Related: 6 reasons to book a balcony cabin. Below you will find a comprehensive list of all our suite benefits so you can choose the suite that best fits your cruise vacation. You can book a small, inside cabin that will get you on board one of the lines vessels at a very reasonable cost, or a huge suite that will set you back many times more but come with all sorts of perks. So they were going to take my cabin number and charge me later. Flights and transfers No. Not to mention, Star class is the only suite class where youll receive a free drink package. It really comes down to what you are willing to afford and if you prefer the luxury accommodations suites provide. In general, I am pretty impressed with the organization and speed at which cruise lines board their guests, but for suite guests, there are separate lines at the port, as well as a private lounge area, and more flexible boarding times. I was a little puzzled by how busy the suite deck area was on the Celebrity Edge, and on sea days, even more so. Powered by Invision Community. An old saw in the cruise industry is that ships sell from the top and the bottom. That is, the first cabins on any vessel to sell out are the most-expensive cabins, which are the suites, and the least-expensive cabins, which typically are the inside cabins. The good was that you had the pick of the menu. Of the 2,867 cabins on Wonder of the Seas, 175 are suites. Celebrity seems to have slightly more resources dedicated to suite guests, whereas the Royal Caribbean suites seem a little larger, and the suite deck was less crowded. Suite Lounge - Royal Caribbean Discussion - Royal Note that these family suites often carry an astronomical price, falling in the $20,000-a-week range. When enjoying Suite Lounge, feel free to wear attire matching Royal Caribbean's 'casual' dress code. One of the reasons we booked a suite was for the suite lounge experience we had on previous sailings. Current policy doesn't allow a ship to deviate from the standard PL offering even if no one shows up day after day. Here was the Elite Lounge menu for the full week: Day 1: Herb marinated goats cheese with crisp rosemary flatbread and tomato bruschetta. I have found on both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity, that the concierge staff were friendly, helpful and professional. Depending on the ship, these suites can come with such perks as private butlers (called Royal Genies) who attend to your every need, access to a private restaurant, access to a private suite lounge and sun deck, reserved seating in entertainment venues and priority boarding and disembarkation. I ran into the problem once on Allure (polite and theres not a lot I want to drink, so limiting me makes it a problem). There is afternoon tea and evening appetizers making it impossible for you to go hungry at any time of day. Are you a single malt drinker ? The last time I was on Liberty in January, they weren't even letting Pinnacles in. So.who has some pull to have a new cruise itinerary that's a tour of scotch and Irish whiskey towns. In addition to dedicated venues and staff, there are some other great perks that cruisers in suites enjoy:On both cruise lines, each cabin guest enjoys complimentary premium wi-fi throughout their cruise Gratuities are included with your Celebrity cruise fare. If youre only comparing the value of the included perks, booking a suite is not worth the price. has written about cruising for more than 25 years and for many years oversaw USA Todays award-winning cruise site. The suite lounge bar is limited as to what they have. I think its fairly certain on the Allure, but when it gets all the way around the CL I cant guess. , Sounds like a Cape Codder. Get on board faster with exclusive priority check-in. As @George Csaid, that should not be current policy - and I hope that I helped to end that ridiculous policy and allowable list during our 11/14 sailing. Which is better? Their reimagined spaces and focus on innovation, make them stand out from the crowd. The differences between the two suite experiences are not massive, and both cruise lines do a great job pampering their guests and providing exclusive perks. Planning a cruise? If I can find a way to copy that part of the letter I will include it below. The Celebrity suite concierge was also in the lounge area, introducing herself, answering questions, and providing information on the first-day lunch. Radio just spent two weeks on the Anthem. Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. Every evening from 5 pm to 8 pm, there is a Happy Hour in this lounge. Winner: Tie, the Celebrity room was a little nicer in decor and layout, but the Royal Caribbean suite was larger. All suites in the Royal Caribbean Suites program have access to certain benefits. There are even more places your Platinum Card can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks. Thanks for those that might know. In other cases the PL is slammed with a regular following that cruise. Sip your preference neat, on the rocks, or with your go-to juice or soda mixer. On the lines five Oasis-class ships, which began debuting in 2009, around 65% of rooms are balcony cabins. Freedom Of The Seas - Royal Caribbean Incentives Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. The largest suite on Royal Caribbean is the Royal Loft Suite on Oasis-class ships. Last time with a JS was September before Covid on Allure and traveling with others that weren't in suites so we didn't even consider it. Aged in Islay whiskey casks for 6 months. The typical Royal Caribbean balcony cabin has a contemporary look, with clean lines and relatively minimalist furniture. Suite lounge is still open bar. I don't know how they're doing it now, but in July there no longer was a mobile bar with dedicated bartenders broug The perks include free WiFi, exclusive lounges, priority boarding, upgraded mattresses, in-stateroom coffee makers, and more. Maybe I will ask this question on an ongoing thread in the current oasis sailing, the email i received from the concierge yesterday did not mention soda wine and beer available 11-11..just the happy hour 5-8. WebSuite Lounge is reserved exclusively for guests of Grand Suite-level accommodations and above and presents complimentary continental breakfast and evening drinks. I know the Diamond Lounge now only takes the drink vouchers. Naturally there are some that don't like change and there are others that adapt better. To confirm what @islandwannabeeposted, there is a fleet-wide change occurring where the SL will no longer (could be temporary) serve complimentary drinks for suite guests all day. I know I am petty for worrying about free crappy drinks, but it is just the principle of what I expected and have gotten in the past paying thousands for a suite, ugh. Most have recently reported that every thing is available. The Edge has an entirely different layout. We have sailed only on Grandeur, and for the first few, they would allow you to order any drink. Upload or insert images from URL. LauraS That may have changed but Junior suites have never had access. Oh well,things change. Voyage code MA05W564. The result can be one person the PL for an hour here and there. Both cruise lines offer suite guests a dedicated dining venue that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Cruise code 2043119. Royal Caribbean provides exclusive perks and benefits for passengers booked in suite accommodations. As a junior suite (Sea Class) guest, you will only be able to use CK for dinner with a reservation. Heres Your Answer! The 11 day Panama Canal itinerary was the reason we tried Celebrity, as we wanted to visit the southern islands and canal. I love to share my passion for cruising and travel with readers. He agreed with me and assured me that he was going to work on the problem. Royal Suite class is only available on Royal Caribbean ships built after 2009, including: Your suite category determines your suite class. Be the first to rate this post. If it's from the concierge letter I don't think the 11-11 drinks is mentioned there. Luxurious Bedding. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos, Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features, Policy regarding COVID related Discussions. The suite lounge (the Retreat Lounge) is located on deck 15, separate from the suite dining venue Luminae, which is on deck 12. Their newest class of ships, the Edge series, has pushed the envelope in terms of innovation and design, providing guests with a unique type of cruising experience. An update on Allure Suite Lounge Feb. 2022. I know that she is currently on her first revenue sailing, perhaps some of you have sailed her right before the shut down. I have been lucky enough to try a couple of suites, with the most recent being on Wonder of the Seas, the newest and largest Royal Caribbean in the fleet. The Oasis-class vessels are so wide that they have room for an interior, open-air Boardwalk amusement area at their backs lined with inward-facing cabins. What are the benefits of the Royal Caribbean Suites Clear editor. Odyssey Of The Seas cabins and suites Thanks so much for this info. American Express has expanded The Centurion Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. Winner: Celebrity Cruises for extra service. In the evenings, the space is open to guests of legal drinking age. The happy-hour mixed drinks are made with the liquors on this list. It is wide open, and we could always find a place to hang out. Yes. I paid $750 for a 10 day cruise on Celebrity Equinox. What. Voyager of the Seas - Suite Lounge - Gangwaze.com I particularly enjoyed breakfast in both, a relaxing start to any day. There is a list for free suite drinks. Well begin by looking at the Royal Suite class perks before moving to the Royal Suite Program. I hope they dont go back on their word. It does not mention the drinks from 11 am to 11 pm for Beer and Wine. Suite Lounge - Royal Caribbean Discussion - Royal Caribbean Blog That would be perfect for an 80th birthday! There is a list of alcohol available, it was very basic low shelf offerings. We arent big drinkers but I do like the occasional glass of wine with lunch when on vacation. They do have the ability to make mixed drinks (within reason I think). In allure during happy hour. I was told that on Symphony they were open 11-3 with drinks and closed until 5 and started happy hour. Private bath with Most Royal Caribbean suites have balconies. Related: The 6 classes of Royal Caribbean ships, explained. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost. Royal Caribbean suites offer several perks for guests. Improve earnings, maximize rewards and track progress toward dream trips. That is so sad. Does the Suite Lounge on the Voyager of the Seas have age restrictions? Celebrity Cruises Cabin Overview: What you need to know, Get up to 35,000 rewards points when you book a Celebrity cruise from this new AmEx offer. What is the Largest Suite on Royal Caribbean? Royal Caribbean is known for having some of the cruise worlds most spectacular suites, including (on some ships) suites that sprawl over two decks. We are sorry that this post was not useful for you! Time for a social media discussion with Royal. Suite and Concierge clubs are suites only at the moment. I have a friend on Allure right now. Sitting Area. Yes, it was sort of a hidden perk. I'm not talking about pinnacles at all, only suite guests. It's the peaty scotch that has the most aroma. Coastal Kitchen, Royal Caribbeans dining venue, was similar in quality and service. Here's what impressed me, and why I'm already planning a trip back. They have a strange way of giving out perks. My question is Does the Suite Lounge give out a few more drinks besides the vouchers? Picking a cabin on a Royal Caribbean ship can be a daunting task. Is it a highland or a Islay ? I got a first call from him 30 minutes later at which time he said he had gone partially up the Mgt chain and the result was that we could order whatever drink that we wanted from the suite bar for the rest of the cruise. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos, Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features, Policy regarding COVID related Discussions. Which deck has the Suite Lounge on the Voyager of the Seas? $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline. Wasn't there long enough to test how many, how long, etc. It's like a hidden perk, I am going to be in a suite on the oasis on 9/19 but havent gotten the letter from the suites concierge yet. No lunch for JS. Lounge I was on allure a month after you and that was not the policy , there was no list on my cruise in suite lounge. If you count two types of Symphony of the Seas suites that come in two versions a standard version and a slightly altered, accessible version there are actually 17 different categories of suites on the vessel. Which Royal Caribbean Cruise Line Ships offer the Suite Lounge? Started June 21, 2021, By Bigger cabins, access to select venues, free drinks, and wi-fi are some of the major benefits cruises get to enjoy in these upgraded cabins. suites lounge My only complaint is that I wished it opened earlier than 8 am as I am an early riser. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. Last COVID test before cruising on Thursdaymissed the exemption by one day. It comes as no surprise that these ships include world-class suites with tons of benefits. For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPGs cruise newsletter. We were offered some sandwiches, pastries, and drinks while we waited. Do Suite Guests on Royal Caribbean Get Free Drinks? These rooms are aimed at well-heeled travelers who, for whatever reason, prefer the sort of mass-market, megaship cruise experience that Royal Caribbean offers over the more intimate, white-glove experience youll find on the small ships that luxury lines operate. Copyright Cruise Blog Media LLC 2023. Currently booked in JS on our next cruisesOdyssey in Januarysowondering about those as well. This did not apply to the suite deck outdoor area, unfortunately. Welcome to the most elevated spot for indulging in your favorite eats and libations. Priority tender (where required)Priority disembarkation and flexible departure time Priority seating at shows Complimentary room service, Winner: Celebrity for including gratuities. While I didnt want the issue, at least speaking up brought something positive overall. Day 2: Beef steak tartare with melba toast. One notable addition for sea-class passengers is a complimentary dinner at Coastal Kitchen, an exclusive restaurant for Suite level guests. I don't know how they're doing it now, but in July there no longer was a mobile bar with dedicated bartenders brought to the lounge. The last cruise they were limiting you to the list. Kids are welcome at the Suite Lounge during breakfast hours. Celebrity Cruises is a smaller cruise line that tends to have fewer families and a slightly older demographic than many of the Royal Caribbean ships. Don't recall giving them my card. In the Suite Lounge, coffee and tea are available throughout the day; and hors d'oeuvres, petit fours and complimentary wine, spirits, beer and soft drinks are available everyevening - 5:00 pmto 8:00 pm. Our next cruise is also on Grandeur, and I will see what happens. Guests are welcome to help themselves to hot and cold drinks, and bar service is available. Day 4: Shrimp fountain with American cocktail sauce. dleahy4444, September 7, 2021 in Royal Caribbean International, It has been a while since Ive been on the Oasis, but what I recall is that the Suites Lounge offers wine and beer throughout the day (mimosas for breakfast, wine with lunch) at Coastal Kitchen and mixed drinks and small bites during happy hour. Maybe check out his "live" thread? Royal Caribbean Suite Perks (Whats Included 2023). Sometimes it's worth a large investment to reap the benefits of a great credit card. Allocating space, crew and food to one person is simply wasteful. With a much high proportion of suites (which were fully sold out on my cruise), it makes sense that it was busy on the sun deck. Outside of the current welcome bonus, youre only earning higher rewards on specific airfare and hotel purchases, so its not a great card for other spending categories. LauraS Heres the exact breakdown: There are far fewer balcony cabins on older Royal Caribbean ships (and all older cruise ships in general). On odyessy now and freedom last week and you can get any drink including premium during happy hour versus the crappy liquor and wine they serve. On Quantum class ships the PL is in the Music Hall which is fine until an activity or event cranks up in the Music Hall. By booking a Star class suite, youll receive all of the perks of Sea and Sky class, plus some additional benefits. I got ZERO charges. Learn more. We are also sailing for the first time as Diamond. On Celebrity, the premium drink package is included for suite guests, and can be used anywhere on the ship. The servers in the suite lounge on allure take your room number and then put it into the system. Any guests under the legal drinking age will instead receive a complimentary Refreshment Beverage Package. Royal Caribbean She also teaches business studies at a university, with a focus on strategy. Suite guests will be charged for anydrinkordered outside of happy hour unless they (1) are Star Class, (2) have a beverage package which covers their drink or (3) uses a C&A coupon. It is current policy I sailed in Oct, Halloween. Thats much smaller than the Royal Loft Suites but about four times the size of a standard balcony cabin. With priority embarkation, both cruise lines make boarding a little faster. Its designed to make you think youre actually in a balcony cabin with a view, and it is quite realistic-looking. Below you will find the Suite Lounge on the Voyager of the Seas. Pasted as rich text. In the wake of the increase, a family of four in a typical cabin now pays nearly $450 in service fees on a seven-night Royal Caribbean cruise. At that price, the perks dont justify the cost of booking a suite. At that point most leave yet the crew and food spread have to remain for the hours posted just in case a Pinnacle drops by. We'll run a soft credit check to find special offers, but it wont affect your credit score. It is like 5 reds, 6 whites, maybe 6 different beers and then the list of liquors. If youre in the mood for a glass of wine, youll be pleased to find the menu at the Suite Lounge covers most of the bases sparkling, white zin, pinot grigio, merlot, cabernet suavignon you name it. (I did not follow the thread), Diamond and diamond plus drinks are anything up to 13 dollars if it is over 13 you just pay the difference, same as if you had drink package, almost all liquor is covered , we sometimes go over by a couple of dollars on wine so if 15 for wine you Pay 2.36. However, cabin layouts and sizes differ among suites, making it a little hard to compare. Not dumb questions at all. Heres the exact breakdown: The takeaway here is that youll have a tougher time locking down a balcony cabin on an older Royal Caribbean ship than on a newer vessel. CC Help Jenn Your link has been automatically embedded. However, I could order said Tito's in the SL because it is available, but I would have to pay..unless i was using D/D+/P vouchers. I am not sure you are understanding what I am saying. I was so angry this time that I requested a serious sit down with one of my favorite concierges (a man who is a doer, not a nodder). Was it worth it, and which was better ? Our Junior Suites, Grand Suites, Ocean View/ Panoramic (No Balcony) Suites, and Owners Suites all receive priority boarding, and our Royal Suite and Villa Suite guests are escorted onboard by an officer. The point you made to the concierge was spot on the money so well done. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Subscribe to receive travel tips delivered straight to your inbox. He advised me that he is responsible for 12 cabins, a fairly good ratio, in addition to our cabin attendant. Newer ships, such as Quantum class and Oasis-class ships, offer the Royal Suite Class benefits. Royal Caribbeans Oasis class ships have fairly standard sailings, whereas the Celebrity cruises seem to be a little more varied, including voyages to destinations such as Asia, and Europe. Here is what it's like to sail in a suite on the two different cruise lines. One of the best perks at this stage is the ability to book restaurants in advance. As I mentioned above, there is one way to get a glimpse of the outside world from an inside cabin on a Royal Caribbean ship. In fact, all of the Celebrity Edge series will be in Europe for the summer of 2023. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. On the Oasis ships, there are typically 2 concierges who are on hand during specific time frames. You cannot paste images directly. WebStateroom Amenities. WebOur suite program focuses on distinctive, tailored service and touches every aspect of the guests cruise, from arrival through departure. Get on board faster with exclusive priority check-in. Either way, suite class is a fantastic option for those wanting to splurge. The Suite Lounge should have a Happy Hour where the drinks are complimentary and won't require the vouchers. I think the only ship that wasn't doing this was Symphony, but I also heard their concierge's left a lot to be desired. Plus, your own feed of TPG content. One of the best reasons to book a suite is the added cabin space, including a larger balcony. Are the suite lounges still suites only? Celebritys suite dining option, Luminae is elegant with its red and white dcor and is a good size. The 5 best cabin locations on any cruise ship, The 6 classes of Royal Caribbean ships, explained, 7 reasons you should splurge on a suite on your next cruise, A beginners guide to picking a cruise line, The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship, A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines, 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly, 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information.