Suite perks Celebrity vs NCL

[talyman2001]

Wife and I are looking at a Celebrity cruise for our 10th anniversary. We have done three previous cruises all on NCL and all in suites. The suite perks are pretty awesome on NCL. My question is how do the perks on Celebrity compare to those on NCL? Any insight is greatly appreciated.

[Lastdance]

Sorry...duplicate!

 

 

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[Lastdance]

Wife and I are looking at a Celebrity cruise for our 10th anniversary. We have done three previous cruises all on NCL and all in suites. The suite perks are pretty awesome on NCL. My question is how do the perks on Celebrity compare to those on NCL? Any insight is greatly appreciated.

 

 

 

They are wonderful...OBC, paid gratuities, Internet, Michael’s Club, premium beverage package, butler, first tender(s), MC Concierge for making reservations, etc., show reservations, Luminae, all suites’ private restaurant...you can read all about them on Celebrity’s site!!! And of course Edge coming this November with its ship within a ship concept. I have not been in NCL for many, many years, so if those are better, in your opinion, stick with them or try something new...Celebrity is not a big party ship cruise line.

 

 

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[floatplan]

Wife and I are looking at a Celebrity cruise for our 10th anniversary. We have done three previous cruises all on NCL and all in suites. The suite perks are pretty awesome on NCL. My question is how do the perks on Celebrity compare to those on NCL? Any insight is greatly appreciated.

 

I've done NCL suites 15 times, 3 or 4 years ago I switched to Celebrity suites and have done 5 cruises. I think you will enjoy yourself and not be disappointed.

 

I like the variety of food much more on CC where Luminae has a 14 different dinner menus and 6 different lunch menus. Last I was on NCL they had a single menu of 7 choices (all very good) and a special. I like the NCL breakfast more with the self service bar and order choices like the fritatta and french toast.

 

If you search the you can find Luminae Menus and pictures. There are many kind of exotic items that some people do not like. I have seen comments here of people unhappy with the selection. There are typically 5 mains with one meat, fish, poultry, pasta and vegetarian. You can order from the main dining room that has quite a few items, and I feel like they dress it up a little nicer. I order an app or salad a lot from that menu.

 

The Luminae hours of operation on CC are much more limited (annoying), they are best for the crew and not you. It varies by ship and day but I would say breakfast is 7 to 8:30 and lunch is 12 to 1:30. On Port days there is NO Lunch, you either go to the buffet or pay for lunch. This I find most aggravating, at the pricing they charge (up 100% in 4 years) to not be open for 3 meals a day.

 

CC likes to claim the have the best suites program but talk is cheap and IMO they are still second to NCL. NCL and their Concierges and Bulters have been doing it longer and do it better. CC does ok, don't be bashful about asking for things. I like the food variety more so I am unlikely to go back to NCL. The specialty on CC tend to cost 2x NCL and not be worth it to me, but they do offer discounts. I think the buffet on CC is much better than last I was on NCL.

 

I prefer that Celebrity is an older crowd, I would guess average age 50+. The ship's pool deck does NOT have a kids section, it is setup 100% for adults. There is no private Haven for suites.

 

So I suggest you try it...

[Merriem]

I would give it a try and see for yourself. I notice on Celebrity, and honestly when people posted the comments about cutting costs lately, I didn't believe it. Now I do. I am convinced that the drinks are watered down. One of the crew did confirm that mixed drinks are a shot, not a pour. I enjoy a good cosmopolitan and had one in michaels club and the suite restaurant and both times they were poor. Our regular waiter in the suite restaurant makes them for me and they are quite good. Reminds me of an all inclusive in Mexico where you could drink all day and walk a straight line.

 

There are no afternoon treats delivered to your cabin unless you specifically ask. The first day I called michaels club and was told we had to come down there for them. That was nuts. We do get something delivered to the cabin in the afternoon now.

 

The suite restaurant is good, and you can order off the regular menu if you wish. The staff there is very pleasant and they do an excellent job.

 

The suite..for what this royal suite cost it is nothing like the DOS we had on the Breakaway. The fridge had to be removed as the compressor was going out, and the two sinks in the bathroom would not close and the water would just run out. So more things that had to be taken care of. I will say our room steward is excellent.

 

So strictly from a suite point of view, NCL did it better in the haven, but there are too many people on those mega ships and the smoking is an issue.

 

Just my two cents. Celebrity is not a party boat which we also prefer. If I were ask, Celebrity needs to beef up their "suite life" for these prices.

Edited March 10, 2018 by Merriem

[chemmo]

Wife and I are looking at a Celebrity cruise for our 10th anniversary. We have done three previous cruises all on NCL and all in suites. The suite perks are pretty awesome on NCL. My question is how do the perks on Celebrity compare to those on NCL? Any insight is greatly appreciated.

 

Never done NCL so no comparison here.

 

What I would like to point out (which may or may not be of use to you) is if you book a ‘higher’ suite, Royal Suite or Penthouse Suite you have additional perks as well as those already mentioned. (Also Signature Suites and Reflection Suite on Reflection).

 

These include unlimited free access to the speciality restaurants, free laundry, in suite complementary bar set up (2l bottles of spirit of your own choice), minibar filled daily with beers, soda and water, a premium drinks package and free internet. The rooms are also obviously bigger...it depends on what you want out of your suite experience as to whether you feel the extra cost is worthwhile....

[Merriem]

Never done NCL so no comparison here.

 

What I would like to point out (which may or may not be of use to you) is if you book a ‘higher’ suite, Royal Suite or Penthouse Suite you have additional perks as well as those already mentioned. (Also Signature Suites and Reflection Suite on Reflection).

 

These include unlimited free access to the speciality restaurants, free laundry, in suite complementary bar set up (2l bottles of spirit of your own choice), minibar filled daily with beers, soda and water, a premium drinks package and free internet. The rooms are also obviously bigger...it depends on what you want out of your suite experience as to whether you feel the extra cost is worthwhile....

 

 

We were in higher suites in both...NCL was better just considering the Haven.

[sippican]

They are wonderful...OBC, paid gratuities, Internet, Michael’s Club, premium beverage package, butler, first tender(s), MC Concierge for making reservations, etc., show reservations, Luminae, all suites’ private restaurant...you can read all about them on Celebrity’s site!!! And of course Edge coming this November with its ship within a ship concept. I have not been in NCL for many, many years, so if those are better, in your opinion, stick with them or try something new...Celebrity is not a big party ship cruise line.

 

 

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So as to not mislead the OP, these perks do not apply to all suites, on all sailings. For instance we just completed a sailing in a Sky Suite. It did not include internet, gratuities, or a beverage package (of course we could get free drinks in Michael’s Club). The only OBC was from our travel agent, not X. Our satisfaction with the Suite Experience has varied from exceptional to mediocre, as I’m sure one might expect from any cruise line.

[Muushka]

So as to not mislead the OP, these perks do not apply to all suites, on all sailings. For instance we just completed a sailing in a Sky Suite. It did not include internet, gratuities, or a beverage package (of course we could get free drinks in Michael’s Club). The only OBC was from our travel agent, not X. Our satisfaction with the Suite Experience has varied from exceptional to mediocre, as I’m sure one might expect from any cruise line.

 

Yup, this is correct. We sailed in a RS and grats and OBC were not included. Specialty dining, premium drinks and unlimited internet, yes.

[emairs]

So as to not mislead the OP, these perks do not apply to all suites, on all sailings. For instance we just completed a sailing in a Sky Suite. It did not include internet, gratuities, or a beverage package (of course we could get free drinks in Michael’s Club). The only OBC was from our travel agent, not X. Our satisfaction with the Suite Experience has varied from exceptional to mediocre, as I’m sure one might expect from any cruise line.

 

 

 

That’s strange. We are on the Reflection just now in a sky suite, and we have all four perks- premium beverage package, gratuities, unlimited wifi, and a $300. per cabin onboard credit. We have five future cruises booked, all with the same perks.

The only cruises I’m aware of, that do not have all these perks , are the repositioning cruises.

[Lastdance]

That’s strange. We are on the Reflection just now in a sky suite, and we have all four perks- premium beverage package, gratuities, unlimited wifi, and a $300. per cabin onboard credit. We have five future cruises booked, all with the same perks.

The only cruises I’m aware of, that do not have all these perks , are the repositioning cruises.

 

 

 

Maybe if one books after final payment, these perks are not included. I know about TA’s and repositioning, but I have also received these when booking a suite before final payment and the cruise not being a TA or repo..., also if you book outside Celebrity this could be different, after final payment. Since the responses about not having these perks did not specify their sailings and whether or not they were TA’s or repos or number of days etc., it will be hard to know.

 

Celebrity, at one time, did not include all of these perks. Some Edge three day cruises do not include all of these perks. But getting these perks for booking suites seems to be more of the norm nowadays, just not TA’s, repos and after final payment or Edge 3 days etc. If someone is going to book a suite, I am sure they would ask about this, as the prices certainly are much higher. I have not done the Haven and do not plan to do it for various reasons, but if it is much better and cheaper, according to a previous poster, the OP should go for it. My suite on Edge TA does not include any perks except the OBC I received from transferring it to my travel specialist. If you booked under President’s Cruise from NH big box it could be different too...impossible to include all circumstances!

 

 

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Edited March 10, 2018 by Lastdance

[Muushka]

That’s strange. We are on the Reflection just now in a sky suite, and we have all four perks- premium beverage package, gratuities, unlimited wifi, and a $300. per cabin onboard credit. We have five future cruises booked, all with the same perks.

The only cruises I’m aware of, that do not have all these perks , are the repositioning cruises.

 

Our RS did not come with all 4 perks and I didn't complain. Why didn't I complain? Because the suite was heavily discounted and if we wanted the grats and OBC it would have cost way more than for us to pay for it out of pocket.

[abbydancer2003]

So as to not mislead the OP, these perks do not apply to all suites, on all sailings. For instance we just completed a sailing in a Sky Suite. It did not include internet, gratuities, or a beverage package (of course we could get free drinks in Michael’s Club). The only OBC was from our travel agent, not X. Our satisfaction with the Suite Experience has varied from exceptional to mediocre, as I’m sure one might expect from any cruise line.

 

We were just in a Sky Suite, and we got them. I think it's not a function of the type of suite, but how you book. For example I know that if you are over 55 you can get the senior rate, which includes no perks, but a very decent discount.

 

 

At least that's my understanding.

[MadManOfBethesda]

...But getting these perks for booking suites seems to be more of the norm nowadays, just not TA’s, repos and after final payment or Edge 3 days etc....

 

I just returned from a 14-day Millennium cruise in a Sky Suite that I booked well after the final payment date and still received all 4 perks in addition to a heavily discounted rate.

[Muushka]

I just returned from a 14-day Millennium cruise in a Sky Suite that I booked well after the final payment date and still received all 4 perks in addition to a heavily discounted rate.

 

So I guess either you don't believe us or

 

you think we don't know how to get a deal?

[MadManOfBethesda]

So I guess either you don't believe us or

you think we don't know how to get a deal?

 

Why would you think that? I merely provided a first-hand experience of receiving perks when booking after final payment date (and after prices have been reduced) as a counterpoint to your comment that they aren't offered then.

[miched]

Why would you think that? I merely provided a first-hand experience of receiving perks when booking after final payment date (and after prices have been reduced) as a counterpoint to your comment that they aren't offered then.

 

I have found that many times member on these boards try to prove others wrong according to their experiences. People have to understand that Celebrity and other cruise lines are not consistent from month to month and ship to ship.

 

I have seen many times when looking at suites that some sailing had it included and some not according to price, sailing, and category. I called Celebrity asking about it and was told that the perks in suites are not standard and are always part of a promotion, but since it seems to always have that unwritten promo people think it is not a standard feature.

 

The same goes for other promotions. It depends on when you book and also the price group you are in.

 

Happy cruising 🌊🚢🇺🇸🌅

[sippican]

I have found that many times member on these boards try to prove others wrong according to their experiences. People have to understand that Celebrity and other cruise lines are not consistent from month to month and ship to ship.

 

I have seen many times when looking at suites that some sailing had it included and some not according to price, sailing, and category. I called Celebrity asking about it and was told that the perks in suites are not standard and are always part of a promotion, but since it seems to always have that unwritten promo people think it is not a standard feature.

 

The same goes for other promotions. It depends on when you book and also the price group you are in.

 

Happy cruising 🌊🚢🇺🇸🌅

 

Well put.

[mafig]

Norwegian has the Haven, with its own private restaurant, cocktail lounge, and pool area.... a ship within a ship. MSC's Yacht Club is similar, and more reasonably priced. Until Edge comes out, I think both beat what Celebrity is offering.

[Muushka]

Why would you think that? I merely provided a first-hand experience of receiving perks when booking after final payment date (and after prices have been reduced) as a counterpoint to your comment that they aren't offered then.

 

I was stating that I personally had not received grats or OBC in a suite that had been heavily discounted. Without posting what we paid for the RS, I hoped that people would assume that it must have been a good discount if they didn't include the extra perks.

 

The internet is wonderful tool but it can raise unrealistic expectations. Like statements such as "The butler will serve your meal course by course" when in reality, some do and some don't. So when it isn't offered, disappointment. Or if you book a discounted suite and find out that all 4 perks are not included, disappointment.

[Big_G]

I thought the gratuities, internet, OBC, and drink package we're booking promotions not suite perks. We had them this past week but we also booked a suite for October and that promotion wasn't available at the time.

 

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[chemmo]

I thought the gratuities, internet, OBC, and drink package we're booking promotions not suite perks. We had them this past week but we also booked a suite for October and that promotion wasn't available at the time.

 

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If you book a SS or a CS then grats, internet and drinks package are promotional or not included. If you book a RS or a PH then a premium drinks package, unlimited speciality dining, internet and (some) laundry are included but grats, OBC are also only promotional.....At least in our experience that is how we have found it! We have booked on cruises where technically we have two premium drinks packages...yet to see a benefit!

[Lastdance]

I guess when people ask about suite class they should share what type of suite they are asking about on this thread and something about the specific cruise. Personally, I would rather not have the perks and have the lower price, but I have yet to be able to do that, even when I call and ask, as I have done a few times. I usually call Captain's Club. Maybe when someone else calls and asks this question it is different, but that is what I was told. I also believe that suite perks have to do with pricing, how full the ship is, where it is cruising and many other variables that play in to the algorithms. For me personally, I enjoy just getting the best deal at the time and usually book when cruises are released, continue to watch pricing and hope I can even do better. If all the suites you have done and booked have contained all the perks, it is easy to see the confusion.

 

The OP certainly has received a variety of information to make the best choice for him/her. If you feel like you have a good deal, then that is important. Come back and tell us what choice you made and what it included. You may just choose to stay with NCL, or not!

 

Also, very true about being disappointed; it can happen when one has an expectation that is not fulfilled...and because they just did not research quite enough or whatever reason!

Edited March 11, 2018 by Lastdance

[Tiggertastic]

Give it a try, you don’t get a haven area but do get your own bar and restaurant. Rooms are huge for 2.

 

 

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