of suites, usually the 2 bedroom in the Haven, however, we've had other suites, including the Garden Villa. Although we have usually seen the butler more than the concierge, the concierge has always been very helpful to us regardless of the level of suite.

 

The only exception was on our last cruise in a 2 bdrm Haven Suite on the Gem, where we seldom saw our butler. He didn't ask if we needed anything and the few times we tried to contact him, it took a long time for a response. However, Ryan, the Concierge, was always available and would drop by or call to see if we needed anything. He inquired about needs for dinner reservations, ship departures for tours, etc.

 

Although we have typically enjoyed the service, we found the service to be of a higher level in the Garden Villa. The butler was extremely attentive - checking in multiple times per day and anticipating our every need. For example, within a few minutes after we arrived from a long day touring in Cairo, he brought us dinner, even though I had forgotten to order anything before leaving! He knew we would be tired, had learned what we liked, and just took action -- really impressive! Even though we had less contact with the concierge, she was always there to escort us off the ship at our preferred time and when we had a problem with OBC, she sorted it out after the front desk had said that nothing could be done about it.

 

My experience would lead me to believe that the Concierge tries to accommodate everyone, however, it can be challenging for him/her and their staff.

[OceanDreaming2]

 

My experience would lead me to believe that the Concierge tries to accommodate everyone, however, it can be challenging for him/her and their staff.

 

Yes the concierge and the assigned butler will do their best to be accommodating to all passengers in any suite but there are a few passengers who demand extra attention. It makes it rough on the crew members and passengers alike.

[CruisingPiper]

I am watching this thread with interest. We have selected the Aft Haven suite on the GW because of its large balcony combined with the spacious cabin. We had this same suite on the Breakaway's transatlantic crossing, but had no issues with service as the ship was only 1/2 full. We received all of the attention we needed.

 

This year I am planning to take greater advantage of the butler and concierge as my husband had a second brain surgery about 6 weeks ago. We may need to maximize our time in the cabin as he continues to recuperate (sp?). We may order meals from the Haven to our room and eat on the balcony or in the suite.

 

Any thoughts on whether having a "non Haven attached" cabin might generate any difference in the service? I am pretty sure our cabin cost was on par with those actually attached to the Haven so I am hoping we are viewed as premium passengers.

[cruis247g]

Yes the concierge and the assigned butler will do their best to be accommodating to all passengers in any suite but there are a few passengers who demand extra attention. It makes it rough on the crew members and passengers alike.

 

I understand what you're saying. On one of our sailings, our butler was asked to serve multi-course meals at breakfast, lunch, and dinner to two of the suites (an extended family) just down the hall from us. Although it was within their rights to ask for this, it occupied a significant portion of his time, making it challenging for him to help others in the manner in which I think he wished to help. We tend to eat most of our meals in restaurants, so it didn't impact us that much, but others complained. I appreciated that he tried and that he took time to explain. I guess it's a balancing act for everyone.

Edited March 22, 2014 by cruis247g

[Chuck2810]

I had more attention from the concierge when I stayed in an AFT suite on the Jewel and a family suite on the Star than when I stayed in the Owners Suite on the Gem.

 

Depends on the concierge.

 

 

 

Jewel was John D'Souza, Star was Monika, Gem was Carlos.

 

I don't get the fuss made over Carlos.

 

Monica was awesome..

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

 

Shows the variation possible - My experience I would flip these two experiences... (Carlos and Monica) We'll have another data point in a week!

[rsato]

It all goes back to expectations and personal preferences.

 

I was in a Haven 2Br with Carlos as a concierge. He is a very nice person and I know there were many people that loved his daily banter. I, on the other hand, would have paid him to NOT drop by each afternoon. Its pretty hard to tell someone to not stop by (and there is no Concierge Do Not Disturb option), and he was so gracious that I would really feel bad dropping hints....

[RoutemanDan]

Shows the variation possible - My experience I would flip these two experiences... (Carlos and Monica) We'll have another data point in a week!

 

Yup. They're human like all of us. Personal situations, difficult passengers, not feeling well, etc. I'm sure it varies with them all from cruise to cruise.

[OceanDreaming2]

I understand what you're saying. On one of our sailings, our butler was asked to serve multi-course meals at breakfast, lunch, and dinner to two of the suites (an extended family) just down the hall from us. Although it was within their rights to ask for this, it occupied a significant portion of his time, making it challenging for him to help others in the manner in which I think he wished to help. We tend to eat most of our meals in restaurants, so it didn't impact us that much, but others complained. I appreciated that he tried and that he took time to explain. I guess it's a balancing act for everyone.

 

What you say is so true! Once, when we had a forward suite on the Spirit, the butler also covered the aft suites. One of the guests ran the man ragged - cocktail parties, in-suite dining, teas, champagne served in the theater, etc. We still had service from our butler but he was exhausted. Our steward picked up some of his responsibilities but it wasn't the service we were used to. It certainly didn't stop us from booking more suites as our budget allowed.

Edited March 22, 2014 by OceanDreaming2

[craig-n-carol]

I have to believe there is some truth to the OP's suspicion on real estate/ level of service by the concierge.

 

Our experience with Carlos was over the top on the Pearl, we were in a non-haven 2BR Cat SC. We have yet to experience the same level of service since that cruise with other concierges and a different suite category.

 

We have been in 3 suites since (all aft facing PHs), and one of them was with Patrick. It was like there was no concierge on board at all with Patrick. Is it stateroom specific? Perhaps. It's along way to the aft from the Haven, which probably does pose a challenge to the service staff in general.

 

Not sure who will be on the Getaway on our May 31st sailing, It will be our first time in a Haven suite in an S6. I sure hope it's Carlos; or at least someone who understands his brand of service.