Upper Suite Benefits

[mfs2k]

What font is the monogram on the pajamas in ?

If it’s not to my liking I’m going to ask them to redo it. 

[Gordoncruickshank]

32 minutes ago, mfs2k said:

What font is the monogram on the pajamas in ?

If it’s not to my liking I’m going to ask them to redo it. 

The one they used on our robes was not the prettiest thing I have seen in my life but I guess we were just happy to receive them. 

[chemmo]

1 hour ago, TeeRick said:

On a number of ships (M, S, and E-Class) we have stayed in SS, CS and RS .  Never in a PH.  It seems a number of you on this thread have stayed in both RS and PH.  Can anybody give me a short summary or personal observations on choosing a PH over an RS?  Thank you.

We frequently cruise both RS and PH. We have never cruised on E Class. I am unsure if you are referring to rooms or service level…Please note this is a personal perspective…

 

Perks are the same for both suites. We have requested unlisted drink items in both suites, for example, and always had our requests met. Similar with laundry, dining etc…Never an issue.

 

On M class we book the PH for the space and deck. We have seen the RS and CS on M class and the PH is simply on a different level. I would rather cruise less frequently on M class but have the PH rather than the RS or CS.

 

On S class the RS is well designed and very functional with an adequate balcony. The PH is simply a decadence of light and space…However, other than the second full bathroom (rather than 1/2 bath in the RS) it doesn’t have a lot more actual content…The bathroom is massive but lots of empty space, the balcony is bigger but rather long…not very social. We usually book the RS on S class for 2/3 guests but then book the PH when we are travelling as a party of four…
 

Re service level, I will relate some of our observations…

 

When cruising in a PH we have always been invited to dine with the Captain until the covid situation. I am aware this isn’t always the case but it has been in our experience. In a RS we have sometimes been invited to dine with the Captain or another senior officer. On other cruises in a RS we have received an invite to a lunch with all higher suite guests and several officers in Blu. 
 

Butler/PRH….I think it depends more on the staff than the room. We have experienced some better butler service in a RS than in a PH but our two most memorable butler services were in PHs….Experience obviously a factor.

 

In suite dining. We are not big in suite diners but when we have dined in suite in the PH (giving the butler time to organise) we have been offered items not on the general menu. 

 

Escorting on/off the ship. We have always been escorted on the ship regardless of PH/RS in the USA, Med, UK and Australia. When in a PH we have usually been offered a personal escort off by our PRH or the concierge. When in a RS it has been more of the arrive at the lounge and being escorted off in small groups.

 

Other small things…When in a PH our shoreside requests always seem to go through, in a RS our requests have occasionally not gone through. 
 

I am sure there will be many responses totally different than ours…we can only describe what we personally experience. 
 

I would never book the PH because I feel I would get a ‘higher’ level of service. I don’t think that is necessarily the case. If you get a really good concierge and an excellent PRH service will be as good in both suites. To book a PH the full ‘package’ of room size etc has to make sense for you…

 

As in comparing all categories of rooms you simply need to choose what will suite you best…

Edited August 25, 2022 by chemmo

[TeeRick]

9 minutes ago, chemmo said:

We frequently cruise both RS and PH. We have never cruised on E Class. I am unsure if you are referring to rooms or service level…Please note this is a personal perspective…

 

Perks are the same for both suites. We have requested unlisted drink items in both suites, for example, and always had our requests met. Similar with laundry, dining etc…Never an issue.

 

On M class we book the PH for the space and deck. We have seen the RS and CS on M class and the PH is simply on a different level. I would rather cruise less frequently on M class but have the PH rather than the RS or CS.

 

On S class the RS is well designed and very functional with an adequate balcony. The PH is simply a decadence of light and space…However, other than the second full bathroom (rather than 1/2 bath in the RS) it doesn’t have a lot more actual content…The bathroom is massive but lots of empty space, the balcony is bigger but rather long…not very social. We usually book the RS on S class for 2/3 guests but then book the PH when we are travelling as a party of four…
 

Re service level, I will relate some of our observations…

 

When cruising in a PH we have always been invited to dine with the Captain until the covid situation. I am aware this isn’t always the case but it has been in our experience. In a RS we have sometimes been invited to dine with the Captain or another senior officer. On other cruises in a RS we have received an invite to a lunch with all higher suite guests and several officers in Blu. 
 

Butler/PRH….I think it depends more on the staff than the room. We have experienced some better butler service in a RS than in a PH but our two most memorable butler services were in PHs….Experience obviously a factor.

 

In suite dining. We are not big in suite diners but when we have dined in suite in the PH (giving the butler time to organise) we have been offered items not on the general menu. 

 

Escorting on/off the ship. We have always been escorted on the ship regardless of PH/RS in the USA, Med, UK and Australia. When in a PH we have usually been offered a personal escort off by our PRH or the concierge. When in a RS it has been more of the arrive at the lounge and being escorted off in small groups.

 

Other small things…When in a PH our shoreside requests always seem to go through, in a RS our requests have occasionally not gone through. 
 

I am sure there will be many responses totally different than ours…we can only describe what we personally experience. 
 

I would never book the PH because I feel I would get a ‘higher’ level of service. I don’t think that is necessarily the case. If you get a really good concierge and an excellent PRH service will be as good in both suites. To book a PH the full ‘package’ of room size etc has to make sense for you…

 

As in comparing all categories of rooms you simply need to choose what will suite you best…

@chemmo Thank you so much for your perspective.  Sometimes I truly wonder about the differences between an RS and PH and try to figure out why the price pp is so different.

[chemmo]

Just now, TeeRick said:

@chemmo Thank you so much for your perspective.  Sometimes I truly wonder about the differences between an RS and PH and try to figure out why the price pp is so different.

On the M class I totally understand the price difference. The PH deck is simply stunning. There are places to sit in the sun and the shade, ample outside dining space and absolutely ideal for entertaining. Whilst there is nothing wrong with the M Class RS there is a big difference in what you get for your $. Just such a pity on M class there are so few dining options…

 

I have never understood why they didn’t make more of the square footage in the S class PH. Don’t get me wrong, it is beautiful but it is hard to justify the pricing difference between the PH and the RS. I don’t think they make the most of the space. We were in the Silhouette PH post refit and the dining space is massive. If they turned the table side on (as I think it used to be before they got rid of the piano) you could fit two comfortable chairs with footstools and a side table looking out to sea. Instead there is a rather odd storage type unit…We do enjoy the space but can only justify it when travelling as four where the second full bathroom is a necessity….

[Whinenowine]

4 minutes ago, chemmo said:

On the M class I totally understand the price difference. The PH deck is simply stunning. There are places to sit in the sun and the shade, ample outside dining space and absolutely ideal for entertaining. Whilst there is nothing wrong with the M Class RS there is a big difference in what you get for your $. Just such a pity on M class there are so few dining options…

 

I have never understood why they didn’t make more of the square footage in the S class PH. Don’t get me wrong, it is beautiful but it is hard to justify the pricing difference between the PH and the RS. I don’t think they make the most of the space. We were in the Silhouette PH post refit and the dining space is massive. If they turned the table side on (as I think it used to be before they got rid of the piano) you could fit two comfortable chairs with footstools and a side table looking out to sea. Instead there is a rather odd storage type unit…We do enjoy the space but can only justify it when travelling as four where the second full bathroom is a necessity….

Agreed on M class. For us last week it was worth paying a third more for PH because the cabin was 300% larger than the RS and that gorgeous deck was 800% larger…plus the second bathroom for our teenagers.  The full butlers pantry is a bit over the top, honestly, except for the full fridge, which we made good use of. 

[canderson]

29 minutes ago, TeeRick said:

@chemmo Thank you so much for your perspective.  Sometimes I truly wonder about the differences between an RS and PH and try to figure out why the price pp is so different.

Having sailed in RS and spent time in PH as a guest, a couple of observations:

 

One thing .. perhaps the major thing .. that you're paying for is footprint.  When occupying 1600+ sf and the line could fit 8~9 normal cabins in that space and fill those with pax whose onboard spend adds up, you'll be paying for that space.  PH vs RS, you've moved to apartment from high end hotel room.  Since we always travel as a pair, and sometimes with two friends or family in their own cabin, PH space is more than can really utilize.  RS provides us ample space for 6 for en suite dining in M class, though not so since Kelly got to the S class furniture.

 

RS and PH share the same butlers/PRHs.  Our experience and in discussion with our PH hosts has been that for any given butler/PRH, service is comparable between PH/RS.  We have seen the same level of attention both ways.

 

 

Edited August 25, 2022 by canderson

[canderson]

8 minutes ago, Whinenowine said:

The full butlers pantry is a bit over the top, honestly, except for the full fridge, which we made good use of. 

That's the one thing the RS is lacking that could be fixed - a real, if small, fridge.  The RS have a "cooler" no better than those in any other cabin, not safe for food storage.  

[phoenix_dream]

14 hours ago, DCPIV said:

 

It depends on why they are disappointed, I suppose. No one can set their expectations to include the best that has ever happened to themselves and everyone else. There are a lot of self-created, unreasonable expectations out there. 

I think if I read about a number of people getting "xyz" benefit while cruising in the same level cabin I am and then I don't get that benefit, it is not unreasonable to be disappointed.  I don't see that as a self-created expectation.  It's an expectation derived from reading multiple posts from others in the same level cabin.  For many of us, like me, sailing in a Royal Suite for example is a likely once in a  lifetime experience.  I read about all the nice things others have received and how they've been treated and I expect for the money I am paying I will get the same. If that does not happen I think I have a right to be disappointed (and for the record, no, I am not expecting to be disappointed - just hoping I am not).

 

Sometimes it's the little things that nag at you.  For example, on a recent cruise we were identified as the most cruised.  We were astonished as this had not happened to us in probably 25+ years since before Celebrity merged with Royal.  We got introduced by the Captain at the CC party.  That was nice, although he got a good number of our facts incorrect - we almost didn't recognize that it was us he was talking about🙂.  They took a picture of us with the Captain and like had happened years ago, we expected a copy of that photo to be given to us.  Never happened. I guess they expected us to buy one - or maybe someone just forgot.  Years ago we not only got the photo, but it was in a really nice display folder as well.  We thought the cruise director, who was there, would come over and say hi and congrats.  Never happened.   We did get beautiful flowers and a bottle of wine which we definitely did appreciate, and the Captains Club hostess was lovely.  So do I look back and only see the disappointing parts I mentioned?  Of course not.  It was a fun experience nevertheless and we appreciate what was done.  But there were parts of it that were disappointing based on what we thought were reasonable expectations.

[DCPIV]

16 minutes ago, phoenix_dream said:

I think if I read about a number of people getting "xyz" benefit while cruising in the same level cabin I am and then I don't get that benefit, it is not unreasonable to be disappointed.  I don't see that as a self-created expectation.  It's an expectation derived from reading multiple posts from others in the same level cabin.  For many of us, like me, sailing in a Royal Suite for example is a likely once in a  lifetime experience.  I read about all the nice things others have received and how they've been treated and I expect for the money I am paying I will get the same. If that does not happen I think I have a right to be disappointed (and for the record, no, I am not expecting to be disappointed - just hoping I am not).

 

Sometimes it's the little things that nag at you.  For example, on a recent cruise we were identified as the most cruised.  We were astonished as this had not happened to us in probably 25+ years since before Celebrity merged with Royal.  We got introduced by the Captain at the CC party.  That was nice, although he got a good number of our facts incorrect - we almost didn't recognize that it was us he was talking about🙂.  They took a picture of us with the Captain and like had happened years ago, we expected a copy of that photo to be given to us.  Never happened. I guess they expected us to buy one - or maybe someone just forgot.  Years ago we not only got the photo, but it was in a really nice display folder as well.  We thought the cruise director, who was there, would come over and say hi and congrats.  Never happened.   We did get beautiful flowers and a bottle of wine which we definitely did appreciate, and the Captains Club hostess was lovely.  So do I look back and only see the disappointing parts I mentioned?  Of course not.  It was a fun experience nevertheless and we appreciate what was done.  But there were parts of it that were disappointing based on what we thought were reasonable expectations.

 

Well, it's a free country.

[renji]

Just to clarify and we received a move up to an Edge Villa on Beyond, that Le Voyage is not included in the dining package

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

My experience with royal suites and the penthouse is on M class ships.  You get a LOT more space in the PH!  And I love that kitchen with a real refrigerator.  Service has been the same in both, that all depends on the butler you get.  I've seen both RS and PH on S class, but have never stayed in them.  Did not care for the balcony that came with the PH.  I generally travel solo; I only do the PH when I have someone to share the cabin with.

[wineoclock]

I agree the M class penthouse especially the balcony is fantastic. Just looked at the video for PH on Apex. Lack of a decent balcony & no outside dining space for that money. No chance I’d pay for it. I’d stick to R/S or CS or cruise on M or S class. 

[groryjm]

1 hour ago, phoenix_dream said:

.....  They took a picture of us with the Captain and like had happened years ago, we expected a copy of that photo to be given to us.  Never happened. I guess they expected us to buy one - or maybe someone just forgot.  Years ago we not only got the photo, but it was in a really nice display folder as well.  

Similar happened on our sailing in an RS on Reflection last month. We were total awe struck  to be top cruisers as we are not yet quite Zenith. the CC gathering was quite small and no Zs onboard for that sailing. The flowers and wine were a lovely gesture but the thing we were really looking forward to was a copy of the photo to take home for the mantle peice as we doubt we'll ever get the houner again.

 

By the penultimate day it hadn't turned up so in desparation I went to the photographers to see if we could buy it but they  said no it wasn't on thier system. I eventually asked the CC host and she said she thought it had been sent on the day after the presentation. Well long story short our butller brought it to us on the last night after we had packed our cases. Lovely as it was to finally have it I was some what surprised that it was not even in a mount. 

[groryjm]

Re Robes / PJs

 

Last summer just after the return to sailing we had 3 cruises in the revolulionised Silhouette in RSs and a PH. the first sailing in July we did get Robes but were told that due to quality problems there was no embroidery. The next two sailings that summer including a PH we only got unembroidered PJs. in April this year in an RS again on Silly we also got PJs but last month in and RS on Refkection we didn't get a thing.

 

I do have to add for the OP that in all 5 sailings we've taken since the pandemic, 4 in RSs and one in a PH we have had the faboulose Lavaza coffee machines in the suite. 

 

Also don't forget the special room service breakfast items. Nothing beats Eggs benedict and a bloody Mary delivered to your suite for a morning wake up😎 

 

 

[CHEZMARYLOU]

1 hour ago, wineoclock said:

I agree the M class penthouse especially the balcony is fantastic. Just looked at the video for PH on Apex. Lack of a decent balcony & no outside dining space for that money. No chance I’d pay for it. I’d stick to R/S or CS or cruise on M or S class. 

We had a dining table on the balcony on Edge. Agree though the balcony was long and narrow.

[phoenix_dream]

5 hours ago, DCPIV said:

 

Well, it's a free country.

It sure is, although I am totally confused as to what that comment has to do with my post.

[Whinenowine]

22 minutes ago, phoenix_dream said:

It sure is, although I am totally confused as to what that comment has to do with my post.

 

For a free country it's getting pretty darned expensive to live here!  (and even more expensive to cruise...)

[jagoffee]

7 hours ago, chemmo said:

We frequently cruise both RS and PH. We have never cruised on E Class. I am unsure if you are referring to rooms or service level…Please note this is a personal perspective…

 

Perks are the same for both suites. We have requested unlisted drink items in both suites, for example, and always had our requests met. Similar with laundry, dining etc…Never an issue.

 

On M class we book the PH for the space and deck. We have seen the RS and CS on M class and the PH is simply on a different level. I would rather cruise less frequently on M class but have the PH rather than the RS or CS.

 

On S class the RS is well designed and very functional with an adequate balcony. The PH is simply a decadence of light and space…However, other than the second full bathroom (rather than 1/2 bath in the RS) it doesn’t have a lot more actual content…The bathroom is massive but lots of empty space, the balcony is bigger but rather long…not very social. We usually book the RS on S class for 2/3 guests but then book the PH when we are travelling as a party of four…
 

Re service level, I will relate some of our observations…

 

When cruising in a PH we have always been invited to dine with the Captain until the covid situation. I am aware this isn’t always the case but it has been in our experience. In a RS we have sometimes been invited to dine with the Captain or another senior officer. On other cruises in a RS we have received an invite to a lunch with all higher suite guests and several officers in Blu. 
 

Butler/PRH….I think it depends more on the staff than the room. We have experienced some better butler service in a RS than in a PH but our two most memorable butler services were in PHs….Experience obviously a factor.

 

In suite dining. We are not big in suite diners but when we have dined in suite in the PH (giving the butler time to organise) we have been offered items not on the general menu. 

 

Escorting on/off the ship. We have always been escorted on the ship regardless of PH/RS in the USA, Med, UK and Australia. When in a PH we have usually been offered a personal escort off by our PRH or the concierge. When in a RS it has been more of the arrive at the lounge and being escorted off in small groups.

 

Other small things…When in a PH our shoreside requests always seem to go through, in a RS our requests have occasionally not gone through. 
 

I am sure there will be many responses totally different than ours…we can only describe what we personally experience. 
 

I would never book the PH because I feel I would get a ‘higher’ level of service. I don’t think that is necessarily the case. If you get a really good concierge and an excellent PRH service will be as good in both suites. To book a PH the full ‘package’ of room size etc has to make sense for you…

 

As in comparing all categories of rooms you simply need to choose what will suite you best…

The PH on the M class ship looks amazing.  We’re you able to use the balcony when underway?

 

Thanks

[canderson]

8 minutes ago, jagoffee said:

The PH on the M class ship looks amazing.  We’re you able to use the balcony when underway?

 

Thanks

Yes, you sure can.  There's a wrap-around of the balcony to the outsides where it can get plenty breezy, but that's just a tiny bit of the whole.  The aft section of a PH balcony is one of the nicest places to be when underway.

[jagoffee]

1 minute ago, canderson said:

Yes, you sure can.  There's a wrap-around of the balcony to the outsides where it can get plenty breezy, but that's just a tiny bit of the whole.  The aft section of a PH balcony is one of the nicest places to be when underway.

Thank you.  I was able to book our first PH on the Summit for next year.  Iceland to Boston.  A spurge  for one of our bucket list cruises.

[canderson]

4 minutes ago, jagoffee said:

Thank you.  I was able to book our first PH on the Summit for next year.  Iceland to Boston.  A spurge  for one of our bucket list cruises.

I see St. John's is part of your itinerary.  Our only time there was a real chuckle.  It's the Roach Motel for cruise ships.  You can get in, but you can't get out!

 

Well, in our case, at least.

 

We entered into the harbor through what they call "The Narrows", and it's an apt name.  We made port, and spent some nice time there, but when it came time to leave, the pilot said no go, too windy to take our 104' beam through The Narrows.  A few hours after our scheduled departure, the wind died down, but by then it was dark, and the pilot said 'no go', to dark to take our 104' beam through The Narrows.  So we had an unexpected overnight at St. John's.

 

Finally did get out and on our way again the next day, and overnight, Celebrity had come up with an alternate port for us (Halifax, I think) since we'd otherwise have missed our last port before heading to Cape Liberty due to time constraints.

[Whinenowine]

1 hour ago, canderson said:

Yes, you sure can.  There's a wrap-around of the balcony to the outsides where it can get plenty breezy, but that's just a tiny bit of the whole.  The aft section of a PH balcony is one of the nicest places to be when underway.

 

It was pretty amazing sitting out there pulling away from the Hubbard Glacier...!

[saltymac]

Is the chefs table included in the RS 

[sbcs5390]

34 minutes ago, saltymac said:

Is the chefs table included in the RS 

No, it isn’t.