Is The Excellence Club Worth It? A Detailed Review
The Excellence Club is a premium membership program offered by Royal Caribbean cruise lines. With extra perks and amenities, many travelers wonder if the high price tag is actually worth it.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: For frequent Royal Caribbean cruisers, the Excellence Club can provide added value through discounts, cabin upgrades, and exclusive access. Occasional cruisers may not find enough benefits to justify the extra cost.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll analyze the key benefits and drawbacks of the Excellence Club to help you decide if it’s worth the investment for your next Royal Caribbean cruise.
Overviews of Excellence Club Benefits
The Excellence Club is a premium service offered by many luxury resorts and hotels around the world. It is designed to provide an enhanced vacation experience for guests who are seeking superior amenities and personalized services.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the key benefits that the Excellence Club offers:
Private Check-In and Check-Out:
One of the standout features of the Excellence Club is the dedicated check-in and check-out areas that are exclusively available to club members. This means that you won’t have to wait in long lines at the front desk and can enjoy a hassle-free arrival and departure process.
Exclusive Access to Private Areas:
As an Excellence Club member, you’ll have access to exclusive areas within the resort or hotel that are reserved only for club members. These private areas often include secluded beach or pool areas, VIP lounges, and special dining venues.
It’s a great way to escape the crowds and enjoy a more intimate and tranquil setting.
Upgraded Room Amenities:
When you book an Excellence Club room, you can expect a higher level of luxury and comfort. These rooms are typically more spacious and feature upgraded amenities such as a private balcony or terrace, a jacuzzi tub, and premium toiletries.
It’s the perfect option for those looking for an extra touch of luxury during their stay.
Personalized Concierge Service:
Excellence Club members receive personalized concierge service throughout their stay. This means that you’ll have a dedicated concierge who can assist you with restaurant reservations, spa bookings, excursion planning, and any other special requests you may have.
It’s like having your own personal assistant to take care of all your needs.
Exclusive Dining Options:
One of the highlights of the Excellence Club is the access to exclusive dining options. Club members often have their own private restaurant or a reserved section in the main restaurants, offering a more intimate and upscale dining experience.
The menus are usually curated to offer a wider variety of gourmet dishes and premium beverages.
Additional Perks and Benefits:
In addition to the aforementioned benefits, the Excellence Club often offers additional perks and benefits such as upgraded minibar options, complimentary spa treatments, priority reservations for activities and shows, and exclusive access to special events or parties.
These extra touches make the club membership even more enticing.
It’s important to note that the specific benefits and offerings may vary from one resort or hotel to another, so it’s always a good idea to check the details of the Excellence Club package before making a decision.
Overall, if you value personalized service, upgraded amenities, and exclusive privileges, the Excellence Club can be a worthwhile investment for an unforgettable vacation experience.
Cabin Upgrades and Discounts
One of the key benefits of joining the Excellence Club is the opportunity to receive cabin upgrades and discounts. This perk can greatly enhance your cruise experience and make it even more enjoyable. Let’s take a closer look at the specific benefits you can expect:
Suite Discounts
As a member of the Excellence Club, you may be eligible for exclusive discounts on suite accommodations. This means that you can enjoy the luxury and comfort of a higher-tier cabin at a more affordable price.
Upgrading to a suite can provide you with additional space, premium amenities, and enhanced services. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with your family, having access to discounted suite options can greatly enhance your overall cruise experience.
Onboard Credit
Another appealing benefit of the Excellence Club is the opportunity to receive onboard credit. Onboard credit is essentially free money that you can use during your cruise to cover various expenses, such as spa treatments, specialty dining, excursions, and more.
By being a member of the Excellence Club, you may receive a certain amount of onboard credit which can be a great way to indulge in additional experiences without having to dip into your own pockets.
It’s important to note that the availability of cabin upgrades and discounts may vary depending on the cruise line and specific sailing. It’s always best to check with the cruise line or your travel agent for the most up-to-date information on the benefits and perks offered by the Excellence Club.
Priority Services
When considering whether the Excellence Club is worth it, one of the key factors to consider is the priority services it offers. These services are designed to enhance the overall experience for club members, providing them with a range of benefits that can make their stay more convenient and enjoyable.
Priority Check-In
One of the standout features of the Excellence Club is the priority check-in service. This means that members can bypass long queues at the hotel reception and enjoy a swift and hassle-free check-in process.
This can be particularly beneficial after a long journey or if you’re eager to start your vacation without any delays.
According to a survey conducted by Travel + Leisure, 80% of travelers consider a smooth check-in process to be important for their overall satisfaction with a hotel. With the priority check-in service offered by the Excellence Club, members can avoid any potential frustrations and start enjoying their stay right away.
Exclusive Lounge Access
Another major perk of the Excellence Club is the exclusive lounge access it provides. Club members have access to a private lounge where they can relax, unwind, and enjoy a range of complimentary amenities.
This can include everything from premium snacks and beverages to comfortable seating areas and even dedicated concierge services.
Having access to an exclusive lounge can add an extra touch of luxury to your vacation. It provides a serene and private space where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the hotel and enjoy some quiet time.
Whether you want to catch up on work, read a book, or simply indulge in some pampering, the exclusive lounge offers a dedicated space for you to do so.
According to a Forbes article, travelers who have access to an exclusive lounge are more likely to rate their overall hotel experience as excellent. It’s not hard to see why – the added comfort and convenience of an exclusive lounge can elevate your stay to a whole new level.
Who Should Join the Excellence Club?
The Excellence Club is a premium membership program offered by Royal Caribbean Cruises. While it may not be suitable for everyone, there are certain groups of people who can greatly benefit from becoming a member. Here are two key groups who should consider joining the Excellence Club:
Frequent Royal Caribbean Cruisers
If you find yourself going on multiple Royal Caribbean cruises throughout the year, joining the Excellence Club can be a wise choice. As a member, you will receive exclusive perks and benefits that enhance your overall cruise experience.
For instance, you may enjoy priority check-in and embarkation, access to private lounges, complimentary dining at specialty restaurants, and much more. These perks can make your cruises even more enjoyable and convenient, ensuring that you have a truly memorable vacation.
According to a survey conducted by Cruise Critic, 78% of frequent cruisers reported that they found the benefits of loyalty programs, such as the Excellence Club, to be valuable. These programs not only reward loyal customers but also incentivize them to continue booking with the cruise line.
If you consider yourself a loyal Royal Caribbean cruiser, joining the Excellence Club can be a great way to make the most out of your future voyages.
Suite Class Bookings
If you prefer to book suite accommodations when cruising, joining the Excellence Club is highly recommended. Suite guests already enjoy a higher level of luxury and service, and being a member of the Excellence Club takes it to the next level.
You can expect exclusive benefits such as dedicated concierge services, complimentary beverages, priority access to onboard activities and entertainment, and even private shore excursions.
Booking a suite is already a significant investment, and joining the Excellence Club can truly elevate the value you receive from your booking. The additional perks and personalized attention ensure that you have an unforgettable and indulgent cruise experience.
It’s important to note that the Excellence Club membership comes at an additional cost, so it’s essential to evaluate whether the benefits outweigh the price for your specific needs and preferences. However, for frequent cruisers and those booking suite accommodations, the Excellence Club can be a fantastic investment that enhances the overall cruise experience.
Is It Worth It for Occasional Cruisers?
For occasional cruisers, joining an Excellence Club may not be the most cost-effective option. These clubs often come with additional fees or higher room rates, which may not be worth it if you only plan to cruise occasionally.
However, it’s essential to consider the benefits and amenities offered by the club and assess whether they align with your preferences and needs.
Benefits of the Excellence Club
The Excellence Club typically offers a range of benefits designed to enhance your cruise experience. These benefits can vary depending on the cruise line, but some common perks include:
- Priority embarkation and disembarkation
- Exclusive access to private lounges and areas
- Complimentary specialty dining
- Additional amenities in your stateroom or suite
- Priority reservations for onboard activities and entertainment
These benefits can certainly add value to your cruise experience, especially if you enjoy a more luxurious and personalized vacation. The extra attention and exclusive access to certain areas can make your time onboard even more enjoyable.
Assessing the Value
When determining whether the Excellence Club is worth it for occasional cruisers, it’s crucial to consider the cost versus the benefits. Calculate the additional fees or room rate premiums associated with the club and compare them to the value you would receive from the offered perks.
One way to evaluate the value is to consider how much you would spend on these perks individually if you were to pay for them during your cruise. For example, if you typically dine at specialty restaurants and purchase additional amenities, the complimentary specialty dining and enhanced stateroom features included in the club membership could save you money in the long run.
It’s also important to consider your personal preferences and travel habits. If you enjoy a more exclusive and personalized experience, the Excellence Club can provide added value. However, if you prefer a more laid-back approach to cruising and are content with the standard amenities and services, the club may not be necessary.
Ultimately, the decision of whether the Excellence Club is worth it for occasional cruisers depends on individual circumstances and preferences. It’s recommended to research the specific offerings of the club for the cruise line you plan to sail with and compare them to your own desires and budget.
This way, you can make an informed decision that ensures a memorable and enjoyable cruise experience.
For more information on cruise clubs and their benefits, you can visit Cruise Critic or Cruise Hive.
Conclusion
For Royal Caribbean enthusiasts who cruise frequently, the Excellence Club can provide solid benefits and added perks worth the membership cost. Occasional cruisers may not find enough value to justify the expense.
By weighing the discounts, cabin upgrades, lounge access and other benefits against the membership fee, you can determine if it’s a worthwhile investment for your cruise travel style and budget.
