Edge S3 Sky Suites - Is Magic Carpet an issue

[zdad59]

These S3 cabins seem like a real value way to get into a suite and the Retreat amenities but I wonder if the Magic Carpet going up and down occasionally is an issue.   Are they still worth it or should I bump up to an S2 Sky Suite on the port side ?    Also, in general, for those with experience, is the Retreat and a Sky Suite worth the additional up chare from an Aqua Class room ?

 

TIA

[Cruise a holic]

First the positives, the suite experience is wonderful.  The suite lounge, restaurant and deck are so worth it!  Especially when distancing is so important.  Other perks, great also!  A butler, priority boarding , the actual area in the suite,  etc. wonderful!

 

If you can swing it, try an S2 or S1 on the opposite side, starboard of the magic carpet.  It will obstruct you vision if near the side rails or if moving.  Also possible noise.  However if that is what works with your budget- go for it!  

 

IMO we do not like AQ.  Find the perks not great. The location on blu on the Edge class ships also isn't great- I would book a CC if you need the extra cc points or regular balcony.  Anytime dining also great, you can choose to dine in one of three restaurants in lieu of a MDR.  So nice- a different experience .  We were in a suite, and tried one of the regular restaurants and loved it!

[garyl62]

There are a few other threads with similar questions that have been posted in the past.  Most end up saying they rarely noticed the magic carpet when moved (one poster even said they "stalked" it because they wanted to watch it move), the noise was not noticeable and they would book those rooms again.  There did seem to be equal Pro/Con comments about booking the end rooms vs the center two.  Some like the end with the view bow/aft, others felt like it was too open to the rest of the balconies view.  Most said there are different decks to avoid, usually those directly above or below the docking deck for the MC.  While I haven't been in one of these cabins, I did some research  and decided the price point was worth taking a chance on and booked one for an upcoming trip.  Also, the fact it was a traditional balcony appealed to me.

[mac_tlc]

We had similar questions as we were trying to decide. Search on user “vtcruising” .... she was Ms. Edge and had the best cabin threads with great info. 
 

We ended up going with an S2, forward, #10123 specifically. The price wasn’t much more than an S3, maybe $150 pp, and we really wanted to try the bed orientation facing the water with the cool bathroom window looking straight out to the water. Plus it is near the forward stairs which allows easy access to Luminae and the Retreat. 
 

mac_tlc
 

Edited September 11, 2020 by mac_tlc

[miched]

Can the passengers in the SS3 cabins use the Magic Carpet as a lift? 🤷‍♂️🙄😱

 

Happy cruising 🌊🚢🇺🇸🌊

[PaulS]

We stayed in one of the S3 suites in early February and would certainly book it again. The Magic Carpet only went up or down about once a day and was to us more of an attraction rather than a disturbance. There were never any people on it when it was moving. In addition, our balcony was quite large Which was a major selling point for us.

[bigbenboys]

2 hours ago, PaulS said:

We stayed in one of the S3 suites in early February and would certainly book it again. The Magic Carpet only went up or down about once a day and was to us more of an attraction rather than a disturbance. There were never any people on it when it was moving. In addition, our balcony was quite large Which was a major selling point for us.

This was my thought also. Many people would like the larger balcony. We had a S1 mid ship and love our suite. We might try a S3 if we ever book Edge class again.

[zdad59]

Thanks all.    I was up all night researching and even found pictures of Cabin 8210, the one I was eyeing.   We pulled the trigger and booked it.    The Blue Chip casino rate was insane.....S3 suite with all 4 perks for under $3k.   

 

Cruise Critic regulars were an amazing help, as usual. 

[miched]

9 hours ago, zdad59 said:

Thanks all.    I was up all night researching and even found pictures of Cabin 8210, the one I was eyeing.   We pulled the trigger and booked it.    The Blue Chip casino rate was insane.....S3 suite with all 4 perks for under $3k.   

 

Cruise Critic regulars were an amazing help, as usual. 

is that pp  or total for 2 ?  
 

What length of cruise? 

 

thanks

Happy cruising 🌊🚢🇺🇸🌅

[zdad59]

1 minute ago, miched said:

is that pp  or total for 2 ?  
 

What length of cruise? 

 

thanks

Happy cruising 🌊🚢🇺🇸🌅

Casino rate was $2931 TOTAL for 2 people.     S3 Sky Suite.  Cabin 8210.    7 nights.   Included all 4 perks and all suite amenities   The book rate (rate off web site) for the same trip is $4700.  
 

And I’m not the biggest casino player.    Usually play poker but will play some $5 table games when available.  

[LGW59]

On 9/11/2020 at 1:09 AM, zdad59 said:

These S3 cabins seem like a real value way to get into a suite and the Retreat amenities but I wonder if the Magic Carpet going up and down occasionally is an issue.   Are they still worth it or should I bump up to an S2 Sky Suite on the port side ?    Also, in general, for those with experience, is the Retreat and a Sky Suite worth the additional up chare from an Aqua Class room ?

 

TIA

S3 cabins are suppsedly entry level to suite class.  I disagree, on Edge the S3's on Magic Carpet track are not impeded in anyway, the MC does not stop in front of any suite.  S3's rooms are on average 300 SF plus the balcony is 102 SF, and if you can get one of the "end" suites you also have a large window with either and aft of forward view large window, both far larger than S2 or S1.  I don't know exact reason for this but I suspect it may be because of location or proximity to other ship ammeneties.  ANyway, I absolutely loved it, MC NEVER once impeded anything and I loved it so much I have the same booked on Apex for a B2B, 27 days in May 2021.  

[Oville]

28 minutes ago, LGW59 said:

S3 cabins are suppsedly entry level to suite class.  I disagree, on Edge the S3's on Magic Carpet track are not impeded in anyway, the MC does not stop in front of any suite.  S3's rooms are on average 300 SF plus the balcony is 102 SF, and if you can get one of the "end" suites you also have a large window with either and aft of forward view large window, both far larger than S2 or S1.  I don't know exact reason for this but I suspect it may be because of location or proximity to other ship ammeneties.  ANyway, I absolutely loved it, MC NEVER once impeded anything and I loved it so much I have the same booked on Apex for a B2B, 27 days in May 2021.  

However, if you are on an end S3 you lose a lot of privacy.  I was in an S1 in January and could see right into the sides of the S3s for a number of decks.

Edited October 18, 2020 by Oville

[LGW59]

7 minutes ago, Oville said:

However, if you are on an end S3 you lose a lot of privacy.  I was in an S1 in January and could see right into the sides of the S3s for a number of decks.

Good point, but when I go on the balcony the only thing naked is my martini...my DH insists I wear clothes, dang him!  🙄

[Oville]

Just now, LGW59 said:

Good point, but when I go on the balcony the only thing naked is my martini...my DH insists I wear clothes, dang him!  🙄

I’m trying to send a pic, but I’m having issues.

[Oville]

I would not want to stay in one.

[Oville]

I’m guessing we can’t send pix on CC anymore.

[LGW59]

6 minutes ago, Oville said:

I’m trying to send a pic, but I’m having issues.

[Oville]

15 minutes ago, LGW59 said:

Finally got it to send.

Edited October 18, 2020 by Oville

[zdad59]

55 minutes ago, LGW59 said:

S3 cabins are suppsedly entry level to suite class.  I disagree, on Edge the S3's on Magic Carpet track are not impeded in anyway, the MC does not stop in front of any suite.  S3's rooms are on average 300 SF plus the balcony is 102 SF, and if you can get one of the "end" suites you also have a large window with either and aft of forward view large window, both far larger than S2 or S1.  I don't know exact reason for this but I suspect it may be because of location or proximity to other ship ammeneties.  ANyway, I absolutely loved it, MC NEVER once impeded anything and I loved it so much I have the same booked on Apex for a B2B, 27 days in May 2021.  

We went ahead and booked cabin 8210.     It’s the right end cabin.    There are pics on CC of that cabin and it looks awesome.    I have no issue with the ability to “peek” into the balcony.    Anybody that looks in will only see me sleeping in a lounger or sipping on a nice bourbon.     I’ll wave and welcome them over.    Looking forward to our first suite experience.     Fingers crossed we sail.  

[Oville]

[LGW59]

2 minutes ago, zdad59 said:

We went ahead and booked cabin 8210.     It’s the right end cabin.    There are pics on CC of that cabin and it looks awesome.    I have no issue with the ability to “peek” into the balcony.    Anybody that looks in will only see me sleeping in a lounger or sipping on a nice bourbon.     I’ll wave and welcome them over.    Looking forward to our first suite experience.     Fingers crossed we sail.  

you will love it!!  hope it sails, enjoy!  8210 is aft view, OMG you will enjoy!!!

[LGW59]

16 minutes ago, Oville said:

 

[LGW59]

Just now, LGW59 said:

 

Interesting, but I saw that from my view as well.  As I said, all going on my balcony is drinks, meals, chilling.  If I saw someome looking I would def wave to them and invite them for a cocktail to join us. 🍾

[Oville]

18 minutes ago, LGW59 said:

Interesting, but I saw that from my view as well.  As I said, all going on my balcony is drinks, meals, chilling.  If I saw someome looking I would def wave to them and invite them for a cocktail to join us. 🍾

🤙

[wrk2cruise]

I've heard of people bringing removable contact paper for privacy on the aft deck 11 aqua rooms on "M" class ships.  That could be an option if necessary.