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New Suite Benefits - Sky Suites get Michael's Club Access

need2bespoiled

By need2bespoiled,
in Celebrity Cruises

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Gordoncruickshank

Gordoncruickshank

Posted
Posted
On both our cruise since Michael's Club became a lounge for higher-end suites, it has been crowded every evening. It is not used simply for a quick drink before dinner. Guests with late dining would often spend a few hours there before dressing for dinner and, only then, return for their quick drink before dinner. Those who chose to eat early would have the quick drink before dinner and then return after.

 

We just do not understand how Michael's Club can accommodate the extra guests. The rooms are just not large enough if everyone chooses to use them as guests have on our two cruises. Remember, it is not only suite guests who can use Michael's Club but also the increasing number of Zenith members and VIPs.

We have done two cruises with Michael's club, one in the Caribbean and one to the Canaries, both 13 or 14 nights both on the Eclipse. We have gone to Michael's every evening at 7.30 and generally returned after dinner. On each cruise the post dinner drinkers were between 6 and 8 people. The pre dinner guests were no more than 12 in the Caribbean, slightly more in the Canaries so there was loads of space on these crusies in Michael's at all times.

 

We will just have to wait and see how it all pans as it's usage on our cruises was very, very low.

 

We sat last year with a guest who did consulting work for RCCL and his understanding was that Michael's was intended to be open to Elite+ guests. At least there are a finite number of Sky cabins.

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cle-guy

cle-guy

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I don't mind this change at all. In fact, about a year ago, I suggested this should be done.

 

I have never sailed in a SkySuite, only the upper suites, but I cruise to meet new people and mingle. Having more people in Michael's Lounge evenings is a big plus for me.

 

Yes some times will be more busy than others, but there are lots of dead time in the day as well, so looking forward to the lounge being a bit more active during those periods.

 

For me, I can now see my self looking to book SkySuites more often over the upper suites.

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jagoffee

jagoffee

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Obviously those of us that have cruises booked in Sky Suites welcome the change. I always loved the Michael's Club and I will now be able to return. Except when Perry was using it for his shows it was never crowded in all of my cruises.

I remember when the Michael's club was used for the Elite cocktails party and it seemed large enough until the numbers kept increasing which took about two years.

 

Assuming the area will be able to handle the increased numbers it certainly increases the value of the Sky Suites. As I have stated several times all the suites seem to be selling well and I would bet the special deals for suites are greatly reduced as well. Before the suite enhancements I would think suites seldom sold for list price.

And the Luminae is awesome. Celebrity continues to increase the value for suites which is a great way to increase the revenue IMO.

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cle-guy

cle-guy

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I'm assuming the free "Go Best" package is for new bookings only? Or can I apply it to my current reservation?

 

If you apply to current reservation, it would likely be subject to repricing to current fares as well. I note sky suites I have been watching went up yesterday.

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cle-guy

cle-guy

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Also, I've heard a lot of people say they book upper suites just to get Michael's Club access. Before it was a Suite Class only thing it seemed pretty dead most of the time. What's making it so special now?

 

The added benefits, the free premium drinks in the club, the special small bites thru the day, , the special events the Concierge hosts throughout the voyage, the priority disembarkation and escort to customs. Lots of little perks and benefits.

 

There is actual programming and activities planned in the space on a regular basis now.

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need2bespoiled

need2bespoiled

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I will now consider downgrading all my PH bookings to SS bookings and save a ton of money (actually enough money to sail 6 more times in 2016!)

 

You sound like me. My other half? She wants the space.

 

Seriously though, if it wasn't for the space why not book the RS? Or a CS and just pay for the upgrade of the beverage package and Internet?

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

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Lonedaddy

Lonedaddy

Posted
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I think it kind of takes away from booking a Celebrity Suite or higher for me. The room isn't much larger than a sky suite, but I liked that it included Michaels. I'd take saving a few thousand dollars over the added space if I get Michaels access now.

 

I am in the same boat. Given the price and limited differentiation between RS/CS and SS the SS is a better value. However, I will be more likely to book on one of the luxury lines vs a RS like seaborne crystal...

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cle-guy

cle-guy

Posted
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Just spoke with Celebrity and they have no record of this promotion. Hope this it real.

 

It's real, I just think the TA who initially put it out did so before it was to be announced - I was under the impression the program was embargoed until a formal announcement on the 17th.

 

Similarly the roll out of itineraries was also to be then, nut they found there way to CC ahead of time, so again, no surprise folks are unaware of it in reservations.

Edited by cle-guy
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Cruise a holic

Cruise a holic

Posted
Posted (edited)
Just spoke with Celebrity and they have no record of this promotion. Hope this it real.

Sometimes the clerks are the last to know. I saw the advertisement and it appeared to be authentic-but who knows! In addition, those guest who are fortunate enough to afford a Penthouse, Royal and CC suites enjoy it for many reasons, especially the space ! If they can afford it- why would they go to a sky suite which is really one large cabin?

Edited by Cruise a holic
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Jane2357

Jane2357

Posted
Posted (edited)

How many cabins does this add per Class. How many SS on an M, and on an S class?

 

We booked a Celebrity suite for 15 nights on our Panama Canal just for the purpose of enjoying Michael's - haven't experienced it yet. This is disappointing money wise as we could have saved money going with the Sky. All suites have been sold out for months now and the cruise isn't till 2017 - so those Sky bookers should be super happy!:D

 

If the venue is over taxed and the Concierge cannot provide excellent service - people do need to make their displeasure known so that they can have proper staffing. I'll be anxious to see the effect.

Edited by Jane2357
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