Recent Suite Cruises - Current unpublished perks?

[need2bespoiled]

We're trying to decide on a cabin level for an unplanned getaway we're considering for our Anniversary. This would be a Summit cruise to Bermuda we'd be squeezing into our schedule. I know that all the new perks aren't going into effect officially until April (or when/how ever they can build the new dining rooms) but we all know that Michaels Club is now a Suite lounge for CS and above. We've seen some other reports about a few changes here and there, but nothing confirmed really so we're trying to get a feel from recent cruisers about the perks at various cabins levels, specifically RS as there are no CS or PH suites available on the date we can go.

 

Can anyone who's recently sailed shed some light? We've sailed in suites exclusively and have a feel for the standard perks. We're looking for info like "We were in an RS and received unlimited internet from the Concierge" or "We were in a CS and were offered complimentary specialty dining on multiple nights" or "We had a complimentary mini bar in our RS". The perks, like internet, while not guaranteed, may push us to move up a level or two. Or maybe we just decide to sail in a SS as it's only a week long trip.

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

Edited May 18, 2014 by need2bespoiled

[Project_gal]

Jenna

 

Cannot help you, as requested, because we have not yet cruised this year but, in case you do not get any replies from someone qualified, I shall let you know what I believe.

 

From the time Celebrity regularised the old discretionary perks up until the end of last year [when we were in a PH on Connie], it seems as if all the unpublished perks had disappeared. The only "secret perk" that remained was Elite Plus perks if, and only if, you were not already Elite Plus. [We were in an unusual situation being on board when the new Captain's Club level were introduced AND doing the first leg of a B2B as Elite and the second leg as Elite Plus. We received Elite AND Elite Plus coupons on the first leg and Elite Plus ONLY coupons on the second leg.]

 

We are going to be on Millennium in April/May 2015 [2014/15 season cruise] and have tried to find out if the new "Suite Class" will be in effect on this cruise. We eventually received confirmation that we were "likely" to get the perks on our cruise. HOWEVER, about a week ago we received an email confirming that we will NOT. Checking on Celebrity's website after receiving the email, the wording has been changed and it NO longer says that the perks will be introduced from 1 April 2105.

 

In view of all this, my assumption is that the new Michael's Club lounge has been introduced first because it was easy to set up. This enables Celebrity to start bedding-in the new perks. Next, I believe, will come the suite restaurant but probably not until after the Gastropub has bedded-in. My reason for believing this is that it would be hard to implement the new restaurant at the same time on every ship and, again, they would want it to bed-in before the official start of the new perks.

 

The remaining perks are ones that can be simply switched on and off and I, now, do not see these being available until the start of the 2015/16 season cruises on each ship. However, I think that the recent price rises in the specialty restaurants may be in preparation for offering suite guest free access to these restaurants. Despite what may people post on CC, we have found that these restaurants have been getting busier and busier and Celebrity will need to reduce paid-for demand if they are not to upset suite guests who will be able to use them for no fee.

 

I think the reports of some perks being available may have been staff on ships getting confused about what they should offer when. Again, I stress, this is just what I believe will probably happen. I may well be wrong but I will be very pleasantly surprised if I am.

[john_galt]

We are just back from sailing on the Constellation in the Penthouse. Michaels is now a concierge lounge on the Connie and we really enjoyed this new perk. We were escorted from the suite check-in kiosk to Michaels and introduced to the head concierge. Open bar and a nice little buffet. At 1:15pm we were introduced to our butler who then escorted us to the PH.

 

There was a VIP reception in Michaels one evening and we enjoyed meeting the captain and spent several minutes conversing with the chief engineer.

 

We got the expected invitation to the captains table (declined) and bridge tour.

 

The butler brought the MDR menu to the room every afternoon at tea time so we could make our dinner selections. We ate every meal in the room except for an evening at Ocean Liners (highly recommended).

 

I'm spoiled rotten and will be in a CS or better from now on. We immediately booked the PH again for 2016.

[Kteacher]

Thank you for asking this and for the responses. We are on the Reflection this summer in a CS and have been wondering what to expect.

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

[tomcruiser1234]

Hi all,

 

Just got off the Trans on Eclypse and got to enjoy some of the new perks.

 

Michaels club is really the only new perk so far for suites CS and above.

 

It was nice but really quite quiet for most of the day. Nice wine and drinks in the evening but before and after diner is when we met most people. The appetizers were good and really nice on formal...crab cakes nice.

 

The host Fabion did reach out and arrange specialty resteraunt reservations when we just couldn't seem to get into Tuscon because of waiting to late in the trip.

 

It's a nice upgrade but with elite plus benefits I am not certain it's the only way to go at this time. We will see how things pan out next spring. For now were are taking a look at cabin based on itinerary and pricing but will always go the CS above route if pricing is favorable.

 

All in all I think Celebrity is certainly upping the perks for those who wish to spend the $$$$..just my humble opinion

[Cruising89143]

Thank you for asking this and for the responses. We are on the Reflection this summer in a CS and have been wondering what to expect.

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

 

Other than Michael's Club I would not expect any additional perks other than what is currently in effect which is listed on Celebrity's website.

[cle-guy]

I was PH on Eclispe TA, and no unpublished perks to speak of in my mind, other than the elite coupons (mine were Elite, not Elite plus as apparently Project_gal got - also note my status at that sailing was only Elite, not sure what project_gal's status is, perhaps that determines what unpublished perk sheet you get).

 

I don't expect any of the new perks to be rolled out until the date published, as clearly they have to correspond to an increase suite fare to start with to some extent.

[hulamoon]

Happy Anniversary Jenna. I do hope you are able to complete the cruise in your favorite category.

[need2bespoiled]

Thanks everyone!

 

It's nice to get responses from a few of you we have sailed with (Project_gal and Hulamoon). I'm pretty familiar with what's above, and the recent cruises reports confrim pretty much what we'd expect.

 

For the record, on the same cruises as Sue, we received our select coupons on the first leg (Not the one with Sue) and Elite coupons for the suite. On the second leg (with Sue), we made Elite and got two sets of Elite coupons each. More laundry than we could use clothes, and a LOT of $5 bets at the Casino, too bad those didn't help me at all ;)

 

Does anyone care if you take a bottle of water, or glass of wine out of the lounge?

 

I'll try to rememeber to come back and let you know what we decide :)

 

Decisions, decisions!

 

Happy sailing!

Jenna

[Project_gal]

For the record, on the same cruises as Sue, we received our select coupons on the first leg (Not the one with Sue) and Elite coupons for the suite. On the second leg (with Sue), we made Elite and got two sets of Elite coupons each. More laundry than we could use clothes, and a LOT of $5 bets at the Casino, too bad those didn't help me at all ;)

 

As we were Elite at the time but received Elite and Elite Plus coupons on the same cruise Jenna received two sets of Elite coupons, clearly there is no consistency about discretionary perks even on the same ship at the same time!!!!!

[judyfssw]

Does anyone know why the Sky Suites are not included in the new perks? A suite is a suite is a suite. Yes, it's only one room but then, don't call it a suite. Not fair for those people who paid a good amount for an affordable:confused: "suite".

[cle-guy]

Does anyone know why the Sky Suites are not included in the new perks? A suite is a suite is a suite. Yes, it's only one room but then, don't call it a suite. Not fair for those people who paid a good amount for an affordable:confused: "suite".

 

Sky suites will get the majority of the other suite perks in the program EXCEPT Michaels. Maybe they will add later if they find Michael's underutilized, but they want Michaels to be exclusive and not run over, thus for higher category suites, Zeniths, and selected other VIP's.

 

Sky suites come with an appropriately reduced cabin fare relative to the Celebrity Suite and above as well.

 

Many lines limit their lower category suites - often referred to as "Junior Suites" -available perks, Celebrity seems to be following the norm in that regard.

 

Sky nor Celebrity suites will get the free booze packages, mini bar access, or free internet access either. Only Royals and above. Clearly rewarding and offering perks relative to the amount spent.

 

I think there are something like 50 sky suites on each ship, compared to 25 other suites or so? And with reflection converting all its AquaSuites to Sky suites, would create a larger problem on that particular ship.

 

End of the day you get what you pay for, and they want exclusivity in the Club I think.

[CathyCruises]

On the Silhouette TA, we met a lovely couple who were in an RS. They said that Michael's was mostly deserted at cocktail time and not much fun--they preferred to go to the Sky Lounge and mingle with fellow cruisers. They also said that they could order a cappuccino in the morning, but that the attendant would have to run to Café Al Bacio to get it. . .so it turned out not to be much of a perk as they had hoped. Still a great cabin though.

[judyfssw]

I would love to again book a CS but they do not have step-in shower which my husband needs, so I must book the accessible SS. I love the RS but as the price rises.......

In any case, the big suites are desireable for the room available.

I can understand why the reduced availablility of the additional perks if there are that many SS on board. Didn't realize that many were available.

Thanks for the reply

[need2bespoiled]

Sky suites will get the majority of the other suite perks in the program EXCEPT Michaels. Maybe they will add later if they find Michael's underutilized, but they want Michaels to be exclusive and not run over, thus for higher category suites, Zeniths, and selected other VIP's.

 

Sky suites come with an appropriately reduced cabin fare relative to the Celebrity Suite and above as well.

 

Many lines limit their lower category suites - often referred to as "Junior Suites" -available perks, Celebrity seems to be following the norm in that regard.

 

Sky nor Celebrity suites will get the free booze packages, mini bar access, or free internet access either. Only Royals and above. Clearly rewarding and offering perks relative to the amount spent.

 

I think there are something like 50 sky suites on each ship, compared to 25 other suites or so? And with reflection converting all its AquaSuites to Sky suites, would create a larger problem on that particular ship.

 

End of the day you get what you pay for, and they want exclusivity in the Club I think.

 

A SS is a pretty nice cabin, on S Class especially for the price, considering you do get the butler. Otherwise it is pretty much a junior suite.

 

Each Suite level comes with slightly different perks. Here is a quick summary of the new suite perk additional ammenities that are major changes (to me) include:

 

SS New suite dining room

 

CS Michaels (And new dining room)

 

RS Above, unlimited specialty dining, plus premium bev package, unlimited internet, and free mini bar in your room with beer, soda and water stocked daily

 

All other previous benefits stay in effect,

 

See this for actual details

http://www.creative.rccl.com/Sales/Celebrity/General_Info/Flyers/14037410_CEL_Suites_FAQs.pdf

 

Was ncie to see actual effective dates:

 

When does Suite Class take effect?

Suite Class will be rolled-out on each ship effective with the following sailing dates: CS- 4/4/15, EC- 4/12/15, EQ- 4/6/15, IN- 4/13/15,

ML- 4/9/15, RF- 4/4/15, SI- 4/5/15, SL- 4/3/15, SM - 4/4/14. Suite Class is not applicable on Celebrity Century or Celebrity Xpedition.

 

And this piece on how dining will work:

 

If Suite Class guests arrive to dine at the Suite Class exclusive restaurant and find it is full, will non-suite guest reservations be

cancelled to accommodate Suite Class guests?

There will be ample seating in the “private dining” venue to accommodate all Suite Class guests, as well as a limited number of additional

guests invited by Suite Class guests to dine with them. However, these invited guests will only be admitted with prior reservation on a

space-available basis and with a per-person, per-meal fee of $20 for breakfast (served from 7am), $35 for brunch (served from 10am)

and $50 for dinner (served from 6pm). These fees will be waived for invited non-suite guests 12 years of age and under.

We're looking forward to the RS on Summit on 4/4 and 4/11 with the new benefits :)

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

Edited May 19, 2014 by need2bespoiled

[TommyD3]

However, these invited guests will only be admitted with prior reservation on a

space-available basis and with a per-person, per-meal fee of $20 for breakfast (served from 7am), $35 for brunch (served from 10am)

and $50 for dinner (served from 6pm).

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

 

WOW !!!

$50 per person for invited non - suite guests !!!

That is the same price as the new increased price of Murano.

Is the new suite restaurant supposed to be comparable to Murano?

[need2bespoiled]

WOW !!!

$50 per person for invited non - suite guests !!!

That is the same price as the new increased price of Murano.

Is the new suite restaurant supposed to be comparable to Murano?

 

Definitely expensive as an addon or to bring a large family party. It's supposed to have its own gourmet chef, local seasonal meals and top food, we'll see I guess. I would expect food at least as good as Murano but an atmosphere more relaxed like blu.

 

Happy Sailing,

Jenna

[Project_gal]

A SS is a pretty nice cabin, on S Class especially for the price, considering you do get the butler. Otherwise it is pretty much a junior suite.

 

Each Suite level comes with slightly different perks. Here is a quick summary of the new suite perk additional ammenities that are major changes (to me) include:

 

SS New suite dining room

 

CS Michaels (And new dining room)

 

RS Above, unlimited specialty dining, plus premium bev package, unlimited internet, and free mini bar in your room with beer, soda and water stocked daily

 

All other previous benefits stay in effect,

 

See this for actual details

http://www.creative.rccl.com/Sales/Celebrity/General_Info/Flyers/14037410_CEL_Suites_FAQs.pdf

 

Was ncie to see actual effective dates:

 

When does Suite Class take effect?

Suite Class will be rolled-out on each ship effective with the following sailing dates: CS- 4/4/15, EC- 4/12/15, EQ- 4/6/15, IN- 4/13/15,

ML- 4/9/15, RF- 4/4/15, SI- 4/5/15, SL- 4/3/15, SM - 4/4/14. Suite Class is not applicable on Celebrity Century or Celebrity Xpedition.

 

And this piece on how dining will work:

 

If Suite Class guests arrive to dine at the Suite Class exclusive restaurant and find it is full, will non-suite guest reservations be

cancelled to accommodate Suite Class guests?

There will be ample seating in the “private dining” venue to accommodate all Suite Class guests, as well as a limited number of additional

guests invited by Suite Class guests to dine with them. However, these invited guests will only be admitted with prior reservation on a

space-available basis and with a per-person, per-meal fee of $20 for breakfast (served from 7am), $35 for brunch (served from 10am)

and $50 for dinner (served from 6pm). These fees will be waived for invited non-suite guests 12 years of age and under.

We're looking forward to the RS on Summit on 4/4 and 4/11 with the new benefits :)

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

 

Jenna

 

Thanks very much for posting this, especially the dates.

[maggie.1008]

I am surprised they will allow guests 12 and under. I would not want small children at a 2 hour meal.

[Gracie115]

Was ncie to see actual effective dates:

 

When does Suite Class take effect?

Suite Class will be rolled-out on each ship effective with the following sailing dates: CS- 4/4/15, EC- 4/12/15, EQ- 4/6/15, IN- 4/13/15,

ML- 4/9/15, RF- 4/4/15, SI- 4/5/15, SL- 4/3/15, SM - 4/4/14. Suite Class is not applicable on Celebrity Century or Celebrity Xpedition.

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

 

Assuming Eclipse is actually 4/21/15 since she is in dry dock on 4/12.....which means we will be on first sailing with the new perks....

 

WOW....$50 per person for non suite guests is a hefty charge....hope this new dining room really does have the quality of their higher end Spec. Rest. ...

Edited May 19, 2014 by Gracie115

[Orator]

Thanks everyone!

 

 

 

Does anyone care if you take a bottle of water, or glass of wine out of the lounge?

 

 

 

Decisions, decisions!

 

Happy sailing!

Jenna

 

Yes, you can take drinks from the lounge.

[Orator]

Does anyone know why the Sky Suites are not included in the new perks? A suite is a suite is a suite. Yes, it's only one room but then, don't call it a suite. Not fair for those people who paid a good amount for an affordable:confused: "suite".

 

Too many Sky Suites for the capacity in Michael's Club.

[Project_gal]

I am surprised they will allow guests 12 and under. I would not want small children at a 2 hour meal.

 

I assume this is to allow for parents in a suite and children in a non-suite room close by.

 

WOW....$50 per person for non suite guests is a hefty charge....hope this new dining room really does have the quality of their higher end Spec. Rest. ...

 

I assume this is to discourage large groups with one couple in a suite and the remainder in non-suite accommodation all expecting to eat in the restaurant together. This would be difficult for a small restaurant to cope with.

 

Otherwise, it would be no different to inviting someone to dine with you in Murano [at the new prices]. It is more reasonable that Blu where you cannot invite non-Aqua/non-suite guests in any circumstances.

[need2bespoiled]

Jenna

 

Thanks very much for posting this, especially the dates.

 

I agree, it was great to get the dates, and some really great, detailed info, even if it as geared toward travel agents and not consumers, it has lots of answers!

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

[Gracie115]

I assume this is to discourage large groups with one couple in a suite and the remainder in non-suite accommodation all expecting to eat in the restaurant together. This would be difficult for a small restaurant to cope with.

 

Otherwise, it would be no different to inviting someone to dine with you in Murano [at the new prices]. It is more reasonable that Blu where you cannot invite non-Aqua/non-suite guests in any circumstances.

 

I think you're probably right, BUT as a suite guest and my DS as an Aqua will cause us to forego the "suites only" restaurant most nights and we will eat in Blu, I think $50 is a bit much for a "joining" fee, they will most likely NEVER pay that and I don't blame them. Something more reasonable would still be an every night deterrent but not a flat out "NEVER" Oh well, it's a nice perk and sometime when we are cruising alone we may get the opportunity to really use it, but not this time.