Question regarding Explorer's Suite experience, thanks for your help

[Old As Dirt Mom]

Hello - I usually cruise with Holland America or Celebrity. However, I'm looking at a nice 7-day Pacific Coastal cruise round-trip out of Seattle on the Explorer. Here's my question: How's the suite life on Royal Caribbean? Looking at a GS or OS. Would be my first time on Royal Caribbean.

 

Thanks very much!

[Clarea]

Hello - I usually cruise with Holland America or Celebrity. However, I'm looking at a nice 7-day Pacific Coastal cruise round-trip out of Seattle on the Explorer. Here's my question: How's the suite life on Royal Caribbean? Looking at a GS or OS. Would be my first time on Royal Caribbean.

 

Thanks very much!

Suite perks:

 

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/contentWithHero.do?pagename=enhanced_program_for_suite_guests

[parrotfeathers]

They are much better than HAL.

[Old As Dirt Mom]

Suite perks:

 

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/contentWithHero.do?pagename=enhanced_program_for_suite_guests

 

Thank you, Bob. I have learned a lot from reading your posts on this forum. Very helpful.

[Old As Dirt Mom]

They are much better than HAL.

 

What's better than HAL? The Royal Caribbean product in general, or the suite perks in particular? What specifically is better? I would love to hear your perspective, thanks!

Edited December 8, 2015 by middle-aged mom

[parrotfeathers]

I really like RCL better than HAL. I'm over 60 and not a party person. I like quiet time and what HAL may consider "refined" entertainment. But, there is something about RCL that is energizing. They truly are in the entertainment business.

 

There is always something to do. If you don't want to, fine. On my Indy cruise last month I spent a great deal of time on the balcony unwinding. But I also participated in activities when I wanted.

 

I've seen several HAL cruisers turn noses up at some of RCL's activities, i.e., the belly flop contest. Well actually it is quite fun to laugh at the participants and cheer on your favorite flopper. And it is only a 30 minute event so so big deal if you don't like it.

 

The promenade deck is so eye catching and inviting. The parades--you can't help but laugh along with the others and enjoy the activities going on. And is it really true that one day I won't appreciate a good looking male body with his shirt off dancing on the catwalk above? I hope not!!!

 

The shows are first class. The ice skating show is first rate. The other stuff I haven't seen but once--Love/Marriage and Quest--funny the first time but just isn't my cup of tea. I don't do flowrider or rock climbing. But that doesn't mean others don't love it because they do.

 

I forgot about the cruise directors. They work so hard to keep everyone entertained. I'd hate to see the requirements for a cruise director. They have to be able to do a little bit of everything.

 

Suite benefits--complimentary drinks from 5:30 to 8:00 pm are my favorite perk for a suite. The canapes too but since it is before dinner I don't graze there much. Several suite events with the officers are also included. For me the best is the interest of the concierge including getting off the ship with concierge escort. And free luggage valet service of course. I think there are just so many more benefits than HAL has.

 

The suite lounge is open 24 hours instead of closing like HAL's does (I cannot recall if it closed at 8 or 10). There is a separate restaurant for suite guest breakfast and that is a very quiet area which is nice in the mornings.

 

All in all, I just enjoy RCL more.

Edited December 8, 2015 by parrotfeathers

[Old As Dirt Mom]

..............I really like RCL better than HAL........

 

<snip>

 

All in all, I just enjoy RCL more.

 

Thank you, Parrot Feathers; that was a wonderful description you gave me above, straight from your heart, of why you like Royal Caribbean. I appreciate your considerable insight. It all sounds like a lot of fun, and I'm seriously thinking of taking this Explorer cruise. Thanks for the suite benefit details, too. I'll be traveling with my sister and I think she'll have a blast taking lots of photos of the ship. If there's anything you think I should know about Explorer, I'd appreciate any tips you can pass on. Thanks!

 

ps We also enjoy male eye candy:)

[parrotfeathers]

There is an entire thread called everything Explorer or something like that. Many cruisers really love her.

 

That's interesting about your sister. I also took my sister. It was her first cruise and she really enjoyed herself. Next year we are on Anthem for Bermuda. I mainly do the 5 nighters and there aren't many to choose from.

[Old As Dirt Mom]

A further question: Do suite passengers receive bathrobes in their cabins? Also, what kind of toiletries are provided for suites? Thanks in advance for any info.

[goodycruising]

All in all, I just enjoy RCL more.

Loved the whole of your post! We hear that sort of statement a lot, but your detail really brough back memories of our first Voyager Grand Suite. (Soon to do our second - on Explorer) We have only done Royal and Celebrity, and one of our loyal HAL friends is about to do a sampler on Explorer in a couple of months. I am hoping she will have a great time too :)

Edited December 9, 2015 by goodycruising

[Clarea]

A further question: Do suite passengers receive bathrobes in their cabins? Also, what kind of toiletries are provided for suites? Thanks in advance for any info.

All suite guests are supposed to get robes. Sometimes they don't come until the evening turndown service.

 

Amenities are usually Gilchrist & Soames shampoo, conditioner, lotion, body wash, and bar soap.

[parrotfeathers]

Yes the robes are always there when I go. I don't use them though. Too heavy for me.

[Old As Dirt Mom]

All suite guests are supposed to get robes. Sometimes they don't come until the evening turndown service.

 

Amenities are usually Gilchrist & Soames shampoo, conditioner, lotion, body wash, and bar soap.

 

Yes the robes are always there when I go. I don't use them though. Too heavy for me.

 

 

I guess I actually asked two questions up above, didn't I? Thanks for all your patient and helpful replies.:)

 

Thanks to you, I went ahead yesterday and booked an Owner's Suite for my sister and me on the Explorer of the Seas for a 7-day Pacific Coastal cruise round trip out of Seattle (our home port).

 

Now I'm off to research and learn as much as I can by continuing to read this forum:) My sister always does a blog when we cruise together, and I'm sure she'll do one for our first RCCL cruise!

 

Thanks again!

[Clarea]

...Thanks to you, I went ahead yesterday and booked an Owner's Suite for my sister and me on the Explorer of the Seas for a 7-day Pacific Coastal cruise round trip out of Seattle (our home port)....

In case you don't know, the bed in the Owner's Suite cannot be separated into two beds.

[Old As Dirt Mom]

In case you don't know, the bed in the Owner's Suite cannot be separated into two beds.

 

Thanks, yes, I do realize that. Fortunately, my sister and I get along pretty well!:)

[parrotfeathers]

Big congrats to you!! How blessed you are to not have to fly anywhere!

[Old As Dirt Mom]

Big congrats to you!! How blessed you are to not have to fly anywhere!

 

Thank you, parrotfeathers:) Yes, one of the biggest selling points for this itinerary is the fact we can drive up before and drive away after :) And we can head south to California, instead of north to Alaska, for a change! Thanks for all your help!

[Old As Dirt Mom]

I see we have access to the Concierge Lounge as suite guests. Does it get very busy in there? Thanks.

[Old As Dirt Mom]

And here is my last question on this thread, I promise:D On Holland America, suite passengers receive unlimited complimentary laundry, pressing, and dry cleaning. Does RCCL offer anything comparable?

 

Thank you again!

[Clarea]

And here is my last question on this thread, I promise:D On Holland America, suite passengers receive unlimited complimentary laundry, pressing, and dry cleaning. Does RCCL offer anything comparable?

 

Thank you again!

The closest thing Royal provides for suite guestsis free pressing of one garment on formal night.

 

Royal past guests do get coupons for discounts on laundry, and the Diamond Plus level and above get one free wash and fold load.

[cb at sea]

NCL has the best "suite perks" going....if that's what's important to you! The only real "monetary" suite perk is the free drinks during the cocktail hour. The other perks are simply convenience....nothing you couldn't easily do on your own.