prepping for the suite life

[Markanddonna]

I've never sailed in a suite, so would like any suggestions for newbies. One question is: do I have to make reservations at the better specialty restaurants or does the concierge make it happen for us at the time we want to dine? I'm happy to make the reservations now, but just wondered if this was necessary for suite guests.

 

BTW- we are happy to cruise in steerage, but this cruise is a gift...

[roger001]

Which ship? Yes, the concierge will make reservations if you wish. However, we just do it ourselves. Do take advantage of the suites guests breakfast and lunch opportunities.

[khaide612]

The concierge cannot just "make it happen" if you are trying to get in to a popular restaurant at a prime time. I've had it where the concierge told us they couldn't get us in a restaurant that whole night but we walked by and were seated. :/

 

I'm with Roger though. You can call or stop by a restaurant and make the reservation yourself - easy peasy. -OR- You call the concierge, tell them what you would like. Wait for them to call you back. If you get your reservation, you are finished, but if not, more calls.

[GeezerCouple]

And don't forget Plan B:

 

In a suite, one can ask their Butler to serve dinner en suite, and this can be a meal from a specialty (any charges still apply).

 

It's not the same as in the restaurant, but if it's specific dishes one wants, that's the other way to get them on a very busy/booked evening.

 

But don't forget to tip the Butler, especially if he/she provides extra services.

Most of them work very hard indeed to make things extra pleasant.

[dexddd]

Which ship and when? You usually get a book with luggage tags around 50 days out but at 100 days out you can book specialties. Our experience is more like the prior poster who has run into problems with Concierge not getting (or not wanting) to get us in at a certain time. Others have mentioned they have never had a problem so who knows.

 

There are several threads floating around with the suite amenities - one of the most inclusive and still pretty relevant was always posted by tabbykats or mstabbykats or someone with a name along those lines. If I find it I'll link it.

[JillL]

If you are in a suite, you can make dinner reservations (any restaurant) on line starting at 100 days out. (The non-suite population can make reservations at 90 days out.) You could probably call also to make them. I would book at 100 days out to get the time slot you want. You can always change them later.

[luckyinpa]

i recommend doing reservations online if you definitely want a specific time. also it's very easy to email the concierge before your cruise and change if needed. i did this and they were very responsive.

[Cruisermom2nick]

Following this thread as we are experiencing our first suite in March! :) We booked our dining at 100 days (9 days ago) and I'd love to get any other tips from fellow suite goers! :)

[BirdTravels]

I've never sailed in a suite, so would like any suggestions for newbies. One question is: do I have to make reservations at the better specialty restaurants or does the concierge make it happen for us at the time we want to dine? I'm happy to make the reservations now, but just wondered if this was necessary for suite guests. BTW- we are happy to cruise in steerage, but this cruise is a gift...

 

Book your own reservations. Use the concierge to help you if you need to make changes. If a restaurant is really full, you won't get in (even with the help of a concierge). Cagney's and Teppanyaki continue to be the most popular and most sold out.

 

We usually order breakfast delivered on port days. There will be breakfast cards in the room with "check boxes". Ignore the check boxes and just write what you want from either the Suites dining room or the main dining room. For example, order eggs over easy, filet steak cooked medium, bacon, ham, mushrooms, grilled tomato, omelette, fresh fruit, rolls, juice, and a diet pepsi.

 

The suites dining room will have a hot menu and buffet for cold items for breakfast.

 

We have our butler keep a bowl full of gummy bears and M&Ms full in the room at all times.

 

On select days, a favorite afternoon treat (in addition to the normal items) is a PB&J sandwich.

 

Edited December 3, 2016 by BirdTravels

[Visigoth]

If you are a full suite guest (not mini-suite) on NCL you can call 1-855-625-4283 for the pre-cruise concierge desk. They will make all dinner and show reservations for you as well as others traveling with you. They will also pre-order any special room accommodations such as special pillow requests, extra hangers, emptying your honor bar, extra towels, etc. Have a suite cruise.

[Markanddonna]

Which ship and when? You usually get a book with luggage tags around 50 days out but at 100 days out you can book specialties. .

 

That is exactly the kind of info I am looking for! We will be on the Jewel in March in a Penthouse Suite. Our last cruise (transatlantic) was an inside cabin, so this will be a change for us! I am just thrilled to be on any cruise ship...well, maybe not any...

[mafig]

If you are a full suite guest (not mini-suite) on NCL you can call 1-855-625-4283 for the pre-cruise concierge desk. They will make all dinner and show reservations for you as well as others traveling with you. They will also pre-order any special room accommodations such as special pillow requests, extra hangers, emptying your honor bar, extra towels, etc. Have a suite cruise.

 

Good information. Thank you!

[dexddd]

That is exactly the kind of info I am looking for! We will be on the Jewel in March in a Penthouse Suite. Our last cruise (transatlantic) was an inside cabin, so this will be a change for us! I am just thrilled to be on any cruise ship...well, maybe not any...

 

Not sure about embarking in LA so maybe someone else can chime in, but some ports have a separate security line for suites. Once past security there is a suite check in line - again haven't sailed out of LA so not sure how it works there.

 

Then you usually get escorted onto ship as a small group of whoever is there at the time. If it is around lunch time they usually take you to Cagneys/Moderno for lunch. You won't have Haven access but you'll get the lunch and breakfast in the venue for all suite guests.