NEW Suite Upgrades....

[Cigar King]

So, do we flip a coin to see who gets the sofa :confused: :D

 

How about the "Feats of Strength"? ;-)

[critterchick]

BTW I just noticed you have an error in your sig file.

 

"5/13, 5/14; Allure of the Seas 11/10, 1/14, Quantum of the Seas 11/14 (75)[/color]"

 

You have an extra [/color] there...I'll bet it's right before your Allure entry.

 

I know, but every time I took it out, it just messed up other items, so I've learned to live with it.:)

[Cigar King]

If you want to email it to me, I might be able to fix it for you?

 

It's not very noticeable, so it probably doesn't matter, but, the geek in me wants perfection. ;-)

[Garavar]

Of course they will be higher but majority of suite guests won't mind paying as long as they get premium services. Remember, they are trying to attract a whole new clientele base.

Due to the lounge overcrowding I see either bar set ups or yes, free drink packages. I personally would love this. Also-some sort of suite dining like a Coastal kitchen type thing fleet wide. At least that's what I think, who knows where they go with this. :confused:

Got a fairly good deal on an Independence cruise I just booked. I've been eying this up for the family and Moms first cruise with the hope that something good comes out from the new suite program. Can not see them excluding current bookings but at least I can scrap it in 2 months if this whole thing turns out to be a whole bunch of nothing!!:(

 

I am a Suite only guest and I would mind paying higher rates if what they offer is "fluff"

 

Free drinks always for Suite Guest? Useless, since a Suite guest can just buy drink package if they drink. And RCI would probably charge more than current suite rate + drink package

 

Free Speciality Dinning Restaurants? Useless, since we just pay out of pocket the restaurants (and would probably be less as said above)

 

If RCI wants to not upset half the suite guest, the upgrades better not be fluff. Should real things that are actually exclusively to suites. Butler service, Suite only Restaurants, Suite only lunches or fast access, 24 conceirge, priority escourt on/off ship at all ports etc.

 

That I would pay a premium for, if they raise the prices by $200 a day and give as "free" $50 drink per day drink package, I will be sorely dissapointed in RCI.

[grand isle joe]

How about the "Feats of Strength"? ;-)

 

....and the "airing of grievances"................:D

[Jackamama]

I am a Suite only guest and I would mind paying higher rates if what they offer is "fluff"

 

Free drinks always for Suite Guest? Useless, since a Suite guest can just buy drink package if they drink. And RCI would probably charge more than current suite rate + drink package

 

Free Speciality Dinning Restaurants? Useless, since we just pay out of pocket the restaurants (and would probably be less as said above)

 

If RCI wants to not upset half the suite guest, the upgrades better not be fluff. Should real things that are actually exclusively to suites. Butler service, Suite only Restaurants, Suite only lunches or fast access, 24 conceirge, priority escourt on/off ship at all ports etc.

 

That I would pay a premium for, if they raise the prices by $200 a day and give as "free" $50 drink per day drink package, I will be sorely dissapointed in RCI.

 

 

The things that would make me happy would be things like a certain amount of free wi-fi (don't use it much on holiday, but a few hours would be useful), and free laundry (again, wouldn't use it much, but would be a 'nice to have') Maybe a spa treatment or 2 thrown in (although I can't see that happening as I believe they are franchises) Just a few bits of nice little touches to make it a bit special :)

[George C]

Hal offers free laundry for suites, but in general RCCL has better perks.

[Garavar]

The things that would make me happy would be things like a certain amount of free wi-fi (don't use it much on holiday, but a few hours would be useful), and free laundry (again, wouldn't use it much, but would be a 'nice to have') Maybe a spa treatment or 2 thrown in (although I can't see that happening as I believe they are franchises) Just a few bits of nice little touches to make it a bit special :)

 

Exactly, that's what I am saying small things thrown in like some free wifi hours for suites. But don't include all the packages that are already for sale to non suite guest then jack up the price. If us Suite guest want a package we'd buy it.

[critterchick]

If you want to email it to me, I might be able to fix it for you?

 

It's not very noticeable, so it probably doesn't matter, but, the geek in me wants perfection. ;-)

 

OK, you just made me try to fix it.;) How's this?

[Cigar King]

Nice...I'll sleep better now. ;-)

[MtnStCruisers]

While not first time cruisers, we will be sailing for the first time with RCI in a couple weeks. As is our norm, we have booked a suite, but I am afraid we will be disappointed because we are Princess cruisers and their suite perks are great: free laundry services, including dry cleaning and pressing; free internet minutes; nightly canapés; breakfast every morning in Sabatini's; evening reception in Skywalkers (on the older ships where it still exists); free minibar setup--to name a few. Do the current perks on RCI compare to those offered by Princess?

[Spurschick]

I am a Suite only guest and I would mind paying higher rates if what they offer is "fluff"

 

Free drinks always for Suite Guest? Useless, since a Suite guest can just buy drink package if they drink. And RCI would probably charge more than current suite rate + drink package

 

Free Speciality Dinning Restaurants? Useless, since we just pay out of pocket the restaurants (and would probably be less as said above)

 

If RCI wants to not upset half the suite guest, the upgrades better not be fluff. Should real things that are actually exclusively to suites. Butler service, Suite only Restaurants, Suite only lunches or fast access, 24 conceirge, priority escourt on/off ship at all ports etc.

 

That I would pay a premium for, if they raise the prices by $200 a day and give as "free" $50 drink per day drink package, I will be sorely dissapointed in RCI.

 

I actually like the sound of free drinks, free speciality dining and free internet.

 

Yes, we could all buy drinks packages. However we don't. Firstly because we get free drinks in CL on an evening and free drinks in the casino. therefore drinks package won't give us value to buy. If we did have the drinks package would utilize the fresh oj with breakfast, bottled water and some mocktails so would consume more than normal.

 

Secondly, speciality dining. We do on one or two nights on a cruise but not everyday. When you travel with kids, speciality dining every lunch/dinner gets expensive when already paid for food in MDR/wind jammer. Again we would utilize more than normal, especially on Oasis class ships.

 

Free internet, D+ minutes go quick on some of the connection speeds::rolleyes: so any additional would be nice. DD would probably be the happiest with that;)

 

Anyway, we booked our suites a long way in advance, so any price increase won't effect us at this stage:D

[Garavar]

Ive never received free drinks in the casino for being a suite, are you dropping hundreds down per bet? Cause i only bet $10-20 at a time with occasional $50 bet when i get cheeky

[Spurschick]

Ive never received free drinks in the casino for being a suite, are you dropping hundreds down per bet? Cause i only bet $10-20 at a time with occasional $50 bet when i get cheeky

 

Sorry, didn't specify why I get free drinks. CR VIP member so at the moment we get free drinks. They are changing their benefits as well;)

[Soozgone]

While not first time cruisers, we will be sailing for the first time with RCI in a couple weeks. As is our norm, we have booked a suite, but I am afraid we will be disappointed because we are Princess cruisers and their suite perks are great: free laundry services, including dry cleaning and pressing; free internet minutes; nightly canapés; breakfast every morning in Sabatini's; evening reception in Skywalkers (on the older ships where it still exists); free minibar setup--to name a few. Do the current perks on RCI compare to those offered by Princess?

 

 

I hope you're not TOO disappointed, but the suite benefits with Royal aren't anything like Princess, or most other lines, as far as I can see. When we checked (after we booked, which was our fault), we realised that although the suites were much more expensive than lesser accommodation categories, the benefits to paying all that extra money were minimal, so we downgraded to lower levels and hopefully will enjoy what will also be our first Royal cruise.

 

Maybe after the new suite benefit program starts it will be different, but for now, they fall way below the standard you are used to.

[RocketMan275]

While not first time cruisers, we will be sailing for the first time with RCI in a couple weeks. As is our norm, we have booked a suite, but I am afraid we will be disappointed because we are Princess cruisers and their suite perks are great: free laundry services, including dry cleaning and pressing; free internet minutes; nightly canapés; breakfast every morning in Sabatini's; evening reception in Skywalkers (on the older ships where it still exists); free minibar setup--to name a few. Do the current perks on RCI compare to those offered by Princess?

 

We just returned from Regal and it was a most wonderful experience. We have yet to sail in a suite on RCI but we do have suites booked on Oasis and on Allure. Our suite on Regal was our first and the suite on Oasis will be our first on RCI. Wife absolutely loved breakfast in Sabatinis.

 

I would be most grateful if you would share with us your comparison of Princess/RCI with respect to the suites upon your return. Thanks.

[cruisequeen3311]

I agree with free Internet , free drink package , maybe some more free spins in the casino, drinks served to the room. This would make the suite feel extra special. I think having the choice to eat with the dining rooms menus is great especially with kids who don't want to go every night. Can't wait to hear this news when it comes out.

[nacdcruiser]

Saw a suite guarantee yesterday for the 6/19 Celebrity Millennium sailing at $1,649 pp. Initially thought this sounds like a pretty good deal as their S1 & S2 are along the lines of a Junior Suite on RC and that would be the high probability, but it appeared to include a drinks package, $300 OBC, prepaid grats - sounded like a decent offer. We've only done Celebrity once, so not exactly sure how they determine their pricing.

 

Put a courtesy hold on a cabin and called to confirm and was told that particular rate doesn't include the "free" things.

 

OooooKkkkk. - how much if we want the "free" things? - $2,599 pp.

 

Oh -

[sauvichick]

Saw a suite guarantee yesterday for the 6/19 Celebrity Millennium sailing at $1,649 pp. Initially thought this sounds like a pretty good deal as their S1 & S2 are along the lines of a Junior Suite on RC and that would be the high probability, but it appeared to include a drinks package, $300 OBC, prepaid grats - sounded like a decent offer. We've only done Celebrity once, so not exactly sure how they determine their pricing.

 

Put a courtesy hold on a cabin and called to confirm and was told that particular rate doesn't include the "free" things.

 

OooooKkkkk. - how much if we want the "free" things? - $2,599 pp.

 

Oh -

 

Wow. That's how much a GS was on the Allure last June after the price dropped. Included $965 OBC and nothing else except benefits that come with GS and higher. Since I have nothing else to compare it to anything more will be better than what is currently offered.

[Jasp 0401]

Saw a suite guarantee yesterday for the 6/19 Celebrity Millennium sailing at $1,649 pp. Initially thought this sounds like a pretty good deal as their S1 & S2 are along the lines of a Junior Suite on RC and that would be the high probability, but it appeared to include a drinks package, $300 OBC, prepaid grats - sounded like a decent offer. We've only done Celebrity once, so not exactly sure how they determine their pricing.

 

Put a courtesy hold on a cabin and called to confirm and was told that particular rate doesn't include the "free" things.

 

OooooKkkkk. - how much if we want the "free" things? - $2,599 pp.

 

Oh -

So not really free at all. It should be this is the price if you want to include these extras.

[Debde]

I am a Suite only guest and I would mind paying higher rates if what they offer is "fluff"

 

Free drinks always for Suite Guest? Useless, since a Suite guest can just buy drink package if they drink. And RCI would probably charge more than current suite rate + drink package

 

Free Speciality Dinning Restaurants? Useless, since we just pay out of pocket the restaurants (and would probably be less as said above)

 

If RCI wants to not upset half the suite guest, the upgrades better not be fluff. Should real things that are actually exclusively to suites. Butler service, Suite only Restaurants, Suite only lunches or fast access, 24 conceirge, priority escourt on/off ship at all ports etc.

 

That I would pay a premium for, if they raise the prices by $200 a day and give as "free" $50 drink per day drink package, I will be sorely dissapointed in RCI.

 

I would think/hope that besides drinks, they are going to do more then just fluff. With what Celebrity offers and NCL having the Haven, free drinks would be far from making the suite experience stellar on Royal!! ;)

 

Although they are coming close with Coastal Kitchen so I am so curious to see what will happen with ships that do not have this-which is just about all right now!!:eek:

[cruisequeen3311]

I don't think that royal wants to make the perks just fluff. I think they will be substantially great and the prices are all over the board so hard to tell if they will go up or not once the new perks are announced.

[Seatravelers]

I don't think that royal wants to make the perks just fluff. I think they will be substantially great and the prices are all over the board so hard to tell if they will go up or not once the new perks are announced.

 

I certainly hope they won't be 'fluff'. I am tired of paying for simply increased square footage. FWIW, suite we booked last year for Jan, 2016 is now twice as much as we paid! Are they kidding, better be something really good to go along with these somewhat ridiculous prices! Our TA says she can get us better deals on Crystal!?!? Announcement of any changes should be made sooner than later, imho.

[jules815]

I just wish they'd make an announcement soon.

 

I've been all over other cruise line's websites looking at their suite offerings. Princess is very similar to what RC offers now, but suite guests also get complimentary laundry. I would be happy with that addition.

 

For ships without CK, breakfast and lunch in a specialty restaurant would be nice as well. I believe NCL does breakfast and lunch in one of their specialty restaurants for suite guests.

 

I've been comparing pictures of the OS on Freedom of the Seas, vs. suites on other lines, and I still think the RC suites look nicer. Although those in room coffee makers in the NCL Haven rooms...sweet.

 

I don't get how difficult it would for RC to change their current in-room coffee situation. How difficult would it be to replace with something like a Kerug?

[Wickets]

We leave in just over fours weeks on celebrity solstice in mid-level suite. We will get the suite restaurant three meals a day, Michael's Club for private bar and concierge and 24 room service. Not that much more than our upcoming jr suite on the Brilliance. Will have see how this works out.

Edited April 1, 2015 by Wickets