Lounge for suite guests at FLL embarkation

[cobber1967]

Although I'm sure this question has been answered many time before I still could not find the answer using the search function (and I really did try, honest)  So here goes:  At the Celebrity embarkation terminal in FLL is there a separate lounge for suite guests while they wait to embark?  The reason I ask is because this Dec. we are booked on the Equinox out of FLL in a suite for only the second time.  And we have never sailed Celebrity out of FLL.

 

Thanks for any and all replies.

 

[hcat]

If you are  using the  new EDGE terminal, it will be sep.  Lots of money spent on that set up...the rest of it is like a  3rd class bus terminal .you can search around for depictions and photos.

 

Not sure what they have at any  other terminals.

[C-Dragons]

23 minutes ago, cobber1967 said:

Although I'm sure this question has been answered many time before I still could not find the answer using the search function (and I really did try, honest)  So here goes:  At the Celebrity embarkation terminal in FLL is there a separate lounge for suite guests while they wait to embark?  The reason I ask is because this Dec. we are booked on the Equinox out of FLL in a suite for only the second time.  And we have never sailed Celebrity out of FLL.

 

Thanks for any and all replies.

 

Yes there is a lounge for suite guests at Pier 25. Do you know if Equinox is sailing from there?

 It's a great way to start your cruise. 

[Carole2313]

When you get to the terminal there’s a separate lines for Suites.  When you get to the counter, depending on what Suite you have, you will either be personally escorted onto the ship, or sent upstairs to the Suites waiting area.  We board first when boarding begins.  Go to Michael’s Club and leave your carry ons with the Concierge.  Luminae is open until 1:30.

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

I recently sailed in a suite on Equinox.  There are no counters, at least not in the suite area.  By the time I arrived and dealt with the iPad folks who check you in, suites were already boarding, so I was sent directly on board with no chance to check out the suite lounge.  On Equinox, you go directly to your cabin, collect your Seapass from your door, drop your carryons, and then proceed to either the Retreat Lounge or Luminae for lunch, depending on what time you arrive.  Enjoy your cruise!  Luminae on Equinox is superb.

[jelayne]

Maybe it’s just us but we prefer to sleep in have a leisurely breakfast and arrive at the port at 12-12:30. Why rush to get to the port to sit in the terminal and wait to board.  Now if you fly in the morning the ship departs that’s a different story.

[vtcruising]

According to the Terminal 25 schedule, the Equinox leaves from that terminal (same as the Edge). The Suite Lounge is upstairs and has its own security area. There are refreshments and comfortable seating where people come around and scan your passport and take your picture, if needed. It's a relaxing way to start the cruise. They keep you updated on boarding time and when it's time to board, they let you know. The group is escorted onto the ship and you are greeted with the bubbly and then head to your suites to drop things off (might not be totally cleaned at that time - usually will be by 1 PM). You can then go to the Retreat Lounge and Retreat Sundeck to relax and have beverages and Luminae for lunch, once it opens.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited October 4, 2019 by vtcruising

[Pickels]

Thank you vtcruising; great information and great photos.  And I agree, it's a great way to start a cruise.

Happing Cruisin'.

[traveling6pack]

Anyone know if this applies to the Reflection?

[bEwAbG]

This has always seemed like such an odd thing for them to have spent money on.  I usually go to the port after 11am and have never had to wait more than a few minutes to board the ship.  I suppose it would be nice if embarkation were to be delayed but how often does that really happen to the degree that they needed to spend a lot of money on an exclusive lounge?  

[CHEZMARYLOU]

44 minutes ago, traveling6pack said:

Anyone know if this applies to the Reflection?

Yes, most of the schedules will allow Celebrity to use T25 at FLL for all of the ships.

[hcat]

44 minutes ago, bEwAbG said:

This has always seemed like such an odd thing for them to have spent money on.  I usually go to the port after 11am and have never had to wait more than a few minutes to board the ship.  I suppose it would be nice if embarkation were to be delayed but how often does that really happen to the degree that they needed to spend a lot of money on an exclusive lounge?  

I agree and wonder if anyone has had to actually wait there.  It can happen if there's a weather issue or other delay  or waiting for friends to arrive, but not the best use of money.  Could have put some of it to make the curved  metal benches everyone else has to wait on a bit more comfy!

Edited October 4, 2019 by hcat

[vtcruising]

1 hour ago, hcat said:

I agree and wonder if anyone has had to actually wait there.  It can happen if there's a weather issue or other delay  or waiting for friends to arrive, but not the best use of money.  Could have put some of it to make the curved  metal benches everyone else has to wait on a bit more comfy!

In January, we arrived at about 1030 and went to lounge and met up with friends and sat in comfy chairs, had some tea and got our passports scanned and pictures retaken (people roamed and greeted us and checked us in). We went up to the top outside deck and got some nice photos of the ship. We probably boarded at 11 or so. Very nice and relaxing, but agree that most won’t spend much time there. 

 

I think the concierge goes to the lounge to greet the upper suite people and bring them onboard ( not sure, but that is how it worked for the Miami X suite lounge when we were in a CS, but not sure about T 25).

[cruisestitch]

My observation is that the suite lounge is a classic case of form over function -- the chairs are so low most of us would need a crane to lift us out of them -- and the restrooms are down an unmarked hallway -- 

[vtcruising]

1 minute ago, cruisestitch said:

My observation is that the suite lounge is a classic case of form over function -- the chairs are so low most of us would need a crane to lift us out of them -- and the restrooms are down an unmarked hallway -- 

So glad none of us needed a crane. 😉 My first chair was too low - luckily they had the other ones that I hopefully looked a bit more graceful entering and exiting. 😊

[misterkevin]

Be aware that the suite entrance at T25 in Port Everglades is to the left of the main entrance with the large windows and two story escalators. It is a separate entrance just next to the main one. There will be bell captains to confirm you are a suite guest on the sailing, and you go down a long hall to a private elevator to take you to the lounge. 

[cangelmd]

The process for Equinox for suite guests is very relaxing, although I hear what you are saying about the seats, lol! It is also fast. 

It remains to be seen if the other ships, ie Reflection can follow the same procedure, I hope so, we board reflection in late Nov. 

Maybe we will know when reflection starts sailing out of FLL in a few weeks

[CHEZMARYLOU]

27 minutes ago, cangelmd said:

The process for Equinox for suite guests is very relaxing, although I hear what you are saying about the seats, lol! It is also fast. 

It remains to be seen if the other ships, ie Reflection can follow the same procedure, I hope so, we board reflection in late Nov. 

Maybe we will know when reflection starts sailing out of FLL in a few weeks

We sailed Reflection out of T25 last November and the procedure was the same.  We arrived after boarding had started and were on board so quickly we never got a look at the lounge.  Sailing again this November and plan to arrive around 11:00 so guess we will miss it again.

[Oville]

The lounge may come in handy for our November Silhouette cruise as it is the first cruise after the TA.

 

Regarding the seating, we are both tall, 5’8” and 6’2”, and I don’t recall having any issues with the chairs.  

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

I certainly didn't see any of those delicious looking cookies with chocolate.  I would have nabbed some!  Perhaps those who had to wait ate them all.  I was pretty much their only customer, so did not linger as they told me I was free to board.

[cobber1967]

17 hours ago, hcat said:

I agree and wonder if anyone has had to actually wait there.  It can happen if there's a weather issue or other delay  or waiting for friends to arrive, but not the best use of money.  Could have put some of it to make the curved  metal benches everyone else has to wait on a bit more comfy!

Thanks for all  your replies and pictures.  Very informative, especially about the separate entrance for suite guests.   Our flight arrives at FLL at 9:20 on the morning of the cruise so I guess we'll probably get to use that great looking lounge (weather permitting of course as we are flying in from Canada in Dec.)

Edited October 5, 2019 by cobber1967

[TeeRick]

15 hours ago, cruisestitch said:

My observation is that the suite lounge is a classic case of form over function -- the chairs are so low most of us would need a crane to lift us out of them -- and the restrooms are down an unmarked hallway -- 

Are you referring to the new Terminal 25 suite lounge?  It was a really nice experience for us.  Maybe some low chairs but a mixture. Restrooms were just off the main area but easy to find -or just ask the staff.  They were well stocked and clean.  It is just a short check in and waiting area so we found it was nicely done with good amenities, snacks, beverages and service.  It would be very nice to find this at other terminals.

[TeeRick]

12 hours ago, Happy Cruiser 6143 said:

I certainly didn't see any of those delicious looking cookies with chocolate.  I would have nabbed some!  Perhaps those who had to wait ate them all.  I was pretty much their only customer, so did not linger as they told me I was free to board.

LOL.  Get there earlier next time to get a jump on the pre-eating before boarding for the real eating!!

[vtcruising]

 

 

As said, welcome sign to left as you enter - turn right at sign fir elevator.

 

 

The outside deck and views

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited October 5, 2019 by vtcruising

[miched]

How early do they let you in?  I know in the past that passengers would be  lined up outside as the doors weren’t open until 10:30 at the earliest and then we had to wait  until 11:30 or later before they would let us on board. 

 

We will be in a suite and on our pass it gives us a “assigned time “ of 12:30 to 1.     

 

Don’t know what time Luminae closes but you can bet the house that I will be there before the assigned time.  

 

happy cruising 🌊🚢🇺🇸🌅