Is anyone on a cruise in a Sky Suite that can comment about the changes instead of speculating.

[hcat]

We like AQ Class..  and def enjoy  using the Thermal Suites (nicest on S Class but okay on E)

 

.Breakfast in BLU is pleasant and we vary dinner with Specialty Restaurants. Looking forward to AQ on Ascent. We will miss priority boading, daily canapes and other previously included perks but not a deal breaker. Have always had very good service in BLU and the stateroom.

 

Prices were very steep for AQ on APEX, so we will be back to a SV (great cabins) with the 4 mdrs.  Going to try Concierge again on Silhouette as it was a good value for a Prime Balc.

 

Glad we tried the SS on Beyond but not worth the higher prices for our needs..

[zitsky]

1 hour ago, Cruise a holic said:

Not a fan of blu.  If we used the persian garden once, a cruise it was a lot.  The other “gimmicks “ considered perks in the stateroom imo worthless.  Save your money.  Book a balcony cabin and dine in specialty restaurants 

 

Enjoy the buffet!!!  🙂

[chisoxfan]

On 10/23/2023 at 9:29 PM, jelayne said:

We don’t book high end suites any longer.  And have just downgraded a SS cruise to a SV as the price was out of line with the new experience.  We have looked at Regent and Seabourn ( Regent board discontent is starting) we tried a smaller line, 700 passengers and  hated most of it.  DH is a foodie I’m not, have restrictions that limit what I eat. So food is not primary.   We were bored most of the time, found entertainment lacking, most venues dead by 9:30, Sunset bar equivalent had 4-6 people at 4-7 every day, no casino and sea days had little to offer other than hanging at the pool or sitting at the coffee shop and chatting.  
Still looking for options🤔

We looked at the 'luxury' lines also and came to the same conclusion that smaller ships were not for us.

Not sure we even found enough to do of interest a few weeks ago on Apex or last year on Enchanted Princess. We enjoyed AQ for years on S class but don't want to forego balcony on E Class. Besides where AQ used to be a small premium it is now a large one. Persian Garden was never a highlight- we might force ourselves to use it for a few hours if the heated loungers were open. I believe the spa is similar on E class but frankly have not investigated.

So for now it looks like E Class Sky Suites if we can find a deal or well priced SClass AQ. I also keep an eye on Holland  because we like their music so much but they certainly have not been immune to price explosion. 

Sadly we used to book cruises for a decade(s) 'automatically'. With the changes in price and selection it is now maybe a second or third option on our vacation 'list'. I can't believe this is ultimately good for the Industry or maybe it has just passed on our demographic to one that is more profitable.

The point being we are like you.... looking for dependable cruise home without much hope for reasonable (for us) solutions.

[Georgia_Peaches]

41 minutes ago, hcat said:

We will miss priority boading,

hcat, this was definitely one of the things I was dreading missing the most when we went on Equinox in a standard balcony room.  But that dread was for nothing as I was truly amazed at how quickly we were checked in and on the ship.  DH and I had a good laugh over this because we joked that all these years Celebrity had us thinking we were getting priority when it was just as fast, if not faster than our most recent suite embarkation.  All that to say...I think going from suite to regular category can really shine a light on what's hype vs. a true perk of the suite category.

Edited October 25, 2023 by Georgia_Peaches

[zitsky]

6 minutes ago, Georgia_Peaches said:

hcat, this was definitely one of the things I was dreading missing the most when we went on Equinox in a standard balcony room.  But that dread was for nothing as I was truly amazed at how quickly we were checked in and on the ship.  DH and I had a good laugh over this because we joked that all these years Celebrity had us thinking we were getting priority when it was just as fast, if not faster than our most recent suite embarkation.  All that to say...I think going from suite to regular category can really shine a light on what's hype vs. a true perk of the suite category.

When I was in a SS, I really liked how my friends all asked if I was a millionaire.  What do they know that I don’t?  😂

[hcat]

Good to know it has improved.

 

Last time in AQ  out of Port Ev, we were easily registered by rep with an I pad..Then herded into the big area..much like a  cavernous bus terminal with hard curved seating.  Concierge Class  was called ahead of  AQ so they could get on in time for their luncheon. There was no priority area for E or E +.

 

The time before that, same terminal,  they just announced everyone could board.  Total free for all.. folks pushing ahead and rolling wheelies over feet!

 

our last cruise was in SS.. .not much better but fewer people racing to board.!

[Cruise a holic]

1 hour ago, zitsky said:

 

Enjoy the buffet!!!  🙂

We sail in suites.  Wouldn’t consider aq   My remarks for those who don’t sail in suites and pay for aq.  Sometimes, concierge class a great value 

Edited October 25, 2023 by Cruise a holic

[CruisinShips]

The moral to the story:

[hcat]

6 minutes ago, Cruise a holic said:

We sail in suites.  Wouldn’t consider aq   My remarks for those who don’t sail in suites and pay for aq.  Sometimes, concierge class a great value 

Concierge seems to be a good value these days.. still has some nice perks.  Recent review of Concierge  class Prime location on Silhouette was very positive....that' s why we decided to try it. Not a bargain but reasonable for what is included.  I believe it has Lawn Club Grill which is fun!  Just a short extra cruise to KW and Bahamas.

 

The only suite we could realistically afford would be  the SS which we had on Beyond.. It is a nice large stateroom with lots of storage and good views if the water.,  We never used  the balcony and I did not like the bathroom mirror window opening to the cabin

(gimmicky).  I thought the big tub shower combo was  slippery, dangerous and quite awkward! 

 

 

Despite all that,  the bigger room and extra storage make it a good choice for longer itins. We could still eat in BLU if they had space and specialty dining is an option  ..Luminae on BEYOND was not a pleasant space and the menu was dissappointing. The Retreat Lounge and Small pool outside  and crowded bar out there were ok..nothing very special

 

Lack of a butler would not matter..ours was very intrusive.

 

glad we have choices..just need improved food quality all around!

[twins_to_alaska]

On 10/23/2023 at 10:28 AM, chisoxfan said:

I just received an e-mail from X regarding our Jan. Ascent 7 day Sky Suite cruise...

Huh... I'm in a SS on Ascent Nov 26 and I haven't gotten any email.

[chisoxfan]

12 minutes ago, twins_to_alaska said:

Huh... I'm in a SS on Ascent Nov 26 and I haven't gotten any email.

The e-mail was from Retreat and touted benefits of same. The only reason I mentioned was that it included reference to Butler Service the apparent ending of which started this lengthy topic.

Heading is copied below:

 

Your action is needed to help us personalize your upcoming Celebrity Ascent cruise

 

Celebrity Cruises 

From:theretreat@email.celebritycruises.com

[spammie]

16 minutes ago, twins_to_alaska said:

Huh... I'm in a SS on Ascent Nov 26 and I haven't gotten any email.

We are sailing on the 9-night Beyond November 13th in a SS and we have not received an email or anything regarding being in a Suite.  In fact we have been in approximately 10 SS Suites on Celebrity and have never had anyone reach out to us pre-cruise.  

[twins_to_alaska]

Didn't get... did they provide a link for 'personalizing'?

[DaKahuna]

50 minutes ago, CruisinShips said:

The moral to the story:

 

 

Interesting.  i heard it was "If you set your expectations to zero, you'll never be disappointed." 

 

[chisoxfan]

36 minutes ago, hcat said:

The only suite we could realistically afford would be  the SS which we had on Beyond.. It is a nice large stateroom with lots of storage and good views if the water.,  We never used  the balcony and I did not like the bathroom mirror window opening to the cabin

(gimmicky).  I thought the big tub shower combo was  slippery, dangerous and quite awkward! 

 

 

 

Interesting how we all differ in opinion. We thought the bathroom was a highlight of the Apex SS. I hate bathtubs in general and prefer showers but this (in our opinion) was a great compromise. My wife actually took a bath (probably first ever on a cruise) and I appreciated the expanded shower 'area' without stepping over a tall tub threshold. Also like dual sinks and enclosed toilet. King bed facing balcony ticked off the boxes for us (remember seeking bed by balcony cabins on S class). Almost our perfect cabin as we don't need more room than this. We have had balconies of every size but this one was OK.... wide but a bit narrow.

We stayed at a four star historic hotel in Paris after the cruise and both lamented we would prefer our Apex bathroom to what we had. JMHO

[chisoxfan]

12 minutes ago, twins_to_alaska said:

Didn't get... did they provide a link for 'personalizing'?

Yes, there was a link but I did not go there. Otherwise it was an overview of Retreat benefits followed by amenities. The only reason I initially mentioned was that the reference and link to Butler was included..

 

AMENITIES

BUTLER COMPLIMENTARY 24-HOUR IN-SUITE DINING, INCLUDING FULL BREAKFAST, LUNCH, & DINNER COMPLIMENTARY WELCOME BOTTLE OF CHAMPAGNE OR SPARKLING WINE COMPLIMENTARY IN-SUITE ESPRESSO & CAPPUCCINO FRESH FRUIT DELIVERED UPON REQUEST PRIORITY CHECK-IN, DEPARTURE & PORT TENDERING/BOARDING RESERVED THEATER SEATING ON EVENING CHIC NIGHT

*Special suite amenities may not be available or offered to buy-up guests. **To see all spirit brands included in the premium beverage package, view our menu. For more options available on board, ask your sommelier.

 

[AMediator]

 

We are on a 6 day cruise on the Eclipse.  We have a concierge veranda and a great location.  We really want an aft so we bid on the Sunset Veranda ($150 each).  The SS is up for $550 a person on the lowest bid. We leave in a month and all of the SS are still available. 

 

Asking for a friend, is it worth the bid?  

 

We are very interested in the specialty restaurants but would give that package up to move to the suite. We already have our drink package etc so we're fine there.  

 

I also am curious the difference between the corner SS and the middle SS on the top deck?  We would prefer the corner but maybe the middle SS is better? 

 

Background - many years cruising this is my first Celebrity and first time bidding on MoveUp.  

 

 

[terrydtx]

7 minutes ago, AMediator said:

 

We are on a 6 day cruise on the Eclipse.  We have a concierge veranda and a great location.  We really want an aft so we bid on the Sunset Veranda ($150 each).  The SS is up for $550 a person on the lowest bid. We leave in a month and all of the SS are still available. 

 

Asking for a friend, is it worth the bid?  

 

We are very interested in the specialty restaurants but would give that package up to move to the suite. We already have our drink package etc so we're fine there.  

 

I also am curious the difference between the corner SS and the middle SS on the top deck?  We would prefer the corner but maybe the middle SS is better? 

 

Background - many years cruising this is my first Celebrity and first time bidding on MoveUp.  

 

 

We have sailed in the middle aft SS on the Equinox and loved the location and the cabin. Since then there have been many changes to the SS but for $550 I believe it is still worth the price. My only con is it was very hot on the balcony on a Caribbean cruise with no wind to cool it down.

Edited October 25, 2023 by terrydtx

[DaKahuna]

19 minutes ago, AMediator said:

I also am curious the difference between the corner SS and the middle SS on the top deck?  We would prefer the corner but maybe the middle SS is better? 

 

 We prefer the aft corner suites on S-Class ships because of the larger balcony and the side as well as aft view.  We've had other SS on deck 12 and had some issues with noise from the OVC above but have not had that issue with any of the ones all the way at the back.  Did not have the same noise issues when sailing in the aft corner suites. 

 

[Sox Fan Cruiser]

1 hour ago, twins_to_alaska said:

Didn't get... did they provide a link for 'personalizing'?

 

1 hour ago, spammie said:

We are sailing on the 9-night Beyond November 13th in a SS and we have not received an email or anything regarding being in a Suite.  In fact we have been in approximately 10 SS Suites on Celebrity and have never had anyone reach out to us pre-cruise.  

 

Some times we get the email and some times we don't.  It's not really a big deal.  It asks 4 or 5 questions such as 1) What temp do you want your room set at before you arrive or 2) do you want your complimentary bottle to be red wine, white wine or champagne.  All things that can be taken care of as soon as you get there.  

[wrk2cruise]

5 minutes ago, Sox Fan Cruiser said:

 

 

Some times we get the email and some times we don't.  It's not really a big deal.  It asks 4 or 5 questions such as 1) What temp do you want your room set at before you arrive or 2) do you want your complimentary bottle to be red wine, white wine or champagne.  All things that can be taken care of as soon as you get there.  

 

Plus it is very hit or miss if the requests make it to the ship or not.  As this poster says it's pretty easy to straighten out onboard.

[Georgia_Peaches]

2 hours ago, twins_to_alaska said:

Didn't get... did they provide a link for 'personalizing'?

Nor did we....I'm guessing it's because it's the first for-fee cruise... is there even a shoreside concierge assigned to Ascent yet?  I'm expecting there to be a lot of growing pains on the first few runs...

[cruzzzinma]

2 hours ago, AMediator said:

I also am curious the difference between the corner SS and the middle SS on the top deck?  We would prefer the corner but maybe the middle SS is better? 

You will get passionate recommendations on both the corner and the center. I thought the corner S1s were too windy and loved the center

 Sky Suites. I agree that the corner views are better.

Edited October 25, 2023 by cruzzzinma

[abbydancer2003]

7 hours ago, hcat said:

Good to know it has improved.

 

Last time in AQ  out of Port Ev, we were easily registered by rep with an I pad..Then herded into the big area..much like a  cavernous bus terminal with hard curved seating.  Concierge Class  was called ahead of  AQ so they could get on in time for their luncheon. There was no priority area for E or E +.

 

The time before that, same terminal,  they just announced everyone could board.  Total free for all.. folks pushing ahead and rolling wheelies over feet!

 

our last cruise was in SS.. .not much better but fewer people racing to board.!

On our last cruise, our friends in an inside were on the ship well before us, even though we'd traveled to the pier together.  It was Miami, and we had to wait outside for someone to escort us to the suite checkin.  Would have been faster to do regular.

[JDPCruisers]

5 hours ago, chisoxfan said:

Interesting how we all differ in opinion. We thought the bathroom was a highlight of the Apex SS. I hate bathtubs in general and prefer showers, but this (in our opinion) was a great compromise. My wife actually took a bath (probably first ever on a cruise) and I appreciated the expanded shower 'area' without stepping over a tall tub threshold. Also, like dual sinks and enclosed toilet. King bed facing balcony ticked off the boxes for us (remember seeking bed by balcony cabins on S class). Almost our perfect cabin as we don't need more room than this. We have had balconies of every size but this one was OK.... wide but a bit narrow.

We stayed at a four star historic hotel in Paris after the cruise and both lamented we would prefer our Apex bathroom to what we had. JMHO

Agree, we have been in a SS on Apex and Edge and love the suite size, bathroom with the shower, big sink, and the window that looks out to the balcony/sea/port, and the balcony. The downside, no fan of the furniture inside or the balcony, practically useless mostly the tables. Take the not so good with the very good for us.