SS 6146 Constellation - Surprise for Wife -- What to expect?

[pk&Di]

HI All,

 

I have done a great deal of reading on the SS, in particular 6146 on M-Class, one of which I have booked for a sailing this coming March. It is a surprise for my wife who thinks we ware going with our usual ocean view experience.

 

I wanted to make things special for our first cruise since starting a family 4 years ago. It'll just be the two of use.

 

I understand what the benefits of the SS are, however, I thought I would ask you to comment on your experiences as of late and how best we can take advantage of the amenities and services the SS offers.

 

In particular can you common one:

 

Butler Service - what kinds of things have you asked him to do?

 

Reviews of Afternoon canapés and tea service - of what quality were the food items? Did you have to request this or was it automatic?

 

 

Reviews of Full in-suite breakfast, lunch & dinner service - how attentive was the service, how did you order? How far in advance did you plan these meals? Was their enough room in the suite to enjoy this service?

 

 

Preference for MDR table -- I typically will visit the MD upon embarkation and have yet to run into a problem securing a table for four (When traveling with friends) or for two. How do I go about this in the SS? Via the Butler? Or head down to the dining room?

 

 

Thanks in advance for all your help.

 

PK

[swigso]

Don't forget that you have a complimentary

Dining in the Normandy,

[john_galt]

We were in 6147 on the Constellation in April. Butler service was wonderful. There is a phone number to call and he will show up as needed. He checked in with us a couple of times a day as he learned our schedule (we never left the ship). We ate all but one meal in the room and it was very relaxing not to have to dress up. We had some things pressed, he made reservations for Normandy, and he generally took care of us.

 

Don't be afraid to ask...

[pk&Di]

Hi Swigso,

 

I don't think that's the case for us as this is only a 5 night sailing:( I hope I'm wrong.

 

Don't forget that you have a complimentary

Dining in the Normandy,

[pk&Di]

HI there,

 

Thank-you so much for taking the time to reply. I believe 6147 is the Penthouse suite? Is that correct?

 

I will follow your advice, though we are only in the Sky Suite so I'm not sure that dinner will be as enjoyable in our stateroom as compared to the larger suites and certainly the Penthouse:)

 

Any other advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks again.

 

PK

 

We were in 6147 on the Constellation in April. Butler service was wonderful. There is a phone number to call and he will show up as needed. He checked in with us a couple of times a day as he learned our schedule (we never left the ship). We ate all but one meal in the room and it was very relaxing not to have to dress up. We had some things pressed, he made reservations for Normandy, and he generally took care of us.

 

Don't be afraid to ask...

[sunshine nana]

I hope you get a great butler. If not, complain quickly. We had a wonderful butler on the Equinox in 2012 and a poor one on Silhouette this past September. He should set up a nice table with linen for any meal in your cabin, bring what you request for the afternoon tea, check your cabin for needed wine glasses, ice etc. and make any reservations you request. You are paying extra gratuities for him as well as more for the cabin. You will love the S1!

[john_galt]

6147 is the port side PH. We booked the same room again for 2016. :)

 

 

I think the butler said the suite responsibilities were split between port and starboard sides. Other passenger in our group was in a port side RS and had the same butler so I assume that's the way it is.

 

Normandy may be an extra charge. I really didn't notice. I try not to look too closely at the bill. It scares me when I do. However, the interactive TV works very well. You can check your charges at any time. I was impressed.

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

The butler is there to take care of you. Ask and you shall receive. A nice way to wake up in the morning is to have your butler bring you specialty coffees and maybe an almond croissant or two. Then you can proceed to breakfast in Blu at your leisure (although beware, the hours there are somewhat limited). Check the daily every day to see what they are as they change depending on whether or not you're in port.

 

Here's an example of the butler going beyond what's necessary. We had reservations at the Tuscan Grill which is tricky to get to on the M Class ships. I just asked the butler which was the best way to go so we didn't have to go outside. His response was to escort us to dinner!

 

[jawsbad]

Had the pleasure of butler services in a Sky suite on Solstice. Afternoon tea was brought around and served if you were in your cabin. After a few days of tea sandwiches and pastries, we requested that shrimp cocktails and a cheese platter be removed instead each afternoon around 5 pm for sailaway.

 

He also made arrangements for dining in the specialty restaurants and for a last minute shore excursion.

 

Had breakfast in our cabin on several mornings and they were delivered hot and on time. Also was able to request different types of pastries than was normally included.

 

Because of the extra services provided, an extra tip to the butler and suite attendant was given.

[jawsbad]

Had the pleasure of butler services in a Sky suite on Solstice. Afternoon tea was brought around and served if you were in your cabin. After a few days of tea sandwiches and pastries, we requested that shrimp cocktails and a cheese platter be delivered instead each afternoon around 5 pm for sailaway.

 

He also made arrangements for dining in the specialty restaurants and for a last minute shore excursion. Also provided next day main dining room menus and made arrangements for us to dine in Blu if there were no menu items we cared to have in the main dining room.

 

Had breakfast in our cabin on several mornings and they were delivered hot and on time. Also was able to request different types of pastries than was normally included.

 

Because of the extra services provided, an extra tip to the butler and suite attendant was given.

[ClaudiaB]

How nice of you and what a great surprise for her! We've been in sky suites 5 or 6 times and have another booked in November. We love them. If you get a chance to get one of the corner aft S1s on an S class ship sometime, you'll really love those too.

You've gotten great reviews and ideas. One I would recommend is order your breakfast in the room on port days. That way you don't have the back and forth, and you can eat and relax and get ready to go. Lovely way to start your day.

Also eat breakfast in Blu on the other nights. In all those cruises we've never had any problems eating there breakfast or dinner. (after April of course you'll have the new Suite restaurant).

Our butler arranged a beautiful cocktail party for us in October. We had met some friends on the ship and we decided to share some wine and so each couple brought a bottle or two. Our butler brought several trays of boiled shrimp, some cheese and crackers, fruit and nuts and some other goodies. He had it all beautifully arranged and it was so much fun. We tipped him well for that.

We're pretty independent but it *is* fun to have a butler for special things.

Have a great time and I hope you enjoy every drop!

[dgparent]

The suite you booked is right next to the one "John_Galt" ? booked -he was in a PH. Anyway I am pretty sure you get the same butler as the PH and that is one of 2 of the best SS one the ship, best balcony + best bathroom. Enjoy your cruise.

Edited January 30, 2015 by dgparent

[pk&Di]

Hi There Happy Cruiser. Thank-you for this reply and suggestions. LOVE the idea of morning coffees and breakfast, I think that'll be an excellent way to wake up.

 

You have answered my queries a number of times over the years. Thanks for that!

 

PK

 

The butler is there to take care of you. Ask and you shall receive. A nice way to wake up in the morning is to have your butler bring you specialty coffees and maybe an almond croissant or two. Then you can proceed to breakfast in Blu at your leisure (although beware, the hours there are somewhat limited). Check the daily every day to see what they are as they change depending on whether or not you're in port.

 

Here's an example of the butler going beyond what's necessary. We had reservations at the Tuscan Grill which is tricky to get to on the M Class ships. I just asked the butler which was the best way to go so we didn't have to go outside. His response was to escort us to dinner!

 

[pk&Di]

Thanks you for responding. I'm sure his help will be wonderful. I also like that you were able to ask for a little something different be brought by for sailaway.

 

Was that request in lieu of your afternoon tea or additional?

 

Thanks again for your help.

 

Had the pleasure of butler services in a Sky suite on Solstice. Afternoon tea was brought around and served if you were in your cabin. After a few days of tea sandwiches and pastries, we requested that shrimp cocktails and a cheese platter be delivered instead each afternoon around 5 pm for sailaway.

 

He also made arrangements for dining in the specialty restaurants and for a last minute shore excursion. Also provided next day main dining room menus and made arrangements for us to dine in Blu if there were no menu items we cared to have in the main dining room.

 

Had breakfast in our cabin on several mornings and they were delivered hot and on time. Also was able to request different types of pastries than was normally included.

 

Because of the extra services provided, an extra tip to the butler and suite attendant was given.

[pk&Di]

HI ClaudiaB. It'll be fun to have a nice room to enjoy, without the kids this time around. I will keep an eye out for the S1s on the S class Ships. Are they preferable for their location?

 

I do like the idea of Breakfast in Room. He will serve this unlike the dropping off of room service in the lower class rooms we've stayed in before? Is the menu different as well?

 

Great to know he was willing to help you with that event. I would like to plan a few special things for my wife and so I trust I will be able to enlist his help after what you've mentioned here.

 

Thanks

 

How nice of you and what a great surprise for her! We've been in sky suites 5 or 6 times and have another booked in November. We love them. If you get a chance to get one of the corner aft S1s on an S class ship sometime, you'll really love those too.

You've gotten great reviews and ideas. One I would recommend is order your breakfast in the room on port days. That way you don't have the back and forth, and you can eat and relax and get ready to go. Lovely way to start your day.

Also eat breakfast in Blu on the other nights. In all those cruises we've never had any problems eating there breakfast or dinner. (after April of course you'll have the new Suite restaurant).

Our butler arranged a beautiful cocktail party for us in October. We had met some friends on the ship and we decided to share some wine and so each couple brought a bottle or two. Our butler brought several trays of boiled shrimp, some cheese and crackers, fruit and nuts and some other goodies. He had it all beautifully arranged and it was so much fun. We tipped him well for that.

We're pretty independent but it *is* fun to have a butler for special things.

Have a great time and I hope you enjoy every drop!

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

Hi There Happy Cruiser. Thank-you for this reply and suggestions. LOVE the idea of morning coffees and breakfast, I think that'll be an excellent way to wake up.

 

You have answered my queries a number of times over the years. Thanks for that!

 

PK

 

You are very welcome. To me, that's the best part of Cruise Critic--being able to share our experience with others.

 

We've also entertained in a suite several times, and the butler provided lovely appetizers. Have also had people in for dinner. Course by course white tablecloth experience--very nice.

 

I think you will find that you want to pack your butler up and take him/her home with you! The first morning back in the real world without a butler running interference with all the ups and downs of life is a rude awakening.

 

I'm sure you and your wife will have a wonderful cruise.

 

[Caribbean Chris]

We had a Sky Suite on Constellation in December, and enjoyed room service breakfast which the butler arranged nicely on a white tablecloth in our room on the litte sofa table ( it was raining or could have used the balcony.)

 

We didn't really ask her for much, but she was very visible in the corridor, and did knock and offer the tea goodies daily. Sometimes we just chose a cookie (so much food to save room for at regular meals!) But the day the Elegant Tea was scheduled as a party for higher Captain's Club members than we are, the pastries were wonderful.

 

She reconfirmed our two free dinners (it was a nine-day cruise), one each we had reserved ahead of sailing for Tuscan and Ocean Liners. (Normandy referred to in earlier posts, but it is Ocean Liners on Constellation. Beautiful restaurant.)

 

It's a nice service to have someone standing by for anything you need.

 

You will also be treated very nicely on disembarkation day - we relaxed in the peace of Ocean Liners with coffee where the Captains Club host came and advised when our number groups were ready to depart, and we were off very quickly. It was quite a smooth, civilized ending.

 

Of course, you can also disembark in tender ports with priority which can be a big benefit if you go to St. Barthelemy.

 

The space is nice in those rooms, especially the closet which is sort of a walk- in arrangement. Fresh flowers and fruit. A gift one evening of a narrow box of decorated truffles (gone fast). A very nice experience overall.

 

Enjoy! We liked it enough to book two more SS rooms on Sostice class ships for the next two Decembers. Loved Constellation, though, and hope we'll be on board again soon.

Edited January 31, 2015 by Caribbean Chris

[Teenybk]

We've reserved a Sky Suite on the Constellation for a Mediterranean cruise next year. I see that we're allowed two specialty restaurant meals with the suite reservation. Can anyone tell me whether dinner at Luminae counts as one of those specialty restaurant meals? I would think Luminae is free for all suite passengers, so the two specialty restaurant meals would be in addition to any meals at Luminae, but looking for confirmation on this. Thanks!

[Caribbean Chris]

No, Luminae is your regular restaurant, included in your fare and no extra fee, as a suite passenger. If your cruise is 7 days, you'll also have available one "free" specialty dinner in either Ocean Liners or Tuscan, your choice. Longer than 7, two free specialty dinners.

[Olive1950]

Hi there, PK!!!

 

I was in PH 6148 in November, and my butler Nikola was awesome.

 

Remember that, being in a suite, you are entitled to eat in Luminae, the dining room for suite dwellers. But you can also opt to dine in Blu. I only set foot in the MDR to dine with the Captain.

 

On most nights I ordered something from one of the restaurants, and ate dinner in the cabin. I brought lots of dressy attire; wore very little of that stuff.

 

You will find that you have an AWESOME bathroom.... very large.

 

Enjoy your cruise....

 

[Teenybk]

Thanks for the quicky reply, Chris. Appreciate clarifying that Luminae wouldn't be considered one of the two specialty restaurant meals that come with the suite. Looking forward to it!

[Schmoe38]

HI All,

 

I have done a great deal of reading on the SS, in particular 6146 on M-Class, one of which I have booked for a sailing this coming March. It is a surprise for my wife who thinks we ware going with our usual ocean view experience.

 

I wanted to make things special for our first cruise since starting a family 4 years ago. It'll just be the two of use.

 

I understand what the benefits of the SS are, however, I thought I would ask you to comment on your experiences as of late and how best we can take advantage of the amenities and services the SS offers.

 

In particular can you common one:

 

Butler Service - what kinds of things have you asked him to do?

 

Reviews of Afternoon canapés and tea service - of what quality were the food items? Did you have to request this or was it automatic?

 

 

Reviews of Full in-suite breakfast, lunch & dinner service - how attentive was the service, how did you order? How far in advance did you plan these meals? Was their enough room in the suite to enjoy this service?

 

 

Preference for MDR table -- I typically will visit the MD upon embarkation and have yet to run into a problem securing a table for four (When traveling with friends) or for two. How do I go about this in the SS? Via the Butler? Or head down to the dining room?

 

 

Thanks in advance for all your help.

 

PK

 

Hi There PK

 

If this is a surprise for your wife...get ready to be blown away. It's not often we get "credits" from our spouse, but this will be one of them. We were in 6146 on Constellation this past December. Whenever we are looking to sail in a Sky Suite, we look for 6145 or 6146, as there are major differences between these 2 staterooms vs other Sky Suite 1's on the M Class ships.

 

First of all, since 6146 is next to PH 6148 the decor is of a higher calibre, as these suites are often times booked simultaneously by PH guests who have family sailing with them. The major differentiator is the bathroom. It is larger than the standard SS1 and it is breathtaking (if you can use that word to describe a bathroom).

 

The balcony is larger than most other SS1's. You will notice that the stateroom has a single door leading to the balcony as opposed to sliding doors. Some may suggest that this leads to less natural light in the stateroom, but we never found this to be the case. If you are like most of us men, you will need to stay composed when you see the buttons next to the balcony door, which control the automatic door shade and drapes. Don't spend a lot of time playing with these or you will run the risk of losing your spousal credit for booking this suite.

 

We have always had wonderful butlers. We had the same butler as Cheryl and Linda on this cruise last December, as they were in PH 6148, so we can echo their good comments. We do not normally ask our butler to do a whole lot, but we do use their services to occasionally serve breakfast in the morning. We ate breakfast on the balcony for 3 days of our 9 night cruise. We ate the remainder of our breakfast/brunch meals in Luminae. You will have cards in your room where you can fill out what you would like for breakfast the next morning. There is a spot on the card to indicate the time you would like it served. Hang the card on the outside of your suite door before you go to bed and you will be good. The butler will call you prior to arriving to let you know breakfast is on the way. We did not order any lunch or dinner in the suite. If there is something you would like for breakfast and it is not listed on the card, just write it in the card, and if the ship has it, your butler will bring it.

 

When we were in our room at approximately 3:30pm we would take advantage of afternoon tea/coffee service where we could enjoy different types of tea, sandwiches and sweets. The afternoon service was automatic. I enjoyed the late afternoon canapes as they often times involved some type of seafood. My wife is allergic to seafood, so one might suggest I schemed with the butler to ensure that's what came to the room.

 

On your 5 night itinerary, you will have 1 formal night. If you normally attend the evening entertainment, your butler will reserve seats for you and your wife in a special section of the theatre. Those reservations are normally held for you until 15 minutes before show time. Just inform your butler some time during the formal day, that you would like him/her to reserve your seats and it will be done.

 

I think most of your other questions have been handled by other posters, but all in all, you have made a great choice and this will be the wonderful surprise you are hoping to see.

 

Randy

Edited June 28, 2015 by Schmoe38

[pk&Di]

HI Randy--- Sorry for the very delayed reply! And thanks for your note. I'm actually up to the same thing again this year. We booked the SS while onboard but my wife doesn't know we are actually in a CS. It's our anniversary so I think she'll really appreciate it.

 

Again thanks for the info!

 

Hi There PK

 

If this is a surprise for your wife...get ready to be blown away. It's not often we get "credits" from our spouse, but this will be one of them. We were in 6146 on Constellation this past December. Whenever we are looking to sail in a Sky Suite, we look for 6145 or 6146, as there are major differences between these 2 staterooms vs other Sky Suite 1's on the M Class ships.

 

First of all, since 6146 is next to PH 6148 the decor is of a higher calibre, as these suites are often times booked simultaneously by PH guests who have family sailing with them. The major differentiator is the bathroom. It is larger than the standard SS1 and it is breathtaking (if you can use that word to describe a bathroom).

 

The balcony is larger than most other SS1's. You will notice that the stateroom has a single door leading to the balcony as opposed to sliding doors. Some may suggest that this leads to less natural light in the stateroom, but we never found this to be the case. If you are like most of us men, you will need to stay composed when you see the buttons next to the balcony door, which control the automatic door shade and drapes. Don't spend a lot of time playing with these or you will run the risk of losing your spousal credit for booking this suite.

 

We have always had wonderful butlers. We had the same butler as Cheryl and Linda on this cruise last December, as they were in PH 6148, so we can echo their good comments. We do not normally ask our butler to do a whole lot, but we do use their services to occasionally serve breakfast in the morning. We ate breakfast on the balcony for 3 days of our 9 night cruise. We ate the remainder of our breakfast/brunch meals in Luminae. You will have cards in your room where you can fill out what you would like for breakfast the next morning. There is a spot on the card to indicate the time you would like it served. Hang the card on the outside of your suite door before you go to bed and you will be good. The butler will call you prior to arriving to let you know breakfast is on the way. We did not order any lunch or dinner in the suite. If there is something you would like for breakfast and it is not listed on the card, just write it in the card, and if the ship has it, your butler will bring it.

 

When we were in our room at approximately 3:30pm we would take advantage of afternoon tea/coffee service where we could enjoy different types of tea, sandwiches and sweets. The afternoon service was automatic. I enjoyed the late afternoon canapes as they often times involved some type of seafood. My wife is allergic to seafood, so one might suggest I schemed with the butler to ensure that's what came to the room.

 

On your 5 night itinerary, you will have 1 formal night. If you normally attend the evening entertainment, your butler will reserve seats for you and your wife in a special section of the theatre. Those reservations are normally held for you until 15 minutes before show time. Just inform your butler some time during the formal day, that you would like him/her to reserve your seats and it will be done.

 

I think most of your other questions have been handled by other posters, but all in all, you have made a great choice and this will be the wonderful surprise you are hoping to see.

 

Randy