S1 or CS on Eclipse?

[Daisy May]

IMG_2015 by Pitbull Lover 13, on Flickr

[Daisy May]

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7289/8741266055_a5bdafd7f9_z.jpg' alt='8741266055_a5bdafd7f9_z.jpg'>IMG_2012 by Pitbull Lover 13, on Flickr[/img]

[cle-guy]

I like the S1 size a lot.

 

Now about being walked off and escorted through customs, I recall cueing up with everyone else, maybe that is only for PH? Not RS. Or it began after Christmas 2014. Or inconsistent.

 

This has apparently started within the last month or so. I have been discussing it with a few others in a different thread.

[SugarBug]

The S1s are on the back corners (except for Relfection where there are S1s in other places). S2s which are also Sky Suites are located in various locations.

 

The balcony will be much better than a Concierge Class balcony, it will wrap around and in addition to the sliding door / window will have a LARGE port hole window next to the sofa. These are from Eclipse:

 

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

 

Thank you for posting the pic Jenna. Really helpful.

[need2bespoiled]

Thank you for posting the pic Jenna. Really helpful.

 

No problem. we like seeing them in advance and had a hard time finding S1 pictures. I have a few other cabins too, like an RS on M-Class, but most are available if you search. I think I'm going to do video for the next couple.

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

[KW Cruisers]

Access to Michael's trumps all else for us now. Hands down.

 

We just got off the Constellation yesterday, and Leo (our fabulous Michael's Club Concierge) walked us right to the customs agent at the pier in Fort Lauderdale past all of the long lines. We saved tons of time doing this.

 

Everything was just seamless.

 

Michael's adds a level of service that is well worth the extra money.

 

We also love having the separate bedroom and living area.

 

Shawn

[hulamoon]

This has apparently started within the last month or so. I have been discussing it with a few others in a different thread.

 

Ok..thanks for letting me know, because I was feeling confused about standing in that horrid line for 45 minutes in December after hearing others had this service.

[need2bespoiled]

Access to Michael's trumps all else for us now. Hands down.

 

We just got off the Constellation yesterday, and Leo (our fabulous Michael's Club Concierge) walked us right to the customs agent at the pier in Fort Lauderdale past all of the long lines. We saved tons of time doing this.

 

Everything was just seamless.

 

Michael's adds a level of service that is well worth the extra money.

 

We also love having the separate bedroom and living area.

 

Shawn

 

Once you have it, for many it is hard (for us) to give up. For those that say they don't want, need or won't use it, that is fine but I think they don't necessarily understand what Micheal's Club is without experiencing it. Of course, some also don't value those benefits as highly, and that's fine too!

 

At this point, we the demand and prices increasing, maybe I shouldn't help promote it as much :D

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

[hulamoon]

Jenna I do think you are responsible for the demand! Lol there are no upper suites in my next three cruises at all, and maybe not on the next five, I just haven't checked!

 

I will say this after one week in a RS and the next in an SS, there are things we gave up. But we gave up the drink package flexibility to get the RS, so of course I only drank in MC. It was weird to have that much status and walk past bars I may have liked to order from. Nobody stopped me, just me being practical. After April a few people in CS may have that feeling, if they do the same. Not RS as they will have the package as a benefit. Although there is focused service in MC I felt less connected to the rest of the ship and enjoyed getting that back after the downgrade. That may have been a first timer mistake too, trying to understand the benefits and how they improved my experience.

 

I agree, I do not think people really understand what the focused service is and how it feels to have everyone say yes to you, where that does not happen as much in other categories.

 

Also I may add our butler, having spent so much time with the MC service was offering many of the services we got from MC, it's just we didn't bother him for them. So the whole excercise may train the occasional lax butler we hear of from time to time, He told us he would take care of us the same as the MC concierge. Maybe it was a special offer because of the downgrade, but I wonder if all suite butler service will shine a little brighter. If that is the case, that will be excellent for SS class.

Edited March 23, 2015 by hulamoon

[need2bespoiled]

Jenna I do think you are responsible for the demand! Lol there are no upper suites in my next three cruises at all, and maybe not on the next five, I just haven't checked!

 

I will say this after one week in a RS and the next in an SS, there are things we gave up. But we gave up the drink package flexibility to get the RS, so of course I only drank in MC. It was weird to have that much status and walk past bars I may have liked to order from. Nobody stopped me, just me being practical. After April a few people in CS may have that feeling, if they do the same. Not RS as they will have the package as a benefit. Although there is focused service in MC I felt less connected to the rest of the ship and enjoyed getting that back after the downgrade. That may have been a first timer mistake too, trying to understand the benefits and how they improved my experience.

 

I agree, I do not think people really understand what the focused service is and how it feels to have everyone say yes to you, where that does not happen as much in other categories.

 

Also I may add our butler, having spent so much time with the MC service was offering many of the services we got from MC, it's just we didn't bother him for them. So the whole excercise may train the occasional lax butler we hear of from time to time, He told us he would take care of us the same as the MC concierge. Maybe it was a special offer because of the downgrade, but I wonder if all suite butler service will shine a little brighter. If that is the case, that will be excellent for SS class.

 

HAH!

 

I think you're pretty much spot on. I do think butlers will improve. I also think as the butlers move from housekeeping staff to guest relations staff, service is improving and will improve more. I think your experience was you were in 6145/6146 so you had a "better' butler who also knew you were in an RS.

 

On a shorter cruise, we feel that you may try and use Michael's more, but once you've been onboard for a while, or have used it often, you may find a great balance. Finally, as drink packages become more and more common, those CS folks won't care much as they'll have classic or upgrade. On our last cruise, we had a drink package for 2 week and not for the other 2 weeks. We did like the freedom and found we did "drink around" more with the package. It's funny, as we wouldn't have spent that much more with the occasional drink at the Martini bar, but I guess we were just being frugal? If it is free 150 ft away...

 

Less than two more weeks, can't wait!

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

 

P.s. sorry for the hijack!

[hulamoon]

I know drinking around! Hehe

 

Well honestly I think they should just give the package to CS as well. Why? They get it anyway in MC, are they really going to drink more because they have a package? Celebrity makes money if they purchase it and I know people who do in the upper suites but I think it adds an unnecessary limitations where the guests are so unlikely to drink much more by having it.

 

In simpler terms, I do not think Celebrity is going to lose money and it adds value to CS experience. Some are still going to be giving up the 123 for CS lower pricing.

 

This is our first april in a long time we are not on a ship. Will be living vicariously through you next week.

[cle-guy]

I know drinking around! Hehe

 

Well honestly I think they should just give the package to CS as well. Why? They get it anyway in MC, are they really going to drink more because they have a package? Celebrity makes money if they purchase it and I know people who do in the upper suites but I think it adds an unnecessary limitations where the guests are so unlikely to drink much more by having it.

 

In simpler terms, I do not think Celebrity is going to lose money and it adds value to CS experience. Some are still going to be giving up the 123 for CS lower pricing.

 

This is our first april in a long time we are not on a ship. Will be living vicariously through you next week.

 

X is trying to differentiate its suites, and the pricing of them.

 

• Sky suite, gets most suite perks including Suite dining Room, but no Michaels.
  
• Celebrity suite, add's Michaels,
  
• Royal suite add's unlimited beverages, internet, mini bar (and a hefty price increase versus celebrity suite, it was a $2,000 difference between the 2 on my upcoming 13 night TA)
  
• Penthouse suite adds.... well, it is the Penthouse, good enough
  

[hulamoon]

X is trying to differentiate its suites, and the pricing of them.

 

• Sky suite, gets most suite perks including Suite dining Room, but no Michaels.
  
• Celebrity suite, add's Michaels,
  
• Royal suite add's unlimited beverages, internet, mini bar (and a hefty price increase versus celebrity suite, it was a $2,000 difference between the 2 on my upcoming 13 night TA)
  
• Penthouse suite adds.... well, it is the Penthouse, good enough
  

 

of course I understand they want to create more value for upper suites. I get it.

 

This is my take on it, not a rant or a huge issue.

 

My point is, I doubt I am the only one making the choice between SS with a package and CS with Michael's. michaels is essentially a premium package anyway. Rather than send CS guests to MC for their drinks to take to dinner or visit friends outside of MC why not give them a package? They essentially have an inconvienent premium package as it is. My point is, it creates greater value between SS and CS.

RS continues to have the free mini, free bar set up, better suite and internet to differentiate it.

Also the mini thing maybe should be given too, since people can just take it all from MC anyway. Or I think they can in CS the way RS can.

Honestly, we like both categories, it may increase the edge a bit to MC value.

[jules57]

of course I understand they want to create more value for upper suites. I get it.

 

This is my take on it, not a rant or a huge issue.

 

My point is, I doubt I am the only one making the choice between SS with a package and CS with Michael's. michaels is essentially a premium package anyway. Rather than send CS guests to MC for their drinks to take to dinner or visit friends outside of MC why not give them a package? They essentially have an inconvienent premium package as it is. My point is, it creates greater value between SS and CS.

RS continues to have the free mini, free bar set up, better suite and internet to differentiate it.

Also the mini thing maybe should be given too, since people can just take it all from MC anyway. Or I think they can in CS the way RS can.

Honestly, we like both categories, it may increase the edge a bit to MC value.

Why not give CS the classic drinks package?

[cle-guy]

Why not give CS the classic drinks package?

 

Because it's relatively value proceed versus the next category that does include it.

 

It' a great step of between a junior suite (SkySuite) and a higher category suite with a higher fare.

 

If Celebrity Suites began to include drinks packages for both passengers, it's fare would increase accordingly.

 

Now we have a choice, a value proved premium suite (CS) or a suite with all the emanates , but at a higher price (RS).

 

I like choices.

 

For me, doing a TA where no packages apply, I booked a RS, if I had a drinks package from perks, I'd book a CS and save some money.

 

Some price differences to consider (randomly chosen from a fare finding site):

11/28/15 Connie 9 night Caribbean:

• CS $9,398
  
  
• RS $12,198
  
  

12/11/16 Eclipse 10 night Caribbean:

• CS $3,399
  
  
• RS $6,199
  
  

6/6/16 Reflection 14 night Rome/Eastern Med:

• CS $7,319
  
  
• RS $10,619
  
  

Those extra perks and beverages packages are certainly built into the pricing.

[hulamoon]

I am going to respectively disagree that most people who have full premium mc access are going to cost X more money with either a classic or premium package. So I do not see why increasing the price makes much sense, while it does increase the inconvenience to some customers, which may make a few decide on SS instead.

 

The package is a convince to guests more than a cost. As they have all the free premium drinks they desire, just from one bar.

 

I am not a huge drinker, but I have yet to make a dent any any bar set ups in a suite with a package. So I think the price is for suite and service. How much booze can anyone drink! Assuming over 35 of course. Lol

 

Maybe I am wrong and people who have full premium access now drink double because they also have a drink package. But I don't think so.

[cle-guy]

Free drinks on Michaels Club is nice, but doesn't work so well when you want a Pina Colada by the pool. Or a martini at Martini Bar with the new friends you met at dinner who are not in Suites. Or the delicious drinks at molecular bar. Or getting a bottle of water when leaving the ship, or when sitting to eat in ocean view cafe. or a cocktail with dinner at Murano. Or a carmel macchiato at Cafe Al Baccio.

 

I suppose one could run back and forth to Michaels to get at the free drinks if one did not have a package, leaving their dinner table, their friends making a top out of the way as leaving the ship, but that just isn't how I care to spend my vacation in search of the free beverages.

 

It's these instances where having a drinks package even though you have Michaels's club access comes in handy.

 

For me, I get my Bloody mary in the morning as I read the Celebrity today to see what to do, maybe grab a drink or esperesso mid day, a cocktail around dinner time. Rest of my drinks I use a package, or pay as I go. Even at elite happy hour, I tend to not care for the menu of drinks, so pay or use package to get something desirable.

[doowopbob]

How long did it take you from the time you left MC until you got through customs? We are trying to decide when to have a car service pick us up after a future cruise. Were you able to get off when you wanted or were you assigned a time? Thanks

 

 

 

Access to Michael's trumps all else for us now. Hands down.

 

We just got off the Constellation yesterday, and Leo (our fabulous Michael's Club Concierge) walked us right to the customs agent at the pier in Fort Lauderdale past all of the long lines. We saved tons of time doing this.

 

Everything was just seamless.

 

Michael's adds a level of service that is well worth the extra money.

 

We also love having the separate bedroom and living area.

 

Shawn

[hulamoon]

Free drinks on Michaels Club is nice, but doesn't work so well when you want a Pina Colada by the pool. Or a martini at Martini Bar with the new friends you met at dinner who are not in Suites. Or the delicious drinks at molecular bar. Or getting a bottle of water when leaving the ship, or when sitting to eat in ocean view cafe. or a cocktail with dinner at Murano. Or a carmel macchiato at Cafe Al Baccio.

 

I suppose one could run back and forth to Michaels to get at the free drinks if one did not have a package, leaving their dinner table, their friends making a top out of the way as leaving the ship, but that just isn't how I care to spend my vacation in search of the free beverages.

 

It's these instances where having a drinks package even though you have Michaels's club access comes in handy.

 

 

 

For me, I get my Bloody mary in the morning as I read the Celebrity today to see what to do, maybe grab a drink or esperesso mid day, a cocktail around dinner time. Rest of my drinks I use a package, or pay as I go. Even at elite happy hour, I tend to not care for the menu of drinks, so pay or use package to get something desirable.

 

True very inconvienant.

[need2bespoiled]

Free drinks on Michaels Club is nice, but doesn't work so well when you want a Pina Colada by the pool. Or a martini at Martini Bar with the new friends you met at dinner who are not in Suites. Or the delicious drinks at molecular bar. Or getting a bottle of water when leaving the ship, or when sitting to eat in ocean view cafe. or a cocktail with dinner at Murano. Or a carmel macchiato at Cafe Al Baccio.

 

I suppose one could run back and forth to Michaels to get at the free drinks if one did not have a package, leaving their dinner table, their friends making a top out of the way as leaving the ship, but that just isn't how I care to spend my vacation in search of the free beverages.

 

It's these instances where having a drinks package even though you have Michaels's club access comes in handy.

 

For me, I get my Bloody mary in the morning as I read the Celebrity today to see what to do, maybe grab a drink or esperesso mid day, a cocktail around dinner time. Rest of my drinks I use a package, or pay as I go. Even at elite happy hour, I tend to not care for the menu of drinks, so pay or use package to get something desirable.

 

True very inconvienant.

 

I see both sides. We did B2B cruises, one with a package, one without. We did stop my MC sometimes to pick-up a water, but we also met friend there and could use the benefits to embark without lines (Asia is far different with customs than the Caribbean even at a non-tender port there are lines).

 

We also booked almost all RSs (or maybe a PH ;) ) unless we had a classic package with the booking when we booked a couple of CS.

 

One exception was our Suez cruise which is part of the B2B2B. We have the package on the first and last cruises the middle is Suez re-positioning so no package was available as a perk. Booking the RS over the CS over the 36 days was more than $10k US more. We're not going to change cabins for a drink package and now with the ability to purchase unlimited internet for reasonable rates, it's just not worth it for us to spend 10k for an M-Class Jacuzzi (RS) when we prefer the views and layout of the CS better anyway.

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

[KW Cruisers]

How long did it take you from the time you left MC until you got through customs? We are trying to decide when to have a car service pick us up after a future cruise. Were you able to get off when you wanted or were you assigned a time? Thanks

 

It took us about 10 minutes from leaving Michael's and exiting the terminal. It was great! We did have a set time because we had booked transportation with X. Our concierge brought us down when he knew the transport was waiting.

 

We were told that we could pick up our luggage in the terminal anytime after 7:30 AM (in general for all VIP passengers from Michael's). You can book your car service to pick you up whenever you wish, and simply tell the Michael's concierge what you arrange. Give yourself some time for coffee and breakfast in Michael's before departure.

 

Hope that helps,

 

Shawn

[need2bespoiled]

It took us about 10 minutes from leaving Michael's and exiting the terminal. It was great! We did have a set time because we had booked transportation with X. Our concierge brought us down when he knew the transport was waiting.

 

We were told that we could pick up our luggage in the terminal anytime after 7:30 AM (in general for all VIP passengers from Michael's). You can book your car service to pick you up whenever you wish, and simply tell the Michael's concierge what you arrange. Give yourself some time for coffee and breakfast in Michael's before departure.

 

Hope that helps,

 

Shawn

 

We've found very similar service disembarking from Michael's Club.

 

One question, "breakfast" in MC has been, well, a small basket of pastries which were underwhelming. This is an area where we feel they can definitely improve.

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

[hulamoon]

My viewpoint is narrower. We will likely never book as Many RS or PH as Curt and Jenna. For our last four booking we were choosing between CS and SS and AQ. When it comes down to it, we will likely upgrade with the right price. For us it is usually CS possibly without pkg or SS with it.

 

From that view, the choice is just a little easier to upgrade with it. That's all, any benefit they can give that doesn't cost them anything seems like a good idea from a business point of view to me. There seems to be plenty of difference between the stateroom benefits even with this. From my conversations in MC, it seemed many upper suite upgrades were made on a price basis.

 

For Us personally the edge to CS is less appealing without a package. I know myself well enough to know I would be dropping by MC.

 

We are in CS at the end of year, with a package, so I can check out how that compares to our RS without, and how often I use it. Who knows maybe I would drink twice as much and would see it differently.

Now where was that spa Kieth Richards used to go to dry out? Lol

Wow...Jenna...what ability to purchase Internet at reasonable rates? I must have missed something.

[Project_gal]

It took us about 10 minutes from leaving Michael's and exiting the terminal. It was great! We did have a set time because we had booked transportation with X. Our concierge brought us down when he knew the transport was waiting.

 

Shawn

 

Shawn

 

Thanks for that clarification. We have transfers through Celebrity for our next cruise and it is good to know how it will work in that situation.

[Project_gal]

My viewpoint is narrower. We will likely never book as Many RS or PH as Curt and Jenna. For our last four booking we were choosing between CS and SS and AQ. When it comes down to it, we will likely upgrade with the right price. For us it is usually CS possibly without pkg or SS with it.

 

From that view, the choice is just a little easier to upgrade with it. That's all, any benefit they can give that doesn't cost them anything seems like a good idea from a business point of view to me. There seems to be plenty of difference between the stateroom benefits even with this. From my conversations in MC, it seemed many upper suite upgrades were made on a price basis.

 

For Us personally the edge to CS is less appealing without a package. I know myself well enough to know I would be dropping by MC.

 

We are in CS at the end of year, with a package, so I can check out how that compares to our RS without, and how often I use it. Who knows maybe I would drink twice as much and would see it differently.

Now where was that spa Kieth Richards used to go to dry out? Lol

Wow...Jenna...what ability to purchase Internet at reasonable rates? I must have missed something.

 

Being in a different time zone, I get the benefit of reading the full conversation before adding my thoughts. Although I can see your point of view, I think that you are viewing the issue from the customer's view-point - obviously! From Celebrity's view point, they wish to have clear demarcation lines between suite categories. If you add the perks [that, admittedly, cost Celebrity very little] to the CS as well, it is quite likely that they would sell fewer RS and PH.

 

By having a clear demarcation between each category of suite [as Curt laid out], there is something to tempt customers to go the extra mile.