Suites vs Non-Suites

[gssmks]

I have sailed twice on Disney in standard inside staterooms. I knew that the guests staying in the Suites had certain perks, but none of them affected my experience and I didn't care. My daughter has asked to go on a RCI cruise and I have been doing some research. On their ships they have returned to a class type system. The guests in Suites have reserved seating by the pool, in the theatre, and many other places, even in the their version of Topsiders. On their private island, there is even a separate beach that only Suite guests can go on. Apparently, this is a recent change for RCI. Has Disney adopted any policies similiar to this?

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

I have sailed twice on Disney in standard inside staterooms. I knew that the guests staying in the Suites had certain perks, but none of them affected my experience and I didn't care. My daughter has asked to go on a RCI cruise and I have been doing some research. On their ships they have returned to a class type system. The guests in Suites have reserved seating by the pool,

Not on Magic or Wonder, Dream will have a sun deck​

in the theatre, and many other places, even in the their version of Topsiders.
No
On their private island, there is even a separate beach that only Suite guests can go on. Also no, but you will be able to book a cabana at CC (Anyone) from this Spring. Apparently, this is a recent change for RCI. Has Disney adopted any policies similar to this?

DCL suite customers get:-

• Priority booking for Palo and Shore trips at 120 days,
• Priority boarding.(Family of the day then suite cruisers)
• Land based concierge pre cruise. To assist with plans and requests.
• Embarkation planning meeting.To assist with plans and requests
• Concierge on ship.Daily help and assistance and information.
• Some free gifts, dependent on cruise seems to change a lot.

 

[over50visits]

The perks for suites are generally invisible to other passengers during the cruise. They don't get better show or dinner seats, or special poolside seats, for example. The early reservation, concierge service, better access to excursion reservations, and in room dining are things others don't see.

That's a good idea IMHO. I hope that Disney doesn't create a two-class society so obvious in everyday life. The Dream does have a private lounge and outside sunning area on a high deck surrounded by the suite rooms, that will be the first really visible indication of the "haves" versus the "have-nots."

 

[gssmks]

DCL suite customers get:-

• Priority booking for Palo and Shore trips at 120 days,
• Priority boarding.(Family of the day then suite cruisers)
• Land based concierge pre cruise. To assist with plans and requests.
• Embarkation planning meeting.To assist with plans and requests
• Concierge on ship.Daily help and assistance and information.
• Some free gifts, dependent on cruise seems to change a lot.

These are the perks that I was aware of and that didn't bother me at all. I haven't decided how I feel about the the system on the FOS. In a way I think I really don't care about them, but then I read post after post of cruisecritic.com about how the seats reserved for the suite guests were sitting empty while the other guests were waiting for seats to sit and eat at Windjammers or to lounge around the pool. I have always booked an inside stateroom because what little time we spend in the room is not worth the extra money, and once you left that room, everything was the same for everyone. Would be foolish of me to base my decision of whether or not to try a new cruise line on something like this?

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

The perks for suites are generally invisible to other passengers during the cruise. They don't get better show or dinner seats, or special poolside seats, for example. The early reservation, concierge service, better access to excursion reservations, and in room dining are things others don't see.

That's a good idea IMHO. I hope that Disney doesn't create a two-class society so obvious in everyday life. The Dream does have a private lounge and outside sunning area on a high deck surrounded by the suite rooms, that will be the first really visible indication of the "haves" versus the "have-nots."

These are the perks that I was aware of and that didn't bother me at all. I haven't decided how I feel about the the system on the FOS. In a way I think I really don't care about them, but then I read post after post of cruisecritic.com about how the seats reserved for the suite guests were sitting empty while the other guests were waiting for seats to sit and eat at Windjammers or to lounge around the pool. I have always booked an inside stateroom because what little time we spend in the room is not worth the extra money, and once you left that room, everything was the same for everyone. Would be foolish of me to base my decision of whether or not to try a new cruise line on something like this?

Being a suite customer before and in 2010, I must agree with 'over50visits' and I like any perk unseen, a concierge lounge would be nice, but I wouldn't want reserved seats in the show or Topsiders. YES; think it silly that seats are unused, maybe there should be a time limit, that say if seating opens suite cruisers have the first 15 mins to use them, or they are opened up.

 

[kcashner]

Guests in suites have a gold colored KTTW card that is recognized by every CM on the ship...little things tend to "happen," but not on any level that changes or is obvious to the non-suite guest. Things I've seen--kid ordering a smoothie getting a "oh, I made an extra...just take it" sort of thing. The kids at some suite levels get "free" arcade cards, there is a limited supply of sodas or bottled water in the suites on boarding, etc.

The level of concierge service seems to depend on the individual concierge! However....the guest in the suite has no priority for seats in the theatre, nightclub, pool, etc. And their children who mis-behave are subject to the same "DCL imposed" discipline as any other teen on board.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Guests in suites have a gold colored KTTW card that is recognized by every CM on the ship...little things tend to "happen," but not on any level that changes or is obvious to the non-suite guest. Things I've seen--kid ordering a smoothie getting a "oh, I made an extra...just take it" sort of thing. The kids at some suite levels get "free" arcade cards, there is a limited supply of sodas or bottled water in the suites on boarding, etc.
The level of concierge service seems to depend on the individual concierge! However....the guest in the suite has no priority for seats in the theatre, nightclub, pool, etc. And their children who mis-behave are subject to the same "DCL imposed" discipline as any other teen on board.

My kids wore their Gold cards all the time, on our last 7 night cruise, Aug 09; and must say that didn't happen for them at any time, the only place it could have worked was ''tenders'' at Grand Cayman where the Gold card gives you priority, but even then we didn't use it and went on the normal queue.

No free acrade cards, they offered to 'buy' them for us, as my son asked,

 

[gssmks]

Guests in suites have a gold colored KTTW card that is recognized by every CM on the ship...little things tend to "happen," but not on any level that changes or is obvious to the non-suite guest. Things I've seen--kid ordering a smoothie getting a "oh, I made an extra...just take it" sort of thing. The kids at some suite levels get "free" arcade cards, there is a limited supply of sodas or bottled water in the suites on boarding, etc.

I'm not sure that these little things are due to them being in the suites. Our first Disney cruise was my daughter's 9th birthday gift from me. We didn't sail on her birthday, but I did mention at Guest Service's one day that it was her birthday gift. That evening there was a birthday card from Disney, a plate of cookies and a $50.00 Arcade card for her in our room. One day she asked the guy who delivered our room service why they didn't have chocolate covered strawberries, the next night he delivered her a whole tray of them. Apparently, that is another suite perk, they can order them and regular rooms can't. Needless to say, that guy got more than the normal $2.00 tip. I think little things like this is the what everyone calls the Magic of Disney.

 

[gssmks]

My kids wore their Gold cards all the time, on our last 7 night cruise, Aug 09; and must say that didn't happen for them at any time, the only place it could have worked was ''tenders'' at Grand Cayman where the Gold card gives you priority, but even then we didn't use it and went on the normal queue.

No free acrade cards, they offered to 'buy' them for us, as my son asked,

I think if I was staying in a suite, I wouldn't want to use many of those perks either. I keep thinking about that suites only beach. Part of the good time on any beach is the energy. Children running and playing. How many people total are in the suites? If everyone single one of them go to that beach it still wouldn't have the same atmosphere. As for the reserved seats, I would feel like everyone was looking at me and talking about me. Some people may injoy that kind of attention, but not me, especially not when I have walking around in a bathing suite (I am not exactly a size 2).

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

I think if I was staying in a suite, I wouldn't want to use many of those perks either. I keep thinking about that suites only beach. Part of the good time on any beach is the energy. Children running and playing. How many people total are in the suites? If everyone single one of them go to that beach it still wouldn't have the same atmosphere. As for the reserved seats, I would feel like everyone was looking at me and talking about me. Some people may enjoy that kind of attention, but not me, especially not when I have walking around in a bathing suite (I am not exactly a size 2).

Currently there are 22 suites on the Magic and Wonder and say an average of 4 to 5 in each one.

I wouldn't wish to be put to the front of any queue, or get in first due to being in a suite others have paid good money for the cruise as well.

CC is nice on the family beach with the kids and other people, the atmosphere etc,

Last cruise they got me a second Palo brunch that was nice, but I didn't want to book anymore, and they told me everyone's first requests for Palo had been satisfied, and if I didn't take it, another suite cruiser would.

All Cats get the same shows, food, pools etc, and thats as it should be, concierge should support in an unseen way to give you the best thats on offer.

 

[gssmks]

I'm glad that I am not the only one who is bothered by this practice. Maybe I just need to stick to Disney.

 

[Tneah]

Well, I've cruised RCI twice since these perks were in effect.
You'll notice these if you look hard for them, but no real difference to me and it has never effected my cruise in anyway.

The seats by the pool are empty for a few good reasons. One, not everybody wants to be known or seen seating in the areas that services suite guests only. Secondly, at the pool this section is up on a tier and if you want to be closer to the pool this area isn't the best. The same with the balcony seats in the theater. Some use it, but I've seen people complain that you can't see from certain seats because some of the columns are in the way. Most people come in early to get seats up in the middle front which happen to be open seating to all guests. These are the prized seats. If I were a suite guest I'd consider the balcony seats the crappy seats.

The seating in the buffet area is no big deal either. It's a separate area in a speciality restaurant. You can hardly see them in there anyways. They only use this perk mostly because it's easy to get a seat. Wouldn't you? We run around in circles looking for seats (like we do to find a seat in Topsiders/beach blanket) until a table opens up.
If these suite guests came with other friends that didn't have the perks than their friends couldn't sit in there with them. So, I'm sure it doesn't always work out.
Now the beach is a new thing and also the cabanas. Rumors are that one of the beaches are going to be for suites guest. Not sure what to think, but I've been to the island twice and never used that beach, so it really doesn't seem to bother me. I do have a feeling DCL will do something similiar. Maybe two different sections.

Other than those few things I never noticed the difference between a suite guest and me standing side by side or dining side by side or taking the elevator or stairs.

The majority of guests on RCI do not wear their cards/KTTW around their necks like they do on DCL. This practice seems much bigger on DCL.

DCL does give out landyards that give away your member status.

 

[insureman]

My kids wore their Gold cards all the time, on our last 7 night cruise, Aug 09; and must say that didn't happen for them at any time, the only place it could have worked was ''tenders'' at Grand Cayman where the Gold card gives you priority, but even then we didn't use it and went on the normal queue.

No free arcade cards, they offered to 'buy' them for us, as my son asked,

Our daughters were given 2 arcade cards (10 minute play) on our Dec 17th cruise from Jerome, our assigned concierge. Probably because we missed Castaway Cay due to high winds.

 

[gssmks]

Well, I've cruised RCI twice since these perks were in effect.
You'll notice these if you look hard for them, but no real difference to me and it has never effected my cruise in anyway.

The seats by the pool are empty for a few good reasons. One, not everybody wants to be known or seen seating in the areas that services suite guests only. Secondly, at the pool this section is up on a tier and if you want to be closer to the pool this area isn't the best. The same with the balcony seats in the theater. Some use it, but I've seen people complain that you can't see from certain seats because some of the columns are in the way. Most people come in early to get seats up in the middle front which happen to be open seating to all guests. These are the prized seats. If I were a suite guest I'd consider the balcony seats the crappy seats.

The seating in the buffet area is no big deal either. It's a separate area in a speciality restaurant. You can hardly see them in there anyways. They only use this perk mostly because it's easy to get a seat. Wouldn't you? We run around in circles looking for seats (like we do to find a seat in Topsiders/beach blanket) until a table opens up.
If these suite guests came with other friends that didn't have the perks than their friends couldn't sit in there with them. So, I'm sure it doesn't always work out.
Now the beach is a new thing and also the cabanas. Rumors are that one of the beaches are going to be for suites guest. Not sure what to think, but I've been to the island twice and never used that beach, so it really doesn't seem to bother me. I do have a feeling DCL will do something similiar. Maybe two different sections.

Other than those few things I never noticed the difference between a suite guest and me standing side by side or dining side by side or taking the elevator or stairs.

The majority of guests on RCI do not wear their cards/KTTW around their necks like they do on DCL. This practice seems much bigger on DCL.

DCL does give out landyards that give away your member status.

I am glad to hear that someone feels it's not so "up in your face" as those posting on cruisecritic.com is reporting. From what I've read, you have confirmed one of their biggest complaints though. They said that the seats are being reserved and are being left empty while the non-suite guests are having trouble finding places. It just seems to me that Disney has the right idea with just treating everyone the same. I will probably try RCI because my daughter wants to, but I am betting that we will be back to Disney and will be more than glad to pay the extra cost.

I have to admit that some friends have asked me why I don't just use the money I would save by traveling RCI instead of Disney and book a suite on RCI. That way I can stop complaining. Part of my problem may be that I am just not ready to divorce Mickey Mouse.

 

[PizzieDuster]

No need to "divorce" the Mickey.

I believe in playing the field --- DCL then RCL - then DCL - then RCL


I've been in suites and non suites. I go both ways

My teens loved Royal Car. When they are in school, my DD11 and I are taking another mother/daughter DCL trip when they come out to California again...

Whatever you decide - have a great cruise!

 

[ppony]

The "perk" I felt made it all worth while isn't a perk at all, it's what you pay for, the S-P-A-C-E!!!!!!!!! that was worth the price of admission right there! I was happy w/ my concierge service and the perks that were easily a given were great!!! But itw as the space I valued the most, and you will never have less space in your suite no matter who is assigned to your room.

 

[gssmks]

No need to "divorce" the Mickey.

I believe in playing the field --- DCL then RCL - then DCL - then RCL


I've been in suites and non suites. I go both ways

My teens loved Royal Car. When they are in school, my DD11 and I are taking another mother/daughter DCL trip when they come out to California again...

Whatever you decide - have a great cruise!

This is so funny!

 

[Shoog]

My reason also for booking a suite is the space - and I love sitting on the veranda - we used it a couple of times everyday. I would not have wanted reserved seating at any of the shows etc - I would have felt a little uncomfortable doing this. The arcade cards - we were given $30 for each of the 3 kids one day. I think we used $20 of the $90 total. It was nice - but honestly not something I would have asked for.

 

[NancyIL]

I would love to stay in a suite - when someone else is paying! Until then - it's steerage for me!

 

[budwmn]

I have sailed twice on Disney in standard inside staterooms. I knew that the guests staying in the Suites had certain perks, but none of them affected my experience and I didn't care. My daughter has asked to go on a RCI cruise and I have been doing some research. On their ships they have returned to a class type system. The guests in Suites have reserved seating by the pool, in the theatre, and many other places, even in the their version of Topsiders. On their private island, there is even a separate beach that only Suite guests can go on. Apparently, this is a recent change for RCI. Has Disney adopted any policies similiar to this?

I don't mean to be dense, but I simply don't understand how suite perks affect your non-suite cruise experience. How does someone having reserved seats in the theater or pool affect you? As previously mentioned, normally those seats are the least desirable. Perhaps RCI is reserving too large of a section and some go unused, but that is a simple planning error and, if brought to their attention, will easily be remedied. I also can't see a suites-only beach changing your beach experience.

The people who stay in suites are paying significantly higher prices, not just for the cabin, but also for the perks. It's not as if those perks are thrown in for free.

I've stayed in suites several times on different cruise lines. NCL also has reserved seating in theaters, a private sundeck, and a private dining room for breakfast and lunch. I don't feel strange at all sitting in these sections because we payed for the privledge to do so. (In response to someone who wondered how the people feel being looked at funny, no, I've never received any unwelcome stares and I certainly wouldn't want to). Honestly, the seats in the theater are lousy, but we hate having to go early to get a seat. It's especially convenient because NCL doesn't have set dining times, so dinner and shows don't always flow together as smoothly as on DCL.

I don't feel it's a two class system at all. You simply get what you pay for (suites normally pay 2 to 3 times the amount of a balcony cabin).