My opinion on the suite guest benefits

[tradam]

My opinion is that suite benefits are ok in the suite or in a private room somewhere on the ship. For being a suite passenger I do not want to be identified has it on the ship. I am sure many do not want it too. We will have many opinions as the number of member on this forum. Let me explain mine.

First we have to ask ourselves why suite guest are paying more for a suite. Is it for the private attendant service? For the waiter in the dining room? Maybe for the quality of the food? Do they use private elevator? Do they eat more than other passengers? The answer is because of the scare feet. The suites are bigger than the other cabins. For example, the grand suite, including the balcony is 5 times bigger than the inside stateroom. So it is normal to pay more for a bigger place to live.

In the previous enumeration, did you notice that all examples are common places or services around the ship except for the stateroom? What do you think about that? I do not know in the US but In Canada, we have to pay a school tax. It is a percentage of the value of the house. More the house is big, more you pay. Do my daughters have a better service because I am paying a lot of tax? If you are living in Manhattan in a $5 million apartment, do you have more services from the city hall?

RCCL should make a difference between common and private places around their ship. I deeply think everybody should be treated the same in the common places. RCCL could reserve a special place for suite passengers for private cocktails and even more for private dining with extra services. They do it for Crown & Anchor to thank the passengers for their loyalty. They offer a nice cocktail and we appreciate it. And there is no problem with that way of doing business.

I can compare it to my campground park. Those big motor home owners ($1 million and more) are paying a lot more for the rent than my rent. They have more rooms inside and it is more luxury than my old fifth wheel and it is ok like that. But when it time to be beside the pool or when it is time to play the games during the evening we are all at the same level. No discrimination because they are paying more.

All this being said, I think RCCL shout never change the cruising experience of passengers because of first class or second class passengers. Because we are talking about this. RCCL took a business decision maybe because suite passengers complain about the value offered versus the money spent on the suite. What will be the next benefit for the suite guests: reserved hour for tender, reserved seat for the ice ring, reserved slot or poker table in the casino? Or maybe a reserved life boat? I am just joking.

Do I will be in a suite on August 23th? Yes. Do I will use the reserved seats? No. Do I will complain about the poor service for the suite guests? NO. I will invest my time playing with my daughters like 99% of they other passangers and have a wondefull time cruising again RCCL.

:)Tradam:)

[babies12]

My opinion is that suite benefits are ok in the suite or in a private room somewhere on the ship. For being a suite passenger I do not want to be identified has it on the ship. I am sure many do not want it too. We will have many opinions as the number of member on this forum. Let me explain mine.

First we have to ask ourselves why suite guest are paying more for a suite. Is it for the private attendant service? For the waiter in the dining room? Maybe for the quality of the food? Do they use private elevator? Do they eat more than other passengers? The answer is because of the scare feet. The suites are bigger than the other cabins. For example, the grand suite, including the balcony is 5 times bigger than the inside stateroom. So it is normal to pay more for a bigger place to live.

In the previous enumeration, did you notice that all examples are common places or services around the ship except for the stateroom? What do you think about that? I do not know in the US but In Canada, we have to pay a school tax. It is a percentage of the value of the house. More the house is big, more you pay. Do my daughters have a better service because I am paying a lot of tax? If you are living in Manhattan in a $5 million apartment, do you have more services from the city hall?

RCCL should make a difference between common and private places around their ship. I deeply think everybody should be treated the same in the common places. RCCL could reserve a special place for suite passengers for private cocktails and even more for private dining with extra services. They do it for Crown & Anchor to thank the passengers for their loyalty. They offer a nice cocktail and we appreciate it. And there is no problem with that way of doing business.

I can compare it to my campground park. Those big motor home owners ($1 million and more) are paying a lot more for the rent than my rent. They have more rooms inside and it is more luxury than my old fifth wheel and it is ok like that. But when it time to be beside the pool or when it is time to play the games during the evening we are all at the same level. No discrimination because they are paying more.

All this being said, I think RCCL shout never change the cruising experience of passengers because of first class or second class passengers. Because we are talking about this. RCCL took a business decision maybe because suite passengers complain about the value offered versus the money spent on the suite. What will be the next benefit for the suite guests: reserved hour for tender, reserved seat for the ice ring, reserved slot or poker table in the casino? Or maybe a reserved life boat? I am just joking.

Do I will be in a suite on August 23th? Yes. Do I will use the reserved seats? No. Do I will complain about the poor service for the suite guests? NO. I will invest my time playing with my daughters like 99% of they other passangers and have a wondefull time cruising again RCCL.

:)Tradam:)

 

 

Thank you for your thougtfull input on this matter. Unfortunately most "suite" guests will not agree, I on the otherhand completely agree with you.

[marci22]

You can get priority tender tickets from the concierge if you are a suite guest. No waiting in line. Love it.

 

If I was a suite guest, and couldn't find a lounge chair, I would use one of the reserved ones. There have been times when we couldn't find two chairs together anywhere so this would be nice.

[Retired LEO]

My opinion is that suite benefits are ok in the suite or in a private room somewhere on the ship. For being a suite passenger I do not want to be identified has it on the ship. I am sure many do not want it too. We will have many opinions as the number of member on this forum. Let me explain mine.

 

First we have to ask ourselves why suite guest are paying more for a suite. Is it for the private attendant service? For the waiter in the dining room? Maybe for the quality of the food? Do they use private elevator? Do they eat more than other passengers? The answer is because of the scare feet. The suites are bigger than the other cabins. For example, the grand suite, including the balcony is 5 times bigger than the inside stateroom. So it is normal to pay more for a bigger place to live.

 

In the previous enumeration, did you notice that all examples are common places or services around the ship except for the stateroom? What do you think about that? I do not know in the US but In Canada, we have to pay a school tax. It is a percentage of the value of the house. More the house is big, more you pay. Do my daughters have a better service because I am paying a lot of tax? If you are living in Manhattan in a $5 million apartment, do you have more services from the city hall?

 

RCCL should make a difference between common and private places around their ship. I deeply think everybody should be treated the same in the common places. RCCL could reserve a special place for suite passengers for private cocktails and even more for private dining with extra services. They do it for Crown & Anchor to thank the passengers for their loyalty. They offer a nice cocktail and we appreciate it. And there is no problem with that way of doing business.

 

I can compare it to my campground park. Those big motor home owners ($1 million and more) are paying a lot more for the rent than my rent. They have more rooms inside and it is more luxury than my old fifth wheel and it is ok like that. But when it time to be beside the pool or when it is time to play the games during the evening we are all at the same level. No discrimination because they are paying more.

 

All this being said, I think RCCL shout never change the cruising experience of passengers because of first class or second class passengers. Because we are talking about this. RCCL took a business decision maybe because suite passengers complain about the value offered versus the money spent on the suite. What will be the next benefit for the suite guests: reserved hour for tender, reserved seat for the ice ring, reserved slot or poker table in the casino? Or maybe a reserved life boat? I am just joking.

 

Do I will be in a suite on August 23th? Yes. Do I will use the reserved seats? No. Do I will complain about the poor service for the suite guests? NO. I will invest my time playing with my daughters like 99% of they other passangers and have a wondefull time cruising again RCCL.

 

:)Tradam:)

 

One of the suite perks IS reserved seating at the Ice show.

[RetireeWannabee]

If I was a suite guest, and couldn't find a lounge chair, I would use one of the reserved ones. There have been times when we couldn't find two chairs together anywhere so this would be nice.

Which means that the other times you use non-reserved seats? Wouldn't that mean that a non-suite guest seeking a seat and finding none would be quite out of luck, tho you would have choice of Any Seat and Reserved Seat and could therefore take a set, and still have a set reserved?

[retnuh281]

You pay at least three times more than non suite you should receive a few perks, THATS what you're paying for.

[retnuh281]

http://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=124

Cruise critic article. Mentions many things passengers want on a cruise. For some people, they need what a mega ship offers, combined with a little of what the luxury lines offer. You have to pay to play, bottom line.

[bajathree]

Boy it's funny how people just want to keep rehasing this topic:rolleyes:...MOVE ON FOLKS...if you don't like the new suite perks simply find another cruise line and PLEASE stop complaining...it's that simple;) RCCL has ALWAYS been behind most other cruise lines with suite perks...it's about time they started to catch up. With all the recent price drops the cruise lines are having to do in order to keep ships full, they needed to do something to keep those paying over 10K/suite while many others are waiting it out for the last minute giveaway deals and jumping on the same sailing for under $1000/cabin. I think Carnival still offers their suite passenger NOTHING....so for those that don't like it, that may be a good place to think about going;)

[marci22]

Which means that the other times you use non-reserved seats? Wouldn't that mean that a non-suite guest seeking a seat and finding none would be quite out of luck, tho you would have choice of Any Seat and Reserved Seat and could therefore take a set, and still have a set reserved?

 

If I found a seat I liked better, I would take it. The chairs are reserved to assure suite guests of an available chair, not the chair they might prefer. I wouldn't feel obligated to sit in the reserved seat, and I'm sure it's not their intention that I do. That is silly.

[Don Pedro]

My opinion is that suite benefits are ok in the suite or in a private room somewhere on the ship. For being a suite passenger I do not want to be identified has it on the ship. I am sure many do not want it too. We will have many opinions as the number of member on this forum. Let me explain mine.

First we have to ask ourselves why suite guest are paying more for a suite. Is it for the private attendant service? For the waiter in the dining room? Maybe for the quality of the food? Do they use private elevator? Do they eat more than other passengers? The answer is because of the scare feet. The suites are bigger than the other cabins. For example, the grand suite, including the balcony is 5 times bigger than the inside stateroom. So it is normal to pay more for a bigger place to live.

In the previous enumeration, did you notice that all examples are common places or services around the ship except for the stateroom? What do you think about that? I do not know in the US but In Canada, we have to pay a school tax. It is a percentage of the value of the house. More the house is big, more you pay. Do my daughters have a better service because I am paying a lot of tax? If you are living in Manhattan in a $5 million apartment, do you have more services from the city hall?

RCCL should make a difference between common and private places around their ship. I deeply think everybody should be treated the same in the common places. RCCL could reserve a special place for suite passengers for private cocktails and even more for private dining with extra services. They do it for Crown & Anchor to thank the passengers for their loyalty. They offer a nice cocktail and we appreciate it. And there is no problem with that way of doing business.

I can compare it to my campground park. Those big motor home owners ($1 million and more) are paying a lot more for the rent than my rent. They have more rooms inside and it is more luxury than my old fifth wheel and it is ok like that. But when it time to be beside the pool or when it is time to play the games during the evening we are all at the same level. No discrimination because they are paying more.

All this being said, I think RCCL shout never change the cruising experience of passengers because of first class or second class passengers. Because we are talking about this. RCCL took a business decision maybe because suite passengers complain about the value offered versus the money spent on the suite. What will be the next benefit for the suite guests: reserved hour for tender, reserved seat for the ice ring, reserved slot or poker table in the casino? Or maybe a reserved life boat? I am just joking.

Do I will be in a suite on August 23th? Yes. Do I will use the reserved seats? No. Do I will complain about the poor service for the suite guests? NO. I will invest my time playing with my daughters like 99% of they other passangers and have a wondefull time cruising again RCCL.

 

:)Tradam:)

 

We appreciate you well thought out posting but as frequent suite guests we don't completely agree with you. We have no problem with being identified as being suite guests. We don't really think it is anything to be be ashamed of.

 

Certainly the square footage is a major consideration when booking a suite but other services are also part of the equasion. We can't speak for other suite guests but for us we certainly consider other factors besides size. Included are the concierge lounge, reserved seating, tender tickets and other benefits.

 

Another considerion is one's station in life. We are older people who worked hard, saved, invested and managed to accumulate a decent nest egg. Now we are enjoying it. We stay in suites because we enjoy the suite experience and don't really give a damn if that offends someone.

 

The idea that suite benefits should be hidden so that the cannot be seen by other cruisers is ridiculous. In our opinion the recently added suite benefits shouldn't diminish anyone's cruise experience unless they have an envy complex.

 

Royal Caribbean determines the ship's common areas and the benefit levels of its guests. If they decide to reclassify of one section of seats near the pool, ice rink or anywhere else that is their prerogative.

 

You are correct that advalorum taxes are based on the size of a dwelling. But, not entirely, the location, condition and desirablity are also factors. And, in most cities it's not unusual for the street sweepers to show up a little more often in the more affluent parts of town.

 

We think that Royal Caribbean provides a first class experience for all its passengers. Giving a little extra to the suite guest does not make anyone a second class cruiser.

[Retired LEO]

How about the one huge benefit that non suites get as opposed suites. PRICE DROPS. It is basically unheard of for suites to receive a price drop since there are so few and they book quickly. People are thrilled to receive price drops. Would you all feel better if they stopped that practice and you could be equal to the suites in that regard?

[tradam]

You pay at least three times more than non suite you should receive a few perks, THATS what you're paying for.

 

You are right. I am paying more. But I have a stateroom 5 times larger than interior stateroom. It is all depend of what is important for each of us. The first cruise I made was in an interior stateroom. I said never again.

 

When I am paying more for a suite, I am accepting that I will have the same service and eat the same food of all passangers BUT my stateroom will not be comparable to other.

 

I think the difference is on the scare feet that I am using comparing to other.

 

:)Tradam:)

[Don Pedro]

You are right. I am paying more. But I have a stateroom 5 times larger than interior stateroom. It is all depend of what is important for each of us. The first cruise I made was in an interior stateroom. I said never again.

When I am paying more for a suite, I am accepting that I will have the same service and eat the same food of all passangers BUT my stateroom will not be comparable to other.

I think the difference is on the scare feet that I am using comparing to other.

 

:)Tradam:)

 

I think you are hung up on size. When you book a suite you should embrace the idea that you are also purchasing access to the concierge lounge, upgraded amenities, reserved seating at some venues and any other perks that the cruise line offers.

 

You are not taking away anything from the other cruisers. If they wanted the suite experience they could have booked a suite. They made their decision based on what they thought was for them.

 

At many upscale resorts the room size for the concierge level rooms is he same as the other rooms. But, your liquor cabinet is stocked with better brands, your toiletries are much better, some spa treatments are included, you get priority for restaurant reservations and other perks.

[Wisdom]

I'd say if you agree to the rules before purchasing a ticket. You really can't complain.

On a side note. There are new people here all the time. I was new here not long ago. I don't think it's a bad thing if the same topic is discussed over and over again. If you see one you've already had enough of, don't click on it, let alone post in it. You only end up kind of telling others to stop asking questions or giving their opinion. And I thought that's what this site was all about.

[rushedmom]

I think you are hung up on size. When you book a suite you should embrace the idea that you are also purchasing access to the concierge lounge, upgraded amenities, reserved seating at some venues and any other perks that the cruise line offers.

 

You are not taking away anything from the other cruisers. If they wanted the suite experience they could have booked a suite. They made their decision based on what they thought was for them.

 

At many upscale resorts the room size for the concierge level rooms is he same as the other rooms. But, your liquor cabinet is stocked with better brands, your toiletries are much better, some spa treatments are included, you get priority for restaurant reservations and other perks.

 

Well put Don Pedro!

 

We usually stay in a GS, I am not trying to flaunt anything. We just like the larger room and of course the perks are nice. It is a personal choice.

It is no different then being a first time cruiser and seeing the difference in how gold, platinum, diamond and diamond+ are treated differently with coupon books and perks.

 

The more cruise credits you have the more perks you get. I don't see anyone upset by that policy. Of course Diamond /+ have spent more money than gold travelers. They get more perks, on the Freedom Class they have their own Concierge lounge which is on a very premium area of the ship. I think that is great and don't see anyone complaining about it.

 

I can't understand why people would be upset by 24 loungers being reserved out of the many that are available. Be upset first at the chair hogs.

[Wisdom]

I can't understand why people would be upset by 24 loungers being reserved out of the many that are available. Be upset first at the chair hogs.

Oh now you've gone too far. For the chair hogs...that IS their perk :p

[goneclear]

we stayed in a GS once and enjoyed the reserved chairs perk near the steps to the sky bar. Thank you Royal Caribbean.

[rushedmom]

oh now you've gone too far. For the chair hogs...that is their perk :p

 

:d:d:d:d rofl!

[themaxydog]

I cant understand what the problem is. My first cruise I got a balcony only because my wife is a smoker and she had to feed the habit and I didnt want her walking all over the ship in the middle of the night. My next cruise we booked a Junior Suite because our T/A got an exceptional deal for us. That was it, the bug bit us and now we only book suites. The cruise ship is the last bastion of good service and pampering where you dont have to gamble to get it. As an Australian where service is saddly lacking, it is great to be pampered and made to feel special. Over the years my wife has worked particularly hard raising children, making a home and running a business. Now that the only child at home is the fur child and the business is successful and running itself with the help of great staff it is time to reep the reward of working hard. If getting a suite on a ship and having perks to go with it is considered by others faunting it, tough! I am not going to hide what room I am in just because it may offend someone. Freedom of choice is at the heart of this whole discussion and when I go on a cruise ship, they offer many alternatives and I choose the one, and pay for it accordingly, that suits me. Freedom of choice.

Next cruise is on Legend of the Seas and I cant wait for the Grand Suite experience roll on March!

[Wisdom]

:d:d:d:d rofl!

:) Thank you

[New2RCCI]

(quote) RCCL should make a difference between common and private places around their ship.

 

 

RCCL did make a difference between common and private places, the reserved seats are now private.

[bajathree]

(quote) RCCL should make a difference between common and private places around their ship.

 

 

RCCL did make a difference between common and private places, the reserved seats are now private.

 

 

....and GOOD for them....you don't like it sail another line;)

[bmazzo]

We appreciate you well thought out posting but as frequent suite guests we don't completely agree with you. We have no problem with being identified as being suite guests. We don't really think it is anything to be be ashamed of.

 

Certainly the square footage is a major consideration when booking a suite but other services are also part of the equasion. We can't speak for other suite guests but for us we certainly consider other factors besides size. Included are the concierge lounge, reserved seating, tender tickets and other benefits.

 

Another considerion is one's station in life. We are older people who worked hard, saved, invested and managed to accumulate a decent nest egg. Now we are enjoying it. We stay in suites because we enjoy the suite experience and don't really give a damn if that offends someone.

 

The idea that suite benefits should be hidden so that the cannot be seen by other cruisers is ridiculous. In our opinion the recently added suite benefits shouldn't diminish anyone's cruise experience unless they have an envy complex.

 

Royal Caribbean determines the ship's common areas and the benefit levels of its guests. If they decide to reclassify of one section of seats near the pool, ice rink or anywhere else that is their prerogative.

 

You are correct that advalorum taxes are based on the size of a dwelling. But, not entirely, the location, condition and desirablity are also factors. And, in most cities it's not unusual for the street sweepers to show up a little more often in the more affluent parts of town.

 

We think that Royal Caribbean provides a first class experience for all its passengers. Giving a little extra to the suite guest does not make anyone a second class cruiser.

 

 

Hear! Hear! From another perspective. I stay in Suites sometimes and other times I do not. It's not only about real estate. It's about service and perks. As a Diamond Plus member I get treated very well. (And always have by RCCL). But I do have to admit, when I've paid a hefty price for a suite in the past, I felt RCCL fell short. Now I feel that I get what I pay that much extra for. My last Mediterranian trip cost more than double for a suite than what it would have cost for a D1 balcony, but now the extra perks make it worth it. But I do not feel slighted in any way on the trips that I chose not to book a suite.

 

this is not to offend anyone, its just my opinion.

[iluvnyc]

I can understand the OP's well thought out point. I've had a suite - liked more room but I didn't really use any of the perks. I felt like they were just little 'gimme' facades, you know? No real value there, just little things to make you think you were getting more for your money. (for me, imho - don't flame me!:D)

Now I just get balcony cabins (hump is a must, though) because the money I save on not getting a suite goes towards things I actually use and want instead of feeling like I had to use the perks that I didn't really want or need to get my moneys worth. I also can't be bothered laying out near a pool - I can do that at home! :p But if you don't have a pool I totally understand laying near it on a much coveted chair! I don't really go to shows, so the reserved seats are wasted, don't want to mingle with strangers in the lounge to get free drinks that I don't drink and so on. I love the balcony, am happy with the size of the room (just the two of us) and spend my sometimes thousands of extra dollars where I want to - excursions, shopping, dining, etc.

To each his own, I guess. I think it depends on what type of vacay you look for. I am pretty young and am active on vacay - not one to sit around being pampered, lounging by the pool, you know? Now if one of the perks was that I get my own climbing wall, flowrider, jogging track, zipline and personal masseuse than its another story...:D:p

[dizzlepop]

Is a Junior Suite considered a Suite? I've read that it's considered a balcony and therefore no perquisites.

 

If so, DANG!

 

~gigi