Houlagan

Awesome, Rick!

Thanks! So it looks like only one chaise?  Hmmm... we prefer 2, I think, but that room sure looked nice. 

Do you have any idea if that room/balcony would be similar on Independence?  NOT much information out there on those new JS.

Appreciate the help!

On 3/21/2018 at 8:50 PM, CruiseLifeRick said:

Here are some pictures of the cabin, for those not on Periscope.

 

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hey Rick!  Do you happen to have an pics of the Balcony from Room #1106?  I am looking at possibly booking this room on Independence of the Seas (should be similar, right?) and would appreciate your input.  Thanks in advance 🙂

4 hours ago, Host Clarea said:

 

I don't know of any aft staterooms on deck 11.

 

I do know that the aft balconies are generally much larger than those on side-facing staterooms in the same category.  However, on Voyager/Freedom class ships, the aft balconies have a view somewhat obscured by ship superstructure, and you cannot look straight down into the water.

Oops, Clarea! 

So many searches and I got mistaken.  I guess what I saw were the JS on Deck 11 (Rm#1102/1104/1106) located at the front of the ship.  Any ideas how those balconies compare to the JS room you recommended? 

Thanks 🙂

3 minutes ago, Host Clarea said:

Deck 9, center hump JS.

Thanks, Clarea!

We saw some JS AFT rooms Deck 11 that looked interesting too from Rick's post.

Do you have any idea on how the balconies on JS Deck 9 Center Hump  -vs- JS AFT on Deck 11 vary?

Hi everyone! 

I am looking for some input on your FAVORITE Junior Suites or Grand Suites on Independence of the Seas? 

My BF (C&A Diamond status) and I are looking to plan a short 4 night cruise (destination TBD) in late 2020 or early 2021.  Balcony is really what is most important to us as we enjoy spending out there relaxing, reading, drinking our morning coffee or pre-dinner cocktails.  Trying to decide on which Junior Suite or Grand Suite might work best for us.  We plan on booking pretty far out and from what I am seeing, the cost difference between the JS and GS isn't that obscene on some of the itineraries.  For a 4 night cruise, some of the perks of the GS (cocktail hour) may help minimize our bar tab -vs- if we chose going the JS route.  We don't do a drink package, but do enjoy our cocktails!

Our preferences:

Cabin location; AFT/MID/FWD are all up for consideration
Balcony SIZE & some SUN is priority
Unobstructed view is preferred
We typically take the STAIRS to move between floors (our rationalization for dessert!)
No physical limitations, so proximity to elevators is NOT a concern

I've seen other threads for other ships with folks weighing in on their favorite JS and GS suites, so I am looking for help here narrowing down room selections.  Would appreciate any insight and also any photos of your balconies on Independence to help with our booking decisions!

Thanks in advance 🙂

Great photos, Julie!  I think this helps us to feel ALOT more comfortable considering the Grand Suite!  I think we got a pretty good deal booking it, but will keep an eye on pricing FOR SURE to make sure we can't do better.  I think the layout makes it feel a bit strange, but I feel like we would enjoy the extra space and perks very much.

- Lauren

Thank you both for your input! 

Clarea, my boyfriend is not yet Diamond, but he will certainly be after the 2020 cruise and I just came back on my very first cruise and am only Gold.  We both do enjoy our alcoholic beverages, so the included cocktail period in the Concierge Lounge is certainly a plus. 

Julie, do you happen to have any photos to share of the cabin or balcony?  Do you remember how many chaises fit there?  I think I saw a video that showed 2 chaises, 1 table, plus 3 chairs.  We do enjoy our balcony time reading, drinking coffee, playing card games and backgammon.  From what I understand, it seems private from above unless you are standing right near the railing?  Did the noise from Windjammer outdoor tables bother you at all?  Sorry for all of the questions, but want to gather as much information that we can and really appreciate this forum.

Thanks 🙂

Thanks, Clarea.  Just edited to add difference in fares and current available onboard credits. It ends up being a total difference of $300 per person, so $600 total.  We will be cruising in October 2020 on 11 night Beantown and Beaches cruise repositioning Brilliance from Boston to Tampa. 

Hello fellow RCI cruisers!

Just back from my very first cruise and LOVED it.  We were on a 12 night Anthem to the Caribbean and had a junior suite.  Put a deposit down for our next cruise in 2020 on Brilliance of the Seas and are choosing between a Grand Suite (Rm 1600) or Junior Suite (Rm 1602).  Both staterooms located in AFT of ship.  The difference in fare is about $500 per person ($1000 total), but the available Onboard Credit will be $600 if we choose Grand Suite -vs- $200 if we choose Junior suite. This means, after all calculations, to get into the Grand Suite we would be spending $300 more per person ($600 total).  Hope that makes sense.

I know this is a smaller ship than Anthem, so wanted to know thoughts on whether the "bump up" to Grand Suite will be worth it for us.  Can anyone comment on these rooms specifically? Balcony for Junior Suite 602 looks HUGE and I have seen posts that Grand Suite 1600 is an odd shaped room (doesn't bother me).  Anyone with experience cruising on Brilliance and benefits of Grand Suite over Junior, in general, please comment. 

Looking for any kind of advice or links to these specific rooms.  If you have another stateroom in this class that you'd recommend, instead of either of these, please advise.  Open to all recommendations. 

Much appreciated and can not wait to be at sea again!

- Lauren