bdchili

Ok, so thanks to WAAAYTOOO here is a copy of the old brochure, just in case anyone wants a copy for "future discussion" with RCCL pertaining to STAR CLASS or any other class if they change the perks. I have always found that majority of the time, if they have changed something but you can show that part of your motivation to do or purchase something was different when you decided, if approached reasonably RCCL will make it right.  I think that some of these subtle changes can be handled exactly the same way.  I for one will probably wait until I actually speak to the Genie, maybe even in person and enquire, that is if it hasn't already been changed back.

 

Here is a link to my dropbox.

 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ckhbh8z5j5982lg/original%20Suite%20Life%20brochure.pdf?dl=0

Here is another recent one that shows Ultimate Bev Package but 1 Day Thermal Spa for STAR & SKY

 

http://creative.rccl.com/Sales/Royal/Suites/16049781_RSC_Trade_Flyer.pdf

Brian, this is the same brochure that I have.

Here is the OLD one that I linked to other topi,c it mentions Ultimate Bev Package but no specifics on Thermal Spa unlimited use.  I know I have a brochure somewhere but haven't found it yet.  Will keep looking

 

https://www.dropbox.... Class.pdf?dl=0

Amy, this is the link to the NEW Suite Life brochure.

 

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/royalsuiteclass

 

 

 

If you will give me your email address I will send you a .pdf of the old brochure that show the 7 day thermal suite access and the Ultimate beverage package.

Is the old brochure you have the same as I just link'd to Amy in that other discussion? If not can you link it via drop box etc?

Will you please share The original brochure that shows 7-day thermal suite and Ultimate drink package?  I am sailing May 1st and will help clarify what is covered and what is not.  I need the details from RC and will share with this group my findings.

 

Dr. Amy

 

Here is the Original brochure I linked to another topic when they first announced the program.  While I remember reading something about the 7 day thermal spa access, this one doesn't mention but does state Ultimate Drink Package.  If you cant download from my dropbox PM me your email and I will email it to you.

https://www.dropbox.... Class.pdf?dl=0

Starting May 1st, 2016 as most of us know RCCL is starting a new program for guest staying in Suites on Oasis and Quantum Class ships.  There are several posts on this forum and Cruise Critic describing what it will include when launched.  Matt has discussed what we know at length on his Blog and Podcast as well.

 

This is what I would like this topic to be a place holder for:

1. If you are sailing in a suite on an Oasis or Quantum Class ship in May or June 2016, could you please say when and what class, STAR, SKY, SEA
2. During or after the cruise could you give a brief discription of what the experience was like.  If you are sailing SEA or SKY the differences may not be "in your face", but we won't know until launch in May.  Now, STAR class is something completely new to RCCL and this is where I am really curious.

I am sailing on the Allure June 12th, I will be in STAR class (A1 Aquatheater 2B), I am an uber planner and the grey area that I find myself in makes me nervous.  All the newest information from RCCL both online and from the people at C&A tell me "don't pre-reserve, let the Royal Genie do it all."  I was told the whole point is to create a stress free and all inclusive vacation experience for the STAR class.  I believe them but....being that I am sailing a month after the program starts there is NO actuall feedback yet.

 

Bottom line:  If you are sailing in MAY, JUNE or JULY in a suite....use this a placesetter for feedback so everyone can benefit.  If you see info on Cruise Critic Forum cut and paste to this one since it is smaller and easier to find information.

 

Thanks

Yea, June 12th.  I have to say I feel like I won the lottery.  They already refunded the pre-paid drink packages and removed the gratuities from my reservations, because they said they won't be needed.  This kind of thing never happens to me...so I will take it for sure!  All that being said the one perk I am very excited about is the free laundry service, with three kids it will really make things easier.  I am hoping someone on here gets to go on a cruise with STAR class benefits before I do so I can learn just what to expect in advance.

Just got off today. This is going to be an AWESOME room for you guys. You will have the master suite and then the kids can take the interior room which has 2 twins and 2 bunks. Or the 3rd one can sleep in the living room. That bed folds out into at least a full, maybe even a queen. My 20 year old sister slept on it all week. Deck 8 is great because you can get forward by walking through Central Park. Those aft elevators take you right up to the wind jammer and suite lounge/coastal kitchen.

 

The one thing I will say is the living room is loud when there are things going on in the aqua theater.

Wow! Thanks so much for the feedback and its official......I can finally say I am going THIS YEAR!!!!!

On the cruise now. I don't know anything about the upper deck rooms, but the A1 is amazing and the balcony is the biggest balcony you've ever seen. How many people are traveling with you?

We have 5 of us (wife and 3 kids).  we are on deck 8 as well, so your feedback would really be appreciated.  If you get any cool photos please post them, I have way to long to wait until June!

We are sailing in an A1 (deck 8) in December.  I'm no use until then

Sooooooo, have you been yet????

My husband and I usually cruise with another couple and we each normally get a Grand Suite.  We like the benefits and we would be greatly disappointed if any of these perks would be cut.  In fact, if anything is cut from the GS perks, we would most likely either go back to Princess or we would get a standard balcony cabin.  For us, it's the perks that make us book a GS and not the space in the cabin (although all that space is very nice).  Cutting current perks would only anger past passengers and I doubt Royal Caribbean would try something so stupid...although, I guess we won't know until we hear what they have in mind.

Here is the brochure explaining what goes into effect on May 1st 2016

 

https://www.dropbox.... Class.pdf?dl=0

Roger. I wasn't sure of the start date for the new program. I guess it will be May on the Harmony then ! I was able to get a Aqua Suite A1 for just the 2 of us ! I was very surprised that they had released the A1 suite to general inventory so early ! I snatched it right up though...can't wait.

Sweet! That will be very nice especially with just 2 people. I guess you'll just have to let the Butler sleep in the extra room!.!.!.!. :-)

It also depends on what your OTHER expenses are relating to cruising...primarily airfare. If you live in Florida (or within a reasonable driving distance) then it makes sense to take lots of less expensive cruises. If you have to pay for airfare (like I do) every time you cruise then are you are likely to have fewer, more upgraded cruises.

 

I have gone to suites exclusively. I love the upgrades and b/c of my membership in Club Royale, I am basically able to get a G suite for almost the cost of a balcony...Jr. Suite for sure.

 

It appears that the new suites tiers are fair. The only perk it looks like I may lose is the prioritized tender service and I'm not 100% sure that about that one. Overall, I am pretty happy with the new suite tiers...at least, I think I am. I will have to wait until Feb. to see how things go.

It is my understanding that nothing changes to the existing "Suite Life" program until May 1st  2016, so Feb should be the same as it has been.  Now it wouldn't surprise me if they start unofficially rolling our some of the new perks like Free VOOM, but it would all depend if they are ready internally by then.

The value is definitely in the eyes of the beholder. I've sailed once in a penthouse on NCL and love the suite perks they provided, but mainly did it because of price drops. I don't think I could justify the extra money as I'd rather cruise more. However, for those that don't have the time to cruise that often or see these perks as making or breaking an experience, I can see the appeal.

 

It really is similar to the debate regarding balcony cabins or not. I love them, but would opt for an inside or ocean view if the prices were significantly different. By downgrading from a balcony to an ocean view on the Brilliance after a price drop, we saved enough to pay for our entire next cruise. For our 13 day Baltic cruise next year, which only has one sea day, we opted for an inside as the ocean view cabins were $1500 per person higher and there are three of us; that's our airfare.

I think you pretty much nailed it.  There are two very different thoughts on what you want out of a cruise.  Let me start by clarifying, that no matter what type of room you have on a RCI ship you will have a fantastic experience when it come to the cruise.  It really boils down to this, lets say you have 12K to cruise and you have the ability or desire to cruise often, your a way beter suited to not book a suite because its all gone in one beautiful fireworks show.  You can get at least 4 cruises if you take advantage of their Promos out of 12K worth of cash.  Now if you are like me and have 3 kids between 9-14, well cruising that often... just not an option.  We love to vacation but we have to mix it up and of course hit Disney at least once a year, so we tend to cruise once every few years.  Because we only cruise every few years I like to splurge and a suite addresses that and now with the STAR class being offered it really adds to what I precieve as a value for what I am looking for (all inclusive).

At the end of it all, it a matter of priorities, and unless you have "unlimited funds" which I certainly don't at least RCI gives us several great options.

Doesn't seem like much of an incentive to spend the extra $$ for a suite.

I think it depends on what you are used to.  If you have spent the extra money before for the extra space and double cruise points you get with the JR Suite (SEA CLASS), now they are giving you plus'd amenities and another free dining option that on all counts compares to Signature resteraunts. The SKY CLASS still maintains the perks you recieved before and have added plus'd amenities and free internet service.

 

All perspective, but if you are on a cruise that has several days at sea the Suite Only sun deck alone could be the difference in a relaxing cruise and one where have to self medicate due to the "fight for chairs".  The accommodations are always a plus and now they are extending unlimited WI-Fi service to alll guest in the SKY CLASS suites.  If you have kids between the ages of 8 and 100 that is a huge plus, not to mention being able to reach each other easily while on these huge ships if you find yourselves being in different places for whatever reason.  I personally like to hang at the pool while my wife gets ready, now there is no more "hurry back and wait for the shower."

 

I realize all these things may not add up to much for some, but to others these extra perks offer the opportunity to have a few extras that add the their vacation.  WIth the exception of the Suite Only Restaurant, Suite Only Sun Deck, More Space and new upgraded amenities any passenger can pay to have most the other things added to their cruise.

 

I guess bottom line RCI is now offering a turn key option for those that just want some of the extras without having to worry about adding it later.  I realize I haven't touched on the STAR CLASS because that is a whole different scenario and it is really yet to be seen just how much the overall cost will be impacted on those suites long term.  They were always expensive and pretty much garunteed to remain that way now that they come with butlers etc.

When you open the brochure make sure to scroll to the second page. Page two includes a table thatgives a list for each class.

Here is the brochure

 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/7jqddvj6vg74iq2/Royal%20Suite%20Class.pdf?dl=0

Here is the Brochure:

 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/7jqddvj6vg74iq2/Royal%20Suite%20Class.pdf?dl=0

Here is a link to the video they released today, vague but cool. They brochure is much more specific.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXpPnkBG8MA

Well it's official! The Royal Suite Class has been announced.  Three Categories:  Star, Sky, Sea.  They have included the JS into the Sea Class, which is a win for that category.  The Star class is a huge leap forward in what they have ever come close to trying.  It is for the Oasis Class and Quantum Class only and will start May 2016.  I don't know how to attach the brochure, so I emailed it to Matt. Matt post it if you can.

 

B-

CelebrationFLCruiser,

 

I think or lets say hoping it all boils down to Value.  I commented on a thread on another Forum that is on this topic and just like on here there are several points of view and all are valid in their on way.  Here is mine:

 

VALUE is everything.  Value does not equal cost per say, it equals perception of money vs product.  To the cruiser Value is "what we get for our money" and that comes with several levels of expectations.  I believe RCCL is wanting to find a way to maximize the demand for their most expensive and premium spots on their ships.  If I was the CFO of RCCL I would cringe every time I read the report that shows the complimentary upgrades, why?....because its lost revenue and that isn't a good proposition for a business.  So how do they minimize the scenario where they have to up-fill suites in order to meet demand for regular category cabins?  Increase the value of the suites.

 

Let face it, yes most of the time the finish out is nicer and on everage there is about 20 to 30% more space vs a normal cabin, but how do you really create value?  I think by adding extra layers of perks and more than what they have in place now.  They must keep the C&A program exciting and healthy, but like any maturing loyalty program the amount of people that are elite status eventually creates an interesting "opportunity".  Lets face it, if you are D or above, doesn't all the perks make it a challenge to justify investing in a suite?  I say yes.  Bottom line C&A Perks need to be kept seperate and unique to what they are trying to do with the "Suite Life" program.

 

In the end RCCL and the Cruiser win if the can maximize people wanting to spend more to get a better vacation (aka Value) and keep the ability to encourage people to cruise often by having the wondereful perks that come with elite status of C&A.

 

Parting thought: I love me some Disney World and over the years have watched WDW do several creative things to fill the on site rooms (free dining, extra days on passes, Extra Magic Hours)...Why, do they offer slightly better incentative for the Deluxe Hotels?  They do it because they are encouraging people to spend more on their premium products and the incentive is the Value they build into it.  Another scenario Lexus ES450 vs Toyota Camery, why do people spend the extra money on the Lexus?  Basically the same car, but the value you get with the ES is understood (Free loan car, better build out, better service in general) Value.  I think we as the cuiser will ultimatly win big time in this deal, but at first it may be scary because it will be a change.

 

B-

Based on a thread from Cruise Critic it appears that there is some pretty good information saying the new Suite Perks Announcement will come in August and be in place for 2016 sailings.  Common sense says if you are thinking about booking a suite on a cruise for next year do it now and see what happens.  My guess, suite cost will go up.

They are still trying to get their act together on these suite changes. Yesterday I went to the Oasis sailing on 5 Nov 2016 and they were advertising the A4 (the smallest of these new GS-turned-AS) rooms as full-sized AS2 (600+ ft sq room and 600+ ft sq balcony) which of course, is completely WRONG and they had an A3 (12330) out in general inventory (GI) when these rooms are supposed to require 4 people to book. Needless to say, I snatched that A3 up before they could pull it back out of GI.

 

Today, they have fixed the dimensions on the A4 category and no longer show any A3's available. I don't know if they had actually sold the other A3 (12730) or they had never had it out in GI where it didn't belong.

 

So there are still some BIG issues with these changes. I paid a little less than $2K more for the GS-turned-A3 (even with my Club Royale discount) than I paid for a BIGGER GS cabin 1 deck below on the Allure in Feb 2016 so they have definitely adjusted the prices UP but not as much as they first had...so they are still figuring it all out.

 

You would think that they would have thought all of this out FIRST before making these changes but it seems they are fumbling around making changes and more changes. It's quite humorous, actually.

 

My head is spinning!?!?!?!?  I guess I should be really glad a friend convinced me to book a cruise over a year out!  Normally that is not the way I roll, but moving forward it will be.  I have an A1 for that sailing and the way they keep messing with the pricing I doubt the fare will improve no matter what PROMO they throw out there between now and June 16.

Head's up, everyone who is interested in booking one of the 6 newly added Grand Suites in the Aqua Theater area of the Oasis and Allure. These are the 6 new Grand Suites that were added to both of these ships during their most recent drydocks (this is where the "hidden balconies" were before renovation). The stateroom numbers are 11330, 11730, 12330, 12730, 14330 and 14730.

 

These very LARGE Grand Suites are going to be redesignated as Aqua Theater Suites. The Allure will change these rooms from GS to AS June 5, 2016. The Oasis will make the change May 7, 2016. The 4 biggest ones (11330, 11730, 12330 and 12730) are going to be category A3 which require a minimum of 4 persons to book. The smaller ones (14330 and 41730) will be a new designation A4 and will be available to general inventory, which means that you can book with just 2 people.

 

I found this out ONLY because I was planning on booking one of these Grand Suites for my Christmas 2016 cruise only to find that they will be designated as Aqua Suites by then. The Club Royale agent and I backtracked and determined that the change-over from GS to A3/A4 will occur in May and June of next year.

 

So....if you want to take advantage of booking any of these 6 rooms while they are still Grand Suites, I suggest you do so very soon. Word WILL get out that their availability as GS is limited and they will all be gone - poof !

 

Needless to say, the price on these rooms skyrockets once they go from being GS to A3/A4. The room that will cost just over $5K on Feb. 21 will be upwards of $15K once it is redesignated. Of course, they are doing NOTHING to enhance these rooms at all...they are just taking advantage of the fact that they are bigger than all of the other GS on the boat and know that they can charge 3 times what they are currently getting for them. Typical, right ?

 

Of course, they aren't telling ANYone about this...even the RC sales agents didn't know about it. We all found out together. So slimy.

I just saw this response.  Pretty insane IMO!  I am one who trys to view things as "the glass is half full", however unless RCI has a plan that is completely off the grid then I have to think they will have to change this scenario.  The only thing I can even pretend to guess could be in play is they will announce a tremedously generous "tiered" amenities program for suite guests and the A-4 classification falls into a much higher level of perks than the GS.  If that isn't the scenario, then they have probably missed the mark on this one.  

You guys are making me extremely jealous!!!