Michael's Concierge

[need2bespoiled]

I'm going to sound harsh: It is NOT a PH and even if it were they still would not be allowed entry into Michael's Club since they are in a Sky Suite. A Sky Suite by any other name is still a Sky Suite. The program is new and if they start making any exceptions they will open a Pandora's box of problems. Perhaps as the program progresses they will lighten up, but it would be a mistake to do it now.

 

I get that it is not the PH, I also understand the rules. It was a question, not a demand and my only comment was that it was unfortunate, no need for harsh words. I am sure that I will enjoy a nice cocktail on our balcony with our kids!

 

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While Orator has more experience than I do, I'm guessing you would be able to have your children join you in Michaels. If they were in the PH with you, they'd be welcomed, why not if you also booked the adjoining room? I'm also guessing that if you asked the concierge it would be properly rectified.

 

I'd be interested to know, so please come back and let us know.

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

Edited June 24, 2014 by need2bespoiled

[Kinofdc]

I'm going to sound harsh: It is NOT a PH and even if it were they still would not be allowed entry into Michael's Club since they are in a Sky Suite.

 

You misunderstood. Bonedoc7 has both PH 6147 and S1 6145. 6147 is a PH (I know because it's one of my 2 favorite staterooms in the M class; my other favorite is 6148).

 

That said, I have a feeling that the Michael's lounge Concierge may not make an exception to Bonedoc7's kids despite the fact that S1 6145 will be connected to, as well as being an extension of, PH 6147 during Bonedoc7's cruise. But it doesn't hurt to bring the idea up.

Edited June 24, 2014 by Kinofdc

[need2bespoiled]

Maybe you could put your kids officially in the Penthouse, and "officially" leave the Sky Suite open, as yours to use for your luggage, but the kids might just sleep there.

 

It just seems silly for this to be an issue.

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

[Adidas4fun]

I've always swapped both bottles. But never to beer, just premium vodkas or different whiskey, but I've always swapped BOTH. I with the absolute for grey goose, and sometimes the whiskey for grey goose orange or other times to maker's mark bourbon.

 

I'm rather hoping I can swap the vodka for gin.

[bonedoc7]

We do have 6147 and 6145 booked for our upcoming cruise. It really isn't an issue, although we really did enjoy michaels club in march with our kids (ages 16,17,18) we will probably follow where the live music or comedian will perform. We also have 6143 (inlaws) and an ocean view (sister in law and family) booked and would spend time with them. My original question stems from the fact that in our group, my DH and I are the only ones without a drink package (the perk was not avail at the time of booking). I was thinking it would be nice to be able to get a pre-dinner drink with the kids. Not an issue.

 

Now back to the original post. Hopefully we are home when concierge makes contact (not sure if it will be a week prior to cruise to week prior to our land tour). I do plan on making the following requests; def upgrade to vodka and scotch, stock up fridge with water, pop, beer. Order a bottle of baileys for our morning or evening coffee. Request the fridge in 6145 be emptied and only have pop, water and juice in their fridge. I am also hoping that I can host a sail away party for our roll call, so will be ordering extra bottles of champagne and requesting a little help for extra glasses and setup.

 

 

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[cle-guy]

That's unfortunate. I would have thought that they would consider it since we basically booked it as an extension to the PH making it a two bedroom.

 

 

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I've sailed the PH 3 times so far, and I think you will absolutely be able to have your kids join you in Michaels, and any other venue you choose to go to. I've had friends in Concierge cabins be able to join me in some of the special perks along the way. They bend over backwards for penthouse guests. Though the one failing was trying to bring a guest to BLU, but when I stated my complaint and issue to Hotel Director, they refunded my entire on board spend, and gave me a $300 cash credit to my credit card, though the crux of my complaint was I was solo, but had to pay for 2 occupants, and they would only give me benefit as if I only paid for 1 occupant.

 

To get around it, when you board do a "room transfer" (I had the suite concierge do this for me) have your kids transferred into your room. It won't cost anything more (they are already paying the extra gratuity for a suite) and give them Penthouse listing on the manifest . I did this with a friend recently to get him onto a royal suite. He even kept his beverage package he had on his booking, this was a time when only 1st 2 got packages, so he was 3rd, and booked in another cabin with another person. He did have to pay the added gratuity amount as he moved from inside to suite. He also got Royal Suite Captain's club points and not Inside points, a good way to get the kids some extra points....

 

Board the ship, with kids in tow, and when concierge greets you, I have no doubt he will escort all 4 of you to Michael's and not say "Um, I'm sorry sir, your Children staying in your connecting suite will have to wait outside while you enjoy your champagne inside".

[Orator]

We do have 6147 and 6145 booked for our upcoming cruise. It really isn't an issue, although we really did enjoy michaels club in march with our kids (ages 16,17,18) we will probably follow where the live music or comedian will perform. We also have 6143 (inlaws) and an ocean view (sister in law and family) booked and would spend time with them. My original question stems from the fact that in our group, my DH and I are the only ones without a drink package (the perk was not avail at the time of booking). I was thinking it would be nice to be able to get a pre-dinner drink with the kids. Not an issue.

 

Now back to the original post. Hopefully we are home when concierge makes contact (not sure if it will be a week prior to cruise to week prior to our land tour). I do plan on making the following requests; def upgrade to vodka and scotch, stock up fridge with water, pop, beer. Order a bottle of baileys for our morning or evening coffee. Request the fridge in 6145 be emptied and only have pop, water and juice in their fridge. I am also hoping that I can host a sail away party for our roll call, so will be ordering extra bottles of champagne and requesting a little help for extra glasses and setup.

 

 

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I hope it all works out for you. Having the kids "share" the PH with you might be a good idea. Worth a try. I would suggest that you NOT post if you are successful since that will only cause others to ask for exceptions and will produce more difficulties for the Host/Hostess than you can imagine. I know that there was a meeting called by the Captain on one of the ships with the Host/Hostess and Michael's Club Concierge to deal with a "request-demand" from an "important" customer. The Captain instructed his team that they were not to make exceptions and any negative passenger behavior should be brought to his attention for action. I spent some time comforting one of the participants. That has made me perhaps overly sensitive to the issue. The tone of your comments indicates to me that you are not one of the unreasonable types and I do hope that your desires are met.

[bonedoc7]

Thank you cle-guy, I was hoping you would chime in knowing you have experience with the PH. I had hoped that I could get the kids keys that would open our door instead of theirs and then leave the connecting room opened. It would be a nice way to somewhat keep track of when they get in (since we will be long in bed by the time they roll in). I am sure everything will be wonderful and we will have an incredible time. I am so looking forward to sitting on the balcony enjoying our cocktails watching Alaska sail by!

 

 

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[cle-guy]

Thank you cle-guy, I was hoping you would chime in knowing you have experience with the PH. I had hoped that I could get the kids keys that would open our door instead of theirs and then leave the connecting room opened. It would be a nice way to somewhat keep track of when they get in (since we will be long in bed by the time they roll in). I am sure everything will be wonderful and we will have an incredible time. I am so looking forward to sitting on the balcony enjoying our cocktails watching Alaska sail by!

 

 

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They can also give you "passkeys" so you have keys to their cabin and them yours if you want to as well, no charge privileges, just pass keys. Did this once as well.

 

If the kids are minors, then you will have even less issue, but I assume they are older since you anted them to join for drinks...

 

Your sail-away will be easy to accomplish, I've done that myself, and before the days of the pre-sail email form the concierge. However the champagne will be billed to you, but they are happy to set the spread up. What I did, was order 5 bottles of bubbly from gifts by celebrity and in the "message" I put note to have all 5 delivered to cabin on in time for sail away on boarding, as sometimes gifts show up after departure. Doing this, the gifts prices are less than the price to buy on board.... HINT HINT ;-)

 

Stocking fridge with water sodas etc. will also be billed to you (until April 2015 when it's part of suite perks), beyond the 2 free coke, tonic and soda that come with the bar set up, as room service isn't covered under beverage package, so again, be ready for that or use your package to go "trick or treating" and stock up at various bars yourself.

[bonedoc7]

Thanks Curt, they are minors, 16 and 18 plus our daughter's boyfriend 17 (we told her she could invite a friend since its for her 18th birthday - never thought it would be a BF). When I say cocktails I meant for my husband and I. The kids have the drink package (non-alcoholic) which I purchased. For our perk, what was available was OBC. Between the two rooms, plus what I have purchased as gifts for myself, we have more then enough to cover everything. We decided since we didn't get the drink package as a promo, it wouldn't make sense for us to actually purchase one, since most of our time will be spent with extended family (and any new friends we meet) on our balcony and room service isn't covered. I didn't think to purchase the champagne in advance as a gift, I had planned on using our OBC. I was definitely expecting to pay for all our extras and upgrades, not an issue. It would have been nice to have had all the perks roll out this summer, but its not a game changer and it will definitely not change our experience. Now for our son's 18th, his request is to cruise somewhere the drinking age is 18, so Europe it is! Will gladly accept the added suite perks then! Thanks again for your help. :D

[phoenix_dream]

Unless I win the lottery the penthouse suite is never going to be in my future, but heaven forbid that prevent me from having an opinion:). If someone books not just the penthouse, but a connecting Sky Suite as well I just cannot imagine that they would not welcome your entire family into Michael's Club. I obviously can't speak for what is actually done, but IMHO anyone who is spending that kind of money on a cruise deserves the whole experience. It would be nothing short of petty to prevent the kids from joining the parents in Michaels IMHO.

[WestLakeGirl]

But, as an analogy, if someone books an Aqua room with theh children across the hall in an inside, the children aren't allowed to dine in Blu, as we understand it

[cle-guy]

But, as an analogy, if someone books an Aqua room with theh children across the hall in an inside, the children aren't allowed to dine in Blu, as we understand it

 

This IS true, and Suites can be turned away as well. BLU is highly guarded and is not an entitlement to Suite guests as it is to AQ guests. The Maitre'd has some discretion however when it comes to Suite Guests. In this particular case, both cabins are Suites, so the BLU suite admission policy won't fall into play, both cabins are eligible, on a space available basis.

 

And I'm not POSITIVE that minor children of parents in AQ would be turned away, has anyone actually experienced this, with their own actual MINOR children? I think we've anecdotally assumed it's the case, but I haven't read of someone coming back and saying this is the case.

 

And let's be honest, the Penthouse does come with some extra specialness and undocumented perks and access privileges to be sure. That the adjoining cabins are decorated in the same style as the Penthouse and not as normal SkySuites, says it was truly intended as a second bedroom, not a separate cabin.

[bonedoc7]

I really do agree with both sides. I understand the rules and would never expect or demand different. I have to say, I like the idea of having a concierge I can contact for any issues or concerns without waiting in line, but we would not be ones to sit alone in a lounge expecting to be isolated. I like service, I like to be pampered and I like luxury. I am also willing to pay for it and make no apologies. Having said that, I think that anyone that books a cruise, regardless of stateroom choice should demand a level of luxury and service (and yes has a voice and opinion). One of the reasons why I love cruising so much is that regardless of what we may book, we all receive the same service (yes, there may be extra perks, but we really all are valued as customers). It wasn't until recently that I tried specialty dining. I was always a MDR kind of girl. I loved interacting with staff, found that they made our experience so much better. I loved meeting new people and experiencing the real cruise experience. I am not sure I would like a separate dining experience but would welcome the free drink package. I have our conferences and vacations planned until 2018. Mostly for conferences which limits our family vacation time. I make sure that the limited family vacation times are 100% luxurious. Considering out of our family travel time, we really only get 2 weeks every 24 months, I save our $$$ and make sure they are memorable.

 

 

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[Cruising89143]

Just for our email from Michael's Concierge Milicia for our Equinox sailing in 6 days! Nice touch!

 

Anyone used this service for anything??

 

 

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Milicia (Millie) is outstanding. Such a sweet person with an amazing smile. She greeted us at check-in and escorted us on board. Stayed in contact with us throughout the cruise to insure that we had everything needed.

Edited June 25, 2014 by cruisingator2

[fleckle]

.... I had hoped that I could get the kids keys that would open our door instead of theirs and then leave the connecting room opened.

In fact, anyone can get extra key cards that open the door to your cabin to give to whomever you want.

You don't need to be in a suite to do that. It is done frequently by friends and family traveling together.

 

If parents in a PH can bring children in the adjoining SS into Michael's Club with them, then can parents in a RS with children in the adjoining CC do the same?

 

 

It will be interesting to see what happens next year with the new suite dining room when many who book suites will be traveling with family and friends who are not in suites.

 

Will they treat the new suite dining room the way they treat Blu, only allowing those who actually book accommodations that qualify, or will they make exceptions?

 

Will the quality of the food and service in the MDR suffer once the suite passengers have their own dining room?

 

[need2bespoiled]

In fact, anyone can get extra key cards that open the door to your cabin to give to whomever you want.

You don't need to be in a suite to do that. It is done frequently by friends and family traveling together.

 

If parents in a PH can bring children in the adjoining SS into Michael's Club with them, then can parents in a RS with children in the adjoining CC do the same?

 

 

It will be interesting to see what happens next year with the new suite dining room when many who book suites will be traveling with family and friends who are not in suites.

 

Will they treat the new suite dining room the way they treat Blu, only allowing those who actually book accommodations that qualify, or will they make exceptions?

 

Will the quality of the food and service in the MDR suffer once the suite passengers have their own dining room?

 

There is a big difference between a RS and a PH AND the SS that is attached to the PH IS a suite, the Concierge Cabin is not.

 

It is pretty clear how they are going to deal with the new suite dining room next year. Here is where you can get that info:

 

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

 

It says:

"Will Suite Class guests be able to bring traveling companions in a non-suite stateroom to the Suite Class exclusive restaurant so then [sic] can dine together?

Yes, based on availability, Suite Class guests can invite non-suite guests to dine with them in Suite Class exclusive restaurant on a

space-available basis by prior reservation and for a fee. The fee per non-suite guest will be $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. Suite Class guests can also request to dine together with their non-suite guests in the Main restaurant at no additional

charge by visiting with the Matre’D on embarkation day. "

 

As I finalized this, I realized, that since it is a for fee restaurant, available to some, it seems that staff onboard would have some discretion, just like they do for a specialty restaurant.

 

Happy Sailing,

Jenna

Edited June 25, 2014 by need2bespoiled

[TommyD3]

Yes, based on availability, Suite Class guests can invite non-suite guests to dine with them in Suite Class exclusive restaurant on a space-available basis by prior reservation and for a fee. The fee per non-suite guest will be $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.

 

WOW !!!

So parents in a high end suite would have to pay an extra $105 per teen age child (per day) for them to dine with them (if the children were in an adjoining non-suite cabin)? They could probably be added as 3rd & 4th in the suite for less money!!

Edited June 25, 2014 by TommyD3

[Orator]

WOW !!!

So parents in a high end suite would have to pay an extra $105 per teen age child for them to dine with them (if the children were in an adjoining non-suite cabin)? They could probably be added as 3rd & 4th in the suite for less money!!

 

That's per day, not per cruise. Jamie Petts told me about the dinner charge when I suggested the Blu policy for Zeniths to have dinner in the new Suite Restaurant. As I understand it and I believe that this has been published by Celebrity, there will only be 40 to 50 seats in the new venue. Therefore, they need to discourage extra use as it might become very tight. That's one reason I believe that they created the Specialty dining option for top Suites.

Edited June 25, 2014 by Orator

[TommyD3]

BLU is highly guarded and is not an entitlement to Suite guests as it is to AQ guests.

 

The new Michaels Club is also highly guarded. When my Zenith adult son and I were on the Century in February after they had just opened the new Michaels Club we discussed the admission restrictions with the hotel director. Celebrity allows non Elite cabin mates entrance to the Elite lounge, but prohibits non Zenith cabin mates from entry into Michaels Club. We were told that even if my son were traveling with his fiancé, she would be denied access. VERY interesting since per Celebrity policy the moment they married she would automatically become Zenith!!! The hotel director also stated that he was not permitted to override the normal policy and allow someone access.

[Orator]

The new Michaels Club is also highly guarded. When my Zenith adult son and I were on the Century in February after they had just opened the new Michaels Club we discussed the admission restrictions with the hotel director. Celebrity allows non Elite cabin mates entrance to the Elite lounge, but prohibits non Zenith cabin mates from entry into Michaels Club. We were told that even if my son were traveling with his fiancé, she would be denied access. VERY interesting since per Celebrity policy the moment they married she would automatically become Zenith!!! The hotel director also stated that he was not permitted to override the normal policy and allow someone access.

 

Eric engaged?

 

Michael's Club was designed to be highly exclusive and is tightly guarded. That's why there may be an access problem even for a PH passenger who also booked a Sky Suite. What they do will establish a precedent and they need to be very careful not to create a larger problem. The available space,especially on the S Class ships is relatively small and although underused now, it seems to be gaining some momentum.

As you know I've suggested issuing guest passes when possible. This could be a way to handle special situations. Purely Celebrity's call.

[Kinofdc]

Just for our email from Michael's Concierge Milicia for our Equinox sailing in 6 days! Nice touch!

 

Her name is Milica (not "Milicia") Stankovic. She was the concierge for the Michael's Club during our transatlantic on the Equinox in April. At once elegant, professional and very charming, she's simply wonderful. You will love her.

[Project_gal]

I have been following the discussion about access to Michael's Club by guests not in a qualifying suite with great interest although it does not affect me directly. I have been greatly impressed with descriptions of Michael's Club posted on Cruise Critic and am certainly pleased to read reports that access will not become devalued by allowing exceptions.

 

However, I personally believe that there is a difference between the Sky Suites adjoining the PH on the M-class ships and any other adjoining rooms. These two suites were clearly designed to be extensions to the M-class PH and, although they are also sold separately, when booked with the PH should they not be considered a two-bedroomed suite? If the rules were clearly defined [e.g. the PH and adjoining Sky Suite should be booked at the same time under the same reservation number], in those circumstances alone, should not the PH perks be extended to occupants of the Sky Suite?

[Cruise a holic]

I've always swapped both bottles. But never to beer, just premium vodkas or different whiskey, but I've always swapped BOTH. I with the absolute for grey goose, and sometimes the whiskey for grey goose orange or other times to maker's mark bourbon.

 

Hi Kurt,

We will be sailing this time in a Celebrity Suite. Last time in the CS, I do not recall any e-mail from any rep- nor alcohol in the suite- is this Royal and above only? I would like to schedule some spa services prior to boarding.

 

Txs

Edited June 25, 2014 by Cruise a holic

[need2bespoiled]

Hi Kurt,

We will be sailing this time in a Celebrity Suite. Last time in the CS, I do not recall any e-mail from any rep- nor alcohol in the suite- is this Royal and above only? I would like to schedule some spa services prior to boarding.

 

Txs

 

Two bottles of alcohol is RS and above. The concierge lounge is new since winter so it depends on when you sail but since you have access to Michael's in a CS if expect you'd get the pre cruise email.

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna