Are You Taking Advantage of the Suite Life?

The Suite Life!

Suites range from deluxe to “over the top” in terms of size and amenities. Here are some reasons why there should be a suite in your cruising future.

Room Size and Configurations

Size does matter and there’s more of it in a suite. Some people claim, “We don’t spend a lot of time in our cabin”. But imagine relaxing in your private enclave complete with private balcony, butler and ultra-plush furnishings!
Suite size can range from spacious to outrageous – As an example on Regent Seven Seas’ all-suite, all- balcony Seven Sean Mariner accommodations run from 301 sq. ft for a Deluxe Suite to 1204 sq. ft. for a Master Suite not including the private balcony.
On NCL’s Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Star and Norwegian Dawn there are 10 penthouse suites that share a private courtyard, complete with swimming pool, Jacuzzi and a small gym. These are only eclipsed by NCL’s signature Garden Villas with over 5000 square feet of indoor and outdoor living area including 3 bedrooms!
Imagine cruising down the picturesque rivers of Europe on a Uniworld river boat suite featuring a sitting area with a sofa and two chairs, three floor-to-ceiling windows and an extra-spacious bathroom.
Suite accommodations on cruise ships rival the amenities of world-class hotels. For example Oceania Cruises suites offer sumptuously comfortable twin or queen sized “comfort beds”, a large living area, an intimate area for private in-suite dining, a refrigerated mini bar and ample closet space.

Enhanced Services

Luxury lines such as Regent Seven Seas and Crystal Cruises provide Butler and Concierge Service to their top categories In addition many of the contemporary and premium cruise lines such as Holland America, Celebrity and NCL offer similar services.
Be decadent in one of Crystal Cruises Penthouse Suites by dining in your bathrobe and slippers. Choose from a full selection of delectable dishes from the In-Suite Dining menu, order from the evening's menu in the Crystal Dining Room, or request whatever your heart desires and the Crystal chefs will do their best to fulfill your wishes.
Princess recently upgraded their suite guest amenities to include afternoon tea and complimentary internet access, dry cleaning, laundry and shoe polishing.
Holland America’s Guests who book the Penthouse or Deluxe Verandah Suites have access to the private Neptune Lounge. This lounge features a private place to relax, socialize with other suite guests and enjoy personalized service for making reservations for shore excursions, spa services, car rentals, the exclusive Pinnacle Grill restaurant and more.
Suite guests on most lines also receive expedited cruise embarkation and early disembarkation.
Indulge your “suite” tooth – ask your Cruise Specialist today to show you just how affordable a cruising in a luxury suite can be.

Holland America adds 2nd Signiture Class Ship

Holland America will expand its Signature Class with a second ship to enter service in the fall of 2010, the line's executives told top producing agents on the Centurion Cruise aboard the Oosterdam.
HAL's first Signature Class ship, the Eurodam, will enter service in July 2008 with a series of cruises in Europe to be followed in the in the fall by Canada/New England sailings and Caribbean cruises in 2009.
Holland America executive vice president of marketing, sales and guest programs Rick Meadows announced that the two Signature Class ships represent an investment of $450 million each.
Meadows said the line has not made a commitment to add any additional Signature Class ships to the two already announced, but would not rule out an expansion for more in the future.
The newbuilds reflect the line's intensified marketing effort to attract a broader range of passengers, an effort that also includes more exotic ports and more diversified presentations in dining rooms and staterooms.
The new Signature Class ships will offer a new alternative Italian restaurant, new Asian restaurant called Tamarind and new Asian lounge named Silk Den.
"The addition of the two Signature Class ships will increase Holland America's capacity by 22%," said Meadows, noting Holland America next year will celebrate its 135th anniversary as a company.
The expansion of the Signature Class represents just part of an aggressive marketing program to widen Holland America's appeal to a broad age group of passengers, as well as also to upgrade and intensify cruise itineraries and the ability of passengers to create their own vacations, Meadows told the Centurion agents.
"Our goal is to enable passengers to sculpt their own vacations," he said.
"They can come on board for a very competitive market price and if they wish, they can upgrade the cabins, dining and shore tours to create the experience that they want."
Meadows added, "We believe this is a very successful formula to attract more passengers as we increase our capacity."
New Shore Excursion Program
One new element, a restructured shore excursion program, was introduced by Paul Allen, vice president of sales.

Holland America is introducing four new tour categories:

• Medallion Collection: This offers unique opportunities for behind-the-scenes experiences at well-known destinations that the line has not offered before.
• Encore Collection: This is designed to offer unusual angles and inside stories in unique land tours that passengers have not seen before.
• World Wonders Collection: This specializes in treasurers, marvels and the wonders of the world for passengers who seek to know more about the most important sites that Holland America offers on its tours.
• Signature Collection: This is the top of the line "Personally Yours" concept in which passengers can contact HAL before a cruise and request a very specialized tour. HAL will attempt to make the requested arrangements.

Meadows and Allen called one of the Signature Class cabin upgrades, in Category SS, the "marriage saver cabin." Smiling, Allen described the upgraded cabin as being perfect for couples, especially on longer trips. The cabin offers two sinks, separate shower and bath, larger veranda and extensive closet space. "We may joke about it, but it definitely does make a difference, especially on extended cruises."
Holland America has also been teaming up with Food and Wine magazine for a broad range of invited celebrity chefs - a program that the executives described as extremely successful in attracting future bookings, including agency groups.
Meadows said the line will also introduce five new production shows in 2008 as they seek to broaden their appeal to a wider audience.