My take on new Suite Perks - Swing and a miss....

[cle-guy]

So I'm just of Connie's TA to Rome, its first official sailing with Suite Perks in effect.

 

I sailed

• in a Royal Suite
  
• as a solo traveler
  
• on the M-Class Constellation
  
• for 13 nights
  
• I relied on the Suite Perks FAQ as to my expectations
  

 

As with most things Celebrity, implementation, training and misunderstanding of the program among many levels of staff seemed to rule the roll-out.

 

1. Butler one day said wine was included from mini bar, next day said no, next day said Hotel Director had yet to decide. I did not expect the wine included, so was curious when he let me know the wine was included.
   
2. The bottled water in the suite still had a price tag for $5 per bottle. I explained to Butler that Suite perks said all was complimentary. 2nd day he came back to let me know he asked and true the water was complimentary and removed the price signs.
   
3. Butler was unaware that the mini bar was to be specialized to my liking, and had to seek permission to reload with my preferred brand of beer. he came through, but seemed odd he was not already trained on this fact.
   
4. Butler had never seen the official "Suite Perks FAQ" Celebrity has had posted for the last year. He learned a bit from it.
   
5. Luminae was not open for embarkation lunch as was stated it would be
   
6. Luminae was not open in port for lunch as it was stated it would be
   
7. Luminiae served Brunch just one day, despite the Suite Perks FAQ indicating it would be a daily offering - this was kind of a big one for me, given the near-daily time-zone changes on this TA crossing.
   
8. As a Solo Traveler, I requested of the MC Concierge to bring a guest in, as I had paid for 2 people. He said there was simply no way those without eligibility could be admitted. I took him at his word and accepted this knowing this was the likely outcome of the request. Mid cruise, come to find a Zenith Member, not in a suite even, though as a Zenith they did have access, would regularly bring in family and friends without eligibility (overheard them talking about cabins, and noted the standard blue keycards on table, as well as other travelers from MC with similar issue as mine observed same) was allowed to bring in guests. This PI$$#* me off. Note to self, next time just barge in with whomever I want to, they really don't care. "It's easier to ask forgiveness than it is permission"
   
9. Enhanced toiletries are gone, asked specifically for the Bulgari products and was told by Steward and Butler, they were no longer being used.
   
10. Afternoon delivery of the "savories platter" is no more, still received Tea Cart service
    
11. Did not receive pre-cruise suite email. 3 days prior to sailing I emailed using the email address I inferred, and got service. MC Concierge claimed they had a bad email address for me....really? I get all other emails, my profile hasn't been updated. Seemed like yet another lie by the concierge to me.
    
12. The promised "wellness program perks" were nowhere to be found
    

 

What I liked

1. Unlimited internet - and it seemed fast enough most times to get something done. I Use Windows Remote Desktop Connect to connect to my businesses, and was successful 95% of the time in connecting and working at a reasonable pace. As to number of devices, each person in a cabin gets a unique access code, so only 1 device at a time per account (not per cabin, per individual seeps account) can be connected, so if wanted to use iPhone, had to log out the desktop. Not a big deal, just putting it out there for those who may be interested.
   
2. Luminae - only ate lunch there 1 day, ate all other meals elsewhere as those I was traveling with were not in suites. I enjoyed the lunch, and looked at a few dinner menus. If I had friends in suites, I'd have eaten there more, but did enjoy the unlimited specialty restaurants option. I did not not any lines to get into Luminae at any time, and when I'd pop by to visit with some people I met on ship for desert, always found several open tables.
   
3. I ate most meals in MDR, didn't notice lines being any longer than normal even now that there was only a single entrance to the dining room. 1st night, as always, being the exception to that rule.
   

 

So overall, but for Luminae, and the unlimited perks for RS and above, I don't really think there is much excitement to the program similar to the Concierge Class program, where most perks are "marketing fluff" and can be had by anyone just by asking. In fact, if in a Sky Suite, It appears that the suite program has downgraded (exception being Luminae access), in that the special amenities are now gone.

 

I felt Like I as there training the staff on the program, and not being allowed to enjoy the perks of the program. My Butler Nilesh "Nesh" was my favorite one to date, so I don't even blame him, he said He's been with X for over 9 years, and was even pulled to do the training for the butlers on Reflection when it was new, so he's properly trained, to the best that X has trained him. Shame they failed to roll out a proper Suite Training to the line-level staff.

 

Will these things stop me from booking s suite in the future, no. But It does kind of shine a light on X's inability to roll out a program, train staff, and communicate program details to its ships from the land-side.

[sunshine nana]

Thanks for the detailed report. I was most excited about having lunch everyday (even port days) in Luninae. Embarkation day especially! Otherwise, I don't see how it is better than Blu which is a small restaurant for breakfast and dinner. The one thing we really liked about suites on NCL was being escorted right to Cagneys for lunch on embarkation and having lunch there everyday we weren't off the ship at lunchtime. I dislike the buffet and we avoid it if we can. I think that is where people pick up sickness. I am surprised that Bvlgari and afternoon treats are gone with no notice.Prices are higher with only 1 0r 2 of the original 123...

[maggie.1008]

Thanks for the info Curt. On the 4/11 Summit cruise we went to Luminae as soon as we boarded at noon for lunch. We only had one sea day and brunch was served in Luminae.

We were in a sky suite and our Butler did bring tea trolley everyday. On the bottom shelf he had covered plates of appetizers. You would not know that unless you ask.

We had Bulgari products.

I would have been very upset if I was a single and were treated different that others in Michaels Club. Celebrity has a hard time following their own rules. I am in a sky suite again in Sept. on the Solstice so will see the differences. Heather

[Iamcruzin]

Thanks for the update. I'm really disappointed. I was hoping to read great things. I can't imagine how you feel especially after having to pay the single supplement.

[vulcan1971]

Cle-guy, thanks for reporting on your experiences. I have a Celebrity Suite booked for 18 days and I am already thinking I need to downgrade this. With the many sea days and no regular lunch service, I am very disappointed to the reports coming back.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone 6 Plus on the T-Mobile 4G LTE Network using Tapatalk Pro

Edited April 25, 2015 by vulcan1971

[CHEZMARYLOU]

Our next 3 cruises are in CS or RS and I'm disappointed to hear of your experience. I won't downgrade but will take a hard look at bookings for future cruises. We have friends who want to join us on a cruise to Canada but she can not take off work in September. Probably a good thing since this would have been their 1st cruise after hearing our rave reports and they would definitely want to book a suite.

[Project_gal]

Curt

 

Thanks for the summary. We board Millennium today and, so far, I have seen no reports from Millie about Luminae or the new suite perks.

 

We did not receive an email from the Michael's Club Concierge but, as we were about to leave home [and did not know what Internet availability would be in China], I emailed him myself. After reading of the various inconsistencies between ships, I included a specific list of our likes/wants for Michael's Club, in suite and other "dining" options [eg cooking classes].

 

[incidentally, we also did not receive the email from Celebrity with specific Immigration requirements for embarkation although we did receive three of the usual pre-cruise marketing emails.]

 

It took more than 24 hours to receive a reply [perhaps Concierge was checking details of new perks] but it said that all our needs were being taken care of in advance.

 

There have been reports of Chinese Immigration making embarkation/disembarkation "challenging" so I was not surprised to find out that Celebrity are not picking us up from the hotel until noon. I doubt that embarkation lunch is going to be an option!

 

I hope to be reporting as the cruise continues but I am not sure what the Internet is going to be like for a northerly transpacific. I am not sure that there will be great satellite coverage after we leave Japan.

[miched]

On our last cruise we sailed in AQ. Our attendant didn't have a clue what to do or what the passengers in Aq were entitled to.

 

I approached the hotel manager during the officers party and asked him if they had any staff meetings, memos, or sheets that the attendants were to refer to and he said yes to all. I them asked if a supervision ever followed up and checked to make sure that everything was being followed. He answered by asking what cabin I was in and I said that I was in AQ and it didn't matter what cabin as someone isn't doing their job and he needs to make sure that they are and that I probably wasn't the only one not getting the correct service. All we ever received was what we asked for and nothing seemed to be volunteered except for her always asking if we needed anything when we seen her. If we hadn't been experienced AQ passengers we would have never known what was supposed to be there. Sad part is the couple next to us on the fourth night in Blu didn't know that Blu was open for breakfast and that they could dine there and don't know about the use of the Persian Gardens.

 

I think that the cuts in the staff and extra workload is causing a turnover and the replacements aren't getting the proper training. The other problem is the communication between the corporate office and ships is probaly about as good as Celebrity's website and no better than what they pass on to their phone reps.

 

happy cruising 🌊🚢🇺🇸🌞

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

I believe the training is definitely lacking. I've seen too many instances of it. I think the crew members are well intentioned; they just haven't been trained as to what they are to do. One example: a young, very willing butler who served us dinner all at once--including the sorbet! He had no clue it was supposed to be done course by course. We didn't have the heart to say anything. An assistant waiter who asked me to re-use a fork. I simply replied that we don't do things that way on Celebrity and he would need to bring me a new fork. I could go on and on. It is not the same product it used to be.

 

If they're not going to provide lunch in Luminae as advertised, then I may have to re-consider my suite bookings. I am not a fan of the buffet. At least the lack of breakfast on some mornings can be remedied by eating breakfast in Blu.

 

[need2bespoiled]

First, I appreciate you taking the time to comment on your experience. Training of the "cabin" staff (butler and steward) regarding the drink package was definitely something we had to do ourselves though I let it roll off my back. I totally agree they needed MUCH more line level training with the roll out of the new benefits. Another example was getting charged for each meal in Bistro on 5 and then having to have the Michael's Club Concierge reverse the charge, which she actually did the second time before we asked as she was monitoring accounts for issues such as being charged for drinks or specialty restaurants.

 

Regarding the stocking of the minibar to preference, that shouldn't have been an issue pre new suite amenities. We've actually had butlers help with this even when we had to pay but it sounds like your butler was competent in most other areas but this was just not good given the new amenities.

 

I'm a bit surprised regarding the bath amenities. What were the providing?

 

The lunch / brunch issue really needs to change. Not having embarkation lunch is really lacking but lunch should be available every day but sea day brunch at an absolute minimum.

 

On occasion we haven't received the pre-cruise email. I think someone must type the list manually and make a mistake or something. I've never changed my address and get lots of other emails.

 

Finally, with respect to Michael's Club guests, I think the situation was badly handled. I can understand not agreeing to allow you to have guests in writing via an email as I wouldn't want to put an exception in writing however the correct thing to do would have been to at least be consistent and extend you the benefit / offer in person.

 

Unfortunately, it sounds like something is / was off on Connie :(

 

Happy Sailing,

Jenna

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ghstudio]

Celebrity HQ leaves it to the ships to train their staff on changes. The ship's officers apparently either don't know how to train or perhaps don't think they have time to train...or more likely, they send out paper instructions which the crew doesn't understand or aren't clear. The result is what Cle is seeing....everyone has a different idea of what they should be doing. The officers probably feel they have done an outstanding job by just passing on the memos from HQ...and no one on board feels any responsibility for the overall implementation.

 

We see this all the time...most recently on the classic to premium upgrade price where everyone in celebrity had a different view of the upgrade price, etc. Just terrible communications.

 

I think what Cle is experiencing is normal (for Celebrity) and that things will smooth out on most ships after a couple of cruises. There probably will be some ships where it takes longer or they interpret the instructions differently....but it will come together. If I had a cruise booked in a suite in June or after, I wouldn't worry too much.

 

Once they get their act together, the jury will be out on whether suites are worth the premium they are now charging.

 

I am a bit surprised at the confusion though....this is celebrity's number one focus and marketing program aimed at increasing revenue. They should have had a full court press on making sure that it was right on day 1....instead of just leaving it to the ships. That one is on marketing who, of course, thought operations would handle it. It's really a very bad management mistake....and Lisa should be laser focused on it...if she's even aware of the problems. I wouldn't bet that she's aware....

[bobsfamily]

What a shame... paying the prices they now want for suites it would seem that all the "kinks" would be ironed out almost immediately.

Here's hoping that shortly the promised perks will actually appear and the added costs will equate to excellent service.

 

One question I would have, is there any way that the Zenith's guests were possibly high rollers in the casino and were "blue chip" members? I've heard that sometimes they are allowed entry into MC on their own merit....

[cruisestitch]

Curt, were you able to discuss any of this with the Chief Housekeeper or the Hotel Director on board?

[CHEZMARYLOU]

since Celebrity announced the new suite class perks? A year at least. During that time headquarters should have had meetings with the appropriate ship managers who should have met with the supervisors, etc. so that things rolled out smoothly. I managed a large department before I retired and made sure everyone was properly trained prior to the roll out of a new program. Celebrity should have done the same. Except for some variations because of ships, sailing times or itineraries, the suite perks, as well as all perks, should be consistent. Curt should not have had the experience he reported.

 

BTW, where is the Official Celebrity Cruise poster on this?

Edited April 26, 2015 by CHEZMARYLOU

[bvocruise]

We are sailing on the Reflection next month in Aqua Class and hope the suite restaurant is open for breakfast to prevent overcrowding in Blu. Suite passengers could delay or deny people in Blu if it gets too crowded. I read somewhere on CC that suite passengers are no longer space available and can take priority anytime Blu is open.

 

I thought I read the suite restaurant would be open breakfast, lunch, and dinner everyday for the suite passangers. Hopefully Celebrity gets everything worked out.

 

The Reflections arrives in Civitavecchia in a few days and will be departing on the first 11 Day Mediterranean cruise of the season. I hope to read some possitive reports from those on the cruise.

[ghstudio]

 

BTW, where is the Official Celebrity Cruise poster on this?

 

What would you like "celebrity cruises" to say or do? They obviously flubbed it...he can't change that. All he/she can do is to forward the issue to operations or food and beverage or whomever as a passenger observation/complaint....and the same folks who failed to do their job in the first place will have another chance to not do their job. Should suite guests on that ship get an OBC as an apology...sure...but who on the ship is going to admit the problem (which happened because they didn't do their job) and who's going to sign off on giving an OBC to all suite guests?

 

I think we just have to wait for the ships to figure this out on their own...or not.

[need2bespoiled]

We are sailing on the Reflection next month in Aqua Class and hope the suite restaurant is open for breakfast to prevent overcrowding in Blu. Suite passengers could delay or deny people in Blu if it gets too crowded. I read somewhere on CC that suite passengers are no longer space available and can take priority anytime Blu is open.

 

I thought I read the suite restaurant would be open breakfast, lunch, and dinner everyday for the suite passangers. Hopefully Celebrity gets everything worked out.

 

The Reflections arrives in Civitavecchia in a few days and will be departing on the first 11 Day Mediterranean cruise of the season. I hope to read some possitive reports from those on the cruise.

 

 

This is a totally unrelated issue to this thread but it's well know that there has never been a line or a problem getting a table for breakfast in Blu. Suite guests have never been space available for Blu breakfast, only dinner. Have a great cruise.

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Schmoe38]

So I'm just of Connie's TA to Rome, its first official sailing with Suite Perks in effect.

 

I sailed

• in a Royal Suite
  
• as a solo traveler
  
• on the M-Class Constellation
  
• for 13 nights
  
• I relied on the Suite Perks FAQ as to my expectations
  

 

As with most things Celebrity, implementation, training and misunderstanding of the program among many levels of staff seemed to rule the roll-out.

 

1. Butler one day said wine was included from mini bar, next day said no, next day said Hotel Director had yet to decide. I did not expect the wine included, so was curious when he let me know the wine was included.
   
2. The bottled water in the suite still had a price tag for $5 per bottle. I explained to Butler that Suite perks said all was complimentary. 2nd day he came back to let me know he asked and true the water was complimentary and removed the price signs.
   
3. Butler was unaware that the mini bar was to be specialized to my liking, and had to seek permission to reload with my preferred brand of beer. he came through, but seemed odd he was not already trained on this fact.
   
4. Butler had never seen the official "Suite Perks FAQ" Celebrity has had posted for the last year. He learned a bit from it.
   
5. Luminae was not open for embarkation lunch as was stated it would be
   
6. Luminae was not open in port for lunch as it was stated it would be
   
7. Luminiae served Brunch just one day, despite the Suite Perks FAQ indicating it would be a daily offering - this was kind of a big one for me, given the near-daily time-zone changes on this TA crossing.
   
8. As a Solo Traveler, I requested of the MC Concierge to bring a guest in, as I had paid for 2 people. He said there was simply no way those without eligibility could be admitted. I took him at his word and accepted this knowing this was the likely outcome of the request. Mid cruise, come to find a Zenith Member, not in a suite even, though as a Zenith they did have access, would regularly bring in family and friends without eligibility (overheard them talking about cabins, and noted the standard blue keycards on table, as well as other travelers from MC with similar issue as mine observed same) was allowed to bring in guests. This PI$$#* me off. Note to self, next time just barge in with whomever I want to, they really don't care. "It's easier to ask forgiveness than it is permission"
   
9. Enhanced toiletries are gone, asked specifically for the Bulgari products and was told by Steward and Butler, they were no longer being used.
   
10. Afternoon delivery of the "savories platter" is no more, still received Tea Cart service
    
11. Did not receive pre-cruise suite email. 3 days prior to sailing I emailed using the email address I inferred, and got service. MC Concierge claimed they had a bad email address for me....really? I get all other emails, my profile hasn't been updated. Seemed like yet another lie by the concierge to me.
    
12. The promised "wellness program perks" were nowhere to be found
    

 

What I liked

1. Unlimited internet - and it seemed fast enough most times to get something done. I Use Windows Remote Desktop Connect to connect to my businesses, and was successful 95% of the time in connecting and working at a reasonable pace. As to number of devices, each person in a cabin gets a unique access code, so only 1 device at a time per account (not per cabin, per individual seeps account) can be connected, so if wanted to use iPhone, had to log out the desktop. Not a big deal, just putting it out there for those who may be interested.
   
2. Luminae - only ate lunch there 1 day, ate all other meals elsewhere as those I was traveling with were not in suites. I enjoyed the lunch, and looked at a few dinner menus. If I had friends in suites, I'd have eaten there more, but did enjoy the unlimited specialty restaurants option. I did not not any lines to get into Luminae at any time, and when I'd pop by to visit with some people I met on ship for desert, always found several open tables.
   
3. I ate most meals in MDR, didn't notice lines being any longer than normal even now that there was only a single entrance to the dining room. 1st night, as always, being the exception to that rule.
   

 

So overall, but for Luminae, and the unlimited perks for RS and above, I don't really think there is much excitement to the program similar to the Concierge Class program, where most perks are "marketing fluff" and can be had by anyone just by asking. In fact, if in a Sky Suite, It appears that the suite program has downgraded (exception being Luminae access), in that the special amenities are now gone.

 

I felt Like I as there training the staff on the program, and not being allowed to enjoy the perks of the program. My Butler Nilesh "Nesh" was my favorite one to date, so I don't even blame him, he said He's been with X for over 9 years, and was even pulled to do the training for the butlers on Reflection when it was new, so he's properly trained, to the best that X has trained him. Shame they failed to roll out a proper Suite Training to the line-level staff.

 

Will these things stop me from booking s suite in the future, no. But It does kind of shine a light on X's inability to roll out a program, train staff, and communicate program details to its ships from the land-side.

 

Curt

 

I'm sorry you feel that the new suites experience is a "swing and a miss" but we are not in that camp. We just came back from a 7 day sailing on Silhouette in the Penthouse and our butler explained to us right at the outset, that the wine and the spirits in the bar refrigerator were not part of our premium beverage package. He asked us what we would prefer to see in the bar refrigerator and we said that we enjoyed Stella and Sam Adams beer and he made sure there was sufficient supply every single day...including those days that we entertained. We understood, prior to the sailing, that Luminae was not open for lunch during port days. We found out early, that Luminae served a brunch on sea days and, as such, opened at 10am. If we wanted to eat sooner, we simply made a choice to dine in Blu. We didn't see this as an inconvenience, we saw this as an opportunity to experience other avenues on the ship. Our butler came around daily at approximately 3:45pm with the tea/coffee cart and offered us, not only the offerings on the cart, but our canapes as well. If we were not in our stateroom, the canapes were politely placed in our wine refrigerator for us to enjoy at our convenience.

 

We can understand that it is sometimes frustrating when there is an inconsistency in the interpretation of policy, but to say that Celebrity has missed the mark with the new suites perks is unfair in our opinion.

 

Please understand that the new suites program is still in its infancy and there are bound to be speed bumps in the early stages. The concept is top notch, and if our experience is any indication of what is to come, we are suite converts from hereon in.

 

Randy

[bvocruise]

Hopefully everything gets worked out. This is our first cruise on Celebrity and will consider them again if the cruise goes well.

Edited April 26, 2015 by bvocruise

[JFontaine]

My experience in the RS on Reflection was similar in many ways to yours. We had Bulgari, which I love, and will be very disappointed to hear that it's gone.

 

For about half the price of the RS I could've taken an MSC Divina cruise in the Yacht Club and would've had almost everything Celebrity promises plus a private pool with open bar, private check in, with luggage, full daily newspaper and a suite restaurant with three meals a day. We booked this for next year. Celebrity take note.

[C-Dragons]

Curt

 

I'm sorry you feel that the new suites experience is a "swing and a miss" but we are not in that camp. We just came back from a 7 day sailing on Silhouette in the Penthouse and our butler explained to us right at the outset, that the wine and the spirits in the bar refrigerator were not part of our premium beverage package. He asked us what we would prefer to see in the bar refrigerator and we said that we enjoyed Stella and Sam Adams beer and he made sure there was sufficient supply every single day...including those days that we entertained. We understood, prior to the sailing, that Luminae was not open for lunch during port days. We found out early, that Luminae served a brunch on sea days and, as such, opened at 10am. If we wanted to eat sooner, we simply made a choice to dine in Blu. We didn't see this as an inconvenience, we saw this as an opportunity to experience other avenues on the ship. Our butler came around daily at approximately 3:45pm with the tea/coffee cart and offered us, not only the offerings on the cart, but our canapes as well. If we were not in our stateroom, the canapes were politely placed in our wine refrigerator for us to enjoy at our convenience.

 

We can understand that it is sometimes frustrating when there is an inconsistency in the interpretation of policy, but to say that Celebrity has missed the mark with the new suites perks is unfair in our opinion.

 

Please understand that the new suites program is still in its infancy and there are bound to be speed bumps in the early stages. The concept is top notch, and if our experience is any indication of what is to come, we are suite converts from hereon in.

 

Randy

Thank you so much for posting your experience! :)

We are really looking forward to enjoying the "suite life" on our upcoming cruises.

Keeping an open mind, being flexible, and having a positive attitude, is always important when new programs are introduced.

[4774Papa]

So I'm just of Connie's TA to Rome, its first official sailing with Suite Perks in effect.

 

I sailed

• in a Royal Suite
  
• as a solo traveler
  
• on the M-Class Constellation
  
• for 13 nights
  
• I relied on the Suite Perks FAQ as to my expectations
  

 

As with most things Celebrity, implementation, training and misunderstanding of the program among many levels of staff seemed to rule the roll-out.

 

1. Butler one day said wine was included from mini bar, next day said no, next day said Hotel Director had yet to decide. I did not expect the wine included, so was curious when he let me know the wine was included.
   
2. The bottled water in the suite still had a price tag for $5 per bottle. I explained to Butler that Suite perks said all was complimentary. 2nd day he came back to let me know he asked and true the water was complimentary and removed the price signs.
   
3. Butler was unaware that the mini bar was to be specialized to my liking, and had to seek permission to reload with my preferred brand of beer. he came through, but seemed odd he was not already trained on this fact.
   
4. Butler had never seen the official "Suite Perks FAQ" Celebrity has had posted for the last year. He learned a bit from it.
   
5. Luminae was not open for embarkation lunch as was stated it would be
   
6. Luminae was not open in port for lunch as it was stated it would be
   
7. Luminiae served Brunch just one day, despite the Suite Perks FAQ indicating it would be a daily offering - this was kind of a big one for me, given the near-daily time-zone changes on this TA crossing.
   
8. As a Solo Traveler, I requested of the MC Concierge to bring a guest in, as I had paid for 2 people. He said there was simply no way those without eligibility could be admitted. I took him at his word and accepted this knowing this was the likely outcome of the request. Mid cruise, come to find a Zenith Member, not in a suite even, though as a Zenith they did have access, would regularly bring in family and friends without eligibility (overheard them talking about cabins, and noted the standard blue keycards on table, as well as other travelers from MC with similar issue as mine observed same) was allowed to bring in guests. This PI$$#* me off. Note to self, next time just barge in with whomever I want to, they really don't care. "It's easier to ask forgiveness than it is permission"
   
9. Enhanced toiletries are gone, asked specifically for the Bulgari products and was told by Steward and Butler, they were no longer being used.
   
10. Afternoon delivery of the "savories platter" is no more, still received Tea Cart service
    
11. Did not receive pre-cruise suite email. 3 days prior to sailing I emailed using the email address I inferred, and got service. MC Concierge claimed they had a bad email address for me....really? I get all other emails, my profile hasn't been updated. Seemed like yet another lie by the concierge to me.
    
12. The promised "wellness program perks" were nowhere to be found
    

 

What I liked

1. Unlimited internet - and it seemed fast enough most times to get something done. I Use Windows Remote Desktop Connect to connect to my businesses, and was successful 95% of the time in connecting and working at a reasonable pace. As to number of devices, each person in a cabin gets a unique access code, so only 1 device at a time per account (not per cabin, per individual seeps account) can be connected, so if wanted to use iPhone, had to log out the desktop. Not a big deal, just putting it out there for those who may be interested.
   
2. Luminae - only ate lunch there 1 day, ate all other meals elsewhere as those I was traveling with were not in suites. I enjoyed the lunch, and looked at a few dinner menus. If I had friends in suites, I'd have eaten there more, but did enjoy the unlimited specialty restaurants option. I did not not any lines to get into Luminae at any time, and when I'd pop by to visit with some people I met on ship for desert, always found several open tables.
   
3. I ate most meals in MDR, didn't notice lines being any longer than normal even now that there was only a single entrance to the dining room. 1st night, as always, being the exception to that rule.
   

 

So overall, but for Luminae, and the unlimited perks for RS and above, I don't really think there is much excitement to the program similar to the Concierge Class program, where most perks are "marketing fluff" and can be had by anyone just by asking. In fact, if in a Sky Suite, It appears that the suite program has downgraded (exception being Luminae access), in that the special amenities are now gone.

 

I felt Like I as there training the staff on the program, and not being allowed to enjoy the perks of the program. My Butler Nilesh "Nesh" was my favorite one to date, so I don't even blame him, he said He's been with X for over 9 years, and was even pulled to do the training for the butlers on Reflection when it was new, so he's properly trained, to the best that X has trained him. Shame they failed to roll out a proper Suite Training to the line-level staff.

 

Will these things stop me from booking s suite in the future, no. But It does kind of shine a light on X's inability to roll out a program, train staff, and communicate program details to its ships from the land-side.

I doesn't sound like paying for a suite is that wonderful for a solo passenger.

I can see a suite for a family or even a couple. Correct me if I am wrong.

[2travel4life]

Hi- So disappointed to hear of your RS experience on the Connie. We were RS on a July sailing of the Connie last summer and, in advance of the full roll out of the suite perks, we were surprised to receive some the the upcoming perks. We received outstanding Michael's Club service, Bogdan was the concierge. He was fabulous. Our butler was also extraordinarily attentive and accommodating and went out of his way to make sure we had fabulous service at all times.

We have booked a Celebrity Suite for an upcoming sailing on the Silhouette, and realize we won't get the same perks, but were counting on superior MC service and wonderful meals at Luminae.

This is concerning news.

[2travel4life]

Curt

 

I'm sorry you feel that the new suites experience is a "swing and a miss" but we are not in that camp. We just came back from a 7 day sailing on Silhouette in the Penthouse and our butler explained to us right at the outset, that the wine and the spirits in the bar refrigerator were not part of our premium beverage package. He asked us what we would prefer to see in the bar refrigerator and we said that we enjoyed Stella and Sam Adams beer and he made sure there was sufficient supply every single day...including those days that we entertained. We understood, prior to the sailing, that Luminae was not open for lunch during port days. We found out early, that Luminae served a brunch on sea days and, as such, opened at 10am. If we wanted to eat sooner, we simply made a choice to dine in Blu. We didn't see this as an inconvenience, we saw this as an opportunity to experience other avenues on the ship. Our butler came around daily at approximately 3:45pm with the tea/coffee cart and offered us, not only the offerings on the cart, but our canapes as well. If we were not in our stateroom, the canapes were politely placed in our wine refrigerator for us to enjoy at our convenience.

 

We can understand that it is sometimes frustrating when there is an inconsistency in the interpretation of policy, but to say that Celebrity has missed the mark with the new suites perks is unfair in our opinion.

 

Please understand that the new suites program is still in its infancy and there are bound to be speed bumps in the early stages. The concept is top notch, and if our experience is any indication of what is to come, we are suite converts from hereon in.

 

Randy

 

Randy- Very appreciative of your reflections regarding the suite experience on the Silhouette. We traveled in the RS on the Constellation last summer when they began the roll out and were very impressed with the Michael's Club staff and the Butlers. This time we are Celebrity Suite and will be on the Silhouette. When was your cruise and were the Michael's Club and other suite class personnel helpful and accommodating?

Thanks, in advance.

[miched]

Thanks for a great report as always.

 

I can't afford to book a RS or actually want to pay for one as I couldn't justify that much for a few days of self indulgence. Before you review I was very interest in at least trying a Sky Suite to experience the new dining room but it was also hard to justify paying at least $55/day pp extra over the AQ that I have booked on 5 cruises.

 

Too bad that you are a nice guy and abide by the rules. I think that I would really be ticked knowing that others are violating the rights and perks that others have paid for by bringing in non entitled guests to Michaels club and etc.

 

I am wondering if you can share your unlimited internet account. I am under the impression that if someone had your user id and password they could have access to your account. might be somethig that you would want to share with your friends.

 

Happy cruising 🌊🚢🇺🇸🌞