Best suite experience??

[Gordoncruickshank]

Only goes to show you can't please everyone! I love the rattan chair!

That is my wife's daytime sleeping accomodation, mine is the lounger. It does make the balcony a bit crowded but it is workable. If in a CS on a solstice class ship, get one on the angle as it increases the balcony size.

[jagoffee]

That is my wife's daytime sleeping accomodation, mine is the lounger. It does make the balcony a bit crowded but it is workable. If in a CS on a solstice class ship, get one on the angle as it increases the balcony size.

 

Are you referencing the lounger that is on all RS balconies or a special on requested?

[jcpc]

It's really hard to beat the PH on M-class in general or the bathroom in the PH or Reflectiom Suite. They're pretty pricey but worth it in our opinion. Well, maybe not the reflection suite for 2.

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

 

Totally agree with Jenna re the PH on the M-Class. I keep saying I'm going to try The Haven on NCL, but never seem to do it.

[Chunky2219]

Of the big lines, I can't imagine anything beats a Cunard Q1 and I'm on constant alert for the phone ringing again to offer me that late deal I couldn't resist. Celebrity RS was maybe slightly better on perks and equal on butler service but the MDR food was no match for the price and the floor space is less. The Jaccuzi on the balcony is a great treat but I've only been on one cruise where we were able to get any enjoyment out of it. Maybe the recent changes will have leveled things out on the food front. Never done a PH, which is comparable to Q1 on size so it may now come very close to Cunard. Ask me again after April.

 

I'd love to try the best of the NCL Garden/Haven but somehow it doesn't look right unless we were filling the adjoining suites with family, which is never going to happen this side of a lottery win.

 

Some of the premium smaller lines sound very good and have a lot of extras like free excursions and premium wines thrown in. But the suite sizes are a bit stingy unless you go right up the scale to an Owner's Suite or something similar. That's going to cost a kidney for the extra real estate unless you can get really lucky on deals and pricing

 

 

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[need2bespoiled]

Of the big lines, I can't imagine anything beats a Cunard Q1 and I'm on constant alert for the phone ringing again to offer me that late deal I couldn't resist. Celebrity RS was maybe slightly better on perks and equal on butler service but the MDR food was no match for the price and the floor space is less. The Jaccuzi on the balcony is a great treat but I've only been on one cruise where we were able to get any enjoyment out of it. Maybe the recent changes will have leveled things out on the food front. Never done a PH, which is comparable to Q1 on size so it may now come very close to Cunard. Ask me again after April.

 

I'd love to try the best of the NCL Garden/Haven but somehow it doesn't look right unless we were filling the adjoining suites with family, which is never going to happen this side of a lottery win.

 

Some of the premium smaller lines sound very good and have a lot of extras like free excursions and premium wines thrown in. But the suite sizes are a bit stingy unless you go right up the scale to an Owner's Suite or something similar. That's going to cost a kidney for the extra real estate unless you can get really lucky on deals and pricing

 

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Have you sailed an M-Class penthouse? It blows the doors off any RS in the fleet and with the balcony have the width of the aft, indoor or outdoor Jacuzzis with views of the water, full size fridge, stocked butler's pantry, the list goes on and on and oh, now the X has luminae it rivals many luxury products. They still miss out on hours of operation. Serious, how can breakfast end at 11a? I have been to two luxury hotels lately where breakfast was open at least until 11a at each place. THAT is what vacation should be.

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

[jagoffee]

Jenna, breakfast in the MDR, Blu, and Liminae ends well before 11 AM. 9 or 9:30 AM depending in when they open.

[WonderMan3]

We've done suites with Celebrity (Sky and Royal), Princess (Vista) and NCL (Penthouse Villa and Deluxe Owner's Suite). NCL was the best by far. The whole Haven concept where there is your own private area with pool, restaurant, bar, sundecks, etc. really sets it apart from other suite experiences.

 

And our butler on Epic in the DOS was just amazing. There was nothing we were wanting for; if we even gave a hint of interest in a particular beverage it magically appeared in the refrigerator later that day, she insisted on walking us to our dining places each night and would arrange with the maitre'd to always get us the best table, she arranged a special birthday surprise for my partner, etc. And the concierge as well on Epic was totally aware of our whole experience at all times - she checked in with us regularly when she saw us out, we traveled with friends who were not in Haven and when we weren't spending time in the area because of them she allowed us to bring them with us a few times into the restaurant and pool area (not busy, so not an issue), she got us the best table with the best views at the Cirque show, arranged a secret elevator exit for disembarkation so we wouldn't get caught up in the lines of express debark, etc. It was really an above and beyond experience.

 

Unfortunately all suites after have paled in comparison. Celebrity's suites are nicely designed, but the butler service is sorely lacking. They're not required to provide the level of service that NCL's butlers are and it really shows. Of 3 Sky Suites and 1 Royal Suite, we've had 1 totally inept butler, 1 newbie who tried but was a mess, and 2 who were average but nothing special. And the fact that Celebrity has the suites scattered around the ship and the lack of a special pool area does limit the experience. Things are improving though with the addition of Luminae (fantastic!) and the extra inclusions like beverage package, internet, etc.

 

Princess was the least of them. All you're getting is a bigger cabin with a few extra perks. No butler and no special service.

 

That being said, I'm only mentioning this in a thread that is comparing and contrasting. We have chosen to cruise with Celebrity over NCL because of the overall experience. We love the atmosphere of the Celebrity ships versus NCL and the dining is superior. Our loyalty to NCL was also driven by some huge casino discounts we received which is how we managed to wind up in the DOS. When they started tightening up those offers we moved on.

 

We're really hoping that with the Edge class that Celebrity will create a suites only area like NCL's Haven that could include Luminae and a private pool area, etc. and expand the services of the butlers and Concierge. I think Celebrity could really knock it out of the park if they did that.

[WonderMan3]

Celebrity needs to solve the "poolside" seating issue that Royal (somewhat) and NCL (and maybe some of the others) have solved. Create a space with nice padded chairs, towels, and bar service - does not need to be near the pool. Spending so much money for a Royal Suite and then not being able to find two lounge chairs doesn't make sense.

 

Agree. It is frustrating. The only time we've been able to hang by the pool (usually the Solarium) is when we have chosen not to go ashore on a port day. Otherwise forget it. And sitting on your balcony (regardless how large it is) is not the same as being able to walk a few steps and take a dip in for a swim. I wish as part of the suite perks that a couple of the day beds/big cushioned loungers could be reserved for suite guests, or that you could reserve lounge chairs through the Concierge in advance (just one day prior to make it fair). Of course that would cause a meltdown on this forum with screams of "entitlement" and "classism". But with the amounts of money being paid by suite guests, there is certainly room for a few more perks to be thrown in that would be minimal impact to Celebrity's bottom line.

[need2bespoiled]

Jenna, breakfast in the MDR, Blu, and Liminae ends well before 11 AM. 9 or 9:30 AM depending in when they open.

 

That was my point when I said "they still miss out". Meaning Celebrity hours ending at 9a in Luminae is far too early.

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

On the RS (S Class) you get a big rattan lounge chair, the back does not recline. We ask for, and get, a lounge chair like what is used at the pool. It makes for a very crowded balcony. On very hot days there could be no breeze on the balcony in such a confined space, and it can be miserable.

 

You must have been on an S class ship. The royal suites on M class ships come with a table & 4 chairs and two loungers. And a hot tub.

 

Linda

 

[Gordoncruickshank]

Are you referencing the lounger that is on all RS balconies or a special on requested?

There was a lounger on the balcony of both the CA and RS suites we had. We did not ask for them.

[russg140]

We have done the Signature Suite on Reflection 3 times and love it. Comes with all the Suite Perks, but what's most fantastic is the private (i.e. nobody can see you) outdoor shower! Yes - you can take a shower outside. Totally awesome. The private corridor is nice too because it is quiet and there are only 5 other cabins that use it. People are concerned that it might be noisy with the Sky Lounge nearby, but we've never had a problem with that.

[Chunky2219]

You must have been on an S class ship. The royal suites on M class ships come with a table & 4 chairs and two loungers. And a hot tub...........

We've done RS on both M class and S Class. Both come with good quality hardwood loungers and tables, both had Jacuzzi tubs on the balcony. S class had the more usable, rectangular tub, M class had a useful awning over the balcony. However, on S class the balcony was a bit too shallow, so it wasn't easy to get past a lounger once set up, especially with my own second-rate mobility.

 

 

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As for the comments by others about poolside accommodation, it's entirely realistic to expect to get a bit of guaranteed space when you're paying big bucks. That's why Cunard is so good - there's a full deck dedicated to the suites plus a terrace in front of the Grills lounge, both with top end furniture good quality towels, plenty of free coffee plus scones and sandwiches if you've not eaten for an hour or so. You also used to find free suntan lotion and iced waster by the door, although it seems to be a bit hit and miss nowadays. There's no pool on the premium deck(s), but I've never been too excited about sitting beside a pool and baking so it suits me fine.

 

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Edited February 6, 2016 by Chunky2219
typo

[obxgirl]

The Penthouse Suite on the Celebrity Solstice Class ships is fantastic, twelve hundred square feet of luxury. I do not know if we will ever get to do it again since we got a great deal on an upgrade from a Celebrity Suite. On the other hand, we have also been happy with the Sky Suites on the aft of the Solstice Class ships.

[spencerdrivecruiser]

M Class vs S Class PH suites

 

Have been in both and its quantity vs quality. Because the S Class ships are new with updated fixtures and tiles and pianos and carpet, etc the PH suites are just beautiful. Missing is a butlers pantry and big refrigerator and large balcony but the feel of the S Class PH is just amazing. The M Class PH suites have problems due to age and we have always had something in need of repair. They were great in the early 2000s but currently the S Class suites are in another class.

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

M Class vs S Class PH suites

 

Have been in both and its quantity vs quality. Because the S Class ships are new with updated fixtures and tiles and pianos and carpet, etc the PH suites are just beautiful. Missing is a butlers pantry and big refrigerator and large balcony but the feel of the S Class PH is just amazing. The M Class PH suites have problems due to age and we have always had something in need of repair. They were great in the early 2000s but currently the S Class suites are in another class.

 

And I much prefer the penthouse on the M class. Guess there's something for everyone.

 

[LabGuy64]

Why would you eat in the MDR if you were in a RS? You have the option of Luminae, Blu, and unlimited use of the specialty restaurants. When were you in the RS? You need to try it again.....because your info seems WAY out of date

 

 

 

Of the big lines, I can't imagine anything beats a Cunard Q1 and I'm on constant alert for the phone ringing again to offer me that late deal I couldn't resist. Celebrity RS was maybe slightly better on perks and equal on butler service but the MDR food was no match for the price and the floor space is less. The Jaccuzi on the balcony is a great treat but I've only been on one cruise where we were able to get any enjoyment out of it. Maybe the recent changes will have leveled things out on the food front. Never done a PH, which is comparable to Q1 on size so it may now come very close to Cunard. Ask me again after April.

 

I'd love to try the best of the NCL Garden/Haven but somehow it doesn't look right unless we were filling the adjoining suites with family, which is never going to happen this side of a lottery win.

 

Some of the premium smaller lines sound very good and have a lot of extras like free excursions and premium wines thrown in. But the suite sizes are a bit stingy unless you go right up the scale to an Owner's Suite or something similar. That's going to cost a kidney for the extra real estate unless you can get really lucky on deals and pricing

 

 

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[LabGuy64]

I agree Jenna......of course you could have the butler just bring breakfast to the suite...

 

 

Have you sailed an M-Class penthouse? It blows the doors off any RS in the fleet and with the balcony have the width of the aft, indoor or outdoor Jacuzzis with views of the water, full size fridge, stocked butler's pantry, the list goes on and on and oh, now the X has luminae it rivals many luxury products. They still miss out on hours of operation. Serious, how can breakfast end at 11a? I have been to two luxury hotels lately where breakfast was open at least until 11a at each place. THAT is what vacation should be.

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

[Kinofdc]

Why would you eat in the MDR if you were in a RS? You have the option of Luminae, Blu, and unlimited use of the specialty restaurants. When were you in the RS? You need to try it again.....because your info seems WAY out of date

 

There is one exception: Captain's Table. But then it really doesn't feel as though you are in the MDR despite its physical location in the MDR; and of course the menu is different from the MDR menu. In my last 4 cruises on Celebrity ships, we were in the MDR on several occasions only to partake in the Captain's Table.