Suite Perks..Direct from Royal Carribean

[Merion_Mom]

Trevor,

 

A week or so prior to your cruise, you will receive an e-mail from your concierge to welcome you aboard and to highlight the concierge services. Send him/her an e-mail back to request assistance with your party. I'm certain that they will accomodate you in any way possible. Also at that time, have them make any Portofino/spa/ice show reservations for you so you'll be all set prior to boarding.

Really? Didn't happen to us. How many times has this occurred for you, Fritz?

 

Anyone else?

 

Carol

[bubbie617]

We've had the same non-experience as Merion Mom. We have sailed as Diamond members on ships with concierges three times now. We have never heard from a concierge before sailing. Some concierges are great. They are friendly and helpful and really enhance the trip. Our first concierge, Giuseppi (sp?) was on a b2b Radiance cruise. He was the best! Second one was only ok (on Jewel). The last one (on Voyager) was a real dud.

 

Regardless of the concierge, we love the lounge and all the perks our Diamond status afford us. Keeps us coming back over and over.

[Merion_Mom]

Hey, Susan! You're probably like me (being a bubbe and all..... :D), and would rather NOT have them wait on you, anyway. I like to pour my own drinks just the way I like them. BTW, shanah tovah. :)

 

Carol

[hithere]

I didn't think that Soverign of the Seas had a concierge... does it? I know it doesn't have a concierge lounge.

 

We've have a few suites on voyager ships and NEVER have had a concierge contact us before the voyage.:rolleyes:

 

Most of them have been very helpful and I love the lounge. It just makes us feel special.

 

Have you tipped your concierge? If so, how do you determine how much to give him/her?

[beachchick]

The only ships that have a concierge are those that have a concierge lounge.

 

beachchick

[BLUEICE]

I was just on the Mariner (Sept 11/05) and also booked the RS as part of a 10th Bday gift for our daughter.

 

First about 4 days prior to sailing, we did get a letter from the Conceirge which detailed all the "perks" that come with the RS and the Conceirge room.

 

Let me say, this was an excellent cruise. However, the 'perks" that they mention were not there and we were told all perks are gone. We did get escorted on and there was champagne in the cabin along with flowers. We were told about all the perks plus more. The list of what we did not get is longer than what we did get.

 

We phoned the hotel manager and he corrected one problem however we never heard from him after. I would think that they would call to make sure that everything is okay.

 

We got the RS so we could enjoy the "perks", but let me say they were not there and I would never get a RS again. Royal Suite equals royal rip off.

 

My TA told me to write a letter pointing everything out and send it to RCCL to see what they say. However, I am not expecting anything for the my troubles.

 

I believe if the perks are no longer available, they should not continue to tell people about them. If I knew that the perks were taken away, I never would have booked the RS. Next time I will go back down to the OS.

 

The stateroom is beautiful and the balcony is large as well. I realize that you are paying for the room itself but I feel that the perks is what sells this stateroom in the first place.

 

I booked this cruise just shy of one year in advance. Will cruise RCCL again but never in the RS not worth it IMHO.

 

If anybody has any questions, I will be glad to answer them. There is lots more that did not happen but it will take to long to explain.

[cruise182]

Blueice,

 

I agree with you. I am NOT looking for someone to wait on me hand and foot or pour my drinks. I just expect to get a little more service then a standard cabin. When someone pays well over 1k a night I think one should expect some perks. I am a little upset over your review of the RS. I got married over 10 years ago. We had very little money and so our honeymoon was a weekend at the shore. We had a very small wedding. Since then my wife and I have started 2 businesses that have become somewhat successfull. I also have a full time job. Between our three careers we have decided to treat ourselves to our honeymoon that we never really had. The week prior to our cruise in the RS we will renew our vows on the Golden Princess with our family. I was looking forward to the perks in the RS. I will not let this ruin our cruise but I may be disappointed if the service is lacking.

[rsinj]

I'm sailing in the RS in nine days on the Mariner. I don't believe that RCCL has my e-mail address. Is there another way that the concierge will try to reach me, or could someone give me the e-mail address of the concierge so I can contact them about some arrangements I'd like to make?

 

I don't think it is standard that the concierge contacts you prior to the cruise, whether the email address is on file or not.

 

It's really not a big deal either. When you get to your suite, you'll have a folder waiting for you with your cards for the concierge lounge and all the info you need. You can go to the lounge or call and the concierge will take care of whatever you need.

 

 

Howard

[smoothdancer]

I have sailed in the grand suite on RCCL twice, and it is a great experience. What seems to be missing here is that the best advantage of booking a suite.... is the suite itself!

 

The sq footage is what you are paying for, not so much the service. The balcony is much larger, as is the closets and the bathrooms.To me one of the best "perks" is the suite boarding. You bypass long lines or worse sitting with a million other people...You just walk on board right away, and vacation starts!

 

We have however found that the room stewarts do seem to be more attentive and more aware of service.

 

If high end service is priority I dont think that RCCL is the best choice.... Nothing wrong mind you, just not high end. We have sailed a suite on Celebrity where a butler is included in the cost.... Service is much higher, but quite frankly for us it did not at all inhance the quality of our cruise.... In our opinion the advantge of the suite, is well, the suite!

[cruise182]

I have sailed in the grand suite on RCCL twice, and it is a great experience. What seems to be missing here is that the best advantage of booking a suite.... is the suite itself!

 

The sq footage is what you are paying for, not so much the service. The balcony is much larger, as is the closets and the bathrooms.To me one of the best "perks" is the suite boarding. You bypass long lines or worse sitting with a million other people...You just walk on board right away, and vacation starts!

 

We have however found that the room stewarts do seem to be more attentive and more aware of service.

 

If high end service is priority I dont think that RCCL is the best choice.... Nothing wrong mind you, just not high end. We have sailed a suite on Celebrity where a butler is included in the cost.... Service is much higher, but quite frankly for us it did not at all inhance the quality of our cruise.... In our opinion the advantge of the suite, is well, the suite!

 

Yes, but if they advertise certain perks then I expect to receive those perks

[dei6360]

I was just on the Mariner (Sept 11/05) and also booked the RS as part of a 10th Bday gift for our daughter.

 

First about 4 days prior to sailing, we did get a letter from the Conceirge which detailed all the "perks" that come with the RS and the Conceirge room.

 

Let me say, this was an excellent cruise. However, the 'perks" that they mention were not there and we were told all perks are gone. We did get escorted on and there was champagne in the cabin along with flowers. We were told about all the perks plus more. The list of what we did not get is longer than what we did get.

 

We phoned the hotel manager and he corrected one problem however we never heard from him after. I would think that they would call to make sure that everything is okay.

 

We got the RS so we could enjoy the "perks", but let me say they were not there and I would never get a RS again. Royal Suite equals royal rip off.

 

My TA told me to write a letter pointing everything out and send it to RCCL to see what they say. However, I am not expecting anything for the my troubles.

 

I believe if the perks are no longer available, they should not continue to tell people about them. If I knew that the perks were taken away, I never would have booked the RS. Next time I will go back down to the OS.

 

The stateroom is beautiful and the balcony is large as well. I realize that you are paying for the room itself but I feel that the perks is what sells this stateroom in the first place.

 

I booked this cruise just shy of one year in advance. Will cruise RCCL again but never in the RS not worth it IMHO.

 

If anybody has any questions, I will be glad to answer them. There is lots more that did not happen but it will take to long to explain.

 

Was wondering what perks did they do away with and why. We will be on the Mariner in an OS this month.

[Fritz265]

Really? Didn't happen to us. How many times has this occurred for you, Fritz?

 

Anyone else?

 

Carol

 

2x on Explorer sailing in an OS. Maybe our concierge, Martin Sanchez, was going above and beyond. I assumed that all of them did that for suite and diamond guests.

[Fritz265]

I didn't think that Soverign of the Seas had a concierge... does it? I know it doesn't have a concierge lounge.

 

We've have a few suites on voyager ships and NEVER have had a concierge contact us before the voyage.:rolleyes:

 

Most of them have been very helpful and I love the lounge. It just makes us feel special.

 

Have you tipped your concierge? If so, how do you determine how much to give him/her?

 

Although I saw no written standard on tipping the concierge, I gave ours $100 because he did sucha good job for us. He booked us spa and portofino reservation even before we boarded as well as pulled us tix to the ice show immediately upon request. Just did a great job and we wanted to express our gratitude. I did notice that other CL guests tipped him as well upon turn in of your lounge access card.

[Fritz265]

I have sailed in the grand suite on RCCL twice, and it is a great experience. What seems to be missing here is that the best advantage of booking a suite.... is the suite itself!

 

The sq footage is what you are paying for, not so much the service. The balcony is much larger, as is the closets and the bathrooms.To me one of the best "perks" is the suite boarding. You bypass long lines or worse sitting with a million other people...You just walk on board right away, and vacation starts!

 

We have however found that the room stewarts do seem to be more attentive and more aware of service.

 

If high end service is priority I dont think that RCCL is the best choice.... Nothing wrong mind you, just not high end. We have sailed a suite on Celebrity where a butler is included in the cost.... Service is much higher, but quite frankly for us it did not at all inhance the quality of our cruise.... In our opinion the advantge of the suite, is well, the suite!

 

I've sailed in an Owners Suite twice on RCI and I absolutely LOVE that room. There is so much storage that we could never possibly use it all and I also liked having a DVD/stereo with surround so we could always put in our own movies or music or borrow from the concierge lounge. The CL was just a bonus to us, not the prime reason we sail the OS. Lots of space and big bathroom makes the cruise so much more enjoyable. We don't use the CL a whole lot. Just pop in for a quick drink or two prior to dinner and that was it. It was also nice to have the concierge set reservations and get tix for shows. Just a quick call to him from the cabin and the tix would be in our room that evening.

[ducklite]

Did you book online, through a TA or with RCI directly?

 

If online, you can login to your reservation and set your dining preferences and if you're diamond or in a suite, it would almost automatically allow you to reserve your preference. Or call the C&A Loyalty Ambassador at RCI who would be able to handle that for you.

 

I booked over the phone with RCI, then transferred the reservation to a friend who is a TA so she could get the $$.

 

Anne

[ducklite]

I was just on the Mariner (Sept 11/05) and also booked the RS as part of a 10th Bday gift for our daughter.

 

First about 4 days prior to sailing, we did get a letter from the Conceirge which detailed all the "perks" that come with the RS and the Conceirge room.

 

Let me say, this was an excellent cruise. However, the 'perks" that they mention were not there and we were told all perks are gone. We did get escorted on and there was champagne in the cabin along with flowers. We were told about all the perks plus more. The list of what we did not get is longer than what we did get.

 

We phoned the hotel manager and he corrected one problem however we never heard from him after. I would think that they would call to make sure that everything is okay.

 

We got the RS so we could enjoy the "perks", but let me say they were not there and I would never get a RS again. Royal Suite equals royal rip off.

 

My TA told me to write a letter pointing everything out and send it to RCCL to see what they say. However, I am not expecting anything for the my troubles.

 

I believe if the perks are no longer available, they should not continue to tell people about them. If I knew that the perks were taken away, I never would have booked the RS. Next time I will go back down to the OS.

 

The stateroom is beautiful and the balcony is large as well. I realize that you are paying for the room itself but I feel that the perks is what sells this stateroom in the first place.

 

I booked this cruise just shy of one year in advance. Will cruise RCCL again but never in the RS not worth it IMHO.

 

If anybody has any questions, I will be glad to answer them. There is lots more that did not happen but it will take to long to explain.

 

Could I ask what you didn't get that you should have? I've been told that soda, water, and beer is in the room, as well as a couple bottle sof wine. The beer, soda and water are restocked daily and free. Rodes and slippers, and upgraded amenities. If they've taken away a lot of the things we were told we'd have when we booked, I'm going to be more than a bit peeved.

 

Anne

[rubrrick]

Could I ask what you didn't get that you should have? I've been told that soda, water, and beer is in the room, as well as a couple bottle sof wine. The beer, soda and water are restocked daily and free. Rodes and slippers, and upgraded amenities. If they've taken away a lot of the things we were told we'd have when we booked, I'm going to be more than a bit peeved.

 

Anne

 

We had the RS on the Monarch a month ago. We paid for sodas, beer and wine. The ship gave us a couple of bottles of champagne. Robes were there, no slippers, but I believe I could have asked for them. Upgraded amenities were there as well. We have cruised either in RS or OS and the perks are the same. They used to provide a bottle or two of liquor and sodas, but that appears to be gone now. Maybe different ships handle things differently.

 

Rick

[zarya]

The pre-cruise emails from the concierge apparently are a recent innovation. We responded and requested table for 2 and some other wishes, which were all immediately granted via return email.

[Merion_Mom]

Blueice,

 

I agree with you. I am NOT looking for someone to wait on me hand and foot or pour my drinks. I just expect to get a little more service then a standard cabin. When someone pays well over 1k a night I think one should expect some perks. I am a little upset over your review of the RS. I got married over 10 years ago. We had very little money and so our honeymoon was a weekend at the shore. We had a very small wedding. Since then my wife and I have started 2 businesses that have become somewhat successfull. I also have a full time job. Between our three careers we have decided to treat ourselves to our honeymoon that we never really had. The week prior to our cruise in the RS we will renew our vows on the Golden Princess with our family. I was looking forward to the perks in the RS. I will not let this ruin our cruise but I may be disappointed if the service is lacking.

Hey, Trevor, tell me where your businesses are (if they are retail) and I'll come in and scar..........er, patronize you! ;)

 

Carol

[BLUEICE]

Could I ask what you didn't get that you should have? I've been told that soda, water, and beer is in the room, as well as a couple bottle sof wine. The beer, soda and water are restocked daily and free. Rodes and slippers, and upgraded amenities. If they've taken away a lot of the things we were told we'd have when we booked, I'm going to be more than a bit peeved.

 

Anne

 

Perks that we were told about that we did not experience: Okay here goes:

 

There was beer/soda/water in the cabin but I don't think they filled it daily. We did run out of water and it was never replenished. I was also told that if you wanted a coke sticker that you never had to pay for that as well - not true - charged to my seapass card.

 

Priority tendering - was told that we did not have to wait in line up for tender boats. When we got to Labadee, I called and asked about the priority line for the RS and was told to get in line with the rest of the passengers. No priority tendering.

 

Was told four bottles of booze (our choice) would be in the room (not including champagne). Not there another perk they said they stopped. Fought for it and they did deliver some bottles.

 

Priority disembarkation - definately not happening. On the last day, I called to guest relations and asked when do we leave our RS and where do we go to wait. She said when you heard to announcement to vacate cabins you should of left then. I asked where we go and she said where everybody else goes. I specifically asked is there not a special place to wait for the RS and she said no. No special disembarkation perks for the RS anymore.

 

Was also told that the RS is an automatic invitation to dine with the Captain - Forget that one. Don't count on it. Apparently the head waiter picks the people now. We were more interested in seeing the bridge of the ship with him.

 

They did provide robes and slippers. We were told to keep the slippers but the robes must be left behind. I am sure I was told (upon booking) that the robes were ours to keep. Remember there is only 2 robes and 2 pairs of slippers. We did ask our cabin attendant for another set which he gladly delivered promptly.

 

Daily canapes - were told daily treats would be delivered to the RS. Once again not there. The only time you get canapes is the first and second formal night. Far cry from everynight.

 

Butler - all I can say is what butler...........

 

If I think of anything else I will certainly add it later.

 

 

Dei6360 - not sure what perks come with the OS. If they are anythink like the RS don't count on it. We were in the OS in 2003 and were spoiled with all the perks. I can only assume some of these perks are gone in the OS as well.

[ducklite]

Perks that we were told about that we did not experience: Okay here goes:

 

There was beer/soda/water in the cabin but I don't think they filled it daily. We did run out of water and it was never replenished. I was also told that if you wanted a coke sticker that you never had to pay for that as well - not true - charged to my seapass card.

 

We were told free soda/water in cabin, but never free anywhere else and no free sticker.

 

Priority tendering - was told that we did not have to wait in line up for tender boats. When we got to Labadee, I called and asked about the priority line for the RS and was told to get in line with the rest of the passengers. No priority tendering.

 

We were definitely told priority tendering. My DH is going to be a bit peeved if this one doesn't happen, it's one of the things he really ahtes about large ship cruising.

 

Was told four bottles of booze (our choice) would be in the room (not including champagne). Not there another perk they said they stopped. Fought for it and they did deliver some bottles.

 

We were actually originally told FIVE free bottles, then four. I was also told we could swap them for wine or champagne, which is what I had wanted to do. I will also fight for this.

 

Priority disembarkation - definately not happening. On the last day, I called to guest relations and asked when do we leave our RS and where do we go to wait. She said when you heard to announcement to vacate cabins you should of left then. I asked where we go and she said where everybody else goes. I specifically asked is there not a special place to wait for the RS and she said no. No special disembarkation perks for the RS anymore.

 

We were also told priority disembarkation, and I'm going to talk to the concierge about this during the week. I wonder if the concierge was the one who was supposed to set this up for you rather than guest services.

 

 

Was also told that the RS is an automatic invitation to dine with the Captain - Forget that one. Don't count on it. Apparently the head waiter picks the people now. We were more interested in seeing the bridge of the ship with him.

 

We weren't told that one. We would like a bridge tour, but understand if it's off limits for security reasons.

 

They did provide robes and slippers. We were told to keep the slippers but the robes must be left behind. I am sure I was told (upon booking) that the robes were ours to keep. Remember there is only 2 robes and 2 pairs of slippers. We did ask our cabin attendant for another set which he gladly delivered promptly.

 

We knew that robes and slippers were provided, had heard mixed info about if they were yours to keep. That's not a deal breaker for us, I already have more robes than I'll go through in ten years.

 

Daily canapes - were told daily treats would be delivered to the RS. Once again not there. The only time you get canapes is the first and second formal night. Far cry from everynight.

 

We were also told every day. Could you order things like cheese and crackers from room service?

 

Butler - all I can say is what butler...........

 

We know that RCCL has no butler service, so even if they told us so, I wouldn't have believed it.

 

Thanks for the imput!

 

Anne

[Former Goalie]

We have had the pleasure of sailing in suites on RCI, once with, and once without, a concierge. We particularly enjoyed our experience on Mariner, the concierge Yuri is wonderful (I've heard she is going on maternity leave).

The stuff we were told we would get in a GS we did (we asked my TA - she called back with "CL and robes for the duration of the cruise per RCI", and thought that was pretty skimpy). I had heard about the RS perks, and it does sound like you received short shrift. I thought you were supposed to be able to keep the robes, I think priority disembarkation would put you in a lounge with RCI platiinum and up C&A. One would think for the price you paid, you could drink as many cans of soda, or use your sticker, as you'd like.

It doesn't seem like RCI did a very good job of acknowledging the fact that you were in its most premium accomodation, the Royal Suite.

That is IMHO, one area where RCI falls short. It is difficult to find out the perks attached to a suite (little or nothing in print), and then there is sometimes confusion amongst the staff as to what actually comes with suite amenities.

One would think that RCI would market the premium accomodations better, that would be to everyone's advantage. Passengers would be satisfied, plus RCI would have a marketing tool.

All they need do is to examine how sister line Celebrity markets concierge level and suite accomodations.

[cruise182]

Hey, Trevor, tell me where your businesses are (if they are retail) and I'll come in and scar..........er, patronize you! ;)

 

Carol

 

Thanks carol. My wife has a pet sitting/grooming business. She loves dogs and loves her work. She keeps it small. It is a one gal show. She also does limited boarding. I have a handyman business. I do not do much of the work as I have guys that work for me. I enjoy the challenges and when I can get out I enjoy working with my hands too. We both have websites but I am not sure this is the place to advertise. My other job title is director of a non profit. Very rewarding but extremely frustrating too. I am in a love hate relationship with that career.

 

Thanks for asking!:)

[smoothdancer]

Blue,

Maybe you misunderstood me. The butler that I was referring to was on Celebrity, not RCCL. We could of easily done without a butler.

 

We were never lead to beleive that we would receive about half of what you were told. I guess I too would be mad if I thought these perks would be available to you, and then not received. I was really suprised on the soda sticker perk... I always had to pay for the sticker.

 

Suite crusing still is great, perks or not! Now with the price increases over the past year booking a suite has become less of a value and more cost prohobivitie. Our next cruise we have booked on SilverSeas going to the med. We were able to book this cruise in a balcony suite for about the same price as a RS on Celebrity.(of course, less sq footage) If service is really important to you, you may want to consider this alternative in the future.

 

Good Luck!

[rubrrick]

Smoothdancer, you are so right in your statement, that if you want all of the perks and services that go along with a suite, book a line like SilverSea. My DW and I book suites on RCCL for the room size, not all of the goodies that I don't expect anyway. We have booked suites in hotels (not mini suites, full suites) here in the US and in other countries around the world. These are not "Presidential" suites, but paying upward of $1,000 per night, which is what we pay for a RS on RCCL. The goodies are a highly upgraded bathroom (which you get on RCCL, sort of) a great view, spacious room, bathrobes, slippers. We still pay for any item used from the mini bar in the refer, and any food that we order from room service. That's free on RCCL.

There are cruise lines that give you free booze, wait on you hand and foot, and you pay for that service. SilverSea, Radisson, Crystal, Seabourn. A 7 night cruise on the Seabourn Spirit, in their OS, the best, which is 575 square feet is a little more than $30,000. Let's see, that's a little more than $4,285 a night. For that, all the goodies are included!!

I do agree that RCCL should have a better set of rules of what to expect in the OS and RS, their two top catagories.

 

Rick