The Suite Life.

[VK3DQ]

Hello Folks

 

Having booked a Grand Suite on board Explorer of the Seas sailing 10th November 2016 I have been reading with some interest regarding certain "Perks" offered to frequent cruisers, where by they get to gain access to various levels of service that they would normally get with their specific cabin booking.

 

Now my question is can anyone tell me of any venue or specific service that is available to the various levels (perks) that is NOT available to those sailing in a full suite.

 

For example are those sailing in suites able to use the Diamond + lounge or are these lounges specifically for the use of "members" ONLY.

 

One would hate to trespass upon hallowed ground in error :p

 

We have recently become a party of three with the MIL joining the wife and I , and the price difference in selected cruises makes booking a full suite quite worth while

 

Best regards

 

John

[maryjaden]

John,

You would not have access to the Diamond Lounge unless you are a Diamond in addition to being in a suite. You will not have the 3 drinks added to your sea pass card. You will have free drinks in the Concierge/Suite Lounge from 5-8 pm. The time may vary slightly from ship to ship.

 

You should get a welcome letter from the concierge 1 - 3 weeks prior to sailing which will outline your benefits. Have a wonderful cruise. You will love the suite life. The downside is......it's hard to go back to "regular" cabin.

[cb at sea]

Suites get use of the Concierge lounge...and free drinks at cocktail hour...that's about the extent of the monetary perks on RCI.

[Clarea]

You would not have the C&A coupons that give various perks depending on C&A level, such as discounted internet and laundry.

[Kissmya63]

JS guests do not get access to the Concierge lounge, correct?

[Clarea]

JS guests do not get access to the Concierge lounge, correct?

Correct, unless they are D+ or higher level in C&A.

[maryjaden]

JS guests do not get access to the Concierge lounge, correct?

 

You correct, JS do not have access to the Suite Lounge.

[Mjoellnir]

Suites get use of the Concierge lounge...and free drinks at cocktail hour...that's about the extent of the monetary perks on RCI.

 

Not true.. we got so much more on indy in a GS

 

Suite reception in chops first seaday

Breakfast in chops every day

Reserved seating in the theatre and ice show

Reserved sunbeds on the sundeck

Barefoot beach and upgraded lunch on Labadee

Free visit on the bridge

Consierge lounge and a Consierge who help you with anything you need

++++++

[TEXASMUNK]

Usually, you are asked to assemble in Chops. The Consierge will personally escort you off the ship, by-passing all the lines. He or she will also book specialty restaurants for you, also you will get priority tender where applicable.

Also, on most ships, a roped off area by the pool for suite passengers only (you do not have to worry about chair hogs).

[cariad1000]

Does anyone know if there is suite seating near the pool on Splendour please?

[Miamia65]

John

 

We were in a GS on explorer in January ... We also had access to the diamond lounge (we weren't diamond level C&A level ). The coffee machine in the suite /concierge lounge was broken so they said we could get free coffee from cafe promenade or use the machine in the diamond lounge.

Breakfast and lunch available in chops grille everyday. Bridge tour, galley tour and production back of house tour- ask the concierge from the lounge he/ she can arrange these tours for you.

The concierge also controls one of the lifts on debarkation - just ask the concierge how he wants to manage this.

We use the concierge to arrange all of our bookings and if you do a nice tip will be really appreciated.

We also tip (in addition to prepaid tips) the room attendant on day 1 ...... They always go the extra mile for you !!

[VK3DQ]

John

 

We were in a GS on explorer in January ... We also had access to the diamond lounge (we weren't diamond level C&A level ). The coffee machine in the suite /concierge lounge was broken so they said we could get free coffee from cafe promenade or use the machine in the diamond lounge.

Breakfast and lunch available in chops grille everyday. Bridge tour, galley tour and production back of house tour- ask the concierge from the lounge he/ she can arrange these tours for you.

The concierge also controls one of the lifts on debarkation - just ask the concierge how he wants to manage this.

We use the concierge to arrange all of our bookings and if you do a nice tip will be really appreciated.

We also tip (in addition to prepaid tips) the room attendant on day 1 ...... They always go the extra mile for you !!

 

 

Hi Folks

 

Thanks for the information you have given me.

 

As far a tipping is concerned in addition to the pre-paid fees or the standard daily charge I like to be generous with those who help to give me a great holiday .

 

I normally give my cabin Steward $20 on the first day ,and depending on service I will tip more about 4 times during the cruise.

 

Dining room Staff , I will tip about 1/2 way through the cruise and again at the end of the cruise

 

I bring along a bundle of $5 AUD notes for other situations

 

I am a demanding customer but I do hope I am generous but always try to be discrete

 

I like to feel that when I go back on the ship next time my stewards would ask to look after me again ... used to happen on some of the old Atlantic liners and certainly on the P&O services to India and the far east

 

 

Now

 

As far a coffee is concerned this IS a vital issue I have on past cruises taken my own coffee with me and just used boiling water , Rhaposody of the Seas was very nice having kettles in each cabin , but on Solstice room service was always prompt with the hot water ....

 

 

I have not had a meal in Chops Grill as yet , it sounds like a great way to have breakfast, I do just love sitting down to a proper breakfast whist on a ship , its one of life's better moments.

 

So can you tell me please did they have the full array of food choices in Chops?

 

As for tours and tenders thats nice to know the MIL who is 92 will run rings round me but will be grateful for the help as will I with my dodgy back :D

 

The reservation of the show seats will be nice as we are a bit slow getting places and sometimes missed out on reasonable seats .. so that will be nice.

 

We are looking forward to our cruise we enjoy meeting people and chatting , and looking at the sea

 

I like the idea of a "Royal Genie" , we will cruise two or three times a year mainly in the Australian region, I think we will after our first taste of the Suite Life be convinced that for us its the only way to travel...

 

 

Oh dear the front door bell calls

 

 

See you all again soon

 

Regards

 

 

John

[Paul65]

You will have a kettle in your suite. They're not in all cabins on RCI, but suites have them.

[Merion_Mom]

Hello Folks

 

Having booked a Grand Suite on board Explorer of the Seas sailing 10th November 2016 I have been reading with some interest regarding certain "Perks" offered to frequent cruisers, where by they get to gain access to various levels of service that they would normally get with their specific cabin booking.

 

Now my question is can anyone tell me of any venue or specific service that is available to the various levels (perks) that is NOT available to those sailing in a full suite.

 

For example are those sailing in suites able to use the Diamond + lounge or are these lounges specifically for the use of "members" ONLY.

 

One would hate to trespass upon hallowed ground in error :p

 

We have recently become a party of three with the MIL joining the wife and I , and the price difference in selected cruises makes booking a full suite quite worth while

 

Best regards

 

John

 

John, suite guests are welcome in the Concierge Lounge. (Deck 9 by the aft elevators/stairs). They are not permitted in the Diamond Lounge. (Deck 14)

[goneclear]

John, the breakfast in Chops is adequate. Eggs Benedict, omelette etc. it's ordered from a fixed menu. There are not as many options as at the windjammer buffet , but if you are a fan of the breakfast buffet like I am, you are more than welcome to get your breakfast from the windjammer and bring it in to chops to sit and enjoy in a more comfortable environment.

[Miamia65]

John, suite guests are welcome in the Concierge Lounge. (Deck 9 by the aft elevators/stairs). They are not permitted in the Diamond Lounge. (Deck 14)

 

John ..... sorry Merion Mom this is only partly correct .... the concierge lounge is located in the middle of the ship on deck 9 and is very old and daggy (aussie term for outdated). Therefore suite guests have access to the diamond lounge on explorer as it is located in a great space on deck 14. If your card doesn't work on the door of the diamond lounge just ask the concierge in the concierge lounge it can be arranged.

 

Also, the Australian market is very important to RCI because it is the fastest growing cruising market in the world per capita / highest percentage of australian's are cruising compared to other countries. RCI likes to look after us aussies, hence they are sending bigger and better ships here. Albeit we aren't getting ships all year round yet, like China (but they have a massive population which we can't compete with).

 

Like I said, ask the concierge and tip well and you can pretty much get anything, if they can't arrange it he/she will let you know.

 

In terms of tipping, we do a similar thing and tip the room attendant on day 1 and at the end (in total usually $100-$200 depending on the service we get), same to the concierge - they are your best friends and look after you well if you are NICE to them and afford them an extra reward.

 

I will post some pictures of GS 1288 on Explorer (January 2016 cruise to NZ). You will love the suite life! Unfortunately, voyager class ships (which Explorer is) doesn't have the new Royal Suite features that RCI are introducing in May - these are limited to Oasis and Quantum class ships. So you will need to cruise on Ovation of the Seas when it is here in a high level suite to get the extra benefits that they new suite life program offers.

[Miamia65]

 

 

 

 

[Miamia65]

Chops Grille - the breakfast is a short menu that you can order from plus a small buffet, however there is a door from the back of chops that takes you straight into windjammer. So just go out the backdoor with your nice china plate from chops and get whatever you like from windjammer and bring it back to chops restaurant to consume

 

Theatre seating - the reserved area for suite guests is on the upper level and honestly isn't that great, you might want to case it out before you go to a show to see whether you like it or not.

 

Coffee - you will be provided tea and coffee (including a drip filter type) with Seattle's Best brand sachets. The had twinnings tea on Explorer in January which is much better than what they used to have, ie. Liptons (unless you like that brand of tea).

 

You can also order anything from the main dining room menu into your stateroom (only available to suite guests) - the menus are placed in a folder every day for you and can be ordered whenever the dining room is open.

 

John - is this your first cruise on Royal Caribbean?

[Merion_Mom]

John ..... sorry Merion Mom this is only partly correct .... the concierge lounge is located in the middle of the ship on deck 9 and is very old and daggy (aussie term for outdated). Therefore suite guests have access to the diamond lounge on explorer as it is located in a great space on deck 14. If your card doesn't work on the door of the diamond lounge just ask the concierge in the concierge lounge it can be arranged.

 

Also, the Australian market is very important to RCI because it is the fastest growing cruising market in the world per capita / highest percentage of australian's are cruising compared to other countries. RCI likes to look after us aussies, hence they are sending bigger and better ships here. Albeit we aren't getting ships all year round yet, like China (but they have a massive population which we can't compete with).

 

Like I said, ask the concierge and tip well and you can pretty much get anything, if they can't arrange it he/she will let you know.

 

In terms of tipping, we do a similar thing and tip the room attendant on day 1 and at the end (in total usually $100-$200 depending on the service we get), same to the concierge - they are your best friends and look after you well if you are NICE to them and afford them an extra reward.

 

I will post some pictures of GS 1288 on Explorer (January 2016 cruise to NZ). You will love the suite life! Unfortunately, voyager class ships (which Explorer is) doesn't have the new Royal Suite features that RCI are introducing in May - these are limited to Oasis and Quantum class ships. So you will need to cruise on Ovation of the Seas when it is here in a high level suite to get the extra benefits that they new suite life program offers.

 

Ah. Then that is unique to the Explorer or to the Australian market. :)

[Miamia65]

Also the happy hour on explorer starts at 4.30 to 8.30 in the concierge/suite and diamond lounges. Well that was the timing in January.

Edited March 17, 2016 by Miamia65

[goodycruising]

Ah. Then that is unique to the Explorer or to the Australian market. :)

 

Same was happening on Voyager, as well as Explorer. We did both over the last few months. It is a bad compromise and creates a lot of friction when suite guest who are not Diamond or above glog up the DL for the whole happy hours time. We sat outside the DL a couple of times in High Notes/Dizzys and the lounge was full at 5pm, and it did not turn over as it should have. We noted a couple of people come out to the toilets and go back in. There was not the normal turn over of people going to dinner as usually happens.

 

The Concierges are aware it is not how it should be, but they can do nothing when the gold cards are programmed to work at the DL door. One even stated it happens on all RCI ships. We disputed that very firmly.

 

It was actually funny when the bar person and the concierge's boss could not get their cards to work. So it was not that the lock was not working.

 

On the other hand our suite experience on Explorer was very below what we had experienced on Voyager 3 years earlier. A complex bunch of little issues of service and attitude, things missed and done badly.

 

Yes we did bring them up on the cruise and have written a formal letter of complaint since. Not very happy with the responses overall.

 

I hope the OP has a much better experience, and a great trip.

Edited March 17, 2016 by goodycruising

[goodycruising]

 

You can also order anything from the main dining room menu into your stateroom (only available to suite guests) - the menus are placed in a folder every day for you and can be ordered whenever the dining room is open.

 

 

Just a hint, if you do order from the extended menu be clear in what you want. If you do not ask for each and every component you will get, for example, pancakes - you will get pancakes. Nothing else like syrup, butter or cream. We ordered Steak Dianne one evening. No sauce, just bare steak. It came with a naked baked potato. No butter, sour cream, nothing.

Edited March 17, 2016 by goodycruising

[VK3DQ]

[quote name=

John - is this your first cruise on Royal Caribbean?[/quote]

 

Hi Folks

No We have taken a 10 day cruise in Rhapsody of The Seas which we liked very much , we then went to Celebrity's Solstice for 2 x 12 day trips round the south of New Zealand , and then my Ill fated trip on board Golden Princess at Christmas time.

 

 

Prior to this lots of sea/travel / cruising in the early to mid 1960's though to Early 197's

 

Best loved Ship Ms Funchal operated at that time by her original owners Empressa Insulana of Lisbon

 

 

Lots of sea storys ... takes me back a long time :D

 

 

Regards

 

 

John

[Miamia65]

Oh I remember your post John regarding your illness on princess ... I'm not a princess fan!

 

We didn't have the same issues with the dining room as goodycruising ... But I agree sometimes things can be hit and miss.

I generally ignore the banter on here about diamond lounge after all the price we pay to stay in top level suites is sufficient to justify access to lounges located in better locations.

When I completed the post cruise survey I made comments about the concierge lounge location and drab furniture hoping that they will do something about it.

Enjoy your cruise!

[Alohaaloha]

When we were in a GS on Explorer we were able to use the Concierge Lounge and the Diamond Lounge without question, even though at that time we were not Diamond members.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app