Just Upgraded Our Bookings from Plus to Premier…….Please Share Your Experience With Premier

[memoak]

28 minutes ago, amypete said:

We do Premier as well. Had it last February thru the Panama Canal and I swear the Vines waiter would send us “home” every night with a fresh opened and corked bottle of good wine. As people who love a good wine, it was also nice to take their recommendations what to try and what we may like. Am looking forward to the upgraded tapas there as well, as I remember the excellent ones in 2019. I don’t think there is the same variety as there was back then but thats OK. We also like the margaritas with the better tequila and the fun martini option at Crooners. Won about $100 for the door prizes which was fun. Hope to do better this next time! We also had the reservation cards for the Crown Grille and Sabatinis and switched times easily. This time I have them preselected via the app. I won’t get the desserts but for us the upgraded dining and wines, etc are just what we enjoy doing. Prefer creme brulee and decadent chocolate desserts instead!! 

 

Cheers and see you at Vines!

There are no tapas just a full meal with no choices and it is not all that great

[amypete]

28 minutes ago, memoak said:

There are no tapas just a full meal with no choices and it is not all that great

OK Now I am sad! Back to the IC for snacks!!! But at least someone is pouring me good wine….

[Steelers36]

4 hours ago, AnyMajorCruiseDude said:

Correct.  They said the specialty restaurants were all full.  And the prizes program not available.  3 day cruise on the Royal.  We were on about11am.   I would guess it's more prevalent on shorter cruises.  The plus plan was fine given no access to those benefits.  

Just to clarify.  Was the package literally blocked from purchase, or could you have decided to buy it just for the premium beverage price limit increase and maybe the photo package, while realizing some other Premium perks not available?

 

Like you suggested, it is likely a short cruise phenomena where folks can max out the benefits at a relatively low cost.

[AnyMajorCruiseDude]

44 minutes ago, Steelers36 said:

Just to clarify.  Was the package literally blocked from purchase, or could you have decided to buy it just for the premium beverage price limit increase and maybe the photo package, while realizing some other Premium perks not available?

 

Like you suggested, it is likely a short cruise phenomena where folks can max out the benefits at a relatively low cost.

I was told I could not upgrade at all.  When I asked why, I was told about the SD and Prizes situations.  I did not ask about upgrading possibilities without those benefits as that would be a foolish option, imo.

[ccqueenanne]

14 minutes ago, AnyMajorCruiseDude said:

I was told I could not upgrade at all.  When I asked why, I was told about the SD and Prizes situations.  I did not ask about upgrading possibilities without those benefits as that would be a foolish option, imo.

 

I think we were on the same Royal cruise. We weren't Premier, but I'd have been bummed to have purchased it and then found out Prizes weren't happening. I know the odds of winning are low, but still would have been fun. I wonder if it was because the casino was open for such a short time.

 

I have Premier for another 3-day next year and I'm hoping that Prizes will be part of it. Regardless, we'll get value from the SD alone. But I feel like they should knock off a few bucks if they don't make one of the perks available on a sailing (or replace it with something else).

[katmigordon]

On 9/29/2023 at 6:09 PM, Sprocket said:

 On the prior cruise I called the dine line very soon after embarking and was able to get the days and times I requested with no issues.

Salty Dog was very busy the night I went so had a bit of a wait going forward I will probably make a reservation.

I thought it was good value especially on my shorter cruises.  

.

We can make reservations at the causal spots like Salty Dog?

[Sprocket]

8 hours ago, katmigordon said:

We can make reservations at the causal spots like Salty Dog?

 

Not positive but I'll find out Oct 29th.  I know its not available before boarding but hoping they will take them after.  Otherwise I'll either try and go at an off time or just wait for a bit.

[Crashe]

We head out in January and booked for Premier.  Some things won’t be worth it like the alcohol upgrade but really can’t see worrying about what we can and can not do for our time away.   So looking forward to the next cruise….

[Steelers36]

15 hours ago, katmigordon said:

We can make reservations at the causal spots like Salty Dog?

CD locations have always been FCFS (walk-up only).

[reedprincess]

34 minutes ago, Steelers36 said:

CD locations have always been FCFS (walk-up only).

Aboard CB, Planks and Steamers take reservations, and it's been strongly recommended one does so as there's limited space, and they alternate evenings... reservations definitely are being taken - although only aboard, not in advance 

[Lady Arwen]

1 hour ago, Crashe said:

We head out in January and booked for Premier.  Some things won’t be worth it like the alcohol upgrade but really can’t see worrying about what we can and can not do for our time away.   So looking forward to the next cruise….

We  also like the idea of not having to think about anything, although the alcohol upgrade will be extremely appreciated. 

[Steelers36]

1 hour ago, reedprincess said:

Aboard CB, Planks and Steamers take reservations, and it's been strongly recommended one does so as there's limited space, and they alternate evenings... reservations definitely are being taken - although only aboard, not in advance 

Good point, but those are pop-up and handled like SD even though they come under the CD category. 

 

Who takes the res?  DINE line only?  Can one's DR HW or DR Host book a res using their tablet system?

[reedprincess]

1 hour ago, Steelers36 said:

Good point, but those are pop-up and handled like SD even though they come under the CD category. 

 

Who takes the res?  DINE line only?  Can one's DR HW or DR Host book a res using their tablet system?

Same as Crab Shack, which takes reservations also, and are "pop-up" also.

Directly in the buffet where they're advertising the restaurant, or via DINE line, etc. 

[JimmyVWine]

Question:  How does one acquire the Medallion Accessory that comes With the Premier Package?  Do you order it in advance, or pick it up at the Ocean Front shop once on board?

 

I ran the math every which way, making assumptions as to what our shipboard life will be like, and concluded that all in, Premier would probably cost us $13 more per person over the course of a 9 day cruise as compared to getting Plus and then paying out of pocket for the things that Premier provides.  So I went with Premier thinking that my assumptions are likely conservative and even if they are not, the freedom to add in an extra Casual Dining Meal, get reserved seats in the theater, maybe take home a photo or two, and the corny fun of thinking that we might win a prize were collectively worth the extra $13 which comes out to $1.44 pp/pd.  

[Sprocket]

1 hour ago, JimmyVWine said:

Question:  How does one acquire the Medallion Accessory that comes With the Premier Package?  Do you order it in advance, or pick it up at the Ocean Front shop once on board?

 

I ran the math every which way, making assumptions as to what our shipboard life will be like, and concluded that all in, Premier would probably cost us $13 more per person over the course of a 9 day cruise as compared to getting Plus and then paying out of pocket for the things that Premier provides.  So I went with Premier thinking that my assumptions are likely conservative and even if they are not, the freedom to add in an extra Casual Dining Meal, get reserved seats in the theater, maybe take home a photo or two, and the corny fun of thinking that we might win a prize were collectively worth the extra $13 which comes out to $1.44 pp/pd.  

The accessory is a bright blue clip to hold the Medallion, and mine was in the cabin when I boarded.  Similar to the ones the staff wear.

Really enjoyed my upgrade perks and had photos taken for the first time in years.  

[Lady Arwen]

1 hour ago, JimmyVWine said:

Question:  How does one acquire the Medallion Accessory that comes With the Premier Package?  Do you order it in advance, or pick it up at the Ocean Front shop once on board?

 

I ran the math every which way, making assumptions as to what our shipboard life will be like, and concluded that all in, Premier would probably cost us $13 more per person over the course of a 9 day cruise as compared to getting Plus and then paying out of pocket for the things that Premier provides.  So I went with Premier thinking that my assumptions are likely conservative and even if they are not, the freedom to add in an extra Casual Dining Meal, get reserved seats in the theater, maybe take home a photo or two, and the corny fun of thinking that we might win a prize were collectively worth the extra $13 which comes out to $1.44 pp/pd.  

We didn’t want the clip that comes with the package.  We ordered a bracelet for myself and a key fob for DH.  We receive free shipping to Canada.  We could have waited to pick them up at the pier, but we want to board asap to book The Sanctuary and I believe boarding is expedited if you already have the Medallion.  We shall see.

[wallyj]

1 hour ago, JimmyVWine said:

Question:  How does one acquire the Medallion Accessory that comes With the Premier Package?  Do you order it in advance, or pick it up at the Ocean Front shop once on board?

 

For my past cruises in June and July of 2023, I had Premier but was picking up medallions at port, so the accessory(blue clip)was in the bag with the medallion and lanyard.
 

I added Premier to my August Emerald sailing on board and the website says it is to be delivered to your cabin. On day 3, when I still had not received the ‘clip’, I went to guest services and they had it there as it is ‘exclusive’ (color) to premier pkg and not available at Ocean front for purchase.

[Cruise Craig]

On 9/29/2023 at 7:04 PM, Rick&Jeannie said:

We and our traveling friends just got off the Caribbean Princess today where we experienced Premier for the first time. We had already invested in Plus, so bumping up to Premier wasn't that bad. We especially liked the reserved theater seating, to my surprise. The ship was very full, if not actually maxed out so you can imagine the normal problems of trying to get seating together for 4. I honestly didn't think that it would have been such an influence on me...but we've had our share of walking the aisles trying to find seats that were not being "saved" for (possibly) non-existent people! That drives me nuts.  It sure was nice just waltzing in at about 15 minutes before curtain and having seats waiting for us!

 

The other nice thing was the 2 included SD dining reservations. I guess I had forgotten about that.

 

Would we do it again? Well, we (along with the same friends) will be doing another cruise on the Sky next month...we all agreed that it was pretty nice so yes, we have upgraded *that* cruise.

 

I'm not saying that we are now committed to going Premier from now on but we liked it enough to take another swing at it right away!

That is great to hear. The reserved Theatre seating was a big influence on us upgrading to premier. I feel it's an underappreciated perk. Ship time is priceless and I love being able to get seating 10 minutes prior to the show rather than having to rush through dinner to save some seats.

[JimmyVWine]

40 minutes ago, wallyj said:

I added Premier to my August Emerald sailing on board and the website says it is to be delivered to your cabin. On day 3, when I still had not received the ‘clip’, I went to guest services and they had it there as it is ‘exclusive’ (color) to premier pkg and not available at Ocean front for purchase.

Thanks for the info.  We usually use rubberized wristbands that hold AirTags.  But if they are going to give me a clip, I'll look it over and see if it is of any use.

[LACruiser88]

13 minutes ago, JimmyVWine said:

But if they are going to give me a clip, I'll look it over and see if it is of any use.

FWIW, I was using the wristband but ended up switching over to the clip.  I find the clip much easier to use.  During the day, I clip it to my watch band and for the evenings it easily goes into my pocket.  I know, it is all personal preference.  🤷‍♂️

[RedIguana]

I found the clip to be an OK money clip for tip dollars.

[Crashe]

On 10/1/2023 at 5:29 PM, Lady Arwen said:

We  also like the idea of not having to think about anything, although the alcohol upgrade will be extremely appreciated. 

Now we going to have to cruise together…grey goose for everyone! 😂

[Lady Arwen]

10 minutes ago, Crashe said:

Now we going to have to cruise together…grey goose for everyone! 😂

Oh yeah!  Bring it on!  I love GG orange with tonic and 2 orange slices floating with loads of ice.  Yum!  

[memoak]

2 hours ago, Crashe said:

Now we going to have to cruise together…grey goose for everyone! 😂

That would fit under the plus plan no need for premier

[Lady Arwen]

26 minutes ago, memoak said:

That would fit under the plus plan no need for premier

So what?