On Equinox in a Sky Suite (after butler change)

[DaKahuna]

6 minutes ago, terrydtx said:

It was the same for us on the Equinox in June, but if the bartenders were working, they would bring beer from the back room for us. As long as we can get as much as we need of better bottled water from the coolers, we are fine. Paying $5,50 plus tip for a bottle of Evian which previously was free in our cabin is just ridiculous and not happening. Those nice Retreat tote bags will come in handy. It will be more like shopping at the 7-11.

 

 I agree 100% and if they tell me the water and soda in my room is not included with my premium beverage package, then that's going to be the first comment in my feedback and my first request is going to be for someone to remove it. 

 

[abbydancer2003]

7 minutes ago, terrydtx said:

It was the same for us on the Equinox in June, but if the bartenders were working, they would bring beer from the back room for us. As long as we can get as much as we need of better bottled water from the coolers, we are fine. Paying $5,50 plus tip for a bottle of Evian which previously was free in our cabin is just ridiculous and not happening. Those nice Retreat tote bags will come in handy. It will be more like shopping at the 7-11.

I guess I'm lucky as I don't like Evain water.  The ones that are in the room when we get there stay there, and we've had the butler bring the regular bottles that everyone can get. (In Luminae we have them bring ice water from a pitcher.)

[DeltaJoe15]

The wife an I have cruised a few times in a sky suite an once in a celebrity suite I dont think we have ever asked the butler for anything

[terrydtx]

31 minutes ago, DaKahuna said:

 

 I agree 100% and if they tell me the water and soda in my room is not included with my premium beverage package, then that's going to be the first comment in my feedback and my first request is going to be for someone to remove it. 

 

That will be my first request as well.

[terrydtx]

34 minutes ago, Dolebludger said:

Do Sky suites not have access to the Retreat Lounge?

Yes they do today, tomorrow who knows?

[neverlaysup]

15 hours ago, verizon said:

The different is you get a bigger room and access to Retreat Lounge.

And Luminae, the Retreat Sundeck (if equipped) as well as the Premium Drinks, WIFI, Tips and OBC.

[verizon]

23 minutes ago, neverlaysup said:

And Luminae, the Retreat Sundeck (if equipped) as well as the Premium Drinks, WIFI, Tips and OBC.

Yes you get Luminae and Retreat Sundeck .

I am not so sure about premium WiFi, premium drinks and OBC because some are from the move up program.

[terrydtx]

8 minutes ago, verizon said:

Yes you get Luminae and Retreat Sundeck .

I am not so sure about premium WiFi, premium drinks and OBC because some are from the move up program.

Move up gets the same AI as you booked in lower cabin or nothing with no AI.

[neverlaysup]

32 minutes ago, verizon said:

Yes you get Luminae and Retreat Sundeck .

I am not so sure about premium WiFi, premium drinks and OBC because some are from the move up program.

If you booked a Sky Suite initially, you get these items. I didn’t know this thread was talking about Move Up bids, otherwise I would have specified. 

[Dolebludger]

Fine, never, this part of the thread was an answer to my question about those who booked the SS.

[micruiser2002]

50 minutes ago, neverlaysup said:

If you booked a Sky Suite initially, you get these items. I didn’t know this thread was talking about Move Up bids, otherwise I would have specified. 

It is not just Move Up bids that do not include all perks.  Casino bookings also do not always include the SS perks.

[Jim_Iain]

On 8/26/2023 at 2:55 PM, Dolebludger said:

Here is a question for the OP and anybody else who knows. What level of suite passengers (if any) gets priority embarkation/debarkation?

All Suites

[Dolebludger]

Thanks, I read that on X’s web site. And I don’t even know what a Casino booking is. Thus, I guess I wouldn’t be one.

[Jim_Iain]

3 hours ago, abbydancer said:

Just curious - was noise from the sky lounge an issue?  

I've sailed in a Signature Suite and I was concerned as it was carved out of the Sky Lounge.   Actually no noise at all from the Sky Lounge.

 

We and other Signature Suites had a problem with Joggers that were going beyond the track and jogging sounds were really loud.   A couple complaints were made and they blocked off the gate that joggers were ignoring.

[Dolebludger]

Jim_lian, the reason I keep asking about priority embarkation/disembarkation is that I know these things are often “horror stories” on large ships. Too many people, too many “choke points” in the process. We’re too old for that. So we either go on a small ship or a large one with priority.

[hcat]

We were in a Sky Suite on BEYOND..out of Port Ev..The suite waiting area to board was packed..we found 2 seats  at the bar and squeezed in with our luggage. There weren't any offered snacks..only drinks, water and sodas..  A bit of a free for all  but happy to get on first.

 

The disembark waiting area was also very crowded. Staff did its best  fending off folks who tried to "crash"...all sorts of excuses!  But again..happy  to get off early..

 

Clearing immig was  digital and fast.. We grabbed a porter and were easily out of there with our bags.  Porter at Port Ev is essential...even if driving.. they expedite getting bags and getting you out!  If you need a cab. they get you one fast!

 

[bigbenboys]

3 hours ago, abbydancer said:

I guess I'm lucky as I don't like Evain water.  The ones that are in the room when we get there stay there, and we've had the butler bring the regular bottles that everyone can get. (In Luminae we have them bring ice water from a pitcher.)

I ask for a glass of ice after they pour my water. This way I can top off my own water. Now is it 3 glass of wine to 1 water. 🤪

Edited August 28, 2023 by bigbenboys
added info

[jelayne]

5 hours ago, Dolebludger said:

Do Sky suites not have access to the Retreat Lounge?

Sky suites have access to the Retreat Longe, Luminae and the Retreat Sun Deck on ships that have a sun deck.  Sky Suites no longer have a dedicated Butler.  From the OPs experience this change didn’t have a noticeable impact on their cruise in a Sky Suite.

[jelayne]

2 hours ago, Dolebludger said:

Jim_lian, the reason I keep asking about priority embarkation/disembarkation is that I know these things are often “horror stories” on large ships. Too many people, too many “choke points” in the process. We’re too old for that. So we either go on a small ship or a large one with priority.

In most ports Suites have a separate check in area.  Even so if you want to avoid the crowds do no go when check in opens.  Last time we did this it was on a E class ship with about 175 suites.  At 11 am at least 3/4 of the suite passengers were there waiting to check in and board.  It was 45 minutes to get on board.  Next time we went around 12:15 and breezed right on board.

[Dolebludger]

Well, this is a reason to cruise on a smaller ship — at least for us.sounds like the “priority” system is not a great substitute.

[Jim_Iain]

16 hours ago, Dolebludger said:

Jim_lian, the reason I keep asking about priority embarkation/disembarkation is that I know these things are often “horror stories” on large ships. Too many people, too many “choke points” in the process. We’re too old for that. So we either go on a small ship or a large one with priority.

 

If in a Suite (any Suite) it should be no problem.    Most ports have a Retreat Lounge.   In Fort Lauderdale they steer you around the crowds and up to a private lounge - very similar to an airport lounge.    You sit down and they will have an agent check you in while you are seated.    When boarding opens up they will invite Suite guests to board.     The only time it is crowded is about 1/2 hour before physical boarding time as the lounge usually is almost filled with those wanting to be first on the ship.    10 minutes later there is no waiting and once checked in you can board.

 

Disembarkation -  you go to the Retreat Lounge or designated area at you leisure.   When you want to disembark the Concierge will escort you to the exit and your luggage will be waiting for you in a segregated area.   You can depart at your leisure any  time from when general disembarkation begins (right after walk offs) until about 9:15 am.

 

 

[TeeRick]

Thank You @DingoMom for giving us the first real feedback about the butler and retreat changes and new structure.  Much appreciated.  It beats hundreds of posts and pages of speculation and assumptions. 

[SherriZ366]

Will be interested to see how Retreat staterooms are handled on Equinox.  We are looking to booking a cruise on her when she comes to Port Canaveral.  

[JDPCruisers]

On 8/28/2023 at 10:54 AM, TeeRick said:

Thank You @DingoMom for giving us the first real feedback about the butler and retreat changes and new structure.  Much appreciated.  It beats hundreds of posts and pages of speculation and assumptions. 

Agree, this has been much appreciated!

[terrydtx]

We will be boarding the Apex two weeks from today in Rotterdam. It will be interesting to see how the Team will work for our SS. I know from other posts that there is a separate Retreat line for check in at the terminal. We will be at the terminal by 11:00am after our drive from Amsterdam.